Taliban issue new hijab directive for female medical students in Badakhshan

Local sources in Badakhshan report that the Taliban’s Department for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice has issued a new directive mandating female students at private medical institutes in the province to adopt the "Arabic hijab" rather than the traditional Afghan burqa, or chadri.

The directive was announced on Monday, October 29, during a special meeting between Taliban officials and administrators of private educational institutions. According to the source, female students studying in semi-university medical institutions are required to adhere to a full hijab, including wearing gloves.

The Taliban officials emphasized strict compliance with this directive and warned that any failure to observe the designated dress code would result in legal consequences. Taliban representatives also stated that adherence to this particular form of Islamic hijab is necessary as part of their interpretation of Sharia law.

This recent order has raised concerns among female students, who have expressed frustration at what they view as increasing restrictions on their education. Many have appealed to the Taliban for the right to study and work without added limitations on their dress. Since the Taliban’s return to power, Afghan girls have been banned from studying beyond the sixth grade, with only a limited number of pre-Taliban high school graduates being permitted to pursue education in certain medical fields.