Afghan Journalists Center: Restrictions on radio activities have increased to an unprecedented extent

KABUL — The Afghan Journalists Center stated on World Radio Day that restrictions on radio activities in Afghanistan have increased to an unprecedented extent.

In a report issued Friday, the center said that over the past year, several radio stations have been threatened or shut down, and multiple radio journalists have been summoned or imprisoned.

The organization emphasized radio's importance as one of the most accessible media outlets for Afghans, noting that despite the growth of internet and social networks, it remains the primary source of information in many areas of the country.

However, the center said that since the Taliban takeover in 2021, media freedoms — particularly for radios — have been severely curtailed.

It added that while the Taliban have promised to review the Mass Media Law, they are implementing media policies through orders and decrees that contradict the existing law and further restrict media working spaces.

World Radio Day, marked on February 13, was first proclaimed in 2011 by UNESCO during its 36th General Conference and endorsed by the UN General Assembly in 2012.