Afghan Government Announces Prayer Attendance Policy for Public Employees
Recent reports indicate that Afghanistan’s Taliban-led administration has introduced a policy requiring government employees to attend the five daily congregational prayers at mosques, with disciplinary measures for those who fail to comply. According to statements attributed to Taliban officials, including spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid, the directive is part of the government’s broader effort to enforce its interpretation of Islamic law within public institutions
2/17/20261 min read
What the Policy Involves
Under the reported guidelines:
Government employees are expected to perform all five daily prayers in congregation at a mosque.
Those who miss prayers may initially receive warnings.
Repeated non-compliance could lead to administrative consequences such as transfers or demotions.
Continued absence from congregational prayer may result in salary deductions.
Officials have framed the measure as a step toward strengthening religious observance and institutional discipline within the public sector.
Broader Context
Since regaining control of Afghanistan in 2021, the Taliban administration has implemented a series of policies aimed at aligning governance with its interpretation of Sharia law. The prayer attendance directive appears to be part of that broader framework, emphasizing religious participation as a professional obligation for state employees.
Human rights observers have previously raised concerns about policies that link employment conditions to mandatory religious practices. However, Taliban authorities maintain that such measures reflect the country’s Islamic identity and legal foundations.
Ongoing Developments
While the announcement has been widely circulated in regional media, details regarding the scope of enforcement and long-term implementation remain limited. As with many policy announcements, practical application may vary across departments and provinces.
Disclaimer: This update is shared based on publicly available information. VOTG News is not responsible for any decisions made based on this news. The image is AI-generated only for illustration