Afghanistan Ranks 175th in Press Freedom Index Despite Slight Improvement

Afghanistan's overall score increased from 17.88 in 2025 to 19.51 in 2026, indicating better press freedom. Despite the slight improvement, Afghanistan has been ranked among the worst-performing nations, Amu TV reported.

RSF evaluates press freedom on the basis of five indicators - political, economic, legislative, social and security - each analysing a different dimension of the media landscape. The political indicator, which analyses government influence over the media and editorial independence, ranked Afghanistan 158th in 2026, in comparison to 163rd in 2025.

The economic indicator, which assesses the financial condition for journalism including funding, advertising and sustainability of media houses, remained unchanged at 165th in both years. The legislative indicator, which analyses laws and regulations impacting press freedom, ranked Afghanistan at 178th position in 2025 and 2026.

The social indicator, which evaluates societal pressures, discrimination and the ability of journalists to function freely within the cultural norms, ranked Afghanistan at 175th rank in 2025 and 2026. The security indicator, which evaluates risks like violence, detention and threats against journalists ranked Afghanistan at 177th spot in 2026 in comparison to 175th in 2025.

RSF noted that the figures showcase that media environment has reshaped after Taliban seized power in Afghanistan on August 15, 2021. It said, "The takeover sounded the death knell for press freedom," adding that media organisations now need to broadcast government-controlled information in an environment "devoid of pluralism and dissenting voices."

According to the agency, 43 per cent of media houses closed within three months of Taliban's return to power. Over two-thirds of Afghanistan's roughly 12,000 journalists have left the field, Amu TV reported.

Women journalists have also been impacted, with eight out of 10 not working anymore. According to the RSF, the political and legal environment has increased control over the media in Afghanistan, with journalists receiving orders from several state bodies, including ministries, the intelligence service and institutions monitoring public conduct.

According to the agency, legal restrictions have increased in Afghanistan since 2021, including the implementation of rules governing media content and a 2024 law on the propagation of virtue and prevention of vice, which has resulted in closure of some television outlets and further limited content.

Afghanistan's economy has contracted sharply, resulting in reduction of funding for independent media and compelling many media outlets to shut down or reduce operations, as per the report.

RSF noted that security risks remain high in Afghanistan, with journalists facing the constant threat of arrest by Taliban. According to the RSF, the worsening conditions in Afghanistan have forced many journalists into exile, leading to only a limited number of independent voices operating outside the country.

The agency said that access to independent information is restricted in Afghanistan, with many residents relying on foreign or exile-based media for information when internet is available. According to the RSF, four journalists remain in detention in Afghanistan in 2026.

- IANS