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By United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA)
License: CC BY-NC-ND 3.0 IGO
Six months into implementation of the PVPV law, UNAMA observed a determination by Afghanistan’s de facto authorities to ensure their vision of a pure Islamic system is implemented nationwide. The de facto authorities have stated they view the PVPV law as a component of measures aimed at reshaping Afghan society in line with their vision by creating a culture of self perpetuating social and individual conduct and values they assert will result in a nationwide return to a pure Islamic system in Afghanistan. The PVPV law codifies many of the de facto authorities’ existing directives and restrictions issued as decrees, edicts and instructions, broadening some and adding new ones. These include a requirement for women to wear a hijab (with face covering) outside of the home; for men to have a physical appearance considered Islamic and to attend congregational prayers; prohibition of certain celebrations, items and activities deemed un-Islamic; prohibition of unrelated men and women from looking at each other requiring the separation of men and women; drivers prohibited from transporting women unaccompanied by a mahram (male guardian) with women banned from using public transport without a mahram; and ensuring publications and media content do not contradict Sharia, insult Muslims or contain images of living beings. The PVPV law articulates a robust enforcement framework. It can also be viewed as additional to previous decrees and efforts of the de facto authorities including conversion of the public education system into a madrassa system, the gradual replacement of educated technocrats in line ministries with religiously educated clerics loyal to the Taliban movement, and a reported gradual exclusion from power and economic opportunities of ethnic and religious minorities.
Keywords: PVPV law, De facto authorities, Islamic system enforcement, Women’s restrictions, Sharia compliance, Religious and social control