Suhail Shaheen, a Taliban spokesman, debunked all claims that the Taliban prohibits men and women from dining together or attending parks at the same time.

Shaheen took to Twitter to say that claims of barring men and women from dining together are rumours and not factual, but “part of false propaganda,” citing the Ministry of Promotion of Virtues.

“Some media sites have reported that the Ministry has placed limits on families having lunch or supper together with female family members in restaurants and hotels,” he said. “These are rumours and are not real but part of false propaganda.”

It was reported yesterday that Taliban authorities in the western Afghan city of Herat had forbidden men and women from dining out together and visiting parks at the same time.

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.

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

On Wednesday, an Afghan woman who did not want to be recognised said the management told her and her husband to sit separately in a Herat restaurant.

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.