After the Taliban regained power in Afghanistan, education for girls and boys has been a rare commodity in a country where families must make devastating choices in order to guarantee their survival. Correspondent Tracy Smith talks with Nargis Habib, a California entrepreneur who pays artisans in Afghanistan to produce beautiful woven rugs for a price that helps support families’ financial freedom.
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How handmade rugs are providing a future for Afghans
Officials of the so-called Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice hold a news conference in Kabul, Aug. 20, 2024. (Taliban government’s media and information center)
ISLAMABAD — The United Nations expressed concern Sunday over the enactment of a morality law by Afghanistan’s ruling Taliban that imposes severe restrictions on personal freedom, silences women in public, and requires them to cover their faces.
“It is a distressing vision for Afghanistan’s future, where moral inspectors have discretionary powers to threaten and detain anyone based on broad and sometimes vague lists of infractions,” said Roza Otunbayeva, the head of the U.N. Assistance Mission in Afghanistan.
The Islamist Taliban announced the ratification of their Law on the Promotion of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice Wednesday, forbidding women from singing, reciting poetry, or speaking aloud in public and requiring them to keep their faces and bodies covered at all times.
Taliban’s ‘reforms’ lead to 21,000 musical instruments destroyed in Afghanistan
“It extends the already intolerable restrictions on the rights of Afghan women and girls, with even the sound of a female voice outside the home apparently deemed a moral violation,” Otunbayeva said in the statement released by her office in Kabul.
The promulgation of the 35-article law occurred after the Taliban had prohibited Afghan girls from continuing education beyond the sixth grade and imposed extensive limitations on women’s ability to work in most occupations and participate in public activities.
It empowers the Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice to enforce these rules across impoverished Afghanistan, ranked as one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world, reeling from years of war and natural disasters.
Vice and Virtue Minister Mohammad Khaled Hanafi tells religious scholars they are committed to enforcing ‘Islamic hijab’ regulations for Afghan women. (Courtesy: Taliban)
The ministry can give warnings before imprisoning offenders for durations of one hour to three days, and it also may seize property as a penalty if considered appropriate.
“After decades of war and in the midst of a terrible humanitarian crisis, the Afghan people deserve much better than being threatened or jailed if they happen to be late for prayers, glance at a member of the opposite sex who is not a family member, or possess a photo of a loved one,” Otunbayeva said.
She said the outside world wants Afghanistan to pursue peace and prosperity, ensuring that all its citizens have a stake in their future rather than just being subject to discipline.
“Further restricting the rights of the Afghan people and holding them in constant fear will make achieving this goal even harder,” Otunbayeva said.
The U.N. agency said it was studying the newly ratified law, its implications for Afghans, and its potential impact on the U.N. and other humanitarian assistance. Employment-related Taliban curbs on women also prohibit them from seeking jobs in U.N. agencies and humanitarian groups.
The U.N. mission renewed its call for Afghan authorities to “swiftly reverse the policies and practices” restricting “the enjoyment by women and girls of their human rights and fundamental freedoms.”
Taliban authorities did not immediately respond to the criticism of the morality law.
The head of the Vice and Virtue Ministry has declared the enforcement of Sharia (Islamic law) and hijab regulations for Afghan women as its “red line.”
Taliban-run state broadcaster RTA quoted Mohammad Khaled Hanafi Sunday as urging a meeting of religious scholars to push back strongly against “criticism and propaganda by Western countries” targeting the Sharia implementation in Afghanistan.
“The Islamic Emirate is committed to granting women all their rights under Sharia law. Anyone with a complaint in this regard will be heard, and the issue will be resolved,” Hanafi said, referring to the all-male Kabul government, which is not recognized by any country.
Recent U.N. reports have questioned the ministry’s actions, warning that its ever-expanding policing of public morality contributed to a “climate of fear and intimidation” among Afghans through edicts and the methods used to enforce them.
Media freedom
The morality law has also raised deep concerns among advocates of media freedom. One of its provisions prohibits the broadcasting and publication of images of living beings, as well as content that is believed to violate Sharia or insult Muslims.
The Committee to Protect Journalists said in a Friday statement that the law represents another “appalling blow” to press freedom in Afghanistan, where the morality police have intensified a crackdown on journalists and fundamental human rights over the past three years.
“The Law for the Propagation of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice grants the Taliban’s notorious morality police extensive powers to further restrict Afghanistan’s already decimated media community,” said Beh Lih Yi, the CPJ Asia program coordinator.
The U.N. has repeatedly said sweeping restrictions on Afghan women and girls make it nearly impossible for other countries to recognize the Taliban as the country’s legitimate rulers.
Last week, the Taliban announced they had banned Richard Bennett, the U.N.-appointed special rapporteur on Afghan human rights, from visiting the country. They accused him of “spreading propaganda” by providing “misleading” information about “the ground realities” in Afghanistan.
UN denounces Taliban morality law as ‘distressing vision’ for Afghanistan
Shahbaz Sharif, the Prime Minister of Pakistan, stated that the Pakistani Taliban’s attacks against his country are being organized from Afghanistan’s soil.
He expressed Pakistan’s concerns over this issue and highlighted that Pakistani security forces have taken operational measures in response.
Speaking in a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, August 28, just a day after more than seventy people were killed in attacks by militant groups in Balochistan, he emphasized that security forces are fully equipped to combat terrorism.
He remarked on these attacks, saying, “They intend to disrupt the development of Balochistan and other parts of the country through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.”
In recent attacks, Baloch separatists in Balochistan and retaliatory clashes with the army have resulted in dozens of casualties. Shahbaz Sharif also addressed this in his cabinet speech, stating, “It is no longer hidden that the Pakistani Taliban organizes its attacks from Afghanistan’s soil.”
In the latest development, the Taliban’s chief of staff stated that Pakistan has not provided any evidence of the presence of TTP in Afghanistan. The Pakistani Air Force announced attacks on hideouts of the Pakistani Taliban in the provinces of Kunar, Khost, and Paktia, resulting in the deaths of between 25 to 30 members of this group.
Mr. Sharif underscored the need for immediate action to combat terrorism in Pakistan, stating categorically that there would be no negotiations with terrorists. Pakistan has repeatedly urged the Taliban to end their support for the Pakistani Taliban’s activities against Islamabad, but the Taliban have consistently denied supporting or harboring this group in Afghanistan.
Meanwhile, the situation remains tense as Pakistan continues to deal with cross-border terrorism. Despite diplomatic efforts, the issue persists, affecting regional stability and bilateral relations.
The challenge now lies in effectively addressing these security concerns through coordinated efforts and international cooperation to ensure regional peace and stability.
Pakistan PM: TTP attacks orchestrated from Afghanistan, calls for firm action
The World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed concern in its latest report on the health situation in Afghanistan, stating that cases of respiratory diseases, measles, and acute diarrheal diseases increased in July of this year compared to previous months.
According to the report, respiratory diseases, measles, and acute diarrheal diseases showed a 40% increase in July compared to the previous month, and COVID-19, dengue fever, and cholera cases have also risen.
The WHO findings on the increase in diseases in Afghanistan indicate that in July of this year, measles cases increased by 20%, acute diarrheal diseases by 67%, and acute respiratory diseases by 20% compared to the previous month.
According to the report, 2,319 people have died in Afghanistan this year due to acute respiratory diseases, measles, Congo fever, dengue fever, and malaria.
Meanwhile, the WHO report underscores the worsening health situation in Afghanistan, particularly the significant increases in various infectious diseases during July.
The cause of the increase in diseases has not been determined, but experts and doctors believe that rising temperatures, seasonal rains, lack of access to clean drinking water, and poverty are major factors contributing to the rise in diseases in Afghanistan.
It highlights the urgent need for targeted health interventions and support to mitigate these alarming trends.
WHO report reveals 40% surge in respiratory illnesses, measles, and diarrhea in Afghanistan
The Pentagon confirmed this week that while the Taliban government claims ISIS has been eliminated in Afghanistan, various other terrorist groups remain active in the country.
Major General Pat Ryder stated in a press briefing on Tuesday that “there are currently numerous terrorist groups in Afghanistan.”
“We are deeply committed to safeguarding our citizens from terrorist threats originating from Central Asia or any other part of the globe,” he asserted.
“We acknowledge the ongoing threat posed by groups like ISIS-K (Daesh) and are maintaining a relentless focus on counterterrorism efforts,” he emphasized.
Ryder underscored ongoing collaboration with intelligence agencies and strengthening partnerships with allies to address evolving security challenges.
When asked about distinctions between the Taliban and Daesh, Ryder noted, “The Taliban (IEA) currently holds governmental control in Afghanistan, albeit loosely. While they govern, ISIS-K operates differently. However, multiple terrorist groups are currently operating in Afghanistan.”
He affirmed continued vigilance over the region, stating, “Ultimately, our primary objective is to work with global allies and partners, including Central Asia, to ensure regional security and stability, safeguard US national security interests, and counter-terrorism and proliferation efforts.”
Ryder’s statements follow recent claims by Afghanistan’s Ministry of Interior that ISIS no longer exists in the country.
In a Tuesday report, ministry spokesman Abdul Mateen Qani declared, “We can confirm that ISIS has been eradicated in Afghanistan and no longer conducts physical or ideological activities.”
Meanwhile, Pakistan has alleged that Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan finds refuge in Afghanistan and orchestrates its operations from inside the country, which the Taliban officials deny these allegations.
The ongoing complexities highlight the need for continued international cooperation and vigilance to ensure stability and effectively counter the evolving terrorist threats.
The Chief of Staff also added that TTP does not have any bases in Afghanistan, and countries should not fear Afghanistan’s territory.
Fasihuddin Fitrat, the Chief of Army Staff of the Islamic Emirate, today (Wednesday) during a program at the Media Center, rejected the Pentagon’s claim regarding the presence of ISIS and the recent statements of Pakistan’s Prime Minister regarding TTP activities in Afghanistan.
The Chief of Staff of the Ministry of Defense stressed that Afghanistan’s territory is currently safe and will not be used against any country, including its neighbors.
In this program, Fitrat said: “ISIS has been completely eradicated in Afghanistan and has no presence. The claims made are baseless.”
The Chief of Staff also added that TTP does not have any bases in Afghanistan, and countries should not fear Afghanistan’s territory.
He further said: “We all know that TTP has clear bases in Pakistan and controls areas there. They launch operations against Pakistani military forces from there.”
Earlier, Shehbaz Sharif, the Prime Minister of Pakistan, and General Patrick Ryder, the Pentagon spokesman Air Force Major, had claimed that Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and ISIS have an active presence in Afghanistan.
The Prime Minister of Pakistan, stating that Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan organizes its operations from Afghan territory, said: “It is no longer a secret that terrorists launch their attacks from Afghan soil. We not only shared the sensitivity of this issue with the Afghan side but also launched a major operation against the terrorists.”
Meanwhile, the Pentagon spokesman Major Ryder said: “The Taliban is currently the government in Afghanistan, and I’ll use that term loosely, and so as the so called ruling entity there, clearly there is a difference between the ISIS-K but there are many other terror groups that are resident right now in Afghanistan.”
The Ministry of Interior of the Islamic Emirate also said yesterday (Tuesday) in its annual report program that ISIS activities in Afghanistan have reached zero, and countries that have concerns in this regard have no proof of ISIS presence in Afghanistan.
Defense Ministry Rejects Claims of ISIS, TTP Presence as Baseless
Residents of Band-e Amir said that they earn most of their family’s living expenses by providing services to tourists in this park.
Safiullah Raed, the head of Information and Culture in Bamyan, said that more than 150,000 tourists have traveled to Bamyan since the beginning of the current solar year.
Raed added that 3,000 of these tourists, including foreigners, have visited the historical sites of this province, while the others visited the natural sights.
The head of Information and Culture in Bamyan said, “Since the beginning of the year, 150,000 tourists have visited Bamyan’s natural sites, and an additional 3,000 tourists, including foreigners, have visited Bamyan’s historical sites.”
Tourists are pleased with the security along the routes to Bamyan and urge the caretaker government to not only provide more facilities but also to reconstruct the Bamyan-Band-e Amir road.
“No one faces any problems along the Bamyan routes. Everyone enjoys the hospitality and friendliness, as well as the natural attractions of Bamyan,” Fawad Majboor, a resident of Kabul, told TOLOnews.
“Everything is good. Only the Band-e Amir road is damaged and needs to be repaired,” said Hezbollah, a resident of Ghazni.
Around Band-e Amir National Park, dozens of people earn their livelihoods daily from small investments they have made there. They say the ban on women visiting Band-e Amir National Park has negatively affected their business.
“If families [women] are not allowed, the number of tourists will decrease, which will cause a decline in our business,” said Mohammad Ali, a shopkeeper in Band-e Amir.
Alongside other natural attractions in Bamyan, Band-e Amir National Park, with its seven large and small natural lakes, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the spring and summer.
Residents of Band-e Amir said that they earn most of their family’s living expenses by providing services to tourists in this park.
In an explosion targeting a police ranger vehicle in the Dara Noor district of Nangarhar, at least six students from a religious school were killed, while another student and four Taliban members were injured.
A spokesperson for the Taliban police command in Nangarhar stated that these students and their teachers were traveling to the Dara Noor district for educational purposes.
According to a statement released by the Taliban, the explosion occurred at 12:30 PM on Thursday on the route of the Taliban ranger in the village of Shimal. The statement reports that four students were killed instantly, and two others, all minors, succumbed to their injuries on the way.
The Taliban police spokesperson in Nangarhar reported that five students and one teacher from the religious school were killed in the explosion.
Abdul Basir Zabli mentioned that all the victims were residents of Nooristan and were traveling to Dara Noor for educational purposes.
No group has yet claimed responsibility for the explosion, and detailed information about the nature of the incident remains unclear.
The increasing frequency of such attacks reflects a broader pattern of violence. ISIS, as a major adversary of the Taliban, has escalated its campaign of bombings and targeted assaults against the Taliban, contributing to the instability in the region.
The lack of clarity about the perpetrators highlights the ongoing challenges in ensuring safety and security in volatile areas. Efforts to address these threats must be intensified to protect innocent lives and mitigate further violence.
Six killed, five injured in explosion in Eastern Afghanistan
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has issued a warning regarding the high maternal mortality rate in Afghanistan, stating that the country urgently needs 18,000 midwives.
The organization has warned that failing to address this urgent need in Afghanistan endangers many lives. Globally, UNFPA estimates that 900,000 skilled (trained) midwives are needed, with the immediate requirement for 18,000 midwives in Afghanistan being highlighted as “urgent.”
According to the report, the number of health centers supported by UNFPA, which was active in 2021, has increased sixfold this year. Over the past three years, the organization has assisted in treating more than five million Afghans in remote areas.
Despite the increase in healthcare facilities, Afghanistan’s health system suffers from significant deficiencies, with a shortage of skilled midwives being a serious concern contributing to high maternal mortality rates.
The UN emphasizes the urgency of recruiting skilled midwives in Afghanistan’s health system, asserting that their inclusion will help prevent maternal deaths and improve overall healthcare outcomes in the country.
Meanwhile, addressing the shortage of midwives in Afghanistan is crucial for improving maternal health and reducing mortality rates. The international community’s support and immediate action are essential to ensure that this pressing need is met and to enhance the country’s overall health infrastructure.
UN urges immediate need for 18,000 midwives in Afghanistan
In a newly released report, this organization said that the number of returnees from Pakistan in July has decreased compared to May and June.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has reported a decrease in the deportation of Afghan migrants from Pakistan.
In a newly released report, this organization said that the number of returnees from Pakistan in July has decreased compared to May and June.
In May and June, each month saw thirty-eight thousand people returning to the country.
The UNHCR report states: “In 2024, return figures reached its peak in May and June with some 38,000 returns each month, July showed a decrease, and so far also August.”
Ghulam Rasool said that he was four years old when he went to Pakistan with his family, and now he is 45 years old. He and his eight-member family returned to the country from Pakistan three days ago.
Ghulam Rasool, one of the returnees from Pakistan, said: “Now it’s good. A year ago, the situation had become very tight. Cold is coming, winter is coming, spring is coming, they said nothing. You will understand that winter cannot stay here.”
Hamidullah, another returnee, said that he used to teach in a school in Pakistan. He, who left Pakistan for the country three days ago, said his family has not yet reached Kabul and he is waiting for them here.
Hamidullah added: “We came to our homeland. We have this request from the Islamic Emirate that those migrants who are coming, are currently being treated well and are being helped. Another request we have is that those who don’t have homes have economic problems, or other issues, or work-related problems, should be assisted.”
Earlier, the government of Pakistan extended the deportation process of Afghan migrants holding the Proof of Registration (PoR) cards until June 30, 2025.
UN: Deportation of Afghan Migrants from Pakistan Has Decreased
Afghanistan Peace Campaign
