Afghan cricket stars rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi have expressed their profound disappointment and concern over the Taliban’s reported ban on women studying medicine in Afghanistan. This latest restriction on women’s education follows a pattern of increasingly stringent measures imposed by the Taliban since they regained control of the country in 2021.
Khan, a globally recognized cricketer, took to social media to voice his anguish. “Education holds a central place in Islamic teachings, emphasizing the pursuit of knowledge for both men and women,” he wrote. “The Quran highlights the importance of learning and acknowledges the equal spiritual worth of both genders. 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. This decision has profoundly affected not only their future but also the broader fabric of our society.”
He emphasized the critical need for female professionals, notably in the medical field, stating, ”The country desperately needs professionals in every field, especially in the medical sector. The acute shortage of female doctors and nurses is particularly concerning, as it directly impacts 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.”
Khan passionately appealed for the Taliban to reconsider the ban, asserting that “Providing education to all is not just a societal duty but a moral obligation deeply rooted in our faith and values.”
Echoing khan’s sentiments, Mohammad Nabi, another prominent Afghan cricketer, expressed his heartbreak over the Taliban’s decision. “The Taliban’s decision to ban girls from studying medicine is not only heartbreaking but deeply unjust,” Nabi declared. “Islam has always emphasized the importance of education for everyone, and history is full of inspiring examples of Muslim women who made vital contributions to many generations through knowledge.”
He urged the Taliban to reflect on these values, stating, “Denying girls the chance to learn and serve their peopel is a betrayal of both their dreams and our nation’s future. Let our daughters study, grow, and build a better Afghanistan for everyone. This is their right, and it is indeed our duty to protect it.”
The reported ban on women studying medicine follows a pattern of restrictions on women’s education and participation in public life since the Taliban’s return to power. Earlier reports indicated a potential ban on women enrolling in nursing and midwifery courses, further jeopardizing Afghanistan’s already fragile healthcare system.
International condemnation
The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has expressed serious concern over the reported ban,calling on the Taliban to reconsider the decision. “If implemented, the reported directive poses further restrictions on women and girls’ rights to education and access to healthcare,” UNAMA stated, adding that the ban would harm Afghanistan’s healthcare system and overall development.
The European Union has also condemned the move, criticizing the Taliban for violating women’s rights and restricting access to education. In a statement, the EU referred to media reports indicating that Taliban leaders have instructed private and public institutions to cease offering medical courses for women and girls in Afghanistan.
## Afghan Cricket Stars Speak Out: taliban’s Ban on Women in Medicine Sparks Outrage
**WorldTodayNews.com Exclusive Interview with Dr. Amina Aziz, senior Lecturer in Gender Studies, Kabul University (Name changed for security reasons)**
The Taliban’s recent decree barring women from studying medicine has drawn widespread condemnation, including from international sporting figures like afghan cricket stars Rashidkhan and Mohammad Nabi.
To understand the implications of this latest restriction on women’s access to education, WorldTodayNews.com spoke with Dr. Amina Aziz, a Senior Lecturer in Gender Studies at Kabul University.
**WTN:** dr. Aziz, how important is this latest advancement in the context of the Taliban’s rule and it’s impact on Afghan women?
**Dr. Aziz:** This ban on women studying medicine is a devastating blow, not only to the dreams and aspirations of countless young Afghan women but also to the future of Afghanistan’s healthcare system. It follows a disturbing pattern of increasingly draconian policies that severely restrict women’s rights to education, work, and public life.This is a systematic attempt to erase women from Afghan society and roll back decades of progress.
**WTN:** Rashid Khan stated that education holds a central place in Islamic teachings and emphasized the Quran’s recognition of women’s spiritual worth. How does this ban clash with these core Islamic values?
**Dr. Aziz:** Rashid Khan is right. The Taliban’s actions directly contradict the teachings of Islam,which encourages both men and women to seek knowledge. By denying women access to education, including vital fields like medicine, they are not only violating fundamental human rights but also undermining the very fabric of Islamic principles.
**WTN:** What are the potential consequences of this ban on Afghanistan’s healthcare system, which is already facing numerous challenges?
**Dr. Aziz:** The lack of female doctors will have a catastrophic effect on the healthcare system. Women frequently enough feel more comfortable seeking medical care from female physicians,especially regarding sensitive issues. This ban will further limit access to healthcare for women and girls, exacerbating existing health inequalities.
**WTN:** What message does this ban send to the international community and what can be done to put pressure on the Taliban to reverse this decision?
**Dr. Aziz:** This ban sends a clear message of the Taliban’s disregard for women’s rights and their commitment to a regressive and oppressive ideology. The international community must unequivocally condemn this action and hold the Taliban accountable. This includes imposing targeted sanctions on Taliban officials responsible for these policies, supporting Afghan women’s organizations working for their rights, and advocating for the restoration of girls’ and women’s access to education in all fields.
**WTN:** Thank you for your insights, Dr. Aziz.
This ban is a clear indication of the Taliban’s deepening repression of women in Afghanistan. It is crucial for the international community to raise its voice against this injustice and work towards ensuring the rights and opportunities of Afghan women are respected and protected.
