It’s ridiculous and unsound to compare functioning of media at present, with the one found during Taliban regime given democracy claims to be the champion of fundamental human rights, where the right to expression comes preliminary. People caught with a television were subject to imprisonment or flogging. They unknowingly turned down the worth of vital organ of society, without which a society renders to be impaired and dysfunctional.

Both print and electronic media have turned to be, functionally vital organ of contemporary society; the eyes to disclose the misappropriations, unearth the harsh realities of lives of fellow citizens, miserable state of those governed and endless indifference of government; the ear, to hear the unheard, denied and desperate voices; the tongue, to unfold the unspoken bitter truths with exception to consideration of societal position of public officials or tribal, in regards. Afghan media has strived hard to abide by standard procedure of its undertakings and due responsibilities despite the least assurances of security, safety and minimal remuneration. 

Reportedly, most cases of violence against journalists involved the Taliban, government employees and officials of private organizations, but rarely average Afghans. Formerly, two journalists of Associated Foreign Press (AFP) were gunned down on the eve of election. The public officials, Taliban, tribal lords demanding censored news, favoring their deep rooted interests irrespective of the legitimacy regarded, serve a primary reason making journalists vulnerable to violence and endless threats.

The killings and death threats demonstrate the major challenges facing journalists and freedom of speech in Afghanistan and the urgency to find ways to provide journalists protection. With exception to risk of life the daily wages are infinitesimally small. Journalists still struggle for fair wages and decent working conditions. It’s worth, underlying the media persons suffer lack of laws, protecting wages and secure working conditions.

In spite of provisions of comparatively better working environment and restricted degree of liberty, Afghan media has been a frequent object of repression, subjugation and harsh treatments by state and anti-state elements, serving a preliminary reason, impacting their quality services.

Many cases of reasonless and flawed accusation and allegations are charged against certain media outlets and journalists following their imprisonment and coercion to flee and seek asylum in different countries.

The functioning of media bodies, foreign or local, becoming targets for reprisal for their work as journalists might get worsened. The governments must come forth sincerely, addressing the boundless challenges afghan media faces and must not let this very functional organ of society, beleaguer.

With exception to intimidation by non-state actors, state actors are equally found intimidating the journalists to gain an unrightfully favor else are warned of inexplicable consequences. In that pursuit many cases are registered against some of the journalists, few were imprisoned and still other fled to other countries. The media faced increased financial challenges and growing restrictions with regards to access to information is none of government concern. Regretfully stating the government seems not to be interested in legislating, the right to information Law.