The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has warned that continued restrictions on girls’ and women’s education in Afghanistan could deprive the country of an entire generation of skilled professionals, particularly in education, healthcare and other essential sectors.

Hoda Jaberian, UNESCO’s Education in Emergencies Programme Coordinator, said Afghanistan cannot afford to lose another generation of learners, stressing the urgent need to restore access to education for girls and women.

According to a United Nations report published in November, an estimated 2.4 million girls in Afghanistan are currently excluded from secondary education, while no girls enrolled in universities in 2026.

Since the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan returned to power in 2021, girls have been barred from attending secondary schools beyond Grade Six. Restrictions were further expanded in December 2022, when women were prohibited from attending universities, followed by a ban on women’s education at medical institutions in December 2024.

Jaberian emphasized that the immediate priority must be reopening schools to girls and allowing women to return to the formal education system, noting that alternative learning opportunities cannot replace regular schooling.

She also called for greater support for teachers, improved educational materials, stronger teaching standards and better data collection and planning to strengthen Afghanistan’s education system.

UNESCO warns that prolonged restrictions could have serious consequences for Afghanistan’s future, limiting the country’s ability to train the teachers, doctors and other qualified professionals needed for national development.

The acting head of Afghanistan’s Embassy in Kuwait, Mohammad Shafiq Khatib, has met with senior Kuwaiti officials to discuss the situation of Afghan nationals held in Kuwaiti prisons.

According to a statement from the Afghan Embassy in Kuwait, Khatib met with Abu Fahad Mansour Fayez Al-Barrak, Deputy Director of Kuwait’s Prisoners Affairs Department, and Ali Abbas, an official responsible for legal affairs.

During the meeting, both sides held constructive discussions on the condition of Afghan prisoners in Kuwait.

The embassy did not provide further details about the specific issues raised or any agreements reached during the meeting.

The meeting comes as part of diplomatic engagement between Afghanistan and Kuwait on matters concerning Afghan nationals and their welfare abroad.

Archaeologists excavating Kabul’s historic Bala Hissar fortress have uncovered remarkable remains, including a Mughal-era palace, evidence of ancient Buddhist monasteries and a mysterious star-shaped pool, offering fresh insight into more than 2,000 years of Afghanistan’s history.

The discoveries include palace ruins featuring wall paintings, bathing facilities and what is believed to be a royal throne. Researchers also found Buddhist sculptures and monastery-related structures, pointing to Kabul’s importance as a religious and cultural centre before the Islamic period.

Other artefacts include ancient coins, Islamic ceramics, oil lamps and pottery, revealing how communities lived across different periods. Excavations are underway in five areas, with one trench reaching approximately 11 metres below ground.

Bala Hissar served as a royal residence, administrative centre and military stronghold, including during the Mughal era after Emperor Babur captured Kabul in 1504.

The fortress suffered extensive damage during centuries of conflict, particularly the Second Anglo-Afghan War in 1879.

The Aga Khan Trust for Culture has led conservation and archaeological work at the site since 2018, using modern technologies such as ground-penetrating radar and 3D laser scanning.

Large sections remain unexplored, and archaeologists believe further excavations could reveal more about Afghanistan’s rich cultural, religious and military heritage.