Afghanistan Times
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KABUL – The Taliban announced on Sunday a new initiative to curb customs and traditions they deem “undesirable” or “contrary to Sharia law,” continuing their campaign to impose strict social controls in Afghanistan.
The directive, issued by Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada, was finalized during a joint meeting of multiple ministries. According to the Taliban’s General Directorate of Administrative Affairs, the plan aims to prevent practices deemed extravagant or un-Islamic.
While specifics of the plan remain unclear, the lack of detail has raised alarm among Afghan citizens and human rights activists, who fear further restrictions on personal freedoms. “Taliban laws are systematically targeting the social and human freedoms of women and girls in Afghanistan,” said human rights activist Seema Noori. “These measures threaten millions and will have devastating consequences.” A Kabul resident echoed these concerns, saying, “The Taliban’s restrictions grow by the day, taking away our freedom and joy.”
Since regaining control in August 2021, the Taliban have imposed harsh restrictions, especially on women and girls, including bans on education beyond sixth grade, prohibitions on university attendance, and barring women from public spaces without a male escort. Female journalists face severe limitations, and women’s voices are labeled “unlawful to hear.”
Human rights organizations have condemned these policies as systematically dismantling freedoms. “The Taliban’s restrictions are a blueprint for suppressing joy, freedom, and basic human rights,” said Ms. Noori. Observers warn the new measures could deepen Afghanistan’s global isolation and worsen its humanitarian crisis.
