Nadeem

8am: Afghanistan is recognized for its diverse social, linguistic, and religious structure. The country encompasses multiple Islamic sects, various ethnic groups, and diverse languages, each with its believers and advocates. The religious freedoms of the Afghan people were officially acknowledged in the constitution of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. Still, since the Taliban’s return to power, they have disregarded the country’s diverse values, emphasizing forced homogenization and the negation of others. Recently, the acting Minister of Higher Education for the Taliban has denied the existence of other religions in Afghanistan, stating, “All Afghans follow the Hanafi school of thought.” He claims that there are no other religions in Afghanistan. Political activists and religious affairs experts argue that the Taliban do not believe in diversity and plurality in the country, persisting in their mono-ethnic, mono-religious, and mono-linguistic behaviors. Previously, the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) reported that the Taliban had restricted religious freedoms. Additionally, the Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA) has expressed concern over the prohibition of religious freedom for Shiites by the Taliban. Click here to read more (external link).