Khalid Hanafi, a key figure in the Taliban regime, controversially stated that ‘non-Muslims are worse than animals’ in recent remarks.
These remarks, made during a recent meeting aimed at coordinating and training government employees, were widely shared on social media after being broadcast by the state-controlled National Radio and Television on April 10. Hanafi stated that non-Muslims were “worse than animals” and that employees under his ministry should be trained with “Islamic thoughts.”
Hanafi, a key figure in the Taliban regime since its return to power in August 2021, has previously drawn criticism for enforcing strict limitations on women and implementing controversial policies. His recent comments about non-Muslims have sparked further outrage, especially as religious minorities, including Hindus and Sikhs, have faced increasing challenges in Afghanistan in recent years.
These remarks have been met with widespread condemnation from various international human rights groups and religious organizations, which continue to call for the protection of religious freedoms in Afghanistan. The international community has urged the Taliban government to uphold the rights of religious minorities and ensure their safety and dignity in line with global human rights standards.
The Taliban’s policies have placed severe restrictions on women’s education and employment, significantly affecting their rights and opportunities. Women have been barred from attending secondary school and universities, with reports indicating that many young girls are being denied access to education, which has led to widespread frustration both within Afghanistan and abroad.
These restrictions are part of the broader pattern of gender-based limitations that have drawn widespread international condemnation, with human rights organizations urging the Taliban to reverse these policies and allow women to regain their fundamental rights.