The Taliban's Ministry of Information and Culture has convened a meeting of the Book Evaluation Commission, which approved several books for publication. The ministry stated that these books align with "Islamic, national, and Afghan values."
Since the Taliban's return to power, the Book Evaluation Commission, chaired by Ziaulhaq Haqmal, former head of Bakhtar News Agency, has intensified its scrutiny of books and cultural content.
The commission has imposed stringent restrictions on publishing and printing in Afghanistan, mandating that no book be printed without its approval.
The Taliban have also enforced widespread controls on libraries, printing houses, and publishing institutions nationwide. Inspections of public and private libraries have led to bans on the distribution, sale, and accessibility of numerous books, periodicals, and artistic and literary works. Bookstores in the capital have received lists of prohibited titles, with warnings against their purchase or sale.
Frequent commission meetings and ongoing censorship have sparked significant concern among writers, publishers, and cultural activists. Critics contend that the Taliban are using the commission to enforce ideological conformity and shape an official narrative across Afghan society.
