Local sources in Daikundi province told Nimruztv that Taliban intelligence forces have arrested Nazir Jafari, the education director of Sangtakht and Bandar district.
According to the sources, the arrest came after he opposed the collection and removal of books related to the Jaafari school of thought.
Sources said Nazir Jafari was detained Tuesday, 22 Sawr, from his workplace, and no information has since been released regarding his whereabouts or condition.
They added that Taliban authorities have not provided any explanation about his detention.
Nazir Jafari is originally from Panjab district of Bamiyan province and previously served as the head of education in Bamiyan during the former Afghan government.
According to local sources, his family in Bamiyan is also under close surveillance by Taliban intelligence forces.
Sources further stated that Jafari was responsible for a local council focused on resolving disputes between Kuchis and settled communities.
The reported arrest comes amid increasing criticism over what observers describe as growing pressure by the Taliban on Afghanistan’s Shia population, particularly followers of the Jaafari sect.
Mohammad Mohaqiq, leader of the Islamic Unity Party of the People of Afghanistan, had previously accused the Taliban of removing official recognition of the Jaafari school and restricting the implementation of certain Shia religious practices.
Analysts say that if the arrest was indeed linked to opposition against the removal of religious books, it could signal intensified restrictions on religious and educational freedoms in Shia-majority areas of Afghanistan.
Observers also warn that such actions could deepen concerns over religious freedom, cultural diversity, and ideological control within Afghanistan’s education system.
