The Peshawar High Court has issued an order preventing the forced deportation of more than 100 Afghan musicians who have sought political asylum in Pakistan, according to local media reports.
The court directed Pakistan’s federal government to decide on their asylum applications within two months and instructed security agencies not to take action against the musicians during this period. The order was outlined in a two-page decision authored by Justice Waqar Ahmad.
The petitioners told the court they fled Afghanistan after the Taliban’s return to power, citing threats to their lives and the loss of their livelihoods under the group’s rule. They said they faced harassment and threats of deportation in Pakistan, arguing that such actions violate international human rights laws.
The musicians contended that Pakistan, under international law, cannot forcibly deport them. In response, the court directed the federal government or designated officials to resolve their asylum requests promptly.
The court also noted that the Afghan musicians could seek asylum through the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Should their cases remain unresolved after two months, the federal interior secretary must allow them to stay in Pakistan temporarily under a policy framework.
