Taliban Issues New Restrictions on Women’s Movement and Social Activities in Sholgara District

January 26, 2026

1 minute read

Women walk along on the street in Kabul, Afghanistan, last week. The country faces many changes next year, including a presidential election and the withdrawal of U.S. combat forces. There are also concerns that advances made by women over the past decade could be in jeopardy.

The Taliban’s Department for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice in Sholgara District, Balkh Province, has issued a new directive instructing women not to leave their homes without a mahram (male guardian) and proper hijab. It also bans several daily social activities for residents.

According to a document obtained by 8AM newspaper on Monday, 6th Dalw, the department emphasized that women must not be present in public areas without a legitimate mahram. The directive further states that wearing the hijab is a fundamental condition for women to leave their homes.

The order also prohibits people from engaging in games such as ‘Lado’ and ‘Bajul-bazi’. Additionally, sitting near cemeteries and participating in activities like bird fighting and dog fighting have been banned, described in the document as “against Islamic Sharia.”

The Taliban administration has also urged residents to avoid sitting in streets and shops during prayer times and to refrain from attending gatherings deemed “unnecessary” by the group.

This new directive comes as the Taliban government, since regaining control over Afghanistan, has imposed extensive restrictions on social life, personal freedoms, and women’s participation in public life—measures that have consistently drawn criticism from citizens and civil society organizations for violating fundamental human rights.

January 26, 2026

1 minute read