The Taliban has prohibited the video recording of Friday sermons in the northern province of Balkh, following a public outcry against the group and a fiery sermon by a prominent cleric condemning ethnic discrimination within the regime.
According to sources, the Taliban’s Directorate for the Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice summoned mosque preachers and clerics around 3 PM on Monday to issue a new directive. The clerics were warned that the recording of sermons was strictly forbidden, under threat of consequences.
This move came after a video emerged of Maulawi Abdul Qahir, the preacher at Rawza Sharif Mosque in Balkh, openly criticising the Taliban’s tribalism and discriminatory practices. In his sermon, Qahir warned that such policies could lead to the collapse of the Taliban regime.
His remarks triggered widespread reaction and protests. Supporters of the cleric reportedly chanted “Death to the Taliban” inside the mosque, prompting a swift and forceful response from Taliban authorities.
Eyewitnesses reported that Ubaidullah, the head of the Directorate for the Propagation of Virtue in Balkh, entered the mosque during the final moments of the sermon accompanied by armed special forces and three military vehicles. They confiscated all video equipment and detained several attendees amid heightened tensions.
The Taliban reportedly intended to arrest Maulawi Abdul Qahir on the spot, but were met with resistance from worshippers. Sources say that while he avoided arrest during the incident, several of his supporters were taken into custody.
Maulawi Abdul Qahir has a history of outspoken criticism against the Taliban. During the group’s Loya Jirga (grand assembly), he condemned their governance style, stating: “You can capture geography with suicide bombers and car bombs, but not the hearts of the people.”
Since reclaiming power in 2021, the Taliban has presented its rule as inclusive and widely supported. However, political and civil institutions remain largely inactive or suppressed, and senior government roles have been monopolised by Taliban members. Clerics and commanders with little to no administrative experience have been appointed to technical and bureaucratic posts.
Independent religious voices like Qahir’s continue to face increasing pressure, with many clerics being arrested, silenced, or forced into exile for their dissent.
