In the wake of increasing civil protests against the Taliban following a new wave of arrests of women on the pretext of enforcing the hijab, as well as recent unrest in Herat, Noor Ahmad Islam Jar, the Taliban governor of the province, has traveled to Kabul.
The Taliban governor’s office in Herat issued a statement announcing that Noor Ahmad Islam Jar has departed for Kabul at the head of an official delegation and is scheduled to meet and hold discussions with several senior Taliban officials.
Although some observers link this trip to recent security developments and tensions in Herat, the governor’s press office stated that the purpose of the visit is to pursue economic and infrastructure-related matters.
According to the statement, the main focus of the governor’s meetings in Kabul will be reviewing the progress of major economic projects, the development of the Herat industrial park, and addressing challenges in transportation and trade.
The statement also noted that issues such as increasing the volume of imports and exports through the Islam Qala border crossing and improving customs procedures are on the agenda in order to facilitate conditions for traders.
Herat witnessed two protest gatherings against the Taliban last week. These demonstrations were sparked by the mass arrests of women under the pretext of enforcing hijab regulations and, according to local sources, were suppressed by Taliban forces.
In the aftermath of these events, the Taliban have implemented extensive security measures across various parts of Herat city.
Meanwhile, the Afghanistan Freedom Front announced yesterday that its forces had attacked the Taliban’s Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice in Herat. The group claimed that three Taliban members were killed in the attack.
Noor Ahmad Islam Jar had previously stated that compliance with the Taliban’s prescribed dress code in Herat had significantly declined. He also described the detained women as “psychologically and religiously ill” and said that orders had been issued to remove them from public spaces.
The Taliban authorities have so far not provided any explanation regarding a possible link between the Herat governor’s visit to Kabul and the recent security developments and protests in the province.
Writer:Salima Aryaei
