Now, 400 loudspeakers in Kabul as Taliban encourages worshippers to pray more

Afghanistan: Earlier this month, supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada ordered judges to fully enforce Islamic law.

Hundreds of loudspeakers have been installed in Afghanistan's capital Kabul to encourage worshippers to attend prayers, the Taliban's religious enforcers said. The ministry for the promotion of virtue and prevention of vice said that hundreds of empty shops and other buildings that were not in use have been converted into mosques to give everyone the opportunity to pray communally, AFP reported.

Afghanistan: Taliban fighters stand guard as they block a road near Kabul. (AFP)

"During the previous government, some of the loudspeakers were removed and people were not able to listen to the Azan (call to prayer)," the ministry said adding that 400 loudspeakers had been installed in different parts of Kabul "so the people could listen to the Azan at the same time".

As Taliban continue to introduce strict rules and regulations in Afghanistan, since they returned to power in August last year, in accordance with Islamic sharia law, women have largely been squeezed out of public life.

Earlier this month, supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada ordered judges to fully enforce Islamic law which includes public executions, stonings and floggings, and the amputation of limbs for thieves.

Local media also reported that the vice ministry has ordered shops in certain parts of Kabul to shut for Friday prayers.