Senior Taliban Official Insists on Depiction of “Positive Image” of Group in Media

Naeem-ul Haq Haqqani, the director of the Taliban’s Media and Information Center, said that media outlets are "obligated to present a positive image" of the group to the international community.

The Taliban-controlled Bakhtar News Agency reported on Thursday that Haqqani discussed the directive with media professionals during a meeting in Baghlan province and stated that Afghanistan has progressed and the media should reflect this development.

Earlier in Kabul, Zia ul Haq Haqmal, Deputy Minister of Information and Culture for the Taliban, emphasised on the need for media compliance with the group's policies, stressing on "national unity and Islamic Sharia laws" in their reports.

The Taliban have implemented several restrictive measures affecting media operations in Afghanistan over the last two years.

Instances have been reported where Taliban officials pre-screen the content of media publications prior to their dissemination.

Despite these restrictions, Zabihullah Mujahid, the Taliban's spokesperson, maintains that Afghan media outlets continue to operate with freedom.

He asserts that the Taliban have treated journalists fairly in Afghanistan, noting that only those under suspicion have been detained for further enquiry.