Taliban Intensifies Religious Pressure on Afghan Universities as Shia Students Report Forced Acceptance of Hanafi Jurisprudence

Taliban Intensifies Religious Pressure on Afghan Universities as Shia Students Report Forced Acceptance of Hanafi Jurisprudence
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As the Taliban continues its strict policies in Afghanistan’s higher education institutions, reports indicate growing religious pressure on Shia students and an increasing number of dropouts at some universities.

Students say the academic environment in universities is gradually being replaced by ideological and political restrictions.

According to Bakhtar News Agency, the Taliban has forced students at public and private universities to sign commitment letters requiring them to follow Hanafi jurisprudence and accept “Taliban rule” as a legitimate system.

Documents reportedly issued by universities such as Mihan University in Kabul and some educational centres in Herat require students to pledge that they will avoid political activity, listening to music, and even certain social behaviours.

Afghan media have also reported that in Bamyan Province, dozens of Shia students have left university because of these restrictions and religious pressure.

Education experts describe the trend as part of the Taliban’s policy of “religious homogenization.”

Critics say the policy poses a serious threat to religious freedom and the educational rights of minorities in Afghanistan.