Karzai Condemns Continued Ban on Afghan Girls’ University Entrance Exam

DID Press: Former Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai has expressed regret over the continued exclusion of girls from the national university entrance exam (Kankor), stressing that Afghanistan’s development depends on the educational participation of both girls and boys.

Karzai made the remarks as the results of the nationwide Kankor examination were announced, saying that equal access to education is a fundamental pillar of national progress and sustainable development.

He congratulated students who secured admission to higher education institutions and urged them to pursue modern sciences, strengthen their professional knowledge, and contribute to Afghanistan’s future.

Afghan girls have been barred from taking the Kankor examination for the fifth consecutive year. Following its return to power, the Taliban described the suspension of secondary schools, high schools, and universities for girls as temporary, but the restrictions have remained in place for nearly five years, becoming one of the main sources of domestic and international criticism against the Taliban administration.