Every year, May 2 is celebrated as World Press Freedom Day. Having a look at the increasing difficulties for journalists due to war and violence in a number of Asian and African countries, the day becomes even more meaningful. The expansion, maturity and functionality of press can be considered the only remarkable achievement of Afghanistan in last 13 years of democracy. Although we also improved our infrastructure, built so many new buildings, made the democratic organs functional but in all these achievements, there are still so many missing points and we need many years before the nation enjoys the true benefits of the mentioned achievements. However, the maturity, freedom and functionality of press have really been remarkable. Some analysts call it the best performance of press in the region. Afghan press, starting from scrape, rose to new heights of professional achievements. In these 13 years, many journalists lost their lives, many of them got injured, many others were threatened by warring factions, warlords, terrorist organizations or government officials but the spirit of keeping high the standards of reporting is still the same and every passing day brings more and more firmness and dedication in this regard.

This day brings an opportunity to reflect on the true conditions and difficulties of press in Afghanistan. The biggest challenge for them lies in form of financial problems. Due to limited circulation, limited number of businesses, their advertisements, and least contact with the foreign world, they are struggling hard to make the ends meet. It is the reason why, the workers and writers of newspapers and magazines are paid very meager wages, which in some cases, make them work at many different places to meet their expenses. In such circumstances, it is very difficult to expect much from the writers who are busy in earning their livelihood and do not find enough time to study and write in a relaxed manner. This has definitely resulted in the decline of the quality of writing. In the same way, the workers of radio and televisions are no more an exception. They are also paid in a way that they keep worrying about their financial obligations and with this worried mind and thoughts; they are not able to give their best.

Second problem lies in form of opposition from a number of groups functioning in the society. Unfortunately, last 13 years of democracy gave way to the increasing influence and power of a small group of warlords, tribal chiefs, business tycoons and political elite who are not ready to hear anything against their ill ambitions and deeds. They are so strong that they can create large numbers of problems to the owners and Journalists. In the same way, editors take good precaution before writing anything against them. Media has also been a target of terrorist organizations and anti-state elements like Taliban, and others. Journalists can never go in open to the areas under the influence of Taliban. Business groups, warlords and other powerful groups of our society keep creating problems to the journalists if they hear or read anything against them. In the same way, role of the concerned ministry and government organizations have not been much productive in this regard. Criticizing government is getting difficult with every passing day and Journalists are following hidden and invisible guidelines as what to do and what not. In the same way, at times our security forces and police officers get angry with the media when their faults or mistakes are exposed and made public.

Insecurity has also made limited the field of activity of journalists. Outside the capital city and other major cities of the country, rural areas are not under effective control of government forces and Taliban and tribal chiefs continue their indirect rule in the far-flung areas of the country. In such circumstances, journalists cannot make safe and convenient access to different parts of the country. In the same way, they find it difficult to travel to different parts of the country and bring the true picture to the people. In such circumstances, many events and incidents remain out of the coverage area, people listen or read only those things that reach to media with independent sources, and which cannot be further verified.

Another problem lies inside the media. Though lot of improvement has been made in last 13 years but still, many things remain to be done. There are many anchors who need to be well-trained to carry out their functions in more professional manner. There are many writers who need many training sessions to write according to the international standards. Except for a few newspapers, one can find large number of mistakes in grammar, content, proofreading and other aspects of news and the style of reporting is not according to the set standards of journalism. Due to these missing factors, the television and radio programs and writings in newspapers and magazines appear to be monotonous and unattractive. This fact also adds to the situation when the viewers or readers do not seem to be satisfied with the programs and writings of our media and they seem to be relying more on international sources.

Lack of adequate readers is also a problem and having a look at the present trend, the scenario does not seem to be changing in many years. Although our literacy rate has increased in the time of democracy but as a society, we are still infants in developing reading habits in people. Very limited number of people read newspapers or magazines and even less bother to buy and read books. Our youth is interested in internet and social networking sites more than the newspapers and books. Lack of culture of reading is another problem that would hinder the progress of print media in the long run.

In all these factors, the role of government and its ministry has been counter-productive. The ministry exists only to check the contents of radio and television programs and newspaper writings. The ministry has turned into a censorship authority that has nothing to do with the quality of journalism but only checks if there is anything against government or important figures of the society. It has badly failed to realize its duties regarding improvement of overall standards of journalism. In the same way, instead of promoting publication of good books and magazines, the concerned ministry comes into action to ban a book or magazine.

Having a look at the above facts, there seems to be a long way ahead before Afghan press can be called free and effective. Starting from government, and then to the media owners and workers and ending at the general public, every organ of the society has to play its part in making this happen.