Former Governor Criticizes Taliban’s Presence at Ceremony Honoring Afghanistan’s First Astronaut
Halim Fadai, a former governor in the republic system, criticized the Taliban administration’s attendance at the funeral ceremony of General Abdul Ahad Momand, Afghanistan’s first and only astronaut, calling it an example of “double standards” regarding science and education. He said that while the Taliban have shut the doors of education to a large part of society, participating in such ceremonies is perceived as an attempt to gain political legitimacy.
Fadai emphasized that Abdul Ahad Momand did not reach space through amulets, prejudice, or religious decrees but relied on science, research, and modern technology to become one of the symbols of the country’s scientific progress. According to him, Momand’s achievements were the result of investment in knowledge and contemporary education—a path now facing extensive restrictions.
The former governor added that while commemorating Momand’s name, the Taliban’s educational policies, especially towards girls and youth, have effectively limited access to education and widened Afghanistan’s gap from the caravan of science and progress. He described this approach as clearly contradictory to Momand’s scientific legacy.
Fadai asserted that genuine respect for scientific figures is not realized through attendance at funerals and speeches but is meaningful when the doors of schools and educational centers are opened to all Afghans, particularly girls. In his view, if the Taliban truly wish to honor Abdul Ahad Momand’s name and spirit, they must draw inspiration from the path of science and enlightenment rather than restrictions, because the astronaut’s core legacy is knowledge and progress.
