Officials from several private universities in Kabul say the Taliban Ministry of Higher Education has recently forced students to sign pledges committing to beard requirements and compliance with the Taliban’s “Promotion of Virtue” regulations.
According to sources, students at private universities have been subjected to the same requirements already imposed on students at public universities.
A copy of the pledge document obtained by media outlets shows that students are required to follow Hanafi Islamic jurisprudence, a provision that has triggered criticism and concern among some Shiite students.
Critics argue that the policy effectively imposes a single religious interpretation on all university students in Afghanistan.
The document also states that students must avoid listening to music, using narcotics, and taking photos or videos of living beings, as these activities are prohibited under Taliban morality laws.
In the final sections of the pledge, students are instructed to obey all directives issued by Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada.
The Taliban have also prohibited students from joining political groups.
Sources say the document warns that students who violate the rules may face punishment.
Analysts say the Taliban are increasingly attempting to expand ideological and religious control over Afghanistan’s education system.
Critics warn that growing restrictions inside universities could further limit academic freedom, personal liberties, and independent thought among students.
Observers also say the requirement to follow Hanafi jurisprudence may deepen sectarian and social divisions, especially among students from non-Hanafi religious communities.
Analysts argue that the Taliban increasingly view universities not only as educational institutions, but also as spaces for ideological enforcement and social control.
