Taliban arrest 14 in Takhar for playing music and singing at night

Kabul: In Afghanistan's northern Takhar province, Taliban authorities have arrested 14 individuals for allegedly playing music and singing at night.

According to a statement issued by the police, the individuals had gathered at a residential house where they were playing music and singing, which caused public disturbance.

Since taking power in 2021, the Taliban have imposed strict bans on music across the country. They have labeled music as "moral corruption" and a source of public unrest, confiscating musical instruments and sound systems, shutting down music schools, and banning music at events.

Police stated that investigations are ongoing against the detainees.

The Taliban have encouraged former musicians to turn toward religious recitations without instruments, as this is considered the only permissible form of music under their rule, similar to their previous regime (1996–2001).