IEA officials highlight importance of journalism in Afghan society

Senior officials of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) have stressed the essential role of journalism in promoting public awareness, unity, and moral development in the country.

Speaking on Monday at a Ministry of Information and Culture conference titled “Real Journalism, Informed Citizens, and a Healthy Society,” Noorulhaq Anwar, Head of the Administration Affairs Office, said the IEA strongly supports what it calls “real journalism” and is committed to protecting the status and value of journalists.

“The enemy uses every possible means to spread false rumors and misleading propaganda,” Anwar said. “However, the Islamic Emirate ensures full protection of journalists’ status, and all interactions are conducted on the basis of principles.”

He argued that unlike previous governments, which he claimed neglected journalists’ rights, the IEA values principled journalism and sees it as vital in preventing injustice, fostering unity, and strengthening compassion in society. Anwar also emphasized that adherence to professional ethics—whether in journalism, medicine, engineering, or other fields—brings broad benefits to the community.

Also addressing the event was Lotfullah Khairkhah, Head of Supervision at the Central Bank of Afghanistan. He underlined the foundational role of journalism in public education and awareness. He linked its importance to Islamic principles, saying journalism contributes significantly to both knowledge and moral development.

“The land is our property and our right, and we will not relinquish the perspectives of the people living on it to anyone,” Khairkhah said, adding that journalism plays a critical role in shaping and educating society.

The conference brought together government officials and media representatives to discuss the value of principled reporting and its place in Afghan society at a time of ongoing challenges for press freedom.