Afghanistan’s Education System Under Taliban Control, Plan to Shape the Next Generation Revealed

Kabul / Islamabad — The Afghan Taliban have increasingly sought to reshape the country’s education system around their ideological outlook and broader objectives. According to recent reports by Australia’s Lowy Institute and the Hamrah Network, Afghanistan’s educational structure is increasingly being used to promote ideological messaging among children, raising concerns about the future of modern and independent education.

Key and Troubling Findings in International Reports

Sharp Increase in Religious Schools: According to the Hamrah Network, the number of registered religious seminaries has reportedly increased from around 5,000 to 23,000 since the Taliban returned to power, with more than 3.6 million children enrolled.

Ideological Content in Education: A Lowy Institute report says elements of the curriculum have increasingly emphasized ideological teachings, loyalty to the authorities and obedience, at the expense of scientific learning and independent thinking.

Promotion of Militancy: The reports raise concerns over the portrayal of militant and suicide-bomber units in educational and media content, potentially blurring the distinction between religious education and militancy.

Regional and Global Security Concerns: The presence of militant organizations, including al-Qaeda, alongside an increasingly ideological educational structure has raised concerns about Afghanistan’s potential impact on regional and international security.

“Even a potential return of girls to schools would not necessarily reverse the transformation of Afghan education, as the Taliban regime has already sought to shape the thinking and future of the next generation.”

— Lowy Institute, as cited in the report

International experts continue to warn that the expansion of ideological and militant-oriented education in Afghanistan could pose a long-term challenge not only to neighboring countries but also to wider global peace and security.