Despite Ashraf Ghani’s self-proclaimed status as a democrat and supporter of women’s rights, the ousted Afghan president has remained largely silent on the plight of Afghan women under Taliban rule over the past three years. As Afghan girls face systematic exclusion from work and education, there is an urgent need for a unified stance from Afghan leaders against the Taliban’s current policies. Yet, Ghani appears preoccupied with developmental projects rather than addressing this pressing crisis.
Recently, Ghani reiterated his previous plans for Kabul’s development, highlighting the “Green Kabul” project. In a Facebook post on Thursday, January 2, he stated that the initiative aimed to green Kabul’s mountains and deserts while ensuring the Kabul River remained full year-round. He proposed greening Asmayee Mountain and Shir Gate to provide fresh air and tranquil spaces for citizens.
Critics, however, argue that Ghani is ignoring the pressing needs of Afghan women and girls, whose right to work and education has been systematically stripped away under Taliban rule. They question why Ghani prioritizes long-term development projects over addressing immediate human rights issues.
Moreover, detractors point out that many of Ghani’s proposed projects remained unimplemented during his presidency. Under the Taliban’s current governance, implementing such ambitious plans appears not only improbable but entirely impractical.
While Ghani’s focus on development might be an attempt to maintain relevance, his silence on the challenges facing Afghan women raises concerns about his commitment to human rights. Critics see this as a form of evasion, suggesting that Ghani and his team may have political motivations behind their lack of engagement.
For Afghan women and girls, who face an uncertain future under the Taliban’s oppressive policies, the absence of vocal support from influential figures like Ashraf Ghani represents a missed opportunity. For many, his silence feels like an abdication of responsibility at a critical juncture in Afghanistan’s history.
