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Ghani rejects Abdullah’s proposed five cabinet candidates
President Ashraf Ghani has rejected his power-sharing partner Abdullah Abdullah’s proposed five key cabinet candidates, sources told Ariana News.
The nominees were including Anwar al-Haq Ahadi nominated for the Ministry of Agriculture – Mustafa Mastour, Ministry of State for Peace – Noor Rahman Akhlaqi, Ministry of Immigration – Fazl Ahmad Manawi, Ministry of Justice and Mohebullah Samim nominated for the Ministry of Tribes are the figures on the red list of the president Ghani.
The Presidential palace, however, said that ministry candidates should have political weight and merit and represent people.
“The main goal of the Afghan government is to nominate people to the parliament who have political weight, who is a mirror of the stability of the government and people should trust the past of the candidates. This is important for completing the cabinet,” said Sediq Sediqqi, the president’s spokesman.
But Sapidar says the political agreement and the constitution set the standard.
“The criteria for the ministerial nominee are clear in the constitution, but unfortunately the presidential spokesman is unaware of the ongoing debates and the provisions of the constitution,” said Fraidoun Khawzun, spokesman for the chairman of the High National Reconciliation Council.
This clash and dispute are also criticized. Some politicians say a number of figures nominated by the president are also not qualified.
Sayed Ishaq Gilani, leader of the Afghan Solidarity Movement, said: “Someone said I am illiterate, but Mr. Ghani has introduced her as the minister of a structure that is the body of Afghanistan, while she knows nothing more than embroidery. These actions of the president will create tension and persecution against Afghanistan.”
However, Article 72 of the Constitution states the criteria for selecting a ministerial candidate as per the following:
1. Having Afghan citizenship
2. Having higher education, work experience, and a good reputation
3. Age over 35 years
4. Not being convicted of crimes and violations against humanity
“The conditions provided for a ministerial nominee are in Article 72 of the Afghan constitution and cannot be accepted at the behest of individuals,” said lawyer Wahid Farzaei.
There are concerns that domestic political challenges could also delay the peace process.
At least two civilians have been killed and eight others wounded following fresh shelling by Pakistan across the disputed Durand Line in Afghanistan’s Kunar province, local authorities said Wednesday.
Officials reported that over the past 24 hours, Pakistani forces fired approximately 85 rockets targeting residential areas across several districts, causing damage to civilian homes and heightening fears among local communities.
According to Zia-ur-Rahman Spin Ghar, head of information at the provincial Directorate of Information and Culture, the heaviest casualties were recorded in Nari district, where one civilian was killed and six others injured. In Sarkano district, another civilian lost their life, while two more people were wounded.
Additional rockets struck areas including Shultan, Marawara, and the outskirts of Asadabad. While no casualties were reported in those strikes, residents described widespread panic and property damage.
Escalating tensions
The latest incident comes amid a broader escalation in cross-Durand Line violence between Afghanistan and Pakistan in recent weeks. Residents in frontier provinces have repeatedly reported shelling, displacement, and disruption to daily life.
Spin Ghar also confirmed that Afghan forces responded with retaliatory strikes, claiming to have destroyed three Pakistani military outposts and killed one Pakistani soldier. There has been no immediate confirmation from Pakistani authorities.
Growing humanitarian concerns
The ongoing hostilities have raised concerns about civilian safety in these areas where communities often find themselves caught in the crossfire. Aid groups warn that continued shelling could lead to further displacement and strain already limited local resources.
With no clear signs of de-escalation, observers say urgent dialogue is needed to prevent further civilian casualties and stabilize the volatile region.
At the 95th Standing Committee of UNHCR, the European Union and its Member States called for urgent de-escalation of tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, stressing the need for dialogue and respect for international law.
In a statement, the EU urged all sides to avoid further escalation, ensure the protection of civilians, and uphold territorial integrity. It also reiterated that Afghan soil should not be used to threaten or attack other countries, calling on the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan to take effective action against militant groups operating within or from the country.
The bloc further expressed concern over the broader humanitarian situation in Afghanistan, highlighting restrictions that continue to affect the work of international organizations and humanitarian partners.
A key issue raised was the return of more than four million Afghans from Iran and Pakistan over the past two years, which the EU said has placed additional strain on Afghanistan’s already fragile economy and public services. It voiced particular concern over forced deportations and emphasized the importance of respecting the right to seek asylum and the principle of non-refoulement.
A group of religious scholars from Afghanistan and Pakistan have called on authorities in both countries to extend the pause in hostilities, initially announced for Eid ul-Fitr, until Eid ul-Adha.
The appeal comes after Attaullah Tarar, Pakistan’s Information Minister, announced a temporary ceasefire from March 18–19 midnight until March 23–24 midnight.
In a joint statement signed by 11 Pakistani clerics and as many Afghan clerics, the scholars emphasized that their initiative aims to promote a sustainable and dignified resolution to tensions between Islamabad and Kabul, Dawn newspaper reported.
The clerics urged both Pakistani authorities and the Afghan side to extend the ceasefire to allow pilgrims to perform Hajj in a peaceful environment. They added that this “peace movement” goes beyond the ceasefire appeal and includes broader diplomatic and social efforts to resolve longstanding issues between the two countries.
The scholars expressed hope that their efforts would lead to a mutually acceptable solution and help lay the foundation for lasting stability and regional harmony.
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