Public Affairs Section
The Public Affairs Section (PAS) at Embassy Kabul is an office of American and Afghan employees charged with engaging the Afghan people and coalition partner publics to facilitate understanding about the mission in Afghanistan and with promoting cultural awareness and education.
In addition to the traditional press and cultural work done at Embassies around the world, under the leadership of the Embassy’s Director of Communications and Public Diplomacy the Section is implementing a strategic communications plan that includes diverse initiatives ranging from building cell-phone towers to take the airwaves away from the Taliban to widespread use of social media and viral-marketing-style interactions with the people of Afghanistan.
The PAS section also advises the Afghan Government Media and Information Center, providing mentoring and training to assist the Government in its efforts to encourage transparency and build accountability between the Government and the people.
Cultural Affairs Office:
The Cultural Affairs Office carries out activities to promote professional and cultural ties between the people of Afghanistan and United States. The Office coordinates a variety of exchange, speaker, artistic and interactive programs that address major issues, such as democracy and civil society, human rights, Islam in America, university administration, independent media, local government, cultural preservation, and administration of justice.
The International Visitor Leadership Program facilitates travel by Afghan journalists, academics, politicians, government officials, religious scholars, community leaders and NGO officials to engage in a dialogue with their counterparts in the U.S. The exchange program administers degree and non-degree fellowships, including Hubert Humphrey Fellowships, Fulbright Fellowships and Partnership for Learning Undergraduate Studies Fellowships for Afghans to pursue higher studies and develop professional experience.
In addition to cultural programs, the Office develops and maintains contacts with academics, political leaders, community leaders, religious scholars, NGO representatives and other professionals to promote a common understanding of issues of bilateral interest through visits and meetings.
Press Office
The Press Office leads the U.S. civilian effort’s interaction with international and Afghan media in Afghanistan, supporting the work of 15 departments and agencies at the Embassy. The Office is focused on showcasing American contributions to build a stable and secure Afghanistan and to support President Obama’s strategy. This is accomplished by providing information and stimulating dialogue between the Government of Afghanistan, the Afghan people and the U.S. Government.
The Press Office maintains multiple websites and video channels in English, Dari and Pashto which we invite you to visit for up-to-the minute news, photos and videos of the American mission in Afghanistan. The Press Office provides many opportunities to build the professional capacity of Afghan journalists, and works with the media from coalition partner nations and elsewhere to increase public understanding of the mission in Afghanistan.
For any press inquiries please contact KabulPress@state.gov.
Documents and Web Sites
Lincoln Learning Centers: IRC
Photography: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kabulpublicdiplomacy
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kabul-Afghanistan/US-Embassy-Kabul/34734118909?ref=ts
Twitter: http://twitter.com/USEmbassyKabul
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/KabulPD
Contact Us
Telephone: [93] 0700108000
Fax: NONE – Please scan and e-mail any necessary documents to us.
Kabul is 9½ hours ahead of EST; 8½ hours ahead of EDT.
E-mail: KabulPasExchange@state.gov
Using the general email box assures that your message will be answered promptly even if the officer who is the primary point of contact on your issue is away from the office.
Mailing Address:
Public Affairs Section
US Embassy – Kabul
DPO AE 09806
Local Address in Kabul:
Great Massoud Road
Wazir Akbar Khan (neighborhood)
Kabul
Afghanistan