The initiative, the nation's Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice, said had been taken partly due to women failing to dress in accordance with how they interpret Islamic attire. Spokesperson Mohammad Akif Muhajir made the remarks to Afghan media and cited them again on being reached by Reuters.
"For the last 14 or 15 months we were trying to provide an environment according to Sharia (Islamic law) and our culture for women to go to the parks. Unfortunately, the owners of parks didn't co-operate with us very well, and also the women didn't observe hijab as was suggested. For now, the decision has been taken that they are banned," he said, referring to the group's interpretation of the Islamic dress code for women," he said.
It remains to be seen whether the directive will be enforced nationwide and whether it may be tweaked. The ban is said to have not been enforced in Herat, Balkh and Badakshan provinces.