Poll: Overwhelming Majority Reject Taliban’s Hijab Arrests in Kabul
Following arrest of several women and girls in capital Kabul by Taliban forces on the basis of violating the so-called “Hijab Law,” DID Press conducted an online poll to gauge public opinion regarding the issue.
The results reflect widespread public concern over the continued social and political restrictions imposed on women in Afghanistan.
The poll asked participants: “How do you assess the recent arrests of women and girls in Kabul for allegedly violating the Hijab law?”
The responses were as follows:
72% of participants described the action as “repressive and alarming with regard to women’s rights.” This indicates widespread dissatisfaction with the Taliban’s harsh policies toward women and a clear violation of individual freedoms.
14% viewed the arrests as the result of the Taliban’s “narrow interpretation of Islamic social laws,” an interpretation lacking both religious and social consensus, and one that has led to severe restrictions in the daily lives of women.
Another 14% believed the action was “a display of social control,” interpreting these arrests as an attempt to create an atmosphere of fear and enforced obedience.
Notably, none of the respondents selected the option “I don’t know/No idea,” underscoring the high sensitivity and public engagement surrounding this issue.
Summary
The results of this survey clearly demonstrate that the vast majority of the Afghanistan public considers the Taliban’s current policies toward women to be in direct contradiction with both human and Islamic rights. Although the Taliban justify measures like the compulsory hijab by citing their own interpretation of Sharia law, public perception indicates that these policies are more about political and social control than genuine adherence to religious values.
The strong reaction reflected in this survey highlights the need for civil society organizations, human rights groups, and media outlets to carefully monitor, document, and report on the ongoing arrests and social pressures faced by women in Afghanistan.