This comes amid widespread restrictions imposed by the Taliban on women's education, employment, and public participation.

Mr. Bennett called the ban a significant threat to the nation’s healthcare system.

“Regrettably, we continue to see the opposite unfold in Afghanistan," UNAMA chief said.

The Salang Pass is a vital transportation hub linking Kabul with nine provinces in the north and northeast.

The ban, if enacted, would deepen the country’s humanitarian crisis.

During the meeting, Usmani emphasized the importance of ensuring that international aid to Afghanistan is used “transparently”.

He expressed hope that during his tenure, relations between Iran and Afghanistan would expand across various sectors.

The Taliban authorities have yet to comment on the incident, and no group has claimed responsibility.

“They agreed to enhance mutually beneficial bilateral relations,” the ministry said.

Taliban justified the decision by accusing some media outlets of being "biased".