Afghanistan bans Pakistani newspapers

Published September 21, 2012

The Afghan Ministry of Interior called the content of Pakistani newspapers Taliban propaganda. -File Photo

KABUL: Afghanistan banned all Pakistani newspapers from entering the country on Friday in an attempt to block the Taliban from influencing public opinion via the press.    

The order, issued by the Ministry of Interior, adds to the mounting tension between the neighboring countries.

It focuses specifically on blocking entry of the papers at Torkham, a busy border crossing, and directed border police to gather up Pakistani newspapers in the three eastern provinces of Nangarhar, Kunar and Nuristan.

In a statement, the ministry said the newspapers were a conduit for Taliban propaganda.

''The news is not based in reality and it is creating concerns for our countrymen in the eastern provinces of Afghanistan,'' the ministry said in a statement. ''Also, the newspapers are a propaganda resource of the Taliban spokesmen.''

The tensions between the two countries were highlighted Thursday at a UN Security Council meeting, when Afghan Foreign Minister Zalmai Rassoul called on Pakistan to stop shelling in the border province of Kunar, which he said has killed dozens of civilians.

He said the attacks were jeopardizing bilateral relations ''with potential negative consequences for necessary bilateral cooperation for peace, security and economic development in our two countries and the wider region.''

Many Pakistani Taliban fighters have fled to Kunar and surrounding areas after Pakistan's army pushed them out of its tribal region, taking advantage of the US military's withdrawal of most of its forces from these Afghan border provinces in recent years.

Opinion

Editorial

‘Source of terror’
Updated 29 Mar, 2024

‘Source of terror’

It is clear that going after militant groups inside Afghanistan unilaterally presents its own set of difficulties.
Chipping in
29 Mar, 2024

Chipping in

FEDERAL infrastructure development schemes are located in the provinces. Most such projects — for instance,...
Toxic emitters
29 Mar, 2024

Toxic emitters

IT is concerning to note that dozens of industries have been violating environmental laws in and around Islamabad....
Judiciary’s SOS
Updated 28 Mar, 2024

Judiciary’s SOS

The ball is now in CJP Isa’s court, and he will feel pressure to take action.
Data protection
28 Mar, 2024

Data protection

WHAT do we want? Data protection laws. When do we want them? Immediately. Without delay, if we are to prevent ...
Selling humans
28 Mar, 2024

Selling humans

HUMAN traders feed off economic distress; they peddle promises of a better life to the impoverished who, mired in...