Kabul, March 19: Since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan, concerns over women’s rights have been raised globally. Despite widespread criticism, the Taliban government continues to impose new restrictions on media and women’s participation in society.

In their latest directive, the Taliban has banned women’s voices from being broadcast on the radio in Kandahar. Previously, women were removed from news anchoring and reporting, but this new order further tightens restrictions by completely eliminating their presence from radio programs.

According to the Afghanistan Journalists’ Center, the Taliban’s Information and Culture Directorate has imposed these new media restrictions, which require all radio stations to comply with strict guidelines. The directive mandates that Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada be referred to as “Honorable Amir al-Muminin, may Allah protect him.” Additionally, all media outlets must refer to the Taliban government as the “Islamic Emirates.”

The new rules also impose bans on various forms of advertising. The Directorate of Public Health has prohibited advertisements related to pharmaceuticals, cosmetic products, and health services unless they receive official approval. Furthermore, radio employees traveling to Kandahar for reporting or programming must obtain prior permission from the Directorate of Information and Culture.

These media restrictions have drawn strong opposition from the Afghanistan Journalists’ Center and press freedom organizations, who see them as a severe attack on free speech and the rights of women in the country.