After global condemnation, Taliban says varsity ban on Afghan women not 'permanent'

A spokesperson for Taliban broke silence on varsity ban on women in Afghanistan and said that it is “not permanent,” and is merely being postponed. “I would like to make it clear that it is not a permanent ban on women’s education, it has been postponed until a conducive environment is created for ir education,” Taliban spokesman Suhail Shaheen said, according to South China Morning Post.

“ authorities are working in full swing to achieve that as soon as possible,” Shaheen said, ding leers are not “against women’s education per se” but y simply want Afghan women to “receive education in an environment compliant with our values and rules.”

Despite rar lengthy statement, spokesperson did not provide an exact timeline as to when ban will be lifted. statement comes weeks after Taliban’s higher education minister declared a ban on women seeking education at Afghanistan’s universities on December 21.

ban comes along with anor restriction on young girls, who have been excluded from secondary schools since Taliban came back to power in 2021. Just a day after varsity ban was declared, NPR said in a report that officials of Taliban h also stopped women from teaching at multiple educational institutions.

US condemns Taliban's university ban on women 

draconian ban has garnered condemnation from all around world, with United States warning of "consequences" for "indefensible decision.” " US condemns in strongest terms Taliban’s indefensible decision to ban women from universities, keep secondary schools closed to girls, and continue to impose or restrictions on ability of women and girls in Afghanistan to exercise ir human rights and fundamental freedoms," US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said earlier in December.

"Education is a human right. It is also essential to Afghanistan’s economic growth and stability. Taliban cannot expect to be a legitimate member of international community until y respect rights of all in Afghanistan. This decision will come with consequences for Taliban," he ded.