Malaysian PM Says Recognition of Taliban Government Hinges on Women's Rights, Education

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim stated that recognition of the Taliban government depends on justice, women's rights, inclusivity, protections for ethnic groups and access to education.

Ibrahim made the remarks in a post on X following a phone call with Taliban Prime Minister Mohammad Hassan Akhund. He also discussed easing tensions between the Taliban and Pakistan, expressed support for mediation by Turkey, Qatar and Saudi Arabia, and said Malaysia would continue providing humanitarian aid to Afghanistan.

The comments mark the first time Ibrahim has publicly addressed Malaysia examining recognition of the Taliban. No Islamic country has formally recognized the Taliban since they took power in 2021.

The statement comes amid ongoing international concerns over restrictions on girls' education in Afghanistan. The new academic year has begun with girls excluded from secondary schools and universities, the fifth consecutive year for those above grade six.

UNICEF and UNESCO state Afghanistan is the only country barring girls and women from secondary and higher education, affecting 2.2 million people, with warnings of up to 4 million by 2030 if the policy remains unchanged.