Numbers of visitors at the parks in the capital city of Kabul have fallen as recent restrictions have been imposed by the Islamic Emirate.

The residents of Kabul who come to the parks for picnics said new restrictions imposed by the Islamic Emirate are the main reason for the reduction of visitors to the parks.  

Band-e-Qargha is a famous park and entertainment area in Kabul and is ordinarily visited by hundreds of people on holidays.  

An official of Zazai park located in the Arzan Kemat area of Kabul said that the economic challenges and Islamic Emarat restrictions are the main reasons for the reduced numbers of people at the parks. 

“Economic challenges are the first reason for the decreased number of people in the parks and Islamic Emarat restrictions are the second reason,” said Habibi Ulla Zazie, head of Zazie Park. 

“The previous crowd is not coming anymore. Eid is not very well celebrated in Kabul. Currently. no woman can come together with their family,” said Ahmad Bilal, a resident of Kabul.  

However, elders and youths who come for picnics in the parks expressed their satisfaction with peace and security. 

“We are happy that we can celebrate the first day of Eid in peace closely with Tajik, Pashtun, and Hazara together,” said Hayat Ullah Hayat, a Kabul resident. 

The employees of the Ministry of Vice and Virtue attend the parks and provide people with religious advice.  

Women and girls call for a lifting of restrictions.  

“There should be no restriction in parks and tourist places anymore, we wear Hijab, and they have to allow women to come to parks,” said Sana, a Kabul resident. 

The Ministry of Vice and Virtue stated to the head of parks that a separate section should be made for men and women on the days of Eid.