Date: 1445/8/7
Reference: 549/2

To all civilian and military officials of Kandahar Province,

May you succeed in all your religious affairs.

With the receipt of this letter, all respected officials are hereby instructed to avoid taking photographs or recording images of living beings in both official and unofficial gatherings in the future. The harm caused by such actions outweighs the benefits. Reports of your activities should be published in written or audio form.

This letter is effective immediately upon receipt, and it must be implemented by all within your respective offices.

Respectfully,
Haji Mullah Mohammad Sherin Akhund
Acting Governor of Kandahar Province

Previously, Taliban officials from the Ministry of Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice in Faryab and Jowzjan had also prohibited photography and filming at wedding events. This ban is a restriction on freedom of expression and access to information. It hinders visual documentation, suppresses public oversight, and undermines media and civic engagement. The directive reflects the Taliban’s broader strategy to control narratives and limit transparency, further isolating communities from the outside world.