Zabihullah Mujahid, the spokesperson for the Taliban movement, announced that the issue of reopening schools and universities to female students is still under review.
He indicated that the movement is working to obtain “precise Sharia permission” before allowing girls to resume their studies.
According to a report by the Shafaqna news agency, Mujahid stated in a media interview that “women’s modesty and their manner of movement” are of particular importance to the Taliban, adding that religious scholars must provide “compelling reasons” on this matter before any final decision is made.
Since returning to power in August 2021, the Taliban has barred girls from attending secondary and higher education institutions—a move that has sparked widespread condemnation from the international community as well as sporadic domestic protests.
Despite ongoing international pressure, the movement has so far not set a specific date for reopening educational institutions to female students, heightening concerns about the continued deprivation of women from a fundamental right guaranteed under international law.
Exclusive translation by Jahan Banu from Shafaqna News Agency