The announcement was made by local Taliban government officials in northern Balkh province, bordering Uzbekistan.

The decision was made unanimously by religious scholars and provincial officials of the directorate of promotion of virtue and prevention of vice in the province, reported Khaama Press.

Based on the new decision, women can only take showers in private baths while observing Islamic hijab, not in general baths, the news agency reported.

The Head of the directorate of promotion of virtue and prevention of vice in Balkh province told Khaama Press that the decision was made after consultations with religious scholars.

“Since people do not access modern baths at home, men are allowed to go to general baths but women are supposed to go to private baths while observing hijab," the head of the directorate was quoted as saying by the news agency.