Rashid Khan Slams Taliban's Ban on Afghan Women in Medical Education, Calls for Reconsideration
 

Rashid Khan, Afghanistan's brightest cricket star, has unequivocally opposed the decision of the Taliban to not permit Afghan women from pursuing study at medical institutes. The latest act of the Taliban by excluding female students from midwifery and nursing programs held in Kabul has invited public condemnation worldwide. Rashid Khan voiced his strong dejection on social media against this act of the Taliban, saying that education, especially for females, is an important need in Islam.

As per Khaama Press, Taliban's verbal orders have suspended classes in medical institutions, which meant thousands of young Afghan women had their dreams of contributing to Afghanistan's health sector derailed. One of Afghanistan's most respected sports figures, Rashid Khan, condemned the closure of these educational and medical institutes for the "sisters and mothers" of Afghanistan. He pointed out that education is central to the teachings of Islam and has been emphasized by the Quran, which enlightens both men and women concerning knowledge.

It is with deep sadness and disappointment that I reflect on the recent closures of educational and medical institutions for the sisters and mothers of Afghanistan," he wrote. "This decision has profoundly affected not only their future but also the larger fabric of our society." His words echoed with everyone, reminding them of the current plight that Afghan women go through within the Taliban's regime.

Rashid Khan further added that Afghanistan requires more doctors and nurses, especially female doctors and nurses, to cater to the immediate medical needs of women and children. He urged the Taliban to change their decision, appealing to their moral responsibility to educate all citizens regardless of gender.

The international community has been quick to denounce the Taliban's action. The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, termed it as an "unprecedented injustice" and a discriminatory act that further weakens women's rights in Afghanistan. Former Afghan President Hamid Karzai also expressed his regret over such policies that prove to be damaging in the long run for Afghan society.

Since the Taliban took over the power, there have been so many restrictions imposed on Afghan women that their liberty and opportunities have been considerably restricted. By 2024, at least 1.4 million girls have been prevented from getting secondary education, deepening gender inequality in Afghanistan.

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