Karzai to Taliban: Drop aversion to education

KABUL system and let children go to schools.

In a biweekly radio address to the nation, Karzai congratulated students and teachers on the start of the new academic year in the country’s hot areas, a statement issued from the Presidential Palace said.

The new academic session began in warm areas two weeks back. Karzai urged parents to send their children, both boys and girls, to school because they were the nation’s future builders.

“It appears in some warm areas, schools and seminaries have been closed due to threats from the Taliban, who should not deprive children of education because such an action amounts to enmity with the religion, the country and children,” the president said.

Renewing his call for the Taliban to drop their opposition to education, Karzai asked religious scholars and tribal elders to negotiate with the rebels in this regard.

Hundreds of schools have been closed in various provinces due to insecurity. The Taliban have not yet reacted to the presidential speech.

ma/mud

Visits: 4