Kabul: The grip of the Taliban regime on Afghanistan has led to a significant decline in press freedom, with 52 percent of visual media outlets ceasing operations in the past two years, as reported by Khaama Press (an Afghan news agency).
The Media Support for Afghanistan’s Free Media (NAI) made this announcement on World Television Day, underscoring the concerning trend of media inactivity in the country. Since the Taliban assumed control on August 15, 2021, journalists have faced numerous restrictions, resulting in a notable setback for the freedom of the press.
In a distressing revelation, local media reports indicate that, following the political shift, 94 percent of women journalists have been left unemployed due to the stringent constraints on their work.
A recent survey conducted by the NAI revealed that economic challenges have forced 77 out of 147 visual media outlets, including television stations, to suspend their operations. This alarming trend points to the broader impact of the Taliban regime on the media landscape in Afghanistan.
Since the Taliban seized power, journalists in the country have grappled with a lack of access to information, posing a major challenge to the dissemination of news.
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