Little known group claims killing Swedish journalist

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published March 12, 2014

KABUL: A little-known militant group on Wednesday claimed responsibility for killing a Swedish journalist in the Afghan capital, saying he was a spy for British intelligence.

Nils Horner, 51, who worked for Swedish Radio and had dual British-Swedish nationality, was shot dead outside a restaurant one Kabul's most heavily guarded districts on Tuesday, underscoring growing insecurity threatening next month's elections.

"Nils Horner was killed in this attack. He was not a journalist. He was a spy for (MI6)," the group, Fedai Mahaz Tahrik Islami Afghanistan, said on its website.

Fedai Mahaz, or "Suicide Front", describes itself as a splinter group of the Afghan Taliban-led insurgency but the Taliban denied any connection.

"This group is not part of the Islamic Emirates. They only try to defame us," said a Taliban spokesman.

Kabul's police chief said he heard Fedai Mahaz had claimed responsibility, but did not have information about them because they were not active in the Afghan capital.

Horner was working for a Swedish broadcaster and had only been in Afghanistan for a couple of days.

Fedai Mahaz's website contains material outlining the group's opposition to the opening of an office for the Taliban in Qatar for peace talks in June last year.

More recently, the same group claimed responsibility for assassinating the provincial governor of Logar province in October. The attack was subsequently condemned by the Taliban because it was carried out in a mosque.

A Western embassy official said the group's suggestion that Horner was a secret agent was "fanciful" but the episode could point to a sinister new trend in which militants were now seeking to pick off random Westerners from the street.

"It kind of all points to being opportunistic, but we can't be sure," the diplomat said. "This whole claim on the website about him being in the Secret Intelligence Service (MI6) and not a journalist is just complete nonsense."

Tuesday's attack came as Afghanistan prepares for the withdrawal of NATO forces and landmark presidential elections scheduled for April 5. The Taliban have threatened to attack anyone who takes part. - Reuters

Coordinated or coincidence? Identical tweets by Pakistani journalists raise eyebrows

 April 23, 2025:  Pakistani journalists respond in unison to a post hinting at a possible Indian military strike. Citing the 2019 ‘Swift Retort,’ they warn of a stronger response if provoked again.

Sher Afzal Marwat launches personal attacks on journalists after PTI expulsion

 April 21, 2025:  After being expelled from PTI, MNA Sher Afzal Marwat launches personal attacks on journalists and Aleema Khan, sparking outrage on social media over his offensive remarks.

Journalist Sanaullah Khan alleges FIA blocking accounts of YouTubers and families

 April 21, 2025:  Journalist Sanaullah Khan reveals that the FIA has launched a financial crackdown on YouTubers by freezing the bank accounts of journalists and their family members—raising serious concerns over freedom of expression and legal process.

A launch in style: Dr. Nauman Niaz unveils 'In A Different Realm'

 April 20, 2025:  Dr. Nauman Niaz launched his fifteenth book, In A Different Realm: Story of Quadruple and Triple Centuries 1876–2025, at an elegant Islamabad event, reflecting on cricket’s rarest feats and his journey as a scholar of the game.

Sindhi journalist AD Shar brutally murdered, PFUJ declares three-day mourning

 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.

AJK government registers case against newspaper and staff

 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.

Journalist Arzoo Kazmi alleges FIA threats, possible arrest over reporting

 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.

Noorani’s missing brothers: Court orders IG to produce individuals

 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.