Afghanistan‘s cricketing heroes, Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi, have bravely spoken out against the Taliban’s recent ban on women pursuing medical education and training. The two star athletes, both deeply respected figures in their nation, have called the decision “deeply unjust” and urged the Taliban to reconsider.
Rashid Khan, Afghanistan’s T20 captain and a global cricketing icon, took to social media to express his concern. “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.”
The taliban’s announcement earlier this week barring older girls and women from medical education and training has sparked outrage. This decision effectively shuts the door on Afghan women becoming doctors, nurses, or midwives, professions crucial to the well-being of the nation.
Rashid, speaking out in support of his “sisters and mothers,” believes the ban will have devastating consequences for Afghan women and the country as a whole.”Afghanistan desperately needs professionals in every field, especially the medical sector,” he emphasized, highlighting the “pain and sorrow” expressed by Afghan women on social media as a testament to their struggles.
He pointed to the dire shortage of female doctors and nurses, stressing the impact on women’s healthcare and dignity. “It is essential for our sisters and mothers to have access to care provided by medical professionals who truly understand their needs,” Rashid stated.
“Providing education to all is not just a societal duty but a moral obligation deeply rooted in our faith and values,” Rashid concluded, urging the Taliban to reverse their decision.
Shortly after rashid’s impassioned plea, former Afghan captain Mohammad Nabi echoed his sentiments on X (formerly Twitter). “The Taliban’s decision to ban girls from studying medicine is not only heartbreaking but deeply unjust,” Nabi wrote.
nabi, a veteran all-rounder who has represented Afghanistan since 2009, underscored the importance of education in Islam and urged the Taliban to reflect on the religion’s values. “Denying girls the chance to learn and serve their people 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 our duty to protect it,” he added.
Human Rights Watch has also condemned the Taliban’s move, calling it “a devastating blow to women’s rights in Afghanistan.” The organization warned that the ban would result in ”unnecessary pain, misery, sickness, and death” for countless Afghans.
The United Nations has issued a stark warning about the dire situation facing Afghan girls and women under Taliban rule. In a recent report, the UN revealed that at least 1.4 million school-age girls are being systematically denied their right to education, a move the organization condemns as a intentional act jeopardizing the future of an entire generation.
“The taliban government has put the future of an entire generation in jeopardy,” the UN stated,highlighting the severity of the situation.
Afghanistan stands alone as the only nation globally to have banned girls and women from attending secondary schools and universities. This oppressive policy, coupled with other restrictions imposed on women, has led the UN to label the situation “gender apartheid.”
The Taliban’s actions have far-reaching consequences, extending beyond education. “We are seeing women forced to go without healthcare, as ther won’t be female healthcare workers to treat them,” the UN report emphasized, painting a grim picture of the limitations imposed on women’s lives.
The international community has yet to formally recognise the Taliban government, underscoring the widespread condemnation of its policies.
## Cricketing Legends Raise Their Voice: Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi Condemn Taliban’s Ban on Women in Medicine
**World-Today-News Exclusive Interview**
**The Taliban’s recent decision to ban women from pursuing medical education has sent shockwaves around the globe. While international organizations and governments have condemned the move, the voices of Afghan citizens themselves carry a profound weight. Two such voices belong to cricketing icons rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi, who have bravely spoken out against the ban, highlighting its devastating consequences for Afghan society.**
**World-Today-News** was fortunate to speak with **rashid Khan**, Afghanistan’s T20 captain and a global cricketing star, about his response to this latest setback for Afghan women.
**WTN:** Rashid, your recent statement expressing your sorrow over the Taliban’s ban on women in medicine has resonated widely. What prompted you to speak out?
**Rashid Khan:** This decision is deeply unjust.It goes against the very essence of Islam, which encourages the pursuit of knowledge for both men and women. The Quran itself emphasizes the equality of genders in the eyes of Allah.To deny Afghan women the prospect to become doctors, nurses, midwives – professions so vital to the well-being of our nation – is a tragedy.
**WTN:** You’ve spoken about the “pain and sorrow” expressed by Afghan women on social media. Can you elaborate on the impact this ban is having on them and on Afghan society as a whole?
**Rashid Khan:** It’s heartbreaking to see the anguish of my sisters and mothers. They are robbed of their dreams, their aspirations. Afghanistan desperately needs competent medical professionals, and women have always played a crucial role in providing healthcare, especially for other women. Denying them this opportunity not only diminishes their potential but also weakens our healthcare system.
**WTN:** what specific concerns do you have about the lack of female doctors and nurses in Afghanistan?
**Rashid Khan:** This ban exacerbates an already existing problem. We already face a severe shortage of healthcare workers, and the lack of female doctors and nurses disproportionately affects women’s access to care. They may hesitate to seek treatment from male doctors for certain sensitive health issues, leading to delayed diagnoses and compromised health outcomes.
**WTN:** You’re not alone in your condemnation. Mohammad Nabi, your fellow Afghan cricketing legend, has also voiced his opposition to this ban. How important is it for prominent figures like yourselves to speak out?
**Rashid Khan**: It is our responsibility to use our platform to advocate for what is right. We have a voice, and we must use it to amplify the voices of those who are silenced. Mohammad Nabi,myself,and others who speak out against injustice hope to inspire others to join this fight for equality and opportunity for all Afghans,regardless of gender.
**WTN:** What message do you have for the Taliban and for the international community?
**Rashid Khan**: I urge the Taliban leadership to reconsider this decision. I implore them to listen to the voices of their own peopel, particularly the women who are being denied their essential right to education and self-determination. To the international community, I call for continued pressure and support for Afghan women’s rights. We cannot remain silent while their futures are being cruelly snatched away.
