Nai in Exile: Domestic Radios in Afghanistan Have Become Taliban Propaganda Tools

Nai in Exile, an organization supporting free media in Afghanistan, stated on World Radio Day, observed on February 13, that domestic radio stations have turned into the "largest loudspeakers" for the Taliban since their return to power.

The group said in a statement that broadcasts from these stations under Taliban rule are neither aligned with today's global realities nor with an inclusive interpretation of religion that promotes coexistence, as the Taliban claim. It noted that relay and booster equipment for regional and international radios broadcasting to Afghanistan were disabled after the Taliban's takeover.

Nai in Exile highlighted that media and freedom of expression suffered their worst historical damage following the Taliban's return and the Doha agreement. Music broadcasts were banned, women's presence in radios was restricted or prohibited in many provinces, and a significant portion of stations became tools for promoting Taliban views.

The organization attributed the golden era of radio in Afghanistan to the two decades of the republic, particularly from 1380 to 1390 solar years (roughly 2001-2011), when radio experienced its greatest quantitative and qualitative growth. During this period, radio reached the most remote villages, producing programs in Dari, Pashto, and nearly all local languages and dialects, offering news, information, music, and entertainment.

It said the number of stations grew from one national radio under the first Taliban regime to over 350 national and local stations, significantly expanding diversity and coverage.

Afghanistan, with over 120 years since the establishment of its first radio, continues to hold a special place among audiences, providing the widest media coverage in the country, according to the statement.