Taliban Bans Animal and Bird Images on Shop Signs in Khost

Taliban Bans Animal and Bird Images on Shop Signs in Khost
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Local sources in Afghanistan’s Khost province say the Taliban’s Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice has ordered shopkeepers to remove images of animals and birds from their storefront signs.

The directive was accompanied by inspections, with witnesses reporting that Taliban members painted over pictures of people, animals and even birds on shop banners in the city on Saturday, September 6, calling such depictions religiously prohibited.

The move has sparked criticism from residents, who view the policy as inconsistent. While ordinary citizens face restrictions on images, the Taliban continues to share photos and videos of its officials and events widely across social media for publicity.

Recently, photos of a Taliban foreign ministry official during a meeting with a Qatari minister circulated online, drawing strong reactions. Activists accused the group of applying double standards by imposing strict bans domestically while promoting its own image abroad.