Kabul, July 11 -- The United Nations has raised serious concerns over a new media directive issued by the Taliban, warning that the policy will intensify fear and self-censorship among Afghan journalists.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said the move will tighten control over press freedom and formalise previous restrictive actions, Khaama Press reported.

The directive mandates that all political programs and participants must receive prior approval from the Taliban's Ministry of Information and Culture before broadcast.

According to Khaama Press, the four-page document titled "Policy for Holding Political Programs (Roundtables) in Afghanistan" requires media outlets to su...