Several political and security analysts in Afghanistan are declining to speak with domestic media outlets due to growing security fears, according to journalists who spoke to Amu on condition of anonymity.
The journalists said they recently contacted a number of experts for interviews or panel discussions, but many refused, often citing unspecified concerns or offering vague excuses to avoid appearing on air or being quoted.
This comes after Saleem Paigir, a political commentator, was shot outside his home in Kabul on Thursday, Oct. 9. He was taken to Emergency Hospital for treatment.
Taliban have not issued any public statement regarding the incident.
Since returning to power in 2021, Taliban have been accused by rights groups of suppressing dissent and restricting press freedom.
Journalists and analysts inside Afghanistan increasingly operate under pressure, with many choosing to remain anonymous or avoid media engagement altogether.
This also comes amidst Taliban’s increasing restrictions on the media. In July 2025, Taliban issued a new media directive, banning all critical political discourse on air, requiring television and radio stations to obtain prior approval for show topics, guest speakers, and analyst commentary.
Prior to this, in September 2024, Taliban banned the live broadcast of political programs and current affairs shows on domestic outlets.
