Islamic Emirate Marks World Press Freedom Day with Commitment to Media Support and Licensing

On World Press Freedom Day, the Ministry of Information and Culture of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan issued official statements reaffirming its commitment to supporting domestic media while emphasizing that journalism must align with Islamic and national values. Ministry spokesperson Habib Ghufran stated that the government remains dedicated to improving public access to information and fostering professional standards across broadcasting and print outlets. The ministry’s messaging coincided with UNESCO’s global observance, which encourages governments to uphold press freedom and protect media workers.

The ministry confirmed the distribution of 141 media licenses for the solar year 1404. Deputy Minister Hayatullah Mujahid reported that authorities documented over 100 media violations in the past year, underscoring the need for outlets to operate responsibly and respect individual privacy. Officials reiterated that regulatory measures aim to maintain ethical standards while supporting the sector’s growth.

International assessments of the media landscape diverged from the ministry’s statements. Reporters Without Borders placed Afghanistan at 175 out of 180 in its 2026 Press Freedom Index, recording zero journalist killings but noting the ongoing detention of four reporters. United Nations Special Rapporteur Richard Bennett publicly urged the Islamic Emirate to release the detained journalists. UNESCO continues to call for the protection of journalists and the guarantee of reliable information access worldwide.