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Commercial banks to finance public welfare projects under new mechanism
The Economic Deputy of the Prime Minister’s Office announced on Wednesday that a new financing mechanism has been signed between the Ministry of Finance and the central bank, Da Afghanistan Bank (DAB), paving the way for commercial banks to play a direct role in funding public welfare projects.
According to the statement, the document was developed under Article 2, Clause 5 of the Rules of Procedure of the Economic Commission. Its purpose is to provide a legal framework for mobilizing commercial banks in support of public-interest projects, while simultaneously creating opportunities for domestic investment and boosting banks’ revenues.
Under the new mechanism, the Ministry of Finance will identify and prioritize public welfare projects through consultations with relevant sectoral institutions, after which it will prepare the required financial models.
Da Afghanistan Bank, in turn, will encourage and guide commercial banks to participate in financing and implementing these initiatives.
Officials say the move is designed to ensure that critical development projects — particularly in infrastructure, healthcare, and education — can be supported through private sector involvement, easing pressure on limited state resources.
The approach also aims to provide commercial banks with sustainable investment opportunities at home, reducing dependency on foreign funding streams.
Afghanistan’s financial sector has struggled since the collapse of the former republic in 2021, when international sanctions and the freezing of central bank reserves triggered a banking crisis.
Although some stability has returned in recent years, liquidity challenges and restricted access to global markets remain key obstacles. By integrating commercial banks into public financing, the government hopes to stimulate economic activity and strengthen confidence in the country’s financial system.
The statement emphasized that the new mechanism will not only benefit public services but also build a foundation for a more resilient banking sector, capable of contributing to Afghanistan’s long-term development goals.
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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New Afghanistan-China transport corridor launched via Turkmenistan
Afghanistan’s new cricket head coach Richard Pybus arrives in Kabul
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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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