AMSO: Situation of Afghan Journalists in Pakistan and Iran Critical

KABUL (Hasht-e Subh) -- The Afghanistan Media Support Organization (AMSO) stated that the situation of some Afghan journalists and media activists in Pakistan and Iran is critical, with these individuals still awaiting humanitarian visas to Brazil.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, February 18, 2026 -- the 29th of Dalu by the Afghan calendar -- AMSO said the journalists fled Afghanistan due to serious security threats and now face the risk of forced deportation in the host countries.

The organization highlighted that prolonged delays in administrative processes and the absence of a clear timeline for visa issuance have worsened the journalists' mental and physical conditions.

AMSO urged the Brazilian government and its diplomatic representations in the host countries to urgently and transparently review the humanitarian visa applications of Afghan journalists and provide clear information along with a timeline for issuance.

It also called on international media and human rights organizations to intensify and expedite their efforts to ensure the security and swift relocation of these journalists.

AMSO emphasized that freedom of expression, access to information, and journalist safety are universal values, and no media worker should face uncertainty or threats for performing professional duties.