In a distressing incident, approximately 60 Afghan girls were hospitalized after being poisoned at a school in northern Afghanistan, as confirmed by local police on Monday. The targeted poisoning occurred in Sar-e Pol province, fueling existing concerns over girls' education in the war-torn nation following the Taliban's rise to power. This incident comes in the wake of a series of poison attacks on girls' schools in neighboring Iran.
According to Den Mohammad Nazari, the police spokesperson for Sar-e Pol, unidentified individuals entered a girls' school in Sancharak District and poisoned the classrooms. Nazari did not disclose the specific substance used or provide information on potential culprits involved in the incident.
The poisoned girls were swiftly transported to a hospital, where they are reported to be in "good condition." As of now, no arrests have been made in connection with the incident.
Neighboring Iran has also witnessed a disturbing trend of poisoning incidents targeting girls' schools, affecting an estimated 13,000 predominantly female students since November.
During the previous foreign-backed government's rule in Afghanistan, several poisoning attacks, including suspected gas attacks, were carried out against girls' schools. However, the Taliban regime, which assumed power in 2021, has imposed restrictions on the majority of female students, preventing them from attending high school and university. This move has garnered condemnation from international governments and caused widespread discontent among many Afghans. While the Taliban authorities claim to support female education under specific conditions, they have only allowed primary schools to remain open for girls up to a certain age, usually around 12 years old.
The poisoning incident at the Afghan girls' school serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by girls' education in the country. As concerns grow over the Taliban's policies, the international community continues to advocate for inclusive and accessible education for all Afghan girls, emphasizing the fundamental right to learn and pursue their dreams.