On Afghanistan's Independence Day, former Afghan President Hamid Karzai called for the ruling Taliban to let girls go to school and university. Karzai said Afghans should educate all their children, both boys and girls, in a message on August 19. The Taliban leaders also marked the 104th anniversary of Afghanistan’s independence from Britain in an official statement that said they are committed to their religious and cultural values and will not allow anyone to interfere in their government. Since returning to power, the Taliban has reimposed strict policies from the late 1990s, which severely limit rights of women and girls.
Ex-Afghan President Calls For Education For Girls On Independence Day
Afghan women protest for their right to education and work in Mazar-e-Sharif on August 16.