Terrorists assassinated Afghan govt media head who was critical of Pakistan, Taliban

Taliban murdered the Afghan government's senior media and communications officer in the capital city of Kabul on Friday, according to a spokesperson of the terrorist group.

A spokesman from the federal interior ministry acknowledged that Dawa Khan Menapal, the chief of the Government Media and Information Centre (GMIC), had been assassinated, but declined to specify who was responsible.

Add WION as a Preferred Source

"Unfortunately, the savage terrorists have committed a cowardly act once again and martyred a patriotic Afghan," interior ministry spokesman Mirwais Stanikzai said of the death of Dawa Khan Menapal.

Watch | Gravitas: What did the U.S. achieve in Afghanistan? Nothing

He served as deputy presidential spokesperson from 2016 until 2020 before taking over as director of the media and information department.

In Kandahar, Menapal was also the head of the government's media and communication centre in 2015.

He is from the southern Afghan region of Zabul.

Kabul University awarded him a bachelor's degree in law and political science.

For journalists, Afghanistan is one of the most dangerous places on the planet.

The Islamic State has claimed responsibility for a number of recent assaults on civilians, while the government usually blames the Taliban.

(With inputs from agencies)