The Peshawar High Court has issued a stay order preventing the forced repatriation of a group of Afghan musicians to Afghanistan.

The court’s decision, was issued in a two-page interim order following a hearing on a petition challenging their potential deportation and seeking asylum.

Until a decision is reached, the musicians would be protected from forced deportation.

The petition, filed by the Afghan musicians, argued against their forced return to Afghanistan, citing concerns for their safety and well-being. The court’s interim order directly addressed such concerns, providing crucial temporary protection.

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The court’s ruling stipulated that the government must conclude its review of the musicians’ asylum applications within a two-month timeframe. Furthermore, the order grants the musicians the right to apply for asylum with the UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) if they choose to do so.

In the event that the government fails to render a decision within the stipulated two-month period, the Ministry of Interior is instructed to grant the musicians permission to remain in Pakistan until a determination is made on their asylum claims.

The court’s order also explicitly prohibits any form of punitive action against the musicians by federal and provincial authorities, or law enforcement agencies, until their cases are fully resolved.