Senior Taliban Official Anas Haqqani Visits Renowned Afghan Historian Habibullah Rafi in Kabul

Anas Haqqani, a senior member of the Taliban administration, visited the home of Habibullah Rafi, a well-known historian and writer in the country, to meet and check on his well-being. According to released information, the visit was carried out for the purpose of inquiring about Professor Rafi’s health and engaging in conversation. No further details about the topics discussed between the two parties have been disclosed. Professor Habibullah Rafi returned to Afghanistan five days ago after residing in Canada for about four years. He is recognized as a prominent figure in the field of historiography and cultural research in Afghanistan, having authored numerous works on the country’s identity, language, and history. These meetings between Taliban officials and academic and cultural figures come amid recent years during which several university professors and researchers have left the country due to educational restrictions and a restrictive cultural environment. However, there are no clear or detailed policies announced regarding the Taliban administration’s practical and sustained support for academic institutions and university scholars.