Nine Arrested for Suspected Destruction of Historic Site in Nimroz

Nine residents have been arrested in Chakhansur district of Nimroz province on suspicion of involvement in the illegal excavation and destruction of a historic site, according to security forces under Taliban administration.

Local reports say the arrests occurred during a security operation while the individuals were allegedly engaged in unauthorized digging at a location of historical significance. Authorities also seized two electric vehicles and several digging tools.

Maulawi Nuruddin Hamza, the Taliban-appointed district governor of Chakhansur, confirmed the incident and emphasized that the administration would prevent any encroachment on cultural heritage.

Meanwhile, Mufti Habibullah Ilham, head of the Department of Information and Culture in Nimroz under Taliban leadership, stated that, according to an order from the group’s leader, the protection of historical relics is a collective responsibility of all citizens, and his office would not tolerate any violations in this regard.

Despite the Taliban’s assertion that they support the preservation of the country’s culture and heritage, their past record—most notably the destruction of the Bamiyan Buddhas—continues to cast serious doubt on such claims. The lack of legal frameworks and transparent mechanisms further paves the way for the exploitation and plundering of cultural heritage sites.