Shamshad TV
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Television broadcasting |
| Founded | 2005 |
| Founder | Fazel Karim Fazel |
| Headquarters | Afghanistan and Dubai , Afghanistan, United Arab Emirates |
Area served | Afghanistan and international (via satellite, IPTV) |
| Products | Television programming, radio broadcasting |
Shamshad Media Network () is a privately owned and independent television broadcaster operating from Afghanistan and Dubai. Established by Fazel Karim Fazel in 2005, it officially began transmissions in 2006. The channel mainly caters to the ethnic Pashtun community, with approximately 85% of its programming delivered in Pashto. Its diverse content lineup includes educational programs, news bulletins, family dramas, musical shows, comedy, children’s entertainment, women’s empowerment initiatives, Islamic teachings, political and current affairs coverage, sports, entertainment, and crime reporting. Shamshad Media Network reaches audiences both within Afghanistan and internationally through satellite transmission, IPTV platforms, and local broadcast towers.
Coverage
To extend its reach to remote areas across the country—particularly in southern Afghanistan—Shamshad TV has deployed transmission towers nationwide. It provides free-to-air access throughout numerous provinces including Kabul, Logar, Kapisa, Parwan, Wardak, Nangarhar, Laghman, Balkh (Mazar-e-Sharif), Paktia, Khost, Kunduz, Herat, Kandahar, Helmand, Kunar, Baghlan, Ghazni, Nimruz, Farah, Zabul, and Badakhshan. In major urban centers, cable providers distribute the channel. Terrestrial coverage has further expanded beyond borders with new transmitters installed in Spin Boldak and Torkham, reaching tribal regions across the frontier. Moreover, about 90% of cable operators in the adjacent Pakistani provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan carry Shamshad’s broadcasts.
Shamshad Radio
As a division of Shamshad Media Network, Shamshad Radio delivers content through multiple channels:
- Terrestrial broadcasts covering roughly 80% of the area
- Distribution via cable networks in key cities
- Satellite transmission to 57 countries
- Live streaming accessible in major metropolitan areas
- IPTV availability worldwide
- Active presence on global social media platforms
Shamshad TV programs
The network airs a variety of translated foreign dramas including Turkish series such as the anti-terrorism themed Sefket Tape (Dare Morchal), Team One (Shaheen), Mirna and Khalil (Mirna ao Khalil), Iki Dunya Anasinda (Sahra), and Yeni Gelin (Nawy), among others.
Additionally, it features Hindi serials encompassing family and romantic narratives like Karal Bagh (Karal Bagh), Qabool Hai (Salgai), Be Had (Junoon), and Koch Rang Peyar ke (Da meni rang).
Shamshad also produces original programming such as Roon Sahar, a morning show addressing social and political topics; Jor pa Khair, which highlights local music; the comedic series Takkan; cooking segments; In Ghazal Shpa, showcasing national musicians; Khaza ao Tolana, a women-centered program; the daily current affairs show Tawda Bahsona; and Deni Larkhowany, inviting Islamic scholars to discuss societal concerns.
The network's film production arm made history by creating the world’s first Full HD Pashto drama series with Sola and Seyal (Sola ao Seyal).
Logo
The emblem of Shamshad Media Network was designed under the guidance of founder Fazel Karim Fazel. It artistically represents the network’s name in Pashto by combining two 'SS' characters with three dots that symbolize the Pashto letter Sheen, collectively forming "Sham Shad."
Attacks
On 7 November 2017, Shamshad Media experienced a violent assault involving armed gunmen and suicide bombers. This attack resulted in the death of one security personnel and injured 20 others. The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIS) claimed responsibility for this incident. Despite this challenge, Shamshad quickly restored its broadcasting services, showcasing steadfastness amid Afghanistan's demanding media landscape.