CULTURE — February 13, 2026

Over 40 radio stations obtain licences since IEA’s return: Ghafran

The Islamic Emirate's Ministry of Information and Culture said over 40 radio stations have been licensed since its return to power, bringing the total audio media outlets to 228 nationwide.

The Ehtebar Desk — originates with Pajhwok2 min read

Over 40 radio stations obtain licences since IEA’s return: Ghafran
Image courtesy Pajhwok

KABUL — Marking World Radio Day, the Ministry of Information and Culture announced that more than 40 radio stations have received operating licences since the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan's (IEA) return to power, raising the nationwide total of audio media outlets to 228.

Khabeeb Ghafran, spokesman for the ministry, stated this in an audio message on Thursday, February 13. He highlighted radio's longstanding role in Afghanistan, noting that stations have operated for decades, delivering information, raising public awareness and broadcasting religious, cultural, social and political programmes.

"In our dear country, radio stations have operated for several decades as audio media, playing an effective and strong role," Ghafran said.

He added that the ministry gives special attention to the sector. Ghafran urged all media organisations to operate effectively and responsibly, in line with Afghanistan’s Islamic and cultural values as well as the ministry’s publication policies.

Read the original reporting at Pajhwok

Reliability assessment

Direct, on-record attribution to named spokesman Khabeeb Ghafran with concrete, checkable details (over 40 licences, total 228 outlets) during a specific event (World Radio Day audio message).

Across the newsrooms

Filed by

Filed under

CultureIslamic Emirate of Afghanistan, Ministry of Information and Culture, Khabeeb Ghafran, radio stations, World Radio Day

Spotted an error or have more on this story? Tip the desk on Telegram → or WhatsApp →.

Reader supported

Keep Ehtebar running

Every published story uses paid tools to translate reporting, compare sources, extract claims, and produce a clearer read on Afghanistan. Reader support helps keep that work independent.

€5

helps cover daily verification runs

€15

supports a week of source comparison

€50

keeps independent analysis moving