In brief
Afghanistan’s Taliban government has stopped BBC FM transmissions across the country because of alleged repeated violations. The BBC remains the sole international news outlet operating inside Afghanistan since US outlets were banned in 2022. With more than 20% of adults tuned in weekly, the BBC continues to broadcast in Pashto, Dari and English via shortwave, medium wave, satellite and online. The shutdown signals tightening media control and impacts access to information and education for many Afghans.
BBC FM radio transmissions suspended in Afghanistan
Afghanistan's Taliban government has suspended the transmission of BBC broadcasts from FM radio sites across the country.
A Taliban spokesman said the BBC had been suspended because of "repeated violations" but did not elaborate.
The BBC has been the only international news organisation to broadcast inside Afghanistan since two US outlets were banned in 2022.
"Millions of people across Afghanistan rely on the BBC for accurate news and information and we are working with the authorities to address the situation," the broadcaster said.
The BBC continues to report fairly and independently in Pashto, Dari and English via shortwave, medium wave, online and satellite.
It reaches more than 20% of the adult population each week with news and educational content, including programming aimed at girls who have been banned from secondary schools.
Taliban Ministry of Information and Culture spokesman Khubaib Ghufran told local media: "Due to some repeated violations by the BBC, its activity is suspended across the country for the time being."
The Taliban government tightly controls media, banning music, limiting women's on‑air presence and restricting online access due to power shortages, high costs and low literacy.
