Sheikh Hibatullah Akhundzada, the supreme leader of the Islamic Emirate, has emphasized the importance of religious education, saying that the implementation of Sharia and the reform of society are only possible through the revival and strengthening of Islamic sciences.

The remarks came during a meeting with administrators of jihadist religious schools, teachers, officials responsible for reviewing religious publications, orphanage administrators and a number of religious scholars, according to a statement released by the Islamic Emirate.

Akhundzada described religious scholars as the heirs of the prophets and said they carry the responsibility of preserving the faith, guiding society and raising public awareness. He urged scholars to play a greater role in educating people and promoting Islamic values through teaching, preaching and religious outreach.

He also called on officials and educators to focus on the intellectual and moral development of students, strengthen their religious knowledge and beliefs, and encourage study and learning within religious institutions.

In his address, the Islamic Emirate leader further urged officials to remain vigilant in administrative, political, economic and military affairs, warning against negligence and stressing the need for stronger cooperation and mutual trust among state institutions.

The United Nations Security Council will hold its quarterly meeting on Afghanistan on Monday, with members set to assess recent developments in the country and discuss the future of international engagement.

During the session, the head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) is expected to present the UN Secretary-General’s latest report, outlining political, humanitarian and social developments over the past three months.

The discussions are expected to focus on key issues including the humanitarian situation, political developments, and the rights of women and girls, particularly access to education.

According to the Security Council, Afghanistan remains one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises, with an estimated 21.9 million people requiring assistance this year.

While council members broadly support an Afghanistan free of terrorism, governed inclusively and committed to international obligations, differences remain over how best to achieve those goals.

Analysts say the meeting could offer important indications of the Security Council’s assessment of Afghanistan and the international community’s future approach toward the country. The talks are also expected to address UNAMA’s role in facilitating engagement between Afghanistan and the wider international community.

Officials of the Islamic Emirate have repeatedly urged the United Nations and other international actors to present what they describe as a balanced and impartial picture of Afghanistan, while acknowledging developments on the ground.

The meeting comes ahead of the expiration of UNAMA’s current mandate on June 16. The Security Council is expected to decide on the mission’s extension the same day.

UNAMA remains the United Nations’ primary presence in Afghanistan, coordinating humanitarian assistance, monitoring human rights issues and supporting diplomatic efforts aimed at fostering dialogue between Afghanistan and the international community.

The CASA-1000 electricity transmission project is currently ongoing as one of the region’s most significant energy infrastructure initiatives, designed to transfer surplus electricity from Central Asia to South Asia through Afghanistan, according to the Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat (DABS).

In a statement, DABS said the project has a total planned transmission capacity of around 1,300 megawatts and is being implemented in multiple phases inside Afghanistan as part of a broader regional energy cooperation framework.

According to the power utility company, the first phase resumed in December 2024 and spans 197 kilometers from Sher Khan Port to Dasht-e Sala district, involving the installation of 564 transmission towers.

The second phase covers 196.4 kilometers through Baghlan, Panjshir, and Kapisa provinces and includes 587 transmission towers.

The third phase extends across Kapisa, Kabul, Laghman, and Nangarhar provinces before reaching the Torkham border area near the Durand Line. This section measures 188.4 kilometers and includes 562 transmission towers.

DABS described CASA-1000 as a strategic project that will enhance regional energy connectivity and strengthen Afghanistan’s role as a transit corridor for electricity trade.

Once completed, the project is expected to generate around $60 million annually for Afghanistan and contribute to long-term regional economic stability.