Religious minorities in Afghanistan, including Shias and Sufis, have been continuously targeted in deadly, deliberate attacks since the Taliban’s return to power. These assaults are primarily carried out by extremist groups such as ISIS. Despite the Taliban’s promises to ensure security, they have failed to protect the country’s religious minorities effectively.
The most recent incident involves the shooting of 11 Sufis at the shrine of Sayyid Padshah Agha Sadat in Nahrin District, Baghlan Province. A gunman armed with a silenced weapon entered the shrine during a prayer gathering and killed the victims. This incident is part of a broader pattern of targeted attacks against Sufis.
According to the United Nations, at least four major attacks against Sufis have occurred in Afghanistan since the Taliban’s return, resulting in 103 deaths and 228 injuries. One such attack, an explosion at the Mawlana Sikandar Sufi mosque in Kunduz in April 2022, claimed 33 lives.
Shias have also been continuously subjected to deadly assaults. For instance, the suicide bombing at the Imam Zaman Mosque in Pul-e-Khumri in October 2023 resulted in over 30 fatalities and dozens of injuries.
The Taliban, who claim to have established security across Afghanistan, have not only failed to protect minorities but have also imposed additional religious restrictions on them. Reports indicate that the Taliban have limited the ability of Sufis and Shias to hold religious ceremonies and have even warned Sufis to cease their dhikr (remembrance gatherings).
Richard Bennett, the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights, expressed concern over the recent attack on Sufis, warning that religious minorities in Afghanistan face significant danger. He has called for immediate measures to safeguard these communities.
Religious minorities in Afghanistan are under severe security threats and religious oppression. While the Taliban are responsible for ensuring the safety of all Afghan citizens, reports indicate they are either incapable of doing so or unwilling to act. Increased international pressure to protect these minorities and prevent human rights violations in Afghanistan is now more critical than ever.
