The Panjshir Media Office announced on Thursday that nearly 20,000 young people from the province have been employed across government and security institutions over the past two years, as part of efforts to expand job opportunities.

According to the statement, youths from Panjshir have joined the Islamic Emirate Army, the National Police, civilian departments within and outside the emirate’s structures, as well as the province’s rapidly growing mining sector.

The recruitment drive follows instructions from the leader of the Islamic Emirate, who—after a request from Panjshir officials during a governors’ conference in Kandahar—ordered the provincial governor to compile a list of eligible youths for placement in other provinces.

The media office said that in the current year alone, more than 1,000 Panjshir youths have been recruited into the National Police, while another 600 have joined the Islamic Army. Additionally, over 1,000 others have secured positions in civilian institutions, including domestic and international organizations, due to efforts by Governor Mohammad Agha Hakim.

Panjshir’s mining industry has also become a major source of employment. With new extraction and processing operations launched under Islamic Emirate directives, nearly 15,000 youths have been hired in areas ranging from mining to the trade of precious and semi-precious stones—marking the first time such large-scale opportunities have been available in the sector.

Officials added that thousands more young people are working on construction and development projects across the province.

Residents of Panjshir expressed appreciation for the increased attention from the Islamic Emirate’s leadership, saying many of their sons are now employed in security and civilian roles, particularly at checkpoints—something they believe has strengthened trust between the community and the government.

Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, says the country’s future development depends on strengthening knowledge in both religious education and modern scientific fields.

Speaking at a graduation ceremony for Huffaz at Riyaz-ul-Uloom on Thursday, Muttaqi said the foundations of learning in Afghanistan are “growing stronger each day,” noting progress in both religious seminaries and contemporary academic disciplines.

He stressed that Afghanistan can only advance and “be freed from oppression” when its people gain expertise in both domains. The country, he said, needs not only religious scholars but also professionals such as doctors, engineers, and scientists.

Muttaqi added that the Islamic Emirate is working “day and night” to expand educational opportunities and support the development of skilled Afghans across all sectors.