A number of journalists and private media officials in Paktia say that the activities of institutions that exploit the name of media and journalists must be halted.
During a coordination meeting between journalists, media officials, and government spokespersons in Gardez, they emphasized the need for timely access to information by government authorities.
Khalid Zaheen, a journalist, stated: “Media support organizations in Paktia have so far provided no assistance to journalists and media outlets. Our request to these institutions is to increase transparency in their activities and allocate the resources they receive in the name of media and journalists to those who truly deserve them.”
Ashiqullah Danish, a representative of a private media outlet in Paktia, said: “We urge the government to take serious actions against these institutions and to investigate the funds they receive in the name of journalists to determine how much actually reaches those in need.”
Local officials say that in addition to supporting journalists and media outlets, they will also prevent any misuse of their name.
Sawab Jan Islamyar, Director of Information and Culture in Paktia, stated: “At the government level, we have a committee that operates under the framework of the Ministry of Information and Culture. However, if any individual or institution acts beyond this framework, we will take action against them in accordance with the law.”
Meanwhile, some journalists in Ghazni say they still do not have timely access to information and have urged government officials to address this issue.
Momin Sial, a journalist, said: “At times, journalists are not allowed to film or report from certain locations, and in some areas, they are even threatened and forced to leave.”
Hafiz Baryal, a journalist, said: “We call on officials to make greater efforts in creating a suitable environment and facilitating access to information.”
Previously, the Ministry of Information and Culture had announced that the Media Law and Access to Information Law would soon be enforced.