'I hide to cry': Torment of Afghan fathers as daughters deprived of education

The plight of Afghan fathers grappling with the education ban for their daughters has become increasingly dire. Interviews reveal deep emotional turmoil as these men express despair over the Taliban's ruling, which halts girls' education beyond primary school. Many fathers, despite their religious beliefs, question the justification for this ban, highlighting a significant disconnect between traditional interpretations of Islam and the need for modern education.

The ban, which has persisted since the Taliban regained power, has left approximately one million girls without access to secondary education. Fathers are not only mourning the loss of their daughters' educational opportunities but also facing societal pressure, as a majority of Afghan men support girls' education. Some have even faced imprisonment for protesting against the restrictions.

As the situation continues to unfold, the emotional and psychological impact on families is profound. Fathers like Engineer Ahmad lament the future of their daughters, fearing that without education, they will be ill-equipped for the demands of contemporary society. The Taliban's insistence that the ban is temporary offers little solace to those affected.