Afghanistan Roundup: Educational Restrictions, Border Reopening, and Railway Developments
The article discusses recent developments in Afghanistan, including new educational restrictions for girls, the reopening of the Torkham border, enhancements to railway connections, condemnation of Israeli actions in Gaza, and the challenges faced by Afghan women scholars due to USAID funding cuts.
The new school year in Afghanistan has commenced with significant restrictions on girls’ education, prohibiting them from attending classes beyond grade six. Mawlawi Habibullah Agha, the acting Education Minister, emphasized the necessity of combining religious and modern education for Afghanistan’s global engagement. While over 10 million students enroll, only boys will proceed to secondary and higher education, underscoring persistent gender-based educational limitations.
The Torkham border crossing between Pakistan and Afghanistan has reopened after a 27-day closure that arose from disputes over construction. Effective March 20, this reopening resulted from negotiations between jirga members of both nations and includes a ceasefire until April 15. The prior closure affected trade severely, with thousands of trucks stranded and significant financial losses incurred. Currently, cargo movement is permitted, and pedestrian movements will resume once necessary repairs are completed, with an agreement to cease new border constructions in effect.
Afghanistan is actively enhancing its railway connectivity with neighboring nations including Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Iran, and Pakistan. This initiative was highlighted at the International Peace and Trust conference in Turkmenistan, where Mohammad Ashraf Haqshanas of the Ministry of Public Works emphasized the role of railways in fostering regional economic growth and trade. United representatives from 100 countries addressed railway expansion and energy transmission issues to promote regional economic stability.
The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has vocally condemned the recent Israeli military actions in Gaza following over 300 Palestinian deaths, primarily affecting women and children. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs criticized these assaults as human rights violations and called for international solidarity with the Palestinian people, reiterating Afghanistan’s support for their cause as a legitimate right of the Islamic Ummah.
The continuing challenges faced by Afghan women scholars are exemplified by over 80 students studying in Oman with US-funded scholarships, who received temporary relief following cuts in USAID funding. The US State Department confirmed that these scholarships will remain valid until June 30, 2025, allowing these women to pursue graduate studies, especially in STEM fields. While appreciative of this provision, they remain concerned about their futures and the risks they may face upon returning to Afghanistan.
The current situation in Afghanistan reflects a complex interplay of educational restrictions, diplomatic negotiations, infrastructural development, humanitarian concerns, and international condemnation regarding human rights. The restrictions on girls’ education and the challenges faced by women scholars signify a significant barrier to gender equality. Meanwhile, the reopening of the Torkham border and the enhancement of railway connections may foster economic growth in the region. Afghanistan’s stance on international issues, such as the situation in Gaza, further highlights its continuing commitment to global humanitarian advocacy.
Original Source: globalsouthworld.com
