PAKTIA (The Killid Group) – The Taliban released at least six journalists who were kidnapped by the group on Saturday in Zurmat district of eastern province Paktia.
Khairuddin Zaki, The Killid Group reporter in the province – who was one among the six kidnapped – confirmed his and his companions’ release to The Killid via a phone call Sunday.
On Saturday afternoon, at least six Afghan journalists were abducted by unknown gunmen in Zurmat district of eastern province of Paktya. The incident happened while they were on their way to cover an event.
The six journalist were Khairuddin Zaki, The Killid Group (also Radio Killid) reporter; Abdul Rauf Zaheen, a Pashtun Ghag Radio reporter; Jamaluddin Ilham, Radio Melma reporter; Tariq Shah Zaki, Radio Yaran reporter; Abdul Wahad Wairan, Radio Yaran reporter and Assadullah Samim, Radio Yaran reporter.
Reports suggest Afghan journalists have suffered a great loss over the past 18 years.
Government statistics show there are 96 TV channels, 65 radio stations and 911 print media in Kabul, as well as 107 TV channels, 284 radio stations and 416 print media in other provinces.
All in all there are 1,879 active media outlets in Afghanistan.
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