Ministry of Information and Culture honors journalists and media officials

KABUL — Afghanistan's Ministry of Information and Culture honored political affairs experts, journalists and media officials for their effective activities in fulfilling their responsibilities during a meeting in Kabul on Tuesday.

Minister Shir Ahmad Haqqani attended the event alongside other officials, political analysts, media executives and reporters.

Haqqani stated that preserving the current system and security is the responsibility of every member of society. He said political analysts' stances and media activities in wartime conditions play a significant role in public awareness and creating political consciousness among the people.

"The interests of the people of Afghanistan are common, and protecting them is a collective responsibility," Haqqani said. "Media are responsible for clearly reflecting facts and conveying the real and true image of the country to the world. Among the people of Afghanistan, there is no superiority based on language, position or ethnicity, and unity and brotherhood prevail."

In a separate development, the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan's Foreign Ministry issued a statement Tuesday calling the U.S. decision to designate Afghanistan a "country supporting illegal detentions" regrettable. It emphasized resolving issues through dialogue.

The ministry said no citizens of any country have been detained in Afghanistan for bargaining; some individuals were held for violating laws, with many released after legal procedures. It noted positive actions last year toward some U.S. citizens as goodwill gestures and highlighted Qatar's role in facilitating U.S.-Afghanistan talks.

Doha News, quoting sources at Afghanistan's embassy in Qatar, denied reports that Qatar requested closure of the Islamic Emirate's political office in Doha, opened in 2013 to aid talks that led to the Doha agreement.

Adam Boehler, special U.S. presidential representative on detainees, warned Afghanistan could face the fate of Iran or Venezuela if detained Americans are not released.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio designated Afghanistan on Monday, calling for release of detained Americans including Mahmoud Habibi, former civil aviation head, and Dennis Keill. Rubio said the Taliban (Islamic Emirate) continues "repugnant terrorist tactics" of kidnapping for ransom or political leverage.

"These disgusting tactics must end," Rubio said.

Reuters, citing two sources, reported the U.S. seeks remains of Paul Overby, last seen in 2014 near the Durand Line. Non-compliance could restrict U.S. passport travel to Afghanistan, currently only for North Korea.

The Islamic Emirate has released several U.S. prisoners previously after talks but denied detaining Habibi.