Pakistan: Renewed ban on all “un-Islamic” audio cassettes
Local Taliban and religious leaders in North Waziristan on 11 June 2006 issued public notices that they will punish people listening to “un-Islamic” music, a Daily Times’ staff member reports from Miranshah
According to the Daily Times, the religious leaders warned people of “serious repercussions” if they do not shun “un-Islamic activities” like watching movies and listening to music. The announcement comes a day after the military bombed a militant hideout, killing up to 20 militants. The Taliban warned tribesmen to ban all “un-Islamic” video and audio cassettes, ban dish antennas in houses and bazaars, and close all gambling dens.
“Any person committing these atrocities from Monday [12 June 2006] will be punished accordingly if spared by the government,” said the announcement. Sources said that most local tribesmen supported the announcement, believing its implementation would bring peace to the troubled tribal agency.
Ethnomusicologist John Baily and Freemuse executive director Marie Korpe speak about the Taliban’s campaign against music and musicians in Afghanistan and Pakistan
Lima Sahar charmed her way into the third spot of the 2008 version of the wildly popular 'Afghan Star' competition. Now in exile, she fears for her life
Two people were killed and several wounded by a bomb that exploded in a music download shop in Afghanistan's south-eastern town of Khost on 22 April 2007
The Taliban in Pakistan's in tribal areas bordering Afghanistan are imposing a fine of 500 rupees for any one playing music in public, reports several news agencies
Pakistani musicians living near the country's border with Afghanistan have complained they are being harassed by hardliners attempting to stamp out music and movies
During Music Freedom Day 2008, governor Ata Mohammed Noor announced that he would try to solve the problem with the ban preventing male artists from singing at weddings
At a workshop in Kabul participants from all over the country identified some of the key problems that make life difficult for Afghan musicians and composers.
