Afghan National TV Journalist Killed in Pakistani Airstrikes
2025/10/15-17:36
Abdul Ghafor Abed, a journalist with Afghanistan National Television (RTA) in Paktia Province, was killed in Pakistani attacks on the Zazi Maidan District of Khost Province, according to AnsarPress News Agency.
The state-run National Television of Afghanistan, which now operates under Taliban control, confirmed on Wednesday that Mr. Abed had traveled to Khost to cover the clashes between Taliban and Pakistani forces when he was killed during the bombardment.
Tawab Arman, the head of Radio Afghanistan in Paktia, and his driver were also wounded in the same Pakistani attacks on Khost Province.
The Afghan Journalists Center (AFJC) condemned the killing of Abdul Ghafor Abed by Pakistani forces, calling it a serious violation of press safety and international humanitarian standards.
In a statement, the organization said that both journalists had been sent to the conflict zone without proper protective equipment, and urged an immediate investigation into the incident. The AFJC also called on media outlets and journalists to strictly observe safety protocols when reporting from war and border conflict zones.
Border clashes between the Taliban and Pakistani military, which began last week, were reportedly halted on Tuesday evening following the announcement of a 24-hour ceasefire.
The death of an officially recognized Taliban journalist at the hands of foreign military forces underscores the mounting risks faced by media professionals, even those working within state-run structures that lack international legitimacy.
This tragedy also highlights the broader dangers of cross-border hostilities, which not only endanger civilians but also place journalists and media personnel directly in harm`s way, exposing the absence of institutional safety standards and accountability in conflict reporting within Afghanistan.