Afghan musicians not to be deported from Pakistan, PHC rules

PESHAWAR: A group of Afghan musicians living in Pakistan since Taliban’s takeover had filed a petition in Peshawar High Court (PHC) seeking asylum in Pakistan. The plea asked the government of Pakistan to not send them back to Afghanistan, due to the risk of persecution by the Taliban regime.

The PHC issued a two-page short notice today, accepting the plea of the musicians. The court has restrained the government from sending back the Afghan musicians. The court ruled that the government should decide on the asylum applications of Afghan musicians by itself or by appointing an officer.

The PHC verdict said that the Afghan musicians should not be forcibly sent back for two months. During this time, the government should decide on the asylum applications. Even in case of no decision in two months, the Ministry of Interior should allow these Afghan musicians to stay longer, the PHC’s decision said.

“Until the government decides on the cases, no strict action should be taken against the musicians,” the PHC ruled.

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