Eyewitnesses said that representatives of the Ministry of Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan stopped the staff members of the Ministry of Finance at the gate because they were beardless.
The employees were allowed to enter the ministry only after they bought and wore hats that were recommended by the representatives.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice denied government employees having been stopped at the gate.
Spokesperson of the Ministry Muhammad Sadiq Akif said, the staff members of the Finance Ministry were stopped for instruction and recommendation by the representatives of the Ministry of Virtue and vice.
“All government bodies were instructed not to allow women without hijab and male employees of government administrations to fit their appearance in accordance with Sharia law.” Said Akif.
The decision is condemned even by pro-Taliban figures reasoning Islam has never forced people to grow beards.