MUMBAI: BBC World Service has launched a news and current affairs programme for audiences in the Southern and Eastern regions of Afghanistan.

Stasu Narray, from the BBC Pashto service, will bring 30 minutes of news and in-depth analysis to Pashto-speakers, including those on the Pakistan border, every day at 9 pm in Afghanistan . Stasu Narray will discuss a range of topics, from politics and economy to health and sports.

There will also be opportunities for listeners to share their views on key issues affecting their lives in special phone-ins.

BBC Persian and Pashto service head Andres Ilves says, "The BBC has been broadcasting to Afghanistan for many decades. Nearly two out of three adults listen to our programmes at least once a week, and research shows that the BBC is the international broadcaster most Afghans trust and tune in to.

"We are delighted to be able to draw on our rich experience and expertise of the region to offer a new bespoke daily programme for southern Afghanistan. I am certain that our listeners will benefit from the BBC's tradition of impartial journalism and comprehensive on-the-ground coverage."