Overview

• The order, signed by Deputy Higher Education Minister Ziaur Rahman Aryoubi, was circulated at the end of August and took effect on 28 August.
• A 50-page blacklist prohibits teaching, citing, or using the texts, and universities were told to use materials that “do not conflict with Islam.”
• A member of the review committee told BBC Afghan that all books by women are barred from curricula, with at least 679 titles blacklisted across disciplines.
• Eighteen subjects were ordered dropped as “in conflict with Islamic sharia,” and 201 additional courses were flagged for review, including several focused on women.
• Sources say about 300 Iranian-authored or published works are targeted, and faculty warn the removal of core texts will cripple programs as a final consolidated list is pending.