KABUL: More than 10 women have been detained in Afghanistan’s southern city of Lashkar Gah over the past week as Taliban authorities intensified enforcement of dress-code regulations.
Residents told the media that most of the detentions took place near the women’s market in the Karte Lagan area, where morality police have stepped up inspections and questioning of female visitors.
According to local resident Sardar Mohammad, the women were detained for allegedly failing to comply with the Taliban’s prescribed hijab rules or refusing to follow instructions from officials of the Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice.
Residents said several other women were also detained in recent days for allegedly travelling without a male guardian, further heightening anxiety among local families.
Witnesses reported a confrontation outside the market after a Taliban morality police officer stopped a woman attempting to enter the shopping area. They said the dispute escalated into a physical altercation before bystanders intervened.
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Following the incident, residents said Taliban authorities increased surveillance around the market, conducting more searches and questioning women entering the area.
Shopkeepers said the crackdown has sharply reduced customer numbers, with many women avoiding the market for fear of detention and instead asking male relatives to buy household necessities.
Traders warned that business activity has fallen dramatically, making it increasingly difficult to pay monthly shop rents ranging from 20,000 to 40,000 Afghanis. They said many businesses could be forced to close if the restrictions continue.
