BBC Pashto Reporter Shot Dead in Afghanistan’s Khost

File photo of Ahmad Shah.

(Photo Courtesy: Twitter/@BBCNewsPR)

Ahmad Shah, a BBC Pashto reporter, was shot dead in Khost province on Monday afternoon, TOLO news reported citing officials.

Shah's death was confirmed by journalists saying that he was shot dead by unknown assailants who came on a motorcycle in Khost city where the journalist was based.

He was on his way home when the motorcycle ridden assailants confronted Shah.

Later, BBC World Service Director Jamie Angus released a statement on Twitter, confirming Shah's death.

Here is the complete statement:

"It is with great sadness that the BBC can confirm the death of BBC Afghan reporter Ahmad Shah following an attack earlier today. The attack took place in Khost province."

"Ahmad Shah was 29. He had worked for the BBC Afghan service for more than a year and had already established himself as a highly capable journalist who was a respected and popular member of the team."

"This is a devastating loss and I send my sincere condolences to Ahmad Shah’s friends and family and the whole BBC Afghan team. We are doing all we can to support his family at this very difficult time.”

Ahmad Shah had joined BBC about a year ago and was based out of Khost.

Shah was killed on the day nine journalists and cameramen were killed in an explosion in Kabul city.

(With inputs from TOLO news.)