Sydney, Sep 29 (IANS): An Afghan from Australia visiting his family in Afghanistan was pulled off a bus and killed by Taliban militants, media reported Monday.

Sayed Habib Musawi, 50, was killed while travelling on a bus to Kabul after visiting relatives in Ghazni province, Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) reported.

Musawi came to Australia from Afghanistan in 2000.

Musawi was the only person pulled off the bus by Taliban militants Sep 20.

"Musawi was killed because he was an Australian citizen," Ghazni's deputy governor Mohammad Ali Ahmadi said.

"He didn't do anything besides that - he didn't do anything wrong, he wasn't a criminal, he wasn't involved in government activities," Ahmadi added.

Musawi's hands were tied behind his back and there were signs of beating.

Bullet wounds were also seen on his body.

The Musawi family has asked for assistance from the Australian government.

In a statement, the department of foreign affairs and trade said the Australian embassy in Kabul was trying to confirm details of the killing.

Consular officials are providing assistance to the victim's family.