Taliban Shut Down Men’s Tailoring Shops in Kandahar Over Women’s Clothing

Bareen Media – The Taliban have closed several tailoring shops operated by men in Kandahar after accusing the tailors of sewing women’s clothing.

According to the sources, inspectors from the Taliban’s Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice shut down the shops. The Taliban had previously warned male tailors to stop making women’s clothes.

The closures have caused financial hardship for tailors who depend on their work to support their families. One tailor, recently deported from Pakistan, said losing his job had left him worried about his children’s future. Another, who has worked in Kandahar’s tailoring market for 12 years, said he was struggling to pay rent and cover his family’s living expenses.

The restriction has also affected women who rely on affordable, custom-made clothing. Some women said they previously paid between 200 and 250 Afghanis to have an outfit sewn, which was cheaper than buying ready-made clothes. They also reported that female tailors are scarce in Kandahar city.

The latest measure adds to concerns about the impact of Taliban restrictions on livelihoods, women’s access to services and everyday economic life in Afghanistan.