On the 105th anniversary of independence in Afghanistan, former president Hamid Karzai urged the Islamic Emirate government to allow women and girls to return to high school and university.
In a post on X on Sunday, Karzai said it was a great honor to have independence and that independence must be protected.
He said the future of the country undoubtedly depends on the education of the young generation.
“On this proud occasion and for a truly independent and self-sufficient Afghanistan, I once again ask the caretaker government to open the doors of schools as soon as possible.” Karzai has repeatedly called for girls to get an education above grade 6 and to be able to attend university.
He has also emphasized that education, unity and national harmony are the strengths that keep Afghanistan strong.
Girls have been prevented from attending school above grade 6 for almost three years. They have also been barred from attending university for about a year and a half.
The Islamic Emirate has said the ban is not permanent but that the issue is an internal matter and no interference by other countries will be tolerated.
At the same time, Abdullah Abdullah, the former head of the high peace council, also posted a message on X to mark independence day.
He expressed hope that Afghanistan’s independence will lead to unity, solidarity and social justice among the people of Afghanistan.
During Shah Amanullah Khan’s reign, on August 19, 1919, Afghanistan gained independence from Great Britain.
