Local sources from western Kabul reported that the Police District (PD) 18 of the Taliban stopped operations of all the cafes in the Dashte Barchi area on Sunday.

The sources confirmed that during the sealing of these cafes, Taliban members beat up the customers too.

According to reports, at least 10 cafes in the PD 18 have been sealed.

During the past several years, cafes have become the main hub for youth in Kabul and other major Afghan cities to connect.

In many cases, cultural programmes, book review sessions, and book readings have been held at these cafes.

With the takeover of power by the Taliban in August 2021, many cultural centers, cafes, and small businesses ceased to operate in Kabul and other cities across Afghanistan.