KABUL (Pajhwok): Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) chief spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid says the administration has no intention of censoring the media, adding that withholding content contrary to national interests that does not need to be published does not constitute censorship.
He urged government spokesmen to share accurate information with the media in a timely manner.
Mujahid and Kandahar’s newly appointed deputy governor, Mawlawi Saifuddin Taib, met journalists at the Kandahar governor’s office on Monday.
At the meeting, Mujahid said the IEA had no intention of censoring the media, adding that withholding content that ran counter to national interests and did not need to be published should not be considered censorship.
Praising journalists for their efforts and work, he stressed the need to provide them with the necessary facilities and share timely information about incidents and other important issues.
He also urged government spokesmen to provide the media with accurate information promptly to prevent rumours and ensure transparency, enabling journalists to answer public questions and curb the spread of misinformation.
Mujahid added that some foreign circles were attempting to create a sense of media insecurity about Afghanistan, but their efforts would not succeed.
He said security was well maintained throughout Afghanistan, but some circles exaggerated minor incidents, creating public concern.
Meanwhile, Kandahar’s newly appointed deputy governor, Mawlawi Saifuddin Taib, said some countries were waging an ideological war against Afghans.
He urged journalists to remain vigilant against this campaign and fulfil their responsibility to raise public awareness in response to what he described as false propaganda by Afghanistan’s enemies.
Journalists at the meeting also discussed their work, saying they published reports and other content within the framework of the Islamic Emirate’s principles.
However, they stressed that reports reflecting public demands, daily problems and needs should not be interpreted as criticism of the Islamic Emirate.
They emphasised that highlighting people’s problems and demands through the media was an important part of journalists’ professional responsibilities.
Such coverage, they said, should be viewed as a means of addressing problems and conveying the public’s concerns to officials.
sa
