EVER since the Taliban took power in 2021, international human rights bodies have criticised them for their harsh style of governance and curbs on fundamental freedoms inside Afghanistan. Most recently, Human Rights Watch condemned their “ruthless effort to suppress all dissent” after a new police law banned protests in the country; Amnesty International described the decree as “a sweeping assault on human rights in Afghanistan”. Such draconian measures have made dissent a rare sight under the Taliban administration — especially when protests are met with brutal state force as seen in June. Given the Taliban’s narrow worldview, the escalating repression — especially against women — is hardly surprising. Soon after they came to power, reports emerged of crackdowns on dissent and restrictions on women. In 2021, many protested publicly against armed Taliban patrolling; several deaths were reported. Rights bodies have also pointed to the targeting of the Hazara community. Yet Western nations look away from the mess they created.

Oppressive regimes control narratives so that the state’s version dominates. In an interconnected world, denying the right to peaceful assembly and marches will backfire. Such a degree of control is precisely what turns people against their rulers. With this latest measure, atrocities against women, the media and pro-democracy activists will be airbrushed out of reports. The world must put pressure on the Taliban to connect with ordinary Afghans and honour their earlier promises of maintaining inclusivity. In any democratic society, the state exercises moderation and acts only in cases of violence and hate speech. Not so in Afghanistan where the Taliban’s senseless approach is codified in the law — meaning further tyranny against the people. Their actions have aborted any hope of progress. Rulers are accountable to the people. A rights-based order that protects people saves power from being seen as a dictatorship.

Published in Dawn, August 29th, 2026