Afghan media safety in the spotlight as gunmen kill journalist

JournalismPakistan.com | Published 7 years ago

KANDAHAR - Gunmen killed an Afghan journalist on his way to work in the southern city of Kandahar on Tuesday, officials said, an attack that highlights the risks faced by media workers in Afghanistan.

Abdul Manan Arghand, who worked for Kabul News TV, was shot by gunmen armed with AK-47s as he was driving his car, police spokesman Zia Durani said.

The attack came the same day as a meeting in Kabul to discuss how to safeguard journalists. The U.N. mission in Afghanistan issued a statement condemning the killing.

Last year was the bloodiest for journalists in Afghanistan, according to the Afghan Journalists’ Safety Committee, with at least 20 killed and 169 cases of violence or threats. - Reuters

Explore Further

Media control at play on ARY News or a broadcast mishap

December 26, 2025: A video showing Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal briefly interrupted during a live ARY News interview has gone viral, prompting debate over media control and official clarifications.

Pakistani media in 2025 tested by layoffs, laws, and trust

December 25, 2025: An in-depth year-ender examining how Pakistani media navigated layoffs, legal pressure, censorship, and innovation in 2025, highlighting key reporting, risks, and what lies ahead.

Journalism at a crossroads as press freedom erodes in Pakistan

December 21, 2025: Pakistan’s journalism faces growing repression through intimidation, PECA cases, economic pressure, and enforced silences, raising urgent questions about press freedom.

Matiullah Jan calls out journalist unions over cozy ties with authorities

December 20, 2025: Senior journalist Matiullah Jan criticizes journalist union leadership at an Islamabad conference, calling for reform, youth inclusion, and a stronger collective response to Pakistan’s media crisis.

Tarar says Rs86 crore worth of government ads given to Dawn Media Group

December 20, 2025: Information Minister Attaullah Tarar says the government allocated 86 crore in ads to Dawn Media Group, stressing transparency and that media groups manage employee payments.

Islamabad court grants post-arrest bail to journalist Sohrab Barkat

December 19, 2025: Islamabad court approves post-arrest bail for journalist Sohrab Barkat in a case linked to controversial videos and tweets filed by the National Cyber Crime Agency.

JournalismPakistan cofounder Stephen Webb releases Dusk memoir

December 19, 2025: JournalismPakistan cofounder Stephen Webb releases Dusk, a poetic memoir blending memory and myth, reflecting on Punjab villages, faith, and belonging shaped by decades in journalism.

Pakistan minister flags AI impact on advertising jobs

December 18, 2025: Pakistan’s information minister warns AI is disrupting advertising jobs and invites proposals to protect creative professionals, signaling an early policy debate on AI and employment.

Newsroom

Europe criticizes US visa bans over digital speech dispute

December 25, 2025 European leaders push back against US visa bans on digital policy figures, warning the move could strain cooperation and deepen disputes over online speech and tech regulation.

Morocco reforms press council law amid journalist concerns

December 25, 2025 Morocco’s parliament has approved reforms to the National Press Council law, prompting protests from journalists who warn the changes may weaken self-regulation and media independence.

Indian media grapples with AI ethics in newsrooms

December 24, 2025 Indian media organizations are debating ethical rules for artificial intelligence as newsrooms adopt AI tools, raising concerns over accuracy, accountability, and the future role of journalists.

Media warn Democratic bill could chill press freedom

December 24, 2025 Media groups warn that a Democratic-backed bill could expand defamation liability, raising concerns over press freedom, investigative reporting, and potential chilling effects across U.S. newsrooms.

Kashmiri journalist Irfan Mehraj marks 1,000 days jailed

December 24, 2025 Kashmiri journalist Irfan Meraj has spent over 1,000 days in detention by Indian authorities in Kashmir, renewing concerns over press freedom and legal pressure on independent media.