Cyrus Alaf, the former economic advisor to the previous republican administration and a prominent figure within Herat’s Shiite community, criticized the Taliban’s policies during Ashura ceremonies, stating that the current authorities are focusing on people’s appearance and social restrictions rather than addressing their economic hardships.
Alaf said on Friday during the Ashura ceremony in the Bakarabad area of Herat that while people are struggling with hunger, poverty, and severe economic difficulties, the ruling authorities have chosen strictness and displays of power instead of justice and fairness. He added that the Taliban appear unaware of the public’s daily needs and concerns, questioning whether it is possible to win people’s hearts through such an approach.
His remarks come amid reports that in recent weeks the Taliban in Herat have intensified arrests aimed at enforcing social restrictions such as beard regulations, hijab requirements, and other related measures. According to reports, morality enforcement officials have detained dozens of individuals, including employees of international organizations and healthcare centers, as well as a significant number of women, on charges of non-compliance with appearance and hijab rules—actions that have sparked widespread domestic and international reactions.
