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Afghan youngsters in Iran want to help their homeland and people

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When Iranian blogger Arezou Shah Mohammadi decided to invite three young Afghan refugees to participate in her social media program “New Youth in Iran,” she wondered where Afghanistan would fit into their future aspirations. Two ladies, Sahar and Narges, and a young man, Ramesh, were Shah Mohammadi’s three guests. Sahar, 21, is a business management student at Tehran Alzahra University, and Narges, 22, is a recent graduate of Kharazmi University’s accounting program. Ramesh, 24, graduated from an Iranian institution with a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering. Shah Mohammadi’s story about young Afghanis revolves around their experiences of immigration and ties to their homeland.

“Immigration was not my choice, and it is a required subject for me,” Narges stated, adding, “I was born and raised here (in Iran).”

Narges’ grandparents decided to go to Iran about half a decade ago, while her father was still a teenager. For three generations, the Afghan family has built a new life in Tehran. Many Afghan immigrants have sought security in recent decades, she said, adding that the fact that Iran and Afghanistan share a lot in common explains why so many have come to Iran.

Similarly, Sahar was born in Iran after her parents relocated from Afghanistan some 23 years ago, and she and her three siblings raised their children in the new nation. Apart from cultural ties, there is another reason driving her parents’ decision, according to Sahar. “My aunt and several of our relatives who were residing in Iran and could help us were one of the most crucial reasons that my parents decided to move to Iran,” she said. Ramesh, on the other hand, claims he was not born in Iran. When he was four years old, he and his mother fled Afghanistan. But, he added, the reasons they selected Iran are similar. Iran and Afghanistan are neighbors, and their cultures and languages are similar, making life simpler for each other.

Observers say that, over the years, Iran has been one of the most popular destinations for Afghan refugees due to shared borders, cultural history, and a mature social network, among other considerations.

According to Iranian media reports, more over 3 million Afghans live in Iran, with 780,000 of them being refugees. Over 2 million people are unauthorized, with 600,000 Afghan passport holders holding Iranian visas. Despite their many similarities, the development of Afghan youth in Iran is not always bright due to their status as foreigners. “I used to be ashamed of my nationality,” Sahar admitted, citing childhood recollections.

When Sahar was 19, she began teaching at Farhang, a tiny school for Afghan students in Tehran. She met two Afghan girls and was struck by how uniformly they spoke about their nationality. She felt at ease after becoming friends with them.

“Now I’m not ashamed of it,” she remarked, “and I readily tell everyone my nationality.”

Narges’ narrative is similar, although she claims it is more realistic. “I had some tough days and a lot of hardships,” she admitted, but the situation has since evolved and improved. She has worked hard to improve people’s perceptions of Afghans since her education in Iranian public schools, by being a good student and being polite to others.

Narges claims to have dropped her defensive shield and begun making acquaintances. She revealed that four out of five of her acquaintances are now Iranians, particularly those at university.

“People will understand if we try our best, and… incorrect thoughts will fade away,” she added. When Ramesh, the young Afghan engineer, talked about his family’s future, he was full of optimism. “Because I love my family and my country, my goal is to serve them.”

“I have no desire to travel to Europe or any other country. I’d like to return to Afghanistan, which is why I majored in computer engineering “With a resolute expression on his face, the young guy stated.

 

Source: Xinhua News Agency

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Fushidhiggaru project ongoing, will finish on time: Government

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28/04/2024

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The Maldives government on Sunday assured Fushidhiggaru reclamation project, a key initiative under the vision of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, has not stalled and would be completed on the scheduled date.

President’s Office Chief Spokesperson Heena Waleed confirmed this on Sunday at a press conference, while providing details on other government initiatives.

The state has responded about the large-scale development project amid speculation in social media and by political opponents, claiming the initiative has stalled.

In response, Heena highlighted that the sand dredging in the project is currently on pause, stressing this was not indicative of the entire project being halted.

“I would like to ask, if they gauge the ongoing status of a capacity based on whether sand dredging is ongoing or not. Although sand dredging has stopped, there would be several other associated components of the project that requires attention and execution,” Heena commented.

She further said the project requires administrative and other work, all of which, she added, were ongoing.

“In response, I would like to reply that the Fushidhiggaru project has not stalled, it is ongoing. The project would conclude as per the scheduled date announced by the President,” she said.

Under the large-scale development project, 1,153 hectares of land will be reclaimed, which is thrice the combined size of Hulhumale’ Phase I and II.

The iniatiative commenced officially on December 18, 2023 while the Maldives President assured the reclamation component will conclude within eight months from the date of commencement.

Source(s): sun.mv

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Efforts underway to submit new laws to Parliament

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28/04/2024

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Chief Spokesperson at the President’s Office Heena Waleed has stated that efforts are underway to complete the administrative preparations for introducing new laws and amendments to the Parliament, with the government achieving a super majority in the parliamentary elections.

Heena stated there are several crucial laws to be presented to Parliament under the government’s week-14 legislative agenda. As such, laws relating to housing, the criminal justice system, social security are to be submitted. On this stance, Heena affirmed that the laws and amendments which have been stalled in the committee phase will be given a top priority to be implemented by the end of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s tenure.

Furthermore, Heena revealed that over 200 laws are to be implemented, aiming to fulfill President Dr. Muizzu’s commitment outlined in the government’s manifesto. She assured that the elected Parliament will play a significant role as their views align with that of the president.

Observing that the government attained a super majority during the parliamentary elcetions was due to the unwavering trust in President Dr. Muizzu, Heena affirmed that this advantage will not be exploited. She guaranteed that the super majority will assist the government in implementing and enforcing policies that will benefit the public as per the respective policies.

Source(s): PsmNews

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Islamic Minister discusses expanding Zakat House

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2 days ago

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27/04/2024

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Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed has met with the Director General of Zakat House Director Dr. Majid Sulaiman Al-Azimi to discuss upgrading the Maldives Zakat House.

The minister confirmed this via X (formerly Twitter), highligting that the two discussed about expanding the services of the Zakat House, including staff and Sharia Board training, and the legal requirements of Zakat recipients.

Earlier, the minister announced the administration’s plan to introduce a financial aid system to extend aid to orphans permanently. Dr. Shaheem said orphans will receive financial support annually until adulthood.

However, the minister did not specify how much the government intended to provide as financial support each year.

The current administration established the Maldives Zakat House with the objectives of increasing public awareness on the importance of paying Zakat, and foster love among the public towards the Islamic sacred act.

Under the Zakat Fund, government provided financial support to 52 individuals earlier in March 2024.

Statistics recently provided by the Zakat House showed the fund had been disbursed mainly in four areas, which are;

For Cancer Treatment – MVR 190,822.50
Brain Surgery – MVR 180,407.19
Heart Surgery – MVR 8,482.00
Transplants – MVR 25,443.00

Additionally, another MVR 227,872.50 was disbursed for various other areas.

Source(s): sun.mv

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