RASC News Agency: Sources reveal that the Taliban have established dozens of orphanages across various provinces, including Kabul and Nangarhar, where children are subjected to systematic indoctrination aimed at fostering extremist ideologies. Within these facilities, the Taliban engage in propagandistic efforts to validate their rule. Senior figures, including leaders of the Haqqani suicide network, frequently visit these orphanages to oversee their operations and reinforce the group’s radical narrative. Reports indicate that over the past year, the Taliban have constructed more than ten orphanages with funding exceeding $2 million. These funds are sourced from the group’s own budget, contributions from Islamic nations, and donations from private businessmen.
One such orphanage in Maidan Wardak was reportedly built at a cost of $800,000. Another, named Imam Bukhari, was established in Paktika province with $500,000, while two additional centers in Zurmat district of Paktia and Khost province were constructed with budgets of $250,000 each. Previously, the Taliban claimed they had activated 39 orphanages across Afghanistan. A year ago, the Bakhtar News Agency reported the existence of 24 government-run and 30 private orphanages in the country. According to Taliban officials, there are now over 50 operational orphanages nationwide, accommodating more than 7,000 children.
Taliban leaders, including Sirajuddin Haqqani and other high-ranking members of the Haqqani suicide network, frequently visit these orphanages. They emphasize molding the children according to the group’s rigid and extremist interpretation of Islam. Inside these facilities, the focus is overwhelmingly on promoting war, jihad, and glorification of the Taliban regime. The Taliban are portrayed as the epitome of Islamic virtue, while other perspectives are systematically suppressed. Local residents have voiced concerns, accusing the Taliban of brainwashing vulnerable children and grooming them to serve as future suicide bombers. Critics describe this practice as a calculated effort to weaponize the younger generation for the group’s violent objectives.
This exploitation of children not only highlights the Taliban’s manipulative approach to education but also poses significant long-term threats to Afghanistan’s stability and global security.
