Taliban Allow Rah-e-Farda TV To Resume Operations After Two-Month Suspension
The Taliban have reopened the Kabul office of Rah-e-Farda Television, nearly two months after ordering its closure, sources told Afghanistan International on Tuesday.
The network, owned by former Afghan jihadi leader Mohammad Mohaqiq, was sealed in late April by the Taliban’s Ministry of Information and Culture, citing “repeated complaints” from staff over unpaid wages.
Rah-e-Farda, which includes both radio and television services, is known for its coverage of events linked to the People’s Islamic Unity Party of Afghanistan and Mohaqiq himself. The network has also been noted for its critical reporting on the Taliban.
Since the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021, the network has faced several shutdowns. Following the collapse of the previous government, reports suggested the station was suspended over unpaid frequency fees and other debts. It later resumed operations after meeting Taliban-imposed conditions.
The media environment in Afghanistan has sharply deteriorated under Taliban rule, with widespread censorship, harassment of journalists, and restrictions on independent outlets. Rah-e-Farda’s return to air marks a rare instance of a banned broadcaster being allowed to resume operations.
