Taliban bans sharing images of suicide victims in Khost Province

Taliban bans sharing images of suicide victims in Khost Province

Taliban authorities in Khost Province have ordered a ban on publishing images of suicide victims on social media, according to local sources. The directive, issued by the provincial police command, demands an immediate stop to sharing such content online.

While official suicide statistics were not provided, sources report a rise in suicide cases—especially among young people—since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021. This increase has raised concerns among residents and officials alike.

The order also instructs religious leaders to caution young people about the moral and religious consequences of suicide. Unemployment, psychological stress, family issues, and drug addiction were cited as key factors contributing to the surge.

Earlier data from the Taliban’s police department in Khost revealed that 72 people died by suicide in the province during the solar year 1403 (March 2024 to March 2025). The ban aims to address rising mental health concerns while controlling social media content related to these incidents.