Afghan media executive Saad Mohseni has come under fire after saying that life in Kabul appears “very normal” under Taliban rule, prompting accusations that he was downplaying restrictions on women and helping legitimise the regime. The remarks were made during a panel discussion in London and quickly sparked criticism from activists, former officials and analysts.
Speaking at the Jaipur Literature Festival London on 6 June, Mohseni said women in Kabul can move around independently, drive and do not need to cover their faces. He argued that conditions in major cities are “probably not that different” from those during Afghanistan’s former Republic government.
The comments triggered widespread backlash, particularly as reports emerged that Taliban authorities in Herat had detained dozens of women for allegedly violating strict hijab rules. Critics said Mohseni’s description ignored the broader reality facing Afghan women since the Taliban returned to power in 2021.
Since regaining control of Afghanistan, the Taliban have imposed extensive restrictions on women, including limits on employment, access to public spaces and education beyond Year 6. Women’s rights advocates and former officials accused Mohseni of minimising these policies and normalising what some describe as gender apartheid.
Mohseni rejected the criticism, saying his comments had been misinterpreted and that his full remarks, which included criticism of the Taliban, had not been published.
The controversy has also renewed scrutiny of Mohseni’s Moby media group, which some critics say has adopted a more accommodating stance toward the Taliban in recent years. The dispute is likely to intensify debate over how Afghan media organisations operate under Taliban rule and how the situation in Afghanistan is portrayed internationally.
