Afghanistan's beauty blocked. Taliban bans women from Band-e-Amir Park over hijab dispute

Established in 2009, Band-e-Amir National Park champions the protection of Afghanistan's natural landscape. UNESCO describes the park as a "naturally formed assembly of lakes with distinctive geological formations and structure, exhibiting natural, unique beauty." Band-e-Amir is a major tourist attraction in the country, particularly among families with children. The imposed ban will restrict women's access to the park's attractions.

This new restriction has caused significant controversy. Afghan agency Tolo News reports that Mohammad Khaled Hanafi, the acting Afghan Minister of Virtue Promotion and Vice Prevention, emphasized that since visiting the park isn't necessary, the ban shouldn't be considered overly severe.

Fereshta Abbasi of Human Rights Watch highlighted this ban was imposed on Women's Equality Day and criticized it on social media as "a complete disrespect for women in Afghanistan."

Mariam Solaimankhil, a former MP from Afghanistan, responded to the ban with a poignant post on platform X (previously known as Twitter).

I remember my last visit to Band-e-Amir. We will return, I am sure of that - she posted. Through this, Solaimankhil expressed her support for other women.

The Taliban has a lengthy history of imposing prohibitions on women, including barring them from attending schools since December 2022.

The prohibition on visiting Band-e-Amir National Park belongs to a long list of activities outlawed for women since the Taliban regained power in August 2021.

The Taliban has also ordered the recent closure of hair and beauty salons across Afghanistan and, in mid-July, banned women from taking entrance exams at national universities.