In a significant development aimed at supporting journalists, the Ministry of Information and Culture has announced the launch of a dedicated Journalist Support Fund. This initiative, revealed during a programme highlighting the ministry’s achievements over the past year, aims to provide financial assistance to journalists in need.
Hayatullah Muhajir Farahi, the Deputy Minister for Publications, shared that a comprehensive plan for the fund had been finalised. He explained that all forms of assistance to journalists, whether from individuals, organisations, or governments, would now be channelled through this fund. “Anyone who wants to support journalists, whether individuals, organisations, or governments, can do so through this fund, which includes many members and representatives from the media,” Farahi stated.
Mass media law still pending approval
During the same programme, Farahi also highlighted that the mass media law, which governs the functioning of media outlets in the country, has been sent to the leader of the Islamic Emirate for the second time but has yet to be finalised. The law, once approved, is expected to bring significant reforms to the media landscape, ensuring greater freedom and accountability for journalists and media houses in Afghanistan.
Efforts to preserve Afghanistan’s cultural heritage
The Ministry of Information and Culture also reported on a range of initiatives aimed at protecting Afghanistan’s cultural heritage. Notable achievements included efforts to prevent the smuggling of antiquities, particularly those linked to Afghanistan’s rich historical sites. The ministry has also developed a plan to protect the ancient artifacts at the Mes Aynak archaeological site, which is of immense cultural and historical significance.
In addition, steps have been taken to safeguard the Minaret of Jam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with efforts to reinforce the surroundings and protect the monument from any potential damage. These actions highlight the Ministry’s commitment to preserving Afghanistan’s heritage for future generations.
The role of media in promoting national development
Atiqullah Azizi, Deputy Minister of Culture and Arts, spoke at length about the essential role of media in the development of the country. He stressed the need for continuous cooperation between the government and the media, which he described as vital for keeping both the public and the international community informed. “We need cooperation with the media, which is essential for us. Without it, both the public and the global community will remain uninformed. If cooperation is lacking, we pledge to provide timely information and remind provincial directors to do the same,” Azizi remarked, underscoring the critical importance of media in ensuring transparency and access to information.
Promoting tourism and education
The ministry also highlighted a positive development in the tourism sector, revealing that nearly 9,000 foreign tourists visited Afghanistan’s historical sites last year, generating a revenue of 48 million afghani. This boost to the tourism industry is seen as a sign of the country’s potential to attract visitors and generate income from its cultural heritage.
In line with efforts to further develop the tourism sector, Qudratullah Jamal, Deputy Minister of Finance and Administration, announced that a curriculum for a Tourism and Hospitality Institute had been approved. The institute, which was launched last year, will train professionals in the tourism sector. Graduates of the institute will be awarded a post-baccalaureate certificate upon completion of the programme. Jamal expressed confidence that this initiative would help equip the workforce with the necessary skills to support the growing tourism industry in Afghanistan.
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Advancements in education
The Ministry of Information and Culture is also making strides in education, particularly through partnerships with private universities and educational institutes. Mohammad Younus Rashid, Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs, shared that memorandums of understanding have been signed with hundreds of private institutions, resulting in 1,581 individuals receiving free education and 17,787 others benefiting from discounted tuition fees. This initiative is part of the ministry’s ongoing efforts to improve access to education for the youth of Afghanistan.
Workforce and cultural attachés
In terms of staffing, the Ministry of Information and Culture employs nearly 4,000 people, with more than 1,700 working in the provinces and over 2,200 serving as cultural attachés in the centre and abroad. This extensive network ensures that the ministry’s efforts in cultural preservation, media regulation, and tourism promotion reach a wide audience both domestically and internationally.
In conclusion, the Ministry of Information and Culture’s recent announcements reflect its ongoing commitment to fostering a vibrant media environment, preserving Afghanistan’s cultural heritage, and enhancing the education and tourism sectors. With the launch of the Journalist Support Fund and other key initiatives, the ministry continues to take significant steps towards the development of the country’s social and economic landscape.
