Taliban imposes pay cuts for missing congregational prayers

KABUL: The Taliban government in Afghanistan has announced severe punishments for civil servants who do not attend congregational prayers.

In an interview with “Al-Arabiya News”, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said that employees who do not pray will be warned first. However, if they continue to offer prayers, they may face transfer to different places or demotion in their positions.

Zabihullah Mujahid further explained that in addition to these punishments, employees who skip congregational prayers will also face salary cuts. The Taliban spokesman reiterated the government’s commitment to the implementation of Sharia law and its associated punishments, and also mentioned the financial difficulties facing the government due to the central bank’s frozen assets.

Mujahid highlighted that the security situation in the country has improved significantly, and the economy is moving in the right direction with an increase in exports and an overall positive outlook.

The interview was conducted after three years of Taliban rule were completed, during which Mujahid spoke candidly about the government’s performance.

It is important to note that restrictions on girls’ secondary education, employment for women and their access to public places including beauty parlors and gyms remain in Afghanistan. Women are also not allowed to travel without a male guardian.