The Taliban-led government hosted an International Water Conference in Kabul on Monday. The event took place at Kabul Polytechnic University under the leadership of the Taliban’s Ministry of Higher Education. Acting Minister Neda Mohammad Nadim presided over the gathering.
No Video Footage Released
Despite the significance of the conference, state-run media did not broadcast the event. The Taliban did not release any official video footage. This decision aligns with the stance of some Taliban officials who oppose the public display of images of living beings.
Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada issued a decree in August banning the publication of images of people. He cited the Islamic principle of promoting virtue and preventing vice. Some Taliban-controlled institutions, including the presidential palace, have adhered strictly to this rule. Others, such as the Ministries of Interior, Defense, and Foreign Affairs, continue to share photographs of official meetings.
Water Projects Announced
During the conference, Nadim announced new water projects across Afghanistan. He did not provide details about the scale or funding of these initiatives. Water management remains a critical issue for the country, especially amid ongoing droughts and economic challenges.
Afghanistan relies heavily on water from rivers and underground sources. Climate change and inadequate infrastructure have worsened water shortages in many provinces. The Taliban has promised to improve water management, but progress has been slow.
Internal Disagreements Over Media Policy
The restrictions on publishing images have caused tensions among Taliban officials. Some ministries continue to release photos of government activities, while others follow Akhundzada’s strict directive. The office of Abdul Ghani Baradar, the Taliban’s deputy prime minister for economic affairs, published several photographs from the water conference.
Observers say the lack of clear media policies reflects deeper divisions within the Taliban leadership. Some members advocate for a more open approach, while hardliners push for strict interpretations of Islamic principles.
Afghanistan’s Water Challenges
Water management has become a pressing issue for Afghanistan. The country faces frequent droughts, and many communities struggle with access to clean water. Years of conflict and instability have left the water infrastructure in poor condition.
Regional disputes over water rights add to the complexity. Afghanistan shares major rivers with neighboring countries, including Iran and Pakistan. Negotiations over water usage have often been tense. The Taliban has indicated that they will prioritize water resource management, but experts remain skeptical about their ability to implement effective policies.
Lack of Transparency in Governance
The Taliban’s refusal to broadcast the water conference raises concerns about transparency. Many international organizations and experts were not invited to the event. Without video footage or independent media coverage, it remains unclear what discussions took place.
The Taliban has repeatedly restricted media access to government events. Journalists face strict censorship, and many independent media outlets have shut down since the group took power in 2021.
Future Implications
Water resource management will be a crucial challenge for Afghanistan in the coming years. The Taliban’s ability to address this issue will impact millions of Afghans. However, without transparency and cooperation with international experts, progress may be limited.
The lack of video coverage from the water conference highlights the Taliban’s ongoing restrictions on information. Their approach to governance remains shrouded in secrecy, raising concerns about accountability and decision-making processes.
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