Attendance Issues Lead to Summoning of 25 Balkh University Instructors and Staff
Mazar-i-Sharif, Afghanistan – Reports from local sources within Mazar-i-Sharif city indicate that 25 instructors and staff members from Balkh University have been summoned by the university president.
The summoning, which took place on Tuesday, March 26th, allegedly stems from the failure of these individuals to attend “Quran interpretation and translation programs,” according to sources familiar with the matter.
It is worth noting that the Taliban administration mandates and facilitates religious programs, including Quran interpretation and translation, across its institutions, making participation compulsory.
A former instructor from Balkh University, speaking anonymously to Hasht-e Subh Daily, corroborated the news, highlighting a broader issue of dissatisfaction among faculty members. He attributed the departure of many teachers from their positions to what he described as the “bias and misconduct of local Taliban authorities.” Additionally, he asserted that those who remain face undue pressure and restrictions under various pretexts.
As of now, officials from Balkh University have refrained from issuing any statements regarding this development.
The summoning of Balkh University instructors comes amidst a backdrop of increased Taliban control, characterized by stringent regulations on attire and personal conduct, particularly among government employees.
Last year, during Ramadan, the Taliban Ministry of Education issued warnings to its personnel, indicating that failure to adhere to Islamic Sharia law and fulfill congregational prayer obligations could result in dismissal and subsequent repercussions.
The situation underscores the ongoing challenges faced by educational institutions and their staff in navigating the evolving landscape under Taliban rule.
