The Taliban has issued a new media directive prohibiting all critical political discourse in Afghanistan's television and radio broadcasts. Under this directive, media outlets are required to obtain prior approval from Taliban authorities for program topics, guest speakers, and analyst commentary related to political content. The directive also instructs media to refrain from airing political programs that oppose Taliban policies. This move has drawn condemnation from press freedom organizations, including the Afghanistan-based Nai Supporting Open Media and the Canada-based Center for Free Expression, which described the directive as a calculated attack on press freedom and a clear sign of media repression. The United Nations Special Rapporteur for Afghanistan, Richard Bennett, expressed serious concern over the policy, noting it as a troubling step against the already limited media landscape in the country. Critics warn that the directive marks an escalation in the Taliban's crackdown on independent journalism and dissenting voices, effectively banning political debate in Afghan media.