Taliban Reject Approval for Female Students’ Scholarships to Pakistan

Reports emerged suggesting that Afghan girls could pursue higher education in Pakistan if accompanied by a male guardian. However, the Afghan Ministry of Higher Education has firmly denied these claims, Khaama Press reported.

Spokesperson Hafiz Ziaullah Hashimi stated on Monday that there is no agreement with Pakistan regarding scholarships for female students, labeling the reports as false and baseless.

Since August 2021, girls above the sixth grade in Afghanistan have been barred from educational institutions, significantly limiting their access to education. On January 24, the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) urged the Taliban to lift the ban on girls’ education, advocating for inclusive educational policies.

The ongoing restrictions have raised international concerns about the future of Afghan girls, exacerbating gender inequality in the country. Without significant policy changes, Afghanistan risks a bleak future with limited educational and professional opportunities for women.