‘Afghan culture should not vanish’: Taxi drivers defy Taliban ban on music despite fear of morality police

Kabul, September 26 — Taxi drivers in Afghanistan are breaking a ban imposed by the Taliban government, playing music in their vehicles despite the risk of being caught by morality police. The ban has been in effect for five years, with only religious or patriotic songs played in public spaces by the Taliban authorities. Taxi drivers such as Roeen have started playing Afghan and regional folk or pop music, turning it down when they encounter security forces.

The Propagation of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice (PVPV) Ministry, responsible for enforcing the ban, does not disclose punishments for those who defy it, but they risk imprisonment. Roeen expressed fear of the PVPV officials, stating that they hold "a lot of authority" and they are too afraid to listen to music at higher volumes.

This ban has created a desire for music among taxi drivers like Roeen, who feels the need to listen to music constantly as a form of protest. The ban on various forms of entertainment, including cinema, has pushed listening to music as a means of maintaining Afghan culture.