In a country where truth has repeatedly fallen victim to censorship, violence, and authoritarianism, the survival of an independent media outlet for two decades is not merely a media achievement but a symbol of resistance, awareness, and commitment to the people.
Throughout its twenty years of activity, “The Hasht-e Subh Daily” has been the voice of thousands of people who were forgotten amid war, poverty, discrimination, and injustice.
This media outlet has not only published news but has also narrated the hidden suffering of society. From the pain of women deprived of education to the cries of unemployed youth, from victims of explosions to families torn apart under the pressure of poverty, “Hasht-e Subh” has strived to reflect the truth as it is.
In the past five years, as Afghanistan has gone through some of its most difficult and darkest days, “Hasht-e Subh” has stood more than ever alongside our people. The media has not only reflected the suffering of the Afghan people but has also become a partner, a voice, and a companion of Afghan women and protesting women. When women’s voices were being silenced, “Hasht-e Subh” carried their stories to the world.
In the darkest days when our people were hopeless, voices were silenced, and truths were suppressed, “Hasht-e Subh” became the voice of millions who were trapped in absolute silence.
This media outlet became the voice of each one of us: the voice of women deprived of education, the voice of young people who lost their future, and the voice of people forgotten amid poverty, fear, and injustice.
When girls were deprived of schools and universities, this media outlet did not remain silent. When we, as women, took to the streets under the slogan “Work, Bread, Education,” “Hasht-e Subh” stood beside us every step of the way and reflected the struggles, suffering, and demands of Afghan women.
In times when many tried to silence the voice of Afghan women, this media did not allow the truth to be buried in darkness.
In a country where journalism can sometimes cost lives, continuing media work requires courage.
Many Afghan journalists have been threatened, forced into exile, or lost their lives, but the light of awareness has not been extinguished.
In these years, “Hasht-e Subh” has shown that the pen can stand against darkness.
The 20th anniversary of ”The Hasht-e Subh Daily” is not just the celebration of a newspaper, but a reminder of the value of free expression and the people’s right to know.
A society without free media loses the truth and falls into darkness.
Today, as Afghanistan experiences one of its most difficult periods, the responsibility of the media is heavier than ever. People still need media outlets like “Hasht-e Subh” that speak the truth without fear or hesitation and give a voice to the voiceless.
Congratulations on twenty years of effort, resilience, and truth-telling to the hardworking team and family of “Hasht-e Subh.”
I hope this light of awareness and hope continues to shine, and that one day, Afghan journalists will work in a free, safe, and censorship-free environment, our country will be saved from ignorance and destruction, and Afghan women will celebrate freely in the streets of Kabul in the coming years, welcoming our dedicated reporters with bouquets.
