Afghan Media Essential For Taliban Government, Says Taliban Deputy PM

Mawlawi Abdul Kabir, Taliban’s deputy prime minister for political affairs, has said that Afghan media industry is essential for the Taliban regime. Abdul Kabir discussed media scene in the country with Afghan journalists and media managers during an “Iftar dinner” in Kabul.

The Taliban has imposed severe restrictions on the media and journalists over the past 20 months since they have taken control of Afghanistan.

According to a statement issued by the Taliban on Wednesday, Abdul Kabir said that the Taliban sees the media industry as "a bridge between the government and the nation”.

The Taliban’s deputy prime minister urged the media representatives to present the real situation of Afghanistan and refrain from propaganda.

Abdul Kabir also stressed that Afghan society would be incomplete without a strong media industry.

He also asked the media representatives to "maintain their independence and publish the realities of society with a nationalistic and Islamic spirit”.

The Taliban's restrictions and pressures on the media professionals have caused many media groups to end their activities and hundreds of journalists to flee the country.