Afghan universities must wait for Taliban to allow female students back, official says
leader has the ultimate say on when that might happen — if it happens at all, an education official said Saturday.
The Taliban barred women from campuses last December, triggering global outrage. Girls had been banned from school beyond sixth grade soon after the Taliban returned to power in August 2021. Afghanistan is the only country in the world with bans on female education. Afghanistan’s higher education minister, Nida Mohammed Nadim, said at the time that the university ban was necessary to prevent the mixing of genders and because he believed some subjects being taught violated the principles of Islam.
He said the ban, issued from the southern city of Kandahar by the Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada, was in place until further notice.An adviser at the Higher Education Ministry, Molvi Abdul Jabbar, said universities were ready to readmit female students as soon as Akhundzada gives the order for the ban to be lifted. He was unable to say when or if that would happen.Akhundzada “ordered that the universities be closed, so they closed,” he told The Associated Press.
Jabbar said he last met Akhundzada seven or eight years ago. He fought alongside him against the Russians during the 10-year Soviet war in Afghanistan and has been part of the Taliban for 27 years.His comments are another sign of diverging opinions within the Taliban about the decision-making process and Akhundzada’s edicts, with chief spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid moving quickly to reject reports of division. They also show the authority that Akhundzada wields over the Taliban.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Taliban Leader's Order Keeps Universities in Afghanistan ClosedThe Taliban leader, Hibatullah Akhundzada, has ordered the closure of universities in Afghanistan, citing the need to prevent gender mixing and the violation of Islamic principles. The ban will remain in place until further notice. However, an adviser at the Higher Education Ministry stated that universities are prepared to readmit female students once the ban is lifted, but it is uncertain when or if that will happen.
Read more »
Lawsuit Filed Against Former Wildrose Party Leader for Violating Party BylawsThe board of the Wildrose Independence Party of Alberta (WIPA) has filed a lawsuit against a former leader of the party, alleging that he was forced out of his position due to the actions of another party member. The lawsuit claims that a media interview given by the accused violated party bylaws and tarnished the reputation of the then-leader. Several prominent party members have called for the accused's resignation or dismissal.
Read more »
Green Party Leader Elizabeth May Under Doctor's Orders to Rest and Not Fly After StrokeElizabeth May, the leader of the Green Party, is unable to fly due to pooled blood in her brain from a mild stroke. May, 69, experienced a hemorrhagic stroke in June and was diagnosed in July. Although the hematoma is not life-threatening, she is required to rest until it is re-absorbed by her brain. May is currently on medication for high blood pressure and will not be able to fly for another six to eight weeks.
Read more »
Growing Interest in Next Leader of Ontario Liberal PartyCandidate Ted Hsu's recent visit to Northwestern Ontario highlights the increasing interest in the next leader of the Ontario Liberal Party. Hsu addressed concerns on housing, healthcare, and the state of the party, emphasizing the need for improved resources and services in Northern Ontario to attract more residents.
Read more »
Green Party Leader Elizabeth May Under Doctor's Orders to Rest and Not Fly After StrokeElizabeth May, the leader of the Green Party, is unable to fly due to pooled blood in her brain from a mild stroke. May, 69, experienced a hemorrhagic stroke in June and was diagnosed in July. Although the hematoma is not life-threatening, she is required to rest until it is re-absorbed by her brain. May is currently on medication for high blood pressure and will not be able to fly for another six to eight weeks.
Read more »
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre Promises Better Future at Rally in Sault Ste. MarieConservative Leader Pierre Poilievre held a rally in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, where he showcased his summer makeover and delivered a campaign-style speech. Poilievre mocked Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, emphasized the burden of taxes, and promised a better future if he were to become the country's leader.
Read more »