The Hasht-e Subh Daily has entered its eighteenth year, marking another chapter in its calendar history. More importantly, this milestone reflects the continuation of its challenging mission in a tumultuous country like Afghanistan, where professional journalism faces significant obstacles. Practicing journalism in a nation known for its continuous upheavals and frequent collapses is akin to navigating a boat through stormy seas. Any individual or organization that perseveres in such a turbulent environment takes on significant risks and bears a heavy responsibility.
In a land where freedom of expression is not entrenched, journalism is often perceived as a declaration of war, particularly by those who see the rise of societal awareness as detrimental to their interests. Freedom of expression has the power to lift veils, open windows, and allow people to breathe fresh air. Those accustomed to darkness and closed environments, who see their survival in the ignorance of society, fear freedom of expression and oppose anyone or any institution that advances this cause.
Freedom of expression requires individuals who not only believe in this principle but also dare to step into this arena and consider informing and enlightening as their grand mission. Without sufficient bravery to speak out and reveal the truth, and without individuals willing to uncover secrets, the establishment and deep rooting of freedom of expression in any land are impossible. Free and committed individuals, dedicated to awareness and knowledge, are the leaders of freedom of expression. Through their relentless efforts, they can turn a great dream into reality and liberate a society long shrouded in oppression and repression, bringing it the gift of freedom.
Furthermore, freedom of expression in society fundamentally requires the existence of laws that recognize this freedom as a basic right of citizens and guarantee it for everyone, especially intellectuals. In the absence of clear and decisive laws to defend freedom of expression, engaging in this endeavor is akin to venturing into a perilous valley. While free individuals will tread this path, they will incur heavy costs and numerous sacrifices. In Afghanistan, both the existence of laws and the rule of law have been fundamental issues, as sometimes one is absent, and sometimes the other.
Additionally, in a country with low literacy rates and an ineffective educational system, the culture of reading newspapers is weak, and journalism faces economic challenges, especially independent newspapers that do not benefit from government facilities and public resources. In contrast, in societies with high literacy rates, journalism can become a lucrative profession with significant economic returns—something that has never been the case in Afghanistan.
Moreover, committed work and adherence to professional journalism principles present another challenging test. Like any other professional field, journalism is vulnerable to harm, and one of the major threats is the disregard for professional standards and the sacrifice of fundamental values for temporary gains and daily calculations.
The difficulties of journalism in Afghanistan are not limited to the aforementioned issues; in practice, they are much more extensive. Consequently, many individuals and institutions, after experiencing the hardships of this profession, are compelled to abandon it despite their passion and bid it farewell permanently. When society is gripped by an authoritarian and oppressive regime, and journalism turns into a life-threatening endeavor, the crisis reaches its peak—something that contemporary Afghanistan is witnessing.
Despite all the aforementioned difficulties, the Hasht-e Subh Daily has successfully navigated this complex path over the past eighteen years, championing noble values such as freedom of expression, the rule of law, democracy, human rights, the fight against corruption, balanced development, and progressivism. Despite facing continuous and severe challenges, its commitment to professional work has not waned, nor has its determination to continue on this auspicious path faltered. After the Taliban took control of the country, Hasht-e Subh faced unprecedented hardships: its staff was persecuted, its digital pages were blocked by the group, and various restrictions were imposed. However, these challenges did not affect its dedication and resolve to uphold its mission, nor did they force it to abandon its struggle. Hasht-e Subh Daily will continue to be a stronghold for freedom of expression and will echo the voice of the people of Afghanistan.
The wide acceptance of the Hasht-e Subh Daily by a broad spectrum of educated citizens of Afghanistan and the enthusiastic reception from a vast number of readers and followers—now exceeding three million—demonstrate that these values have significant support. While it is true that the current regime, which opposes freedom of expression, has taken power and that these values are now at great risk of being obliterated, it is also certain that Afghanistan’s progressive forces still cherish their long-standing ideals and yearn to liberate the country from medieval darkness and repression.
It cannot be denied that any endeavor comes with shortcomings, especially in a war-torn and crisis-ridden environment like Afghanistan, and the Hasht-e Subh Daily does not consider itself exempt from this rule. However, it has always welcomed constructive criticism with an open mind and remains receptive to all critiques and suggestions.
Hasht-e Subh Daily owes its success to all the writers and thinkers who have continuously enriched its pages with their vibrant intellectual contributions, whether as official collaborators or volunteers. This is especially true for the late Professor Qasim Akhgar, a free-thinking intellectual, and pioneer of freedom of expression, whose name is indelibly linked with Hasht-e Subh Daily.
You can read the Persian version of this Editorial note here: