Mon Jul 21 16:56:07 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the provided text, followed by a news article written from an Indian perspective:
**Summary:**
The United Nations has expressed grave concern over the recent arrests of women and girls in Kabul, Afghanistan, by the Taliban authorities. These arrests are reportedly due to the women’s alleged failure to comply with the Taliban’s strict dress code, specifically regarding the hijab. The UN sees these actions as further isolating women, creating fear, and eroding trust. They are urging the Taliban to reverse policies restricting women’s rights, especially the ban on education beyond the sixth grade. This comes after similar arrests in January 2024 for “bad hijab.” The Taliban has been enforcing its interpretation of Islamic law since regaining power in 2021, though this has caused consternation with the international community.
**News Article:**
**UN Condemns Taliban’s Arrests of Afghan Women Over Dress Code – India Remains Concerned**
**Islamabad, July 21, 2025:** The United Nations has issued a strong condemnation of the Taliban’s recent actions in Kabul, Afghanistan, where numerous women and girls were arrested between July 16 and 19 for allegedly violating the authorities’ strict dress code. The arrests, which center around the enforcement of the hijab and adherence to the Taliban’s interpretation of Islamic dress, have raised serious concerns within the international community, including India.
The UN mission in Afghanistan stated that these incidents “serve to further isolate women and girls, contribute to a climate of fear, and erode public trust.” The UN is urging the Taliban government to “rescind policies and practices” that restrict women and girls’ human rights, particularly the ban on education beyond sixth grade.
This is not an isolated incident. In January 2024, similar arrests were made for wearing “bad hijab,” raising questions about the Taliban’s definition of appropriate Islamic dress. The UN has reported that it was investigating claims of ill treatment of the women at the time.
Since seizing power in August 2021, the Taliban has enforced its version of Islamic law, significantly curtailing the rights and freedoms of women and girls. This latest crackdown on dress codes is further evidence of the deteriorating situation for women in Afghanistan.
The Indian government has consistently expressed concern over the situation in Afghanistan, particularly regarding the rights of women and minorities. While India maintains a diplomatic presence in Afghanistan focused on humanitarian aid and development assistance, it has yet to formally recognize the Taliban government. Sources within the Indian Ministry of External Affairs indicate that these recent arrests will further complicate any potential future engagement with the Taliban and reinforce India’s stance that the rights of Afghan women must be protected.
The international community now awaits a response from the Taliban and hopes for a reversal of these policies that threaten the fundamental freedoms of Afghan women and girls. The developments will be closely monitored.
First Piper 