Afghanistan’s new school year has started with restrictions preventing girls from attending school beyond sixth grade. The Torkham border reopened after a lengthy closure, while railway connections with neighboring countries are being pursued. The Islamic Emirate condemned the recent Israeli attacks in Gaza, and Afghan women scholars received temporary reprieve from funding cuts for their studies abroad.
The new academic year in Afghanistan has commenced under stringent policies that inhibit girls from attending classes beyond the sixth grade. Mawlawi Habibullah Agha, the acting Minister of Education, emphasized the necessity of both religious and modern education for Afghanistan’s global engagement. While over ten million children will attend school, comprising boys from grades one through twelve and girls up to grade six, the prohibition on higher education for girls reflects ongoing gender disparities in the educational sector.
The Torkham border crossing between Pakistan and Afghanistan reopened after a closure lasting 27 days, resulting from disputes over construction activities. Effective March 20, this reopening followed negotiations between regional jirga members and includes a ceasefire until April 15. The previous closure caused significant trade disruptions, leaving approximately 5,000 trucks stranded and inflicting financial losses in the millions. Currently, cargo movement is permitted, with pedestrian access set to resume after essential repairs are completed. Both nations have agreed to suspend border checkpost constructions.
Afghanistan is actively working to enhance its railway connections with neighboring countries, including Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Iran, and Pakistan. This effort was highlighted at the International Peace and Trust conference in Turkmenistan, where Mohammad Ashraf Haqshanas, spokesperson for the Ministry of Public Works, addressed the importance of railways for boosting regional economic growth and facilitating trade. The conference convened representatives from 100 countries to discuss railway expansion and energy transmission issues, with a focus on promoting regional economic stability.
The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has strongly condemned the Israeli military operations in Gaza, which have resulted in over 300 Palestinian deaths, mostly among women and children. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned these actions as human rights violations, calling for global solidarity with the Palestinian people. Afghanistan reiterated its unwavering support for the Palestinian cause as a legitimate right of the Islamic Ummah.
The situation for Afghan women scholars remains dire as over 80 female students in Oman, who are recipients of US-funded scholarships, had initially faced funding cuts due to reduced allocations from USAID. However, the US State Department has announced that their scholarships will continue until June 30, 2025, allowing these women, who fled restrictive educational conditions under the Taliban, to pursue graduate studies, particularly in STEM fields. Despite the financial extension, these scholars remain concerned about their future and potential risks upon returning to Afghanistan.
In summary, Afghanistan faces significant challenges as it navigates educational restrictions for girls and ongoing geopolitical issues. The reopening of the Torkham border is a positive development for trade, while efforts to enhance railway connectivity hold promise for regional economic growth. Furthermore, Afghanistan’s condemnation of the Israeli actions in Gaza and the precarious situation of Afghan women scholars underlines the urgent need for continued international attention and support for human rights within the country.
Original Source: globalsouthworld.com