In the western Afghan city of Herat, Taliban officials have barred men and women from dining together and attending parks at the same time, according to an official.

Although Afghanistan is a profoundly conservative and patriarchal country, it is usual to see men and women sitting together in restaurants, notably in Herat, which has long been seen as a liberal city by Afghan standards.

Since regaining control in August, the Taliban have increased restrictions that separate men and women.

Authorities “have commanded that men and women be segregated in eateries,” according to Riazullah Seerat, a Taliban official at the Ministry for Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice in Herat.

Owners had been verbally advised that the rule applies “even if they are husband and wife,” he told AFP.

On Wednesday, the manager of a Herat restaurant informed an Afghan woman who did not want to be recognized that she and her husband should seat separately.

Safiullah, a restaurant manager who goes by one name like many Afghans, verified that he had received the ministry’s directive.

“We have to obey the decision, but it is having a significant negative impact on our business,” Safiullah said, adding that if the restriction is not lifted, he will be compelled to terminate employees.

Seerat also claimed that his administration had issued a regulation segregating Herat’s public parks by gender, with men and women allowed to attend on different days.

He continued, “We’ve told women to go to parks on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.” “The other days are reserved for men who choose to come for recreation and fitness.”

He advised women who wanted to exercise on those days to find a “secure place or do it at home.”

The Taliban had previously pledged a more moderate rule than their previous reign of terror, which lasted from 1996 to 2001 and was distinguished by human rights violations.

However, they have been restricting Afghans’ rights, particularly the rights of girls and women, who have been barred from returning to secondary schools and numerous government posts.

Driving instructors in Herat have been told to stop granting licenses to female drivers.

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