An explosion outside the military airport in Afghanistan’s capital Kabul,&nbsp;on Sunday, caused multiple casualties and wounded several,&nbsp;according to media reports&nbsp;citing officials. The Taliban-run interior ministry spokesperson, Abdul Nafy Takor, said that the incident occurred at the gate next to Kabul's international airport and the cause remains unclear, reported AFP. &nbsp;

“Today morning, an explosion took place outside Kabul military airport, due to which a number of our citizens were martyred and injured,” said Takor to Reuters. He added, that an investigation into the incident is underway.&nbsp;"A number of our compatriots have been martyred and wounded in the blast," said Takor, reported AFP.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistani-troops-injured-as-taliban-launch-suicide-attack-in-waziristan-547656">Taliban suicide bomber rams vehicle into checkpost, five Pak security personnel injured</a>

However, the spokesperson later said that at least 10 people were killed and eight others were injured, reported ANI, citing Khaama Press.&nbsp;Meanwhile, residents said that they heard a loud explosion just before 8:00 am (local time) on the military side of the airport and that the area has since been sealed by the security forces, reported Reuters.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-un-halts-time-critical-programmes-due-to-talibans-ban-on-female-aid-workers-547529">Afghanistan | UN halts 'time critical' programmes due to Taliban's ban on female aid workers</a>

This comes weeks after, at least five Chinese nationals were wounded after gunmen stormed a popular hotel in Kabul, and the responsibility for the attack was later claimed by the Islamic State (IS). The militant group has recently targeted a number of key locations in the Afghan capital including the Russian and Pakistani embassies. So far, hundreds of people have been injured or killed in such attacks since the Taliban took over the country in 2021.&nbsp;

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An explosion outside the military airport in Afghanistan’s capital Kabul, on Sunday, caused multiple casualties and wounded several, according to media reports citing officials.

An explosion outside the military airport in Afghanistan’s capital Kabul, on Sunday, caused multiple casualties and wounded several, according to media reports citing officials. The Taliban-run interior ministry spokesperson, Abdul Nafy Takor, said that the incident occurred at the gate next to Kabul's international airport and the cause remains unclear, reported AFP. “Today morning, an explosion took place outside Kabul military airport, due to which a number of our citizens were martyred and injured,” said Takor to Reuters. He added, that an investigation into the incident is underway. "A number of our compatriots have been martyred and wounded in the blast," said Takor, reported AFP. ALSO READ | Taliban suicide bomber rams vehicle into checkpost, five Pak security personnel injured However, the spokesperson later said that at least 10 people were killed and eight others were injured, reported ANI, citing Khaama Press. Meanwhile, residents said that they heard a loud explosion just before 8:00 am (local time) on the military side of the airport and that the area has since been sealed by the security forces, reported Reuters. ALSO READ | Afghanistan | UN halts 'time critical' programmes due to Taliban's ban on female aid workers This comes weeks after, at least five Chinese nationals were wounded after gunmen stormed a popular hotel in Kabul, and the responsibility for the attack was later claimed by the Islamic State (IS). The militant group has recently targeted a number of key locations in the Afghan capital including the Russian and Pakistani embassies. So far, hundreds of people have been injured or killed in such attacks since the Taliban took over the country in 2021. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

At least 10 killed, several injured in blast outside Kabul’s military airport: Reports

An explosion has taken place outside the military airport in Kabul where several casualties are feared. The Taliban-run government in Afghanistan has confirmed the development. The explosion was reported was reported near the entrance to a military airfield.

Afghanistan: 8 killed in explosion outside military airport in Kabul

Ismail Mashal- a professor in Afghanistan who made headlines for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/if-my-mother-and-sisters-cant-study-afghan-professor-tears-down-diplomas-on-live-tv-547568">tearing up his degree certificates on live television to protest the Taliban's ban</a> on university education for women, has vowed to fight the decree even if it costs his life.&nbsp;

"I'm raising my voice. I'm standing with my sisters... My protest will continue even if it costs my life," Mashal told news agency AFP at his office in Kabul on Saturday (December 31). Mashal said that as a man and as a teacher, he was unable to do anything else for women. "I felt that my certificates had become useless. So, I tore them."

Mashal, 35 , has been a professor of journalism for more than ten years at three universities in Kabul and also runs an educational institution for men and women. He resigned from the three universities after the Taliban administration imposed the ban on women students.&nbsp;

The authorities justified the ban by saying women were not observing a strict Islamic dress code.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-women-speak-to-wion-as-taliban-dismantles-their-right-to-education-campus-after-campus-545841">Afghan women speak to WION as Taliban dismantle their right to education, campus after campus</a>

However, Mashal dismissed the justification and told AFP "They told us to implement the wearing of hijabs for women -- we did that. They told us to segregate classes -- we did that too."

The professor pointed out the Taliban has not given a logical reason for the ban and that the ban has no basis in Islamic sharia law.&nbsp;

''The right to education for women has been given by God, by the Koran, by the Prophet (Mohammed), and our religion. So, why should we look down on women?" Mashal further told the news agency.&nbsp;

The ban on university education for Afghan women has been condemned globally with countries urging the Taliban to reverse it.&nbsp;

Apart from this, the Taliban have also imposed a ban on women working in Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs). This order too has been condemned worldwide with a demand to reverse it. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

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Ismail Mashal- a professor in Afghanistan who made headlines for tearing up his degree certificates on live television to protest the Taliban's ban on university education for women, has vowed to fight the decree even if it costs his life.

Ismail Mashal- a professor in Afghanistan who made headlines for tearing up his degree certificates on live television to protest the Taliban's ban on university education for women, has vowed to fight the decree even if it costs his life. "I'm raising my voice. I'm standing with my sisters... My protest will continue even if it costs my life," Mashal told news agency AFP at his office in Kabul on Saturday (December 31). Mashal said that as a man and as a teacher, he was unable to do anything else for women. "I felt that my certificates had become useless. So, I tore them." Mashal, 35 , has been a professor of journalism for more than ten years at three universities in Kabul and also runs an educational institution for men and women. He resigned from the three universities after the Taliban administration imposed the ban on women students. The authorities justified the ban by saying women were not observing a strict Islamic dress code. ALSO READ | Afghan women speak to WION as Taliban dismantle their right to education, campus after campus However, Mashal dismissed the justification and told AFP "They told us to implement the wearing of hijabs for women -- we did that. They told us to segregate classes -- we did that too." The professor pointed out the Taliban has not given a logical reason for the ban and that the ban has no basis in Islamic sharia law. ''The right to education for women has been given by God, by the Koran, by the Prophet (Mohammed), and our religion. So, why should we look down on women?" Mashal further told the news agency. The ban on university education for Afghan women has been condemned globally with countries urging the Taliban to reverse it. Apart from this, the Taliban have also imposed a ban on women working in Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs). This order too has been condemned worldwide with a demand to reverse it. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

'Even if it costs my life': Afghan professor vows to fight Taliban university ban

The Group of Seven (G7) on Thursday (December 29) told the Taliban to 'urgently reverse' the ban on women aid workers in Afghanistan. Issuing a joint statement, the G7 foreign ministers said they are gravely concerned that the Taliban's reckless and dangerous order barring female employees of national and international NGOs from the workplace puts at risk millions of Afghans who depend on humanitarian assistance for their survival, news agency AFP reported.&nbsp;

The G7 pointed out that women are absolutely central to humanitarian and basic needs operations.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-un-halts-time-critical-programmes-due-to-talibans-ban-on-female-aid-workers-547529">Afghanistan:&nbsp;UN halts 'time critical' programmes due to Taliban's ban on female aid workers</a>

"Unless they participate in aid delivery in Afghanistan, NGOs will be unable to reach the country’s most vulnerable people to provide food, medicine, winterization, and other materials and services they need to live," Thursday's statement added.&nbsp;

The group also said that the Taliban continued to demonstrate their contempt for the rights, freedoms and welfare of the people of Afghanistan, particularly women and girls.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH | UNSC denounces Taliban government's restrictions on women

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The ban on women aid workers in Afghanistan comes days after the Taliban barred women from attending universities in the country. The Taliban said the move to ban women aid workers was justified because some of them had not adhered to the group's interpretation of the Islamic dress code for women.

The above decisions of the Taliban on women have been condemned globally.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-nations-urges-taliban-government-to-end-terrible-restrictions-on-women-547139">United Nations urges Taliban government to end 'terrible' restrictions on women</a>

Before the G7, the United Nations had urged the Taliban to reverse the ban on women aid workers. "Millions of Afghans need humanitarian assistance and removing barriers is vital," the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said on Monday, news agency Reuters reported.&nbsp;

On Wednesday, the UN said that some "time-critical" programmes in Afghanistan were temporarily stopped due to a lack of female staff. "Banning women from humanitarian work has immediate life-threatening consequences for all Afghans. Already, some time-critical programmes have had to stop temporarily due to lack of female staff," a joint statement read.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

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The Group of Seven (G7) on Thursday (December 29) told the Taliban to 'urgently reverse' the ban on women aid workers in Afghanistan. Issuing a joint statement, the G7 foreign ministers said they are gravely concerned that the Taliban's reckless and dangerous order barring female employees of national and international NGOs from the workplace puts at risk millions of Afghans who depend on humanitarian assistance for their survival, news agency AFP reported.

The Group of Seven (G7) on Thursday (December 29) told the Taliban to 'urgently reverse' the ban on women aid workers in Afghanistan. Issuing a joint statement, the G7 foreign ministers said they are gravely concerned that the Taliban's reckless and dangerous order barring female employees of national and international NGOs from the workplace puts at risk millions of Afghans who depend on humanitarian assistance for their survival, news agency AFP reported. The G7 pointed out that women are absolutely central to humanitarian and basic needs operations. ALSO READ | Afghanistan: UN halts 'time critical' programmes due to Taliban's ban on female aid workers "Unless they participate in aid delivery in Afghanistan, NGOs will be unable to reach the country’s most vulnerable people to provide food, medicine, winterization, and other materials and services they need to live," Thursday's statement added. The group also said that the Taliban continued to demonstrate their contempt for the rights, freedoms and welfare of the people of Afghanistan, particularly women and girls. ALSO WATCH | UNSC denounces Taliban government's restrictions on women × The ban on women aid workers in Afghanistan comes days after the Taliban barred women from attending universities in the country. The Taliban said the move to ban women aid workers was justified because some of them had not adhered to the group's interpretation of the Islamic dress code for women. The above decisions of the Taliban on women have been condemned globally. ALSO READ | United Nations urges Taliban government to end 'terrible' restrictions on women Before the G7, the United Nations had urged the Taliban to reverse the ban on women aid workers. "Millions of Afghans need humanitarian assistance and removing barriers is vital," the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said on Monday, news agency Reuters reported. On Wednesday, the UN said that some "time-critical" programmes in Afghanistan were temporarily stopped due to a lack of female staff. "Banning women from humanitarian work has immediate life-threatening consequences for all Afghans. Already, some time-critical programmes have had to stop temporarily due to lack of female staff," a joint statement read. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

'Urgently reverse' ban on Afghan women aid workers: G7 tells Taliban

The United Nations on Wednesday said that some "time critical" programmes&nbsp;in Afghanistan will have to be temporarily stopped due to the Taliban's ban on women working in NGOs. The global agency warned that many other activities are also likely to be impacted due to the ban.

Calling on the group to reverse its ban, UN aid chief Martin Griffiths, the heads of UN agencies and several aid groups in a joint statement said that women's "participation in aid programmes is not negotiable and must continue".&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;UNSC denounces Taliban government's restrictions on women

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The statement also bears the signatures of heads of UNICEF, the World Food Programme, the World Health Organization, the UN Development Programme, and the UN high commissioners for refugees and human rights.

"Banning women from humanitarian work has immediate life-threatening consequences for all Afghans," said the statement adding that "already, some time-critical programmes have had to stop temporarily due to lack of female staff."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/three-ngos-suspend-operations-in-afghanistan-after-taliban-ban-female-employees-546512">Five NGOs suspend operations in Afghanistan after Taliban ban female employees</a>

"We cannot ignore the operational constraints now facing us as a humanitarian community," it said.&nbsp;

The ban on female aid workers was announced by the Taliban-led Afghanistan administration on Saturday and it follows a ban on women attending universities. Before that girls were stopped from attending school in March.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-nations-urges-taliban-government-to-end-terrible-restrictions-on-women-547139">United Nations urges Taliban government to end 'terrible' restrictions on women</a>

Addressing the series of bans, the UN statement remarked "No country can afford to exclude half of its population from contributing to society."

In a separate statement, the leaders of 12 nations namely Australia, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Norway, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Britain, the United States and the EU have also urged the Taliban to reverse the ban on female aid workers and also allow women, girls to avail education.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The United Nations on Wednesday said that some "time critical" programmes in Afghanistan will have to be temporarily stopped due to the Taliban's ban on women working in NGOs.

The United Nations on Wednesday said that some "time critical" programmes in Afghanistan will have to be temporarily stopped due to the Taliban's ban on women working in NGOs. The global agency warned that many other activities are also likely to be impacted due to the ban. Calling on the group to reverse its ban, UN aid chief Martin Griffiths, the heads of UN agencies and several aid groups in a joint statement said that women's "participation in aid programmes is not negotiable and must continue". Watch | UNSC denounces Taliban government's restrictions on women The statement also bears the signatures of heads of UNICEF, the World Food Programme, the World Health Organization, the UN Development Programme, and the UN high commissioners for refugees and human rights. "Banning women from humanitarian work has immediate life-threatening consequences for all Afghans," said the statement adding that "already, some time-critical programmes have had to stop temporarily due to lack of female staff." Also read | Five NGOs suspend operations in Afghanistan after Taliban ban female employees "We cannot ignore the operational constraints now facing us as a humanitarian community," it said. The ban on female aid workers was announced by the Taliban-led Afghanistan administration on Saturday and it follows a ban on women attending universities. Before that girls were stopped from attending school in March. Also read | United Nations urges Taliban government to end 'terrible' restrictions on women Addressing the series of bans, the UN statement remarked "No country can afford to exclude half of its population from contributing to society." In a separate statement, the leaders of 12 nations namely Australia, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Norway, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Britain, the United States and the EU have also urged the Taliban to reverse the ban on female aid workers and also allow women, girls to avail education. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Afghanistan | UN halts 'time critical' programmes due to Taliban's ban on female aid workers

In Afghanistan, a car explosion resulted in the death of the local police head. The Islamic State group has taken responsibility for the attack. Since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan in August 2021, the provincial IS affiliate known as the Islamic State in Khorasan Province has expanded its attacks.

Gravitas Global Headlines: Afghanistan car bombing | Zelensky, Modi call

Days after Taliban banned women from attending college and working in NGO's. In Afghanistan, the United Nations security Council said that it is deeply alarmed with the situation in the country. The security council called on the Taliban to reverse the bans that erode the fundamental freedoms of women.

UNSC denounces restrictions on Afghan women; UN calls for equal participation of women

UNSC denounces Taliban government's restrictions on women

UNSC to Taliban: Reverse curbs on women

A day after the Taliban banned women from working in NGOs, three foreign aid groups including 'Save the Children' have said that they are suspending their humanitarian programs in Afghanistan.

Afghanistan: Global backlash grows against Taliban, NGOs suspend their work in the country

Two days after the Taliban banned female students from university, dozens of women are now raising their voices against the administration and are demanding their right to education. A group of women marched near Kabul University chanting 'either everyone or no one' and 'one for all'.

Afghan women continue to protest against Taliban's ban on education

Five non-governmental organisations (NGOs), including&nbsp;Save the Children, on Sunday said that they will stop working in Afghanistan after the NGOs were ordered by the Taliban to stop allowing female employees to work.&nbsp;The NGOs made the announcement as the United Nations' top officials and multiple NGOs operating in the country met in Kabul, where they discussed the way ahead in the wake of the Taliban's new ban which was a slap to humanitarian work in Afghanistan.

"We cannot effectively reach children, women and men in desperate need in Afghanistan without our female staff," said Save the Children, CARE and the Norwegian Refugee Council, in a joint statement.&nbsp;

ALSO READ| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/talibans-war-on-women-female-employees-banned-from-working-in-ngos-546354">Taliban's war on women: Female employees banned from working in NGOs</a>

"Whilst we gain clarity on this announcement, we are suspending our programmes, demanding that men and women can equally continue our lifesaving assistance in Afghanistan,” the statement further read.

The latest ban was announced by the Taliban less than a week after it banned women from studying in universities, which led to protests in some cities and global condemnation of the government.&nbsp;

On Saturday, Afghanistan's Ministry of Economy said that the NGOs' operating licences will be suspended if they disobeyed the order. The ministry added that there were "serious complaints" about women failing to follow the Islamic dress code while working in NGOs.

Global condemnation

Taliban's order was condemned internationally with organisations and governments warning that it will have a bad impact on the country's humanitarian services, where millions of people depend on aid.

WATCH| Afghanistan: Taliban divided over ban on women's education; US calls on Taliban to reverse ban

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The Humanitarian Country Team, comprising top UN officials along with representatives of foreign and Afghan NGOs, held a meeting in Kabul where they discussed if all aid work should be suspended in the country following the latest directive issued by the Taliban.

Criticising the directive of the ministry, the United Nations said that an explanation would be sought from the Taliban regarding the order, which by ostracising women "systematically from all aspects of public and political life takes the country backward, jeopardising efforts for any meaningful peace or stability in the country".&nbsp;

Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that the ban imposed would turn out to be "devastating" for Afghans as it would "disrupt vital and life-saving assistance to millions".&nbsp;

Germany's Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock on Sunday appealed for a "clear reaction from the international community".

"Those who exclude women and young girls from work, from education and from public life not only ruin their country... We will try to get a clear reaction from the international community," she said on Twitter. "Sexist persecution can constitute a crime against humanity," she added.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

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Five non-governmental organisations (NGOs), including Save the Children, on Sunday said that they will stop working in Afghanistan after the NGOs were ordered by the Taliban to stop allowing female employees to work.

Five non-governmental organisations (NGOs), including Save the Children, on Sunday said that they will stop working in Afghanistan after the NGOs were ordered by the Taliban to stop allowing female employees to work. The NGOs made the announcement as the United Nations' top officials and multiple NGOs operating in the country met in Kabul, where they discussed the way ahead in the wake of the Taliban's new ban which was a slap to humanitarian work in Afghanistan. "We cannot effectively reach children, women and men in desperate need in Afghanistan without our female staff," said Save the Children, CARE and the Norwegian Refugee Council, in a joint statement. ALSO READ| Taliban's war on women: Female employees banned from working in NGOs "Whilst we gain clarity on this announcement, we are suspending our programmes, demanding that men and women can equally continue our lifesaving assistance in Afghanistan,” the statement further read. The latest ban was announced by the Taliban less than a week after it banned women from studying in universities, which led to protests in some cities and global condemnation of the government. On Saturday, Afghanistan's Ministry of Economy said that the NGOs' operating licences will be suspended if they disobeyed the order. The ministry added that there were "serious complaints" about women failing to follow the Islamic dress code while working in NGOs. Global condemnation Taliban's order was condemned internationally with organisations and governments warning that it will have a bad impact on the country's humanitarian services, where millions of people depend on aid. WATCH| Afghanistan: Taliban divided over ban on women's education; US calls on Taliban to reverse ban The Humanitarian Country Team, comprising top UN officials along with representatives of foreign and Afghan NGOs, held a meeting in Kabul where they discussed if all aid work should be suspended in the country following the latest directive issued by the Taliban. Criticising the directive of the ministry, the United Nations said that an explanation would be sought from the Taliban regarding the order, which by ostracising women "systematically from all aspects of public and political life takes the country backward, jeopardising efforts for any meaningful peace or stability in the country". Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that the ban imposed would turn out to be "devastating" for Afghans as it would "disrupt vital and life-saving assistance to millions". Germany's Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock on Sunday appealed for a "clear reaction from the international community". "Those who exclude women and young girls from work, from education and from public life not only ruin their country... We will try to get a clear reaction from the international community," she said on Twitter. "Sexist persecution can constitute a crime against humanity," she added. (With inputs from agencies)

Five NGOs suspend operations in Afghanistan after Taliban ban female employees

Afghanistan: Taliban threatens to suspend NGO licences, bans women from working

WION Fineprint | Afghanistan: Taliban directive on women draws international condemnation

Ten months into the ongoing conflict with Russia, Ukraine remains defiant. In a&nbsp;message to Ukrainian citizens, President Volodymyr Zelensky said that the country will make its own&nbsp;Christmas magic. In other news starting Sunday,&nbsp;China's top health body the National Health Commission will no longer be publishing daily data on COVID-19 cases. As the global community decried Taliban's latest order banning university education for girls, the group has reportedly resorted to using water cannons on students protesting the ban.

Click on the headlines to read more:

<a href="www.wionews.com/world/a-defiant-volodymyr-zelensky-says-ukraine-will-create-its-own-christmas-magic-546390">A defiant Volodymyr Zelensky says Ukraine will create its own Christmas Magic</a>

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On the day that marks 10 months of Moscow's launching of the war that has killed tens and thousands and displaced millions, Zelensky said, "We endured at the beginning of the war - we withstood attacks, threats, nuclear blackmail, terror, missile strikes. We will endure this winter because we know what we are fighting for."

<a href="www.wionews.com/world/18-miners-trapped-in-a-gold-mine-in-xinjiang-rescue-operation-underway-546402">18 miners trapped in a gold mine in Xinjiang, rescue operation underway</a>

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As many as 18 people were trapped in an underground gold mine in China's Xinjiang region on Sunday after a cave-in was reported by local news agencies.&nbsp;

40 people were working in the mine, situated 100 kilometres from the border with Kazakhstan when the accident occurred.&nbsp;

<a href="www.wionews.com/world/watch-taliban-use-water-cannon-on-afghan-women-opposing-prohibition-on-university-education-546399">Taliban use water cannons on Afghan women opposing prohibition on university education</a>

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A video of Afghan women using a lane as a shield to protect themselves from a water cannon has gone viral on social media. The Taliban have started to opt for different ways to stop women from protesting against the university education ban in Afghanistan for females.

Hundreds of Afghan women have taken to the streets to protest against the Taliban's decision. Protest marches in Afghanistan echoed with slogans like 'education is our right' and 'The Taliban are cowards.'&nbsp;

<a href="www.wionews.com/world/chinas-top-health-body-says-will-no-longer-publish-daily-covid-numbers-546408">China's top health body says will no longer publish daily Covid numbers</a>

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China's National Health Commission will no longer be publishing daily data on COVID-19 case figures for the country.

The health agency which as per Reuters has been publishing the numbers for the past three years has said that starting Sunday it won't release such data.

However, the agency did not disclose the reasons behind this decision. It is also not known how frequently China will now update Covid information.

Pope Francis on Christmas: 'Men &amp; women in their hunger for power, consume their own people'

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Ten months into the ongoing conflict with Russia, Ukraine remains defiant. In a message to Ukrainian citizens, President Volodymyr Zelensky said that the country will make its own Christmas magic.

Ten months into the ongoing conflict with Russia, Ukraine remains defiant. In a message to Ukrainian citizens, President Volodymyr Zelensky said that the country will make its own Christmas magic. In other news starting Sunday, China's top health body the National Health Commission will no longer be publishing daily data on COVID-19 cases. As the global community decried Taliban's latest order banning university education for girls, the group has reportedly resorted to using water cannons on students protesting the ban. Click on the headlines to read more: A defiant Volodymyr Zelensky says Ukraine will create its own Christmas Magic On the day that marks 10 months of Moscow's launching of the war that has killed tens and thousands and displaced millions, Zelensky said, "We endured at the beginning of the war - we withstood attacks, threats, nuclear blackmail, terror, missile strikes. We will endure this winter because we know what we are fighting for." 18 miners trapped in a gold mine in Xinjiang, rescue operation underway As many as 18 people were trapped in an underground gold mine in China's Xinjiang region on Sunday after a cave-in was reported by local news agencies. 40 people were working in the mine, situated 100 kilometres from the border with Kazakhstan when the accident occurred. Taliban use water cannons on Afghan women opposing prohibition on university education A video of Afghan women using a lane as a shield to protect themselves from a water cannon has gone viral on social media. The Taliban have started to opt for different ways to stop women from protesting against the university education ban in Afghanistan for females. Hundreds of Afghan women have taken to the streets to protest against the Taliban's decision. Protest marches in Afghanistan echoed with slogans like 'education is our right' and 'The Taliban are cowards.' China's top health body says will no longer publish daily Covid numbers China's National Health Commission will no longer be publishing daily data on COVID-19 case figures for the country. The health agency which as per Reuters has been publishing the numbers for the past three years has said that starting Sunday it won't release such data. However, the agency did not disclose the reasons behind this decision. It is also not known how frequently China will now update Covid information. Pope Francis on Christmas: 'Men & women in their hunger for power, consume their own people'

Morning Brief: Zelensky sends defiant Christmas message, China to stop publishing COVID count, and more

Afghanistan: Women continue to protest, cry against Taliban ban grows louder

A video of Afghan women using a lane as a shield to protect themselves from a water cannon has gone viral on social media. The Taliban have started to opt for different ways to stop women from protesting against the university education ban in Afghanistan for females.

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The heroic women of Afghanistan out on the streets of Herat today to protest against the Taliban’s BAN on female students going to university. They scream “cowards” at the Taliban. 
 
The Taliban fire water canons at the protesters. <a href="https://t.co/9O34xFFbf6">pic.twitter.com/9O34xFFbf6</a>
— Shabnam Nasimi (@NasimiShabnam) <a href="https://twitter.com/NasimiShabnam/status/1606626868567937024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 24, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Hundreds of Afghan women have taken to the streets to protest against the Taliban's decision. Protest marches in Afghanistan echoed with slogans like 'education is our right' and 'The Taliban are cowards.'&nbsp;

A few days after the Taliban banned women from pursuing higher education, they have recently also shut the doors for them to work in non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/watch-male-students-walk-out-of-exam-halls-as-taliban-bans-university-education-for-afghan-women-546234">Male students walk out of exam halls as Taliban ban university education for Afghan women</a>

Abdel Rahman Habib, ministry of economy spokesperson, declared that women are no more allowed to work for any international or national NGO. He mentioned that the Taliban sent a letter to the NGOs assessing a prohibition 'until further notice.' According to him, women not wearing a hijab and disobeying the Sharia law are&nbsp;the prime reason behind the action.&nbsp;

Taliban's decision to ban female students from universities triggered a global uproar. The Taliban&nbsp;however reason&nbsp;that women conversate with male peers in colleges and do not follow the appropriate Islamic dress code. Higher education minister Neda Mohammad Nadeem implemented the ban with 'immediate effect' on Tuesday.&nbsp;

Nadeem said, "they dress like they were going to a wedding."

Watch |&nbsp;Pakistan Suicide Blast: 1 policeman dead, 4 injured in attack; TTP claims responsibility

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Amid the protests, the Taliban has arrested five women in Kabul, Afghanistan's capital. They have also arrested three journalists. A day after the ban, guards barred hundreds of women from entering educational institutions.&nbsp;

Taliban has already banned women from most secondary schools. United Nations and many&nbsp;countries have condemned the Taliban's decision to deprive women of their educational rights.&nbsp;

Male students in Afghanistan universities have also protested in solidarity with their female counterparts. Many professors resigned after the decision, and male students walked out of exam halls as a sign of protest.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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A video of Afghan women using a lane as a shield to protect themselves from a water cannon has gone viral on social media. The Taliban have started to opt for different ways to stop women from protesting against the university education ban in Afghanistan for females.

A video of Afghan women using a lane as a shield to protect themselves from a water cannon has gone viral on social media. The Taliban have started to opt for different ways to stop women from protesting against the university education ban in Afghanistan for females. The heroic women of Afghanistan out on the streets of Herat today to protest against the Taliban’s BAN on female students going to university. They scream “cowards” at the Taliban. The Taliban fire water canons at the protesters. pic.twitter.com/9O34xFFbf6 — Shabnam Nasimi (@NasimiShabnam) December 24, 2022 × Hundreds of Afghan women have taken to the streets to protest against the Taliban's decision. Protest marches in Afghanistan echoed with slogans like 'education is our right' and 'The Taliban are cowards.' A few days after the Taliban banned women from pursuing higher education, they have recently also shut the doors for them to work in non-governmental organisations (NGOs). Also read | Male students walk out of exam halls as Taliban ban university education for Afghan women Abdel Rahman Habib, ministry of economy spokesperson, declared that women are no more allowed to work for any international or national NGO. He mentioned that the Taliban sent a letter to the NGOs assessing a prohibition 'until further notice.' According to him, women not wearing a hijab and disobeying the Sharia law are the prime reason behind the action. Taliban's decision to ban female students from universities triggered a global uproar. The Taliban however reason that women conversate with male peers in colleges and do not follow the appropriate Islamic dress code. Higher education minister Neda Mohammad Nadeem implemented the ban with 'immediate effect' on Tuesday. Nadeem said, "they dress like they were going to a wedding." Watch | Pakistan Suicide Blast: 1 policeman dead, 4 injured in attack; TTP claims responsibility Amid the protests, the Taliban has arrested five women in Kabul, Afghanistan's capital. They have also arrested three journalists. A day after the ban, guards barred hundreds of women from entering educational institutions. Taliban has already banned women from most secondary schools. United Nations and many countries have condemned the Taliban's decision to deprive women of their educational rights. Male students in Afghanistan universities have also protested in solidarity with their female counterparts. Many professors resigned after the decision, and male students walked out of exam halls as a sign of protest. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Watch | Taliban use water cannon on Afghan women opposing prohibition on university education

Just days after the Taliban banned women from accessing University education, women in large numbers took to the streets and staged protests against the decision. To disperse the protesting women, Taliban security forces used water canon on them.

Afghanistan: Women not banned from working in NGOs, continue to protest

Top United Nations officials and dozens of NGOs working in Afghanistan are set to hold a meeting in Kabul on Sunday (December 25) to decide the way ahead after Taliban imposed a ban on women working in NGOs. The latest order issued by the Taliban has resulted in global outcry. Governments and organisations have warned that Taliban's latest stance may impact humanitarian services in the country. Millions in Afghanistan are dependent on such aid.

The latest restriction comes less than a week after the hardline Islamists banned women from attending universities, prompting global outrage and protests in some Afghan cities.

Taliban's ministry of economy on Saturday threatened that operating licences of NGOs will be suspended if they did not follow the order of not employing women.

The ministry, which issues these licences, said it had received "serious complaints" that women working in NGOs were not observing a proper Islamic dress code.

"A meeting of Humanitarian Country Team (HCT) is scheduled later today to consult and discuss how to tackle this issue," Tapiwa Gomo, public information officer for the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, told AFP.

Top UN officials and representatives of dozens of Afghan and international NGOs are part of the HCT.

The United Nations, which said it would seek an explanation from the Taliban about the order, condemned the ministry's directive.

It said the order excluding women "systematically from all aspects of public and political life takes the country backward, jeopardising efforts for any meaningful peace or stability in the country".

(With inputs from agencies)

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Top United Nations officials and dozens of NGOs working in Afghanistan are set to hold a meeting in Kabul on Sunday (December 25) to decide the way ahead after Taliban imposed a ban on women working in NGOs.

Top United Nations officials and dozens of NGOs working in Afghanistan are set to hold a meeting in Kabul on Sunday (December 25) to decide the way ahead after Taliban imposed a ban on women working in NGOs. The latest order issued by the Taliban has resulted in global outcry. Governments and organisations have warned that Taliban's latest stance may impact humanitarian services in the country. Millions in Afghanistan are dependent on such aid. The latest restriction comes less than a week after the hardline Islamists banned women from attending universities, prompting global outrage and protests in some Afghan cities. Taliban's ministry of economy on Saturday threatened that operating licences of NGOs will be suspended if they did not follow the order of not employing women. The ministry, which issues these licences, said it had received "serious complaints" that women working in NGOs were not observing a proper Islamic dress code. "A meeting of Humanitarian Country Team (HCT) is scheduled later today to consult and discuss how to tackle this issue," Tapiwa Gomo, public information officer for the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, told AFP. Top UN officials and representatives of dozens of Afghan and international NGOs are part of the HCT. The United Nations, which said it would seek an explanation from the Taliban about the order, condemned the ministry's directive. It said the order excluding women "systematically from all aspects of public and political life takes the country backward, jeopardising efforts for any meaningful peace or stability in the country". (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Top UN officials, NGO representatives to meet after Taliban ban on women staff

WION Fineprint: Afghan women protest against the University Ban by Taliban

Afghanistan: Taliban divided over ban on women's education; US calls on Taliban to reverse ban

In another move to crackdown on the freedom of women, the Taliban-run government of Afghanistan on Saturday banned female employees from working in any foreign and local non-governmental organisations (NGOs), as stated in the letter of the economy ministry.&nbsp;

Economy ministry's spokesperson Abdulrahman Habib confirmed the letter in which it was stated that female employees are not permitted to work in NGOs until further notice because few employees have failed to adhere to the Islamic dress code for women, as interpreted by the Afghan administration.&nbsp;

There is no clarity on whether the order was also applicable to United Nations agencies, which are present in large numbers in Afghanistan.

ALSO READ| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-women-speak-to-wion-as-taliban-dismantles-their-right-to-education-campus-after-campus-545841">Afghan women speak to WION as Taliban dismantle their right to education, campus after campus</a>

This move to curb the freedom of Afghan women comes days after universities were ordered by the Taliban government to stop the entry of women.&nbsp;

The move was condemned globally and led to a few protests in Afghanistan. It was reported that water cannon was used by Taliban security forces to disperse Afghan women who were protesting against the ban imposed on university education.&nbsp;

In major cities, Afghan women held demonstrations, which was a rare visual of protest since the Taliban took over Afghanistan last year.

WATCH| Afghanistan: Taliban returns to archaic rules; woman flogged for shopping alone

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Meanwhile, G7 foreign ministers had stated the way women are being treated in Afghanistan by the Taliban may amount to "a crime against humanity", as they demanded that the ban imposed on women's education be reversed.

"Taliban policies designed to erase women from public life will have consequences for how our countries engage with the Taliban," the ministers had said in a statement.

(With inputs from agencies)

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In another move to crackdown on the freedom of women, the Taliban-run government of Afghanistan on Saturday banned female employees from working in any foreign and local non-governmental organisations (NGOs), as stated in the letter of the economy ministry.

In another move to crackdown on the freedom of women, the Taliban-run government of Afghanistan on Saturday banned female employees from working in any foreign and local non-governmental organisations (NGOs), as stated in the letter of the economy ministry. Economy ministry's spokesperson Abdulrahman Habib confirmed the letter in which it was stated that female employees are not permitted to work in NGOs until further notice because few employees have failed to adhere to the Islamic dress code for women, as interpreted by the Afghan administration. There is no clarity on whether the order was also applicable to United Nations agencies, which are present in large numbers in Afghanistan. ALSO READ| Afghan women speak to WION as Taliban dismantle their right to education, campus after campus This move to curb the freedom of Afghan women comes days after universities were ordered by the Taliban government to stop the entry of women. The move was condemned globally and led to a few protests in Afghanistan. It was reported that water cannon was used by Taliban security forces to disperse Afghan women who were protesting against the ban imposed on university education. In major cities, Afghan women held demonstrations, which was a rare visual of protest since the Taliban took over Afghanistan last year. WATCH| Afghanistan: Taliban returns to archaic rules; woman flogged for shopping alone Meanwhile, G7 foreign ministers had stated the way women are being treated in Afghanistan by the Taliban may amount to "a crime against humanity", as they demanded that the ban imposed on women's education be reversed. "Taliban policies designed to erase women from public life will have consequences for how our countries engage with the Taliban," the ministers had said in a statement. (With inputs from agencies)

Taliban's war on women: Female employees banned from working in NGOs

All public gatherings and meetings in Pakistan's capital Islamabad have been banned for two weeks after a suicide attack killed one police official and two terrorists of the Pakistani Taliban on Friday.

All public gatherings and meetings in Pakistan's capital Islamabad have been banned for two weeks after a suicide attack killed one police official and two terrorists of the Pakistani Taliban on Friday. A notification issued from the office of Deputy Commissioner (Islamabad) Irfan Nawaz Memon said late Friday that in light of recent advisories and threat alerts issued by the law enforcement agencies, and the attack on police, all kinds of corner meetings, gatherings and congregations in Islamabad will be prohibited for two weeks. ALSO READ | One cop, two Pakistani Taliban militants killed, 6 injured in suicide car bombing in Islamabad Memon said Islamabad's security had been beefed up to obviate the threats which could disrupt peace and tranquility causing damage to life and property, but the likelihood of such activities couldn't be ruled out in the coming days. خودکش دھماکہ کے بعدحفاظتی اقدامات کے پیش نظر شہرمیں 15دن کیلئے دفعہ144 نافذ کردی گئی خطرے کے پیش نظر شہرمیں ہرقسم کی کارنر میٹنگز،جلسے اور عوامی اجتماعات پہ پابندی ہوگی دفعہ 144 کا نفاذ لوکل باڈیز انتخابات اور اس سے متعلقہ سیاسی اجتماعات،جلسوں،کارنر میٹنگز پہ بھی ہوگا@ICTA_GoP pic.twitter.com/KiypXAc73n — Office of Deputy Commissioner Islamabad (@dcislamabad) December 23, 2022 × Also, political meetings at public places for the local body polls that will be held on December 31 have been banned. Pakistani Taliban claims responsibility for suicide blast The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), also known as the Pakistani Taliban, had claimed responsibility for the suicide blast. Senior police official Sohail Zafar Chattha told news agency AFP on Friday that officers were following a suspicious taxi with a man and a woman as its occupants. Chattha said the taxi was told to stop and the man was asked to exit the vehicle. "He came out, but quickly went back inside and pressed a button that blew up the car," the senior police official added. Six people were injured in the blast. The incident took place in Sector I-10/4 in Islamabad's upscale residential area, located barely 15 kilometres away from the garrison city of Rawalpindi. Islamabad is considered to be one of the safest cities in Pakistan and the bombing has raised fears of the presence of terrorists. On Friday, a TTP spokesperson said the suicide blast was done to avenge the death of senior leader Abdul Wali, who was killed in a roadside bombing in Afghanistan's Paktika province. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Islamabad bans public gatherings for two weeks after suicide car bombing killed three

Afghanistan's men have also joined the protest against the Taliban's decision to ban women from pursuing higher education. Male students at Afghanistan's Nangarhar University walked out of their exams in solidarity with their female peers. Videos of universities stopping female students from entering classrooms have taken over the internet.

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Male university students have walked out of their exam in protest against Taliban’s decision to BAN female students from university education. 
 
Several male professors have also resigned so far. 
 
This must happen across the country NOW!<a href="https://t.co/kvvsQdchSu">pic.twitter.com/kvvsQdchSu</a>
— Shabnam Nasimi (@NasimiShabnam) <a href="https://twitter.com/NasimiShabnam/status/1605484208276717569?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 21, 2022</a></blockquote>
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To join the protest, the university's male professors have also resigned. Obaidullah Wardak, a professor who served at Kabul University for 10 years, has resigned from his post.&nbsp;

On Tuesday, the Taliban's higher education ministry declared that Afghanistan's women would not be allowed to pursue education with immediate effect. The decision enraged students from universities across Afghanistan.

Women across Afghanistan are protesting on the streets against the decision. A group of female students from Kabul University marched outside the institution, chanting 'either everyone or no one.'&nbsp;

In Kandahar, a university denied their female students to sit for their final examinations.&nbsp;Furthermore, universities in Afghanistan have forcefully dismissed female students from their dormitories. Footages also show women being escorted out of the classroom while male students write their examinations.

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In Kandahar, girls are devastated as they are not allowed to participate in university exams while boys sit in the classroom. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LetHerLearn?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LetHerLearn</a> <a href="https://t.co/KWWSzF54Jv">pic.twitter.com/KWWSzF54Jv</a>
— Habib Khan (@HabibKhanT) <a href="https://twitter.com/HabibKhanT/status/1605465329269972992?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 21, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Taliban has banned women from travelling without a male relative or entering gyms and parks.&nbsp;

Taliban's barbaric and backward policies have drawn global attention. Afghans have launched a Twitter campaign with the hashtag #letherlearn. People across the world have made thousands of tweets in support of Afghanistan's women.&nbsp;

Habib Khan, the founder of Afghan Peace Watch, shared a video and tweeted, "Extremely sad and distressing to see these girls cry as they hear that they will no longer be able to continue their studies at the university. Stand with these women and girls of Afghanistan against the Taliban."

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In Kandahar, girls are devastated as they are not allowed to participate in university exams while boys sit in the classroom. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LetHerLearn?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LetHerLearn</a> <a href="https://t.co/KWWSzF54Jv">pic.twitter.com/KWWSzF54Jv</a>
— Habib Khan (@HabibKhanT) <a href="https://twitter.com/HabibKhanT/status/1605465329269972992?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 21, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Rashid Khan, former captain of Afghanistan's cricket team, tweeted, "Acquiring knowledge is a must. There is no doubt that women make up half of society."

(With inputs from agencies)

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Afghanistan's men have also joined the protest against the Taliban's decision to ban women from pursuing higher education. Male students at Afghanistan's Nangarhar University walked out of their exams in solidarity with their female peers.

Afghanistan's men have also joined the protest against the Taliban's decision to ban women from pursuing higher education. Male students at Afghanistan's Nangarhar University walked out of their exams in solidarity with their female peers. Videos of universities stopping female students from entering classrooms have taken over the internet. Male university students have walked out of their exam in protest against Taliban’s decision to BAN female students from university education. Several male professors have also resigned so far. This must happen across the country NOW!pic.twitter.com/kvvsQdchSu — Shabnam Nasimi (@NasimiShabnam) December 21, 2022 × To join the protest, the university's male professors have also resigned. Obaidullah Wardak, a professor who served at Kabul University for 10 years, has resigned from his post. On Tuesday, the Taliban's higher education ministry declared that Afghanistan's women would not be allowed to pursue education with immediate effect. The decision enraged students from universities across Afghanistan. Women across Afghanistan are protesting on the streets against the decision. A group of female students from Kabul University marched outside the institution, chanting 'either everyone or no one.' In Kandahar, a university denied their female students to sit for their final examinations. Furthermore, universities in Afghanistan have forcefully dismissed female students from their dormitories. Footages also show women being escorted out of the classroom while male students write their examinations. In Kandahar, girls are devastated as they are not allowed to participate in university exams while boys sit in the classroom. #LetHerLearn pic.twitter.com/KWWSzF54Jv — Habib Khan (@HabibKhanT) December 21, 2022 × Taliban has banned women from travelling without a male relative or entering gyms and parks. Taliban's barbaric and backward policies have drawn global attention. Afghans have launched a Twitter campaign with the hashtag #letherlearn. People across the world have made thousands of tweets in support of Afghanistan's women. Habib Khan, the founder of Afghan Peace Watch, shared a video and tweeted, "Extremely sad and distressing to see these girls cry as they hear that they will no longer be able to continue their studies at the university. Stand with these women and girls of Afghanistan against the Taliban." In Kandahar, girls are devastated as they are not allowed to participate in university exams while boys sit in the classroom. #LetHerLearn pic.twitter.com/KWWSzF54Jv — Habib Khan (@HabibKhanT) December 21, 2022 × Rashid Khan, former captain of Afghanistan's cricket team, tweeted, "Acquiring knowledge is a must. There is no doubt that women make up half of society." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

WATCH| Male students walk out of exam halls as Taliban ban university education for Afghan women

The Taliban regime in Afghanistan is increasingly drawing global criticism after their recent stance of not allowing women to attend universities. In response to this, Nida Mohammad Nadim, the Taliban's minister of higher education, broke his silence on Thursday and stated that the ban on women attending universities was put in place to prevent the mixing of the genders as well as because he thought some subjects being taught went against the teachings of Islam.

UK PM Rishi Sunak said on Wednesday (December 21) that Taliban's latest decision was a "grave step backwards" and that &nbsp;"the world is watching".

"The women of Afghanistan have so much to offer. Denying them access to university is a grave step backwards," the UK leader tweeted, adding: "We will judge the Taliban by their actions".

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As a father to daughters, I cannot imagine a world in which they’re denied an education. 
 
The women of Afghanistan have so much to offer. Denying them access to university is a grave step backwards. 
 
The world is watching. We will judge the Taliban by their actions.
— Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) <a href="https://twitter.com/RishiSunak/status/1605572798075871232?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 21, 2022</a></blockquote>
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The Taliban regime grabbed power immediately after US-led coalition forces left Afghanistan last year. Initially, the Taliban sought to assure the world that it will not revert to its radical ways as seen during their previous rule in late 1990s. They even said publicly that women would be allowed to attend universities.&nbsp;

However, the regime slowly began to roll back social progress that had been achieved in two decades under US-supported regime. Primary schools for girls were shut and unreasonable social restrictions on women made return.

The latest in the backward journey was Taliban's decision to prohibit women from going to universities.

The decision has already drawn sharp reactions from the United States and the United Nations

"It's another very troubling move and it's difficult to imagine how the country can develop, deal with all of the challenges that it has, without active participation of women and the education of women," said Stephen Dujarric, United Nations spokesperson.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/armed-guards-stop-women-from-entering-universities-following-taliban-ban-on-higher-education-for-females-545067">Armed guards stop women from entering Afghan universities after Taliban ban on higher education for females</a>

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said he was "deeply dismayed" due to the development.

"Deeply dismayed by the announcement from the Taliban denying women the right to a university education. Afghan women deserve better. Afghanistan deserves better," he said.

"The Taliban have just definitively set back their objective of being accepted by the international community."

(With inputs from agencies)

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The Taliban regime in Afghanistan is increasingly drawing global criticism after their recent stance of not allowing women to attend universities. In response to this, Nida Mohammad Nadim, the Taliban's minister of higher education, broke his silence on Thursday and stated that the ban on women attending universities was put in place to prevent the mixing of the genders as well as because he thought some subjects being taught went against the teachings of Islam.

The Taliban regime in Afghanistan is increasingly drawing global criticism after their recent stance of not allowing women to attend universities. In response to this, Nida Mohammad Nadim, the Taliban's minister of higher education, broke his silence on Thursday and stated that the ban on women attending universities was put in place to prevent the mixing of the genders as well as because he thought some subjects being taught went against the teachings of Islam. UK PM Rishi Sunak said on Wednesday (December 21) that Taliban's latest decision was a "grave step backwards" and that "the world is watching". "The women of Afghanistan have so much to offer. Denying them access to university is a grave step backwards," the UK leader tweeted, adding: "We will judge the Taliban by their actions". As a father to daughters, I cannot imagine a world in which they’re denied an education. The women of Afghanistan have so much to offer. Denying them access to university is a grave step backwards. The world is watching. We will judge the Taliban by their actions. — Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) December 21, 2022 × The Taliban regime grabbed power immediately after US-led coalition forces left Afghanistan last year. Initially, the Taliban sought to assure the world that it will not revert to its radical ways as seen during their previous rule in late 1990s. They even said publicly that women would be allowed to attend universities. However, the regime slowly began to roll back social progress that had been achieved in two decades under US-supported regime. Primary schools for girls were shut and unreasonable social restrictions on women made return. The latest in the backward journey was Taliban's decision to prohibit women from going to universities. The decision has already drawn sharp reactions from the United States and the United Nations "It's another very troubling move and it's difficult to imagine how the country can develop, deal with all of the challenges that it has, without active participation of women and the education of women," said Stephen Dujarric, United Nations spokesperson. Also Read | Armed guards stop women from entering Afghan universities after Taliban ban on higher education for females US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said he was "deeply dismayed" due to the development. "Deeply dismayed by the announcement from the Taliban denying women the right to a university education. Afghan women deserve better. Afghanistan deserves better," he said. "The Taliban have just definitively set back their objective of being accepted by the international community." (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

As #LetHerLearn protests grow, Afghan minister defends education ban on girls

Afghanistan: Taliban's move of ban over women's education unites rest of Muslim world

A group of Afghan women staged a defiant protest in Kabul against a Taliban order banning them from universities. A protester at the rally said "some of the girls" had been arrested by women police officers.

Afghanistan: Group of women hold protest over ban on university education

After announcing its decision of banning women students from studying at universities, Afghanistan's Taliban-run administration has doubled down on its stance. Nida Mohammad Nadim, Afghanistan's acting higher education minister in his first comments since the announcement of the blanket ban, said women were not adhering to the Taliban's interpretation of the Islamic dress code which prompted the decision.

After announcing its decision of banning women students from studying at universities, Afghanistan's Taliban-run administration has doubled down on its stance. Nida Mohammad Nadim, Afghanistan's acting higher education minister in his first comments since the announcement of the blanket ban, said women were not adhering to the Taliban's interpretation of the Islamic dress code which prompted the decision. "They didn't observe hijab (Islamic female dress code), they were coming with the clothes that mostly women wear to go to a wedding," said Nadim in an interview. Nadim also refused to accept any international criticism and said the ban order was Afghanistan's internal matter and that foreign nations should stop interfering. Taliban's statement comes on the same day when 50 women dressed in hijabs gathered in the capital city of Kabul for a peaceful protest. However, the Taliban security forces attacked the protest and managed to disperse the demonstrators. WATCH | Afghanistan: Group of women hold protest over ban on university education × According to local news agencies, several women were beaten up and journalists covering the protest were also detained. Read more: Armed guards stop women from entering Afghan universities after Taliban ban on higher education for females US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, speaking at an end-of-the-year news conference, took a gloomy look at the recent developments in Afghanistan. Blinked said the Taliban was sentencing the Afghan women 'to a dark future without opportunity' after announcing the ban. “Taliban have tried to sentence Afghan women to a dark future without opportunities. No country will be able to succeed, much less thrive if half of its population doesn't have the opportunity to contribute," said Blinken. “There are going to be costs if this is not reversed." After Taliban took over Afghanistan by scurrying the US security forces away, it promised to take a softer stance regarding women's education in the country. However, after accumulating good PR, the Taliban resorted to its default setting. The recent ban on university education for women is a gradual escalation by the terror outfit after it set up gender-segregated classrooms and entrances and only allowed women students to be taught by professors of the same sex or old men. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Taliban double down on women education ban, attack peaceful protesters, invite US condemnation

The US, UK and UN have criticised the Taliban's ban on Afghanistan women from universities. The Taliban have banned female students from private and public universities in Afghanistan. Girls are already banned from secondary school education in the country.

Afghanistan: Taliban fighters enforce university ban; Afghan women deprived of basic human rights

Germany on Thursday will put the issue of the Taliban banning university education for women in Afghanistan on the agenda of the G7. Germany has held the presidency of the G7 since January this year.&nbsp;Taking to Twitter on Wednesday, German foreign minister Annalena Baerbock hit out at the Taliban's decision and said its rulers decided to destroy Afghanistan's future by banning women from university education nationwide.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-led-ministry-suspends-university-education-for-afghan-girls-and-women-544909">Taliban-led ministry bans university education for Afghan girls and women</a>

"By destroying the future of girls and women in Afghanistan, the Taliban decided to destroy their own country’s future. I will put the issue on the agenda of the G7 tomorrow."

The Taliban may try to make women invisible but won’t succeed - the world is watching," Baerbock tweeted.&nbsp;

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By destroying the future of girls and women in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Afghanistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Afghanistan</a>, the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Taliban?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Taliban</a> decided to destroy their own country’s future. I will put the issue on the agenda of the G7 tomorrow. The Taliban may try to make women invisible, but won’t succeed - the world is watching.
— Außenministerin Annalena Baerbock (@ABaerbock) <a href="https://twitter.com/ABaerbock/status/1605514700782854145?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 21, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Several other countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and Pakistan have condemned the Taliban's decision to suspend university education for Afghanistan's women.&nbsp;

"Deeply dismayed by the announcement from the Taliban denying women the right to university education. Afghan women deserve better. Afghanistan deserves better," US secretary of state Antony Blinken said on Thursday.

On Wednesday, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said the ban was a "grave step backwards".

"The Taliban announced that they are suspending female students from attending universities, denying them the prospect of a better life. Equal access to all levels of education is a right to which every woman and every girl is entitled. We condemn this outrageous violation," Canadian foreign minister Melanie Joly said, news agency Reuters reported.&nbsp;

Pakistan, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-disappointed-by-ban-on-university-education-for-afghan-women-urges-kabul-to-revisit-decision-545093">while condemning the ban, urged the Taliban government</a> to revisit its decision.&nbsp;

The ban by the Taliban was announced on Tuesday by higher education minister Neda Mohammad Nadeem. "You all are informed to immediately implement the mentioned order of suspending education of females until further notice," Nadeem said in a letter issued to all government and private universities in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

Women university students were anguished with the ban on access to education. On Wednesday, hundreds of women students were stopped by armed guards from entering universities. "We are doomed. We have lost everything," a student told AFP on the condition of anonymity.

"We all felt like caged birds, we hugged each other, screamed, and cried 'why is this happening to us?" &nbsp;another student who was pursuing nursing in Kunduz, told the news agency.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
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Germany on Thursday will put the issue of the Taliban banning university education for women in Afghanistan on the agenda of the G7. Germany has held the presidency of the G7 since January this year.

Germany on Thursday will put the issue of the Taliban banning university education for women in Afghanistan on the agenda of the G7. Germany has held the presidency of the G7 since January this year. Taking to Twitter on Wednesday, German foreign minister Annalena Baerbock hit out at the Taliban's decision and said its rulers decided to destroy Afghanistan's future by banning women from university education nationwide. ALSO READ | Taliban-led ministry bans university education for Afghan girls and women "By destroying the future of girls and women in Afghanistan, the Taliban decided to destroy their own country’s future. I will put the issue on the agenda of the G7 tomorrow." The Taliban may try to make women invisible but won’t succeed - the world is watching," Baerbock tweeted. By destroying the future of girls and women in #Afghanistan, the #Taliban decided to destroy their own country’s future. I will put the issue on the agenda of the G7 tomorrow. The Taliban may try to make women invisible, but won’t succeed - the world is watching. — Außenministerin Annalena Baerbock (@ABaerbock) December 21, 2022 × Several other countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and Pakistan have condemned the Taliban's decision to suspend university education for Afghanistan's women. "Deeply dismayed by the announcement from the Taliban denying women the right to university education. Afghan women deserve better. Afghanistan deserves better," US secretary of state Antony Blinken said on Thursday. On Wednesday, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said the ban was a "grave step backwards". "The Taliban announced that they are suspending female students from attending universities, denying them the prospect of a better life. Equal access to all levels of education is a right to which every woman and every girl is entitled. We condemn this outrageous violation," Canadian foreign minister Melanie Joly said, news agency Reuters reported. Pakistan, while condemning the ban, urged the Taliban government to revisit its decision. The ban by the Taliban was announced on Tuesday by higher education minister Neda Mohammad Nadeem. "You all are informed to immediately implement the mentioned order of suspending education of females until further notice," Nadeem said in a letter issued to all government and private universities in Afghanistan. Women university students were anguished with the ban on access to education. On Wednesday, hundreds of women students were stopped by armed guards from entering universities. "We are doomed. We have lost everything," a student told AFP on the condition of anonymity. "We all felt like caged birds, we hugged each other, screamed, and cried 'why is this happening to us?" another student who was pursuing nursing in Kunduz, told the news agency. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Germany to put university education ban for Afghan women on G7 meeting agenda

The clock is turning back to the 1990s for the Afghan women as Taliban is back with yet another oppressive diktat. This time it has barred women from university education. Priyanka Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Taliban bans University Education for Women

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