Music is banned in Afghanistan.. Taxi drivers defy the decision

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In the past, popular music was part of the daily scene in the Afghan capital, Kabul, as it echoed from restaurants, cafes, and shops, and from car windows as they roamed the streets of the capital.

But since the Taliban returned to power in 2021, only religious or national anthems permitted by officials can be heard in public places.

Meanwhile, members of the Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice remain on the lookout for the slightest musical note that violates the ban.

Nevertheless, taxi drivers, like Royin, who refused to give his full name for security reasons, continue to secretly listen to popular songs and Afghan pop music, defying a decision issued by the Taliban government to ban it.

As soon as Royin spots a police officer, he quickly turns off the radio in his car. Royin said from his light blue and white car, "As soon as we stop at checkpoints," which are numerous in Kabul, "we lower the volume or stop the music completely," according to what AFP reported.

He also confirmed that he now feels "ten times more eager to listen to music" since it was banned.

Additionally, the 28-year-old pointed out that in a country where many forms of entertainment are prohibited, as cinemas have been closed or demolished except for sporadic screenings of documentaries glorifying the armed forces, listening to music has become "a form of protest."

For his part, another driver who requested anonymity admitted that he only listens to music when he is alone, and that the noise of other cars makes him less noticeable. The thirty-something said, "We used to listen to music whenever we wanted, without stress or worry. Now, I feel tense when I listen to it."

He added that he had previously been stopped by police twice and had a USB drive and a memory card that he connected to his car radio to listen to his favorite songs.

He continued, saying, "I didn't lie, I said it contained music, and they destroyed it." He added, "I believe Afghan culture should not disappear, and music is an integral part of it."

On the other hand, the morality police consider "music to be banned and causes annoyance to passengers, so drivers should refrain from listening to it or broadcasting it to others."

The morality police have occasionally confiscated musical instruments or devices used to listen to music in some provinces and burned them.

They have also confiscated headphones from Afghans on the streets or in gyms to check if they are listening to music.

Meanwhile, ministry spokesman Saif al-Islam Khyber indicated that he does not have national figures on this matter.