RASC News Agency: Local sources in Kapisa province report that the Taliban has initiated the systematic removal of specific books from school libraries. According to these reports, the confiscated materials primarily include works authored by women. The Taliban has also targeted novels, poetry collections, and books addressing social issues, deeming them incompatible with their interpretation of Islam and Sharia law.
One source revealed that the Taliban has replaced the banned titles with copies of the Quran, which they are distributing widely in schools. Additionally, the group is closely scrutinizing imported books, particularly those originating from Iran, and has confiscated several deemed inconsistent with their ideological stance. Taliban officials appear to be conducting a deliberate campaign to purge libraries of what they describe as “un-Islamic” and “anti-government” literature. This effort includes reviewing imported publications, removing contentious content, and circulating a list of prohibited titles to prevent their distribution.
Previously, the Taliban implemented similar measures in Herat, where numerous books were confiscated from libraries, bookstores, and schools. Most recently, they issued a directive banning the sale and distribution of over 400 titles in Kabul and Herat, further restricting the availability of diverse literature. The Taliban justifies these actions by claiming that removing books that contradict Hanafi jurisprudence, as well as works of fiction and materials critical of their government and religious ideology, will “reform” Afghanistani youth.
Since taking power, the group has consistently banned books they consider contrary to their vision of an Islamic society, intensifying efforts to control educational and intellectual discourse in the country.
