Female students in the northern province of Badakhshan said that they have been told by the Ministry of Vice and Virtue to cover their faces inside the university.  

The students said that they have been struggling with heat because of being obliged to wear black clothes and masks in the university.  

 “There are some girls who have pneumonia problems and cannot use the mask, so we are against wearing masks in the class if it is possible to do so,” said Royta Tahiri, a student.  

“As we consider their wishes, they should also consider our situation as humans, and as women are half of the Afghan society,” said Kamila Noorzad, a student.  

They also complained about the mistreatment of the officials of the ministry toward the female students.  

“They have a treatment which is very aggressive toward women,” said Palwasha, a student.  

Meanwhile, the department of Vice and Virtue of Badakhshan said that women can use different colors for Hijab but the black dress uniform has been required by the Ministry of Higher Education for female students. 

“Everyone (can) use various colors. It (color) doesn’t belong to the Ministry of Vice and Virtue. Our stress is on hijab and covering the face,” said Shir Mohammad Jawad, head of the department of Vice and Virtue of Badakhshan.  

He also said that no member of the Vice and Virtue has the right to disturb the people.