Awaz-e-Dosti (Afghan Voices)

In this special episode, host Benazir Raofi sits down with Qaiser Khan Afridi, UNHCR Pakistan Spokesperson, for an insightful discussion on the organization's policies and humanitarian response concerning Afghan refugees.During the interview, Qaiser Khan Afridi provides a comprehensive overview of UNHCR's approach toward Afghan refugees and explains how the organization is working closely with the Government of Pakistan to support the voluntary repatriation process. He discusses the measures being taken to ensure the protection, dignity, and well-being of Afghan refugees returning to their homeland.The conversation also explores UNHCR's ongoing efforts in Afghanistan to support returnees, including humanitarian assistance, reintegration support, access to essential services, and programs designed to help returning families rebuild their lives and communities.This episode offers an important and timely perspective on the challenges and opportunities surrounding Afghan refugee repatriation, highlighting the critical role of UNHCR in supporting refugees both in Pakistan and after their return to Afghanistan.

In this episode of Awaz-e-Dosti, Benazir Raofi speaks with Enayatullah Shams, an Afghan refugee who has spent the last 45 years building his life in Pakistan. Arriving with few resources, he started from scratch and eventually established a successful business while raising his family in the country he came to regard as home.Today, however, changing immigration policies and the requirement for valid visas have created new uncertainties for Enayatullah Shams and thousands of other Afghan refugees. In this candid interview, he shares his personal journey of resilience, the challenges his family now faces, and the impact that recent repatriation measures are having on long-term Afghan residents.Beyond his own story, Enayatullah Shams also discusses his work as an advocate for Afghan refugees, highlighting the difficulties many community members encounter and the support they need to navigate legal, social, and economic challenges.This conversation offers a deeper understanding of the experiences of Afghan refugees in Pakistan, their contributions to society, and the questions they face about their future amid changing circumstances.Interview conducted in Urdu by Benazir Raofi.

In this episode of Awaz-e-Dosti, host Farida speaks with Beheshta Bahadur Shahkhel, an Afghan refugee girl living in Pakistan, about her educational journey and the challenges she has faced while pursuing her studies away from home.Beheshta shares her experiences as a refugee student, the barriers she has encountered in accessing education, and how online learning has helped her continue her studies despite difficult circumstances. She discusses the importance of education in shaping her future and the determination that has kept her motivated throughout her journey.The conversation also explores the opportunities and challenges of online education for refugee girls, including access to technology, learning resources, and a supportive environment. Through her story, Beheshta highlights how resilience, hard work, and hope can help transform obstacles into opportunities for personal growth and achievement.Join us for this inspiring episode as we hear the story of an Afghan refugee girl in Pakistan who continues to pursue her dreams through education and perseverance.

Hello and welcome to all our dear listeners of Awaz-e-Dosti (Voice of Friendship). We hope you are well, safe, and in good health.In today’s episode, host Shabnam Muhagirzaad explores an important and timely topic: the role of exile media following the changes in Afghanistan.Since the Taliban’s return to power, restrictions on media and freedom of expression have significantly affected Afghanistan’s media landscape. Challenges such as censorship, limitations on critical reporting, and restrictions on certain forms of programming have forced many journalists and media organizations to relocate and continue their work from outside the country.As a result, exile media outlets have become an important source of information for Afghans, providing news, analysis, and a platform for voices that may otherwise go unheard.To discuss this topic, Shabnaam is joined by Maliha Afzali, an experienced journalist working with a respected media organization. Together, they examine the role of exile media in informing the public, amplifying the voices of Afghan citizens to the international community, and addressing the information gaps left by the decline of independent media inside Afghanistan.Join us for this insightful conversation on journalism, freedom of expression, and the evolving role of Afghan media in exile.

In this episode of Awaz-e-Dosti, host Shabnam Muhagirzaad leads an important discussion on mental health challenges and suicide prevention among young people.Behind many smiles and seemingly normal lives, young people often face hidden struggles, including anxiety, loneliness, depression, family pressures, social isolation, and uncertainty about the future. These challenges can have a significant impact on their emotional well-being and, in some cases, may lead to thoughts of self-harm or suicide.To better understand these issues, Shabnaam is joined by Dr. Maryam Mobarez, a psychologist specializing in mental health and youth well-being. During the conversation, Dr. Maryam explains why mental health concerns have become increasingly common among young people, discusses the factors that contribute to emotional distress, and highlights the importance of awareness, support, and early intervention.Join us for this meaningful conversation as we explore ways to support young people, promote mental well-being, and encourage hope, resilience, and help-seeking during difficult times.

In this episode of Awaz-e-Dosti, host Humaira Ibrahim speaks with Afghan women’s rights activist Benazir Raoufi, a member of the Afghan Women’s Freedom Movement and a long-time advocate for refugee rights.The conversation explores the challenges faced by Afghan women following recent changes in Afghanistan, including restrictions on education, employment, and personal freedoms. Benazir shares the mission of the Afghan Women’s Freedom Movement, the importance of amplifying women’s voices, and her message of hope, resilience, and solidarity for Afghan women and girls.Join us for this inspiring discussion on courage, advocacy, and the ongoing struggle for dignity, equality, and freedom.

🎙️ Awaz-e-Dosti | Episode — Minds, Journeys & Second ChancesIn this episode, hosts Shabnam Muhagirzaad and Mohammad Sharif Danish bring you two stories rooted in compassion, resilience, and the quiet strength of the human spirit.🧠 Understanding Intellectual DisabilityHost Shabnam Muhagirzaad sits down with Dr. Lida Mirzaei, a psychologist and mental health counselor, for an honest and informative conversation about intellectual disability — a condition that affects cognitive and adaptive functioning, yet is still widely misunderstood in many communities.Dr. Mirzaei helps us understand:• What intellectual disability actually is — and how it differs from mental illness• The causes that can lead to this condition in children and adults• How it shapes learning, behavior, and social relationships• Whether it can be treated, or only supported and managedThis is a conversation that every family, educator, and community member deserves to hear.🌍 A Family's Road to SafetyReporter Deeba Akbari Kakar shares the story of a resilient Afghan woman who, after enduring immense hardship, found safety in Pakistan with her husband and three children. Through the kindness of teachers and the dedication of a school principal, the family was granted a one-year student visa — a small document that carried enormous meaning: stability, dignity, and hope.Our guest recounts her journey in her own words — a story of perseverance in the face of loss, and of ordinary people whose compassion changed a family's life.We are grateful to the people and government of Pakistan for the generosity extended to refugee families, and we look forward to a future where visa pathways are more accessible to all who need them.🎧 Listen now — and share with someone who needs to hear these stories.

In this episode of Awaz-e-Dosti on Power 99 FM, our hosts Mohammad Sharif Danish and Shabnam Muhagirzaad bring you two deeply moving stories of migration — stories that echo the strength, hope, and unbreakable spirit of Afghan migrants rebuilding their lives away from home.🗣️ First Report:Our reporter Mozhda Nishati speaks with Ramziya Noori, a dedicated journalist who has devoted her life to media. After years of service with the National Radio and Television of Afghanistan, Ramziya continued her professional journey in Pakistan with TNN Television Network, where she worked for more than two years.In this heartfelt conversation, Ramziya reflects on her journey as a media professional living between two countries and cultures — sharing her challenges, resilience, and unwavering commitment to her craft.🎧 Second Report:Our reporter Shabnam Muhagirzaad tells the story of Lina Aman, another Afghan migrant living in Pakistan. Lina opens up about her daily struggles, her pursuit of education, and her determination to move forward despite financial hardships and uncertainty. Her story is a testament to courage and perseverance in the face of displacement.🌍 Reflection on Migration:Migration — a simple word that holds immense pain.For thousands of Afghans, it represents loss, longing, and the heavy price of survival. Years of war, insecurity, and restrictive regimes — especially under Taliban rule — have forced millions to leave their homes and dreams behind.Those who once studied and worked with hope now stand in long lines at borders, carrying only a few belongings — and hearts full of memories.💔 The Reality of Leaving Home:No one chooses to become a migrant willingly. People leave only when staying becomes more dangerous than leaving.They seek safety, dignity, and freedom in foreign lands — while the scent and love of their homeland remain forever in their hearts.🎧 Tune in to Awaz-e-Dosti — a voice of friendship, resilience, and hope.Don’t forget to subscribe, like, and share to support Afghan stories and voices that deserve to be heard.

In this episode of Awaz-e-Dosti, our hosts Shabnaam and Mohammad Sharif Danish bring you two inspiring reports.The first report features a heartfelt conversation with Muzdha Nashty and guest Shezer Samim, a young Afghan migrant in Pakistan whose journey reflects resilience and hope. Despite the many challenges Afghan girls face in accessing education, Shezer persevered and earned admission to the Dentistry program at Allama Iqbal University in Lahore. She shares her struggles, determination, and achievements, emphasizing the importance of educational opportunities for Afghan girls. Her story is not only one of personal success but also a powerful reminder that with courage and persistence, dreams can overcome barriers.The second report highlights the life of Nadia, an Afghan woman who has lived in Pakistan for 30 years. Her family fled war in Nangarhar province when she was just two years old, first settling in Peshawar and later moving to Islamabad. There, Nadia grew up, went to school, got married, and is now raising two children. While her husband works in a shop, Nadia supports the family through hand embroidery.Despite spending her entire life in Pakistan, Nadia still feels like a refugee—without a proper identity or national ID. Her children, who speak both Urdu and Afghan languages, have never been to Afghanistan and consider Pakistan their home. However, the Pakistani government’s recent decision to stop renewing refugee cards has left Nadia and her family anxious and uncertain about their future. She emphasizes the importance of preserving Afghan culture and hopes for a peaceful homeland, while appealing to the Pakistani government and international community for a humane and legal solution that recognizes refugees who have called Pakistan home for decades.

In this episode of Awaz-e-Dosti, co-hosts Shabnaam and Mohammad Danish bring you two powerful stories that reflect the struggles, hopes, and resilience of Afghan refugees.🔹 First Report:Host Shabnaam speaks with Ms. Fatima Karimi, a courageous young woman from Afghanistan whose life has been shaped by war, insecurity, and the oppressive rule of the Taliban. Forced to leave her homeland in search of safety, Fatima found refuge in Iran—a journey filled with both hardship and hope. She shares her experiences of migration, including challenges with identity, education, work, and daily life in a new country. Despite these struggles, her story highlights resilience, support networks, and the strength that has helped her endure.🔹 Second Report:Our reporter, Syed Raza, presents the story of Bahadur Falak, a highly educated Afghan refugee in Pakistan with a background in Law, Political Science, and International Relations. Once a political analyst, civil society activist, and government official in Afghanistan, Bahadur now faces the harsh realities of displacement. His journey has been marked by both professional struggles and profound personal loss — including the tragic death of his young son, Maulana Baha Falak, in March 2025. He speaks candidly about the barriers Afghan refugees encounter in Pakistan, from employment restrictions and legal uncertainties to healthcare challenges and emotional hardship.Through these voices, Awaz-e-Dosti sheds light on the bittersweet reality of migration — the pain of exile, the longing for home, and the enduring hope for a better future.

Awaz-e-Dosti – Voices of Resilience and HopeIn this episode of Awaz-e-Dosti, hosted by Mohammad Sharif Danish, we dive into one of the most urgent issues facing Afghan refugees in Pakistan: the uncertain future of those holding Proof of Registration (POR) cards and thousands more living on short-term visas. In a detailed report by Khatira Naeemi, refugees share their fears of insecurity, their struggles with an uncertain tomorrow, and their frustration over unfulfilled resettlement promises and international silence.The second report, presented by Sideq Saber, brings us the inspiring story of Zahra, a young Afghan woman who, after being forced to abandon her university education due to restrictions, transformed her struggle into strength. Zahra established a sewing and traditional Afghan dress workshop that now employs more than ten young women. For these girls, the workshop is not just a livelihood, but also a safe space filled with hope and determination. Their united message is clear: “Reopen the school doors for us.”This episode also sheds light on the resilience of Afghan women, with over one thousand women in this province alone engaged in handicraft work—powerfully showcasing their creativity, perseverance, and refusal to give up. Awaz-e-Dosti brings you the voices of courage, resilience, and the enduring spirit of Afghan communities in exile.

In this episode of Awaz-e-Dosti (Voice of Friendship), our host Mohammad Danish brings you three powerful reports thatcapture the struggles, resilience, and voices of Afghans living through displacement and change. The first report features Maliha Afzali, an Afghan narrative writer and a rising female voice from the shadows of exile. Living in Pakistan, Maliha uses her writing to share the pain, struggle, and resilience of Afghan women who endure war, discrimination, and displacement. Through her stories, she amplifies silenced voices, weaving narratives of sorrow, courage, and hope—raising awareness and inspiring change. The second report tells the story of Roma Ehsas, a former Afghan Supreme Court member and justice advocate whose life changed after the fall of the Afghan Republic. Forced into exilewith her family, Roma turned her hardship into courage, launching the Green Kitchen1000 YouTube channel to share women’s stories and inspire hope. Now living as a refugee in Pakistan, she continues her fight for Afghan women’s rights, proving that even in displacement, resistance and resilience remain unbroken. The third report explores freedomof expression and media activity in Afghanistan after the change of government in 2021. Guided by moderator Ms. Najia, this discussion examines the shrinking space for journalists, the risks of speaking out in public and online, and the critical role of international organizations in supporting freedom of expression. Together, these stories shine alight on survival, justice, and the enduring spirit of those who continue to resist silence.

In this report, our reporter Bilal Danish highlights the voices of Afghan refugees who have been living and running small businesses in Pakistan for decades. Many of them, residing in Haripur Camp for more than forty years, now face deep uncertainty after the Government of Pakistan’s announcement for Afghans to return to their country. The report explores their struggles, challenges, and concerns as they fear losing their livelihoods and stability. It also sheds light on their appeals to the Pakistani government, as they share what kind of support and solutions they are seeking during this difficult time.