Study Finds 95% Of Women Distrust Taliban Justice System

The Taliban Ministry of Justice announced on Tuesday that the “Law on Preachers” has been issued in the official gazette after being endorsed by Akhundzada. The law consists of two chapters and 17 articles.

Under Article 6, a preacher must adhere to the Hanafi school of thought. Article 10 also states that preaching must be conducted on the basis of Hanafi jurisprudence.

Article 14 stipulates that if any preacher does not follow the Hanafi school, they must be prevented from carrying out their activities.

According to Article 9, preachers may spread their message through speech and media such as radio, magazines and books, but the use of media containing “live images” is prohibited.

The law also states that preachers must refrain from taking minors and women with them during their religious outreach. Teaching prayer, promoting the “virtue of jihad”, explaining women’s rights and instructing on women’s dress are among the responsibilities outlined in the law.

Over the past four years, the Taliban have imposed sweeping restrictions on social and religious life in Afghanistan, particularly affecting civil liberties, women’s rights, education and the conduct of religious practices.

In religious matters, the Taliban have repeatedly stressed the enforcement of rulings based on Hanafi jurisprudence. This has raised concerns among followers of other sects, especially Shia Muslims, about restrictions on religious freedom.

During this period, the Taliban have also continued to enforce rules and restrictions on citizens through the Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, April 22, the court said the punishment was carried out in Khash district after approval by the high authority of the Supreme Court. Both individuals were also sentenced to one year of enforced imprisonment.

Findings by Afghanistan International show that since late-March, the Taliban have flogged at least 149 people across the country on various charges.

Despite opposition from international organisations to torture and corporal punishment, the Taliban have continued to carry out public floggings.

Human rights groups say the Taliban’s judicial system lacks due process, with defendants denied basic fair trial rights, including access to legal representation.

In a new report, Human Rights Watch said the crackdown intensified following border tensions with the Taliban. Fereshta Abbasi urged Pakistan to halt forced returns and act against abusive police behaviour.

The report says thousands of vulnerable Afghans, including children, face barriers to healthcare, education and essential services.

Abbasi said Pakistani authorities are creating fear among Afghan refugees, many of whom face harsh and degrading treatment by police.

The organisation said police have arrested Afghans even when they hold valid visas and noted that Pakistan has halted extensions of PoR cards and other residency documents since 2023.

According to the report, more than 146,000 Afghans have been deported from Pakistan in 2026 alone.

Based on interviews with Afghan migrants, the report says Pakistani police detain Afghans during daily activities such as shopping, attending school or seeking work, often confiscating phones and cash.

It also alleges that police demand bribes for release, which many cannot afford.

Human Rights Watch said many deportees are journalists, activists and human rights defenders who could face serious risks if returned to Afghanistan.

Citing Reporters Without Borders, the report said at least nine Afghan journalists, including some with valid visas, have been forcibly returned since the start of 2026.

The organisation warned that forced deportations may violate Pakistan’s obligations under the UN Convention Against Torture and the principle of non-refoulement, which prohibits returning individuals to places where they face serious harm.

It called for an immediate halt to deportations and urged other countries to raise concerns with Pakistan and condemn ongoing human rights violations by the Taliban.

The ICRC said the assistance is being delivered in coordination with the Afghan Red Crescent Society and the World Food Programme, and is expected to reach about 136,000 people, including nearly 17,000 families, in Kamdesh and Barg Matal districts.

The organisation said it has been in contact with all parties since the fighting began to ensure safe and unhindered access for humanitarian aid.

It added that after initial deliveries of food and essential supplies, the transfer of patients for treatment has resumed and access to healthcare is gradually improving in affected areas.

The ICRC also called on all sides to guarantee safe, unimpeded and sustained humanitarian access to vulnerable communities and allow essential assistance to reach those in need.

The route from Barikot village in Nari district of Kunar to Kamdesh and Barg Matal in Nuristan had been closed due to Pakistani forces’ shelling.

Tribal elders in Nuristan and Pakistan’s Chitral district had earlier said they had reached an agreement to reopen the routes connecting Kamdesh and Barg Matal.

In a statement, the court said the punishments were carried out on Sunday, April 19, in Chak district. The two individuals were also sentenced to two years and six months of imprisonment.

Human rights organisations have repeatedly called on the Taliban to halt punishments such as flogging, amputations and executions.

Taliban officials, however, say they are enforcing Islamic law and have urged countries and international organisations not to interfere in their affairs.