Afghanistan has banned a New York Times reporter from leaving the country after the latter wrote a story about government officials planning to set up an interim leadership should the presidential election deadlock continue.

Basir Azizi, spokesperson for the office of the Afghan attorney general, told media on Tuesay that Matthew Rosenberg, 40, has been disallowed from leaving the country until he clarifies his story and identifies his sources.

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Azizi claimed the story - published in the Times on Monday - could cause confusion and fear to the citizens. He stressed that the reporter could not leave until the matter has been fully investigated.

He said the story threatens the country's national security since the election process is still ongoing, adding that discussions are still at a delicate phase.

Afghanistan planned to announce a new president this month but balloting is still underway, long delayed after allegations of fraud by candidates Abdullah Abdullah and Ashraf Ghani surfaced.

Rosenberg said he was called for questioning by the attorney general's office on Tuesday, adding that the summons seemed like he was being invited for a "semi formal chat" but that officials were insistent he reveal his sources.

Azizi said the reporter has not been detained and that he is expected to return on Wednesday for further questioning.

Meanwhile, the New York Times has expressed willingness to work with Afgan officials to resolve the issue. They are reportedly consulting with their lawyers on how to proceed and address the situation, the Washington Post relayed.

U.S. State Department spokesperson Marie Harf issued a statement on Tuesday criticizing the travel ban and  slled on Afganistan to respect the basic "freedoms of expression and expression of the press."

Likewise, Robert Mahoney, deputy director of New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists, condemned the ban. He said the ban only served to intimidate at a time when Afganistan needs independent political coverage the most, Fox News reported.

Although Afghanistan media has been generally lenient, Reuters noted the region has been increasingly dangerous for journalists.

According to Reuters, three media personnel have been killed in separate incidents since the run offs up until the April 5 vote.

TagsAfghanistan, Matthew Rosenberg, Afghan presidential elections, New York Times, Committee to Protect Journalists, Freedom of the Press, Freedom of expression