Taliban Administration Bans Firearm Discharges in Baghlan Province Amid Security Concerns

Local sources in Baghlan province report that Taliban authorities have banned the buying and selling of firearm discharges, known locally as ‘Pataqi,’ in the region. According to these sources, the decision came after a rise in security incidents and concerns over the deaths of Taliban fighters.

Sources told 8 Sobh newspaper on Wednesday night, February 24, that in recent weeks, there have been instances where gunfire was reported as ‘Pataqi shots.’ However, following site investigations, bodies of Taliban members were also found.

According to the sources, in several cases, Taliban fighters attempted to justify deadly gunfire as the sound of ‘Pataqi’; a move that local observers believe highlights the fragile security situation in Baghlan.

Baghlan is considered one of the insecure provinces in northern Afghanistan and has witnessed clashes and sporadic attacks in recent years. However, the Taliban administration has not officially provided details about the nature of this ban or how it will be enforced.