The Taliban’s supreme leader, Hibatullah Akhundzada, has issued a directive banning the construction of windows in residential buildings that overlook neighboring homes, particularly those housing women.
The order, announced through the Taliban’s Administrative Office, instructs municipalities and other relevant authorities to enforce the ban and oversee construction projects. The directive applies retroactively, requiring owners of existing buildings with such windows to modify their structures to comply with the new rules.
“Municipalities and other relevant agencies are obligated to oversee construction work and prevent the installation of windows that violate this directive,” the Taliban stated. Property owners must take measures such as building walls or using coverings to block views into neighboring homes.
This is part of a broader series of measures imposed by the Taliban to regulate public and private life, particularly restricting women’s visibility and participation in society. Since their return to power in August 2021, the group has issued over 80 decrees targeting women, including bans on secondary and higher education and employment in NGOs.
The international community and human rights organizations have condemned these policies, warning that they further isolate Afghan women and strip them of fundamental freedoms.
