The Ministry of Defense of Afghanistan has reassured the nation that its defense forces are fully prepared to address any security threats along the country’s borders.

Enayatullah Khwarizmi, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, made a firm statement asserting that the protection of Afghanistan’s independence and national security is a fundamental responsibility for all members of the Afghan armed forces. He emphasized that this commitment is both a religious and patriotic duty.

In addition, Sediqullah Nasrat, deputy spokesperson for the Ministry, released a video message stressing that Afghan forces stationed in the eastern zone are steadfast in their positions, remaining vigilant to defend the nation’s sovereignty against any external threats. Nasrat further highlighted that the defense forces are leveraging all available resources to ensure the safety, security, and stability of Afghanistan, underscoring their unwavering dedication to serving the Afghan people.

The statements come at a time of heightened regional tensions, as Afghanistan continues to focus on safeguarding its borders and strengthening its defense capabilities.

Amnesty International has raised serious concerns over the ongoing exclusion of Afghan girls from education, noting that with the start of the new academic year, girls above the sixth grade, including university students, remain barred from schools and higher education.

The South Asia office of Amnesty International highlighted that Afghan girls have been denied access to formal education for over four years, depriving a generation of young women of critical learning opportunities.

In a statement, the human rights organization called on the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan to ensure that girls can safely return to schools and universities.

Amnesty International warned that continuing restrictions on girls’ education will have severe long-term consequences on the development of the country and the future of its youth.

Mohammad Yousuf Saeedi, spokesperson for the governor of Herat, announced on Friday that Iranian cargo truck drivers will no longer need visas to enter Afghanistan.

Saeedi said that, by order of the leader of the Islamic Emirate, starting Saturday, Iranian transit vehicles will be allowed to enter Afghanistan without a visa or a “road pass.”

According to him, the implementation of this decision will reduce transportation costs and, as a result, lower the prices of goods.

Noor Ahmad Islamjar, the governor of Herat, visited the Islam Qala border crossing on Friday to review the implementation of this order. During the visit, he discussed the details of executing the plan with officials from relevant departments, including representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Public Works, Customs, and Transport.

Starting Saturday (March 28), foreign cargo vehicles are expected to enter the Islam Qala border without the need for a visa or road pass, unload their goods, and then return to their destinations.

The statement added that implementing this plan could reduce transportation fares on one hand and, by lowering transport costs, help decrease the prices of goods on the other.

This process will create daily job opportunities for more than 1,000 people.