A top Taliban official has publicly called on the group’s leadership to let Afghan girls go back to school. Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanekzai, the acting deputy foreign minister, made this unusual criticism in a recent speech. His comments come at a time when Afghanistan is facing growing isolation from the rest of the world. This rare public disagreement shows there is a debate happening within the Taliban about their current ban on girls’ education.
Stanekzai, who was a key negotiator for the Taliban in Doha, argued that stopping girls and women from getting an education goes against the principles of Islam. He clearly stated that education is a basic right for everyone. He questioned the current policy, saying that if it doesn’t have religious backing, then why is it still in place? This strong statement from a high-ranking official signals a possible change in thinking within the group. This education ban has caused major problems with the international community, and made it harder for Afghanistan to recover and get the help it needs.
The Taliban has said that security concerns and the need for proper school settings are the reasons behind the ban. However, many believe it’s an attempt to limit the roles of women in Afghan society. Stanekzai’s open criticism could mean a shift in the Taliban’s internal discussions, but it is still unclear if it will lead to any actual change in the government’s policy. For now, the future of education for Afghan girls remains uncertain.
Abbas Stanekzai, the Deputy Foreign Minister of the Taliban, has once again sharply criticised the policies of Hibatullah Akhundzada, the leader of the group.
— Afghanistan International English (@AFIntl_En) January 19, 2025
In a recent speech, Stanekzai stated that the Taliban have violated all women's rights and committed injustice against 20… pic.twitter.com/uVWwh7Mvnd