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The Taliban are trying to erase the presence of women in Afghan society, the British foreign secretary said, after the regime in Afghanistan banned women from working for non-governmental organizations, the Press Association and DPA reported.

Cleverley called on the Taliban to abandon the decision, warning that it would lead to suffering for millions of Afghans.

The ban imposed by the Taliban regime has already caused some international aid organizations to suspend their activities in Afghanistan.

"The ban on women working for non-governmental organizations will deprive millions of Afghans of the opportunity to receive vital humanitarian aid. This decision will affect everyone," said the British minister.

Pakistani Taliban took hostages at a police station

Afghanistan's Taliban authorities announced the ban on Saturday, arguing that some women who work for non-governmental organizations do not sufficiently follow Islamic dress codes.