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Transcript/ScriptPF AFGHAN RADIO DAY - Safi
HEADLINE: For long-time Afghan refugee, radio offers connection
TEASER: For Besmillah Miakhil, radio provides news and information on events back in Afghanistan and in places where he and others have resettled
PUBLISHED AT: HFR for Feb 12
BYLINE: Muska Safi
DATELINE: Kohat, Pakistan
CONTRIBUTOR: Roshan Noorzai
VIDEOGRAPHER:
VIDEO EDITOR: Muska Safi
SCRIPT EDITORS: JJ: KEnochs
VIDEO SOURCE (S): VOA Afghan Service
PLATFORMS (mark with X): WEB __ TV X RADIO
TRT: 2:53
VID APPROVED BY: KE
TYPE: TVPKG/RADIO
EDITOR NOTES: For VOA Press Freedom. Questions/Review Jessica, Bezhan and Roshan.
This is a package for release as part of World Radio Day. It can be released for translation from Feb 10 and run on or before Feb 13))
((INTRO))
[[Arriving as a refugee in Pakistan four decades ago, Besmillah Miakhil’s first purchase was a radio. Now 88, Miakhil says broadcasts help keep him connected to his home country, Afghanistan. From Kohat, Pakistan, Muska Safi has the story, as narrated by Bezhan Hamdard.]]
((NARRATOR))
For Besmillah Miakhil, radio has been a constant companion for more than four decades.
Miakhil and his family fled Afghanistan 44 years ago, with nothing but the clothes they were wearing.
His first purchase when they arrived at this refugee camp in Kohat, Pakistan, was a radio.
((Besmillah Miakhil, Afghan Refugee (Male, Pashto)))
“Radio is keeping me informed about the world. Without it, I would be just laying in bed. There are no people around, and it is the radio that speaks to me. I listen to it, and it tells me about everything.”
((NARRATION))
While TV and the internet are popular in Afghanistan, around a third of the population still depend on radio as a major source of news, information and education.
Now 88, Miakhil regularly tunes into international channels including BBC, VOA, and Deutsche Welle to keep informed about events in and around his former home in Kabul.
He recalls receiving news of the Taliban’s arrival there in the late Nineties.
((Besmillah Miakhil, Afghan Refugee (Male, Pashto)))
“When the Taliban came to Kabul, there was fighting. We were listening to the news about Kabul. The valley [in the east] was blocked and a Taliban commander was killed … In the area, there was fighting, and we were listening to the radio.”
((NARRATION))
Being able to hear about events in his home country helps Miakhil feel connected and informed.
((NARRATION))
Changes to media under the Taliban rule could see a resurgence in radio.
The Taliban have imposed restrictions on media, including a ban on music, entertainment, and images of living beings, which limits TV broadcasts. (2)
Plans to implement the law across Afghanistan could make radio a main source of information for many.
Taliban figures show around 280 local stations still operate in Afghanistan, like this one in Jalalabad.
Dost Radio is committed to broadcasting. But the team say a poor economy makes it hard
((Abdul Razaq Akhundzada, Dost Radio Managing Editor)) (Male, Pashto)))
“When we talk about the tough economic situation radio is facing, it has some impact. But the station continues to operate and works to raise awareness. It certainly has its challenges.”
((NARRATION))
Back in Pakistan, for many Afghans, like Miakhil, radio is already the primary source of information.
Miakhil tunes into the news at least three to four times a day. He is listening for information on Afghanistan and issues that may affect Afghan refugees in Iran and Pakistan, like deportations or harassment.
His family — over 60 strong, including children and grandchildren — still live as refugees.
For them, radio is their connection to the outside world.
((For Muska Safi in Kohat, Pakistan, Bezhan Hamdard, VOA News))
NewsML Media TopicsArts, Culture, Entertainment and Media
Subtitles / Dubbing AvailableNo
NetworkVOA
Embargo DateFebruary 12, 2025 14:59 EST
Brand / Language ServiceVoice of America - English
