Kabul: Taliban on Wednesday, February 5, suspended the operation of Afghanistan's only women's radio station, Radio Begum (Begum.FM), citing "unauthorised provision" of programming content to an overseas TV channel.

This is the second time the Taliban's Information and Culture Ministry has shut down an outlet for allegedly working with international media.

According to a report by Arab News, the ministry claimed that Radio Begum violated their broadcasting policy with its improper usage of license. "This decision comes after several violations, including the unauthorized provision of content and programming to a foreign-based television channel," the ministry said.

To determine the station's future, the ministry will be reviewing necessary documents.

About Radio Begum

Radio Begum was established on March 8, 2021, on the occasion of International Women's Day. This was five months after the Taliban seized control over the country amid the withdrawal of US and NATO troops.

The only women-run radio station was founded by Afghan entrepreneur and journalist Hamida Aman and was run by the Begum Organization for Women (called BOW), founded in 2020.

As per the official site of Radio Begum, it broadcasts live and continuously on Facebook and covers approximately three-quarters of the country, in addition to Kabul and its rural surroundings. The broadcast includes lessons on educational topics such as health, spirituality, and psychology.

In March 2024, the station launched its sister broadcaster Begum TV in Paris, with a grant from the Malala Fund.

Taliban's Crackdown On Free Press

Women have been excluded from several professions and public spaces, ever since the Taliban took over. According to reports, several journalists, especially women journalists, have lost their jobs as the group tightened their grip on the country's media landscape.

In December 2024, the Taliban authorities shuttered Afghan station Arezo TV and reportedly detained seven employees.

Since its ban on Radio Begum, several human rights groups, including Reporters Without Borders have condemned the move and demanded that the suspension be reversed.