The Taliban-run Ministry of Information and Culture announced plans to provide bookstores with copies of the Quran, religious commentaries, and other Islamic texts in place of what they call “banned books.”
While the Taliban have not disclosed which specific titles are considered banned, a deputy from the ministry stated that 400 books have already been removed from bookstores. The Taliban claim the move is part of their broader effort to promote Islamic teachings.
Experts and university professors, however, are raising concerns. They argue that the Taliban’s removal of scientific and philosophical works reflects an attempt to impose their ideological views on Afghan citizens, particularly students. Some warn that restricting access to diverse literature could deepen religious extremism and jihadist ideologies within the country.
The Taliban said the order to confiscate “banned” books was issued by their leadership, and that they have established a “Book Evaluation Commission” to oversee the process.
