ISLAMABAD: The Afghanistan Journalists Center on Thursday condemned the Taliban’s suspension of Radio Bamyan, calling for the station’s immediate and unconditional reopening amid growing concerns over media restrictions in Afghanistan, according to Hasht e Subh Daily.
Radio Bamyan’s broadcasts were halted on May 17 by order of the Taliban’s General Directorate of Intelligence, the daily reported, quoting the center.
Taliban authorities reportedly said the station lacked a valid operating license, despite repeated efforts by the broadcaster to renew its permit.
Radio Bamyan, established in 2003, aired social, health and religious programming for residents of Bamyan province.
Its closure leaves only one private radio station operating in the province.
The Afghanistan Journalists Center expressed alarm over what it described as an escalating crackdown on independent media since the Taliban returned to power in August 2021.
The group said press freedom has sharply deteriorated, with many media organizations forced to cease operations because of mounting pressure and restrictions imposed by Taliban authorities.
In its latest report, the center said that in 2025 alone at least 21 local television stations were either shut down or converted into radio stations following the Taliban’s ban on broadcasting images of living beings.
The report also said at least 10 media organizations have had their operating licenses revoked this year.
The Taliban have imposed sweeping restrictions on journalists and media outlets since regaining control of the country, drawing criticism from international human rights organizations and press freedom advocates.
