“Taliban” did not request any restrictions on music in Termez – Uzbekistan's MFA

Earlier, reports surfaced suggesting that representatives of the Taliban's interim government had asked Uzbekistan to cancel concerts and musical programs at the general market in Termez, threatening to restrict Afghan citizens' access to the market if these demands were not met.

However, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan has denied these claims. The ministry's press service informed QALAMPIR.UZ that no such request has been received from Afghanistan.

As a result, the ministry urged Afghan media outlets to refrain from spreading false information.

QALAMPIR.UZ also reached out to the Information Service of the Termez city administration for clarification. Aziza Kasimova, the city’s press secretary, confirmed that both Afghan and Uzbek citizens are trading freely at the market, and no objections have been raised by Afghan merchants or buyers regarding the music or concerts.

For context, the Termez International Trade Center, located in the Surkhandarya region, began operations in August. Under an agreement, Afghan citizens are allowed to stay and travel within the market for up to 15 days without a visa.

It is worth noting that earlier, Tajikistan urged the Taliban to form an inclusive government.