OMM Redaksiyası
The Taliban government has suspended “BBC” FM radio transmissions across Afghanistan, saying the broadcaster committed repeated violations without providing further details.
“BBC” said it was working with the authorities to address the suspension. “Millions of people across Afghanistan rely on the BBC for accurate news and information,” the broadcaster said in a statement.
The broadcaster said it would continue reporting in Pashto, Dari and English through shortwave and medium-wave radio, online and by satellite.
Ministry of Information and Culture spokesman Khubaib Ghufran told local media that “due to some repeated violations by the BBC media outlet, it is decided that for time being its activity is suspended across the country.”
“BBC” has been the only international news organisation broadcasting inside Afghanistan since two US outlets were banned from operating there in 2022. Its Afghan service has operated since 1981.
The broadcaster reaches more than 20% of Afghanistan’s adult population each week with news and other programming, including educational content for girls who have been barred from secondary schools.
The Taliban government maintains tight control over media in the country. Music is not broadcast, women are less visible on screen than before the Taliban returned to power in 2021, and women no longer appear on air alongside men.
Some social media platforms remain accessible, but limited electricity in large parts of the country, high costs and low literacy rates continue to pose barriers.
