Taliban Burns Musical Instruments and Hookahs in Latest Crackdown in Maidan Wardak

The Taliban’s Vice and Virtue Department in Maidan Wardak province has announced that it destroyed and burned more than 160 musical instruments and 155 hookahs in a recent operation. The department stated that promoting music and other activities it deems ‘un-Islamic’ is banned in Afghanistan and that action will be taken against those involved in such practices.

This latest move is seen as part of the Taliban’s strict policy against art and music in the country. Since the Taliban returned to power in 2021, the broadcast of music in the media has been prohibited, and many artists have faced threats and pressure.

Cultural sources say such actions by Taliban authorities have severely restricted Afghanistan’s cultural and artistic environment, prompting a mass exodus of artists from the country. At the same time, domestic media outlets have halted music broadcasts to avoid repercussions. Observers warn that continued restrictions could lead to the complete silencing of art in Afghan society.