Municipality Warns Against Illegal Wall Chalking

KABUL (Pajhwok): Some residents of Kabul have complained about wall chalking and sticking advertisements on the walls of their homes. The Kabul Municipality has declared the practice illegal and warned that legal action will be taken against violators.

Some companies, schools, educational courses, private clinics, and individuals secretly write their names, addresses, and contact numbers on walls at night. This practice has upset residents, who consider it contrary to urban culture.

Residents

Ghulam Mujaddid Afsani, a Kabul resident, said that because of the posting of notices on the outer walls of his compound, they no longer repaint their walls.

In an interview with Pajhwok Afghan News, he said:“You paint the wall during the day, but at night, when we sleep, and in the morning when we wake up, our walls are covered with numbers, cards, and notices that ruin their beauty.”

He described the practice as contrary to urban culture and urged Kabul Municipality authorities to take action against those responsible.

Meanwhile, Wahid Nawabi, another resident, said:“We are tired of notices on the walls of our homes. Because of this, I cannot repaint my wall. I request the Kabul Municipality to stop such practices.”

He also encouraged business owners to print their advertisements on paper and distribute them to people in the city instead. Nawabi stated that he has never used such wall advertisements.

Similarly, Mohammad Samim, another Kabul resident, made the same complaint and called the practice against urban culture. He urged the municipality to prohibit the secret and unauthorized wall chalking, similar to restrictions on loudspeakers in the city.

Social Experts: Wall chalking cause visual pollution

Najibullah Bahadur, a social affairs expert, told Pajhwok that writing or posting aids on city walls is undesirable, undermines urban culture, and damages the decoration and beauty of walls.

He added:“This is a recognized form of visual pollution, which negatively affects people's mood, mental state, and overall well-being.”

Bahadur suggested that residents should use billboards and areas specifically designated for advertising by the municipality. In cases of violation, the municipality should take legal action and impose fines.

Municipality response

Nematullah Barkazi, a representative of the Kabul Municipality, told Pajhwok that all advertisements must be legal and standardized. Billboards and specific advertising tools exist, which the municipality monitors.

He added:“Unfortunately, some individuals post or write advertisements on walls in a non-standard manner, which constitutes visual pollution.”

Barkazi emphasized:“The Kabul Municipality issues direct warnings to those who engage in such practices. They have no right to do so.”

He further stated that companies wishing to advertise must use legal channels; otherwise, the municipality will take legal action, and complaints from violators will not be accepted.

sa/ma

MENAFN24092025000174011037ID1110103379