Taliban Shut Down Khatam al-Nabiyyin Hospital in Kabul

DID Press: The management of Khatam al-Nabiyyin Specialized Hospital in Kabul said the medical facility was closed on Saturday, November 14, on the orders of the Taliban’s justice minister. Hospital officials described the move as having no legal basis and being motivated by religious discrimination.

In a statement, the hospital’s management said the Taliban justice minister had informed it the previous week that it must either hand over the hospital’s administration and management to him or face closure. Mohammad Javad Mohseni, the hospital’s director, rejected the demand, saying it had no legal basis.

Khatam al-Nabiyyin Hospital has operated for more than 15 years and is one of Kabul’s specialised medical facilities, particularly in the treatment of kidney diseases and urological conditions.The hospital’s management said the facility operates in rented premises, provides medical and healthcare services, and has no political or party affiliation.

Hospital officials described the minister’s decision as discriminatory and linked it to the religious affiliation of the institution’s owner. They called on senior Taliban officials and security bodies to intervene and review the decision.

The closure comes amid earlier moves by the Taliban’s Ministry of Justice to halt the activities of the Khatam al-Nabieen religious seminary and Tamadon television network. The operating licence of Khatam al-Nabieen University was also revoked by the Taliban’s Ministry of Higher Education.

Officials associated with the institutions have previously presented legal documents arguing that the properties and buildings in question are privately and lawfully owned. They have described the authorities’ actions as contrary to judicial principles.