August 24th 2024.
Article 13 of the Taliban's new laws specifically targets women, requiring them to cover their bodies at all times. This includes a mandatory veil in public and a strict dress code that prohibits clothing that is too revealing or tight. The laws, which were recently approved by supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada, are part of the government's efforts to prevent "vices" in society.
One of the laws prohibits women from singing, reciting, or reading aloud in public, as the female voice is deemed too intimate. Women are also not allowed to look at men who are not related to them by blood or marriage, and vice versa. The reasoning behind this is to avoid temptation and corruption. The Taliban's Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice, which was established when they seized power in 2021, is responsible for enforcing these laws.
According to ministry spokesman Maulvi Abdul Ghafar Farooq, these laws are in line with Islamic principles and will promote virtue and eliminate vice. The Taliban believes that regulating behavior and enforcing punishments will create a more morally upright society. The laws cover various aspects of daily life, including public transportation, music, shaving, and celebrations.
However, these laws have faced criticism from the international community, with a recent UN report stating that they contribute to a climate of fear and intimidation among Afghans. Fiona Frazer, the head of the UN's human rights service in Afghanistan, expressed concern for the impact of these laws, especially on women and girls.
Despite the strict laws, the Taliban is also trying to promote tourism in Afghanistan. They have set up a department under the Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice to cater to tourists and train students in the tourism industry and hotel management. Since August 2021, over 10,179 tourists have visited the country, with the Taliban hoping to attract more visitors in the future.
Ehsan Barakzai, the founder of a local tour company, believes that the recent opening of Afghanistan's borders has led to an influx of tourists. The Ministry of Culture also sees the growth of the tourism industry as beneficial for the country's economy. However, the Taliban's strict laws and their history of human rights violations may deter some tourists from visiting Afghanistan.
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