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Afghan Prime Minister addresses nation in first voice message
The Prime Minister of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA), Mullah Mohammad Hassan Akhund, addressed the nation for the first time on Saturday in a half-hour audio message.
“The Islamic Emirate is not the cause of unemployment and the poor economic situation in Afghanistan, all these problems are the legacy of the previous government,” he told the nation.
In the message, Akhund called on the people of Afghanistan to support the government of the Islamic Emirate and stressed that the Islamic Emirate (IE) has fulfilled its promises.
He acknowledged that there were economic problems in the country, but said that the “sustenance of the people” was not promised by the government of the Islamic Emirate, that it was from Allah, and that Allah was testing his servants.
“In the past, people did not have a place to spend the day and night, but now there is an atmosphere where security is everywhere,” he said.
Addressing IE members and forces, Akhund said: “I call on all the people and the Mujahideen to stand side by side in the formation and stability of this Islamic system and work for a better future.
“We work day and night to solve people’s problems beyond our human capacity. We have formed various commissions and committees to coordinate matters, all of which are working,” he said.
“People who enter people’s homes are not Mujahideen, they are armed thieves dressed as Mujahideen and doing evil deeds,” he stressed.
Akhund said: “All governors, commanders and officials are strongly instructed to open your gates to the people, otherwise the gates of Allah’s mercy will be closed to you.”
He rejected the criticism of the structure of the government. He claimed that the government of the Islamic Emirate was “inclusive” and that the rights of all classes were guaranteed.
“The decision to integrate the system must be made by the people,” he said.
In his message he asked, “Did the previous government create an inclusive system in which two departments operated in the same place and each had its own supporters?”
He claimed that “in the current system, any nation and section can see itself.”
Akhund also claimed that “the Islamic Emirate has guaranteed women’s rights.”
“Education is mandatory for both men and women. We hope all women have access to education.”
However, Akhund emphasized that “the Islamic Emirate has given women’s rights, dignity and chastity.”
He also assured neighboring countries that there is no threat to them from the IEA.
“We have already told our neighbors and we are still telling them that we will not harm you,” he said.
He added that we are thinking about rebuilding our country.
“We do not have a policy of interfering in the internal affairs of other countries,” he said.
This is his first message to the nation since the IEA takeover in Afghanistan in August.
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Afghanistan seeks closer trade cooperation with Uzbekistan
Uzbek officials also unveiled plans to open trade chambers in Russia, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan to help boost exports and improve market access for regional products.
Afghanistan has called on Uzbekistan to establish a coordination and liaison office at the Termez border market to strengthen direct business ties between the private sectors of the two countries.
The proposal was discussed during a meeting in Mazar-i-Sharif between Nooruddin Azizi, Afghanistan’s Minister of Industry and Commerce, and Amanbai Orynbaev, Chairman of the Supreme Council of Uzbekistan’s Karakalpakstan region.
During the talks, both sides explored opportunities to expand cooperation in the export of Afghan cotton, coal, fresh and dried fruits, as well as joint projects in food production, construction materials, tourism, pharmaceutical manufacturing, mineral processing, and investment in key economic sectors.
Uzbek officials also unveiled plans to open trade chambers in Russia, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan to help boost exports and improve market access for regional products.
As part of the visit, the Uzbek delegation inaugurated an expo of national products in Mazar-i-Sharif aimed at promoting trade and economic cooperation between the two neighbouring countries.
The Embassy of Japan in Afghanistan has announced scholarship opportunities for Afghan students under the Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship Program for the 2027 academic year.
According to the embassy, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) of Japan is offering scholarships for graduate-level study at Japanese universities under the research student category, including both regular and non-regular students.
Interested and eligible applicants can download the application guidelines and forms from the official Study in Japan website and are advised to carefully review all requirements before applying.
Applicants who meet the eligibility criteria and have prepared all required documents must submit their applications by 25 May 2026. The embassy said late or incomplete submissions will not be accepted.
The first screening process will include a written examination in Kabul on 18 June 2026, followed by interviews scheduled for July 2026 (date to be confirmed).
The Embassy of Japan noted that the Aga Khan Foundation Afghanistan will assist in collecting applications and facilitating written examinations, but will not be involved in the selection process.
It further emphasized that the selection will be conducted independently by the embassy and the Japanese government, based on academic merit, quality of application documents, and performance in written and interview examinations, without consideration of religious, linguistic, or ethnic background.
The scholarship program is fully funded and free of charge. The embassy warned applicants to remain cautious against scams, stressing that no financial contributions are required at any stage of the application process.
Abdul Salam Hanafi, Deputy Prime Minister for Administrative Affairs, has launched the distribution of more than 1,000 residential land plots for returning migrants in Logar province.
During a visit to Logar, Hanafi inaugurated a new township and said the initiative aims to support Afghan returnees by providing them with housing opportunities and improving settlement conditions.
He called for speeding up the process of distributing residential plots designated for migrants, stressing the importance of timely implementation.
“We inaugurated this township today, which includes more than 1,000 plots. These plots will be distributed to migrants. In addition, other townships will also be constructed soon,” he said.
Hanafi also noted that over the past three years, more than five million Afghan migrants have returned from neighboring countries, adding that efforts are underway to provide them with essential services and support their reintegration.
Afghanistan seeks closer trade cooperation with Uzbekistan
Japan announces MEXT scholarships for Afghan students for 2027 academic year
New township to provide over 1,000 land plots for returnees in Logar
Ariana Afghan Airlines lowers cargo rates on Kabul–Delhi route to boost exports
Pakistan ambassador urges Afghan authorities to act against militant threats
Bayat Power extends gas supply deal with Afghan Gas
New Afghanistan-China transport corridor launched via Turkmenistan
Afghanistan moves toward self-sufficiency in car battery production
Germany to launch online visa system for Afghan study and work applicants in Pakistan
War driving hidden climate crisis in Middle East, think tank warns
Tahawol: Afghanistan and Uzbekistan’s growing economic ties discussed
Saar: Afghanistan’s relations with the world discussed
Tahawol: Discussion on unknown fate of Middle East crisis
Saar: Problems and challenges of Afghan refugees in the world discussed
Tawsia: Discussion on Afghanistan’s economic path and position
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