Taliban’s Information Minister Emphasizes Preservation of Herat’s Historical Sites
The Information and Culture Directorate of the Taliban administration announced that Sheikh Shir Ahmad Hanafi, the Minister of Information and Culture, visited several cultural sites and the TAPI project in Herat province. During these visits, he emphasized the importance of preserving historical relics, stating that historical heritage forms a crucial part of the national identity of the country.
According to the ministry’s statement, Hanafi, accompanied by Mohajer Farahi, Deputy of Publications at the Information and Culture Directorate of Herat, visited the museum, public library, new theater building, the Ikhtiyār al-Dīn fortress, Hariwa Dar al-Funun, and also the TAPI project. He declared that “practical and sustainable” efforts will be made to preserve, restore, and introduce historical relics to future generations.
The Ikhtiyār al-Dīn fortress, as one of the prominent historical monuments in western Afghanistan, has a history spanning several centuries and has always required specialized care and attention. In recent years, concerns have been raised regarding the lack of professional facilities and adequate funding for the maintenance of historical sites, a matter that increases the responsibility of the Taliban administration for effective protection of these heritages.
In another part of this trip, the Taliban’s Minister of Information and Culture also spoke about the progress of the TAPI project in Herat. According to the statement, he described the implementation of large national and regional projects like TAPI as factors that strengthen economic stability, create job opportunities, and increase trust among regional countries.
The TAPI project, which aims to transport Turkmenistan’s gas through Afghanistan to Pakistan and India, is regarded as one of the important regional plans. Its full realization could have a significant impact on the country’s economic situation; however, practical progress and transparency in its execution remain key concerns for citizens and economic experts.
