Panah Press | Friday, October 30, 2026
The Women’s Movement “Window of Hope” has called for the immediate suspension of the deportation process against Nikhbakht Arefi, a human rights activist and the movement’s representative in Pakistan, and three members of her family. The movement has warned that returning them to Afghanistan could put their lives and safety at serious risk.
According to a statement issued by the movement, Nikhbakht Arefi and three members of her family were arrested by Pakistani police in Islamabad on Wednesday, October 28, for lacking legal residency documents and were transferred to Haji Camp. Goher Shad Media has also reported that the individuals were arrested in Islamabad.
The Women’s Movement “Window of Hope” has described the physical and psychological condition of those detained as concerning and expressed fears that they could be subjected to mistreatment. However, no independent details have been released about the family’s current condition or how they are being treated.
Nikhbakht Arefi is a human rights and women’s and girls’ rights activist who, according to the movement, left Afghanistan because of her civil activities and opposition to the Taliban’s policies. Her sister, Horia Arefi, has also been active in the field of human rights.
The movement has warned that returning the family to Afghanistan could expose them to arrest, torture and persecution. These concerns are particularly serious for women who have previously worked to defend the rights of women and girls.
The Women’s Movement “Window of Hope” has urged Pakistani authorities to halt the deportation process and facilitate the family’s release. The movement has also called for those detained to be given access to healthcare services, medicine, drinking water, food, sanitation facilities and contact with their family members.
The statement also called on the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the UN Human Rights Office and international human rights organizations to take action to follow up on the family’s situation and prevent their forced return.
The arrest and possible deportation of this human rights activist have once again heightened concerns about the situation of Afghan refugees and women activists in Pakistan. Some of these women were forced to leave Afghanistan because of their civil activities and efforts to defend women’s rights, and now face the risk of arrest and deportation in their host country.
Seeking asylum is not a crime; no one should be returned to a place where their life, freedom and safety may be at risk.
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