Today marks the 20th anniversary of Hasht-e Subh, one of Afghanistan’s well-known and respected newspapers. Over the past years, despite numerous challenges and political changes, this media outlet has remained firm, writing and reporting for justice and freedom of expression.
Today, Hasht-e Subh has become part of the collective memory of the Afghan people. In the past as well, this media organization served as a credible institution and a strong voice of advocacy and enlightenment against darkness and rigid thinking. Today, more than ever, it stands firmly alongside the women and girls of Afghanistan and all those who have been deprived of expression and speech under the violent restrictions of the Taliban, continuing its work of reporting and raising awareness.
The 20th anniversary of Hasht-e Subh serves as a reminder of resilience and resistance against forgetting for Afghanistan’s emerging media outlets. After the fall of the previous government, Hasht-e Subh continued to stand courageously with the people of Afghanistan, and every day, through investigative and field reporting, it has carried on its mission as a responsible and vigilant media outlet.
In a land where silence has been imposed on people and the right to expression has effectively been taken away, criticism and protest are considered crimes. In such an environment, writing comes at a cost, and Hasht-e Subh has shown that it is willing to pay that price with courage, continuing to be the voice of those who cannot speak, report, or write.
Today, Hasht-e Subh is the result of bitter and sweet experiences that have made it more mature, resilient, and influential. The media outlet continues to strive to keep journalism more professional, more standards-based, and closer to the truth, because it believes that the media is a mirror of society and an echo of the people’s voice.
I hope that Hasht-e Subh continues the tradition established by its founders: deep research, analysis, and creating a citizen-centered space for dialogue.
I also hope that this media outlet can endure and continue to write and report for the people of Afghanistan.
