The Taliban government in Afghanistan has imposed new restrictions ordering the country’s television channels to stop featuring women in dramas and movies while also instructing women journalists to wear the hijab while appearing on television.
The instructions came from the Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice.
From now on, TV stations will no longer be allowed to show dramas featuring women or that contradict the militant Islamists’ hardline interpretation of Sharia law or Afghan values, according to a directive issued to TV stations on Sunday by the Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice.
In addition, the new rule has barred TV channels from airing any comedy show or content mocking religion and has instructed the prohibition of movies or television programs that promote foreign culture antithetical to Islamic and Afghan principles.
It is feared that broadcasters would be forced to close if the new guidelines are implemented.
In the earlier decision, the Afghan Taliban authorities had ordered girls and young women to stay home barring them from going to school. However, they had claimed that the restrictions were “temporary” and to ensure the workplaces and educational institutes are “safe” for women.
While women are no longer permitted to act, female presenters and reporters, are still permitted to appear on Afghan television on condition they wear the hijab.
(With inputs from agencies)
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