The Afghan Taliban's supreme leader has issued a decree prohibiting the construction of windows in residential buildings that overlook areas frequented by Afghan women, instructing that existing windows with such views be blocked.

According to a statement released by Taliban government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid on Saturday, the decree mandates that new buildings must avoid windows that provide visibility into spaces like "the courtyard, kitchen, neighbour's well and other places usually used by women".

The decree, shared on the social media platform X, warns: "Seeing women working in kitchens, in courtyards or collecting water from wells can lead to obscene acts."

Municipal authorities and other relevant departments have been directed to ensure compliance at construction sites.

For existing structures, homeowners are advised to build walls or otherwise obstruct views to "prevent disturbances to neighbours," as per the decree.

Since reclaiming power in August 2021, the Taliban has systematically removed women from public life, a situation the United Nations has described as "gender apartheid." Women are banned from post-primary education, most employment opportunities, and access to parks and other public areas.

Recent restrictions include a ban on women singing or reciting poetry in public, with recommendations to "veil" their voices and bodies outside their homes. Additionally, some local radio and TV stations have stopped broadcasting female voices.

The Taliban administration insists that their policies are aligned with Islamic law, claiming it "guarantees" the rights of both men and women. However, these measures have drawn sharp criticism from human rights organizations worldwide.