Wolesi Jirga panel praises Pajhwok Afghan News

KABUL’s religious and cultural commission on Sunday praised activities of Pajhwok Afghan News and Hasht-i-Subh daily newspaper.

Earlier, Pajhwok Afghan News published a report about the smuggling of 32 ventilators donated to Afghanistan  to neighbouring Pakistan.

The report drew widespread commendation and appreciation from government officials and people in social media.

A month back, the Reporters Without Borders (RSF) compiled a list of 30 coronavirus “information heroes,” including Pajhwok Afghan News whose courage, perseverance or capacity to innovate helped circulate reliable and vital information during the pandemic.

“Some people have taken such big risks to report the reality of the pandemic, they died as a result while others disappeared or have been jailed,” RSF secretary-general Christophe Deloire said.

“Prosecuted, attacked, and insulted – many paid a high price for defending the right to information and for combating the rumors and disinformation that aggravate the consequences of this public health crisis,”.

Wolesi Jirga’s religious and cultural commission appreciated media outlets particularly Pajhwok Afghan News for timely news during the quarantine period.

Nasir Mujadidi, a member of the commission, told a gathering that media persons risked their lives to report facts about the pandemic but they continued to fight against Covid-19 and were timely informing people.

He said, “We have seen many media persons losing their lives to the pandemic but they still they reported and informed people during the quarantine time in the country.”

Danish Karokhel, Pajhwok Afghan News editor in chief who was also present in the gathering said with the help and pressure of some lawmakers, the fate of 26 ventilators was recognized.

According to Danish, the Ministry of Public Health received 35 ventilators in donation after the spread of Covid-19, but now the ministry had confirmed donation of 63 ventilators.

Danish Karokhel said, “If you lawmakers and the people of Afghanistan help and support us, we can serve the country better.”

The Wolesi Jirga commission also awarded Wahid Paiman, head of the Hasht-i-Subh and Anisa Shaheed of TOLO TV.

The letter of appreciation was issued by the Wolesi Jirga Education and Higher Education Commissions to Danish Karokhel.

It says: “This award is issued to Pajhwok in reward for spreading awareness and fighting corruption during the Covid-19 quarantine time.”

Meanwhile, Chargé d’ Affaires at the US embassy in Kabul Ross Wilson also tweeted, “I applaud @HashteSubhDaily, @pajhwok& other media outlets, journalists, and activists for keeping the #Afghan government more responsive, transparent, & accountable. I urge authorities to investigate all credible allegations, disclose their findings, & hold culprits responsible.”

Pk/ma