“Our action signals that the status quo for women and girls in Afghanistan is not acceptable,” added Khan.

It has no police force of its own and relies on its 125 member states to carry out its warrants — with mixed results.

Khan warned he would soon be seeking additional applications for other Taliban officials.

‘An important moment’

Believed to be in his 60s or 70s, the reclusive supreme leader rules by decree from the Taliban movement’s birthplace in southern Kandahar.

“This is an important moment for Afghan women and girls who have been waiting much too long for justice,” HRW’s women’s rights deputy director, Heather Barr, told Agence France-Presse, calling for “other efforts to hold the Taliban fully accountable”.

The UN special rapporteur for human rights in Afghanistan, Richard Bennett, called the move “a crucial step … for accountability in Afghanistan” on social media platform X.

‘Gender apartheid’

Beauty salons have been closed and women blocked from visiting public parks, gyms and baths as well as travelling long distances without a male chaperone.

The Taliban authorities have dismissed international criticism of their policies, saying all citizens’ rights are provided for under Islamic law.