Taxi drivers in Afghanistan are playing Afghan and regional music in their cars despite a Taliban ban on music in public places, AFP reporting carried by France 24 and Japan Times says.
Drivers such as Roeen (first name only) turn tracks on then lower or switch them off at checkpoints to avoid morality police from the Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice ministry. PVPV rules say drivers must not play music because it is forbidden and annoys passengers. The ministry did not answer questions on punishments; other rule breaches can mean jail. Some drivers only listen alone amid traffic noise; one 32-year-old said he had been stopped twice for carrying a USB stick and memory card. Instrument burnings are occasionally reported; seizure figures are not published.