Afghanistan’s new school year restricts girls’ education beyond grade six. The Torkham border has reopened after a 27-day closure, facilitating trade. Efforts to improve railway links are underway to boost regional economic integration. The Islamic Emirate condemned Israeli actions in Gaza while Afghan women scholars face uncertainty due to funding cuts despite temporary reprieve for scholarships.
The new school year in Afghanistan has commenced under policies restricting girls’ education beyond the sixth grade. Mawlawi Habibullah Agha, the acting Education Minister, emphasized the necessity of both religious and modern education for global engagement. While around 10 million children are enrolled, with boys in grades one to twelve and girls up to grade six, the ongoing ban on higher education for girls continues to highlight the gender-based educational limitations in the nation.
After a 27-day closure due to disputes over construction, the Torkham border crossing between Pakistan and Afghanistan reopened on March 20. Negotiations led by jirga members from both countries, resulting in a ceasefire until April 15, facilitated the reopening. The prior closure had stranded 5,000 trucks, incurring significant financial losses for both nations. Currently, the border allows cargo movement, with pedestrian traffic expected to resume following necessary repairs and an agreement to halt new checkpost constructions.
Afghanistan is enhancing its railway connections with neighboring countries, including Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Iran, and Pakistan. This initiative was highlighted at the International Peace and Trust conference in Turkmenistan, where spokesperson Mohammad Ashraf Haqshanas underscored railways’ vital role in regional economic development and trade facilitation. The conference convened representatives from 100 countries to discuss railway expansion and energy transmission issues, aiming to promote economic stability.
The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan condemned the Israeli military operations in Gaza, which have led to over 300 Palestinian deaths, mainly among women and children. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs criticized these acts as human rights violations and called for global solidarity with the Palestinian people, reaffirming Afghanistan’s support for the Palestinian cause as a legitimate right of the Islamic Ummah.
The situation for Afghan women scholars is precarious due to funding cuts impacting US-funded scholarships. However, over 80 women studying in Oman secured temporary funding, extending support until June 30, 2025. Although this extension allows them to pursue graduate studies in STEM fields, they remain concerned about their future and risks upon returning to a severely restrictive educational environment under the Taliban government.
In summary, Afghanistan faces significant educational challenges for girls, notably restrictions beyond the sixth grade. Meanwhile, the reopening of vital border crossings signals progress in trade relations, while efforts to enhance railway connections aim to stimulate economic growth. The government’s condemnation of violence in Gaza reflects its supportive stance on international human rights. Lastly, the precarious future of Afghan women scholars, contingent on US funding, highlights ongoing gender inequalities in education.
Original Source: globalsouthworld.com
