JournalismPakistan.com | Published August 28, 2021
Join our WhatsApp channel
Afghan journalist Ali Reza Ahmadi (pictured) who was reporting from the chaotic scenes at Kabul airport was among those killed in the deadly bombing outside the airport on August 26.
Another journalist Juhal Hamidi also died the same day at the airport.
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and its Afghanistan affiliates, the Afghan Independent Journalists’ Association (AIJA), and Afghanistan’s National Journalists Union (ANJU) continue to draw attention to the plight of the country’s media and the future for freedom of expression.
Ali Reza Ahmadi, a reporter for the Raha news agency was killed in the Kabul airport suicide bombing on August 26, which also claimed the lives of 170 people, including 13 US service members.
The Islamic State of Khorasan Province (ISKP) claimed responsibility for the bombing. Video shot by Afghan journalists showed dozens of bodies strewn around a canal on the edge of the airport.
The AIJA reported that journalist Juhal Hamidi, a presenter of the Jahan Television, was among those killed though it is not clear if he was reporting or also among those trying to evacuate.
Due to the increased panic and desperation amongst Afghanistan’s media community, as the deadline looms for the US evacuation on August 31, thousands of Afghani media workers have pleaded for evacuation from the country, fearing the repercussions of their reporting.
The IFJ and its affiliates have logged more than 2,000 requests for assistance from media workers trying to flee the country.
IFJ General Secretary, Anthony Bellanger, said: “The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) expresses condolence to the family members of journalists Ali Reza Ahmadi and Zuhal Hamidi. The IFJ expresses grave concern to the security of both local and international journalists in Afghanistan at this critical juncture and is coordinating with partners and governments to do all it can to evacuate journalists most at risk.”
June 11, 2025: Pakistan celebrated a narrow win over Bangladesh, but beneath the jubilation lies a deeper crisis—from sidelined veterans to a collapsing domestic structure—signaling an urgent need for cricket reform.
June 11, 2025: Journalists walked out of the post-budget press conference in Islamabad to protest the absence of a technical briefing and the government's dismissive behavior, calling it unacceptable and intolerable.
May 31, 2025: Dr. Nauman Niaz has issued a defamation notice to Shoaib Akhtar over derogatory remarks made during a recent broadcast, reigniting a longstanding media feud between the two prominent figures in Pakistan.
May 30, 2025: The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan has demanded the full repeal of PECA, citing its vague language, coercive powers, and threats to free speech and digital rights in Pakistan.
May 30, 2025: The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has condemned the murder of journalist Syed Mohammed Shah in Jacobabad, calling for urgent justice and improved safety for media professionals in Sindh.
May 26, 2025: In Rawalpindi, police allegedly side with Jang Group to block 66 reinstated employees from resuming work despite court orders, drawing sharp criticism from unions and press freedom advocates.
May 25, 2025: PFUJ condemns the Jang Group's decision to dismiss over 80 employees in Rawalpindi, calling it an 'economic massacre.' The union warns of nationwide protests if workers are not reinstated.
May 25, 2025: Daily Jang Rawalpindi has terminated over 80 employees, including female staff, despite multiple court rulings in their favor—raising concerns over labor rights violations and misuse of authority in Pakistani media.
May 19, 2025 PJS reports 219 Palestinian journalists killed in Israeli attacks since October 7, with 30 women among the victims. Over 430 were injured and 685 family members were killed. Read more on the systematic targeting of media in Gaza.
May 15, 2025 Discover the legacy of Samiullah Khan, Pakistan’s legendary "Flying Horse," whose breathtaking speed and artistry redefined hockey. From Olympic glory to World Cup triumphs, his story is one of myth, movement, and magic.
May 04, 2025 Algerian authorities suspend Echorouk News TV for 10 days after it used a racist slur against African migrants. ANIRA demands an apology, calling it a violation of human dignity.
May 04, 2025 NCHR and MMfD launch a journalism fellowship to train reporters on digital rights & gender inclusion in Pakistan. Supported by UNESCO, this initiative aims to bridge the gender digital divide. Apply by May 15, 2025!
April 23, 2025 Discover Dr. Nauman Niaz’s In A Different Realm: Story of Quadruple & Triple Centuries 1876–2025, a profound exploration of cricket's most monumental innings, blending historical analysis with poetic narrative.