Taliban Halts Swedish Activities in Afghanistan

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed in a statement that "after the insult to Islamic beliefs and the burning of the Quran outside a mosque in Stockholm, the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has ordered the suspension of all Swedish activities in Afghanistan." Sweden has not had an embassy in Afghanistan since the Taliban took power in 2021. The Swedish Committee for Afghanistan stated that it is "seeking clarification from the Taliban authorities regarding the impact of the decision on its operations." The non-governmental aid organization mentioned in a statement: "The Swedish Committee for Afghanistan is not a Swedish government agency; it is independent and impartial in its relations with all political stakeholders and countries, and it strongly condemns any desecration of the Holy Quran." It added: "For over 40 years, the Swedish Committee for Afghanistan has worked closely with rural communities and with deep respect for Islam and local traditions in Afghanistan."