Hamid Karzai, the former President of Afghanistan, expressed his regret over the exclusion of girls from the university entrance exam (Kankor) and called for the reopening of schools and universities to them.
In a message posted on his X account, Mr. Karzai stated that the progress of the country depends on the knowledge and expertise of both girls and boys.
He emphasized the importance of universal education and stated that girls must be given the opportunity to continue their education as soon as possible so they can play a role alongside boys in the development and progress of the country.
He also congratulated this year’s Kankor exam passers and those who have been accepted into higher education institutions, wishing them success in their future endeavors.
Karzai urged these young people to gain knowledge and achieve higher academic levels to serve the development of Afghanistan in the future.
This comes at a time when girls have been deprived of education beyond the sixth grade since September 2021, and since late 2022, they have also lost the right to enter universities. Consequently, the Kankor exam for 1405 has been held for the fourth consecutive year without the participation of girls, with only male candidates allowed to take part.
This action by the current government has resulted in millions of schoolgirls being denied education.
In addition, women have been banned from going to sports clubs, restaurants, public baths, being examined by male doctors, traveling without a male guardian, and working in domestic and international non-governmental organizations as well as in United Nations offices in Afghanistan.
According to reports, if this ban continues, nearly four million girls may be deprived of education by 2030.
