Kabul: The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has released a new report detailing the extensive and systematic implementation of the Taliban’s "Amr bil Ma'ruf wa Nahi an al-Munkar" (promotion of virtue and prevention of vice) law, calling it one of the most vigorously enforced directives since the group’s return to power.
According to the report, the Taliban leadership is making determined efforts to realize its vision of a "pure Islamic system" across Afghanistan, using the law as a key instrument to shape social behavior. The law, officially endorsed by the Taliban leader in August 2024 and published in the official gazette, grants broad authority to the Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice.
The law mandates compulsory hijab for women and bans any form of photography involving living beings. It also authorizes ministry enforcers—called “muhtasibs”—to prevent societal discrimination and promote ethical conduct.
UNAMA notes that provincial committees have been established in 28 provinces, with over 3,300 muhtasibs deployed nationwide. The law applies to all institutions and individuals residing in Afghanistan.
The report highlights the sweeping social and economic effects of the law, particularly in limiting personal freedoms and affecting public and private life, healthcare services, clothing styles, and women’s freedom of movement. Sectors like commerce, health, education, and media have also experienced the impact.
UNAMA expressed concern that the enforcement of this law could further complicate Afghanistan’s already dire humanitarian and economic situation. It may also directly or indirectly hinder the operations of UN agencies and non-governmental humanitarian organizations providing vital aid to the Afghan population.
In response, Taliban spokesman for the Ministry of Virtue and Vice, Saif ul-Islam Khyber, claimed the ministry is fulfilling divine commands and upholding women's Islamic rights. He stated that in the past year alone, the ministry resolved 1,133 cases of forced marriage and took steps to prevent domestic violence.
He also criticized certain “unidentified intelligence entities and organizations” for allegedly ignoring the ministry’s accomplishments.
The UN cited Security Council Resolution 2777 (2025), expressing deep concern over the declining respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms—particularly for Afghan women and girls. It urged the Taliban to cease enforcement of such policies, including the morality law, which restricts access to education, employment, justice, mobility, public life participation, and essential services.
Taliban authorities have defended the legislation as part of their governance strategy. The Ministry of Justice had previously stated that the law aims to clarify and regulate the duties of the virtue and vice ministry.
UNAMA also reported incidents where Taliban police arrested men and barbers for trimming beards or creating modern haircuts—practices deemed un-Islamic under the law.
Unlike the previous constitution that recognized both Sunni (Hanafi) and Shia jurisprudence, the new law emphasizes adherence strictly to the Hanafi school of thought for enforcing moral codes.
Critics point to the Taliban's prior rule (1996–2001), where the same ministry was seen as an ultra-strict enforcer of morality, with harsh treatment of civilians—a concern echoed by some religious scholars.
While the law’s Article 10 requires muhtasibs to respect human dignity and avoid unnecessary interference in personal privacy—unless sanctioned by Islamic law—it provides little clarity on how such principles are to be practically enforced. The article also emphasizes impartiality and fairness in promoting virtue and preventing vice.
As the law reshapes Afghan society, concerns over its long-term humanitarian and human rights implications continue to mount, prompting renewed international scrutiny and calls for policy change.
