Avoid more marriages than one, IEA officials ordered

KABUL (Pajhwok): The leader of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, Mullah Haibatullah Akhundzada, has instructed the Ministry for Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice to stop officials marrying multiple wives without need.

In a decree, the Taliban chief said: “The ministry and Complain Commission are instructed to prevent officials from unnecessary second, third and fourth marriages at high cost and strictly enforce the order.”

The ministry was directed to identify those violating the decree and report them to the government leadership.

The decree comes in the wake of social media reports that some government officials had married for the second and third times in a lavish manner.

Last year, the Taliban issue a decree, asking those who have more spouses than one to provide equal rights to all wives in accordance with the Shariah.

The authorities concerned were asked to take necessary steps to prevent forced marriages and ensure women were granted their rights.

The decree also stated the consent of a mature woman was necessary at the time of marriage.

sa/mud