RASC News Agency: The head of the Taliban’s Department of Preaching and Guidance at the Ministry of Higher Education has issued a directive prohibiting the use of black cloaks and caps at university graduation ceremonies. In an audio message, Shakerullah Wahdat warned university officials that any disobedience to this order would be considered an act of rebellion against the Taliban.
He emphasized that this directive must be strictly enforced and adhered to. In the recently released audio message, Wahdat addressed university officials, stating: “Graduation ceremonies are approaching, and my serious request is that you take this matter seriously. Adhere to the dress code of white cloaks and caps at universities. If anyone refuses to comply, it will be considered an act of disobedience and rebellion against the Emirate.”
Wahdat expressed concern about the issue becoming public, stating that he preferred to communicate via audio messages to avoid media attention. “If we send an official letter to [universities], the media will broadcast it, creating noise and problems,” he said. He added that the audio message should suffice for everyone to understand and comply with the directive. This follows reports from students in Paktia that the Taliban have prohibited the wearing of black caps and cloaks, traditionally worn at graduation ceremonies.
Apparently, Taliban officials have stated that black caps and cloaks are considered Western cultural symbols and are therefore banned. According to a document from Paktia University, which has been obtained by the media, clapping at graduation ceremonies has also been strictly prohibited. It is noteworthy that the Taliban have previously imposed other restrictions on graduation ceremonies. Last year, the group ordered that graduation celebrations should not be held outside the university premises.
