Afghanistan Roundup: Educational Restrictions for girls, border reopening, railway connections
New school year restrictions for girls
Afghanistan's new school year has begun under a restrictive policy that prohibits girls from attending classes beyond the sixth grade News.az reports. The acting Education Minister, Mawlawi Habibullah Agha, stressed the importance of both religious and modern education for Afghanistan's engagement on a global scale. While over 10 million children will attend school—boys from grades one to twelve and girls up to grade six—the ban on higher education for girls highlights ongoing gender-based educational limitations in the country.
Torkham border reopens after 27 days
The Torkham border crossing between Pakistan and Afghanistan has reopened after a 27-day closure due to disputes over construction activities. ANI reports that the reopening, effective March 20, followed negotiations between jirga members from both nations and includes a ceasefire lasting until April 15. The previous closure had caused significant trade disruptions, with 5,000 trucks stranded and an estimated financial loss of millions. As of now, the border permits cargo movement, with pedestrian passages set to resume after critical repairs are carried out. Both countries have also agreed to halt the construction of checkposts in the border area.
Railway connections
Afghanistan is actively pursuing enhancements to its railway connections with neighbouring countries such as Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Iran, and Pakistan. This initiative, according to Pajhwok Afghan News, was underscored at the International Peace and Trust conference held in Turkmenistan, where Mohammad Ashraf Haqshanas, spokesperson for the Ministry of Public Works, highlighted the crucial role of railways in regional economic growth and trade facilitation. The conference brought together representatives from 100 countries to address railway expansion along with issues pertaining to energy transmission, thereby aiming to bolster economic stability within the region.
Afghanistan’s Islamic Emirate condemns Israeli assault on Gaza
The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has expressed severe condemnation of the recent Israeli military operations in Gaza, which have resulted in over 300 Palestinian deaths, predominantly among women and children. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs denounced these acts as violations of human rights, advocating for global solidarity with the Palestinian populace. Afghanistan reiterated its support for the Palestinian cause, perceiving it as a legitimate right of the Islamic Ummah, Ilkha reports.
Effects of USAID cuts on Aghan women students
The plight of Afghan women scholars remains critical as more than 80 women studying in Oman under US-funded scholarships received a temporary reprieve after initial funding cuts due to reduced USAID allocations. The US State Department has confirmed that these scholarships will continue until June 30, 2025, allowing these women, who fled the Taliban government where educational opportunities for females are severely restricted, to pursue graduate studies, particularly in STEM fields. While grateful for the financial extension, these scholars remain apprehensive about their future and the potential risks upon returning to Afghanistan, BBC reports.
