Afghanistan closes 33 Ismaili prayer halls in Badakhshan: UNAMA

ISLAMABAD: Afghan authorities have closed at least 33 Ismaili Muslim prayer halls, known as JamatKhanas, in north-eastern Badakhshan province over the past three months, the United Nations said, raising concerns over religious freedom under Taliban rule.

In its latest quarterly human rights report, the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said the closures took place between April and June, affecting 17 JamatKhanas in Zebak district, 14 in Ishkashim and two in Wakhan.

UNAMA said officials from the Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice, sometimes accompanied by other authorities, instructed members of the Ismaili community to stop using the prayer halls.

According to the report, Afghan officials argued that the buildings contained mihrabs – prayer niches indicating the direction of Mecca – and therefore should be treated as mosques rather than Ismaili places of worship.

Afghanistan’s Foreign Ministry said the status of the buildings varied after official assessments. It said some had previously functioned as mosques, while others had been used as residences or non-religious facilities, adding that decisions were made on a case-by-case basis.

The closures are expected to increase international scrutiny of the Taliban authorities’ treatment of religious minorities since they returned to power in August 2021. The UN and rights organisations have repeatedly raised concerns over restrictions affecting Ismaili and Shi’ite Muslims and called for the protection of freedom of religion and belief.

The developments have also drawn attention to institutions associated with Afghanistan’s Ismaili community and organisations linked to the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN).

In February 2025, Taliban authorities took control of Kabul Serena Hotel, a prominent property previously operated by the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development (AKFED). The hotel’s management was transferred to the Taliban-run Hotel State Owned Corporation after AKFED ended operations at the property.

A senior official familiar with the matter told Business Recorder that AKFED was compelled to hand over the hotel after Taliban authorities sought control of the property without providing a clear explanation. The Taliban authorities did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the allegation.

The closure of Ismaili prayer halls, along with developments involving AKFED-linked institutions, is likely to further intensify international attention on Taliban policies towards religious minorities and Afghanistan’s diverse social communities.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026