Radio Mashaal Ceases Operations After 16 Years Due to Financial Difficulties

Radio Mashaal, the Pashto service of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, has ended all broadcasting and operations after 16 years due to severe financial conditions.

The closure took effect on March 31, halting radio broadcasts, website content, social networks and WhatsApp services. Funded by the US Congress through the United States Agency for Global Media, Radio Mashaal operated from its central office in Prague, Czech Republic, and targeted audiences in Afghanistan, particularly southern and tribal regions on both sides of the Durand Line.

The announcement coincides with heightened media restrictions under Taliban control. The Afghanistan Journalists Center reported 207 media freedom violations in solar year 1404, marking a more than 20% increase from 172 incidents in solar year 1403.

Among the violations were two journalists killed, one wounded, 183 threats and 21 arrests. Taliban authorities expanded bans on images of living beings from seven provinces in solar year 1403 to 18 provinces in 1404.

Additionally, 21 local television stations ceased operations or converted to radio, eight media institutions were forced to close and 10 licenses were revoked.