MAIMANA, Afghanistan — Taliban have barred graduates of Uzbek and Turkmen language and literature programs from taking part in competitive government hiring exams in the northern province of Faryab, according to sources who spoke with Amu TV.
Several graduates said that when they arrived on Monday for biometric registration and exams for administrative and teaching positions, Taliban officials in the provincial examination committee refused to allow them to participate.
The applicants, many of whom are unemployed, said they were informed that the committee’s question bank did not include material related to Uzbek and Turkmen language and literature. Taliban officials reportedly told them that a decision regarding their eligibility would be made at a later date.
The exclusion has drawn sharp criticism on social media, with many accusing the Taliban of marginalizing linguistic minorities and restricting their access to government employment.
