Karzai renews call to reopen girls’ schools in Afghanistan

Former President Hamid Karzai has warned that continued restrictions on girls’ education and women’s employment could seriously damage Afghanistan’s stability and future progress.

In a message marking the start of the new school year, Karzai congratulated students and described the ringing of the school bell as a symbol of fresh hope for the country’s future.

He said education for all Afghan children, both girls and boys, is a basic pillar of development, self-reliance and a life of dignity.