Kabul – The representatives of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) have urged journalists to uphold truth, integrity, and national cohesion in their work, and stated that the media have a pivotal role to play in the healthy development of the nation.

The message was presented at the National Journalists Conference, which took place in Kabul on Tuesday under the theme, “True Journalism, an Informed Nation and a Healthy Society”.

The Ministry of Information and Culture (MoIC) organized the conference in partnership with the Voice of the People of Afghanistan Mechanism. It was attended by a large number of IEA officials, media managers, and journalists in Kabul and other provinces.

Emphasis on Professional and National Duty

The event was initiated by Sheik Noorul Haq Anwar, the Director-General of the Administrative Office, who emphasized the belief and support of IEA towards journalism based on professional standards.

He encouraged the media to take their national responsibility and air factual programs without being biased.

“This gathering is very important,” Anwar stated.

He further added, “If journalism and sound reporting are promoted, they will have a positive impact in preventing oppression, preserving unity, and spreading compassion. But if journalistic principles are ignored, the negative consequences will be severe.”

He highlighted the essence of professionalism in the media to be a good part of society.

This was also echoed by Maulvi Atiqullah Azizi, the Deputy Minister of Culture and Arts at the MoIC, who described journalism as a sacred profession.

“Afghanistan is the common home of diverse ethnic groups; you must be mindful of their traditions, cultures, and sensitivities. Journalism is a sacred profession, but if it undermines values, it will lose credibility in society.”

He also recognized the hardships journalists have faced over the past decades, noting that they have been “frontline fighters” during national crises such as earthquakes, floods, and refugee emergencies.

Verifying Facts and Building Public Trust

Maulvi Safiullah Raeed, the Director of Supervision of Publications and Media at the MoIC, reiterated the main idea of the conference.

“Journalism is not just about reporting news; we must be committed to the truth. If journalism is used to disseminate truth, then its mission will be fulfilled,” he said.  

Raeed encouraged media professionals to report on education, development, and other matters of national interest in a comprehensive manner and to always ensure that they verify information before handing out the stories.

He emphasized that a journalist should not distort the truth because of personal interest or influence, because credibility is the media’s greatest asset.

Dr. Lutfullah Khairkhwa, the Director of Financial Services and Banking Supervision at Da Afghanistan Bank, emphasized the institutional importance of the media to social development.

According to him, “Social change does not come through individuals, but through institutions such as the home, madrassa, school, university, and journalism. Journalism is one of these foundations, and at times it even influences others.”

He cautioned against misinformation that was spreading globally, which he claimed was an impediment to enlightenment.

“Just as we regard land as our property, we must also consider people’s intellect as our property and safeguard it,” Khairkhwa remarked.

The last speaker, Deputy Minister of Economy Abdul Latif Nazari, emphasized the critical role of the media in building up society.

He stated that it is the role of the media to present the right information, foster unity and nationalism in the country, as well as respect religious and cultural values.

Nazari also recognized the role of the government in assisting the media in their vital mission.