Habib Hakimyar Questions Taliban Minister’s ‘Online’ Oxford IT Degree

Habib Hakimyar, son of Gulbuddin Hakimyar, leader of the Islamic Party, cast doubt on the appointment of the Taliban’s new Minister of Communications and Information Technology by sharing sarcastic remarks. He claimed that the minister obtained his doctoral degree in IT online from Oxford University while serving in Faryab province.

He pointed out that the newly appointed minister previously held positions as a military commander and governor in Helmand province. Now, based on this alleged “online education,” he has been appointed to a technical and specialized role within the country.

Habib Hakimyar indirectly questioned the academic background and professional qualifications of this official and raised concerns about how the minister’s educational advancement occurred so suddenly. These statements come amid ongoing opacity regarding the criteria for selection and verification of the educational credentials of Taliban administration officials.

His comments echo earlier criticisms made by Sami Yousufzai and other analysts who argue that within the current Taliban structure, military backgrounds and loyalty are prioritized over professional expertise and experience. This issue has reignited debates about meritocracy and hiring standards within the country’s technical institutions.