America News Agency

In a statement released late Saturday, Taliban government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid announced that new buildings should avoid windows providing views of "courtyards, kitchens, neighbors' wells, and other places commonly used by women."

The decree, published on the social media platform X, claims that "women being seen in kitchens, courtyards, or while fetching water from wells could lead to indecent actions."

Municipal authorities and relevant departments have been tasked with ensuring construction sites comply with the new rules. The statement noted that if such windows already exist, homeowners are encouraged to build walls or install barriers to block the view and "prevent neighbors from being disturbed."

Since the Taliban's return to power in August 2021, women in Afghanistan have faced severe restrictions, effectively erasing them from public spaces.

The United Nations has condemned the regime's policies as "gender discrimination."

Under the Taliban regime, girls and women are barred from education beyond primary school, face employment restrictions, and are prohibited from entering parks and public spaces.

Recent laws have also banned women from singing or reciting poetry in public and called on them to "cover" their voices and bodies outside their homes.

Some local media outlets have also stopped broadcasting women's voices, reflecting the Taliban's strict interpretation of Islamic law.

Despite widespread criticism, Taliban officials claim their governance aligns with Islamic principles, which they assert "guarantee" the rights of men and women in Afghanistan.