Taliban’s New Restrictions on Media; Inviting Political Guests Subject to Official Approval from Ministry of Information

Kabul Times News-04-30-2026

Report: Samim Bakhshi

The Taliban Ministry of Information and Culture has ordered local media outlets to invite only guests who have identity cards and official approval from the ministry to political programs. A media advocacy organization has expressed concern over the decision, calling it a clear violation of freedom of expression and citizens’ right to access information.

The Afghan Media Support Organization (AMSO) issued a statement on Wednesday, May 29, stating that such measures are a direct attack on the independence of the media and violate citizens’ fundamental rights to access information.

The organization emphasized that the media should select topics and guests for programs based on professional standards and the needs of their audiences. According to AMSO, any external interference damages the professional identity of the media.

The statement continued that diversity of views is vital to the health of a society and that limiting the choice of guests is a form of public opinion control and censorship.

AMSO called on the Taliban not to create obstacles to the activities of the media and to guarantee the safety of journalists and their free activity in accordance with international principles.

The Taliban had previously provided the media with a list of political analysts and ordered that no one other than those specified be invited to participate in discussions. The group has also completely banned a number of critical analysts from appearing on media programs.