Afghanistan’s cricket star Rashid Khan on Wednesday expressed deep sadness and disappointment over the Taliban’s recent ban on female medical education, which follows earlier prohibitions on girls attending universities and schools above sixth grade.

In a statement, Khan emphasized the critical importance of education in Islam, stating, “Education holds a central place in Islamic teachings, emphasizing the pursuit of knowledge for both men and women. The Quran highlights the importance of learning and acknowledges the equal spiritual worth of both genders.”

Khan criticized the Taliban’s decision as profoundly harmful, not only to the future of Afghan women but also to the fabric of Afghan society. “The pain and sorrow they express through social media serve as a poignant reminder of the struggles they face,” he wrote.

The ban has effectively stripped women of their last opportunity for higher education, with medical institutions being one of the few areas still accessible to female students until now.

Khan underscored the urgent need for professionals in every sector of Afghanistan, particularly in the medical field. He highlighted the acute shortage of female doctors and nurses, noting how it directly affects women’s healthcare and dignity.

The cricketer called on the Taliban to reconsider their decision and urged women and girls to persist in reclaiming their right to education, saying their contribution is vital for the nation’s progress.

Broader backlash against the ban

The Taliban’s decision to bar women from medical education has sparked widespread condemnation at both national and international levels.

On Wednesday, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk strongly criticized the Taliban’s discriminatory policies, calling for their immediate reversal. Describing the situation as “unparalleled in today’s world,” Türk likened the systemic denial of women’s rights to state-sponsored gender persecution.

“The oppression of half the population based on gender is egregious and unprecedented,” Türk said.

The ban is the latest in a series of restrictions imposed on women and girls since the Taliban regained control in 2021, eroding their access to education, work, and public life.