The Lower House debate about media freedom and comments by MP Khawasi has drawn criticism. During the speech of Information and Culture Minister Makhdoom Raheen on Saturday, Khawasi had said Jihad was permissible against the media outlets who were working against the “interests” of Afghans. He said, “The irresponsible media that is working for the foreigner's interests and ignoring the welfare of Afghans. Jihad is permissible against them."

Mr. Khawasi has been making similar fiery and irresponsible remarks in the past talking on other issues. With such mindset inside the parliament, Taliban would not be the only ones who need to reconcile with new social realities of Afghanistan. Such comments are not only extremely irresponsible, but need to be strongly condemned by his fellow MPs. Though he was criticized by several MPs, but a stronger opposition should be shown so that such elements should be careful about their language.

Mr. Khawasi’s remarks in are condemnable in the strongest terms. Such mindset cannot tolerate the limited freedom of speech and expression in practice by the infant Afghan media. No one should entitle himself with the right to define “national interest” of Afghanistan and its people. There is a Constitution and laws. If any outlet is found to be against those, there is a legal procedure. Announcing Jihad inside the parliament makes no difference with the ideology of the Taliban.

Media watchdog Nai Supporting Open Media in Afghanistan has also condemned the remarks, saying that some circles inside the Parliament and government are trying to attack the media and curtail its freedom. "Announcing Jihad against the media is an insult to one of country's most important sector," said Nai. It also called for approval of the draft Media Law.

The Government intends to pressurize some media outlets through such tactics. Recently President supported the call from his Ulema Council for a crackdown on television stations, saying their programs are "immoral and un-Islamic". In a decree, the President has asked the Ministry of Information and Culture to prevent TV channels from broadcasting programs which are “vulgar, obscene and un-Islamic” and are “counter to social morality”. Who will define vulgarism and national interest in the domestic political context? It is nothing more than an effort to tighten control on the freedom of speech and expression in an increasing totalitarian behavior of current Administration.

Minister Raheen’s remarks in the parliament also show the intentions of Government to pressurize media and prepare grounds for censorship attempts. He said names of all media organizations and journalists that are working against the “national interest” and “insult dignitaries” will be announced within a month. He added that some broadcasts by media outlets are “un-Islamic”.