Taliban’s Vice and Virtue Ministry Seals Shops Across Seven Afghan Provinces

The Taliban’s Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice has announced that its enforcers have sealed several shops and markets during inspections in seven provinces. According to the ministry, this action was taken due to what they described as ‘violations of Islamic laws.’

According to a statement from the ministry’s news office, the inspections took place in Panjshir, Kapisa, Balkh, Bamyan, Daikundi, Faryab, and Kabul provinces. Enforcers visited markets, shops, and commercial centers to review business activities.

The Ministry added that the owners and managers of the sealed stores have also been referred to Taliban judicial authorities. No further details were provided regarding the exact number of shops closed or the specific alleged violations.

These measures come amid ongoing, extensive restrictions imposed by the Taliban on social and economic activities in recent years. Such restrictions have drawn criticism from segments of society and civil rights activists and raised concerns about their impact on livelihoods and the business environment across various parts of the country.