The Taliban have reportedly suspended all Mushaira poetry events across Afghanistan, citing economic pressures and recent criticism voiced during literary gatherings.

Sources confirmed to Afghanistan International that the group's Ministry of Information and Culture has issued a verbal directive ordering provincial departments to halt the cultural programmes until further notice.

The Mushaira events, held over the past four years in various provinces, have been part of the Taliban’s efforts to promote cultural unity. However, the recent suspension follows a high-profile incident at the Naranj Gul festival in Nangarhar province, where poets recited critical verses and urged the Taliban’s supreme leader to appear publicly in Kabul.

Sources report that on Monday, the Taliban also cancelled the Gul-e-Arghawan poetry festival in Parwan province. Officials allegedly attributed the cancellation to bad weather, although local observers reported that weather conditions were favourable.

The Taliban have yet to issue an official statement on the matter.

While the Taliban had used the Mushaira events as a cultural tool, the gatherings have remained tightly controlled. Only poets and cultural figures aligned with the group's ideology were permitted to participate. Women have been entirely excluded, and romantic or critical poetry has been strictly prohibited.

The cancellations have sparked discontent not only among independent cultural voices but also from some pro-Taliban users on social media, who criticised the decision to suspend a programme intended to foster national cohesion.