Burqa banned for women in Muslim-majority Kazakhstan

(Burqa: A garment that covers the entire body)

Astana, Kazakhstan – Under a newly enacted law in Kazakhstan, women will no longer be allowed to wear burqas or any face-covering cloth in public places. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev recently signed the law, which prohibits anyone from covering their face in public. This decision comes despite the fact that over 70% of Kazakhstan’s population follows Islam.

President Tokayev stated that instead of wearing face-covering garments, it is better to wear traditional national attire. He also emphasized preserving the secular image of the country.

Kazakhstan (Credits : Wikipedia)

Earlier in 2023, the Kazakh government had already made a significant decision by banning the hijab (which covers the head and neck) and niqab (a face-covering veil) in schools.

Many Central Asian Muslim countries impose burqa ban

In recent years, several Muslim-majority Central Asian nations have enacted laws banning the burqa. Kyrgyzstan has prohibited the wearing of the burqa altogether. Uzbekistan has provisions for imposing fines on women wearing the burqa. Tajikistan’s President Emomali Rahmon has banned face-covering attire in public spaces.

Editorial Perspective

If such a move were even attempted in India, the entire spectrum—from fanatical Muslims to their appeasers in the Congress— would raise a storm !