Local sources in Kandahar province have told media outlets that morality enforcers from the Taliban’s Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice have recently intensified inspections of men’s appearance, particularly regarding beards. According to these sources, several individuals have been detained and interrogated during these operations.
Reports received by media indicate that some of those detained have been transferred to temporary detention centers and local prisons following questioning. Sources say these actions are being carried out daily in public areas, including city streets, markets, and roads.
Residents in various parts of Kandahar say that morality enforcers stop dozens of young men every day and question them about their beards, clothing, and other personal matters. They add that this has created a sense of anxiety among the public.
One resident of Kandahar stated that individuals are being arrested for trimming or shaving their beards and are sometimes held for hours or days in detention. He described these actions as contrary to human dignity and social values.
Another young man said that Taliban forces stop vehicles and motorcycles and even question people traveling with their families. According to him, some of these interactions include offensive or abusive remarks.
A shopkeeper in Kandahar also said that the behavior of the morality enforcers toward the public is humiliating, and he believes that such issues should be addressed through awareness-raising rather than arrests and coercion.
Overall, residents of Kandahar emphasize that any regulatory process should respect citizens’ fundamental rights, human dignity, and principles of proper conduct, and that confrontational approaches should be avoided.
Writer:Salima Aryaei
