He said there would be no consequences for the media outlets who violate the order, saying, 'It is just their journalistic responsibility to avoid creating public fear.'

'Of course when the people see dead and wounded people on TV, it will definitely weaken their confidence to come out and vote,' he said, adding, 'Of course after (polls close) the media can report anything'.

The government's call for a media blackout comes amid the Taliban's warning that they would disrupt the elections by blocking highways and attacking the polling stations. The militants threatened to slit throats and chop off fingers of anyone who votes.