Islamabad [Pakistan], June 6: Nearly a hundred students, mostly girls, have been poisoned in Afghanistan's northern province of Sar-e-Pul, a local official said on Monday. The alleged poisoning happened on the weekend in two schools in the Sancharak district of the province, the head of the local information and culture department, UmairSarepuli, told DPA. Seven female teachers, one male teacher and a cleaner of the schools were among those affected, Sarepulisaid.The health condition of several students who were taken to the provincial hospital was good, the official added. The students were suffering from nausea and shortness of breath.
"We have no deaths, most of them have been discharged," the official said. It was not clear how many of the affected people in total were taken to hospital. Umair said he believed a substance was used in the classrooms that caused asthma as well as watery eyes and running noses. In a video shared online by the US-based Amu TV, a few students can be seen lying on hospital beds. No one has been arrested in connection with the incident. (DPA)
Poisonings of students occurred during the administration of the previous Afghan government, prior to the Taliban coming to power, but the exact reason and the main perpetrators were never identified.
In most cases, the former officials blamed "the enemies of the country and education."
However, this is the first time it is being reported following the Taliban's return to power in August 2021.
Since then, the Taliban have reimposed strict laws and regulations, including banning girls and women from accessing schools beyond grade six.
Despite national and international pressure, the Taliban authorities have not said they will reopen schools to girls. The Taliban are seeking international recognition as no country in the world has recognized their government yet.
Source: Qatar Tribune