The sale of dolls and small figurines in the shape of humans or animals intended for children has been strictly prohibited in the city of Kandahar. This was reported by Zamin.uz.
According to local sources, this decision was made on religious grounds. Guardians of morality and virtue in the region have repeatedly inspected stores and demanded the removal of such toys from sale.
They have firmly stated that these items are considered "haram" and that there is no permission to sell them. The ban is not limited to dolls; other toys depicting humans or animals have also been included in the list.
Such goods are being evaluated as "idol-like." Although officials have not provided an official comment, local traders are taking the situation seriously.
They say that trade was already slow, and the new decision has further reduced revenue. According to shopkeepers, urgent instructions have been given that "any figurine or doll depicting a living being must be removed."
Some traders are not disclosing their names out of fear. Moral guardians are conducting repeated inspections in the markets.
Toy stores are becoming empty, with only balloons, paper decorations, and items without images left on the shelves. Oral instructions stating "these toys are haram, you cannot sell them" have been repeated several times.
Stores that do not comply with the demand have been warned that administrative measures may be taken against them. After the announcement of the ban, many traders are looking for ways to hide more expensive dolls and figurines in warehouses or send them to other provinces.
This restriction is negatively impacting their family income. Although the sale of dolls does not constitute a large part of Kandahar's economy, it was a small and steady channel that filled the circulating funds in the children's market.
Now this channel is shrinking. Due to the decline in trade, prices may fluctuate sharply, goods may transition to underground circulation, or may completely spoil.
Sellers do not know which path to choose. Wholesalers who make contracts with private producers are also in a difficult situation.
Orders have stopped, payments are delayed. Some are discussing the issue of canceling contracts.
The ministry that oversees moral regulations has been intervening in social spheres through various bans and restrictions in recent years. The demands regarding music, images, clothing, and women's activism have gradually tightened, as reported by international media several times.
In particular, the issue of images is at the center of attention. Demands regarding items depicting statues, mannequin heads, and living creatures have been strict in the past as well.
There are documented cases where authorities have been given the power to cover or cut mannequin heads. In historical periods, idols, statues, or images of living beings were rejected when they contradicted religious beliefs.
The current restrictions are seen as a continuation of that cultural-religious heritage. The biggest problem for retail stores is how to dispose of the goods that remain in stock.
Exporting is expensive, and selling secretly in the local market is considered risky. Market instability decreases trust.
Some sellers are looking for "image-free" alternatives for children, such as construction sets, jigsaw puzzles, and paper game kits. However, such demand does not reach the level of dolls.
One of the traders from the internal market said by the Amu River: "Trade was low before, now it has completely dropped. We are barely surviving."
This sentiment reflects the mood of many other store owners. In an effort to alleviate the situation, some are offering small spinning tops, paper flyers, and balloon sets.
