The Afghanistan National Institute of Music (ANIM) has condemned the destruction of over 21,000 musical instruments by the Taliban as an assault on Afghanistan's cultural heritage.

The institute stated that the destruction of these instruments is not only an assault on Afghanistan's musical culture, but also a violation of human rights, particularly the right to artistic and cultural expression.

In a statement, the Afghanistan National Institute of Music strongly condemned the Taliban's actions, highlighting that music has been an integral part of Afghan society for centuries, fostering community bonds, peace, and mutual understanding.

The statement described the destruction of the instruments as another devastating blow by the Taliban, who, since their return to power, have silenced the voices of artists, composers, and cultural figures through their "brutal" rule.

Ahmad Sarmast, the director of the Afghanistan National Institute of Music, expressed his anger and sadness over the Taliban's destruction of the instruments.

Sarmast said that while the Taliban have tried to silence the voice of the Afghan people, music cannot be erased from the hearts and minds of the people.

The Afghanistan National Institute of Music called on the international community, human rights organisations, and cultural institutions to condemn the Taliban's actions of "cultural destruction" and to support the preservation of Afghan music.

Last week, officials from the Taliban's Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice announced that the ministry had destroyed 21,328 musical instruments across Afghanistan over the past year.

The Taliban consider playing, listening to, and producing music as "haram" [forbidden].