Dawat University in Kabul, reportedly owned by Abdul Rab Rasul Sayyaf, a former jihadist leader and political opponent of the Taliban, has suspended its academic, educational, and administrative activities after the deadline set by the Taliban expired.

In a statement, the university administration said the Taliban had taken control of the educational institution without the consent of its administration and founders and had appointed new individuals to manage it. The statement said the Taliban had taken the action without providing a “religious, legal, or administrative” justification, and that the university’s administration and founders did not consider the changes legitimate.

Dawat University emphasized that all academic, educational, and administrative activities would remain suspended until the legal status of the institution is clarified. The university administration also said that, due to interference in the university’s property, facilities, and administration, it is currently impossible for the institution to continue its normal operations.

Media outlets had previously reported that the Taliban’s Ministry of Justice ordered Dawat University, associated with Abdul Rab Rasul Sayyaf, to suspend its activities and vacate the university building. According to those reports, a one-week deadline had been given to implement the order.

Abdul Rab Rasul Sayyaf is a former Afghan political and jihadist figure who has taken critical positions toward the Taliban in recent years. Media reports have said that Sayyaf has repeatedly criticized the Taliban’s policies and performance in recent months and has also been identified as a member of the High Council of Resistance for the Salvation of Afghanistan.

Dawat University said the institution is a private academic and educational center with nearly four decades of history and has educated thousands of young people in various fields. According to information published by the university, more than 10,000 students have graduated from its bachelor’s and master’s programs, while around 1,500 students were enrolled in 14 programs at those levels.

The suspension of the university’s activities has now created uncertainty over the future of its students, professors, and employees. It remains unclear how students’ academic records, examinations, and graduation processes will be handled if the dispute continues.

The closure of Dawat University comes as several other educational institutions have faced restrictive decisions by the Taliban in recent weeks. Among them, the operating licenses of Khatam al-Nabieen Private University in Kabul and Ghazni were revoked, and its activities were suspended. The Taliban cited administrative and educational reasons and alleged violations of certain principles, while the university’s owner rejected those allegations.

In the case of Dawat University, however, unless the Taliban formally and publicly provide documented reasons for the decision and the university’s legal and administrative status is clarified, the ultimate reason for the move will remain a matter of debate.

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