The Afghanistan Journalists Center reports that the Taliban's Ministry of Communications and Information Technology has suspended the licenses of 17 local media outlets in Nangarhar due to non-payment of frequency taxes. The ministry has warned that these outlets will not be allowed to operate until their previous taxes are paid.
According to Tarz Press, the center expressed serious concern in a statement issued today, Monday, August 5, calling for a reconsideration of this decision and a fair approach toward local media. The Taliban's Ministry of Communications and Information Technology stated that the decision to suspend the frequency licenses of private radios and televisions in this province has been communicated to media owners both orally and in writing. According to the ministry, this decision was made on September 24, 2023, and is to be implemented in all provinces. While there has been no practical obstruction to the work of these radio and television stations so far, media owners have been warned that if they do not renew their licenses soon, their outlets will be shut down.
In the meantime, local media officials in Nangarhar have formally requested the local Taliban administration to address this issue, suggesting that the matter be discussed with senior officials of the Ministry of Information and Culture and the Ministry of Communications through the Information and Culture Directorate. The Afghanistan Journalists Center added that local radio and television stations in Nangarhar must pay approximately $1,350 annually for frequency license renewal and an additional $25 in auxiliary costs. According to sources, all local media are in debt, with their arrears ranging from one to over ten years.
This situation arises after the fall of the Republic on August 15, 2021, which led to the cessation of operations for private TV channel Enikass and radio stations Nargis and Islah in Nangarhar. Currently, three private TV stations—Bahar, Sharq, and Arzish—and 14 radio stations—including Hamisha Bahar, Nan, Arzish, Sharq, Mazal, Safa, Mina, Dost, Manar, Maram, Haqiqat, Hood, Spin Ghar, and Ulfat—are active in Nangarhar province.
