Working on permanent solution to girls education issue: Haqqani

KABUL (Pajhwok):  UN secretary-general’s deputy special representative for Afghanistan Markus Potzel has expressed concern about the ban on Afghan women’s education and other restrictions, but acting Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani says they are working to find a logical and permanent solution to the girls’ education issue.

Haqqani met Potzel, UNAMA political affairs chief Scott Smith and their delegation at his office, the Ministry of Interior said in a statement.

It said Potzel thanked the leadership of the Ministry of Interior for its cooperation and the improvement of the security situation in the country and shared his concerns about the imposition of restrictions on girls’ education.

In response, Haqqani said: “The leadership of the Islamic Emirate is committed to people’s well-being. Efforts are underway to solve problems and work is ongoing on a reasonable and permanent solution (to girls’ education) in line with Sharia rules and the culture of our people”.

Meanwhile, Potzel called on former president Hamid Karzai in Kabul, Karzai office said in a statement.

The two discussed the current situation in Afghanistan and the region and called for urgently reopening the doors of education and work to Afghan women.

Karzai also insisted that the initiation of a national dialogue was imperative for lasting peace and stability in the country.

The incumbent government last month asked public and private universities to suspend women’s higher education until further notice and then asked national and international NGOs to send their female employees home until further notice.

Girls schools above sixth grade have been closed since March.

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