The Afghanistan Journalists Center (AFJC) reported that seven media outlets have been shut down in the first half of 2024 under Taliban orders. The center also documented 89 violations against journalists and media, including 60 threats and 29 detentions.

On Thursday, July 18th, the Afghanistan Journalists Center highlighted the situation of media and journalists during the first half of 2024. It reported increased pressure and censorship of independent media content by the Taliban.

The findings of the Afghanistan Journalists Center indicate that seven media outlets were closed under Taliban orders during this period. According to the report, “Two television channels in  Kabul by the Taliban Ministry of Justice, two radios by the Taliban municipality in Ghazni, one radio in Laghman, and one radio in Parwan and Khost have been shut down.”

The center mentioned that some of these media outlets remain closed due to the Taliban intelligence not renewing their licenses, leading to their suspension.

The Afghan Journalists Center stated that three local radios were temporarily closed, while two television channels and two radios remain shut without permission to reopen.

The report also highlighted that among detained journalists, one reporter arrested during an operation in Ghazni on April 7, 2024 is still imprisoned.

The center noted that Taliban restrictions on media are more stringent in southern and eastern provinces, with media outlets threatened for broadcasting programs with female voices or musical backgrounds.

According to excerpts from the report, “Local journalists can only collaborate with national media by obtaining approval from local authorities. This pressure extends to the publication of any content on social networks and personal accounts of journalists.”

The Center mentioned that the Taliban prohibit cooperation with active media outlets in exile while restricting access to information.

The center has urged the Taliban to refrain from imposing unjustified and illegal demands on journalists and media and to create an environment where the media can operate without fear.

Meanwhile, the situation facing journalists and media under Taliban rule remains challenging and requires continued international attention and advocacy to uphold freedom of expression and press freedoms in Afghanistan.

Save the Children Organization reports that devastating floods and storms have affected 858,000 children in the provinces of Kunar, Laghman, and Nangarhar.

According to the organization, about 1,500 children were displaced following recent heavy rains in several provinces nationwide.

Climate change has affected approximately 1.36 million people, including 858,000 children, in Nangarhar, Laghman, and Kunar provinces, the Child Protection Organization emphasized.

Afghanistan continues to face multiple crises, including forced migration, economic instability, food insecurity, earthquakes, climate change, and reduced humanitarian aid.

Recent floods and storms in Nangarhar, Laghman, Kunar, Paktia, and Badakhshan provinces have resulted in dozens of fatalities and significant financial losses.

Approximately 40 people lost their lives, and 350 others were injured due to recent rains and floods in Nangarhar, according to the organization’s statistics.

The Child Protection Organization’s report states that Afghanistan is experiencing one of the worst humanitarian crises in decades, exacerbated by climate change and extreme poverty.

Droughts, heavy rains, and devastating floods over the past year have severely impacted the lives of millions in Afghanistan.

Meanwhile, Afghanistan’s vulnerable population, especially children, continues to endure immense hardships amidst ongoing environmental challenges and socioeconomic instability.

Simultaneous with the observance of Ashura ceremonies, reports indicate that the Taliban have completely shut down all telecommunications networks in Kabul, the capital city.

According to the reports, Taliban forces have also blocked all roads in western Kabul, claiming to ensure security.

The telecommunications networks have been down in Kabul since Tuesday morning, according to sources.

Meanwhile, the Taliban forces have prohibited the movement of residents in western Kabul along with the telecom shutdown.

In previous years, the Taliban have also disrupted telecommunications networks in some Afghanistan cities during Ashura.

The Taliban have not officially commented on the telecommunications and internet services shut down.

Meanwhile, the Taliban’s actions during Ashura underscore ongoing security challenges in Kabul, impacting communication and movement in the capital.

The situation raises concerns about broader implications for civilian life and operations in the city amid escalating tensions and security measures.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reports that over the past six months, 20,802 Afghan migrants have returned to Afghanistan from Pakistan, including 15,563 who returned voluntarily and 5,239 who were compelled to do so.

According to a report released by the UNHCR on Sunday, July 14, from January 1 to July 13, 36,365 Afghan migrants entered Pakistan.

The UNHCR’s report states that more than 57% of the total returning migrants did so involuntarily, while over 42% returned voluntarily.

The UNHCR emphasizes that among the returnees are holders of Proof of Registration (POR) cards, Afghan Citizenship Cards (ACC), UNHCR asylum documents, and migrants lacking any documents.

Most of the returning migrants from Pakistan are reported to be women and children under the age of 18.

In the past week alone, 1,596 Afghan migrants returned to Afghanistan, either voluntarily or involuntarily.

Despite calls from the UNHCR and various human rights organizations to halt the expulsion of Afghan migrants from Pakistan, the process continues unabated.

Reports indicate that currently, 3.1 million Afghan migrants reside in Pakistan, with 1.3 million lacking any legal documentation.