The Supreme Council of National Resistance for the Salvation of Afghanistan, with a deep sense of responsibility and serious concern, is closely monitoring the ongoing developments and events in the country. What has occurred in recent days in relation to religious and academic centers, residential townships, and media outlets is a matter of serious concern and cannot simply be overlooked. The siege of and coercive actions against segments of society, particularly religious seminaries and academic and religious institutions, are not merely restrictions on the activities of an institution or the closure of a building; rather, they directly affect the lives of thousands of families and the future of the country’s younger generation.
The Khatam al-Nabieen Religious Seminary is not merely a building for thousands of families and young people; it is an academic, religious, and social institution that has been active for many years. If there is any dispute concerning the land, ownership, or any other legal matter related to this center, the appropriate solution is to refer the matter to the courts and pursue fair and lawful procedures—not to impose a siege, resort to coercive measures, or create an atmosphere of fear and anxiety among the people.
The same principle applies to residential townships, including Omid-e Sabz Township in Kabul, Jibril Township in Herat, and Khalid ibn Walid Township in Mazar-e Sharif. Thousands of families live in these communities, and their homes are the result of years of hard work and effort. The fate of these families cannot be disregarded through a single administrative decision or the order of one individual. Any dispute concerning land or property must be resolved through legal channels and with full respect for the rights of the residents.
At the same time, continued pressure on the media, restrictions on the activities of journalists, and the closure of media outlets are also unacceptable. The media are an integral part of social life and an important means of reflecting the voices of the people. Preventing media activities and taking action against journalists for carrying out their professional duties are contrary to the recognized principles of freedom of expression and the fundamental rights of the people. The closure of Rah-e Farda, Tamadon, and Shamshad television channels amounts to silencing the voice of a segment of society.
When all these developments are considered together, it is natural for people to feel that the space available for their daily lives and their social, religious, academic, and media activities is becoming increasingly restricted. Under the current circumstances, Afghanistan needs public trust and stability more than ever. Such trust can only be established when people are confident that their homes and property are secure, that educational and religious institutions will not be closed without lawful grounds, and that journalists and media organizations will not face threats, pressure, or detention for carrying out their duties.
The Supreme Council of National Resistance for the Salvation of Afghanistan emphasizes that Afghanistan is the common home of all its people. Uzbeks, Tajiks, Hazaras, Pashtuns, and all other ethnic communities of Afghanistan—whether Shia, Sunni, or followers of other religious traditions—have the right to live alongside one another with equal rights while preserving their identity, dignity, and beliefs. Lasting unity and stability are possible only when justice applies equally to everyone and when the rights of no group or citizen are disregarded because of ethnicity, religion, or identity.
The Supreme Council of National Resistance for the Salvation of Afghanistan once again calls upon the United Nations and the international community not to remain silent in the face of this situation and to use political and diplomatic means to press the Taliban to respect the rights of the people. Coercive actions and the creation of an atmosphere of fear among citizens must end. Journalists and media officials should not be detained without clear charges and due legal process, and media activities must be protected in accordance with the right to freedom of expression.
We also warn the Taliban to end restrictive policies and practices based on prejudice and coercion. Afghanistan cannot achieve stability through force or by excluding a segment of society. Continuing such an approach will only deepen divisions and push the country toward even more serious crises.
The Supreme Council of National Resistance for the Salvation of Afghanistan emphasizes that the voice of the people cannot be silenced by closing a gate, sealing a building, or shutting down a media outlet. The people’s demands for justice, security, freedom, and a life of dignity will not disappear through such measures.
We believe that Afghanistan will move toward prosperity, stability, and peace only when no citizen has reason to fear for their home, property, religion, identity, school, religious seminary, or voice, and when all the people of Afghanistan enjoy equal rights and the opportunity to live a dignified life.