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Watchdog raises concern over attacks plaguing media industry

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Afghanistan’s media workers have warned if government does not step up efforts to preserve freedom of expression and safeguard their lives they might end up being forced to flee the country. 
 
This comes after a string of attacks left five media workers dead in two months – amid a marked increase in targeted killings and attempted assassinations.  
 
At a meeting on Saturday, Afghan media workers said the escalation of targeted attacks against journalists and media workers has also led to self-censorship. 
 
In a statement issued by the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission (AIHRC), the organization stated that the Afghan government and Taliban urgently need to consider and respond to the demands of the Afghan media for support, safety, protection, timely investigations and access to information.
 
The AIHRC said targeted killings of journalists in the past few months have had a negative impact on media across the country and that many female journalists from the provinces have left their jobs. 
 
“It is very difficult for journalists to have access to the districts, even those near the provincial centers. They cannot easily move around the city. When those working in media including journalists are threatened, they refer to government security agencies, but, according to journalists, their concerns and demands are not given sufficient attention by the security institutions,” the statement read.
 
At Saturday’s meeting, over 100 journalists and representatives of media support organizations shared their concerns and challenges with Shaharzad Akbar, the AIHRC’s Chairperson and the commission’s leadership.
 
AIHRC said: “There has been a lot of psychological pressure on those working in media in Afghanistan in recent months due to the environment of fear and intimidation created by the targeted attacks. 
 
“The media community are worried about more restrictions that could affect their work and their lives. 
 
“The government of Afghanistan has not shared sufficient information on preventing the targeted killings of journalists and prosecuting the perpetrators.”
 
This also comes just weeks after government announced it had dismantled the spokesperson position for provincial governor offices.
 
Since the decision came into effect, on December 2, the governors themselves are responsible for giving information to the media. 
 
“Dismantling this position has caused concern about disruption in the free circulation of information in the country. Most journalists complain about lack of access to information and data at the provincial level. 
 
“To this end, the media call on the government to ensure freedom of expression and respect people’s right to access information by revising the decision about dismantling the spokesperson position in the provincial governors’ offices,” the statement read.
 
Journalists at the meeting also called for a number of other measures to be considered. 
 
They asked for the international community to pressure the warring parties to agree to a ceasefire and end the violence and targeted killings; that the Afghan government must prevent targeted attacks, ensure security of journalists, and investigate cases of murder, threat, intimidation and violations against journalists. And also identify and prosecute the perpetrators and share the results with the people and families of the victims.
 
The journalists stated that the Taliban cannot abdicate responsibility for the attacks by mere denials and said if the Taliban is not involved, they must share their information and findings with the public. 
 
Some journalists expressed their concern over hate-inducing, violent language and narratives by local Taliban-affiliated media regarding independent journalists and free press and said this language and narrative has the potential to be normalized and could end up spreading violence against independent media.
 
The AIHRC meanwhile expressed its concern about the threats and limitations facing the media and journalists and called on the international community, Afghan government and Taliban to urgently consider the situation. 
 
Freedom of expression and the growth of the media sector is one of Afghanistan’s most significant achievements over the past twenty years and the media in Afghanistan has played an important role in ensuring citizens’ access to information, holding the government accountable, and promoting democratic institutions despite the difficult security situation. 

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Haqqani visits four Afghan provinces, meets local officials and residents

During his visit to Paktia, Haqqani met with tribal elders in Gardez-e-Sher district and attended a condolence gathering for a deceased family member.

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Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani has visited Ghazni, Paktika, Paktia and Maidan Wardak provinces, meeting with local officials, religious scholars, tribal elders, security members and residents to discuss security, governance and community concerns.

According to a statement released by the ministry, Haqqani listened to residents’ concerns, reviewed the activities of local authorities and discussed administrative and security challenges during his visits.

In Ghazni, Haqqani attended a graduation ceremony at Noor-ul-Madaris Madrasa in Shilgar district, where more than 400 students received graduation certificates from various departments.

He also visited an elementary school in Behbud village of Gilan district, where he reviewed the learning environment and discussed plans for constructing a school building and providing assistance to students.

During another visit, he inspected the Shaheed Muslim Orphanage in Janda area and received information about the children’s education and welfare.

In Paktika, Haqqani met with local residents, tribal elders and security members in Khairkot district, emphasizing reconstruction and national development.

He said the period of war and bloodshed had ended and that Afghanistan should now focus on rebuilding and progress. He also described reconstruction as a shared responsibility between the government and the public.

At the Paktika provincial governor’s office, Haqqani met civilian and security officials to discuss the province’s overall situation, administrative affairs, security challenges and public service needs.

He also met separately with people with disabilities, listened to their concerns and assured them of cooperation and support.

During his visit to Paktia, Haqqani met with tribal elders in Gardez-e-Sher district and attended a condolence gathering for a deceased family member.

His final stop was Maidan Wardak province, where he visited the Tang-e Valley and attended another condolence gathering before returning to Kabul.

The four-province tour focused on engagement with local communities, reviewing provincial affairs and discussing reconstruction, governance and public concerns.

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Afghan and Iranian officials discuss expanding economic cooperation

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Ahmad Jan Bilal, General Director of State-Owned Corporations, met on Tuesday with Iran’s Ambassador to Kabul, Ali Reza Bikdeli, to discuss expanding bilateral economic cooperation and following up on issues raised during his recent visit to Iran.

According to a statement from the General Directorate of State-Owned Companies, the meeting focused on reviewing ways to implement discussions held with Iranian officials during Bilal’s visit.

Bikdeli described the visit as positive and productive, stressing the importance of following up on the issues discussed and taking practical steps to advance bilateral cooperation.

He said Iran is ready to cooperate with Afghanistan in oil and gas exploration, extraction and exports, refinery construction, agriculture, water and electricity.

Bilal, for his part, said the Islamic Emirate is interested in expanding joint cooperation with Iran in energy, agriculture, industrial development and other economic sectors. He added that his office would work with the Iranian side to turn the proposed areas of cooperation into practical initiatives.

Bilal also reaffirmed his office’s commitment to following up on the issues discussed during his recent visit to Iran and working towards their implementation in coordination with Iranian officials.

Bilal recently visited Iran at the head of a delegation, holding talks with several Iranian officials on expanding economic, trade and investment ties, particularly in the state-owned companies sector.

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Ariana Airlines reduces Kabul–Islamabad–Kabul airfares by $20

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Ariana Afghan Airlines announced on Tuesday a reduction in ticket prices for flights on the Kabul–Islamabad–Kabul route from $190 to $170.

According to the airline, passengers can now purchase tickets for this route at $20 less than the previous fare.

The airline has also set a special fare of $150 for students travelling on this route.

Ariana Afghan Airlines said the move aims to reduce travel costs and make air travel more affordable and accessible for passengers and students.

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