Taliban Suspends BBC Radio Broadcasts in Afghanistan After Report on Pakistani Airstrikes

DID Press: Taliban has suspended BBC radio broadcasts on FM frequencies in Afghanistan following the publication of an investigative report examining Pakistani airstrikes and damage to sites associated with the Taliban, according to informed sources. The sources said the order to halt the broadcasts was issued by the office of Taliban supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada.

The BBC investigation used satellite imagery to examine damage caused by Pakistani strikes to the home of Mullah Omar, the Taliban’s founder, and helicopter hangars reportedly controlled by the group’s leader. According to the sources, the publication of the findings angered Akhundzada and prompted the order to stop BBC radio broadcasts in Afghanistan.

The BBC had previously confirmed that its radio programmes on FM frequencies in Afghanistan had been taken off the air. The broadcaster said it was in discussions with Taliban officials to resolve the issue. It remains unclear whether those talks will lead to the restrictions being lifted.

The Taliban’s Ministry of Information and Culture has publicly cited what it described as “repeated violations” by the BBC, without specifying the alleged violations. Reuters also reported that the BBC confirmed the suspension and said it was working with Afghan authorities to resolve the matter. The reported link between the suspension and the investigation into Pakistani airstrikes has not been independently established.

The BBC says its Pashto, Dari and English services remain available to Afghan audiences through shortwave and medium-wave radio, online platforms and satellite broadcasts.