KABUL, 05 January 2022, (TON): Dozens of Afghan media officials from across the country, especially those from radio stations, gathered in Kabul and shared their concerns over financial problems and restrictions in accessing information from Islamic Emirate officials.

The media officials said “economic problems, the restrictions in accessing information, and restrictions against women reporters are the main challenges they are facing right now.”

According to the local media officials, in the past four months, many radio stations have ceased operating in different provinces of the country because of the mentioned problems.

Zahid Engar, head of Radio Sulh-e-Paygham said “our income is low, but our expenditures are high.”

The media officials also said in some provinces female reporters do not appear on duty because of the restrictions.

Kamila Sahar, owner of Rayhan Radio and TV station in Takhar province said “in Takhar province we are facing financial challenges and we also cannot have female reporters at our outlet.”

Ibrahim Mohammadi, an official of a local radio station in Farah said “in Farah province, reporters are not permitted to visit the security department (officials) or the provincial governor unless they have been granted permission by the information and culture department.”

The media professionals and officials at the end of their gathering read out a statement listing their problems and demands and called on the Islamic Emirate to address them.