Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada has reportedly told cabinet members that women should be barred not only from modern education but also from attending religious schools, sources told Afghanistan International.
Two Taliban ministers said Akhundzada made the remarks at a cabinet meeting two weeks ago, arguing that women’s attendance at religious schools had “no religious legitimacy.” He cited the era of Islam’s third caliph, when women were barred from going to mosques, as precedent.
Another minister confirmed the comments, saying Akhundzada’s stance has disheartened many in the cabinet. A source in Kandahar said none of the ministers present dared to oppose the supreme leader’s view.
“Until today, no cabinet member has had the courage to present reasons or arguments against the Sheikh’s opinion,” the source said.
The reported remarks have fuelled frustration and quiet dissent among senior Taliban officials. Two ministers told Afghanistan International that many had expected schools to reopen for girls this year, but Akhundzada now considers even religious education for women impermissible.
“This position is in clear contradiction with Quranic verses and the Prophet’s sayings. Religious education is obligatory for all Muslims, both men and women,” one minister said.
A Taliban official warned that if the restrictions continue, Afghanistan risks sliding back into conflict. “If the situation goes on like this, Afghanistan will once again become a battleground of warlords, and the religious and historical responsibility will lie on Hibatullah’s shoulders,” the official said.
The Taliban have already barred women and girls from secondary schools, universities and private education centres. Observers say extending the prohibition to religious schooling could trigger a new wave of domestic and international backlash against the group.
