FARAH, Afghanistan — Taliban morality police in the western province of Farah are reportedly conducting nighttime patrols, detaining residents found on city streets and forcing them to perform prayers, regardless of whether they have already done so, according to local sources.
The enforcers, part of the Taliban’s Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice (PVPV), reportedly operate after dark, escorting individuals to local precincts and compelling them to pray under pressure.
“They don’t care if you’ve already prayed or not,” one resident told Amu. “You have to pray again, and there’s no room to object.”
Sources also said PVPV enforcers have instructed members of the Shia community not to walk the streets or alleys at night, raising concerns about sectarian discrimination.
Residents noted that the PVPV office in Farah holds nightly tarawih prayers — special evening prayers during Ramadan — from 8 p.m. until 1 a.m., and that patrols are reportedly conducted during these hours.
Several young people in Farah said they now avoid going out after dark or move through the city in fear, describing a growing atmosphere of intimidation.
“We feel like we’re sneaking around our own neighborhoods,” said one young man. “It’s frightening to be stopped just for walking outside.”
The Taliban reestablished the PVPV after returning to power in 2021, enforcing strict religious codes on behavior, dress, and public conduct. Rights groups have condemned the ministry’s tactics, calling them coercive and in violation of basic freedoms.
