Taliban spokesperson claims suspension of schools for Afghan girls 'temporary'

Taliban has claimed that closure of schools for girls studying above sixth gre was "temporary." In an interview with CGTN TV, spokesperson for Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abdul Qahar Balkhi, has said that girls not allowed to go to schools above sixth standard is a "temporary suspension" and not a "permanent ban." remarks of Taliban spokesperson comes at a time when women in Afghanistan, UN and or agencies have been calling on Taliban to reopen schools for girls. 

Balkhi said that re's a "large percentage of society" that has "very strict ideas" regarding actions of women. He said that Taliban is taking a "grual approach" for those who do not understand "some of basic Islamic rights" of Afghans. Notably, girls' schools have remained closed for more than 300 days in Afghanistan, according to ANI. Taliban officials have underscored that reopening of schools for girls relies upon order of Taliban leer. Speaking to CGTN, Abdul Qahar Balkhi claimed that women in Afghanistan have been permitted to work in private sector. He said that y have opened a Women Chamber of Commerce and y have been permitted to work in teaching sector. According to Balkhi, 14000 women continue to work in health sector in Afghanistan. 

"re is a large percentage of society that has very strict ideas of what women can do and what y cannot do, and for that reason, government is trying to take an approach that is grual, it takes those people that do not understand some of basic Islamic rights of Afghan citizens or of any human being, and human rights, to try to convince m. It is due to lack of knowledge of that part of society," Abdul Qahar Balkhi told CGTN as per ANI. 

UNAMA highlights situation of women under Taliban rule 

Earlier on July 20, United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan expressed concern over situation of women in war-torn nation. In report, UNAMA stressed that rights of women have eroded in Afghanistan after Taliban took control of war-ravaged nation on 15 August, according to ANI. According to report, erosion of women's rights has been one of notable aspects of Taliban regime. Before Taliban takeover, women in Afghanistan were allowed to study, work and h rights to participate in or aspects of public life. However, rights of women have been restricted ever since Taliban takeover. Notably, Taliban h promised of inclusive society after y took control of power in Afghanistan. However, Taliban regime has stopped girls from going to schools above sixth standard and y h also imposed restrictions on dressing of women. 

Inputs from ANI

Image: AP