Sources in Khost province have informed Afghanistan International that the Taliban has now imposed restrictions on educational programmes above grade six which are broadcast on local radio and television stations.

These restrictions have reportedly been implemented on the orders of the Taliban's Ministry of Education.

According to information provided by sources in Khost province, officials from the Taliban's Education Department in Khost informed media managers that this decision was made based on an official letter from the Ministry of Education.

Since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan in August 2021, education for girls above grade six has been suspended. However, local media in various provinces, including Khost, have been broadcasting online education programmes that have gained popularity among the public.

Local sources report that during a meeting held last Thursday, attended by officials from the Taliban's Department of Information and Culture in Khost, media managers were instructed to stop broadcasting educational courses for grades above six on the radio.

A media representative in Khost told Afghanistan International that this decision likely originated from Kabul, and they are unable to oppose the order. He added that this move not only extinguishes the last hope for girls' education, but also eliminates a significant source of income for media outlets.

The head of a local radio station in Khost explained to Afghanistan International that with these restrictions, local media, which have already lost income from advertising, have turned to offering online courses and selling educational books, which have become an important source of revenue.

Previously, the Taliban's police command in Khost had issued an official letter banning women and girls from contacting media outlets by phone. Currently, in Khost, there are 15 radio stations and three private television channels operating in addition to the national radio and television.