The Supreme Leader of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA), Hibatullah Akhundzada, has emphasized the need for strict implementation of Sharia law and the need for sincere public service by government officials, according to a statement from the group’s deputy spokesperson.

Hamdullah Fitrat said Akhundzada delivered the remarks during a three-day reform seminar held in Kandahar, attended by officials from various ministries and government institutions.

During his address, the IEA leader stressed that the laws of the Islamic Emirate are derived from Islamic teachings and are not based on the views or opinions of a limited number of individuals. He underscored that all state affairs must be conducted in accordance with Sharia principles to strengthen the governing system.

Fitrat added that Akhundzada also highlighted the responsibility of the government to protect the rights of vulnerable groups, including orphans, widows, people with disabilities, the poor, migrants, and prisoners. He described providing services and education for these groups as a core duty of the state.

The IEA leader further urged officials to serve the public with sincerity, compassion, and integrity, calling on them to pay close attention to the needs and concerns of the population and to carry out their duties in line with Islamic law.

Special envoys on Afghanistan from Iran, Pakistan, China, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan met in Tehran this week and voiced support for efforts aimed at easing rising tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan.

They also called on both sides to resolve their differences through talks.

In a joint statement, the envoys expressed readiness to help strengthen initiatives that promote dialogue and urged Kabul and Islamabad to return to negotiations and settle disputes through diplomatic means.

The meeting also reiterated opposition to any foreign military presence in Afghanistan and stressed the responsibility of the international community to lift sanctions and release Afghanistan’s frozen assets.

Envoys reviewed the latest political and security developments in Afghanistan and emphasized the importance of regional convergence and a region-centered approach to addressing the country’s challenges.

The statement underlined the need to strengthen stability in Afghanistan and said participating countries stand ready to provide assistance if requested by the Afghan side.

They also highlighted the importance of continued economic cooperation and regional engagement to support long-term stability and development.

The International Labour Organization (ILO) has provided business and vocational skills training to 150 former drug users in Afghanistan, supporting their recovery and helping them move toward economic self-reliance.

The initiative was implemented under the Recovery to Empowerment: Entrepreneurship and Employment Initiatives (REE-EEI) South-eastern Project 2025 and reached 150 participants—75 women and 75 men—through entrepreneurship and technical training tailored to market needs.

The courses were conducted in Logar and Ghazni provinces during September and October 2025.

According to the ILO, the programme aimed to help participants rebuild their lives by improving employability and income-generating opportunities. One female participant described the training as “a turning point,” saying it offered a chance to reconnect with family, reintegrate into society and establish small businesses to support loved ones.

Women took part in the Gender and Entrepreneurship Together Ahead (GET Ahead) programme, while men attended Generate Your Business Idea (GYBI) and Start Your Business (SYB) courses.

All participants developed business plans, with the top 60 candidates—30 women and 30 men—set to be referred to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for seed funding and follow-up support, including financial literacy training and business coaching.

In addition to entrepreneurship training, the REE-EEI project is enhancing access to wage employment. A market assessment across three south-eastern provinces identified high-demand sectors, leading to the enrolment of 110 treated drug users—60 women and 50 men—in vocational training programmes such as handicrafts, mobile phone repair, electrical work, solar installation, motorcycle repair and tailoring.

Funded by the Special Trust Fund for Afghanistan (STFA), the initiative contributes to relapse prevention, economic resilience and social inclusion.

Tite Habiyakare, ILO Senior Coordinator for Afghanistan, said the programme highlights the link between recovery and economic empowerment, noting that equipping former drug users with skills and opportunities helps them rebuild their futures while strengthening community resilience.