Istanbul, Turkey.

Today, Wednesday, Mr. Haroon Bacha, President of the Pashto Music Institute (PMI), delivered an in-depth presentation on the current state of music in Afghanistan at the international conference titled “Transitional Justice and Minorities in Afghanistan: Future Prospects and Comparative Experiences,” organized by the Raoul Wallenberg Institute in Istanbul, Turkey.

Drawing on qualitative research conducted by his organization, Mr. Bacha shared key findings from a recent investigative report on the dire and deteriorating conditions faced by Afghan musicians and the broader music scene in Afghanistan.

His presentation, titled “The Impact of Music Bans and Social Stigmatization on Musicians in Afghan Society,” was met with deep interest and engagement from conference attendees. In his speech, he stated:

“In Afghanistan, music is facing intense censorship and prohibition. Musicians, music teachers, and even enthusiasts are grappling with physical, economic, and psychological pressure.”

Key Findings from the Report:

According to the Institute’s research:

• Government policies have led to sweeping bans on music. All music production centers have been shut down, and musical instruments have either been confiscated or burned.
• Pashtun musicians and their families are under severe cultural, governmental, and societal pressure.
• Female singers are under even greater threat than their male counterparts, facing serious risks, including death threats.
• Since 2021, the majority of professional musicians have either fled the country or gone into hiding, struggling to survive under extremely difficult economic conditions.
• Due to social humiliation, some artists conceal their identity or even deny their artistic background.
• There has been virtually no active support from international cultural institutions or aid organizations.

A Call for International Solidarity

Mr. Bacha urged international organizations, human rights defenders, and cultural bodies to come together in support of Afghan music. He emphasized that music is not just an art form but a vital expression of social identity, historical memory, and freedom.

The Institute’s Commitment

The Pashto Music Institute (PMI) remains committed to supporting Afghan musicians both inside the country and in exile. The organization aims to amplify their voices on the global stage and to seek sustainable livelihood alternatives for them both within and outside Afghanistan.

Afghan Music Under a Fourfold Siege

Mr. Haroon Bacha described Afghan music and musicians as being trapped under a “fourfold siege”:

1. Official bans imposed by the Taliban
2. Historical contempt and societal prejudice
3. Economic deprivation
4. Indifference and silence from the international community

The Need for a Global Voice

Mr. Bacha called on international cultural foundations, human rights activists, music organizations, and journalists to raise their voices and take a clear stance against this crisis. He stated:

“The voice of Afghan musicians has been silenced. If we do not raise this voice, Afghan music faces the threat of extinction — and this would not only be a loss for Afghanistan, but an irreparable blow to global human heritage.”

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For more information, please contact:

Pashto Music Institute (PMI)

Email: info@pashtomusic.org

Website: www.pashtomusic.org