December 23, 2023
1 min read

‘Indefensible’: US Envoy Slams Taliban’s Year-Long Education Ban on Girls

The Taliban’s Ministry of Higher Education announced on December 20 last year that education for girls at universities is suspended ‘until further notice…reports Asian Lite News

The US Special Representative for Afghanistan, Thomas West called the Taliban regime’s ban on women attending universities as “indefensible” after marking one year since the ban was imposed, Khaama Press reported.

He stated that the US prioritizes women’s access to education for the future of Afghanistan and its own interests.

West wrote on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) that all Afghans he has spoken to “are aware that Afghanistan needs a generation of female doctors, engineers, business leaders, and educators for progress and self-reliance”.

The Taliban’s Ministry of Higher Education announced on December 20 last year that education for girls at universities is suspended ‘until further notice’, Khaama Press reported.

In the past 12 months, despite protests from women within the country and global requests, the Taliban have done nothing to reopen universities to girls and, on the contrary, have imposed new restrictions on the social lives of women.

According to UNESCO, there has been a significant fluctuation in the number of female university students in Afghanistan over the past two decades. In 2001, the number of female students enrolled in universities was around five thousand. This figure saw a substantial increase over the years, reaching nearly one hundred thousand by 2021.

However, in a stark reversal, the number dramatically plummeted to zero by 2023. This drastic decline highlights the severe impact of the recent educational restrictions and bans imposed on female students in the country.

In a report, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) noted that the deprivation of education has led to girls facing early and forced marriages.

On the first anniversary of their educational deprivation, girls are again requesting the Taliban administration to reopen university gates for them, Khaama Press reported. (ANI)

ALSO READ: Imran’s Electoral Future in Jeopardy

Previous Story

WHO: 1M Afghan Kids in Severe Malnutrition

Next Story

Macron Thanks Modi For R-Day Invite

Latest from -Top News

Turkey’s Jet Roars, West Watches

It is visible that Turkey is intentionally reducing reliance on U.S. and Western military imports, especially F-16s and the failed F-35 partnership, to achieve strategic independence….writes Ankit V In 2016, Ankara announced

‘Op Sindoor’ Team Wraps Up Saudi Visit

The visit reaffirmed the shared commitment of India and Saudi Arabia in the fight against terrorism….reports Asian Lite News Riyadh, May 30 (IANS) The Indian all-party delegation, led by BJP MP Baijayant

Visa Interview Pause Nearing End, Says US

India is the source country for the largest group of international students in the US and Bruce’s comments will be closely followed there….reports Asian Lite News The United States said the pause

No Talks Till Terror Ends: India to Pakistan

The MEA’s strong response came at a time when Pakistan, pushed on the backfoot by India’s decisive Operation Sindoor, has suddenly started talking about its intent on having peace talks with India….reports

BNP ramps up poll demand

Chief Adviser Yunus had earlier promised elections in December 2025, but the timeline has since been pushed back first to February 2026 and then to June 2026, fuelling suspicion and dissatisfaction among
Go toTop

Don't Miss

US mulls banning TikTok on govt devices

Last month, a former Google engineer revealed that the web

Pakistan Sticks to April 1 Deportation Plan

Over 800,000 ACC-holding Afghans face uncertainty as Pakistan rejects Kabul’s