Hibatullah Akhundzada, the leader of the Taliban, has emphasized the strengthening of ideological and religious education among school and madrasa students during a meeting with officials of religious schools, teachers, and a number of clerics. He also called for increased efforts to shape the intellectual and religious development of the younger generation.
According to a statement released on Sunday by the Taliban administration, Akhundzada spoke at the meeting about the importance of religious education, the upbringing of students, and the implementation of Islamic rulings. He stressed that, in his view, the expansion of religious sciences plays a fundamental role in reinforcing religious values in society.
The Taliban leader urged madrasa instructors to pay greater attention to teaching doctrine, as well as to the intellectual and moral development of students. He also highlighted the promotion of a culture of reading and the teaching of public speaking and communication skills alongside religious studies.
In another part of his remarks, Akhundzada stated that the enforcement of Islamic rulings requires patience, perseverance, and steadfastness, and that officials in political, economic, and military sectors must avoid negligence and shortcomings.
The statement added that at the conclusion of the meeting, participants once again pledged allegiance to Hibatullah Akhundzada and emphasized cooperation in strengthening what they referred to as the “Islamic system.”
These remarks come at a time when, following the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan, the group’s education policies have faced widespread domestic and international criticism. Among these criticisms are the continued restrictions on girls’ education beyond grade six and the deprivation of millions of girls and women from access to education and employment.
Writer:Salima Aryaei
