NEW DELHI: The authorities in
Kandahar
, the birthplace of the
Taliban
in Afghanistan, have issued a directive to
officials
, instructing them not to capture pictures or videos of "living things."
The provincial department of interior, in a letter to civil and military officials, emphasized the negative consequences of such visuals. While text and audio content on officials' activities are permitted, images of humans and animals are generally avoided in Islamic art and some Muslims have an aversion to any depictions of living beings.
A spokesperson for Kandahar's governor confirmed the authenticity of the letter. However, it remains unclear how strictly this order will be enforced and to what extent it will be implemented.
The Taliban government has not responded to requests for clarification or comment. During their previous rule from 1996 to 2001, the Taliban banned television and images of living things.
Since their return to power over two years ago, many media outlets have refrained from using such visuals.
Nonetheless, official central government departments often share pictures of senior officials meeting foreign dignitaries.
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