Press Statement

Afghanistan: Three journalists injured in border shooting

11 Mar, 2025

Afghan journalists Azizullah Hassani, Wali Mohammad Shinwar and Hedayat Shah Hedayat were injured during a clash between Afghanistani and Pakistani border security officials on March 5. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) joins its affiliate, the Afghan Independent Journalists Union (AIJU) in condemning the attack and call on newsrooms to ensure the safety of journalists and media workers while on assignment in conflict areas.

 

Truck drivers take rest as stranded trades and goods trucks remain near the Pakistan-Afghanistan border in Torkham on January 16, 2024. Credit: Abdul Majeed / AFP

 

On March 5, ongoing trade tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan led to an exchange of gunfire and “heavy weaponry” near the main border crossing between the two nations, leaving five journalists injured and border personnel wounded.

Azizullah Hassani, a reporter for Radio Hooriyat; Wali Mohammad Shinwari, a cameraman for Pajhwok News; and Hedayat Shah Hedayat, a reporter for Shamshad TV were treated at Nangarhar Hospital for mortar shell wounds following the exchange. The journalists had reportedly travelled to the border to cover the escalation of clashes between the Taliban and Pakistani military forces.

According to local media reports, Afghan border security had opened “unprovoked fire” towards post across the border, with Pakistani security forces retaliating. Reportedly, the journalists were injured in Pakistan’s retaliation.

The clash followed ongoing disputes regarding the construction of a disputed new Taliban border post, and the subsequent closure of Pakistan’s side of the Torkham Border Crossing. The conflict erupted during the first working day of Ramadan, with five thousands trucks carrying essential goods stranded when the border announced its closure on February 21.

On March 10, a temporary ceasefire took effect as negotiations continue amongst Afghan and Pakistani tribal elders and business representatives for an assessment of Taliban-constructed border outposts and their location . If construction is determined to be within Pakistani territory, the Taliban would be required to halt building activities. The border is to be re-opened on March 11.

The AIJU said: “Media freedom is relatively low in the region, and journalists are vulnerable.AIJU President Hujatullah Mujadidi visited the injured journalists in hospital and commended their bravery in serving the national interests.”

The IFJ said: “The safety and security of journalists is paramount when covering conflict areas. The IFJ condemns the injury of Afghan journalists and urges newsrooms to ensure that all assignments are in line with established safety protocols, and do not endanger the safety of journalists or media workers.”

Written By

IFJ Asia-Pacific IFJ Asia-Pacific

The IFJ represents more than 600,000 journalists in 140 countries.
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