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International News: In a shocking move, the Taliban’s education ministry has directed schools to delete 51 subjects from classes 1 to 12. These include national flag, independence, democracy, women’s rights, peace, and human rights. Teachers received official orders, but no public statement has been made. Critics believe this shows the Taliban’s growing attempt to impose its ideology on Afghan society. Students who once studied topics about unity, culture, and freedoms will now face a heavily filtered curriculum.
Subjects highlighting national anthem, Bamiyan Buddhas, Teacher’s Day, and Mother’s Day have also been cut. These lessons had helped children understand Afghanistan’s heritage, national identity, and respect for educators. By removing them, the Taliban is erasing symbols that connect young Afghans to their history. Human rights activists say this is not just an educational decision but also an attack on memory and culture. Many believe this erasure will isolate Afghan children from global perspectives.
This is not the first time the Taliban has changed education. Earlier, 18 subjects were removed from university courses for allegedly opposing Sharia law. Another 201 subjects were kept under review, to be taught only after Taliban’s approval. By targeting universities first and now schools, the regime is extending its control from higher education to basic classrooms. Observers say this systematic cleansing of ideas aims to create a generation loyal only to Taliban ideology.
At the start of the school year in April, the Taliban had already removed art, civic education, culture, and patriotism from the curriculum. These included lessons on democracy, Afghan heritage, and constitutional rights. The new order adds to that trend by banning even broader subjects. Students are losing access to tools that promote creativity, independent thinking, and awareness of rights. The pattern suggests that Afghan education is being reshaped to reflect Taliban’s worldview.
Human rights groups and education experts are condemning these actions. They argue that schools are being used to enforce a narrow ideology instead of nurturing open-minded citizens. This could seriously harm Afghanistan’s progress, especially for girls who already face restrictions. Removing democratic and civic values reduces opportunities for young people to understand freedom, equality, and justice. International observers say these steps may isolate Afghanistan further and deepen its global educational crisis.
Education experts warn that Afghan students will now grow up without exposure to critical ideas. Without civic lessons, young minds may not learn the value of questioning authority or appreciating diversity. This could weaken Afghanistan’s ability to build a democratic society in the future. Instead of preparing youth for global competition, the Taliban’s model is creating controlled citizens. Such measures risk freezing the country’s development for decades. Teachers fear that this imposed silence will damage creativity and free thought.
The international community has expressed serious concern over the Taliban’s latest order. By removing subjects related to unity, peace, and rights, Afghanistan risks creating a generation disconnected from democratic values. Critics say it is not just about books but about shaping society. Countries that once supported Afghanistan’s education reforms fear this regression could undo decades of progress. Many believe the Taliban is deliberately narrowing education to maintain political control.