Training Seminar on Strengthening Journalists’ Professional and Intellectual Capacity Held in Mazar-e-Sharif

On 7 Rabi al-Thani 1448 AH A one-day training seminar focused on strengthening the intellectual, ideological and professional capacity of journalists was held in Mazar-e-Sharif by the Deputy Ministry for Publications Affairs of the Ministry of Information and Culture, in cooperation with the Balkh Directorate of Information and Culture.
The seminar brought together Mawlawi Muhajir Farahi, Deputy Minister for Publications Affairs; a number of ministry directors; officials from local government institutions in Balkh Province; media officials; journalists; and young people.
In his opening remarks, Mawlawi Mohammadullah Zarar, Director of Information and Culture of Balkh Province, highlighted the importance of strengthening the knowledge and professional capacity of journalists, writers, media activists and young people. Referring to the growing spread of information through social media, he encouraged journalists to verify information carefully before publication and to distinguish between reliable and inaccurate reports.
Mawlawi Muhajir Farahi, Deputy Minister for Publications Affairs, said that Afghanistan’s enemies, following their defeat on the military front, are now seeking to promote their messages through ideological campaign against the Islamic system. He called on journalists and writers to respond to biased media coverage and to provide the international community with accurate information about developments in the country.
Mr. Farahi also emphasized that media outlets should not only report on developments and achievements but should also communicate people’s concerns and challenges to the relevant authorities accurately and impartially.
He stressed the importance of government spokespersons providing necessary information to the media in a timely manner to help prevent rumors and misinformation. He also called on media outlets to contribute to greater unity, cooperation and social cohesion and to avoid coverage that could deepen divisions based on ethnicity, region or language.
During the seminar, Mawlawi Safiullah Raed, Director of Mass Media Monitoring; Mawlawi Abdul Haq Hammad, Adviser to the Deputy Ministry for Publications Affairs; Qari khubaib  Ghufran, Director of Public Relations and Spokesperson; officials from several government institutions in Balkh Province; university lecturers; and a journalist representing the media community spoke about journalists’ professional responsibilities, the importance of intellectual and ideological development, accuracy and accountability in journalism, the role of young people in the country’s development, and the importance of observing Islamic values in media activities.
The speakers also discussed the importance of setting goals in life, avoiding ethnic, regional and linguistic prejudice, strengthening cooperation between media outlets and government institutions, and addressing challenges facing journalists and media organizations.
They noted that the media plays an important role in informing the public, shaping public understanding and conveying facts. They also highlighted the role of media outlets in communicating government information to the public and bringing public concerns to the attention of government officials. The speakers stressed that journalists should carry out their professional responsibilities carefully and responsibly, while taking national interests into consideration.
At the end of the seminar, participants called for similar training programs for journalists, writers and young people to continue. They also called for greater attention to journalists’ professional development, media-related challenges and the recommendations raised by media representatives.
20 sep 2026