The US lashed out at the Taliban over the ban on women’s NGO work in Afghanistan

RIAZAT CHALLENGE

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) – The US has condemned the Taliban for ordering non-governmental groups in Afghanistan to stop hiring women. It is the latest blow to women’s rights and freedoms since the Taliban seized power last year, following a ban on high school and university education as well as restrictions on clothing and traveling alone. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Saturday he was deeply concerned that the ban would interfere with vital and life-saving aid for millions of people in the country. The Taliban government issued the order allegedly because some female employees did not wear the headscarf properly. Aid agencies are expected to make a joint statement on Sunday.