Marshal Abdul Rashid Dostum, leader of the Afghanistan National Islamic Movement Party, has condemned the Taliban’s closure of the Khateb al-Nabieen Seminary in Kabul.
In a statement, Dostum accused the Taliban of closing the religious institution through what he described as “disrespect, discriminatory treatment, and bullying.” He strongly criticized the action and warned that the Taliban would face lasting condemnation for their treatment of the seminary.
Dostum said the Taliban would “remain disgraced in history” because of the decision, describing the closure as an example of discriminatory policies toward Afghanistan’s religious communities.
The Khateb al-Nabieen Seminary is a prominent religious institution associated with Afghanistan’s Shia community. Its reported closure has triggered criticism from Afghan political figures and others concerned about religious freedom and the treatment of minority communities under Taliban rule.
Dostum’s comments come amid growing reactions to recent Taliban actions affecting Shia religious institutions and Hazara community figures in Afghanistan. Critics have raised concerns that such measures could further restrict religious activities and deepen divisions among Afghanistan’s diverse communities.
The Taliban have not immediately responded to Dostum’s latest criticism or provided a detailed explanation regarding the closure of the seminary.
The former Afghan military commander remains a prominent opposition figure outside Taliban-controlled Afghanistan. His latest remarks add to calls for greater protection of religious institutions and equal treatment of Afghanistan’s religious and ethnic communities.