New strict restrictions have been imposed on women in Herat province of Afghanistan. This was reported by Zamin.uz.
According to the new order by the provincial governor Zana Vohid, women are now deprived of the right to enter schools, government institutions, hospitals, and other public places without wearing a burqa. This ban applies not only to educational institutions but also to banks and prisons.
Witnesses report that women wearing hijabs are also often not allowed into buildings and are forced to wait outside for long periods. Additionally, the Taliban government has instructed local taxi drivers not to transport women without burqas.
Control posts have been established throughout the province, and drivers transporting women without burqas are reportedly being punished. In October of last year, the Taliban also suspended the operation of a women's cafe in Herat city for unknown reasons.
Furthermore, the Ministry of Higher Education has banned professors and staff at universities from using smartphones during working hours. This requirement is said to have been introduced to increase work efficiency.
In Herat province, women's opportunities for education, access to medical services, and freedom of movement are increasingly restricted. This situation is being met with concern by international non-governmental organizations.
