Taliban Ban Publishing Women’s Photos on National ID Cards in Kandahar

Local sources say Hibatullah Akhundzada, the Taliban’s supreme leader, has issued a new order banning the publishing of women’s photos on both paper and electronic national ID cards (Tazkira). According to the sources, the order was delivered verbally and is currently being implemented only in Kandahar province.

The sources added that the restriction may be expanded across Afghanistan in the future. The Taliban have not officially commented on the matter yet.

Legal experts say that if the order is enforced nationwide, it could affect women’s access to administrative and legal services. They believe the absence of photos on identity documents may complicate the process of official recognition of women.

Since their return to power in August 2021, the Taliban have imposed extensive restrictions on women’s education, employment, and social participation. Human rights organizations have repeatedly criticized these policies, calling them a serious barrier to women’s presence in public life.