On the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, Afghanistan’s Ministry of Information and Culture said media outlets in the country should operate in accordance with Islamic and national values.

Deputy Minister of Publications Hayatullah Muhajer said media organizations should take societal expectations into account and ensure broad coverage of statements issued by the leadership of the Islamic Emirate.

He also said that more than 100 media-related violations were recorded across the country over the past year.

According to Muhajer, dozens of cultural and media programmes were organized nationwide during the same period, while a number of new media licenses were issued. He added that efforts are continuing to simplify administrative procedures and improve services for media institutions.

Muhajer said there is optimism about improvements in the country’s economic situation and noted that work is underway in that regard.

He also acknowledged ongoing challenges related to access to information, saying the ministry is taking the necessary steps to address the issue.

Meanwhile, Ministry of Information and Culture spokesperson Khubaib Ghufran reiterated the Islamic Emirate’s commitment to media freedom, the protection of journalists, and respect for privacy.

He said media outlets should consider the relationship between the public and the government in their reporting, adding that the ministry is working to facilitate and professionalize access to information across Afghanistan.

Meanwhile, marking World Press Freedom Day, UNESCO called on governments and societies worldwide to strengthen protections for freedom of expression and provide greater support for journalism as a cornerstone of peace and democracy.

In a statement issued on May 3, UNESCO said journalism plays a critical role in fostering peace, emphasizing that access to reliable and verified information is essential for building just, resilient and inclusive societies.

The organization warned that manipulation of information can deepen divisions and erode public trust, while free and accurate reporting promotes accountability, encourages dialogue and safeguards human rights.

UNESCO said World Press Freedom Day is also an important reminder for governments to uphold commitments to media freedom and protect the rights of journalists to work without interference.

The organization added that the occasion offers media professionals an opportunity to reflect on ethics, independence and the challenges facing journalism worldwide, while also expressing solidarity with outlets operating under pressure and honoring journalists who lost their lives in pursuit of the truth.

The 76th FIFA Congress in Vancouver, Canada, approved a record-breaking $14 billion budget for the 2027-2030 financial cycle, marking the largest revenue plan in the organization’s history.

FIFA said the increased budget would allow unprecedented investment in global football development, with major funding set aside for member associations, infrastructure, competitions and grassroots programs.

A key part of the approved plan is $2.7 billion for the FIFA Forward program, which supports football development across FIFA’s 211 Member Associations.

FIFA said the amount represents an eightfold increase compared with development funding available before 2016.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino said the organization had already invested $5 billion into football development over the past decade and pledged to expand support even further in the next cycle.

He told delegates the approved Forward funding should be seen as a starting point rather than a limit, adding that FIFA intends to invest even more as revenues continue to grow.

The FIFA Congress also approved the FIFA Annual Report 2025 during the meeting in Vancouver, attended by representatives from national football associations around the world.

Alongside financial matters, delegates received updates on preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America and FIFA’s ongoing Global Stand Against Racism campaign.

FIFA said the anti-racism program has expanded significantly since its launch in 2024, including stronger disciplinary measures, educational campaigns and social media protection services for players and teams.

The Congress further confirmed that the 77th FIFA Congress will take place in Rabat, Morocco, on March 18, 2027, where FIFA presidential elections are scheduled.

Infantino also announced that he intends to stand for re-election next year.

Sirajuddin Haqqani, the Minister of Interior, met on Saturday with Abdul Manan Omari, the Minister of Labor and Social Affairs, and discussed a number of important issues.

The Ministry of Interior said that the meeting focused on creating job opportunities inside and outside the country. It added that with increased coordination between the two ministries, the movement of workers traveling abroad or returning to the country will be facilitated.