The Paradox Of Independent Journalism In Afghanistan – OpEd
A state’s fundamental responsibility is to protect its citizens’ basic rights. No matter which type of regime it is, it is obliged to ensure the freedom of media, which is an essential pillar of the protection of life and property of its people. However, in Afghanistan, the state is suppressing the media and enforcing it not to report and investigate any state law that is in contradiction with the rights of the people, which are freedom of expression, women’s rights, and individual liberty.
The Taliban regime has curtailed independent journalism and investigation by reducing the number of journalists to 5,100, compared to the pre-Taliban era, which was 8,400, including 1700 women. For that reason, the I.A.G. is limiting women’s participation in the media industry, and the argument is supported by the fact that only 560 women remain in the profession.
This significant decrease in the number of journalists clearly shows the intentions of the Interim Afghan Government (I.A.G.) to sensor and suppress critical information regarding basic human rights. Journalism in any country or society truly reflects the policies of the government that it implies to its people. Why can a government suppress independent journalism?
The precise answer to the question is that independent journalism dismantles the harsh truths about the regime’s suppressive policies. If every piece of information is accessible, the regime can collapse. So, every regime must control the information flow to maintain the regime of truth.
The Afghan society is surrounded by cynicism; the youth, which is the future of Afghanistan, is not getting the very primary education out of 37.17 million people; 7.8 million children are out of school, and girls make up 60% of it. The girls have only been allowed to get an education till sixth grade for the past two years. Similar extremist laws are also implemented on men, such as prohibiting music in public and keeping beards mandatory for all men.
The Taliban regime initiated strict measures after its takeover in 2021; the reports indicate that 450 cases have been filed against the journalists; this led to the closure of 43% of the media outlets, and 60% of the journalists lost their jobs. The strict policies have also provided a space for fundamentalists and extremists; therefore, there has been a rise in terrorism and abuse of human rights, and women’s rights are now a new normal for Afghan society.
The Taliban’s laws for Afghan media, which were unveiled in September 2024 and include the ability to choose talk show guests while outlawing political censorship and official criticism, indicate the regime towards control. To solidify their control over political speech, the Taliban endeavored to suppress anybody who disagreed with them. In addition to severely impeding independent journalistic endeavors, this attack on media freedom prevents the Afghan people from receiving verified information, effectively isolating Afghanistan from the rest of the world and preventing efforts to promote accountability, transparency, reform, and corruption prevention.
The journalist community have been targeted by the Taliban since, after resuming power in 2021, the citizens do not have access to unbiased information, which will indeed hinder the progression of the country. The state can achieve high standards and accountability by ensuring free information flow.
Furthermore, Islam supports women and their participation in society, along with the possibility of a dignified society, not an honorable one. Islam supports the freedom of getting information and the rights of women, as pointed out by Hadith, where Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “Every Muslim must seek knowledge.” Sunan ibn Majah. This underlines the importance of education and discussions for everyone, even women.
The I.E.A.’s version of Islam is not authentic but based on their perception, which is strict and fundamental. The discourse of I.E.A’s version of Islam serves only their interests and maintains a strict rule over people, which is crucial for the regime of truth. I.E.A. has the opportunity to replace cynicism with hope and make society prosper, which is only possible by initiating inclusive measures.
