The Taliban have banned barbers in Helmand province in Afghanistan from shaving or trimming beards.
The Taliban said shaving off beards breaches their interpretation of Islamic law.
The Taliban police also said anyone caught violating the rule will be punished.
According to the BBC, in a notice posted on salons in southern Helmand province, the Taliban officers warned that hairdressers must follow Sharia law for haircuts and beards.
“No one has a right to complain,” the notice reportedly read.
The instruction contradicts the assurances made by the Taliban government earlier — that they would not force their rules on anyone as it relates to lifestyle choices.
The Taliban came into power in August after the insurgent group seized several