Taliban Orders Suspension Of Political Programmes On Afghan Media

The Taliban has ordered private media outlets across Afghanistan to halt the broadcasting of political programmes, further restricting press freedom in the country.

According to sources from Afghanistan International, the directive was issued to media executives on Thursday, 13 February, with the ban set to remain in effect until further notice.

In addition, the Taliban has warned media outlets that any violation of this directive will result in severe consequences.

Taliban officials are scheduled to meet with media representatives on Saturday, but it remains unclear how long the prohibition on political content will last.

Since regaining power in August 2021, the Taliban has systematically imposed strict limitations on media operations and freedom of expression.

Over the past two years, their media policies have included the closure of independent outlets, the arrest of journalists, and stringent censorship of news reports.

The latest ban on political programming marks yet another measure in the Taliban’s ongoing crackdown on press freedom, raising concerns about the further deterioration of independent journalism in Afghanistan.