"Both genders are equal in Quran:" Rashid Khan slams Afghan govt's ban on women's education

Afghan cricket star Rashid Khan slammed the restrictions on women that barred them from receiving medical education. This was the only field of study that Afghan girls were allowed to pursue amid the broader ban on higher education.

Rashid Khan, argued that Islam gives equal rights to education to men and women, but the “closure of education and medical institutions for sisters and mothers in Afghanistan” is disappointing.

“Education holds a central place in the Islamic teaching, emphasising the pursuit of knowledge for both men and women,” he posted on his Instagram story.

He stressed that the Quran acknowledges the importance of learning and spiritualism, regardless of gender. However, he expressed concern that the recent restrictions on women's education will not have positive consequences.

Rashid noted the implications of the Taliban's ruling, which he described as affecting "not only the future of women but also the broader fabric of our society."

Afghan leg-spinner highlighted the importance of women’s education to address the challenges Afghanistan has been facing since the transformation of power to Taliban, saying, “Our beloved homeland stands at a critical juncture, the country needs professionals in every field, especially in the medical sector.”

“The acute shortage of female doctors and nurses is particularly concerning,” said Rashid while underlining the significance of female medical staff for treating the women and added that this will severely hit the “dignity of women”. 

“It is essential for our mother and sisters to have access to healthcare providers,” he added. 

Rashid Khan's statement came a week after the Taliban government in Afghanistan further tightened its grip on women's education by closing one of the last remaining avenues for learning.

The Taliban prohibited women from attending institutions offering medical education, effectively banning them from pursuing higher education.

In the meantime, the Taliban also banned women from being treated by male medical professionals, indicating there would not be healthcare workers to treat them.