In a first, 30 women get driving license in Faryab

MAIMANA (Pajhwok): For the first time, 30 girls and women have received driving license after completing a 21-day course in northwestern Faryab province, an official said on Saturday.

Col. Abdul Latif Khairkhwa, deputy head of Traffic Department, told Pajhwok Afghan News 60 women with support of the Women Affairs Department were introduced to them for learning driving and getting license.

He said in the first phase, 30 women were taught theory and practical lessons and were issued driving licenses as well. He added the remaining 30 candidates would start their course.

Asela Ahmadzai, a local journalist who got a driving license, said learning driving was vital for every member of society including women.

She added women could manage emergency situation in absence of a taxi and a driver at home.

Waheeda Lodin, an employee with an NGO, who obtained her driving license, believed that learning driving was the need of hour and there was no restriction on women to learn driving.

“The law clearly explains the issue and there is no bar on women driving from religious point of view.”

Nh/ma