Religious scholars, community elders, and youth representatives gathered in Afghanistan’s western Herat province to express support for the Islamic government and emphasize the importance of national unity, security, and social harmony.

Participants at the gathering stressed that recent incidents should not become a source of division or tension among the public, underscoring the need to preserve peace and public order.

The meeting followed a recent protest by a group of young people in Herat’s 13th district against newly enforced restrictions related to Islamic dress regulations. Security forces later intervened and dispersed the demonstration.

Several attendees said public gatherings and protests could disrupt stability, arguing that security institutions have a responsibility to maintain order and prevent unrest.

Religious scholars speaking at the event warned that actions perceived as challenging public order could negatively affect security and social stability. They encouraged young people to communicate concerns through elders and community leaders to facilitate dialogue with authorities.

At the same time, some participants called for a more measured approach toward youth concerns, urging officials and community elders to listen to grievances and address them through constructive engagement. They cautioned that harsh responses could heighten social sensitivities and advocated for greater reliance on guidance and counseling in the implementation of Islamic dress regulations.

Following the protest, numerous videos circulated on social media. However, some sources claimed that several of the widely shared clips had been manipulated using artificial intelligence technologies.

Herat police said no incidents of violence were recorded during the protest and stated that some images circulating online were misleading or digitally altered.

Security officials confirmed that the situation in Herat remains calm, adding that security forces continue to maintain a presence in the area to prevent further disturbances.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 gets underway on Thursday as co-hosts Mexico take on South Africa in the opening match of the tournament at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.

The Group A clash marks the start of the largest World Cup in history, with 48 teams competing across the United States, Canada and Mexico over the next 39 days.

The opening fixture also rekindles memories of the 2010 World Cup curtain-raiser in Johannesburg, when South Africa and Mexico played to a 1-1 draw in the first World Cup ever held on African soil.

More than 80,000 spectators are expected at Estadio Azteca, which will become the first stadium to host the opening match of three World Cups, having previously staged the tournament openers in 1970 and 1986.

Mexico enters the competition as one of the favourites to advance from Group A, which also includes South Korea and the Czech Republic. Ranked 14th in the world, El Tri will be looking to capitalize on home support and continue an eight-match unbeaten run.

Head coach Javier Aguirre’s side arrives in strong form after recent victories over Ghana, Australia and Serbia in warm-up matches.

South Africa, meanwhile, returns to the World Cup for the first time since 2010 and will be making just its fourth appearance at the global showpiece. Despite being ranked 60th in the world, Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos believes his side can challenge the hosts.

“For us, it will be a fantastic experience,” Broos said ahead of the match. “It is very important that we stick to our game plan and focus on what happens on the field.”

South Africa’s preparations were disrupted by visa delays that affected several members of the traveling party, but the team will hope to frustrate Mexico as they did 16 years ago.

Historically, Mexico has enjoyed the upper hand between the two nations, winning two of their previous four meetings. South Africa has won once, while the teams shared the points in their memorable World Cup encounter in 2010.

The match will be preceded by an opening ceremony featuring international music stars, including Colombian singer Shakira, as football’s biggest tournament begins its latest chapter.

Probable lineups

Mexico: Raul Rangel; Jesus Gallardo, Johan Vasquez, Cesar Montes, Israel Reyes; Brian Gutierrez, Erik Lira, Alvaro Fidalgo; Julian Quinones, Roberto Alvarado, Raul Jimenez.

South Africa: Ronwen Williams; Khuliso Mudau, Ime Okon, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Aubrey Modiba; Teboho Mokoena, Sphephelo Sithole, Thalente Mbatha; Tshepang Moremi, Lyle Foster, Oswin Appollis.

Kickoff is scheduled for 11:30 pm Kabul time and the match will be broadcast live across Afghanistan exclusively on Ariana Television and Ariana FM radio.

Fans however, can tune in from 10:30 pm for a pre-match show.

Russia has expressed support for reviving the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO)-Afghanistan Contact Group, saying there is broad backing among SCO member states for renewed engagement with Afghanistan through the regional body.

Speaking at a briefing, Russia’s Special Representative for SCO Affairs, Bakhtiyor Khakimov, said Moscow maintains stable relations with Kabul and views the resumption of the contact group’s activities as an important step toward strengthening regional cooperation.

“We believe the SCO-Afghanistan Contact Group, which was established in 2007, should resume its activities,” Khakimov said. “This understanding generally prevails within the organization.”

Khakimov noted that efforts to revive the mechanism gained momentum during special consultations on Afghanistan held in Dushanbe in September last year at the initiative of Tajikistan. Participants agreed to examine possible ways to restart the group and enhance coordination on Afghanistan-related issues.

He acknowledged that procedural challenges remain, as the contact group is traditionally co-chaired by the deputy foreign minister of the SCO’s rotating chair country and a representative from Afghanistan.

Because not all SCO member states have formally recognized the current authorities in Kabul, Khakimov said progress toward reactivating the mechanism is likely to be gradual.