Afghanistan Roundup: Educational Restrictions, Border Reopening, and Railway Developments

Afghanistan’s new school year opens with girls barred from grades beyond six. The Torkham border reopens after a 27-day closure affecting trade. Railway connections with neighboring countries are pursued to bolster regional development. The Islamic Emirate condemns Israeli attacks in Gaza. Afghan women scholars benefit from temporary continuation of scholarships despite US funding cuts.

The new school year in Afghanistan has commenced amidst strict educational limitations, wherein girls are barred from attending classes beyond the sixth grade. Mawlawi Habibullah Agha, the acting Education Minister, stressed the dual importance of religious and modern education for Afghanistan’s global engagement. While over 10 million children, predominantly boys, are allowed to attend school through grade twelve, the prohibition on higher education for girls underscores ongoing gender-based educational restrictions in the nation.

Following a 27-day closure due to disputes over construction activities, the Torkham border crossing between Pakistan and Afghanistan has reopened, as reported by ANI. Effective March 20, this reopening follows negotiations by jirga members from both nations, implementing a ceasefire lasting until April 15. The prior closure disrupted significant trade, leaving 5,000 trucks stranded and causing substantial financial losses. Current operations at the border allow for cargo movement, with pedestrian actions to resume post repairs of critical infrastructure.

Afghanistan is endeavoring to improve its railway connections with neighboring countries including Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Iran, and Pakistan. Highlighted during the International Peace and Trust conference in Turkmenistan, Mohammad Ashraf Haqshanas, spokesperson for the Ministry of Public Works, emphasized the important role of railways in fostering regional economic growth and trade facilitation. The conference attracted representatives from 100 nations to discuss railway expansion and energy transmission issues, aimed at enhancing economic stability in the region.

The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has issued a strong condemnation concerning the recent Israeli military actions in Gaza, which have led to more than 300 Palestinian fatalities, notably among women and children. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs denounced these incidents as human rights violations, urging global solidarity with the Palestinian people. Afghanistan reaffirmed its support for the Palestinian cause, viewing it as an inherent right of the Islamic Ummah, as reported by Ilkha.

The situation for Afghan women scholars remains precarious, with a temporary reprieve for over 80 women studying in Oman under US-funded scholarships following budget cuts from USAID. The US State Department confirmed that these scholarships would remain active until June 30, 2025. This extension enables these women, who fled the Taliban regime that imposes educational restrictions on females, to pursue graduate studies, especially in STEM fields. Despite gratitude for continued support, these scholars express concerns regarding their futures and potential risks upon returning to Afghanistan, according to BBC.

In summary, Afghanistan has commenced its new school year with considerable restrictions on girls’ education, a situation reflecting ongoing gender disparities. The reopening of the Torkham border signifies a positive development for trade relations following significant disruptions. Meanwhile, efforts to enhance railway connections and support the Afghan economy continue. Furthermore, the condemnation of actions in Gaza illustrates Afghanistan’s vocal stance on global human rights issues, while the precarious situation of Afghan women scholars underlines ongoing educational challenges. Overall, these developments illustrate the complexities and challenges faced by Afghanistan on multiple fronts.

Original Source: globalsouthworld.com