Kabul, Feb. 12. 2012
Afghan female TV presenters should not appear bare head and should not wear heavy makeup, a press release from the Afghan Ministry of Information and Culture asked.
The press release that was read on the Afghan national television and its text appeared on the state run Bakhter News Agency’s web site asked female presenters to obey the “Islamic ethical codes and national culture”.
The Afghan Ministry of Information and Culture said, “From the establishment of visual media in the country, the ministry has tried to remind the television stations to obey the Islamic codes and national culture and operate in accordance with the Afghan constitution and media law. Therefore, the ministry asks all female presenters of television stations to avoid showing bare head and wearing heavy makeup.”
The press release further stated, “Female presenters are advised to seriously observe wearing simple dress in accordance with Islamic and national culture as it adds to their sobriety and personality.”
In the last ten years numerous media organizations, TVs in particular have shown remarkable improvements in Afghanistan. These organizations have provided job opportunities to a great number of women.
Right now a total of 44 privately owned TV stations are operative in Kabul and other provinces of Afghanistan.
Last year, media complaints and violations observation commission warned the private TV stations of facing legal actions unless they stop broadcasting illegal programs.
According to the commission headed by the Afghan Minister of Information and Culture, Sayed Makhdoom Raheen, “broadcasting naked or half naked scenes are against the Sharia law; they violate the Afghan publics’ traditions, and can mislead the people from the normal life.”
The press release also stated that the matter was being observed following the complaints from the public.
The Afghan Media Law that was passed by the Afghan parliament in 2007 forbids any type of censorship before and after broadcast. However, it is noted in the law that publishing any article or program that is offensive to Islamic beliefs is forbidden.