Aber Abdul Hai Aber, a journalist and media worker noted for being the first to dub foreign TV shows in Afghanistan, was mistakenly reported dead by many media organizations, while in fact he is alive and residing in Kabul.

Earlier, TOLOnews had mistakenly reported his death based on a statement of NAI (Free Media-Supporting Organization).

However, Aber appeared for an interview with TOLOnews, proving the news was inaccurate.

“I was both happy and sad because some friends would contact me and they would not even believe that my death wwas a lie. They said the news about my death was published by very credible sources,” he said.

Aber meanwhile called on the interim government to support the Afghan media organizations.

“They know and understand that the media today is a great power… they should give it some freedom and allow journalists to be free a little bit and provide them with information and not impose restrictions,” he said.

Mohammad Zarif Karimi, head of NAI, regarding the release of the inaccurate statement, expressed sorrow over the death of Abir.

“Based on the information which we received from Mr. Abir’s friends and top media, after 24 hours ... unfortunately some of the media outlets gave it a news angle and they undermined our statement through their publication,” he said.

Abdul Hai Aber was born in Helmand province and has worked in Afghanistan's journalism field for the past forty years.