Print media in Kunduz faced with extinction

KUNDUZ CITY (SW): Since the brief fall of Kunduz city to the Taliban insurgents last year, the print media in the province has not been able to resume its duty of informing the public.

Some of the publishers in the province say the fall led to destruction of their office and printing machines as the rebels vandalized their office during their brief stay in the city. Minhajuddin Yaqubi, one of the publishers, told Salam Watandar lack of security and funds are the main reasons behind the halt in publications. Zabiullah Majidi, director of another private publication, outlets that were active for the past six years are out of action for almost a year now.

A number of businessmen and investors from the province have moved to other parts of the country or abroad, which has further hampered the prospects for revival of print media in Kunduz.

Meanwhile, Sayed Mohammad Danish, provincial governor’s spokesman, has acknowledged the issues about fragile security in the province. He said the government is committed to support and protect free and independent media.

According to statistics, more than 10 publications have stopped since the brief fall of the city to the Taliban in September last year.

ENDS