Taliban-Led Balkh Department Calls for Removal of Foreign Words from Signs

The Department of Information and Culture in Balkh, under Taliban administration, has urged signwriters and printers in the province to stop using foreign words on signs and public announcements. The department stated that adherence to this directive is part of the cultural policies announced by the Taliban authorities.

According to a statement from the Ministry of Information and Culture, the meeting emphasized the promotion of what is called the “authentic Afghan culture” and the implementation of the guidelines set by the Signage Reform Commission. Officials from the department asked activists in this sector to comply with the prescribed frameworks in advertising and commercial writings.

Meanwhile, some participants voiced their views and concerns regarding the implementation of this directive. Nevertheless, they expressed readiness to cooperate in enforcing this cultural decision.

Critics argue that such decisions, without clear definitions and broad participation from cultural and linguistic experts, could lead to arbitrary restrictions in urban spaces and affect linguistic diversity and cultural freedoms of residents. This issue calls for greater transparency and accountability from the Taliban administration.