Abdullah Zaheerudin

His photographic career began in 1992 when he was hired as a driver for Associated Press (AP) in Kabul, and gradually gained skills and responsibilities. Still a driver, he first became the designated translator for the press agency, and in 1995 became a news stringer. Over the years, Zaheeruddin developed an interest in and a talent for photography, and various photographers helped him to develop his skills.Because of his dedicatied work, AP then hired him as photoreporter and stringer. He also directed video films for AP Television. As an AP accredited journalist, he was in daily contact with government officials as well as opposition members, collecting information. He travelled on a regular basis to the frontlines between Taliban and opposition forces. Zaheeruddin sent his information to Islamabad where it was edited and distributed over AP's international network. His photographs, which he developed and printed himself, as well as his videos, were sent to London and also distributed over the network.

In August 1997, Zaheeruddin was directly threatened for the first time as a result of his work. He was sent to prison following a report on the arrest of members of an ethnic minority. He was released after arduous negociations and thanks to the intervention of his agency, backed by the US authorities.

In August 1998, Zaheeruddin travelled to Khost, a town located in eastern Afghanistan, to collect information on the firing of American missiles on alleged terrorist camps. While travelling with two foreign journalists, he was once again arrested by the Taliban army on the outskirts of the city. Under arrest for two days, he was severely beaten. His cameras and other equipment were all destroyed. Returning to Kabul, he found out that he was wanted by the Taliban army. The agency had been searched and ransacked and it was then that Zaheeruddin decided to leave.He now lives in Spain where he has applied for political asylum.