The former Afghan jihadi commander Ismail Khan has strongly criticized the Taliban over what he described as the harassment and mass detention of women in Herat, calling the situation unacceptable and a violation of the city’s dignity.
In a statement, he said the increasing incidents of harassment of women and widespread arrests carried out by Taliban authorities in Herat were beyond tolerance and could not be ignored. He warned that no government in history can sustain itself through force, repression, or the humiliation of its own people.
Ismail Khan called on the women of Herat to remain resilient under pressure, adding that the current situation would not last indefinitely. In a message published online, he described the Taliban’s actions as primitive, reckless, and ignorant, saying such behavior undermines both human dignity and Islamic values.
He said that the restrictions imposed on women and girls in Herat were arbitrary and amounted to an insult to the honor of the city’s residents. He further argued that attempts to promote religious teachings through what he described as improper and forced methods would only alienate people from religion and weaken public faith.
Referring to what he described as despotism, lack of accountability, absence of legitimate governance, and worsening poverty, he said the targeting of women effectively amounted to humiliation of the people of Herat.
He stated that “the dignity of our people is our red line,” adding that remaining silent in the face of injustice against women would be a betrayal of Afghanistan’s identity.
Addressing the girls of Herat directly, he said their voice represents what he called the awakened conscience of society.
