Zakirullah, a veteran painter and calligrapher in Khost province, says public interest in art has sharply declined over the past five years. Yet he continues working from his small shop in central Khost, supporting his family through his craft.
Active in his profession for 24 years, Zakirullah has a passion for painting Afghanistan's historical and scenic landscapes. He says art commissions have dropped, student numbers have fallen, and the Taliban government provides no encouragement to artists.
He calls on the Taliban authorities to reduce tax burdens and provide projects and work opportunities for artists. A local poet also noted that painting and calligraphy play a vital role in preserving Afghan culture and Islamic heritage and deserve government support.
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