The Taliban has reportedly rejected a request from the Tebyan Cultural Centre to hold Quds Day demonstrations in Kabul and Mazar-e-Sharif, according to sources speaking to Afghanistan International.
Following the denial, a closed-door Quds Day ceremony was held inside the centre’s Kabul office, where participants were seen burning an Israeli flag. Photographs from the event show Issa Hosseini Mazari, head of the Tebyan Centre and a well-known pro-Iranian figure in Afghanistan, standing next to the burning flag.
Quds Day, observed annually on the last Friday of Ramadan, was established by Ruhollah Khomeini, the founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran, as a show of solidarity with Palestinians. The Iranian government regularly organises commemorative events in various countries, including Afghanistan.
This year, the Tebyan Centre had reportedly intended to organise public gatherings in Kabul and Balkh provinces. However, the Taliban opposed the initiative, effectively blocking the planned demonstrations.
In recent years, Quds Day events in Afghanistan have often been hosted at Iranian diplomatic missions, with attendance by both Iranian and Taliban officials. Joint prayer ceremonies between representatives of both governments have also been documented.
Mazari, known for his alignment with Iran, has previously voiced support for the Taliban and maintains close ties with Tehran.
Despite regular observances, Quds Day ceremonies in Afghanistan have drawn criticism from those who see the event as a political tool employed by Iran to exert influence in the region.
