The Taliban’s Ministry of Information and Culture has stated that it will only support media outlets that operate in accordance with the group’s policies, as part of its broader control over Afghanistan’s press and broadcasting sector.
In a message marking World Radio Day, Habib Ghufran, spokesperson for the ministry, announced that since the Taliban’s return to power, the ministry has granted broadcasting licenses to 33 radio stations, all of which comply with the group’s media regulations.
He further stated that there are 234 radio stations currently operating across Kabul and other provinces.
According to Ghufran, all active radio stations in Afghanistan must operate in line with Taliban policies, as well as the broadcasting guidelines issued by the Ministry of Information and Culture.
Speaking to Afghanistan’s National Radio and Television, now under Taliban control, Ghufran added that the ministry provides support programmes for radio stations that align with its policies.
UNESCO recognises 13 February as World Radio Day, acknowledging the significance of radio as a key medium for communication and public awareness.
However, since seizing power in August 2021, the Taliban has imposed extensive restrictions on the media and journalists, shutting down or suspending numerous independent outlets.
In one of the latest crackdowns, the Ministry of Information and Culture announced on 4 February that it had suspended the operations of Radio Begum, citing violations of broadcasting regulations.
