Local sources say the Taliban have imposed new restrictions banning the photographing of women in public, historical and recreational locations across Afghanistan, with the directive reportedly extending even to private family photographs.

Afghan women told local sources that many photographers have stopped taking pictures of women due to fear of action by Taliban authorities. They said photographers have been warned that violating the order could result in the cancellation of their operating licenses.

A female television presenter also said the Taliban are monitoring women`s activities on social media and have instructed some female media workers to publish their images on personal accounts only while wearing masks.

Afghan citizens have criticized the reported restrictions, describing them as further limitations on women`s basic social rights and an attempt to remove women`s presence from public spaces.