Taliban Administration Reports Increase in Radio Stations to 228 Media Outlets

The Taliban’s Ministry of Information and Culture announced on World Radio Day that since regaining power, over 40 radio stations have received licenses, bringing the total number of audio media outlets in Afghanistan to 228.

Khabib Ghafran, spokesperson for the ministry, said in an audio clip on Thursday, February 13, that radio stations have played an important role over several decades in providing information, raising awareness, and broadcasting religious, cultural, social, and political programs. He added that due to this significance, the ministry pays special attention to the audio media sector.

According to him, after the Taliban regained control of the country, the process of issuing licenses to radio stations continued, enabling dozens of new media outlets to officially begin their activities.

The spokesperson also urged all media outlets to operate within the framework of “Islamic and cultural values of the Afghan people” and in accordance with the ministry’s broadcasting policies.

This comes as in recent years, numerous journalists and media support organizations have criticized restrictions and pressures on media outlets and called for freedom of expression and job protection for journalists nationwide—an issue that has consistently been one of the core demands of Afghanistan’s media community.