Taliban rulers have banned women's voices and faces in public under new laws to promote 'virtue' in Afghanistan, according to Associated Press.

The hardline Islamist group had set up a ministry for the 'prevention of vice' after seizing power following the withdrawal of US and coalition forces in 2021.

Officials published its 114-page vice and virtue rulebook on Wednesday that covers aspects of everyday life such as public transport, music, shaving and celebrations.

The laws, which have been approved by supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada, say that it is compulsory for all women to cover their bodies in public and that face coverings are essential to 'avoid temptation and tempting others'. 

Clothing should not be thin, tight or short, and failure to adhere could result in arrest.

Meanwhile, a woman's voice is deemed intimate and so should not be heard singing, reciting poetry, or reading aloud in public. 

It is forbidden for women to look at men they are not related to by blood or marriage and vice versa. 

The law also bans music, women travelling alone, and men and women socialising together unless they are related to each other. Last month, a report by the United Nations said the ministry was contributing to a climate of fear among Afghans.

Fiona Frazer, head of the human rights service at the UN mission in Afghanistan, said: 'The position expressed by the de facto authorities that this oversight will be increasing and expanding gives cause for significant concern for all Afghans, especially women and girls.'