The Taliban’s Ministry of Information and Culture has temporarily shut down the Rah-e-Farda radio and television network, citing unresolved wage complaints by staff and journalists.
Owned by influential political figure and former jihadi commander Mohammad Mohaqiq, Rah-e-Farda has long been a visible voice in Afghanistan’s media landscape—known both for its ties to political groups and its occasional criticism of Taliban rule.
According to the ministry, the decision follows numerous grievances filed by employees over unpaid salaries and benefits. Despite multiple summons and mediation efforts by the Media Complaints and Violations Commission, the ministry claims Rah-e-Farda’s management failed to address the situation and allegedly intimidated some staff members.
The case has now been referred to the judiciary, and the network will remain off-air until a court reaches a verdict. “This step was taken in line with existing media laws,” the ministry stated.
Launched in 2007, Rah-e-Farda is one of several private Afghan broadcasters with links to former government officials and political movements. It has provided extensive coverage of the People’s Islamic Unity Party of Afghanistan and its leader, Mohaqiq, while also offering programming critical of the Taliban—something that has drawn attention under the group’s increasingly restrictive media policies.
This isn’t the first time the channel has been in the Taliban’s crosshairs. Back in 2022, it was temporarily shuttered over unpaid frequency fees but resumed operations shortly afterward.
Since the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021, the media environment in Afghanistan has deteriorated sharply. Dozens of independent outlets have closed due to censorship, financial hardship, or safety concerns. Many journalists have left the profession—or the country entirely—amid growing fear and uncertainty.
The suspension of Rah-e-Farda is a telling example of how Afghanistan’s fragile media sector is being squeezed from all sides: political pressure, legal action, and economic instability. For many journalists still working inside the country, the path forward continues to narrow.
