Taliban Suspends 4 Private Universities in Kabul

DID Press: Ministry of Higher Education of the Taliban government has suspended four private universities in Kabul, calling on them to implement internal reforms; otherwise, their operating licenses will be revoked next year.

The Ministry of Higher Education of the Taliban government, in a new move, suspended four private universities in Kabul, including Qalam, Istiqlal, Ibn-e- Sina, and Dunya. The decision was made under the directive of Neda Mohammad Nadim, acting Minister of Higher Education of the Taliban.

According to the Ministry, these universities are required to carry out internal reforms, and if they fail to do so, their licenses will be fully revoked in the coming year.

Since the Taliban came to power, a directive for gender segregation has been enforced in all public and private universities. In 2023, the Ministry of Higher Education also instructed private universities to stop admitting female students.

These policies have created serious challenges for private universities in attracting students and, beyond economic effects, have also reduced women’s participation in education and academic fields. The enforcement of restrictions and strict oversight on educational content has put private universities at significant risk.