The Kabul Tribune (KT) — The Afghan Journalists Center has condemned the suspension of Radio Bamyan’s broadcasts by the Taliban intelligence agency and called for the immediate and unconditional reopening of the outlet.
The center said Radio Bamyan was shut down on May 17 following an order from Taliban intelligence authorities.
According to the organization, the Taliban cited the station’s lack of a valid operating license as the reason for the closure. However, it noted that the management of Radio Bamyan had repeatedly applied to renew its license.
Radio Bamyan began operations in 2003 and primarily broadcast social, health, and religious programs. With its closure, only one private radio station remains active in Bamyan province.
The Afghan Journalists Center expressed concern over increasing restrictions on media, stating that press freedom has significantly declined since the Taliban’s return to power, with many outlets forced to shut down due to mounting pressure and broadcasting limitations.
Based on the center’s data, at least 21 local television stations were either closed or converted into radio outlets in 2025 due to bans on broadcasting images of living beings. Additionally, the licenses of at least 10 media organizations were revoked during the same period.
