KABUL, AFGHANSITAN – The Taliban have burned 829 musical instruments and images of living beings in eastern Khost province, local authorities said, citing violations of Islamic principles.
In a statement, Mustaghfar Gurbaz, spokesperson for the Taliban governor’s office in Khost, said the items were seized by officials from the Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice during monitoring operations. He said the confiscated instruments were later destroyed by fire at a designated site.
Gurbaz described the action as part of efforts to “strengthen Islamic values” and prevent moral corruption, adding that similar operations would continue in the province.
The destruction is the latest incident in the Taliban’s campaign against music and artistic expression. The group views playing and listening to music as forbidden under its interpretation of Islamic law.
Two months earlier, the Taliban burned around 600 musical instruments, including harmoniums, daf drums, tablas, and speakers, in the provinces of Parwan and Laghman.
Since returning to power in August 2021, the Taliban have imposed severe restrictions on musicians and artists. The group has confiscated and destroyed instruments across the country, barred music from television and radio broadcasts, and raided gatherings where music was played.
Hundreds of musicians have fled Afghanistan since the takeover. Those remaining face risks of intimidation, abuse, and arrest. In a recent incident two weeks ago, authorities detained at least 21 people in northern Baghlan province for playing music at a private gathering.
During their previous rule from 1996 to 2001, the Taliban also banned music, television, films, and most forms of entertainment. Afghanistan remains the only country where music is officially prohibited nationwide.
