According to a report published yesterday on a local newspaper, the National Directorate of Security (NDS) has exposed the names of print and broadcasting media that are funded by Pakistan and Iran and that try to mold their messages to the public in accordance with objectives of the said countries. Speaking in a media conference in Kabul, Lutfullah Mashal, NDS Spokesman said that Insaf Newspaper and Tamadon and Noor TV channels were funded and supported by Iran while Shamshad and Zwandon TV channels got support and funds from Pakistan.
He said that a notable number of Iranian and Pakistani citizens were hired by these TV channels who work in favor of their own countries. This comes at times when already the government and its international allies have accused our neighboring countries for interfering in the internal issues of Afghanistan. Recently the US authorities blamed Iran for trying to boost violence in Afghanistan over the burning of Holy Qur'an at Bagram Airfield by American troops.
No doubt the finding of the NDS speaks of its responsibility towards securing our national interest and limiting the interference of foreign countries in Afghan media. In the last decade, among many developments, the media in Afghanistan has emerged as pivotal source of transferring accurate information to the public. Meddling of any kind in such a crucial area would mean its destruction. Loss to the media is loss to the country. It would be better if the NDS had resolved the issue with the mentioned newspapers and TV channels without making it public.
In today's Afghanistan, there are hundreds of functioning electronic and print media. Reportedly, many are linked to individuals, war lords or have other affiliations. Even the ethnic division can be easily observed in these media. But as Afghanistan will move ahead, such issues are expected to eliminate.
The media can play a very crucial role for promoting integration, peace and harmony in Afghanistan by reflecting the truth. No country should be allowed to use Afghan media as tool to reach its own objectives inside Afghanistan.