The Taliban government has suspended BBC broadcasts from FM radio sites throughout Afghanistan. Khubaib Ghufran, a spokesman for the Taliban Ministry of Information and Culture, stated that the suspension is due to "repeated violations" by the media outlet.
"Due to some repeated violations by the BBC media outlet, it is decided that for time being its activity is suspended across the country." The broadcaster noted that millions of people in Afghanistan depend on the BBC for accurate news and information, adding that it is working with authorities to resolve the issue.
Despite the suspension, the broadcaster said it will continue reporting fairly and independently in Pashto, Dari, and English via satellite, online, and on shortwave and medium wave radio. The BBC Afghan service has been active since 1981 and currently reaches more than 20 percent of the adult population in Afghanistan every week.
This action follows the 2022 ban on two US outlets and existing restrictions that prohibit music broadcasts, prevent women from appearing on air with men, and bar girls from secondary schools.
"Due to some repeated violations by the BBC media outlet, it is decided that for time being its activity is suspended across the country."
Taliban Ministry of Information and Culture spokesman Khubaib Ghufran
