KABUL: Several cultural, religious and scientific institutions affiliated with Afghanistan’s Shiite community have been shut down in Kabul by the Taliban intelligence agency, according to local sources.
Sources said on Monday, October 6, corresponding to Miizan/Mehr, that several institutions were closed simultaneously. The affected facilities reportedly include religious and educational centers serving members of the Shiite community.
The sources said the closures have disrupted activities at the institutions, which provide religious education as well as cultural and scientific programs. Details about the total number of centers affected and the reasons given by Taliban authorities for the closures remain unclear.
The reported measures come amid continuing concerns among members of Afghanistan’s Shiite and Hazara communities over restrictions on religious, cultural and educational activities. Afghanistan’s Shiite population has also faced security threats in recent years, including attacks claimed by or attributed to Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP).
Taliban authorities have not publicly issued a detailed statement explaining the reported closures in the information available.
The exact names and number of institutions affected could not be independently verified. Further details are expected regarding the reasons for the closures and whether the centers will be permitted to resume their activities.