Curbs slapped on Herat cable networks

HERAT CITY (PAN): Officials in western Herat province on Monday ordered two cable television networks to stop airing programmes against religion, culture and moral values.

Information and Cultural Director Arya Rofyan told Pajhwok Afghan News the action had been taken on the basis of complaints from residents.

Rofyan said he had held several meetings with cable owners and told them: “In line with Afghanistan’s constitution and media rules and regulations, they should broadcast programmes that don’t flout religious, cultural and moral values.”

Following complaints from locals, two cable networks had been banned for a limited period of time, he said, adding that the move was aimed to children being negatively influenced by such programmes.

But a cable network owner, wishing anonymity, slammed the order as a violation of freedom of expression. He said they were screening programmes that were also broadcast by other networks in the country.

He accused the information and culture department of being under Iranian influence. Around 11 TV channels and 21 cable networks are functional in the province.

Wali Akbar, 27, a resident of Herat’s 7^th district, said: “I am happy with the curbs on some programmes. They don’t have anything to air but have to broadcast foreign films and dramas. Our coming generation has come under Iranian and Indian cultural influence.”

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