Officially Islamic Republic of Afghanistan is a landlocked and mountainous country in south-central Asia. It is bordered by Pakistan in the south and east, Iran in the west, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan in the north, and China in the far northeast. The territory now forming Afghanistan has been an ancient focal point of the Silk Road and human migration. Population is about 29.1 million (UN, 2010). Capital and largest city is Kabul. President is Hamid Karzai. Area is about 652,225 sq km (251,773 sq miles). Major languages in Afghanistan are Dari, Pashto. Major religion is Islam. Monetary unit 1 Afghani = 100 puls. Internet domain is .af. International dialing code +93.
Freedom of press had always fought a war with every passing authority ruling Afghanistan whether it's Soviets, Shah, Taliban or US led alliance in the nation; Journalists have always found stuck between the sharing patterns of various fundamentals. Reporters have faced almost every type of persecution which is possible in this world by radical humans whether it is assassination, harassment, imprisonment, threats, forced filtering of news, news looping etc. Though situation improved in the early years of Hamid Karzai government but things have now changed a lot from 2009 which have put again press freedom in crisis. The main concerns are safety of women journalists, obstruction journalist's work, and manipulation of news information. The authorities involved are not only Taliban which runs parallel in the black holes of the nation but also involves the interference from NATO, Government, Security Forces & other local pressures.
Travel Advisory for Journalists
Media Personnel visiting country must report & inform their respective foreign missions. They must take prior permissions from the authorities & the communities involved. Journalists & camera persons must follow the safe guards instructed by the concerned authorities. Always abide the tribal codes which vary region to region in Afghanistan. Women reporters are advised to wear head scarf & covered dress in the radical influenced regions. Journalists must carry the sufficient first aid in case of emergency & communication gadgets like wireless, GPS & signaling instruments for rescue in case of abduction or any emergency. With non existence of proper modes of transport in the country we advised them to arrange a fully equipped SUV suitable for traveling in rough conditions with all the emergency necessities.
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Alem Shayan
Country Representative
Afghanistan
Ph: +93700030174
Email : alem.shayan@armedforthequill.com
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