Latest news with #HibatullahAkhundzada
Express Tribune
01-05-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
No turban, no class: Afghan boys face strict uniform rules
All schools in Afghanistan must adhere to the updated uniform. Photo: AFP Since the start of the school year in March, Afghan boys have been required to wear new uniforms of turbans and long tunics, following an order to adopt outfits reflecting Taliban rule. The Taliban government's education ministry cites strengthening discipline, masking social inequalities and promoting what the authorities see as true Islamic attire as reasons for the dress code change – a move that has sparked division. "Islam has preserved and strengthened the standards of modesty and dignity by paying attention to clothing. Sharia clothing defines the identity of a Muslim male and female," the ministry said in its directive. "Sharia clothing is a means to preserve the dignity of the individual and protect the society against moral degradation." Before the Taliban authorities swept back to power in 2021, the shalwar kameez and turban were uncommon in academic or professional settings. Since their return, the streets of Kabul and other areas have become more uniform, with many men opting for the monochrome loose trousers and long tunic. Once mostly limited to religious schools, the shalwar kameez with a turban or hat are now mandatory for all students, whether in public or private schools. Girls are already from a young age required to wear uniforms, often a long black dress over matching trousers with a white headscarf, but can no longer study past primary school in non-religious institutions. 'Turned away' Male students must wear a light blue shalwar kameez along with a cap up to the age of around 15, afterwards donning white and wearing a turban. The rule – ordered by the Taliban Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada – took time to be enforced and is still implemented unevenly across the country. In western Herat, student Nassir Ahmad said few pupils wore the new uniform at the start of the school year, but now they have no choice. "Our teachers told us not to come without it. If we don't have the uniform and the cap, we can't enter the classroom," the 13-year-old told AFP. "I saw several of my friends turned away because they didn't have a turban on," said 17-year-old Qassim. He said morality police from the department for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice came to the schools to ensure the rules are being followed. In the Taliban heartland of southern Kandahar, several students told AFP they were pleased with their new clothing. Mohammad Wali, a student at the Mahmoud Tarzi school, said he was "very happy" to wear the "Prophet's clothing"."It distinguishes students from other people in the street," said the 15-year-old. In the capital Kabul, some students wear the turban while at school, only to stuff it into their bags as soon as they leave. Too expensive Among teachers and school principals – also told to swap their suits and ties or casual clothes for shalwar kameez and a black turban – some disapproved of the measure. "Today, everyone looks the same. A doctor no longer looks like a doctor and a cook no longer looks like a cook," said the principal of a Kabul school, speaking to AFP on condition of anonymity. "The uniform does create discipline," the principal conceded, having swapped out his suit and tie nearly four years ago to avoid trouble. But for some families, he said, paying the average 1,000 Afghanis ($14) per uniform is a burden in a country where 85 per cent of the population lives on less than a dollar a day, according to the UN. "If a family has five or six children, how are they supposed to manage?" he asked. Students now wear their new uniforms in often dilapidated schools with meager resources. In remote areas, lessons are sometimes held outdoors under the shade of a tree. The Kabul principal said at first he didn't sanction students out of uniform, but now education ministry officials show up at his school two to three times a week to check whether students are complying. "People in Afghanistan have no choice," he said. "They obey and cannot complain." AFP
United News of India
01-05-2025
- Politics
- United News of India
Taliban reinforces media ban on broadcasting of living images in Afghanistan's Faryab province
Kabul, May 1 (UNI) The Afghan Taliban, in line with their hardline Islamic fundamentalist teachings, have reinforced their media ban on the broadcasting of images and representations of living beings, extending its ban to the country's Faryab province. According to Amu TV, the decision was announced during a meeting on Tuesday, April 29, led by provincial officials after a review of Article 17 of the Taliban's 'Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice' law. Officials reportedly instructed local media outlets to cease publishing or broadcasting images of living creatures. The ban has reportedly been extended to at least 17 provinces, with the Taliban-run National Television limiting its broadcasts to audio reports only. Local sources also reported that private television channels in these provinces have been barred from airing visual images. The prohibition stems from a law signed by Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada in September 2024, which explicitly bans the broadcast of images depicting living beings. The law, implemented by Khalid Hanafi, the Taliban's acting Minister for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice, has already been enforced in provinces largely under the influence of Taliban leadership. As per Amu's findings, National Television in provinces such as Kandahar, Takhar, Badghis, Helmand, Nangarhar, Nuristan, Farah, Nimroz, Baghlan, Badakhshan, Jawzjan, Zabul, Parwan, Kunduz, Panjshir, Bamyan, and most recently Faryab, has restricted its content to audio broadcasts. According to Taliban-controlled media, the enforcement of the ban has sharply accelerated over the past month, with restrictions newly imposed in eight provinces during that period. Article 17 of the Taliban's 'Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice' law details the restrictions on the media, including a ban on publishing or broadcasting images of living people and animals, which the Taliban regards as un-Islamic. Other sections order women to cover their bodies and faces and travel with a male guardian, while men are not allowed to shave their beards. The punishment for breaking the law is up to three days in prison or a penalty 'considered appropriate by the public prosecutor.' According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, since taking power in Afghanistan on August 15, 2021, the Taliban have employed a gradual strategy to suppress media activity in the country, with the General Directorate of Intelligence forcing compliance with stringent regulations. These include bans on music and soap operas, bans on women's voices in the media, the imposition of mask-wearing for female presenters, a ban on live broadcasts of political shows, the closure of television stations, and the jamming or boycotting of independent international networks broadcasting to Afghanistan. To enforce these policies, the Taliban have detained, assaulted, and threatened journalists and media workers throughout the country. Television and pictures of living things were banned across the country under the previous Taliban rule from 1996 to 2001.
eNCA
01-05-2025
- Politics
- eNCA
Tunics & turbans: Afghan students don Taliban-imposed uniforms
KABUL - Since the start of the school year in March, Afghan boys have been required to wear new uniforms of turbans and long tunics, following an order to adopt outfits reflecting Taliban rule. The Taliban government's education ministry cites strengthening discipline, masking social inequalities and promoting what the authorities see as true Islamic attire as reasons for the dress code change -- a move that has sparked division. "Islam has preserved and strengthened the standards of modesty and dignity by paying attention to clothing. Sharia clothing defines the identity of a Muslim male and female," the ministry said in its directive. "Sharia clothing is a means to preserve the dignity of the individual and protect the society against moral degradation." Before the Taliban authorities swept back to power in 2021, the shalwar kameez and turban -- traditional wear in the region -- were uncommon in academic or professional settings. Since their return, the streets of Kabul and other areas have become more uniform, with many men opting for the monochrome loose trousers and long tunic. Once mostly limited to religious schools, the shalwar kameez with a turban or hat are now mandatory for all students, whether in public or private schools. Girls are already from a young age required to wear uniforms, often a long black dress over matching trousers with a white headscarf, but can no longer study past primary school in non-religious institutions. - 'Turned away' - Male students must wear a light blue shalwar kameez along with a cap up to the age of around 15, afterwards donning white and wearing a turban. The rule -- ordered by the Taliban Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada -- took time to be enforced and is still implemented unevenly across the country. In western Herat, student Nassir Ahmad said few pupils wore the new uniform at the start of the school year, but now they have no choice. "Our teachers told us not to come without it. If we don't have the uniform and the cap, we can't enter the classroom," the 13-year-old told AFP. "I saw several of my friends turned away because they didn't have a turban on," said 17-year-old Qassim. He said morality police from the department for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice came to the schools to ensure the rules are being followed. In the Taliban heartland of southern Kandahar, several students told AFP they were pleased with their new clothing. Mohammad Wali, a student at the Mahmoud Tarzi school, said he was "very happy" to wear the "Prophet's clothing". "It distinguishes students from other people in the street," said the 17-year-old. In the capital Kabul, some students wear the turban while at school, only to stuff it into their bags as soon as they leave. - Too expensive - Among teachers and school principals -- also told to swap their suits and ties or casual clothes for shalwar kameez and a black turban -- some disapproved of the measure. "Today, everyone looks the same. A doctor no longer looks like a doctor and a cook no longer looks like a cook," said the principal of a Kabul school, speaking to AFP on condition of anonymity. AFP/File | Wakil KOHSAR "The uniform does create discipline," the principal conceded, having swapped out his suit and tie nearly four years ago to avoid trouble. But for some families, he said, paying the average 1,000 Afghanis ($14) per uniform is a burden in a country where 85 percent of the population lives on less than a dollar a day, according the UN. "If a family has five or six children, how are they supposed to manage?" he asked. Students now wear their new uniforms in often dilapidated schools with meager resources. In remote areas, lessons are sometimes held outdoors under the shade of a tree. The Kabul principal said at first he didn't sanction students out of uniform, but now education ministry officials show up at his school two to three times a week to check whether students are complying. "People in Afghanistan have no choice," he said. "They obey and cannot complain."
Malay Mail
30-04-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Tunics and turbans: Taliban mandates strict Islamic uniform rules in schools across Afghanistan
KABUL, April 30 — Since the start of the school year in March, Afghan boys have been required to wear new uniforms of turbans and long tunics, following an order to adopt outfits reflecting Taliban rule. The Taliban government's education ministry cites strengthening discipline, masking social inequalities and promoting what the authorities see as true Islamic attire as reasons for the dress code change — a move that has sparked division. 'Islam has preserved and strengthened the standards of modesty and dignity by paying attention to clothing. Sharia clothing defines the identity of a Muslim male and female,' the ministry said in its directive. 'Sharia clothing is a means to preserve the dignity of the individual and protect the society against moral degradation.' Before the Taliban authorities swept back to power in 2021, the shalwar kameez and turban — traditional wear in the region — were uncommon in academic or professional settings. Since their return, the streets of Kabul and other areas have become more uniform, with many men opting for the monochrome loose trousers and long tunic. Once mostly limited to religious schools, the shalwar kameez with a turban or hat are now mandatory for all students, whether in public or private schools. Girls are already from a young age required to wear uniforms, often a long black dress over matching trousers with a white headscarf, but can no longer study past primary school in non-religious institutions. Afghan schoolboys wearing shalwar kameez and white hats as part of a new uniform code attend class at a high school in Kandahar April 22, 2025. — AFP pic 'Turned away' Male students must wear a light blue shalwar kameez along with a cap up to the age of around 15, afterwards donning white and wearing a turban. The rule — ordered by the Taliban Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada — took time to be enforced and is still implemented unevenly across the country. In western Herat, student Nassir Ahmad said few pupils wore the new uniform at the start of the school year, but now they have no choice. 'Our teachers told us not to come without it. If we don't have the uniform and the cap, we can't enter the classroom,' the 13-year-old told AFP. 'I saw several of my friends turned away because they didn't have a turban on,' said 17-year-old Qassim. He said morality police from the department for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice came to the schools to ensure the rules are being followed. In the Taliban heartland of southern Kandahar, several students told AFP they were pleased with their new clothing. Mohammad Wali, a student at the Mahmoud Tarzi school, said he was 'very happy' to wear the 'Prophet's clothing'. 'It distinguishes students from other people in the street,' said the 15-year-old. In the capital Kabul, some students wear the turban while at school, only to stuff it into their bags as soon as they leave. Afghan schoolboys, wearing shalwar kameez and turbans as part of a new uniform code, attend class at a high school in Kandahar April 10, 2025. — AFP pic Too expensive Among teachers and school principals — also told to swap their suits and ties or casual clothes for shalwar kameez and a black turban — some disapproved of the measure. 'Today, everyone looks the same. A doctor no longer looks like a doctor and a cook no longer looks like a cook,' said the principal of a Kabul school, speaking to AFP on condition of anonymity. 'The uniform does create discipline,' the principal conceded, having swapped out his suit and tie nearly four years ago to avoid trouble. But for some families, he said, paying the average 1,000 Afghanis (RM60) per uniform is a burden in a country where 85 per cent of the population lives on less than a dollar a day, according the UN. 'If a family has five or six children, how are they supposed to manage?' he asked. Students now wear their new uniforms in often dilapidated schools with meager resources. In remote areas, lessons are sometimes held outdoors under the shade of a tree. The Kabul principal said at first he didn't sanction students out of uniform, but now education ministry officials show up at his school two to three times a week to check whether students are complying. 'People in Afghanistan have no choice,' he said. 'They obey and cannot complain.' — AFP
RTÉ News
30-04-2025
- Politics
- RTÉ News
Tunics & turbans: Afghan students don Taliban-imposed uniforms
Since the start of the school year in March, Afghan boys have been required to wear new uniforms of turbans and long tunics, following an order to adopt outfits reflecting Taliban rule. The Taliban government's education ministry cites strengthening discipline, masking social inequalities and promoting what the authorities see as true Islamic attire as reasons for the dress code change - a move that has sparked division. "Islam has preserved and strengthened the standards of modesty and dignity by paying attention to clothing. Sharia clothing defines the identity of a Muslim male and female," the ministry said in its directive. "Sharia clothing is a means to preserve the dignity of the individual and protect the society against moral degradation." Before the Taliban authorities swept back to power in 2021, the shalwar kameez and turban - traditional wear in the region - were uncommon in academic or professional settings. Since their return, the streets of Kabul and other areas have become more uniform, with many men opting for the monochrome loose trousers and long tunic. Once mostly limited to religious schools, the shalwar kameez with a turban or hat are now mandatory for all students, whether in public or private schools. Girls are already from a young age required to wear uniforms, often a long black dress over matching trousers with a white headscarf, but can no longer study past primary school in non-religious institutions. 'Turned away' Male students must wear a light blue shalwar kameez along with a cap up to the age of around 15, afterwards donning white and wearing a turban. The rule - ordered by the Taliban Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada - took time to be enforced and is still implemented unevenly across the country. In western Herat, student Nassir Ahmad said few pupils wore the new uniform at the start of the school year, but now they have no choice. "Our teachers told us not to come without it. If we don't have the uniform and the cap, we can't enter the classroom," the 13-year-old said. "I saw several of my friends turned away because they didn't have a turban on," said 17-year-old Qassim. He said morality police from the department for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice came to the schools to ensure the rules are being followed. In the Taliban heartland of southern Kandahar, several students said they were pleased with their new clothing. Mohammad Wali, a student at the Mahmoud Tarzi school, said he was "very happy" to wear the "Prophet's clothing". "It distinguishes students from other people in the street," said the 17-year-old. In the capital Kabul, some students wear the turban while at school, only to stuff it into their bags as soon as they leave. Too expensive Among teachers and school principals - also told to swap their suits and ties or casual clothes for shalwar kameez and a black turban - some disapproved of the measure. "Today, everyone looks the same. A doctor no longer looks like a doctor and a cook no longer looks like a cook," said the principal of a Kabul school, speaking on condition of anonymity. "The uniform does create discipline," the principal conceded, having swapped out his suit and tie nearly four years ago to avoid trouble. But for some families, he said, paying the average 1,000 Afghanis (€12) per uniform is a burden in a country where 85% of the population lives on less than a dollar a day, according the UN. "If a family has five or six children, how are they supposed to manage?" he asked. Students now wear their new uniforms in often dilapidated schools with meager resources. In remote areas, lessons are sometimes held outdoors under the shade of a tree. The Kabul principal said at first he didn't sanction students out of uniform, but now education ministry officials show up at his school two to three times a week to check whether students are complying.
