The Taliban has ordered television channels in Afghanistan not to air soap operas featuring women and said the female journalists will have to wear hijabs as per the group's interpretation of Islamic law, UNI news agency said quoting despatches. 

According to a report by Voice of America (VoA), the restrictions are part of a new eight-point set of guidelines issued by the Taliban Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice, or moral police, in the latest sign the hardline group is restricting women’s rights.

Defending the directive, the Taliban said the order has been issued to counter propagation of "immorality" and broadcasting videos that “are against the principles of Sharia and Afghan values.”

“Foreign and locally produced movies that promote foreign culture and traditions in Afghanistan and promote immorality should not be broadcast,” it said.

As per the directive, airing satirical shows with contents that “insult” or undermining the “dignity” of individuals is also prohibited.

The moral police department existed during the previous Taliban rule in Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001, when it ruthlessly enforced such restrictions in violation of fundamental human rights, VoA reported.
The rules imposed by the Taliban at the time included prohibiting women from leaving home without being accompanied by a close male relative and education for girls.

The violators used to be beaten publicly for incidents like showing their wrists, hands, or ankles or for leaving their houses unaccompanied.

The latest directive has been issued despite the Taliban government repeatedly pledging to protect women's rights as per Islamic law.

(SAM)