Jul 23, 2015
Mazar-e-Sharif: Afghanistan Journalists Center (AFJC) expresses concern over banning of two local TV channels in Balkh province by the provincial telecommunications administration after failing to pay frequency taxes.
Acting on directives from the Ministry of Telecommunications and Information Technology, the provincial administration on Wednesday ordered Mehraban Radio and Television and Asia TV off the air, an official told to Pajhwok Afghan News.
Balkh Telecommunications Director Khudaidad Kaihan said that the central authorities had repeatedly asked the two channels through letters to clear their taxes, but they did not. The channels will remain off the air until they pay taxes in light of a decision taken by a joint commission of provincial departments.
He said the Mehraban television had to pay $30000 in taxes and the Asia TV $3000.
Balkh Information and Culture Director Saleh Mohammad Khaliq said they had been informed about the ban by officials of the two channels. He said they had no role in the blackout.
AFJC expresses concern over closing of the TV channels and call the any decision on banning of media outlets is illegal without authorized court order.
The organization calls on the ministry of telecommunications for a review of the decision and lifts the ban as soon as possible.