RASC News Agency: Local sources in Khost report that “Gharghasht” Radio and Television has suspended all broadcasting activities in the province. Sources confirmed on Saturday, November 2, that this local network halted its programming two days ago. According to these sources, the suspension follows the Taliban’s imposition of new restrictions on media, specifically banning the broadcast of animated visuals. In response to these measures, Gharghasht has ceased all programming.
Earlier reports from Khost indicated that the Taliban had issued directives to visual media outlets in the province, ordering a halt to animated content. It is anticipated that additional television stations in Khost may also suspend operations in the coming days. Previously, visual media broadcasts were suspended by the Taliban in the provinces of Kandahar, Takhar, and Badghis.
Last week, during a session held in Kandahar, the Taliban gave private television stations a two-month deadline to convert their programming to audio-only formats. Since regaining control of Afghanistan, the Taliban have imposed sweeping restrictions on media outlets. In recent months, these constraints have intensified, including a comprehensive ban on animated visuals across media platforms. A recent directive from the Taliban’s leadership mandates all media organizations to adhere to these newly enforced regulations, warning of punitive measures for any defiance.
According to reports from media advocacy organizations, in the three years since the Taliban’s return to power, hundreds of journalists have been detained and subjected to torture, while the group has imposed numerous restrictions on press freedom across the nation.
