A number of shopkeepers and traders in Kandahar say that the Taliban’s Vice and Virtue Department has instructed them to either collect from their stores or obscure the images on all goods featuring pictures of women.
According to them, this restriction is not limited only to items currently available for sale; traders have also been warned not to import such goods in the future. They were told that if products bear images of women or other living beings, they will not be cleared by customs and the shipments will be impounded.
Dawood Shah, a shopkeeper in Kandahar, said: "Vice and Virtue officials told us that for all creams, shampoos, henna, hair dyes, and other cosmetics featuring pictures of women, we must either erase the images or remove the items from the shelves. They said if we do not do this, they will confiscate them."
A trader who imports cosmetics stated that this decision will directly impact their business. According to him, customs officials have also informed them not to import goods bearing pictures of women or other human figures from now on, as they will not pass customs clearance and will remain stuck at the border.
Shopkeepers and traders believe this new restriction will have a severe negative impact on the cosmetics and personal care market.
Writer:Saeed Sameer
