Reporters Without Borders supported 1,468 journalists who fled threats, imprisonment, or threats to their lives between 2021 and 2025. Afghanistan was the largest source country, with 677 journalists supported by the organization since August 2021.

The number of countries from which journalists fled rose from 19 to 40 during this period. In 20 countries, at least 10 journalists were forced to leave between 2021 and 2025. Around 200 Afghan journalists in Pakistan currently face risks of arrest, extortion, and forced deportation.

Iqbal Khattak, Reporters Without Borders' representative in Pakistan, said the trend has consequences for journalists and citizens. "If this trend continues, it will have disastrous consequences for journalists and citizens who will be deprived of independent and reliable information," he said. "RSF is doing its part by highlighting unsafe countries and supporting those in exile." Khattak added, "We advocate for safe relocation with governments and provide training to help them continue their journalism from abroad."

Azita Nazimi, a veteran Afghan journalist and former television presenter for TOLOnews, described her experiences. "I saw first-hand that they were systematically oppressive toward women's inclusion in society," Nazimi said. "That interview exposed the group's true mentality." She noted that as the regime cracked down, female journalists became primary targets.

"My home was raided multiple times, but I managed to escape," Nazimi said. "Because I was a recognizable face on television, concealing my identity was impossible." She added, "Fear and absolute uncertainty forced me to flee to Pakistan." Abdul Haq Hamidi, a former Afghan journalist, was detained for three days in January 2024. "The threats ultimately forced me to leave Afghanistan to protect my life and family," Hamidi said. Reporters Without Borders offers emergency relocation grants, administrative assistance, and advocacy against forced returns to support exiled journalists.