By RFE/RL’s Radio Azadi April 21, 2022 Afghanistan’s Taliban rulers have banned the social media application TikTok and popular online game PUBG, saying the move is aimed to protect younger generations from a bad influence. Spokesman Inamullah Samangani tweeted that the Taliban government on April 21 instructed the Communications and Information Technology Ministry to restrict access to the
Washington Post: Child marriage has long been prevalent in many Afghan communities. But the Taliban takeover, the subsequent plunge of the economy and banking system, and other stresses have “exacerbated the problem,” Williams said. The age of girls sold into marriage is dropping, a trend that could persist as long as the Taliban prevents girls
8am: Local sources in Faizabad, the center of Badakhshan province, have reported that the Taliban’s Education Directorate in the province has ordered its entire staff, by issuing a letter to grow beards and wear hats or turbans during congregational prayers. According to sources, Taliban have warned the department’s employees that they will fire the violators
Ariana: The majority of Afghans want to leave their homeland for good, according to a Gallup poll released on Monday. The survey of 2,002 Afghan adults in August and September last year found that a record 53 percent would leave their country if they had the chance. Gallup said that the percentage, one of the
Ariana: National Statistics and Information Administration of Afghanistan (NSIA), estimated Afghanistan population more than 34 million. In an event held by NSIA under the name of Publication of the Statistical Yearbook of 1400, on Wednesday in capital Kabul the administration said that their survey found total population is 34.3 million – 17.5 million (51%) are
Al Jazeera: The Taliban rule and the flagging economy have seemingly put a dampener on celebrations this year. While the scenes at the shrine and mosque feel much like any other Nowruz in Afghanistan, today the numbers – even at peak hour on the eve before Nowruz – are fewer than last year. Click here
Tolo News: Residents of Kabul called for the celebration of Nawroz as the government said it does not intend to officially celebrate the first day of the 1401 solar year. Nawroz is the first day of solar year and is usually celebrated by the people and governments of some regional countries – but this year
Ariana: Afghanistan has been ranked last out of 146 countries in the UN World Happiness Report 2022, which was released on Friday. This is the third consecutive year Afghanistan is placed at the very bottom of the world happiness rankings. Click here to read more (external link). Related The report warns that Afghanistan’s numbers might
8am: Military forces without beards, low beards, minors, and infamous members are removed and expelled from the military ranks and posts. Meanwhile, Taliban interim government had previously instructed the public to avoid shaving and have warned the barbers to obey the orders and decrees accordingly. Click here to read more (external link).
The Guardian (UK): Since August, secondary school girls from grade 7 and up have effectively been banned from education. While the Taliban claims the restrictions are temporary, saying they want to create the right Islamic environment for girls to learn, Afghanistan remains the world’s only country where girls are barred from education. Click here to