Order Banning the Publication of Images of Living Beings Communicated to Kunduz Media
The Taliban’s Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice in Kunduz province has issued an official letter to local authorities, announcing a ban on the broadcasting and publication of images of living beings through media outlets and social networks.
The Afghanistan Journalists Center, in a statement released yesterday (Wednesday, April 16,), expressed serious concern over this decision, warning that such actions pose a significant threat to freedom of expression, the flow of information, and citizens’ access to news.
AFJC stated that these recent restrictions are a clear violation of Afghanistan’s Mass Media Law and the fundamental principles of press freedom.
In a letter sent to the office of the Taliban governor in Kunduz—seen by AFJC—it is emphasized that the ban has been imposed based on Article 17 of the Law on the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice. Local sources have also confirmed that this directive has been communicated to media outlets and government departments.
Currently, in addition to state-run media such as National Radio and Television, Bakhtar News Agency, and the Kunduz Gazette, private outlets like Uranus TV and radio stations Shabnam, Kahandaz, Kunduz, and Roshani are operating in the province. With the implementation of this ban, many of these outlets have been forced to suspend their visual programming.
According to AFJC, since the enactment of the Law on the Promotion of Virtue in August 2024, this ban has been enforced in 14 provinces, including Kandahar, Takhar, Badghis, Helmand, Nangarhar, Nuristan, Farah, Nimroz, Badakhshan, Baghlan, Jawzjan, Zabul, and Parwan.
Although AFJC has observed some easing of restrictions in certain provinces, the Taliban’s leader continues to insist on full enforcement of the law. Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada reiterated the need for full implementation during a visit to Paktia last week.
AFJC, highlighting the negative impact of this decision on media activities, has warned that the continuation of this trend may lead to the closure of more media outlets and widespread unemployment among journalists.
AFJC has called on Taliban officials—especially those in Kandahar—to reconsider this decision and to facilitate the free and lawful operation of media in accordance with the country’s Mass Media Law.
