Taliban have issued a new directive banning all domestic media organizations from broadcasting political programs until further notice, sources told Amu on Thursday.
According to the sources, the order was issued by the Taliban’s intelligence agency and the Ministry of Information and Culture. Media executives are expected to meet with Taliban officials on Saturday to discuss the matter.
The decision comes as the world observes February 13 as International Radio Day.
Since taking power in August 2021, the Taliban have intensified restrictions on the media and freedom of speech. According to the Afghanistan Journalists Center, Taliban authorities have issued at least 22 directives over the past three years tightening control over radio broadcasts.
On Thursday, the media watchdog expressed concern over what it called unprecedented restrictions on radio stations across the country, warning that the Taliban have escalated their crackdown on independent media.
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has reported that at least 12 media outlets, both public and private, have been shut down in 2024 alone.
