QUETTA: Afghan musicians, singers and artists staged a protest in front of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees office, expressing serious concerns over Pakistan’s decision to expel illegal foreign nationals, including those from Afghanistan.

They were carrying musical instruments, banners and placards as they chanted slogans.

When contacted by Dawn, Humera Karim, an official of the UNHCR Quetta office, confirmed a group of Afghan artists had gathered to express their reservations on the issue.

“The UNHCR officials did their counselling regarding their concerns, after which they returned.”

Ahmed Shah Shadi, a Pashto singer, said the artists may not face any threat to life once repatriated back to their home country, but they will be jobless as music is banned in the country.

Published in Dawn, October 6th, 2023

Opinion

Editorial

Military convictions
Updated 22 Dec, 2024

Military convictions

Pakistan’s democracy, still finding its feet, cannot afford such compromises on core democratic values.
Need for talks
22 Dec, 2024

Need for talks

FOR a long time now, the country has been in the grip of relentless political uncertainty, featuring the...
Vulnerable vaccinators
22 Dec, 2024

Vulnerable vaccinators

THE campaign to eradicate polio from Pakistan cannot succeed unless the safety of vaccinators and security personnel...
Strange claim
Updated 21 Dec, 2024

Strange claim

In all likelihood, Pakistan and US will continue to be ‘frenemies'.
Media strangulation
Updated 21 Dec, 2024

Media strangulation

Administration must decide whether it wishes to be remembered as an enabler or an executioner of press freedom.
Israeli rampage
21 Dec, 2024

Israeli rampage

ALONG with the genocide in Gaza, Israel has embarked on a regional rampage, attacking Arab and Muslim states with...