Taliban Official Demands Education for Afghan Girls
Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanekzai, the acting deputy foreign minister, has urged Taliban leaders to reopen schools for girls. His remarks, made during a recent speech, challenge the ongoing policy that bans education for Afghan girls and women.
He stressed that these restrictions contradict Islamic Sharia law. Citing historical practices, he said, “During the time of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), both men and women had access to knowledge.”
Stanekzai criticized the policy, calling it unjust. “Out of 40 million people, we are denying education to 20 million females,” he noted. His comments are among the strongest public criticisms by a Taliban official in recent years.
Education Ban Sparks Division
The ban on girls’ education has caused international backlash. It is reportedly enforced by the Taliban’s supreme spiritual leader, Haibatullah Akhundzada. Some Taliban members disagree with this decision, according to insiders.
Despite promises to reopen schools in 2022, no timeline has been announced. Universities for women were also closed at the end of 2022.
Global Reactions Intensify
The policies have drawn widespread condemnation. Islamic scholars and diplomats have criticized the restrictions, arguing they misinterpret Islamic teachings. Western nations have also refused to recognize the Taliban government without policy changes regarding women’s rights.
Taliban officials in Kandahar, where Haibatullah is based, did not respond to inquiries about Stanekzai’s comments. Meanwhile, calls for change grow louder both within and outside Afghanistan.
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