Latest News
Karzai urges IEA to immediately overturn ‘ban’ on medical education for girls
Afghanistan’s former president Hamid Karzai on Wednesday called on the Islamic Emirate to immediately overturn a reported ban on girls getting a medical education.
According to a statement issued by Karzai, “Afghanistan will be saved from needing outsiders and overcome internal problems when it has specialized and trained human resources, and this is possible if the field of education and learning of sciences is available for all young people, both boys and girls.”
“Hearing the news that the doors of medical science institutions are closed to girls, at a time when women and mothers in all parts of the country are facing many health problems, is a cause of great regret,” Karzai stated.
His statement comes amid reports that emerged Tuesday night and Wednesday of the issuing of a decree by the IEA’s Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada reportedly ordering the closure of medical education institutions for girls.
According to Human Rights Watch, the issuing of the decree was announced at a meeting at the Ministry of Public Health on Monday.
However, the Islamic Emirate has not confirmed this move to the media.
Despite the absence of confirmation by the IEA on the reports, media outlets around the world published stories on Wednesday.
Even the European Union issued a statement expressing its “strong concerns” over the ban.
Afghanistan’s cricket star Rashid Khan also commented on the reports. He however pointed out that education holds a central place in the teachings of Islam.
He said in a statement: “The [Holy] Quran highlights the importance of learning and acknowledges the equal spiritual worth of both genders.”
Rashid said it was “with deep sadness and disappointment that I reflect on the recent closures of educational and medical institutions for the sisters and mothers of Afghanistan.
“This decision has profoundly affected not only their future but also the broader fabric of our society,” he said.
Rashid was one of many who also pointed out that such a decision would directly “impact the healthcare and dignity of women”.
“It is essential for our sisters and mothers to have access to care provided by medical professionals who truly understand their needs,” he said.
In conclusion he stated: “I sincerely appeal for the reconsideration of this decision so that Afghan girls may reclaim their right to education and contribute to the nation's development. Providing education to all is not just a societal responsibility but a moral obligation deeply rooted in our faith and values.”
Latest News
Israel seeking illegitimate goals by bombing Syrian territory: IEA
The Islamic Emirate’s Foreign Ministry said it considers Israel's airstrikes on Syrian territory a blatant violation of the country's sovereignty.
In a statement, the ministry added that these attacks demonstrate the "continued strategic failures of the occupying Zionist regime, which, by bombing military facilities and civilian areas in Syria, aims to achieve its illegitimate goals after the fall of Bashar al-Assad's government."
The ministry expressed support for the establishment of an independent government in Syria, formed through the will of the Syrian people. It also called on regional powers to allow the Syrian people to freely choose their path.
Latest News
Haqqani: Ruler should not impose his views
Acting Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani has said that religion should not be monopolized and the ruler should not impose his views on others.
Speaking at a madrassa in Kabul, Haqqani emphasized that the religious duty must be performed correctly and that the Islamic system should not distance people from religion but rather bring them closer.
He said that it is the responsibility of an Islamic system to prevent people from turning to corruption and apostasy.
“You should not think that because I am the ruler, everyone must accept my words and if someone does not accept my words, the sky will fall upon the Earth."
Haqqani said that if an Islamic system fails to prevent people from turning to corruption and apostasy, it would indicate the weakness of the system.
“If we prevent people from corruption and apostasy, we serve the Islamic system. If people turn to apostasy and become corrupt, it means that we are narrow-minded and have not been faithful to the Islamic system.”
Haqqani added that systems and policies change, but religion should not be insulted. He warned that no one should surrender in exchange for a post or money.
Latest News
Qatar and US to provide $50 million for education in Afghanistan
Education Above All (EAA) Foundation on Sunday signed an agreement with the United States Agency for International Development’s (USAID) Mission to Afghanistan to enhance access to primary and higher education for Afghanistan’s children and youth.
The agreement, signed Sunday at the Doha Forum, reaffirms a shared commitment to education as a fundamental right for all, particularly for marginalised and at-risk communities, a statement said.
Under this partnership, EAA Foundation, supported by Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) and USAID will mobilise a combined $50 million in funding, equally contributed by both parties, to support the enrolment of over 100,000 out-of-school children and provide nearly 2,000 post-secondary school scholarships.
The partnership also focuses on co-operative research and strategic engagement with other stakeholders to strengthen Afghanistan’s education sector. Together the organisations will work to accelerate student enrolment, improve retention and create pathways to high quality education for at-risk Afghan youth.
Mohammed al-Kubaisi, acting CEO of EAA Foundation, said: "Collaborating with USAID on this crucial partnership is a vital step toward our shared vision of inclusive and equitable education for all. By working together, we can break down the barriers to accessing quality education, empower communities, and contribute to a brighter, more sustainable future. "
Joel Sandefur, USAID mission director for Afghanistan, said: “Ensuring sustained access to quality education for Afghan women and girls, fostering meaningful learning outcomes, and prioritising the safety and well-being of learners and educators are central to USAID’s mission. Through our partnership with Education Above All, we unite with like-minded partners committed to building a brighter and more prosperous future for all Afghans.”
-
Sport5 days ago
2025 FIFA Club World Cup Draw Results: Full List
-
World4 days ago
Syrian rebels seize fourth city, close in on Homs in threat to Assad’s rule
-
World4 days ago
Muhammad was most popular boys’ baby name in England and Wales in 2023
-
Health3 days ago
Excluding Afghan women from medical institutes threatens the future of health care in the country: MSF
-
Regional4 days ago
Turkey’s Erdogan hopes Syrian rebels will advance, but raises alarm about some fighters
-
World3 days ago
South Korea’s Yoon apologises for martial law but does not resign ahead of impeachment vote
-
Latest News4 days ago
IEA ‘disappointed’ over Norway’s decision to reduce level of ties with Afghanistan
-
Latest News3 days ago
UNICEF seeks $141 million to support Afghan refugees, others in Pakistan