Taliban Imposes Ban on Chess Activities in Afghanistan
Kabul, May 12: The Taliban has banned chess in Afghanistan due to religious concerns, continuing its opposition to various forms of entertainment and sports, Khaama Press reported. As per reports, the decision was taken due to "religious considerations" and restrictions announced by the Taliban's Ministry of Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice. The decision places chess-related activities on hold indefinitely in Afghanistan.
Officials from the Taliban-led Ministry of Sports confirmed the suspension of chess activities on May 11, stating that the sport will remain banned in the nation until suitable responses are found regarding religious concerns. No activities related to chess would be allowed to resume without addressing these issues.
The Taliban's Ministry of Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice has also dissolved the Afghanistan Chess Federation, terming the game "haram" (forbidden) as per the interpretation of the Islamic law, Khaama Press reported. The decision follows a growing trend of restrictions imposed by the Taliban on cultural, social and sporting events in Afghanistan since it seized power.
Before the Taliban's announcement regarding the ban, several chess players and enthusiasts reportedly requested permission and financial support from the Taliban-led Ministry of Sports to continue their activities. However, the Taliban announced the ban, further complicating their efforts to play the game.
Taliban Introduces New Restrictions on Women in Afghanistan
The ban on playing chess demonstrates the Taliban's increasing restrictions on freedoms in Afghanistan. The Taliban has also imposed several restrictions on women in Afghanistan, including banning public speaking and looking out of windows. It remains to be seen how long these policies will last or whether the international community will be able to pressurise the Taliban to reverse their decisions.
Taliban Mandates New Uniforms for Students in Afghanistan
Earlier in February, the Taliban announced that students in Afghanistan must wear new Taliban-issued uniforms starting from March 22. The decision was published on February 27. According to the notice, students in classes 1st to 9th must wear a blue shirt, pants, and a white hat. Students in classes 10th to 12th must wear a white shirt, pants, and a headscarf or turban, Khaama Press reported.
Since seizing power in Afghanistan, the Taliban has implemented strict rules, including banning girls from pursuing studies in schools above sixth class and closing universities and medical educational centres to them.
