• Women walk through Band-e-Amir national park in Afghanistan in defiance of a ban imposed by the Taliban. All photos: EPA
    Women walk through Band-e-Amir national park in Afghanistan in defiance of a ban imposed by the Taliban. All photos: EPA
  • Band-e-Amir is made up of half a dozen natural lakes and is known for its natural beauty
    Band-e-Amir is made up of half a dozen natural lakes and is known for its natural beauty
  • Afghans visit Band-e-Amir national park in Bamiyan, Afghanistan, 29 August 2023. The Taliban has banned women in Afghanistan from entering Band-e-Amir national park in the central Bamyan province after many of its visitors were spotted not wearing the mandatory veil, a measure that has sparked criticism from international organizations on 28 August. The Taliban's Minister of Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice, Mohammad Khalid Hanafi, said 'women and our sisters cannot go to Band-e-Amir until we agree on a principle. ' Band-e-Amir is made up of half a dozen natural lakes that boast a unique and natural beauty, according to Unesco, and was the first national park to be established in Afghanistan in 2009. EPA / SAMIULLAH POPAL
    Afghans visit Band-e-Amir national park in Bamiyan, Afghanistan, 29 August 2023. The Taliban has banned women in Afghanistan from entering Band-e-Amir national park in the central Bamyan province after many of its visitors were spotted not wearing the mandatory veil, a measure that has sparked criticism from international organizations on 28 August. The Taliban's Minister of Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice, Mohammad Khalid Hanafi, said 'women and our sisters cannot go to Band-e-Amir until we agree on a principle. ' Band-e-Amir is made up of half a dozen natural lakes that boast a unique and natural beauty, according to Unesco, and was the first national park to be established in Afghanistan in 2009. EPA / SAMIULLAH POPAL
  • The Taliban's Minister of Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice, Mohammad Khalid Hanafi, said 'women and our sisters cannot go to Band-e-Amir until we agree on a principle'
    The Taliban's Minister of Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice, Mohammad Khalid Hanafi, said 'women and our sisters cannot go to Band-e-Amir until we agree on a principle'
  • The decision to ban women has sparked criticism from international organisations
    The decision to ban women has sparked criticism from international organisations
  • Women have been banned from entering Band-e-Amir. The Taliban have banned women and girls from several activities, including attending school
    Women have been banned from entering Band-e-Amir. The Taliban have banned women and girls from several activities, including attending school
  • The Taliban-led government in Afghanistan barred women from public spaces, including parks
    The Taliban-led government in Afghanistan barred women from public spaces, including parks
  • Band-e-Amir, founded in 2009, was the first national park to be established in Afghanistan
    Band-e-Amir, founded in 2009, was the first national park to be established in Afghanistan
  • It has been a popular destination among families
    It has been a popular destination among families
  • Afghans enjoy a boat ride at a lake at Band-e-Amir national park
    Afghans enjoy a boat ride at a lake at Band-e-Amir national park
  • The park attracts thousands of visitors every year
    The park attracts thousands of visitors every year

World

Afghan women visit Band-e-Amir national park despite Taliban ban - in pictures

The Taliban decision to ban women has sparked criticism from international organisations

The National

August 30, 2023

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Updated: August 30, 2023, 8:11 AM
Afghanistan