Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai, the political deputy minister of foreign affairs, says media outlets should be supported in a way that there is no distance between them and the government.
Stanikzai, speaking at a seminar titled “The Role of Media in Strengthening the Islamic System” in Kabul, added that the media plays a crucial role in global propaganda wars, and it is necessary for the IEA to cease exerting pressure on the country’s media and allow them to freely play their role in the development and prosperity of the country.
“The problems of the media should be heard, their voices should be heard, and the environment should be conducive for them to carry out their work freely,” he stated.
He further emphasized that the views towards the country’s media should be such that both sides do not view each other as strangers, and the IEA should refrain from exerting pressure on the media and allow them to operate with freedom.
Meanwhile, officials from the Ministry of Information and Culture also stated at the seminar that they have not adopted an approach of confrontation with the media and that the ministry is committed to collaborating with them.
Participants in the seminar also urged the media to spare no effort in reflecting a positive image of Afghanistan to the world.
This seminar was held at a time the media considers itself committed to freedom of expression and reporting activities within the framework of national interests and Islamic values.