Taliban Bans 18 University Courses, Reviews 66 Others in Afghanistan

Taliban Bans 18 University Courses, Reviews 66 Others in Afghanistan
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The Ministry of Higher Education under the Taliban government announced the removal of 18 university courses from public and private institutions across Afghanistan, with an additional 66 courses subjected to review and reform before approval for teaching. The decision was justified by the ministry on the grounds that some content conflicts with “Islamic Sharia principles and the policies of the Islamic Emirate.”

The banned subjects include “Fundamental Rights of Afghanistan,” “Sociology of Women,” “Good Governance,” “Human Rights and Democracy,” “History of Religions,” “Ethical Philosophy,” “Sexual Harassment,” and “The Role of Women in Public Relations.” Meanwhile, courses in political science, law, international relations, sociology, psychology, and media studies, such as “International Public and Islamic Law,” “History of Western Political Thought,” and “International Security,” are among those undergoing critical review.

The ministry emphasized that these subjects must be taught with “critical and corrective approaches,” requiring university officials to fully comply with the new regulations. This move is part of broader changes to Afghanistan’s higher education sector since the Taliban’s return to power, which has seen the suspension or restriction of various academic disciplines, drawing criticism from local and international observers concerned about the future of education in the country.