KABUL – On Afghanistan’s 106th independence anniversary, former President Hamid Karzai called for national unity and expanded education, particularly for girls, in a statement posted on X. Marking the 1919 liberation from British influence, Karzai emphasized that Afghanistan’s future depends on an educated populace and inclusive governance.“
National strength through unity and education is key to preserving our independence,” Karzai wrote, urging the Taliban-led government to prioritize schooling for all Afghans. With 1.4 million girls currently barred from secondary education, his plea highlights a critical issue under Taliban rule, which resumed in 2021.
Despite living under Taliban restrictions in Kabul, Karzai remains a vocal advocate for dialogue and inclusivity. His call for Afghan youth to pursue academic excellence contrasts with the Taliban’s focus on Sharia-based governance. The anniversary underscores ongoing tensions between Afghanistan’s historical aspirations and its current challenges, with education at the heart of the debate.