Pakistan, May 25 -- Taliban authorities have shut down three local radio stations in southern Afghanistan, intensifying an ongoing crackdown on independent media. The stations, based in Kandahar province, were accused of operating without proper licences and failing to meet broadcasting standards. Rights groups say the closures reflect growing censorship since the Taliban returned to power in 2021.

The closed stations included Tahsin al-Quran, Sanga, and Zama Ziwer, all operating in Kandahar, the Taliban's traditional stronghold. In a statement, the Taliban's Department of Information and Culture claimed the broadcasters failed to pay taxes and violated regulatory requirements. Authorities also warned other media outlets to align program...