Taliban Orders Civil Servants to Study Religious Lessons Focused on “Jihad”

DID Press: Taliban’s Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice has issued a written directive requiring all government employees to study religious lessons centered on “jihad” and sit for related examinations. The order also includes strict guidelines on employees’ appearance and attire.

According to the ministry, civil servants under Taliban control must read a designated book on “jihad” and subsequently take a mandatory test.

Most government staff currently serving under the Taliban were originally hired during Afghanistan’s previous administration. The group has previously subjected employees to religious and ideological testing while imposing specific dress codes.

Under the new directive, employees are required to wear traditional Afghan clothing with either a cap or turban and maintain long beards.

Observers interpret this move as part of the Taliban’s broader effort to enforce ideological control across state institutions and ensure complete conformity of public servants with the group’s teachings.