GARDEZ (SW) – With the fall of government in Kabul, at least 20 press publications have ceased operations in Paktia, Pakitika and Khost provinces of Afghanistan.
Media officials in Paktia told Salam Watandar that with the change in the regime, many print media outlets have stopped operating due to economic and other problems.
Faridullah Ahmadzai, head of the Paktia Press Club, told Salam Watandar that six print media outlets namely Madar, Afghan Nang, Saba, Tahleel, Chirag and Paktia Ghag had been shut down due to financial problems and a lack of suitable working environment in the province. “Paktia’s six print media outlets, which had broadcasts in different parts of the country, have been delayed due to lack of financial resources and other issues. Problems need to be taken seriously.”
In neighboring Khost and Paktika too, the print media is facing a similar fate, with nine print media outlets closing down.
Spin Gul Rawan Noorzai, head of the Taroon Magazine in Khost, said print media outlets were concerned that if they started publications, they might not have as many customers and markets as before. He said the work of 10 print media outlets in Khost has been suspended.
Khairullah Zaki, a local journalist in Paktika, said that with the new Taliban government in place, the economic situation of the media was worse than ever and that more than three media outlets had been shut down in the province. “People still don’t know whether print media will find a market or not and who will be able to buy the newspapers and magazines”.
Officials at the Paktia Information and Culture Department acknowledged financial problems in the media sector and said they were working to ensure that all media outlets had access to information.
Khaliqyar Ahmadzai, director of Paktia’s information and culture department, said most of their publications depended on advertisements.
In the southeastern provinces, not only have print media suspended operations, but some audio and video media outlets have also faced severe difficulties. One week ago, thee Melma radio station in Paktika was shut down in this connection.
ENDS
