Karzai Warns of Workforce Shortages Amid Taliban Ban on Girls’ Education

Former Afghan President Hamid Karzai has reiterated his concern regarding the ongoing prohibition on girls’ education under the Taliban, warning that the policy threatens the country’s long-term development and institutional capacity. In a recent statement, Karzai called for the immediate reopening of schools and universities to female students.

Citing a UNICEF report, Karzai highlighted the projected impact of the restrictions on Afghanistan’s professional sectors. The report indicates that the continued exclusion of girls from classrooms is expected to result in a shortage of approximately 20,000 female teachers and 5,000 health workers by 2030. The United Nations children’s agency further estimates that more than 2 million girls will be deprived of formal schooling during this period.

Karzai argued that maintaining the ban will significantly weaken national capacity and increase Afghanistan’s reliance on foreign assistance and expertise. He emphasized that an educated female population is essential for building a self-sufficient workforce and sustaining public services across the country.

The former president stressed that reversing the decision is critical to preventing long-term socioeconomic consequences. He urged authorities to prioritize educational access as a foundational element of national stability and economic resilience.