The killing of Afghan journalist Abdul Ghafor Abed during border clashes on October 15, 2023, has raised serious concerns about press freedom in conflict zones. Abed, who worked for Radio Television Afghanistan (RTA), was struck by gunfire while covering escalating tensions between Taliban forces and the Pakistani military in the Zazai Maidan district of Khost province. His colleague, broadcast manager Tawab Arman, sustained injuries during the incident.
Abed and Arman were reportedly in Khost from neighboring Paktika province to report on the intensifying conflict. According to the Taliban’s police command in Khost, both journalists were targeted by Pakistani forces while they were on the frontline. The Afghanistan Free Journalists Union has also indicated that the journalists were deliberately attacked.
Call for Accountability
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has urged both Taliban and Pakistani authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into Abed’s death. Beh Lih Yi, CPJ’s Asia-Pacific Director, emphasized the need for accountability, stating, “Taliban and Pakistan authorities must thoroughly investigate the circumstances of Abed’s death so that those responsible can be brought to justice.” She further noted that journalists reporting from conflict zones are protected as civilians under international law.
This tragic incident occurred amid rising tensions along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, where both airstrikes and retaliatory assaults have led to significant casualties. Reports indicate that dozens of soldiers and civilians have lost their lives due to the ongoing violence. The Taliban asserts that the recent clashes were triggered by Pakistani airstrikes on October 9, 2023, which prompted the group to launch counterattacks against Pakistani military positions.
Media Landscape in Peril
The situation for journalists in Afghanistan has deteriorated sharply since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021. Press freedom organizations have documented numerous incidents of journalists being detained, assaulted, or threatened by Taliban authorities. The recent violence along the border compounds the growing risks that journalists face in hostile regions, making Abed’s death a stark reminder of these dangers.
Both Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar and Taliban Deputy Spokesperson Hamdullah Fitrat did not respond to CPJ’s requests for comment regarding the incident.
As tensions persist and the conflict escalates, the international community continues to watch closely. The need for protections for journalists remains critical, as they play a vital role in documenting the realities of conflict and providing essential information to the public.
