JournalismPakistan.com | Published May 11, 2020
Join our WhatsApp channel
Ahmad Khan Nawid, a host of Voice of Ghor Radio, was shot and killed in Firozkoh, Ghor province, Afghanistan, in police crossfire on May 9.
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and its affiliate, the Afghan Independent Journalists' Association (AIJA) are deeply concerned over Nawid’s death and urge the government investigate the excessive use of force by police.
Volunteer radio presenter at Voice of Ghor Radio, Ahmad Khan Nawid, 19, was shot during a clash between police and protestors over the unfair distribution of food aid in the Ghor province.
Nawid was only passing by on his way to work, approximately 5 km away from his office, when the bullet struck the back of his head, killing him instantly.
The Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission has been overwhelmed by numerous complaints of unfair distribution of food aid. The Ghor province has been in dire need of assistance after COVID-19 restrictions have resulted in job losses and rising food prices, disproportionally impacting the province with an estimated 50 percent of the population living below the poverty line. Police have denied allegations of unfair aid distribution.
While Executive Editor of Ghor Radio, Bismillah Adel, blames Afghan forces for Nawid’s death, police have attempted to shift the blame to the protestors.
Amrullah Saleh, Afghanistan’s vice-president, apologized for the incident and mismanagement of relief food. A spokesperson from the Ministry of Interior said on May 9, a delegation has been sent from Kabul to investigate the incident. At least six people were killed and at least nine injured in the clashes.
AIJA said: “We call on the Afghan government to conduct impartial investigation on the killing of all civilians, including the journalist and punish the guilty.”
IFJ General Secretary, Anthony Bellanger, said: “Whether a journalist is killed in crossfire or in a targeted attack, Afghanistan continues to be one of the world’s most unsafe places for journalists. The IFJ express solidarity with Nawid’s family, friends and colleagues and hope that a transparent investigation will get to the bottom of this devastating incident.”—IFJ media release/Photo: AFP
April 11, 2025: Sindhi journalist AD Shar was brutally murdered in Khairpur, Sindh. His body was found dumped on Handiyari Link Road. PFUJ has declared a three-day mourning period and demanded justice.
April 10, 2025: The Azad Jammu and Kashmir government has filed a case against The Daily Jammu & Kashmir and its staff for alleged fake news, drawing condemnation from PFUJ and IFJ, who demand immediate withdrawal of the FIR and an end to media repression in Pakistan.
April 08, 2025: Journalist Arzoo Kazmi alleges that Pakistan's state agencies, including the FIA, have blocked her CNIC, passport, and bank account while threatening her. She calls it a direct attack on journalism.
April 07, 2025: The Islamabad High Court has directed IG Islamabad to produce journalist Ahmad Noorani’s missing brothers, as the Ministry of Defence denies custody. SIM activity was traced in Bahawalpur, and investigations into their suspected abduction continue.
April 07, 2025: Journalist and Raftar founder Farhan Mallick has been granted bail by a Karachi court in a case concerning anti-state content aired on his YouTube channel. He still faces separate charges related to an alleged illegal call center and data theft.
April 03, 2025: Veteran journalist Ghulam Abbas Shah has joined Discover Pakistan Television as the Head of Programming. With 25 years of experience in leading news organizations, he looks forward to contributing to quality storytelling and content.
April 02, 2025: The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has strongly condemned the visit of a group of Pakistani journalists to Israel, calling it a violation of journalistic ethics and a betrayal of press freedom and human rights. PFUJ demands a transparent investigation into the matter.
March 30, 2025: Dawn criticizes Pakistan’s plan to use TV dramas against extremism, highlighting financial and digital challenges. Can media alone solve deep-rooted issues?
April 03, 2025 The International Press Institute (IPI) and International Media Support (IMS) invite nominations for the 2025 World Press Freedom Hero and Free Media Pioneer Awards. Recognizing courageous journalists and innovative media, the awards will be presented at IPI’s 75th-anniversary World Congress in Vienna. Submit your nominations by April 30, 2025.
April 01, 2025 Photojournalist Suresh Rajak was burned alive while covering a violent protest in Kathmandu. The IFJ and its affiliates condemn the attack and call for an urgent investigation to hold the perpetrators accountable.
April 01, 2025 Assam Police arrested digital journalist Dilwar Hussain Mozumder for covering a protest against alleged corruption at Assam Co-Operative Bank. Media organizations have condemned the arrest, calling it an attack on press freedom.
March 29, 2025 A federal judge has blocked the Trump administration’s attempt to dismantle Voice of America (VOA), ruling that the move likely violated legal procedures. The decision protects over 1,200 journalists and media staff.
March 28, 2025 Turkey deports BBC journalist Mark Lowen over 'public order' threat and fines opposition TV channels covering Istanbul Mayor's arrest. Critics condemn crackdown on press freedom amid rising political tensions.