Sources have confirmed the arrest of Najibullah Jamil, a university professor and outspoken critic of Taliban policies.

Initially supportive of the Taliban's return to power and their promise of security, Jamil's stance shifted as he openly criticised the group's oppressive regime and curtailment of civil liberties.

Reports indicate that the Taliban’s intelligence agency summoned Jamil on Wednesday and subsequently detained him upon his arrival at their office.

There has been no official comment from the Taliban regarding Jamil's arrest.

Recently, Jamil advocated for girls' educational rights on television, calling for the reopening of schools for female students.

His arrest has sparked outrage on social media, with commentators accusing the Taliban of trying to maintain a state of ignorance and repression among the Afghan population.

In his final post on the social media network X before his arrest, Jamil expressed his commitment to fighting for the Afghan people's civil, political, economic, and cultural rights. He described his advocacy as a "national duty and mission" to uphold the nation's identity, values, and voice.

Speculation has arisen that Jamil's arrest was influenced by his recent demands for the restoration of girls' education and a more inclusive governance system in Afghanistan.

In the last two and a half years, the Taliban has detained numerous female activists, academics, journalists, and policy critics.

Human rights organisations worldwide have demanded the release of these detained individuals, highlighting the Taliban's continued repression and violation of human rights.