Afghanistan continues to remain at top of the list among countries most dangerous for journalists. There were 77 cases of violence against journalists in Afghanistan during the past year. Four journalists killed were Sadim Khan Bahadarzai, Jafar Mehdavi, Farhad Taqadusi and Ahmad Omid Khpalwak.
Marking the World Press Freedom Day in Kabul, media organization Nai officials said seven journalists were injured, three detained, 24 beaten up and 19 threatened by government officials. Head of Nai, SidiqullahTawhidi said during the last 10 years, 31 journalists have been killed, but 90 percent of cases have yet to be resolved.

Deputy Information and Culture Minister defended the Government by saying media had flourished and freedom of expression improved during the last ten years.

But following the ouster of Taliban, the only thing our government claims credit for is the so-called booming media. It's just one blessing of the international intervention in Afghanistan. However, it is not as good as it apparently looks. Media outlets and journalists face problems in their professional activities not only from militants, but they also complain about threats from Government officials and many other problems including hurdles for access to information.

Our infant media has to go a long journey to reach a stage of maturity. It has not only been the violence by militants and threats from government officials that has affected freedom of press, but also self-censorship is a common practice in Afghan media with some exceptions.

There are more than 730 media outlets in Afghanistan including over100 radio stations, 55 television channels, about 20 news agencies, 40 newspapers and over 500 magazines.

However, despite all the problems from violence to self-censorship, we have to keep in mind that just 10 years ago, Taliban had banned TV, and the only news source for Afghans was "Voice of Sharia". We have improved a lot in a short span of time with a booming media industry that plays the most important role in generation of public awareness and information, becoming an important force for change and progress in a country ravaged by over three decades of war.

This year an Afghan photojournalist Massoud Hussaini got Pulitzer Prize, becoming the first Afghan ever to receive that prestigious international award. We congratulate Mr. Hussaini for the deserving achievement. Similarly, Afghan news channels with all its problems of lack of capacity and investment, is now struggling to compete with established media outlets of our region.

However, with the talks of withdrawal of international troops in 2014, there are concerns of our decent into chaos. Media freedom would be the first victim, when the international community abandons Afghanistan on its own. Our booming media is just one blessing of the international intervention in Afghanistan. The international community should ensure to keep the achievements of last ten years after the US and NATO withdrawal.