THE SUNDAY TELEGRAPH: Religious hardliners have declared a jihad against the television talent shows that have taken Afghanistan by storm, condemning the way they feature unveiled women singing and dancing.
The programmes – modelled on Western favourites such as The Voice and Pop Idol – are hugely popular in a country with a young population and where television ownership has rocketed since the Taliban were ousted from Kabul in 2001.
At the same time there is a growing backlash against what many see as foreign values.
Abdul Sattar Khawasi, a parliamentarian, is leading the campaign and has secured a promise from the Afghan minister of information to review the programmes.
"I have already made it clear in the lower house that I am going to start a jihad against these kind of shows and programmes on our television channels," he said. » | Zubair Babakarkhail, Kabul and Rob Crilly | Sunday, July 21, 2013