LASHKARGAH(SW) – Growing restrictions on press freedom and deteriorating economic circumstances are forcing local journalists to look for labour-intensive daily wage jobs across Afghanistan to make ends meet.
Janan Sial, a cameraman and video editor for Helmand’s Bakhtar TV, was forced to flee to Pakistan for a living after the media outlet closed down last year. Now that he has returned from Pakistan, he says unemployment has forced him to work hard for survival.
Another journalist, Mohammad Wali Mohammadi worked in the news department of Helmand Jwandon Radio and Television. He says that since the day this media outlet ceased operations, in addition to economic problems, he has also suffered from psychological problems. Mohammadi added that due to unemployment, he has started selling winter clothes and now, with the arrival of summer, his business situation has deteriorated.
Local officials at the Islamic Emirate in Helmand acknowledge the journalists’ problems and say they will address them if possible.
In the previous government, Helmand witnessed the activities of many media outlets, but after the Islamic Emirate came to power, a number of these media outlets were shut down.
Women media workers have particularly suffered under such circumstances.
ENDS
