On 3 May 2025, World Press Freedom Day, Zan Times was honoured with the prestigious Pen2Pen Örebro Freedom of Expression Award, recognising its courageous journalism in documenting human rights abuses under Taliban rule. Accepting the award, Editor-in-Chief Zahra Nader said:

“For our team — especially the women journalists working in extremely difficult and dangerous conditions in Afghanistan — it is a powerful reminder that we are not alone in our fight for press freedom.” 

The award comes with a 20,000 SEK grant (about USD 1,800), which Zahra emphasised will help sustain their work. 

This recognition highlights Zan Times’ invaluable role in ensuring Afghan women’s voices are heard internationally—and reinforces global solidarity with journalists working under extreme risk.

Listen to Zahra and the team reflect on this moment: Zan Times’ announcement on X