Farooq Azam, a senior preacher and advisor to the Taliban’s Ministry of Water and Power, stated in a letter to his son that he was arrested and imprisoned by the Taliban in Afghanistan for advocating women’s education, highlighting the importance of modern sciences, and pointing out weaknesses in the Taliban’s “Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice” policies.
In his letter, he expressed readiness to endure even harsher treatment for the sake of women’s education and the country.
He wrote: “My case is about women’s education, modern sciences, and identifying flaws in the law of Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice. These are causes for which I am prepared to face severe consequences.”
During the earthquake in Kunar, Farooq Azam had called for female doctors to be sent to affected areas, saying it should serve as a lesson to those who oppose women’s education.
It is reported that he was arrested a day earlier by order of Taliban leader Mullah Hibatullah due to his public statements against Taliban policies.
Farooq Azam: I Was Imprisoned by the Taliban for Defending Women’s Education and Rights
