Taliban government in Afghanistan officially banned the game of chess, labeling it as "haram" (forbidden) on religious grounds. This decision aligns with the Taliban's strict interpretation of Islamic principles and continues their pattern of restricting various forms of entertainment and sports since their return to power.

Key Highlights

• The Taliban declared chess "haram," citing concerns over its association with gambling and its perceived contradiction to Islamic teachings. 
• The ban includes the dissolution of Afghanistan's national chess federation, effectively halting all organized chess activities in the country. 
• This move is part of a broader pattern of prohibitions by the Taliban, who have previously banned activities such as kite flying, music, and various sports during their earlier rule from 1996 to 2001. 
• The international community has expressed concern over the Taliban's increasing restrictions on cultural and recreational activities, viewing them as a suppression of personal freedoms.
• The ban on chess underscores the Taliban's continued enforcement of their stringent interpretation of Islamic law, impacting various aspects of Afghan society, including cultural and recreational practices.