Pak citizens accused of using Afghan media for spying, influencing broadcasting

Islamabad, Apr 16(ANI): The Afghan intelligence agency has accused Pakistan's citizens, who are working for the country's leading TV channel, of spying and influencing the broadcast policy.

Afghanistan's National Directorate of Security (NDS) spokesperson Lutfullah Mashal, alleged that Pakistan citizens working in the Afghan media industry were using their profession for spying.

He accused the privately-owned Shamshad TV of hiring 14 Pakistan citizens, who he claimed were "preparing programmes and carrying out assignments".

Mashal also criticised Zhwandoon TV, saying Pakistan citizens working for the company influenced its broadcasting, The Express Tribune reports.

But independent channels and newspapers have rejected Marshal's allegations.

A senior employee of Shamshad TV has rejected the allegations and challenged the Afghan intelligence official to prove his claims.

"All Pakistanis working for the channel are in the information technology (IT) department. They are highly qualified professionals," Khapalwak Safi, head of broadcasting at Shamshad TV, said. (ANI)