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Afghanistan dedicated to protecting rights of all ethnic groups, women: Muttaqi
The interim government of Afghanistan has obtained achievements in protecting the rights of all ethnic groups as well as women and children since its establishment, said Afghanistan’s acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi quoted by Reuters on Wednesday.
Issues involving building an inclusive government and protecting the rights of ethnic groups as well as women and children are of great concern to the international community since the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan [IEA] announced the formation of Afghanistan’s interim government in September, which had just walked out of the quagmire of long-time war.
Muttaqi told the Chinese national broadcaster China Media Group (CMG) in an exclusive interview that the interim government has already done so on both accounts.
“If an inclusive government means to contain all ethnic groups, then the Afghanistan interim government has already done so with none of the nationalities being excluded. Our cabinet includes members of the Tajiks, Uzbeks, Pushtuns, and many others. If an inclusive government means to cover all regions, then we have representatives from every province across the country including those from Panjshir Province, Badakhshan Province, Faryab Province, Kandahar Province, and Nangahar Province,” he said.
According to Reuters during the IEA’s previous ruling in Afghanistan from 1996-2001, women and girls were forbidden from education.
It wasn’t until the 2001 U.S.-led invasion that women and girls began attending schools and universities.
With the fall of the IEA, more schools opened and female literacy reached 30 percent by 2018, according to the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), read the report.
The acting Foreign Minister said the interim government was now making efforts to push for progress in female education.
“As we all know, before Taliban [IEA] entered Kabul, schools here were shut down due to the novel coronavirus. While after we came here, everything started from the beginning. Currently, all primary and middle school male students have resumed classes. Female students below grade six in all provinces have resumed classes and those above grade six in some regions also have gradually resumed classes. That means we have made some progress in that aspect, instead of just standing still,” he said.
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.
Pakistan’s Ambassador to Afghanistan, Ubaid-ur-Rehman Nizamani, has urged the Afghan authorities to take concrete action against militant threats that Islamabad says originate from Afghan soil.
Speaking at an event at the Pakistan Embassy in Kabul marking the first anniversary of Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos against India, Nizamani reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to maintaining “brotherly ties” with Afghanistan.
The ambassador also highlighted Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts in reducing tensions between Iran and the United States, saying Islamabad’s initiatives reflected its commitment to regional and global peace.
During the ceremony, Nizamani reaffirmed Pakistan’s determination to defend itself against any aggression.
“Pakistan’s desire for peace must never be mistaken for weakness,” the ambassador said, calling for heightened vigilance against regional threats.
Pakistani officials have consistently claimed that militants use Afghan soil to attack Pakistan. The Islamic Emirate, however, has denied this claim and said that Afghanistan is not responsible for Pakistan’s security failures.
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
Afghanistan signs $20 million contract for gold mining in Kunduz
Bayat Power extends gas supply deal with Afghan Gas
New Afghanistan-China transport corridor launched via Turkmenistan
Afghanistan’s new cricket head coach Richard Pybus arrives in Kabul
Afghanistan moves toward self-sufficiency in car battery production
Germany to launch online visa system for Afghan study and work applicants in Pakistan
Tahawol: Afghanistan and Uzbekistan’s growing economic ties discussed
Saar: Afghanistan’s relations with the world discussed
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Saar: Problems and challenges of Afghan refugees in the world discussed
Tawsia: Discussion on Afghanistan’s economic path and position
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