The Taliban’s Justice Ministry has closed the Khatam al-Anbia religious school and scientific-cultural complex in western Kabul and detained four people, according to local sources.
Residents said ministry personnel cited “anti-emirate activities” as the reason for the closure but did not provide further details.
Khatam al-Anbia is a major Shiite religious and educational center in Afghanistan. The complex was established by Ayatollah Mohammad Asif Mohseni in the early 2000s and has been involved in religious education as well as academic and cultural activities.
A teacher at the center said the Shiite community has faced increasing pressure, describing the situation as uncertain and distressing.
Local sources also said Justice Minister Abdul Hakim Sharaee has dissolved a commission established to address issues concerning Afghanistan’s Shiite community. According to the sources, members of the commission had sought the release of its head, Mohammad Ali Akhlaqi, and several associates who remain in detention.
A source within the commission said Akhlaqi’s release had been made conditional on vacating his home in Kabul’s Omid-e-Sabz township.
Human rights activist Sharif Watandost also alleged that detained commission members remained in custody and that their membership cards and homes had been confiscated.
The Justice Ministry has not publicly provided details addressing the allegations.
The developments follow the closure of several Shiite institutions in recent weeks, including the Khatam al-Nabieen religious school, Khatam al-Nabieen University, Rah-e-Farda television and an office representing Shiite and Hazara community elders.