Sources in the province say the Taliban’s Directorate for the Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice has instructed the Kandahar Chamber of Commerce not to take photographs or record videos of living beings during commercial events.
A letter obtained by the Hasht-e Subh Daily says the directive was issued on Tuesday, October 6, under the “law” of the Taliban’s Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice.
Traders say their programmes are held to develop trade, conduct marketing and strengthen commercial relations, and that photographs and videos are essential for promoting these activities.
They add that the ban will create difficulties in reflecting their commercial activities and introducing their programmes.
The ban was imposed several weeks after the opening of a commercial centre in Kandahar city by Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, the Taliban’s deputy prime minister for economic affairs.
Sources say that during the ceremony, several traders indirectly criticised Taliban officials over the lack of electricity and problems at the industrial park.
According to the sources, the criticism provoked a reaction from Taliban officials, after which new restrictions were imposed on the activities of traders and the Chamber of Commerce.
