Controversial Degree Initiative by Taliban Promotes Pashtunization in Higher Education

Following a direct order from Taliban leader Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada, the Ministry of Higher Education has issued bachelor’s and master’s degrees to 11,000 individuals, comprising mostly students from jihadist schools and unskilled Pashtun backgrounds. This initiative, aimed at furthering the Taliban’s agenda of reshaping government institutions with Pashtun personnel, is being implemented in collaboration with the governor of Balkh province. Meanwhile, female students continue to be barred from pursuing their education.

Taliban Leader’s Mandate for Pashtunization of Government Institutions

In line with the Taliban’s strategy to enforce Pashtunization in governmental structures and eliminate non-Pashtun ethnic influences, a controversial initiative has been launched as per Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada’s decree directed at the acting Minister of Higher Education. In partnership with governors of northern provinces, especially Mawlawi Mohammad Yousuf Wafa of Balkh, this ministry has begun the process of awarding degrees to unqualified individuals from Pashtun backgrounds who lack academic credentials or skills.
These recipients largely stem from jihadist schools and hold extremist views, and they are gradually taking the places of university professors, judges, and officials in important departments.

Dismissing Qualified Professors and Infiltrating Institutions

As part of this initiative, over 50 university professors have already been dismissed from their teaching positions, replaced by individuals with jihadist backgrounds who often lack qualifications. Many of these newcomers harbor extremist ideologies and have been absorbed into crucial ministries.
This development occurs against the backdrop of the Taliban’s continued prohibition of girls’ education and the various measures taken to deter many from studying abroad, including threats and restrictions.

Implementation Plans in Balkh and Bamyan Amid Alarming Statistics

Currently, the acting Minister of Higher Education is set to collaborate with Mawlawi Yousuf Wafa to implement this initiative in the provinces of Balkh and Bamyan as well.
The plan aims to provide jihadist school students and certain educated clerics affiliated with the Taliban or Al-Qaeda with bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Subsequently, these individuals are expected to occupy roles in government offices and university positions vacated by their predecessors in the targeted provinces.
According to the Ministry of Higher Education, 11,000 degrees have already been awarded to this group of Pashtun individuals and jihadist school students.