The Ampang MP also called on other progressive Islamic countries to send female representatives to the crisis-stricken country to do the same.

In a statement, Zuraida recalled how women were “generally considered second-class citizens whose rights were often denied by the government,” when she last visited the country during a 2002 aid mission, shortly after the US began its invasion of the country to overthrow the Taliban.

“In the 20 years since Afghanistan was abandoned by the Taliban, we see opportunities have opened up for women and girls there to gain knowledge and venture into various fields such as science and technology.

“Now, the Taliban has returned to reclaim the reins of government in a country they had left behind.”

However, since the Taliban’s recent and forceful return to power, Zuraida said its leaders had offered a “little ray of hope” that this progress may continue through their stated stance that girls will be allowed to continue attending school.

“Now, we have to look at the extent of the Taliban’s commitment to continue allowing such things to be implemented.

“I believe that if the whole world is united, we will be able to put pressure on the Taliban to no longer adopt their outdated rules.”

She said there was much the Taliban could learn from Malaysia, such as optimising the role of women in politics, education, the economy and society.

“While changing their thinking is difficult, we must continue to find ways so that women and girls in Afghanistan have the opportunity to advance themselves for the sake of achieving a better future.”