Taliban Official Calls for Reopening of Schools for Girls, Denounces Ban as Un-Islamic

Taliban Official Urges Reopening of Schools for Girls

In a rare display of internal dissent, a senior Taliban official has called for the reopening of schools for girls and women in Afghanistan. Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai, the Taliban's acting deputy foreign minister, argued that the current ban on girls' education violates Sharia law and represents a grave injustice against half of the Afghan population.

Stanikzai, a 62-year-old UN-sanctioned official, made his plea at a Madrassa graduation ceremony in Khost province. He passionately argued that denying women education, inheritance rights, and participation in public life contradicts the teachings of Prophet Muhammad and constitutes a blatant injustice.

This is not the first time Stanikzai has spoken out against the Taliban's restrictions on women. He previously led the Taliban's political office in Doha and was part of the negotiation team during the US withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021. His latest comments, however, represent a direct appeal to Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada, urging a change in policy.

The international community has condemned the Taliban's gender apartheid policies and continues to withhold recognition of the regime. Experts and human rights activists warn that the ban on girls' education will have devastating consequences for Afghan women and girls.

While the Taliban claims it plans to reopen schools and universities for women, no concrete details or timelines have been provided. Meanwhile, reports suggest that several high-ranking Taliban leaders have sent their own children to schools overseas.

Stanikzai's call for change represents a glimmer of hope amidst the ongoing oppression of women and girls in Afghanistan. It remains to be seen whether his plea will be heeded by the Taliban leadership and whether concrete steps will be taken to ensure equal access to education for all Afghans.