KABUL — Former President Hamid Karzai has reiterated his call for the reopening of schools and universities for girls, emphasizing that education is not just a right but a fundamental necessity for the welfare, dignity, and survival of the Afghan people.
In a message marking the start of the new academic year, Karzai wrote on X that while the occasion is one of hope, millions of Afghan girls above sixth grade have been waiting for over three years to return to school.
“The ban on girls’ education is a major obstacle to the progress of our society and is forcing families and young people to leave the country,” Karzai stated, warning that the continued restrictions are pushing Afghanistan toward regression.
He urged the Taliban to reopen secondary schools and universities for girls, stressing that “education is the foundation of development and progress, and young people must have the opportunity to learn in their own country.”
Since regaining power in August 2021, the Taliban have barred girls above sixth grade from attending school and banned women from universities. Despite mounting pressure from Islamic scholars and the broader Muslim world, the Taliban have not only upheld their policies but have further escalated restrictions.
Most recently, Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada issued an order—conveyed by the Taliban’s health minister—banning women from studying medicine and other healthcare-related fields, further tightening their grip on female education.
