<p>A man in Uttar Pradesh has been allegedly accused of killing his wife and two daughters after a dispute involving his wife’s refusal to wear a burqa. The horrific crime occurred in Shamli, where the victims, Tahira (35), Shareen (14), and Afreen (6), had gone missing for a week. It wasn’t until the village headman notified the police about their disappearance that an investigation was launched.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The police took Farooq, the husband, into custody based on suspicious circumstances. During questioning, he confessed to the murders, revealing that he buried the bodies in a pit at their own home. A team of officers, including Superintendent of Police NP Singh, promptly visited the scene and recovered the bodies. According to the police, the conflict began when Tahira asked her husband for money, which led to an argument. Enraged, Tahira left for her parents' house without her burqa, causing Farooq to feel that his ‘honour’ had been compromised.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/goa-nightclub-fire-luthra-brothers-arrive-at-anjuna-police-station-after-medical-check-up-1765966898618"><strong>Goa nightclub fire: Luthra brothers arrive at Anjuna police station after medical check-up</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>A month later, he brought her back home and, in a fit of rage, killed her along with their daughters. He then buried their bodies in a pit within the house. Farooq has been arrested, and the bodies have been sent for a post-mortem examination. Authorities discovered a pistol and cartridges at the scene, which were reportedly used in the killings. Investigations suggest that the motive was rooted in domestic strife, and police are continuing to probe the case.</p><h2><strong>SC transfers RG Kar rape murder case to Calcutta HC</strong></h2><p>On Wednesday (December 17), the Supreme Court transferred the case involving the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College to the Calcutta High Court, instructing it to oversee the enforcement of its previous orders. A bench consisting of Justices M M Sundresh and Satish Chandra Sharma ordered that the case files be forwarded to the high court. The Supreme Court, which had taken suo motu notice of the case in 2024, also mandated that a copy of the status report be provided to the victim's parents.</p>

Uttar Pradesh shocker: Man kills wife, daughters over not wearing Burqa; buries bodies at home, say police

A man in Uttar Pradesh has been allegedly accused of killing his wife and two daughters after a dispute involving his wife’s refusal to wear a burqa. The horrific crime occurred in Shamli, where the victims, Tahira (35), Shareen (14), and Afreen (6), had gone missing for a week. It wasn’t until the village headman notified the police about their disappearance that an investigation was launched. The police took Farooq, the husband, into custody based on suspicious circumstances. During questioning, he confessed to the murders, revealing that he buried the bodies in a pit at their own home. A team of officers, including Superintendent of Police NP Singh, promptly visited the scene and recovered the bodies. According to the police, the conflict began when Tahira asked her husband for money, which led to an argument. Enraged, Tahira left for her parents' house without her burqa, causing Farooq to feel that his ‘honour’ had been compromised. Also Read: Goa nightclub fire: Luthra brothers arrive at Anjuna police station after medical check-up A month later, he brought her back home and, in a fit of rage, killed her along with their daughters. He then buried their bodies in a pit within the house. Farooq has been arrested, and the bodies have been sent for a post-mortem examination. Authorities discovered a pistol and cartridges at the scene, which were reportedly used in the killings. Investigations suggest that the motive was rooted in domestic strife, and police are continuing to probe the case. SC transfers RG Kar rape murder case to Calcutta HC On Wednesday (December 17), the Supreme Court transferred the case involving the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College to the Calcutta High Court, instructing it to oversee the enforcement of its previous orders. A bench consisting of Justices M M Sundresh and Satish Chandra Sharma ordered that the case files be forwarded to the high court. The Supreme Court, which had taken suo motu notice of the case in 2024, also mandated that a copy of the status report be provided to the victim's parents.

<p>A man in Uttar Pradesh allegedly murdered his wife and two daughters after a domestic dispute over his wife not wearing a burqa. Their bodies were discovered buried at home</p>

Australian Senator Pauline Hanson has caused a major uproar in Parliament after a controversial burqa stunt. The stunt sparked nationwide debate over political decorum, cultural sensitivity, and freedom of expression. Lawmakers and citizens reacted strongly, with discussions on media, social platforms, and political circles highlighting the incident’s implications for Australia’s parliamentary standards and public discourse.

Australian Senator Pauline Hanson Causes Uproar In Parliament 

Australian far-right leader Pauline Hanson sparked nationwide controversy after wearing a burqa inside the Australian Parliament, reigniting her calls for a national ban. The stunt drew strong criticism from lawmakers, religious leaders, and civil rights advocates, who called it disrespectful and Islamophobic. Hanson defended her actions as a political statement, but the move has intensified debates around religious freedom, national security, and multiculturalism in Australia.

Australia: Pauline Hanson Sparks Outrage Wearing Burqa in Australian Parliament

Australia Far-Right Leader Wears Burqa in Parliament | Calls for National Ban 

Italy may soon follow other European nations in banning the burqa and niqab in public areas. The Italian government is reportedly considering legislation that would restrict full-face coverings, citing security and cultural integration concerns. The move has sparked debate on religious freedom, women's rights, and Islamophobia.

Italy: Burqa Ban in Italy Soon? | Govt Considers Public Veil Ban

The law states that the clothing that “interferes with facial recognition” will be banned in public, with exemptions for medical reasons, in adverse weather conditions, and at sporting and cultural events.

Kazakhstan bans niqab – Find out which other Muslim majority nations have said no to Islamic veils

Switzerland’s contentious ban on facial coverings in public, commonly known as the “burqa ban,” took effect on January 1, 2025. The announcement was made by the Federal Council in a statement cited by Reuters on Wednesday. Violators of the law could face fines of up to 1,000 Swiss francs (approximately Rs 96,280). Watch to know more!

Swiss ‘burqa ban’ comes into effect; offenders face an immediate fine of 100 francs

<p>A chilling robbery incident has emerged in Australia’s Brisbane where two individuals, disguised in burqas, entered a jewellery shop and assaulted the shop owner. CCTV footage of the incident has revealed that the armed bandits entered the Calamvale Central Shopping Centre store and started brandishing guns while they carried out the robbery.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Chilling video shows two gun-wielding bandits robbing a Brisbane jewellery shop while wearing burqas.<br />
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Wearing religious garments worn by Muslim women, the pair stormed the Calamvale Central Shopping Centre store yesterday afternoon.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/9News?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#9News</a> <a href="https://t.co/eaAL8VmePy">pic.twitter.com/eaAL8VmePy</a></p>
— 9News Queensland (@9NewsQueensland) <a href="https://twitter.com/9NewsQueensland/status/1660885602009759744?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>According to local media outlets, the incident has left the residents of Brisbane in utter shock as they fear for their own safety.</p>

<h2><strong>Violence Erupts as Shop Owner is Assaulted</strong></h2>

<p>In addition to looting the jewellery shop, the criminals resorted to violence, assaulting the shop owner during the course of the robbery. This violent act has sent shockwaves through the local community and traders, emphasising the gravity of the situation and the necessity for swift action to address such criminal behaviour.</p>

<h2><strong>Police investigating the matter</strong></h2>

<p>Law enforcement agencies have launched a comprehensive investigation into the robbery at the Calamvale Central Shopping Centre. It is expected that CCTV footage of the incident can help authorities nab criminals without delay.</p>

<p>Authorities are urging anyone who may possess relevant information or has witnessed the incident to come forward and assist with the investigation. According to police, community support and cooperation are essential in creating a secure environment for all individuals.</p>

<h2><strong>Is Australia becoming less&nbsp;safe for the residents?</strong></h2>

<p>According to data, robberies and break-ins have increased in Australia for the first time in a decade. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), approximately two&nbsp;per cent of Australian households, totalling 194,100 homes, reported experiencing a break-in during the previous financial year.</p>

<p>This figure represents an increase compared to the rate of 1.7 per cent recorded in the 2020-21 financial year, which was the lowest on record, as stated by William Milne, the head of crime and justice statistics at ABS.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-modis-speech-in-australia-india-to-open-consulate-in-brisbane-harris-park-declared-as-little-india-595501"><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;PM Modi’s speech in Australia: India to open consulate in Brisbane, Harris Park declared as ‘little India’</strong></a></p>

<p>During the earlier period, an estimated 171,600 households across the nation had been victims of break-ins, coinciding with the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic, including extended periods of lockdowns and COVID-19 restrictions implemented throughout Australia.</p>

<p>Despite the rise in the break-in rate from 2020-21 to 2021-22, ABS data indicates that the rate remains lower than pre-pandemic levels. In the 2018-19 financial year, the rate stood at 2.4 per cent, while in 2008-09, when the data was first collected, it was recorded at 3.3 per cent.</p>

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A chilling robbery incident has emerged in Australia’s Brisbane where two individuals, disguised in burqas, entered a jewellery shop and assaulted the shop owner.

A chilling robbery incident has emerged in Australia’s Brisbane where two individuals, disguised in burqas, entered a jewellery shop and assaulted the shop owner. CCTV footage of the incident has revealed that the armed bandits entered the Calamvale Central Shopping Centre store and started brandishing guns while they carried out the robbery. Chilling video shows two gun-wielding bandits robbing a Brisbane jewellery shop while wearing burqas. Wearing religious garments worn by Muslim women, the pair stormed the Calamvale Central Shopping Centre store yesterday afternoon.#9News pic.twitter.com/eaAL8VmePy — 9News Queensland (@9NewsQueensland) May 23, 2023 × According to local media outlets, the incident has left the residents of Brisbane in utter shock as they fear for their own safety. Violence Erupts as Shop Owner is Assaulted In addition to looting the jewellery shop, the criminals resorted to violence, assaulting the shop owner during the course of the robbery. This violent act has sent shockwaves through the local community and traders, emphasising the gravity of the situation and the necessity for swift action to address such criminal behaviour. Police investigating the matter Law enforcement agencies have launched a comprehensive investigation into the robbery at the Calamvale Central Shopping Centre. It is expected that CCTV footage of the incident can help authorities nab criminals without delay. Authorities are urging anyone who may possess relevant information or has witnessed the incident to come forward and assist with the investigation. According to police, community support and cooperation are essential in creating a secure environment for all individuals. Is Australia becoming less safe for the residents? According to data, robberies and break-ins have increased in Australia for the first time in a decade. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), approximately two per cent of Australian households, totalling 194,100 homes, reported experiencing a break-in during the previous financial year. This figure represents an increase compared to the rate of 1.7 per cent recorded in the 2020-21 financial year, which was the lowest on record, as stated by William Milne, the head of crime and justice statistics at ABS. Also Read | PM Modi’s speech in Australia: India to open consulate in Brisbane, Harris Park declared as ‘little India’ During the earlier period, an estimated 171,600 households across the nation had been victims of break-ins, coinciding with the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic, including extended periods of lockdowns and COVID-19 restrictions implemented throughout Australia. Despite the rise in the break-in rate from 2020-21 to 2021-22, ABS data indicates that the rate remains lower than pre-pandemic levels. In the 2018-19 financial year, the rate stood at 2.4 per cent, while in 2008-09, when the data was first collected, it was recorded at 3.3 per cent. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Watch: Armed bandits, disguised in burqas, rob jewellery shop in Australia’s Brisbane

<p>A disturbing video has caught a man in Pakistan in an act of groping a burqa-clad woman in broad daylight. The horrific incident has taken place in Pakistan's capital Islamabad. The video is being angrily shared on social media.</p>

<p>The video shows the woman walking on the street. The man can be seen approaching the woman from behind and groping her. The woman struggles and pushes the man away with great effort after which he runs away.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Social media users are reacting angrily and condemning the lewd behaviour of the unidentified man.</p>

<p>Senior Pakistani journalist Hamid Mir, in response to a tweet that posted the video, said that the incident is a challenge for all men to find the culprit, punish him, and make him an example for others.</p>

<p>The video has again brought to the fore the issue of women's safety in Pakistan.</p>

<p>As per reports, over 70 per cent of women in Pakistan have to face harassment at work</p>

<p>Data collected by White Ribbon Pakistan, an NGO working for women`s rights, shows that 4,734 women faced sexual violence between 2004 and 2016.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Government of Pakistan has recently passed 'Protection against Harassment at the Workplace (Amendment Bill), 2022'. The amendment has replaced weaker provisions of the law.</p>

<p>You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form"><strong>here</strong></a>.</p>

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A disturbing video has caught a man in Pakistan in an act of groping a burqa-clad woman in broad daylight. The horrific incident has taken place in Pakistan's capital Islamabad.

A disturbing video has caught a man in Pakistan in an act of groping a burqa-clad woman in broad daylight. The horrific incident has taken place in Pakistan's capital Islamabad. The video is being angrily shared on social media. The video shows the woman walking on the street. The man can be seen approaching the woman from behind and groping her. The woman struggles and pushes the man away with great effort after which he runs away. Social media users are reacting angrily and condemning the lewd behaviour of the unidentified man. Senior Pakistani journalist Hamid Mir, in response to a tweet that posted the video, said that the incident is a challenge for all men to find the culprit, punish him, and make him an example for others. The video has again brought to the fore the issue of women's safety in Pakistan. As per reports, over 70 per cent of women in Pakistan have to face harassment at work Data collected by White Ribbon Pakistan, an NGO working for women`s rights, shows that 4,734 women faced sexual violence between 2004 and 2016. Government of Pakistan has recently passed 'Protection against Harassment at the Workplace (Amendment Bill), 2022'. The amendment has replaced weaker provisions of the law. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Pakistan: Man caught on video groping a burqa-clad woman on street

<p>The Taliban have put up posters in Kandahar that say that Muslim women who don't wear Hijab are 'trying to look like animals'. The posters have been put up by Taliban's religious police.</p>

<p>Taliban, who seized power from West-backed government in August last year have increasingly shown signs of them reverting back to their hardline Islamic rule.</p>

<p>Women's rights in Afghanistan saw marginal improvement in two decades after 9/11. But these marginal gains are increasingly being rolled back under Taliban regime.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Taliban put up posters across Kandahar: 'Women without hijabs look like animals'</strong></p>

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<p>In May, the country's supreme leader and Taliban chief Hibatullah Akhundzada approved a decree saying women should generally stay at home.</p>

<p>They were ordered to cover themselves completely, including their faces, should they need to go out in public.</p>

<p>This week, the Taliban's feared Ministry for Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice, which enforces the group's strict interpretation of Islam, put up posters across Kandahar city showing images of burqas, a type of garment that covers a woman's body from head to toe.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/he-was-a-news-anchor-now-he-sells-food-on-street-to-survive-in-talibans-afghanistan-488827">He was a news anchor. Now he sells food on street to survive in Taliban's Afghanistan</a></strong></p>

<p>"Muslim women who do not wear the hijab are trying to look like animals", say the posters, which have been slapped on many cafes and shops as well as on advertising hoardings across Kandahar -- the de facto power centre of the Taliban.</p>

<p>Wearing short, tight and transparent clothes was also against Akhundzada's decree, the posters say.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The Taliban have put up posters in Kandahar that say that Muslim women who don't wear Hijab are 'trying to look like animals'. The posters have been put up by Taliban's religious police.

The Taliban have put up posters in Kandahar that say that Muslim women who don't wear Hijab are 'trying to look like animals'. The posters have been put up by Taliban's religious police. Taliban, who seized power from West-backed government in August last year have increasingly shown signs of them reverting back to their hardline Islamic rule. Women's rights in Afghanistan saw marginal improvement in two decades after 9/11. But these marginal gains are increasingly being rolled back under Taliban regime. Watch | Taliban put up posters across Kandahar: 'Women without hijabs look like animals' × In May, the country's supreme leader and Taliban chief Hibatullah Akhundzada approved a decree saying women should generally stay at home. They were ordered to cover themselves completely, including their faces, should they need to go out in public. This week, the Taliban's feared Ministry for Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice, which enforces the group's strict interpretation of Islam, put up posters across Kandahar city showing images of burqas, a type of garment that covers a woman's body from head to toe. Also Read | He was a news anchor. Now he sells food on street to survive in Taliban's Afghanistan "Muslim women who do not wear the hijab are trying to look like animals", say the posters, which have been slapped on many cafes and shops as well as on advertising hoardings across Kandahar -- the de facto power centre of the Taliban. Wearing short, tight and transparent clothes was also against Akhundzada's decree, the posters say. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Women without hijab 'trying to look like animals', read Taliban posters

This week, the Afghan government ordered women to wear a burqa in public places and the United States was one of the first to issue a statement of condemnation on this issue. It says that Washington is extremely concerned for the women in Afghanistan.

Abortion & Burqa Debate: Is US really a champion of Women rights?

<p>In a sign that the Taliban regime was increasingly moving towards re-establishing a strict religious regime, women in Afghanistan were ordered to cover their faces in public with traditional burqa.</p>

<p>The decree came from Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada. The decree saif that if women had no important work outside then it was "better they stay at home". The decree also outlined punishments for women's male guardians if they didn't comply with the dress code.</p>

<p>It was the latest in a slew of Taliban restrictions on women, including banning them from any government jobs, secondary education and travelling alone outside their cities, and prompted widespread international condemnation.</p>

<p>"So much pain &amp; grief for women of my country, my heart is exploding. So much hatred &amp; anger against Taliban, enemies of women, enforcers of gender apartheid, enemies of Afghanistan &amp; humanity. The world is a bystander to our pain, to an apartheid, to complete tyranny," tweeted Shaharzad Akbar, the former chairperson of Afghanistan's Human Rights Commission.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Those women who are not too old or young must cover their face, except the eyes, as per sharia directives, in order to avoid provocation when meeting men who are not mahram (adult close male relatives)," said the decree approved by Akhundzada and released by Taliban authorities at a ceremony in Kabul.</p>

<p>The Taliban decree said that the best way for a woman to cover her face was to wear Chadri. It is a traditional, blue Afghan burqa that includes screen over the face.</p>

<p>"They should wear a chadari as it is traditional and respectful," it said.</p>

<p>The Ministry for Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice, which released the new order, announced a slew of punishments if the dress code is not followed.</p>

<p>It said a woman's father or male guardian would be summoned and could even be imprisoned if the offence was committed repeatedly.</p>

<p>Women working in government institutions who did not follow the order "should be fired", the ministry added.</p>

<p>Government employees whose wives and daughters do not comply will also be suspended from their jobs, the decree said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong><em>Decode the geostrategy, diplomacy, and ideologies of the world’s unending wars. Catch our special series ‘World at War’ every Saturday at 8:30 PM IST and Sunday at 10:30 PM IST only on WION.</em></strong></p>

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In a sign that the Taliban regime was increasingly moving towards re-establishing a strict religious regime, women in Afghanistan were ordered to cover their faces in public with traditional burqa.

In a sign that the Taliban regime was increasingly moving towards re-establishing a strict religious regime, women in Afghanistan were ordered to cover their faces in public with traditional burqa. The decree came from Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada. The decree saif that if women had no important work outside then it was "better they stay at home". The decree also outlined punishments for women's male guardians if they didn't comply with the dress code. It was the latest in a slew of Taliban restrictions on women, including banning them from any government jobs, secondary education and travelling alone outside their cities, and prompted widespread international condemnation. "So much pain & grief for women of my country, my heart is exploding. So much hatred & anger against Taliban, enemies of women, enforcers of gender apartheid, enemies of Afghanistan & humanity. The world is a bystander to our pain, to an apartheid, to complete tyranny," tweeted Shaharzad Akbar, the former chairperson of Afghanistan's Human Rights Commission. "Those women who are not too old or young must cover their face, except the eyes, as per sharia directives, in order to avoid provocation when meeting men who are not mahram (adult close male relatives)," said the decree approved by Akhundzada and released by Taliban authorities at a ceremony in Kabul. The Taliban decree said that the best way for a woman to cover her face was to wear Chadri. It is a traditional, blue Afghan burqa that includes screen over the face. "They should wear a chadari as it is traditional and respectful," it said. The Ministry for Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice, which released the new order, announced a slew of punishments if the dress code is not followed. It said a woman's father or male guardian would be summoned and could even be imprisoned if the offence was committed repeatedly. Women working in government institutions who did not follow the order "should be fired", the ministry added. Government employees whose wives and daughters do not comply will also be suspended from their jobs, the decree said. (With inputs from agencies) Decode the geostrategy, diplomacy, and ideologies of the world’s unending wars. Catch our special series ‘World at War’ every Saturday at 8:30 PM IST and Sunday at 10:30 PM IST only on WION. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Cover faces in public, Taliban order Afghan women

The Taliban has ruled that Afghan women must cover their faces and if any woman violates the order then her father or closest relative male will be either imprisoned or will be fired from their government jobs.

Afghanistan: Taliban makes covering face mandatory for women

<p>What represents a 'proper' dress? That too for a woman? Common sense dictates that it is she who will decide that and no other. But unfortunately, every culture in the world has its fair share of men dictating what's good/ proper/ admissible/ allowed for women. The list is endless.</p>

<p>Taliban's return to power has seen its all-male government deciding what women should wear in public. They are acting as self-declared custodians of Afghan women and think they have all the rights to dictate terms. They want Afghan women to wear burqa.</p>

<p>And Afghan women are not taking any of this. They are expressing their freedom in a unique way. Dr Bahar Jalali, who started the first gender studies program in Afghanistan wore a traditional Afghan dress and boldly proclaimed "This is Afghan culture. I am wearing a traditional Afghan dress"</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">This is Afghan culture. I am wearing a traditional Afghan dress. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AfghanistanCulture?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AfghanistanCulture</a> <a href="https://t.co/DrRzgyXPvm">pic.twitter.com/DrRzgyXPvm</a></p>
— Dr. Bahar Jalali (@RoxanaBahar1) <a href="https://twitter.com/RoxanaBahar1/status/1436845110906478592?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>The tweet has gone viral and seems to have started a movement among Afghan women</p>

<p>Waslat Hasrat-Nazimi, head of Afghan service at DW News joined Dr Jalali and repeated the chant "This is Afghan culture"</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Me wearing traditional Afghan attire in Kabul. This is Afghan culture and this is how Afghan women dress. <a href="https://twitter.com/RoxanaBahar1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RoxanaBahar1</a> <a href="https://t.co/fUZSqy4rRK">pic.twitter.com/fUZSqy4rRK</a></p>
— Waslat Hasrat-Nazimi (@WasHasNaz) <a href="https://twitter.com/WasHasNaz/status/1437156150022221831?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>The expression soon found resonance</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">So how do Afghan women dress then? They ask.<br />
<br />
This is how. If I was in Afghanistan then I would have the scarf on my head. This is as “conservative” and “traditional” as I/you can get. <a href="https://t.co/4fjoSUuJZY">https://t.co/4fjoSUuJZY</a> <a href="https://t.co/VkQLQoBXDy">pic.twitter.com/VkQLQoBXDy</a></p>
— Sana Safi ثنا ساپۍ (@BBCSanaSafi) <a href="https://twitter.com/BBCSanaSafi/status/1436997184671584259?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">This is Afghan culture. My traditional dress <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AfghanWomen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AfghanWomen</a><br />
<br />
Thank you to Dr <a href="https://twitter.com/RoxanaBahar1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RoxanaBahar1</a> for the inspiration.<br />
<br />
Our cultural attire is not the dementor outfits the Taliban have women wearing. <a href="https://t.co/i9wFASfWR6">pic.twitter.com/i9wFASfWR6</a></p>
— Peymana Assad 🏔 (@Peymasad) <a href="https://twitter.com/Peymasad/status/1436974465750118403?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>"...the black burqa has never been part of the Afghan culture"</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">This is our Afghan authentic dress. Afghan women wear such colorful and modest attires. The black burqa never has been part of the Afghan culture. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FreeAfghanistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FreeAfghanistan</a>🇦🇫 <a href="https://t.co/v9LIbcvklG">pic.twitter.com/v9LIbcvklG</a></p>
— Spozhmay Maseed (@spozhmey) <a href="https://twitter.com/spozhmey/status/1437022301069922305?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">This is how <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Afghan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Afghan</a> cultural dress for women look like. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Afghanistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Afghanistan</a> <a href="https://t.co/mcikMUHilQ">https://t.co/mcikMUHilQ</a> <a href="https://t.co/XPZfstkGc8">pic.twitter.com/XPZfstkGc8</a></p>
— Malali Bashir (@MalaliBashir) <a href="https://twitter.com/MalaliBashir/status/1437124777483853837?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">This is how <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Afghan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Afghan</a> cultural dress for women look like. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Afghanistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Afghanistan</a> <a href="https://t.co/mcikMUHilQ">https://t.co/mcikMUHilQ</a> <a href="https://t.co/XPZfstkGc8">pic.twitter.com/XPZfstkGc8</a></p>
— Malali Bashir (@MalaliBashir) <a href="https://twitter.com/MalaliBashir/status/1437124777483853837?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">When we talk about Afg clothing, we mean ds beautiful clothing that we have inherited from our elders for centuries.<br />
We meant this beautiful Afg dress that we have always been supported by the Afghan community by wearing it &amp; we have been accepted in every part of the territory. <a href="https://t.co/qSETchvg1e">pic.twitter.com/qSETchvg1e</a></p>
— Zarifa Ghafari (@Zarifa_Ghafari) <a href="https://twitter.com/Zarifa_Ghafari/status/1437081974028570627?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Afghan men raised their voice in support of these women as well</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">This is how Afghan girls/women dress,<br />
The polar opposite of that radical Arab dress code for women.<br />
<br />
In this picture it’s my sister Zent Jn in shine Laghman our lovely hometown🇦🇫 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Afghanistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Afghanistan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AfghanWomen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AfghanWomen</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DoNotRecognizeTaliban?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DoNotRecognizeTaliban</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/BBCYaldaHakim?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BBCYaldaHakim</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/BBCSanaSafi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BBCSanaSafi</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Peymasad?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Peymasad</a> <a href="https://t.co/6Oq2D8ryCW">https://t.co/6Oq2D8ryCW</a> <a href="https://t.co/eOrIrTR5bi">pic.twitter.com/eOrIrTR5bi</a></p>
— Ehsanullah Karim (@KarimEhsanullah) <a href="https://twitter.com/KarimEhsanullah/status/1437109520338092032?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Many men, pretending to be of 'open minded' sort, proudly proclaim that they let their sisters, wives do certain things. The question is, who put the men on this perch? Who are they to 'let' or 'allow' women to do anything? Who is anyone to dictate terms to anyone?</p>

<p>In today's Afghanistan sadly, these questions find limited resonance in the ruling class.</p>


What represents a 'proper' dress? That too for a woman? Common sense dictates that it is she who will decide that and no other. But unfortunately, every culture in the world has its fair share of men dictating what's good/ proper/ admissible/ allowed for women.

What represents a 'proper' dress? That too for a woman? Common sense dictates that it is she who will decide that and no other. But unfortunately, every culture in the world has its fair share of men dictating what's good/ proper/ admissible/ allowed for women. The list is endless. Taliban's return to power has seen its all-male government deciding what women should wear in public. They are acting as self-declared custodians of Afghan women and think they have all the rights to dictate terms. They want Afghan women to wear burqa. And Afghan women are not taking any of this. They are expressing their freedom in a unique way. Dr Bahar Jalali, who started the first gender studies program in Afghanistan wore a traditional Afghan dress and boldly proclaimed "This is Afghan culture. I am wearing a traditional Afghan dress" This is Afghan culture. I am wearing a traditional Afghan dress. #AfghanistanCulture pic.twitter.com/DrRzgyXPvm — Dr. Bahar Jalali (@RoxanaBahar1) September 12, 2021 × The tweet has gone viral and seems to have started a movement among Afghan women Waslat Hasrat-Nazimi, head of Afghan service at DW News joined Dr Jalali and repeated the chant "This is Afghan culture" Me wearing traditional Afghan attire in Kabul. This is Afghan culture and this is how Afghan women dress. @RoxanaBahar1 pic.twitter.com/fUZSqy4rRK — Waslat Hasrat-Nazimi (@WasHasNaz) September 12, 2021 × The expression soon found resonance So how do Afghan women dress then? They ask. This is how. If I was in Afghanistan then I would have the scarf on my head. This is as “conservative” and “traditional” as I/you can get. https://t.co/4fjoSUuJZY pic.twitter.com/VkQLQoBXDy — Sana Safi ثنا ساپۍ (@BBCSanaSafi) September 12, 2021 × This is Afghan culture. My traditional dress #AfghanWomen Thank you to Dr @RoxanaBahar1 for the inspiration. Our cultural attire is not the dementor outfits the Taliban have women wearing. pic.twitter.com/i9wFASfWR6 — Peymana Assad 🏔 (@Peymasad) September 12, 2021 × "...the black burqa has never been part of the Afghan culture" This is our Afghan authentic dress. Afghan women wear such colorful and modest attires. The black burqa never has been part of the Afghan culture. #FreeAfghanistan🇦🇫 pic.twitter.com/v9LIbcvklG — Spozhmay Maseed (@spozhmey) September 12, 2021 × This is how #Afghan cultural dress for women look like. #Afghanistan https://t.co/mcikMUHilQ pic.twitter.com/XPZfstkGc8 — Malali Bashir (@MalaliBashir) September 12, 2021 × This is how #Afghan cultural dress for women look like. #Afghanistan https://t.co/mcikMUHilQ pic.twitter.com/XPZfstkGc8 — Malali Bashir (@MalaliBashir) September 12, 2021 × When we talk about Afg clothing, we mean ds beautiful clothing that we have inherited from our elders for centuries. We meant this beautiful Afg dress that we have always been supported by the Afghan community by wearing it & we have been accepted in every part of the territory. pic.twitter.com/qSETchvg1e — Zarifa Ghafari (@Zarifa_Ghafari) September 12, 2021 × Afghan men raised their voice in support of these women as well This is how Afghan girls/women dress, The polar opposite of that radical Arab dress code for women. In this picture it’s my sister Zent Jn in shine Laghman our lovely hometown🇦🇫 #Afghanistan #AfghanWomen #DoNotRecognizeTaliban @BBCYaldaHakim @BBCSanaSafi @Peymasad https://t.co/6Oq2D8ryCW pic.twitter.com/eOrIrTR5bi — Ehsanullah Karim (@KarimEhsanullah) September 12, 2021 × Many men, pretending to be of 'open minded' sort, proudly proclaim that they let their sisters, wives do certain things. The question is, who put the men on this perch? Who are they to 'let' or 'allow' women to do anything? Who is anyone to dictate terms to anyone? In today's Afghanistan sadly, these questions find limited resonance in the ruling class.

Burqa not part of Afghan culture, defiant women in traditional wear tell Taliban

The burqa was a symbol of the Taliban's oppressive regime from 1996 to 2001. As they capture power once again, Afghan women fear they will be relegated behind the burqa again. Shopkeepers say burqa sales have shot up since the Taliban takeover. Anas Mallick reports.

WION Ground Report: As Taliban capture Kabul, burqa shops are reopening in Afghanistan

<p>Sri Lankan Cabinet on Tuesday approved a proposal to ban all forms of face coverings in public places, citing a threat to national security. &nbsp;</p>

<p>However, wearing face masks to combat COVID-19 is allowed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The move came weeks after Minister of Public Security Sarath Weerasekara signed a paper in March, seeking the approval of the Cabinet to ban burqas, outer garments that cover the body and face worn by some Muslim women.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Cabinet has decided to ban all forms of face coverings in public places, Cabinet spokesperson and information minister Keheliya Rambukwella told reporters here, without specifying burqas.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"All forms of face covers are a threat to national security," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The covering of the full face will automatically include burqa and niqab.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The proposal now must be approved by Parliament to become a law.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Last month, Pakistan's High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Ambassador Saad Khattak had criticised the proposal to ban the wearing of burqas in the country, saying such 'divisive steps' in the name of security will not only hurt the sentiments of Muslims but also strengthen wider apprehensions about the fundamental human rights of minorities in the island nation. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Weerasekera in a Facebook post wrote that the Cabinet has approved the proposal to ban all face coverings, including the burqa.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Buddhist-majority nation in 2019 had temporarily banned wearing of burqas under emergency regulations following the Easter Sunday attacks in which nine suicide bombers belonging to the local Islamist extremist group National Thawheed Jamaat (NTJ) carried out a series of blasts that tore through three churches and as many luxury hotels, killing 270 people, including 11 Indians, and injuring over 500.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Muslims make up about nine per cent of the 220,00,000 people in Sri Lanka, where Buddhists account for more than 70 per cent of the population. Ethnic minority Tamils, who are mainly Hindus, comprise about 12 per cent, while Christians account for over seven per cent of the population. &nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


Sri Lankan Cabinet on Tuesday approved a proposal to ban all forms of face coverings in public places, citing a threat to national security. However, wearing face masks to combat COVID-19 is allowed.

Sri Lankan Cabinet on Tuesday approved a proposal to ban all forms of face coverings in public places, citing a threat to national security. However, wearing face masks to combat COVID-19 is allowed. The move came weeks after Minister of Public Security Sarath Weerasekara signed a paper in March, seeking the approval of the Cabinet to ban burqas, outer garments that cover the body and face worn by some Muslim women. The Cabinet has decided to ban all forms of face coverings in public places, Cabinet spokesperson and information minister Keheliya Rambukwella told reporters here, without specifying burqas. "All forms of face covers are a threat to national security," he said. The covering of the full face will automatically include burqa and niqab. The proposal now must be approved by Parliament to become a law. Last month, Pakistan's High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Ambassador Saad Khattak had criticised the proposal to ban the wearing of burqas in the country, saying such 'divisive steps' in the name of security will not only hurt the sentiments of Muslims but also strengthen wider apprehensions about the fundamental human rights of minorities in the island nation. Meanwhile, Weerasekera in a Facebook post wrote that the Cabinet has approved the proposal to ban all face coverings, including the burqa. The Buddhist-majority nation in 2019 had temporarily banned wearing of burqas under emergency regulations following the Easter Sunday attacks in which nine suicide bombers belonging to the local Islamist extremist group National Thawheed Jamaat (NTJ) carried out a series of blasts that tore through three churches and as many luxury hotels, killing 270 people, including 11 Indians, and injuring over 500. Muslims make up about nine per cent of the 220,00,000 people in Sri Lanka, where Buddhists account for more than 70 per cent of the population. Ethnic minority Tamils, who are mainly Hindus, comprise about 12 per cent, while Christians account for over seven per cent of the population. (With inputs from agencies)

Lanka Cabinet approves proposal to ban face coverings in public places 

Sri Lanka to soon ban the burqa and shut more than 1000 Islamic schools. The Minister for Public Security has said that he has signed papers for Cabinet approval to ban full-face covering worn by some women.

Sri Lanka likely to ban burqa, shut Islamic schools

<p>Sri Lanka will ban the wearing of the burqa and shut more than a thousand Islamic schools, a government minister said on Saturday, the latest actions affecting the country`s minority Muslim population.<br />
<br />
Minister for public security Sarath Weerasekera told a news conference he had signed a paper on Friday for cabinet approval to ban the full face covering worn by some Muslim women on "national security" grounds.<br />
<br />
"In our early days Muslim women and girls never wore the burqa," he said. "It is a sign of religious extremism that came about recently. We are definitely&nbsp;going to ban it."<br />
<br />
The wearing of the burqa in the majority-Buddhist nation was temporarily banned in 2019 after the bombing of churches and hotels by Islamic militants that killed more than 250.<br />
<br />
Later that year, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, best known for crushing a decades-long insurgency in the north of the country as defence secretary, was elected president after promising a crackdown on extremism.<br />
<br />
Rajapaksa is accused of widespread rights abuses during the war, charges he denies.<br />
<br />
Weerasekera said the government plans to ban more than a thousand madrassa Islamic schools that he said were flouting national education policy.<br />
<br />
"Nobody can open a school and teach whatever you want to the children," he said.<br />
<br />
The government`s moves on burqas and schools follow an order last year mandating the cremation of COVID-19 victims - against the wishes of Muslims, who bury their dead.<br />
<br />
This ban was lifted earlier this year after criticism from the United States and international rights groups.</p>


Sri Lanka will ban the wearing of the burqa and shut more than a thousand Islamic schools, a government minister said on Saturday, the latest actions affecting the country`s minority Muslim population.

Sri Lanka will ban the wearing of the burqa and shut more than a thousand Islamic schools, a government minister said on Saturday, the latest actions affecting the country`s minority Muslim population. Minister for public security Sarath Weerasekera told a news conference he had signed a paper on Friday for cabinet approval to ban the full face covering worn by some Muslim women on "national security" grounds. "In our early days Muslim women and girls never wore the burqa," he said. "It is a sign of religious extremism that came about recently. We are definitely going to ban it." The wearing of the burqa in the majority-Buddhist nation was temporarily banned in 2019 after the bombing of churches and hotels by Islamic militants that killed more than 250. Later that year, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, best known for crushing a decades-long insurgency in the north of the country as defence secretary, was elected president after promising a crackdown on extremism. Rajapaksa is accused of widespread rights abuses during the war, charges he denies. Weerasekera said the government plans to ban more than a thousand madrassa Islamic schools that he said were flouting national education policy. "Nobody can open a school and teach whatever you want to the children," he said. The government`s moves on burqas and schools follow an order last year mandating the cremation of COVID-19 victims - against the wishes of Muslims, who bury their dead. This ban was lifted earlier this year after criticism from the United States and international rights groups.

Sri Lanka to ban burqa, shut many Islamic schools: Minister

<p>Voters in Switzerland will vote on Sunday, March 7 to decide whether wearing full-face coverings in public should be banned. This will be a binding national referendum. Some sections of Swiss society have termed the referendum as Islamophobic.</p>

<p>Red billboards picturing a scowling woman wearing a black headscarf and face veil with the phrase, "Stop Extremism!", have appeared in Swiss streets as part of the campaign led by several parties in Switzerland, including the right-wing Swiss People's Party (SVP).</p>

<p>"This (niqab wearing) is something that we find shocking. It is fundamentally in opposition with various values of our civilisation, simply because, for us, free people show their faces in all circumstances outside," said Jean-Luc Addor, an SVP member of parliament and head of the French-speaking branch of the referendum committee.</p>

<p>The proposal predates the COVID-19 pandemic, which has seen all adults forced to don masks in many settings to prevent the spread of infection. It gathered the necessary support to trigger a referendum in 2017.</p>

<p>The referendum does not mention Islam directly and also seeks to stop street brawls involving football fans wearing masks. However, local politicians, media and campaigners have started calling the referendum as being for a 'burqa ban'.</p>

<p>The proposal compounds Switzerland's tense relationship with Islam after citizens voted to ban building any new minarets in 2009. Two cantons already have local bans on face coverings.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Zurich police fired tear gas shells at feminist rally. As per reports, police had warned ahead of the planned protest rally against congregating. However, when demonstrators started congregating in different parts of the city the police used tear gas.</p>

<p><strong>(With Reuters inputs)</strong></p>


Voters in Switzerland will vote on Sunday, March 7 to decide whether wearing full-face coverings in public should be banned. This will be a binding national referendum.

Voters in Switzerland will vote on Sunday, March 7 to decide whether wearing full-face coverings in public should be banned. This will be a binding national referendum. Some sections of Swiss society have termed the referendum as Islamophobic. Red billboards picturing a scowling woman wearing a black headscarf and face veil with the phrase, "Stop Extremism!", have appeared in Swiss streets as part of the campaign led by several parties in Switzerland, including the right-wing Swiss People's Party (SVP). "This (niqab wearing) is something that we find shocking. It is fundamentally in opposition with various values of our civilisation, simply because, for us, free people show their faces in all circumstances outside," said Jean-Luc Addor, an SVP member of parliament and head of the French-speaking branch of the referendum committee. The proposal predates the COVID-19 pandemic, which has seen all adults forced to don masks in many settings to prevent the spread of infection. It gathered the necessary support to trigger a referendum in 2017. The referendum does not mention Islam directly and also seeks to stop street brawls involving football fans wearing masks. However, local politicians, media and campaigners have started calling the referendum as being for a 'burqa ban'. The proposal compounds Switzerland's tense relationship with Islam after citizens voted to ban building any new minarets in 2009. Two cantons already have local bans on face coverings. Meanwhile, Zurich police fired tear gas shells at feminist rally. As per reports, police had warned ahead of the planned protest rally against congregating. However, when demonstrators started congregating in different parts of the city the police used tear gas. (With Reuters inputs)

Swiss to vote on referendum on banning face veils

An opinion poll in Switzerland has revealed that a clear majority of citizens are in favour of a nationwide ban on face coverings including Burqas.

Switzerland voters favour 'burqa ban' | Poll shows clear support for ban

Switzerland citizens favour 'burqa ban', poll shows ahead of public vote

In Afghanistan's Kandahar, women are exercising their right to a healthy life in the region's first all-female gym. They are working out in Burqas and without any fear. Palki Sharma Upadhyay has a report.

Gravitas: Gymming in a Burqa

<p>The South-west state of Germany Baden-Württemberg's government has decided to ban full-face Islamic veils in schools as intense debate continues over a nationwide law.</p>

<p>German lawmakers across party lines agree that the niqab and the burqa are out of place at educational institutes. Some, however, fear that a ban could negatively affect&nbsp;integration into German society.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/swiss-canton-becomes-second-ban-burqas-public-167282"><strong>Also read: Swiss canton becomes second to ban burqas in public</strong></a><br />
<br />
In February this year, a court in Germany had ruled against an attempt by authorities in Hamburg to forbid a 16-year-old schoolgirl from wearing a niqab during lessons.</p>

<p>The ruling, which cannot be appealed, had fuelled debate in Germany over whether schools should allow the niqab, a facial veil worn by Muslims which leaves only the wearer's eyes visible.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-government-considering-burqa-ban-after-terror-attacks-213135"><strong>Also read: Sri Lanka government considering burqa ban after terror attacks</strong></a></p>

<p>The state parliament in neighbouring Schleswig-Holstein failed to pass a ban on full-face veils in its universities and colleges after the Green Party voted against it.</p>

<p>It has called for a complete burqa ban similar to that in France, but a report by the German government found such a prohibition to be unconstitutional in 2012.</p>

<p>Religious clothing has been banned in French schools since 2004, including headscarves.&nbsp;</p>

<p>France, Belgium and Bulgaria have already implemented universal prohibitions, while partial bans have been introduced the Netherlands and a handful of regions in Europe.</p>

<p>Burqas cover the whole body, covering the wearer's eyes behind a sort of lattice. Niqabs are for the face, but do not cover the eyes.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The South-west state of Germany Baden-Württemberg's government has decided to ban full-face Islamic veils in schools as intense debate continues over a nationwide law.

The South-west state of Germany Baden-Württemberg's government has decided to ban full-face Islamic veils in schools as intense debate continues over a nationwide law. German lawmakers across party lines agree that the niqab and the burqa are out of place at educational institutes. Some, however, fear that a ban could negatively affect integration into German society. Also read: Swiss canton becomes second to ban burqas in public In February this year, a court in Germany had ruled against an attempt by authorities in Hamburg to forbid a 16-year-old schoolgirl from wearing a niqab during lessons. The ruling, which cannot be appealed, had fuelled debate in Germany over whether schools should allow the niqab, a facial veil worn by Muslims which leaves only the wearer's eyes visible. Also read: Sri Lanka government considering burqa ban after terror attacks The state parliament in neighbouring Schleswig-Holstein failed to pass a ban on full-face veils in its universities and colleges after the Green Party voted against it. It has called for a complete burqa ban similar to that in France, but a report by the German government found such a prohibition to be unconstitutional in 2012. Religious clothing has been banned in French schools since 2004, including headscarves. France, Belgium and Bulgaria have already implemented universal prohibitions, while partial bans have been introduced the Netherlands and a handful of regions in Europe. Burqas cover the whole body, covering the wearer's eyes behind a sort of lattice. Niqabs are for the face, but do not cover the eyes. (With inputs from agencies)

German state Baden-Württemberg bans burqa in schools

<p>Women who lived under the harsh rule of the Taliban urged senior Afghan politicians to ensure their hard-won freedoms are not bargained away when they talk peace with the insurgents on Tuesday.</p>

<p>The Afghan <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-women-fear-cost-of-peace-will-be-their-freedom-194296">Women's Network said their rights</a> should not be used as a "political tool" in dealings with the Taliban, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/as-taliban-talks-gather-pace-afghan-women-fear-turning-back-clock-191933">who barred women from schools and jobs</a> and drastically curtailed their personal liberties when they ruled Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001.</p>

<p>Their appeal comes as the Taliban meets with a high-ranking Afghan delegation in Moscow, and a week after the insurgents held unprecedented talks with United States negotiators.</p>

<p>The Taliban said the Moscow meeting — their most significant with Afghan politicians in recent memory — would discuss the withdrawal of foreign troops, peace terms and its vision for governance.</p>

<p>The two-day gathering is separate from the US-Taliban negotiations in Doha in January, that ended with both sides touting "progress" and a draft framework which could pave the way for peace talks.</p>

<p>No representative from President Ashraf Ghani's government — which the Taliban considers a US puppet — was invited to either occasion, angering officials in Kabul.</p>

<p>Afghan women, also largely excluded from the table, fear seeing their hard-won rights eroded if negotiators seek a hasty truce with the Taliban.</p>

<p>&nbsp;"Women should not be used as a political tool by these politicians.&nbsp;<br />
If they (Taliban) return and impose restrictions on women, we will not accept that," Mashal Roshan, a coordinator from the Kabul-based women's network, told AFP.</p>

<p>"In the past 17 years, Afghan women have gained some hard-won achievements. We don't want to lose that. It's our right to go to school and to work, and everyone should respect that."&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a statement ahead of the Moscow meet, the network said they would not accept peace at the cost of their freedoms and urged delegates to defend the rights of half of Afghanistan's 35 million people.</p>

<p>"There is no need to reinterpret Afghan women's lives," the statement said.<br />
Under their brutal interpretation of Sharia law, the Taliban confined women to their homes, only allowing them outside with a male escort and hidden beneath a burqa.</p>

<p>Girls were banned from schools and colleges and women prohibited from the workplace save in a few areas such as medicine.</p>

<p>The militants have indicated they would provide a safe environment for women's work and education under an "Islamic system" they have proposed for Afghanistan's future.</p>

<p>But the involvement of the Taliban in any government frightens many women, who recall the stifling restrictions under the Islamic insurgents.</p>

<p>&nbsp;Ghani and de facto prime minister Abdullah Abdullah have urged the Taliban to negotiate with Kabul, saying all Afghans should agree on the need for peace and troop withdrawal.</p>

<p>The Taliban are expected to meet with US negotiators again later in the month.</p>


Women who lived under the harsh rule of the Taliban urged senior Afghan politicians to ensure their hard-won freedoms are not bargained away when they talk peace with the insurgents on Tuesday.

Women who lived under the harsh rule of the Taliban urged senior Afghan politicians to ensure their hard-won freedoms are not bargained away when they talk peace with the insurgents on Tuesday. The Afghan Women's Network said their rights should not be used as a "political tool" in dealings with the Taliban, who barred women from schools and jobs and drastically curtailed their personal liberties when they ruled Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001. Their appeal comes as the Taliban meets with a high-ranking Afghan delegation in Moscow, and a week after the insurgents held unprecedented talks with United States negotiators. The Taliban said the Moscow meeting — their most significant with Afghan politicians in recent memory — would discuss the withdrawal of foreign troops, peace terms and its vision for governance. The two-day gathering is separate from the US-Taliban negotiations in Doha in January, that ended with both sides touting "progress" and a draft framework which could pave the way for peace talks. No representative from President Ashraf Ghani's government — which the Taliban considers a US puppet — was invited to either occasion, angering officials in Kabul. Afghan women, also largely excluded from the table, fear seeing their hard-won rights eroded if negotiators seek a hasty truce with the Taliban. "Women should not be used as a political tool by these politicians. If they (Taliban) return and impose restrictions on women, we will not accept that," Mashal Roshan, a coordinator from the Kabul-based women's network, told AFP. "In the past 17 years, Afghan women have gained some hard-won achievements. We don't want to lose that. It's our right to go to school and to work, and everyone should respect that." In a statement ahead of the Moscow meet, the network said they would not accept peace at the cost of their freedoms and urged delegates to defend the rights of half of Afghanistan's 35 million people. "There is no need to reinterpret Afghan women's lives," the statement said. Under their brutal interpretation of Sharia law, the Taliban confined women to their homes, only allowing them outside with a male escort and hidden beneath a burqa. Girls were banned from schools and colleges and women prohibited from the workplace save in a few areas such as medicine. The militants have indicated they would provide a safe environment for women's work and education under an "Islamic system" they have proposed for Afghanistan's future. But the involvement of the Taliban in any government frightens many women, who recall the stifling restrictions under the Islamic insurgents. Ghani and de facto prime minister Abdullah Abdullah have urged the Taliban to negotiate with Kabul, saying all Afghans should agree on the need for peace and troop withdrawal. The Taliban are expected to meet with US negotiators again later in the month.

We are not a 'political tool': Afghan women on Taliban talks

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