Local officials and media men in Pakistan reported the murder of a prominent Afghan journalist in the restive tribal areas of Pakistan.

Janullah Hashimzadeh was the head of Shamshad TV channel, a private Pashto language TV channel, in Peshawar Pakistan. Mr. Hashimzadeh was on his way from Afghanistan back to Peshawar when armed militants attacked the vehicle (bus) carrying him near Jamrud, main town of Khyber Agency bordering NWFP’s capital Peshawar.

Taliban heavily man this area and it’s believed that Mr. Hashimzadeh was a strong critic of Taliban and their activities.

Local official’s version of the story suggests that armed militants stopped the vehicle carrying Mr. Hashimzadeh, forcefully entered into it and shot him while injuring another passenger.

A number of journalists have been killed in the tribal areas of Pakistan and this area is considered as one of the most dangerous spots for reporters. A point to remember is that Afghan nominated ambassador Abdul Khaliq Farahi, who was kidnapped from Hayatabad area of Peshawar over 15 months ago hasn’t been recovered yet. Same is the case with the Iranian diplomat who was also kidnapped at gun point in Peshawar.

With the increasing militancy, Pakistan is fast becoming the deadliest site for diplomats and reporters alike. Pakistan now stands as one of the most endangered territories on earth.

Once popular for their hospitality, Pashtuns are the prime victim of terrorism and the so called ‘war on terror’ on both sides of the Durand line separating Afghanistan and Pakistan.