October 15, 2025
Gardez, Khost – The Afghanistan Journalists Center (AFJC) strongly condemns the attack by Pakistani security forces on Afghan journalists in Khost province, which resulted in the death of a national television reporter and injuries to a cameraman. We call for a thorough investigation and justice for those responsible.
A local journalist in Paktia province, who requested anonymity for safety reasons, stated that Abdul Ghafoor Abid, a reporter for Afghanistan Radio and Television (RTA) in Paktia, was killed when Pakistani forces opened fire in the Zazi Maidan border area. Tawab Arman, a cameraman from the same media outlet, was wounded in the incident. The journalist reported that both journalists had been covering recent border clashes and were targeted by Pakistani military personnel on October 12. He also stated that their driver was injured and transported to Khost for medical treatment.
A local source in Khost reported that Abdul Ghafoor Abid’s body, which remained in the conflict zone, was transferred today to his hometown village of Salām Khil, in Ahmadabad District, Paktia Province, on October 15. The source further indicated that the health status of Tawab Arman and their driver is now stable.
The source also highlighted that these two local journalists from the RTA office in Paktia Province, were dispatched to the conflict zone in neighboring Khost province by the de facto director of RTA in Paktia without adequate safety equipment.
AFJC strongly condemns this attack on journalists and urges an independent, impartial investigation into the incident. Under international standards, journalists covering conflict zones are entitled to protection and must not be targeted for their work.
We call on authorities to ensure accountability and to uphold the safety of journalists operating in conflict areas. Journalists must be able to perform their essential roles without fear of violence or reprisal.
AFJC also urges journalists working in conflict zones to exercise heightened caution, utilize protective gear, and adhere strictly to security protocols to mitigate risks during their reporting.
This incident follows ongoing hostilities between Taliban de facto security forces and Pakistani forces that escalated on Saturday, October 11—two days after reports of airspace violations by Pakistani warplanes in Kabul. These hostilities have resulted in numerous casualties and injuries and have halted cross-border trade and movement.