Taliban official calls for reopening of girls’ schools

A senior Taliban official has encouraged the leadership to reconsider restrictions on girls' education, highlighting differing perspectives within the administration. He emphasized that access to education aligns with Islamic principles and called for schools to reopen.

A senior Taliban official has encouraged Afghanistan’s leadership to consider reopening schools for girls, expressing concern over the impact of education restrictions.

Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanekzai, the acting deputy foreign minister, stated that access to education aligns with Islamic principles. Speaking over the weekend, he urged the leadership to “open the doors of education,” citing historical examples.

His remarks suggest differing perspectives within the administration regarding education policies. The Taliban initially announced plans to reopen girls’ schools but later postponed them in 2022, also extending restrictions to universities.

The policy has drawn international attention, with various scholars and governments expressing hope for expanded educational opportunities.

A spokesman for the Taliban administration in Kandahar did not immediately respond to Stanekzai’s statements.