Afghanistan Ranks 175th in 2025 Global Press Freedom Index Amid Taliban Restrictions

Afghanistan has been ranked 175th out of 180 countries in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index released by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), reflecting severe restrictions on media freedom under Taliban rule, Khaama Press reported. Although the country improved by three spots from last year, its overall score remains critically low at 17.88 out of 100.

Since the Taliban regained power in August 2021, independent journalism in Afghanistan has faced harsh repression. Media pluralism has nearly vanished, with journalists—especially women—subject to targeted threats and coercion. The Taliban tightly control content, allowing only state-approved narratives.

Afghanistan ranks poorly across key indicators: 178th in legal framework, 175th in journalist safety, and 165th in economic environment. Many female journalists have left the profession due to intimidation, while several media outlets have shut down or operate under strict censorship.

Globally, press freedom is deteriorating, with the average global score now categorized as a “difficult situation.” RSF urges international action to support Afghan journalists and uphold freedom of expression, warning that without intervention, press freedom in Afghanistan risks total collapse.