Some Parwan province residents have filed complaints about the severe conduct of the Taliban’s Moral Police in specific areas of the province. They allege that the Moral Police, on occasion, engage in insulting, belittling, and even physically assaulting individuals. According to their accounts, these Taliban members publicly shame and mock young men for shaving their beards and using derogatory language towards women. Parwan residents view these actions by the Taliban’s Moral Police as intrusions into their personal lives and violations of their privacy. They assert that the ongoing situation has caused them profound distress.
Nisar Ahmad, a resident of Parwan’s Bagram district, reveals that the Taliban’s “stringent” measures have deeply troubled the community. He goes on to describe how the Taliban’s Moral Police have been actively patrolling different parts of Bagram, notably the local market, scrutinizing people’s appearance, particularly their facial hair. According to him, young men who have shaved their beards in Bagram are subjected to public humiliation, mockery, and even physical abuse by the Moral Police.
Parwan residents, in discussions with the Hasht-e Subh Daily, report that since last summer, the Taliban’s Moral Police have been conducting street patrols, with a particular focus on Bagram district markets, where they closely inspect young men. Shaving one’s beard can lead to insults and humiliation by these officers, and speaking out often results in physical abuse. Nisar Ahmad further recounts an incident from a few days ago when his cousin’s son was publicly slapped in the market for his beard. In summary, this group has made life incredibly challenging for the community, showing little regard for the pride and dignity of its young men.
Hussain Ahmad, a resident of Charikar City, the capital of Parwan province, reveals that the Taliban’s Moral Police sometimes subject men to humiliation in front of their wives or sisters. He elaborates, “In the city and the market if they spot a woman not conforming to the Taliban’s dress code and accompanying a man, they halt the man and question his sense of honor. They inquire about the woman’s attire, and in short, they employ derogatory language extensively.”
Parwan residents reveal that, particularly in the vicinity of Charikar city, the Taliban have compiled “attendance” lists in mosques within some areas of the province. Those who fail to participate in “congregational prayers” are singled out by this group and taken to their police stations.
Another anonymous source reveals, “Some time ago, Taliban fighters from Charikar city’s first security district visited our neighborhood and apprehended several individuals who were not attending congregational prayers. After securing written pledges, they released them.”
Parwan residents view these actions by the Taliban’s Moral Police as interference in their personal lives and a breach of their privacy, causing them profound distress.
Sodaba Azizi, a Parwan resident, asserts, “The stringent restrictions enforced by the Taliban terrorist group have driven many of our youth to leave the country. Everyone is in distress due to this group. They have prohibited education and training, and job opportunities are scarce.” Azizi questions, “Instead of scrutinizing people’s attire and facial hair, why don’t they facilitate work and education? Why are they compelling our youth to seek refuge abroad?”
The Taliban’s restrictions on people’s social lives, especially the ban on schools and universities for girls, have consistently faced criticism from international organizations. Nevertheless, these criticisms have not led to any changes in the policies of this group.
However, this is not the first time that citizens have voiced concerns about the conduct and behavior of the Taliban’s Moral Police. Previously, in various provinces of the country, complaints have arisen regarding individuals from this department infringing upon citizens’ privacy.
Members of this department of the Taliban have also frequently halted private vehicles and questioned the connections between men and women seated within the vehicles. The group’s Moral Police have directed city taxi drivers not to permit women without “Islamic veils and Mahram” into their vehicles.
The actions of the Moral Police and the operations of the Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice have triggered extensive protests from human rights activists. These activists have asserted that this institution and its officers are limiting the daily lives of the people.
