Media has troublesome story in Afghanistan. While Afghan kings and then USSR-backed and Mujahidin governments imposed strict censorships on the media, the Taliban regime – the darkest era for freedom of speech – proved to be the final nail in media’s coffin in Afghanistan. They crushed TV sets, banned photography and declared severe punished for whoever criticizes their government through speech or writing.

Since the ouster of Taliban from government as a result of US-led military campaign in late 2001, it seems as both print and broadcasting media has reborn. 13 years later, there are scores of TV and radio channels, newspapers and magazines operating across the country. The Afghan media played an active role in the recently held presidential election which was acclaimed by various circles in the country including the government authorities.

Nonetheless, development in media and freedom of expression has not been achieved without sacrifices. Afghanistan is one of the most dangerous countries for the journalists’ family. Tens of people both Afghan and foreign who were somehow involved in working with the domestic or international media have been slain. Meanwhile, torturing of journalists by Afghan security forces, warlords, criminal gangs etc. has dramatically grown in the recent years. The agony is that the culprits have never been brought to justice. Safety of life journalists and media personnel is extremely low. Despite that they do what they have to with great passion.

President Hamid Karzai countsdevelopment in media and freedom of speech as a major achievement of his government. In one of his recent radio address to the nation he said, “Over the past 13 years, one of great achievements of our people is the tremendous progress of free media in the country. The freedom of press in Afghanistan is un-parallel in the region and is developing by each passing day.” Admitting existence of problems he added, “In spite of problems, we have made extensive efforts to ensure the development of freedom of expression and media and did not allow anyone to undermine development of media in the country.”

Undoubtedly, media in Afghanistan has had significant growth under Karzai’s leadership. Nonetheless, during all the years he has governed the country, he has barely given an exclusive interview to any prominent Afghan private channel. He mostly conveys his messages and views through state media or news channels of the west and neighboring countries.

The media in Afghanistan has still a long way to go. The country requires more professional and more active media. Meanwhile, the government must do more for securing the life of journalists and media personnel, immediately approve of the long-pending ‘right to information’ law and do its utmost to maintain the current developments.