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Afghanistan seeks peace but will defend its territory, says defense minister
In an interview with Al Jazeera, Mujahid clarified that the Afghan delegation’s participation in talks in Doha came after mutual agreement and at the request of international mediators.
Afghanistan’s Defense Minister, Mullah Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid, has stated that recent border clashes with Pakistan were defensive in nature, asserting that Afghanistan has never initiated conflict and was merely responding to violations of its territory.
In an interview with Al Jazeera, Mujahid clarified that the Afghan delegation’s participation in talks in Doha came after mutual agreement and at the request of international mediators. The aim, he said, was to resolve tensions through diplomatic means.
He confirmed that the next round of talks will take place in Türkiye, where both sides are expected to develop concrete mechanisms for implementing the Doha agreement and improving bilateral ties.
“Pakistan labels its opposition groups as terrorists, but Afghanistan’s stance is clear — we do not support armed attacks against any country, including Pakistan, and we will not allow Afghan soil to be used for such purposes,” Mujahid stated.
The Defense Minister underscored Afghanistan’s desire for peaceful relations, regional cooperation, and the protection of its citizens. He emphasized that the Islamic Emirate is focused on fostering neighborly ties, expanding trade, and ensuring national security.
Describing the Doha agreement as a framework for mutual respect, Mujahid said it serves as a guarantee for both countries to uphold each other’s sovereignty and protect the rights of their citizens.
He concluded with a firm warning: “If any country attacks Afghanistan, the Islamic Emirate has both the right and the capability to defend its territory. We will not hesitate to protect our national interests and security.”
Mujahid’s remarks reinforce the Islamic Emirate’s message that it remains committed to peaceful dialogue but will not tolerate violations of Afghan sovereignty.
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
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Pakistan ambassador urges Afghan authorities to act against militant threats
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