Taliban Decision on Optional Female Photos in ID Sparks Debate

Taliban Decision on Optional Female Photos in ID Sparks Debate
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A new decision by Afghanistan’s Taliban authorities to make women’s photos optional on national identity cards has triggered widespread debate. Supporters argue the move aligns with cultural traditions in rural areas, while critics see it as another restriction undermining women’s civil rights.

Officials justified the policy by noting that alternative identifiers such as fingerprints or names could be used instead of photos. However, rights advocates warn that many women may face social or family pressure not to include their image, potentially limiting their mobility and access to government services.

Observers caution that the decision reflects a broader trend of restrictions on women’s participation in education, work, and public life, raising concerns over the future of women’s rights in Afghanistan.