KABUL, Jan 21: Afghanistan’s chief justice on Tuesday termed co-education un-Islamic, casting a further shadow over the country’s already battered schooling system.

Supreme Court judge Mawlawi Fazel Hadi Shinwari made his comments following moves by a powerful Afghan provincial governor to restrict education for women despite international pressure for equality in the classroom.

“According to Islam and Shariat, co-education is haram for boys and girls when they become adult,” he said.

Although it is rare for male and female youths to share the classroom, co-education is common in Afghanistan’s universities.

The judge said Herat governor Ismail Khan’s reported moves to pull male teachers out of girls’ schools was overstepping the mark.

“A male teacher, if he’s an honest Muslim can teach women, that’s not a problem,” he said.

In an earlier interview with the private Pakistan-based Afghan Islamic Press, Shinwari rejected complaints by human rights groups against Khan’s moves.

Women have only just returned to the classroom in Afghanistan following the five-year rule of the Taliban.

Shinwari also disclosed plans to establish a permanent shura of 64 religious scholars.—AFP

Opinion

Editorial

Kurram atrocity
Updated 22 Nov, 2024

Kurram atrocity

It would be a monumental mistake for the state to continue ignoring the violence in Kurram.
Persistent grip
22 Nov, 2024

Persistent grip

An audit of polio funds at federal and provincial levels is sorely needed, with obstacles hindering eradication efforts targeted.
Green transport
22 Nov, 2024

Green transport

THE government has taken a commendable step by announcing a New Energy Vehicle policy aiming to ensure that by 2030,...
Military option
Updated 21 Nov, 2024

Military option

While restoring peace is essential, addressing Balochistan’s socioeconomic deprivation is equally important.
HIV/AIDS disaster
21 Nov, 2024

HIV/AIDS disaster

A TORTUROUS sense of déjà vu is attached to the latest health fiasco at Multan’s Nishtar Hospital. The largest...
Dubious pardon
21 Nov, 2024

Dubious pardon

IT is disturbing how a crime as grave as custodial death has culminated in an out-of-court ‘settlement’. The...