Paktika FM radio launched

The state-run radio of Paktika province was launched to become the first local radio for the remote southeastern province on the style of other provincial radios run by the local government administration.

Paktika governor Muhibullah Samim, during the launching ceremony attended by local officials and jouranlists, said the radio could act as a bridge between the government and people.

Bashir Muhammadi, head of the information and culture department, said the FM radio coverage was currently confined to the provincial capital Sharan city mostly.

He said the 300-kilowatt transmitter was granted by the British Broadcasting Corporation to the local government according to an agreement.

The radio will also air regular BBC Pashto and Persian news programs as part of the agreement, said Bashir.

Four radios out of nine stations which started transmissions during the past ten years are now active. Most of them are local radios set by the US forces in their local bases in districts.

Paktika was one of the least developed provinces of Afghanistan.