By Shamim Shahid
PESHAWAR: The Taliban, currently governing Afghanistan in their second term, have initiated the removal of university academicians based on religious affiliations, replacing them with less qualified individuals across the country.
In a recent development, at least 30 senior, highly qualified academicians have been dismissed from two prominent universities in Afghanistan. These include 16 professors from Syed Jamal Ud Din Afghani University in Asadabad, Kunar Province, and 14 from Sheikh Zahid University in Khost Province. Notably, both Kunar and Khost border Pakistan.
Since assuming control of Afghanistan on August 15, 2021, the Taliban have systematically targeted various sectors of government for political victimization. In addition to security personnel, police, and intelligence officers, academicians have become a primary target. While some academics managed to flee the country before the Taliban solidified their power, many were not as fortunate. Numerous professors, including women, were detained, faced forced disappearances, or became victims of targeted killings. Consequently, the majority of academics abandoned their posts, paving the way for the Taliban to appoint their own affiliates.
Sources inside Afghanistan revealed that a religious group played a significant role in supporting the Taliban’s takeover of Kabul. In return, individuals from the that school of thought were initially rewarded with key positions in government institutions, including universities. However, over time, the Taliban have begun removing these individuals as well, citing various reasons.
The sources further highlighted that the vacancies left by the dismissal of highly educated academicians are being filled by individuals loyal to the Taliban, many of whom lack proper qualifications.
The Taliban justify these actions as being in accordance with Islamic Sharia, a claim they frequently use to defend their policies.
