Former Afghan President Hamid Karzai says the country’s independence can only be preserved through an educated generation of both girls and boys.
In a message marking the 107th anniversary of Afghanistan’s independence, Karzai called once again for educational opportunities to be provided to all Afghan children.
Karzai said gaining independence is valuable, but maintaining it requires Afghanistan to become a strong and self-reliant country.
He argued that national strength depends on lasting peace and stability, national unity and an educated younger generation.
The former president called for equal access to education for Afghan girls and boys, stressing that educating the younger generation is fundamental to building the country’s future.
Karzai has repeatedly urged the Taliban to lift restrictions on women’s and girls’ education and employment and to allow them to return to schools, universities and workplaces.
His latest comments come as the Taliban continue to prevent girls from attending school beyond sixth grade and impose extensive restrictions on women and girls in education and employment.
The anniversary is being marked in Afghanistan as the Taliban also commemorate the country’s independence from Britain, achieved in 1919 during the reign of King Amanullah Khan.
Amanullah Khan supported a number of educational and social reforms. During his reign, Afghanistan established its first girls’ school, marking a significant new phase in the development of girls’ education.
Karzai’s Independence Day message once again connects the question of universal education with Afghanistan’s long-term national strength and sovereignty — an issue that remains one of the central demands of Afghan society and international organizations.
