Afghanistan Prohibits Women from Looking at Men they are not Related to by Blood or Marriage

The Taliban government in Afghanistan has introduced stringent new lifestyle laws aimed at promoting 'virtue' within the country.

These laws, detailed in a 114-page rulebook, have sparked widespread criticism and concern both domestically and internationally.

Effective immediately, women in Afghanistan are now prohibited from looking at men to whom they are not related by blood or marriage.

This is part of a broader set of regulations that also mandate women to cover their bodies and faces in public to 'avoid temptation.'

The rulebook specifies that clothing must not be thin, tight, or short, and any failure to comply could result in arrest.

The new laws extend beyond dress codes. Women's voices are now considered intimate and are banned from being heard in public settings, including singing, reciting poetry, or reading aloud.

Additionally, music is banned, and women are forbidden from traveling alone or socializing with men unless they are family members.

These measures have been approved by the Taliban's supreme leader, Hibatullah Akhundzada, and are enforced by the Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice, established after the Taliban seized power following the withdrawal of US and coalition forces in 2021.

Fiona Frazer, head of the human rights service at the UN mission in Afghanistan, expressed concern over these developments.

"The position expressed by the de facto authorities that this oversight will be increasing and expanding gives cause for significant concern for all Afghans, especially women and girls," she stated.