Taliban confiscates “Banned Books” in Jawzjan province

The Taliban have initiated a campaign in Sheberghan, the capital of Afghanistan’s northern Jawzjan province, to confiscate books they deem incompatible with Islamic teachings and Afghan cultural values, Afghan Amu news outlet said.

Baryali Ahmadi, head of information at the Taliban’s Directorate of Information and Culture in Jawzjan, stated the initiative aims to protect Islamic principles, Afghan traditions, and public awareness, saying that books seen as conflicting with these values would be removed from libraries across the province.

This campaign is part of broader restrictions imposed by the Taliban on educational and cultural materials. Reports indicate similar confiscations have occurred in libraries and universities nationwide, leading to criticism from rights groups and intellectuals who view the campaign as an attempt to suppress dissent and control public discourse.

Observers and rights groups have warned that the Taliban’s actions could have long-term consequences for Afghan society, particularly in terms of access to education and the free exchange of ideas.