Pakistan’s madrassas have long been hubs for religious education and cultural preservation. Over the years, these institutions have garnered attention for their pivotal role in providing education, particularly to underserved communities. However, the increasing presence of Afghan clerics and students has raised significant security concerns. These concerns revolve around the potential for radicalization, the spread of extremist ideologies, and links to cross-border terrorism. With the intricate socio-political ties between Pakistan and Afghanistan, the issue is multifaceted and demands careful scrutiny. The Role of Madrassas in Pakistan Historical Background of Madrassas Madrassas, derived from the Arabic word for “school,” have been…
Author: Salar Tajik
There’s a shocking similarity between the agenda of PTI and the banned terrorist group Fitna Al-Khwaraj, which spreads chaos in Pakistan. The evidence is clear—they’re both working against Pakistan. Just like Fitna Al-Khwaraj uses terror to get what it wants, PTI seems to be following the same path of extremism to achieve its goals. The targets of both? Pakistan, its economy, and its military forces. Right now, it’s plain for everyone to see: Pakistan’s economy is on a better track, thanks to the government and military working together. Investor confidence, both local and international, has been rebuilt, and foreign investments…
The oppression of women continues to grow in Afghanistan under Taliban rule. On December 28, the regime announced a new decision. Residential buildings overlooking public spaces will now be deprived of windows. Women, already confined to their apartments most of the time, are being further erased from society. The Taliban stated that seeing women in kitchens, courtyards, or drawing water could lead to “obscene acts.” Since regaining power in 2021, after an agreement with Donald Trump’s administration the previous year, the Taliban have relentlessly attacked women’s fundamental rights. Women lost access to education and were gradually pushed out of the…
The recent Spoiled Wheat Scandal in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) highlights alarming failures in governance during the PTI-led administration. Wheat worth a staggering 10 billion rupees has been declared unfit for human consumption. This colossal loss exposes the dire consequences of poor planning and oversight under the previous government. In a heated provincial assembly session, Food Minister Zahir Shah Tooro revealed disturbing details. According to him, wheat samples were tested in two laboratories. One declared the grain unfit for humans, while another report by the Pakistan Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (PCSIR) confirmed that 77,762 metric tons of wheat had…
Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, addressing a federal cabinet meeting, emphasized Pakistan’s unwavering resolve against terrorism. He stated that the country’s armed forces and law enforcement agencies stand united in this fight. Speaking about relations with Afghanistan, the Prime Minister reiterated Pakistan’s desire for improved ties. He expressed a wish for enhanced cooperation in trade, economic development, and other sectors. However, he criticized the ongoing operations of the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) from Afghan soil. He firmly stated that this policy of sheltering the TTP cannot continue. “We have repeatedly conveyed to the Afghan government that while we seek positive…
The European Union has strongly criticized the Taliban for restricting women’s rights and barring access to education. Recent reports claim the Taliban leader ordered institutions in Afghanistan to stop offering medical education to women and girls. This applies to both public and private institutes. The Taliban have neither confirmed these reports nor issued an official response. Efforts to contact the Ministry of Public Health for comments were unsuccessful. When the Taliban regained power in August 2021, they banned girls’ education beyond grade six. In December 2022, they prohibited women from attending universities. Medical fields like nursing and midwifery were among…
There are reports that Afghan women are arrested under the Taliban’s anti-begging laws. These women have shared horrifying experiences of abuse. These women, who had no other means to survive, said they were subjected to rape, beatings, and forced labor in detention. Many of them also witnessed children being abused and even killed in prison. Since the Taliban regained power in August 2021, Afghan women have faced severe restrictions. Most are banned from working, forcing many to beg for food and money to feed their families. Earlier this year, the Taliban introduced strict anti-begging laws. These laws target anyone deemed…
The Taliban’s Education Overhaul in Afghanistan After taking control of Afghanistan in 2021, the Taliban made major changes to the country’s education system. These changes have been especially hard for girls and women. Since then, girls have been banned from attending school after the sixth grade. The Taliban also expanded religious schools, or madrasas, and reintroduced corporal punishment in schools. Now, the Taliban are changing the school curriculum for all students, both boys and girls, from grades 1-12. They have already updated the textbooks up to the eighth grade. The rest of the changes are expected to be completed soon.…
Lim Guan Eng, the Bagan Member of Malaysian Parliament, has called for an explanation from Malaysia’s Education Minister, Fadhlina Sidek, over the hosting of Taliban officials from Afghanistan. Lim expressed concern that the visit raised many questions among the public. He highlighted that Afghanistan is known for its oppressive policies towards women, especially in education. “Why was the visit allowed, especially since we have no diplomatic relations with them?” Lim asked during a news conference at the Parliament building on Wednesday. Lim, who is also the national chairman of the Democratic Action Party (DAP), a key member of the ruling…
When the Taliban returned to power in Kabul three years ago, they promised to modernize Afghanistan’s capital. They launched a massive redevelopment program to reshape the city. However, new research reveals that this so-called “regeneration” has caused widespread suffering, leaving thousands of people homeless. Many of those affected are from vulnerable communities, with shocking reports of homes being demolished while families, including children, were still inside. Satellite images, videos from social media, and interviews with Afghan residents paint a disturbing picture of the Taliban’s plans for Kabul. The investigation of the Afghan Witness project, and other local news outlets, shows…