Taliban Authorities Uncover 84 Ancient Artifacts in Paktika Province
The Taliban administration has announced the discovery of 84 historical artifacts following archaeological excavations in Mata Khan district of Paktika province. According to the Ministry of Information and Culture of this administration, the recent findings date back to the Kushan and Sassanian periods, which are among the most significant historical eras in the region.
Based on the information provided, these artifacts were found in the archaeological site of Rashki Ghundi. The discovered items include stone, pottery, bone, glass, and metal objects, the variety of which indicates extensive historical activity at this location.
Officials from the Taliban’s Ministry of Information and Culture stated that the site was previously used as a bead-making workshop. Zabihullah Sadat, head of archaeology at the ministry, mentioned that the artifacts have been entrusted to the Information and Culture Directorate of the Taliban administration in Paktika to continue the processes of examination and preservation.
Over the past nearly five years, the Taliban have repeatedly reported the discovery of ancient sites and artifacts across various provinces. This comes despite their previous responsibility for the destruction of the Buddhas of Bamiyan statues, an act that drew widespread domestic and international condemnation. The current administration refers to historical structures and archaeological sites as “Afghanistan’s spiritual treasures” and emphasizes their protection—a matter which experts say requires transparency, a practical plan, and independent oversight to prevent damage or illicit trafficking of historical artifacts.
