KABUL: The Afghanistan Journalists Center (AFJC) has strongly criticized a new directive from the Taliban that prohibits domestic media outlets from airing roundtable discussions.
The organization denounced the move as an attempt to stifle independent journalism and enforce a “one-voice policy” across the country.
The Taliban’s Ministry of Information and Culture recently instructed television stations in Kabul to halt all political and economic discussion programs.
Under the new regulations, media outlets are restricted to conducting interviews solely with Taliban spokespersons.
According to the AFJC, the order was conveyed verbally to several TV networks, with station managers warned not to broadcast any content that challenges the Taliban’s policies.
Journalists report that the ban affects both political and economic reporting, forcing private media to comply with severe limitations on their coverage.
Television station executives revealed that they were directed to seek comments exclusively from government representatives when covering political or economic matters.
The Ministry of Information and Culture announced that detailed guidelines for the ban would be finalized by Monday.
Since retaking power in August 2021, the Taliban have issued at least 23 directives restricting press freedom, according to the AFJC.
These measures have significantly curtailed journalistic independence and freedom of expression. In a previous move, the ministry issued a written order in September 2023, barring media outlets from inviting unauthorized experts and limiting broadcasts critical of government officials.
The AFJC voiced deep concern over the escalating crackdown on independent media, calling it part of a broader effort to silence dissenting voices.
The organization urged the Taliban to repeal these “unlawful directives” and allow media outlets to operate under Afghanistan’s existing media laws, ensuring citizens' right to information and freedom of expression.
