Khaama Press (Pashto: خامه پرس خبری آژانس; Persian: خبرگزاری خامه پرس) is one of prominent online news service agenices for Afghanistan, established in October 2010 in Kabul, Afghanistan, by Khushnood Nabizada, an Afghan journalist and entrepreneur.[1][2]
Khaama Press operates in three languages: English, Pashto, and Persian.[3]
History
Khaama Press, established in October 2010 by Afghan journalist and entrepreneur Khushnood Nabizada, stands as a pivotal online news agency headquartered in Kabul, Afghanistan. Conceived initially to showcase stories of successful Afghan personalities and the biographies of notable figures, Khaama Press quickly evolved into a comprehensive news service following the positive feedback it garnered and an official operating license from the Ministry of Information and Culture of Afghanistan. Named after the ancient Persian word for "The Pen," Khaama Press symbolizes the power of writing and information dissemination. Over the years, it has grown into the largest English news service in Afghanistan, delivering news in English, Pashto, and Persian. Its founding was driven by Nabizada's vision to contribute to the development of a transparent media landscape in Afghanistan, aiming to share the multifaceted stories of a nation navigating through the challenges of post-Taliban reconstruction and ongoing conflicts.[4]
Impact and recognition
Khaama Press is recognized for its extensive coverage of security issues in Afghanistan, including reporting on terrorist activities, extrajudicial killings, and arbitrary arrests. Their in-depth analysis helps in understanding the complex security dynamics within the country following the rise of the Taliban regime. This coverage is crucial for both local and international stakeholders trying to gauge Afghanistan's security situation. Such reports underscore Khaama Press's commitment to delivering hard-hitting news and its role as a vital source of information on Afghanistan's evolving security landscape. [5][6][7]
The news portal was recognized as one of the most visited websites in Afghanistan in 2020. [8]
Coverage in Conflict Zones
The reporting by Khaama Press extends to critical incidents affecting the Afghan populace, including terrorist attacks and explosions. Their coverage provides essential insights into the challenges faced by Afghanistan, highlighting the ongoing violence and its impact on civilians. By bringing these stories to light, Khaama Press plays a pivotal role in documenting the human cost of conflict in Afghanistan, serving as a bridge between the Afghan situation and the global audience. [9][10]
Challenges and Hostilities Faced
Throughout its operation, Khaama Press has faced numerous challenges and incidents that have threatened its staff and its mission to report freely and independently. These events highlight the risks faced by media outlets in conflict zones and under restrictive regimes. [11]
Arrest of Mansoor Nekmal, Chief Editor (2024)
On February 17, 2024, Mansoor Nekmal, the editor-in-chief of Khaama Press, was arrested by the Ministry of Vice and Virtue of the Taliban. The arrest came after accusations of publishing content against Islamic values, particularly regarding a video report from February 15, 2024, that featured interviews with women not fully adhering to the Taliban's interpretation of Islamic hijab, with their hair partially visible. This incident underscores the ongoing tensions between Khaama Press and the Taliban over media freedoms and the representation of women in Afghanistan. [12]
On October 28, 2021, Abdul Khaliq Hussaini, a journalist for Khaama Press, was subjected to a violent attack in Kabul, Afghanistan. According to reports from the Afghan Journalists Safety Committee and Khaama Press, Hussaini was ambushed by two unidentified gunmen while driving to the office of the U.N. Assistance Mission. The attackers physically assaulted him, using punches and the butts of their rifles, resulting in injuries to his head and shoulder, including a gunshot wound. Hussaini managed to escape and was hospitalized overnight for his injuries. Following the incident, the Taliban reportedly detained two suspects. This event is part of a series of attacks against journalists in Afghanistan, highlighting the perilous environment for media workers in the country. [13][14]
In February 2021, Khushnood Nabizada, the founder and president of Khaama Press, was targeted in a roadside bomb explosion but emerged unharmed. This incident illuminated the significant risks faced by media personnel in Afghanistan, highlighting the dangers encountered by individuals advocating for press freedom and journalistic integrity within the region. Nabizada, who has been instrumental in the Afghan media landscape since establishing Khaama Press in 2010, aimed to enhance freedom of expression and support journalism in a country often challenged by conflict and attempts to suppress free speech.
The attack on Nabizada represents a broader threat to the freedom of the press in Afghanistan, underscoring the volatile environment in which the nation's journalists operate. Despite facing such threats, Nabizada and Khaama Press have continued their mission to report news with dedication to truth and transparency, advocating for the rights and safety of journalists throughout Afghanistan. This perseverance underscores the ongoing struggle and resilience of Afghan journalists in their pursuit to maintain a free and informed society. The incident serves not only as a testament to the personal risks encountered by media figures like Nabizada but also as a stark reminder of the importance of press freedom in sustaining democracy and human rights in challenging contexts. [15][16]
Suicide Explosion (2014)
In February 2014, the Hakim Naser Khusraw Balkhi Building, which houses Khaama Press's office, was targeted in a suicide explosion. This direct attack on its physical premises not only endangered the lives of its staff but also underscored the severe risks journalists in Afghanistan face from extremist groups opposed to free and independent media. [17][18][19]
These incidents collectively paint a picture of the hazardous environment in which Khaama Press and similar media outlets operate in Afghanistan. They underscore the ongoing struggle for press freedom and the significant risks journalists endure to report on issues critical to the Afghan public.
