Afghanistan’s Minister of Public Health, Noor Jalal Jalali, has embarked on an official visit to India at the invitation of the Indian government, leading a delegation from the ministry.

In a statement, the Ministry of Public Health said the visit is aimed at strengthening health cooperation between the two countries, promoting the exchange of expertise, and coordinating joint health programs.

During the trip, Jalali is expected to hold meetings with Indian officials, particularly those from the health sector, and take part in a series of pre-arranged engagements.

Discussions will focus on capacity building for Afghan health workers, the import of standard medicines to Afghanistan, access to medical equipment, and other areas of cooperation.

The ministry said the visit is intended to open a new chapter in health collaboration between Afghanistan and India, with a focus on improving healthcare services and professional development.

The Supreme Leader of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA), Hibatullah Akhundzada, has emphasized the need for strict implementation of Sharia law and the need for sincere public service by government officials, according to a statement from the group’s deputy spokesperson.

Hamdullah Fitrat said Akhundzada delivered the remarks during a three-day reform seminar held in Kandahar, attended by officials from various ministries and government institutions.

During his address, the IEA leader stressed that the laws of the Islamic Emirate are derived from Islamic teachings and are not based on the views or opinions of a limited number of individuals. He underscored that all state affairs must be conducted in accordance with Sharia principles to strengthen the governing system.

Fitrat added that Akhundzada also highlighted the responsibility of the government to protect the rights of vulnerable groups, including orphans, widows, people with disabilities, the poor, migrants, and prisoners. He described providing services and education for these groups as a core duty of the state.

The IEA leader further urged officials to serve the public with sincerity, compassion, and integrity, calling on them to pay close attention to the needs and concerns of the population and to carry out their duties in line with Islamic law.

Special envoys on Afghanistan from Iran, Pakistan, China, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan met in Tehran this week and voiced support for efforts aimed at easing rising tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan.

They also called on both sides to resolve their differences through talks.

In a joint statement, the envoys expressed readiness to help strengthen initiatives that promote dialogue and urged Kabul and Islamabad to return to negotiations and settle disputes through diplomatic means.

The meeting also reiterated opposition to any foreign military presence in Afghanistan and stressed the responsibility of the international community to lift sanctions and release Afghanistan’s frozen assets.

Envoys reviewed the latest political and security developments in Afghanistan and emphasized the importance of regional convergence and a region-centered approach to addressing the country’s challenges.

The statement underlined the need to strengthen stability in Afghanistan and said participating countries stand ready to provide assistance if requested by the Afghan side.

They also highlighted the importance of continued economic cooperation and regional engagement to support long-term stability and development.