Afghanistan has ranked 175th out of 180 countries in the 2026 World Press Freedom Index, making it one of the lowest-ranked countries globally in terms of media freedom.
According to a report by the Reporters Without Borders, the media situation in Afghanistan has sharply deteriorated since 2021. The report states that journalists face censorship, strict legal restrictions, and serious security threats, which have significantly limited the space for free journalism.
The report adds that Afghanistan has dropped 53 positions over the past five years, reflecting a continued and severe decline in press freedom. Following the political changes in 2021, the country’s media environment has become increasingly restrictive, with many media outlets shut down or operating under heavy pressure.
It further notes that under the current authorities, strict regulations have been imposed on the media, journalists are subject to extensive monitoring and restrictions, and efforts are being made to control the flow of information. This situation has weakened independent media and forced journalists to work under constant pressure.
The global report also highlights that press freedom is declining worldwide, with more than half of the countries now classified as having “difficult” or “very serious” conditions for journalism for the first time.
It notes that countries such as Norway remain at the top of the index, while Eritrea ranks at the bottom.
Experts say the future of media in Afghanistan remains uncertain, and ongoing restrictions continue to further shrink the space for independent journalism.
