Afghanistan’s Taliban-run Ministry of Information and Culture has ordered radio and television stations to halt all critical political discussion and seek prior approval for the topics, guests and commentary of any programme that addresses politics. The directive also tells presenters to adopt a “respectful tone” when referring to Taliban policies and officials, with non-compliant outlets warned that their operating licences could be revoked. The edict deepens the Islamist group’s restrictions on free expression that have accelerated since it regained power in August 2021. Nai, a media-advocacy organisation now operating in exile, condemned the measure as an "overt sign of authoritarian rule," saying it would turn remaining Afghan outlets into Taliban propaganda channels. The group noted that the number of active media organisations has already fallen to roughly 180 from about 550 before the takeover and urged international bodies to press Kabul to restore press freedom.