A young woman named Freshta has taken her own life in Zabul province after being forced into marriage, according to Taliban authorities.
The incident occurred on Tuesday (September 10) in Nowbahar district. Taliban official Saif-ul-Islam Khyber, spokesperson for the Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice, stated that Freshta had repeatedly voiced her opposition to the arranged marriage. Her father and older brother, however, ignored her pleas and attempted to compel her into the union.
Following her death, both men have been arrested and referred to the Taliban’s judiciary.
Khyber added:
“Any sister facing such issues can contact our moral patrol units anywhere in Afghanistan to prevent such tragedies.”
He emphasized that forced marriage is a violation of a decree issued by Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada and warned that violators will be detained.
Experts note that women in Afghanistan, particularly under Taliban rule, face deep-rooted systemic inequalities. These conditions have led to an increase in forced and underage marriages, as well as domestic abuse—often with tragic consequences.
