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Islamic scholars and investors from 10 countries pledge support for Panjshir province
Islamic scholars and business leaders from 10 Muslim-majority countries have pledged to expand trade ties and channel fresh investment into Afghanistan’s Panjshir province, in a move aimed at revitalizing the region’s economy and promoting its image abroad.
The delegation — with representatives from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Bahrain, Iraq, Oman, Malaysia, Palestine, Syria, and India — met with Panjshir Governor Mohammad Agha Hakim during an official visit. Participants committed to showcasing what they described as the “true image” of Afghanistan to the wider Islamic world and potential investors.
Hakim told the visitors that with security now restored after five decades of conflict, Afghanistan was entering a new era of opportunity.
While acknowledging the heavy toll on the country’s infrastructure, he urged investors from Islamic nations to play a role in strengthening the Islamic system and rebuilding key sectors, including education, healthcare, agriculture, and mining.
Dr. Abdullah al-Zindani, head of Yemen’s Council of Scholars, praised Afghanistan’s security environment and vowed to advocate for the country internationally.
Qatari investor Mohammed Hassan al-Emadi signaled readiness to commit capital to tourism and agriculture, sectors seen as having strong growth potential in Panjshir.
Khalid, chairman of the Islamic Funding Committee and a Yemeni businessman, said he was in Afghanistan to help consolidate the foundations of the Islamic government.
He revealed a proposal under which some 250 companies and investors from Muslim countries would each invest around $900,000 in Afghanistan’s economy.
Panjshir’s local administration has in recent years intensified its push to attract foreign capital, hosting multiple delegations to highlight the province’s agricultural potential, natural resources, and scenic landscapes. Officials say they hope this latest round of commitments will translate into concrete projects that can create jobs, improve infrastructure, and stimulate sustainable growth in the province.
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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Ariana Afghan Airlines lowers cargo rates on Kabul–Delhi route to boost exports
Pakistan ambassador urges Afghan authorities to act against militant threats
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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
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Saar: Afghanistan’s relations with the world discussed
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