Mohammad Khalid Hanafi, the Minister for the Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, has stressed the importance of implementing Sharia, the role of religious scholars, and the responsibility of media outlets in promoting what he described as Islamic values.

Speaking at an event attended by religious scholars, tribal elders and media officials in Herat province, Hanafi said that the definition of an Islamic system is based on the full implementation of Sharia, defending the oppressed, enforcing justice and guiding society according to religious teachings.

He said the Law on the Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice was not a law of the ministry or the Islamic Emirate, but rather, in his words, “the law of Allah and the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH),” adding that implementing it was not only the responsibility of ministry officials and inspectors but also the duty of every believer.

Hanafi highlighted the role of religious scholars and said that the pulpit is a platform for preaching and reform. He urged scholars to use this position to guide all sections of society toward what he described as truth and social improvement.

Addressing religious scholars, he said the pulpit is a place for bringing transformation and that reform can only come when messages of guidance and truth are delivered from religious platforms.

The minister also spoke about women’s rights, saying that those who, according to him, had previously harmed Afghan women and civilians with foreign support were now speaking about women’s rights. He argued that an Islamic system is the best protector of women’s rights and dignity within the framework of Sharia.

Hanafi further criticized what he called efforts by “biased individuals” to spread rumors and confuse public opinion. He called on religious scholars, community elders and media representatives to present what he described as facts to the public and support the system in this regard.

Addressing media officials, Hanafi said they have a responsibility to first apply the Law on the Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice within their own work and then communicate it to the public through their platforms. He said media outlets can play a role similar to the pulpit in delivering messages to society.

He also stated that all articles of the law were prepared based on Sharia and were intended, according to him, to ensure people’s rights.

Hanafi said international criticism of the ministry’s activities was linked to opposition to religious regulations. He also accused some groups of using propaganda against the ministry, including claims regarding the treatment of women in Herat province, which he described as rumors.

The minister called on media officials, religious scholars and community leaders to counter what he described as misinformation and provide accurate information to the public.

Pakistan’s mango industry is facing one of its toughest seasons, with farmers suffering heavy financial losses due to declining exports and worsening climate conditions.

A major factor has been the sharp fall in exports caused by geopolitical tensions, particularly the prolonged closure of the Pakistan-Afghanistan frontier. Afghanistan has traditionally been one of Pakistan’s largest markets for fresh produce because of its proximity, minimal sanitary requirements and role as a gateway to Central Asia.

Last year, Pakistan exported about 109,600 tonnes of mangoes, with Afghanistan accounting for 22,500 tonnes, or more than 20% of total exports. The previous season, exports to Afghanistan reached 28,700 tonnes. This year, however, Pakistan has exported no mangoes to Afghanistan despite shipping fruit to markets around the world.

The conflict in Iran has also disrupted exports to Gulf countries by affecting shipping routes, reducing vessel availability and increasing freight costs. As a result, exports to the United Arab Emirates—Pakistan’s largest mango market—have fallen sharply. Although shipments to Iran and Oman have risen, they have not offset losses elsewhere. By July 6, Pakistan had exported just 42,343 tonnes of mangoes, compared with 55,684 tonnes during the same period last year.

Climate change has further compounded growers’ problems. Erratic rainfall, prolonged heatwaves, rising temperatures and damaging windstorms during flowering and fruit development have reduced yields and fruit quality.

The changing climate has also increased pest and disease outbreaks. Mango malformation disease caused widespread damage in Sindh, while growers spent heavily on pesticides and fungicides with limited success. As a result, lower-quality B- and C-grade fruit make up a much larger share of this year’s crop than premium A-grade mangoes.

Some experts estimate climate-related stresses have cut production by 20 to 30 percent this season. Farmers now face lower yields, poorer quality fruit, rising production costs and weak market demand.

Growers in Sindh say low export volumes and falling prices have left many unable to recover even their production costs, raising concerns about the long-term viability of mango farming.

Domestic demand has also weakened as rising inflation and falling purchasing power make premium fruits increasingly unaffordable for many households.

The decline is reflected in the shrinking area under fruit cultivation, which fell from 0.80 million hectares in FY2013 to 0.69 million hectares in FY2024. Many farmers are replacing long-term orchards with annual crops that provide quicker and more reliable returns.

Experts say Pakistan must invest in climate-resilient fruit varieties, modern orchard management, value-added processing and diversified export markets if its horticulture sector is to remain competitive in the face of climate change and shifting global trade conditions.

The countdown is on for the inaugural Afghanistan Wrestling Premier League (AWPL), with just seven days remaining before the country’s newest national wrestling competition gets underway in Kabul.

The tournament will run from July 20 to July 29 at the AGDPES Gymnasium in Kabul, with matches scheduled daily from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

Ariana Radio and Television Network (ATN) will broadcast every match live and exclusively across Afghanistan after securing the league’s exclusive broadcasting rights under a five-year agreement with the Afghanistan Wrestling Federation.

The inaugural season is expected to feature around 350 wrestlers from across Afghanistan representing 10 regional teams and competing in 10 weight categories, making it one of the largest wrestling competitions ever staged in the country.

The championship was originally scheduled to be held from June 1 to June 10, but organisers postponed the event to allow additional time for preparations and to ensure better arrangements for athletes, teams and tournament operations.

Wrestling remains one of Afghanistan’s most popular traditional sports, and officials believe the launch of the Afghanistan Wrestling Premier League marks a significant step towards establishing a structured national competition that will strengthen the sport’s future.

Organisers also hope the league will provide greater exposure for Afghan wrestlers, create new opportunities for emerging talent and contribute to the long-term development of wrestling across the country.

ATN’s exclusive coverage of the tournament continues the network’s commitment to supporting Afghan sport by bringing major national and international competitions to audiences throughout Afghanistan.

Fans are encouraged to follow Ariana Television Network’s television channels, website and social media platforms for the full match schedule, team news and tournament updates ahead of the opening day.

The Afghanistan Wrestling Premier League Season 1 will be broadcast live and exclusively on Ariana Television Network (ATN) across Afghanistan.