Afghan journalist Ahmad Hanayesh survives assassination attempt in Islamabad

ISLAMABAD: In another attempt to sabotage press freedom in Pakistan, Afghan journalist Ahmad Hanayesh survived an assassination attempt at 11:00 am last night in the G-6 sector of Islamabad.

Ahmad Hanayesh, affiliated with Radio Azadi and a member of the Pak-Afghan Journalists Union was attacked by three unknown assailants while he was on his way home in the G-6 Embassy Road area.

Hanayesh’s son, Shakeel Hanayesh told Afghan media agency, Amu TV that his father was attacked outside the house, as a result of which his leg and head were injured. They shot him from close range, with one bullet grazing his head and two penetrating his leg deeply.

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Ahmad Hanayesh received first aid at PIMS and according to his son, he was later transferred to a private hospital in Islamabad and his surgery is still ongoing. Doctors have described his condition as critical as two bullets remain lodged in his leg, and they plan to remove them after surgery.

After the return of the Taliban to power in Kabul, like many other journalists, Ahmad Hanaish also left Afghanistan and refuged in Pakistan. Amu TV quoting several Afghan journalists said that after this incident, journalists in Pakistan do not have life immunity.

Journalists and media watchdogs have strongly condemned the attack on Afghan journalist Hanayesh and urged Islamabad police to investigate the matter and arrest culprits and give protection to Afghan journalists who took shelter in the country.