Afghanistan Times
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KABUL – In an unprecedented move, a senior Taliban official has publicly called for the reversal of the ban on education for Afghan girls, declaring that there is “no excuse” for continuing the policy. Sher Abbas Stanikzai, the Taliban’s political deputy at the Foreign Ministry, made the bold statement during a speech in Khost province, urging the leadership to allow Afghan women and girls access to education.
“There is no reason to deny education to women and girls,” Stanikzai said, addressing a religious school gathering on Saturday. “This has no justification now, just as it had none in the past.” His comments mark a rare public criticism of the Taliban’s hardline stance, which has kept girls out of school since the group took control in 2021.
Stanikzai emphasized that the ongoing ban deprives 20 million Afghan women and girls of their basic rights, adding, “This is not based on Islamic law, but on personal choice or nature.” His remarks come amid reports that the Taliban has also suspended medical training for women, further limiting their opportunities for education and work.
Although Stanikzai has previously advocated for girls’ education, his latest remarks directly challenge the group’s leadership, calling for a shift in policy. Analysts suggest his statements could signal a growing divide within the Taliban over its strict policies on women’s rights.
The call for change coincides with international pressure, including a recent appeal from Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai, urging Muslim leaders to stand up to the Taliban’s restrictions on girls’ education.
