Hundreds of people, both men and women, visited Golghundi Hill, also known as “Purple Hill,” on Nawroz holiday. However, families who traveled to the resort reported that the Taliban had made it difficult for women to visit due to the presence of members of the Taliban‘s Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice, who had covered the hill‘s gate in order to prevent women from entering. As a result, the hill was less crowded than in previous years due to the Taliban‘s restrictions on women and girls.
In a conversation with Hasht–e–Subh, Ahmad Obaid, a resident of Parwan province, stated that the local Taliban had cautioned women and families about going to the Golghundi site. Obaid remarked, “In comparison to last year, there were significantly fewer people, and women were not allowed to visit Golghundi on the Naworoz holiday this year. The Taliban denied entry to several families who had traveled from far away to picnic on Golghundi Hill.”
Faizullah, a resident of Kabul, informed Hasht–e–Subh that he had recently visited Golghundi in Parwan province with a group of friends, and that there had been fewer people there than in previous years. He expressed his disappointment, saying, “I had the same anticipation as I had in past years, but I was let down when I saw so few people.”
Faizullah continued, stating that when they had last visited Golghundi two years ago, many people came there to picnic on Nawro; men and women were scattered throughout, taking in the beauty of the area. Faizullah and his friends usually, would go to Shahr–e–Naw Park, but this year they decided to go to Golghondi. He also noted that the decrease in visitors to Golghundi is likely due to the increase in unemployment and poverty, as well as the Taliban‘s restrictions on people, particularly women.
Despite this, some Afghans are eager for the Taliban to lift restrictions on women. Abbas Stanekzai, who had journeyed from Logar to Golghundi Hill in Parwan, commented, “Golghundi Hill is a stunning area with pleasant conditions. We are delighted to have come here with our companions. We implore the Taliban to cease denying women their rights and to allow people to live freely.”
Before Nawroz, the Taliban did not forbid women from attending public spaces for entertainment, instead designating a specific area for them. However, this year, women have been barred from public parks and recreational places. Last Nawroz, officials from the Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice of the Taliban visited the visitors and instructed them on the practices of Sharia Law.
In contrast to the former republic government, which held artistic performances and cultural gatherings at Golghundi, no such events took place this year under the rule of the Taliban. Since retaking control of the country, the Taliban have banned women from attending universities, amusement parks, and public women‘s baths, as well as from working for both national and international non–governmental agencies. In addition to these restrictions on women, people in Afghanistan face widespread poverty and political turmoil.