Afghanistan Roundup: Doha conference, ban on girls education, Afghan trade

Doha Conference

The Afghan Taliban declined participation in a U.N.-sponsored conference on Afghanistan to convene in Doha, Qatar. The conference, initiated by U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, aimed to assemble member states and special envoys to discuss engagement with the Taliban. Despite the United Nations extending invitations to Afghan civil society representatives and anti-Taliban groups to engage with special envoys, the Taliban's refusal to participate complicates the proceedings, reports local media Afghanistan Times.

Ban on girls’ education condemned

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has condemned the ban on girls' access to education and employment in Afghanistan, calling for its immediate reversal. In a statement posted on the UN's social media platform X on February 20, Guterres emphasised the need to ensure that women and girls in Afghanistan have meaningful participation in all aspects of life. He stressed that they should have the opportunity to participate fully in Afghan society, from classrooms to decision-making tables, local media Khaama reported.

Munich Security Conference

Following the Munich Security Conference's announcement this year, the spokesperson of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan dismissed concerns expressed by foreign ministers of 12 European countries, stating that propaganda efforts by conspirators cannot impede Afghanistan's development. Mr. Mujahid, in a statement on X page, asserted that Afghanistan will continue to progress regardless of external announcements or concerns, local media Nunn reported. He emphasised ongoing developments as evidence contradicting the conference's concerns, accusing biased circles of disseminating misinformation and misrepresenting Afghanistan's image.

Girls in medical school

The Taliban have approved the enrollment of female high school graduates in state-run medical institutes in Afghanistan for the upcoming academic year beginning in March. The Ministry of Public Health of the Taliban has issued directives to recruit girls who have completed twelfth grade in government health institutes across several provinces, reports local media Etilaat Roz. Letters have been sent to the Public Health Departments of the mentioned provinces, instructing them to recruit these 12th-grade female graduates into health institutes.

Afghan trade

Afghanistan's trade landscape has witnessed a significant surge over the past nine months, with total imports and exports collectively reaching $7.5 billion. While exports amounted to $1.35 billion during this period, imports soared to $6.22 billion, resulting in a notable trade deficit for the country. A comparative analysis of the preceding period revealed a marginal decline in exports and a substantial rise in imports. Pakistan emerged as the leading destination for Afghan exports, followed closely by India and the UAE, local media Afghanistan Times reported.