The Taliban government has suspended BBC FM radio broadcasts across Afghanistan, the British broadcaster confirmed on Tuesday, saying it is working with the authorities to resolve the matter.
A BBC spokesperson said millions of people in Afghanistan rely on the BBC for accurate news and information, and that the broadcaster is engaging with the authorities to address the situation.
Khubib Ghufran, spokesperson for the Taliban government’s Information and Culture ministry, said the BBC’s activities were suspended for the time being over repeated violations. He did not specify what the violations were.
The BBC World Service said that despite losing its local FM frequencies, it continues to deliver Pashto, Dari and English programming to Afghan audiences through shortwave radio, mediumwave radio, satellite television and online digital platforms.
The suspension marks a significant escalation in the Taliban government’s ongoing tightening of media controls.