Karzai, Lyons discuss Afghan women’s situation

KABUL (Pajhwok): Former president Hamid Karzai and UN Secretary-General Special Representative Deborah Lyons have discussed the situation of Afghan women.

They also conferred on the reopening of secondary schools for girls, a statement from Karzai’s office said.

The two sides underlined the imperative of ensuring national unity and lasting stability in Afghanistan.

According to the statement Karzai referred to the Taliban decree on women’s burqa, saying: “The Afghans are religiously strong people and have always observed hijab in accordance with their traditions.”

Under the decree announced on Saturday, every garment used for covering the body is hijab but it should not be thin or tight.

The vice and virtue ministry has been tasked with implementing the hijab decree. It is mandatory for all adult women to wear the Islamic hijab.

The decree said chadori, which has been part of the Afghan culture for centuries, is the best form of hijab.

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