Afghanistan: 70 pc media outlets 'stopped' operations after Taliban takeover

With Taliban takeover in Afghanistan, at least 70 per cent of media outlets have stopped working in war-torn country since August 15.  As per Khamma News, this was revealed on Sunday during National Association of Journalists' (NAJ) press conference in Kabul. Highlighting situation of media in Afghanistan, NAJ speaker said national media came to halt owing to financial problems and immense pressure from Taliban-led government.

statistics were obtained after a widely conducted survey, including over 1500 Afghan journalists based in 28 provinces. online survey revealed worrisome results. As per statistical analysis, at least 67 percent of Afghan journalists lost ir jobs due to reasons unspecified in report. Next, anor 33 per cent continue to work under acute pressure and blasphemous situations.

Afghan media under dire financial loss

Speaking at event, NAJ He Masroor Lufti asserted that most of actively participating Afghan media are facing dire financial crises and safety issues. "40 per cent of journalists are worried about ir safety in Afghanistan and rest of m are living a difficult life as y have lost ir jobs," Lufti said at conference. re-emergence of Taliban has not only taken world powers by surprise (as said by Pentagon) but also raised serious concerns about life of journalists in Afghanistan, who live in fear of silent dissent, NAJ report stated.

'Free and Independent' media, a mere publicity blitz: HRW

According to Human Rights Watch (HRW), with wide-ranging imposition of restrictions on national media, promises of right to "free and independent" speech were merely a "promotional blitz". comment was me referring to Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid's claim to allow unbiased media brocast, "provided y worked according to Islamic Principles and national interest".

It is to mention that since formation of all-male interim government, Taliban militants have arbitrarily detained journalists, beaten m, and taken m into custody. Currently, at least 32 journalists remain under Taliban custody, HRW said. Earlier in September, two journalists were also beaten and left profusely bleeding for covering women's rights protest in Kabul.

(Image: AP)