http://www.bamdad.af/ en Copyright 2013 news Bamdad News - Afghanistan http://www.bamdad.af/english/story/2325 http://www.bamdad.af/english/story/2325#When:07:47:54Z Tue, 04 Jun 2013 07:47:54 +0000 Society and Culture, By Hamiduallah Habibi
According to the Ministry of Labor, Social Affairs, Martyrs and Disabled (MolSMD), there are about 9,000,000 people able to work in Afghanistan, from which 800,000 people are completely unemployed. Also, of this 9 million, 4 million have part-time jobs. In other words, 4 million Afghans only work between 5 and 35 hours in a week. ]]> http://www.bamdad.af/english/story/2313 http://www.bamdad.af/english/story/2313#When:08:20:46Z Sun, 12 May 2013 08:20:46 +0000 Society and Culture, By Asar Hakimi
Afghanistan Pen Association (APA) has published more than 120 books in various languages, namely Persian (Dari), Pashto, Uzbek, Turkmen, Balochi, and Noristani over the past 10 years. APA also has played a significant role in enriching Afghanistan’s culture and literature by organizing hundreds of cultural and literary programs throughout the country. ]]> http://www.bamdad.af/english/story/2220 http://www.bamdad.af/english/story/2220#When:15:19:42Z Thu, 28 Mar 2013 15:19:42 +0000 Society and Culture, By Mahmood Eztarabi
An ancient market located in the southwest of Herat city where merchants used to trade traditional silk crafts was once the most crowded market in Herat. Silk products such as carpets and scarves were traded here for centuries. ]]> http://www.bamdad.af/english/story/2210 http://www.bamdad.af/english/story/2210#When:04:27:29Z Fri, 22 Mar 2013 04:27:29 +0000 Weekly Dialogue, Interview by Hamidullah Habibi
Masoud Treshtwal, head of the Department of Private Institutes of Higher Education at the Afghan Ministry of Higher Education (MoHE), recently spoke with www.bamdad.af about the private institutes of higher education (PIHE) in the country. In an interview with www.bamdad.af he said that MoHE assessed the performance of 65 PIHEs, and suspended activity of two due to substandard quality. A number of PIHEs also received warnings related to quality standards. ]]> http://www.bamdad.af/english/story/2178 http://www.bamdad.af/english/story/2178#When:06:30:21Z Tue, 05 Mar 2013 06:30:21 +0000 Society and Culture, By Zahir Eztarabi
Both Afghan and Sharia (Islamic) laws recognize women’s inheritance rights.  Nevertheless, huge numbers of Afghan women are deprived of their inheritance rights because of inaccurate, prevailing tribal traditions which say men own it all. ]]> http://www.bamdad.af/english/story/2150 http://www.bamdad.af/english/story/2150#When:05:19:40Z Mon, 18 Feb 2013 05:19:40 +0000 Society and Culture, By Zahir Eztarabi
A number of displaced families from Helmand Province settled in a refugee camp in Kabul say they will not be able to protect their lives and property if they return home.  ]]> http://www.bamdad.af/english/story/2138 http://www.bamdad.af/english/story/2138#When:04:10:01Z Wed, 06 Feb 2013 04:10:01 +0000 Society and Culture, By Zahir Eztarabi
Afghanistan is one of the countries with the largest number of disabled people in the world. Hundreds of thousands of Afghans have been disabled mainly as a result of three decades of war in Afghanistan. According to sociologists, many disabled Afghans think they are a burden to society and such a feeling persuades them to beg. However, a disabled young man named Anwar –who sells phone recharge cards in a wheelchair on the streets of Kabul – is an exception. ]]> http://www.bamdad.af/english/story/2103 http://www.bamdad.af/english/story/2103#When:07:55:41Z Wed, 16 Jan 2013 07:55:41 +0000 Society and Culture, By Jamal Temori
Unlike a number of reports produced by various local and international organizations which conclude that women’s situation has been deteriorating in Afghanistan, a number of Afghan officials, experts and women’s rights activists argue that Afghan women’s situation is promising. ]]> http://www.bamdad.af/english/story/2065 http://www.bamdad.af/english/story/2065#When:09:25:17Z Sun, 23 Dec 2012 09:25:17 +0000 Society and Culture, By Hamidullah Habibi
Despite security concerns and growing corruption in Afghanistan, Afghan industries have experienced growth and development over the past eleven years. According to Afghanistan Investment Support Agency (AISA), developments in Afghanistan’s industrial sector can be largely attributed to AISA’s investment initiatives and utilization of modern technologies. ]]> http://www.bamdad.af/english/story/2051 http://www.bamdad.af/english/story/2051#When:06:54:24Z Wed, 19 Dec 2012 06:54:24 +0000 Society and Culture, By Asar Hakimi
Advocates agree that violence against women is on the rise in Afghanistan. And the figures don’t seem to disagree.  Human rights organizations recorded 3,500 cases of violence against women across the country in the first six months of 1391 (April – September 2012). This reveals an increase of 21 percent compared to the first six months of 1390 (April – September 2011). ]]> http://www.bamdad.af/english/story/2012 http://www.bamdad.af/english/story/2012#When:07:30:24Z Wed, 21 Nov 2012 07:30:24 +0000 Society and Culture, By Hamidullah Habibi
Kabul Municipality (KM) is planning to name unmarked roads and streets after famous scholars, poets, national heroes and kings. But, analysts and urban development experts warn that KM is naming streets only by numbers. They fear the famous historical and cultural figures may be forgotten. ]]> http://www.bamdad.af/english/story/2006 http://www.bamdad.af/english/story/2006#When:07:24:29Z Sun, 04 Nov 2012 07:24:29 +0000 Society and Culture, By Zahir Ezterabi
Recently, a wheaten art [painting made from wheat straw] exhibition Naqsh-Haee Gandumi was held at the Serena Hotel in Kabul. The event was organized by Amanullah Gandumi, son of the artist Abdul Aziz Gandumi who created the art form. ]]> http://www.bamdad.af/english/story/1989 http://www.bamdad.af/english/story/1989#When:10:17:17Z Wed, 31 Oct 2012 10:17:17 +0000 Society and Culture, By Hamidullah Habibi
Although the Afghan government is in the process of assuming security responsibilities from international troops, security is deteriorating across the country, particularly along main roads. Most notably, Kabul-Jalalabad Road – a highly trafficked road connecting two of Afghanistan’s major cities – has recently witnessed a number of roadside bomb explosions. Also, unknown gunmen often rush on the road to harass travelers, abduct or even kill them. ]]> http://www.bamdad.af/english/story/1980 http://www.bamdad.af/english/story/1980#When:10:00:00Z Tue, 30 Oct 2012 10:00:00 +0000 Society and Culture, By Zahir Ezterabi
Ghazni Province representatives at the Afghan National Assembly (NA) and local residents warn that little work is being done to prepare Ghazni for hosting the Festival in 2013. ]]> http://www.bamdad.af/english/story/1973 http://www.bamdad.af/english/story/1973#When:07:51:11Z Sun, 21 Oct 2012 07:51:11 +0000 Society and Culture, By Zahir Eztirabi
Prior to civil wars and Taliban rule, an estimated 200,000 Hindu and Sikh families lived in several cities in Afghanistan. Throughout the civil wars, particularly during the Taliban rule  when Hindus were treated harshly, most Afghan Hindus migrated to India. According to the Head of the Hindus and Sikhs Council, currently only 377 Hindu and Sikh families live in Kabul and a few families live in other cities of Afghanistan. ]]> http://www.bamdad.af/english/story/1962 http://www.bamdad.af/english/story/1962#When:08:55:47Z Sun, 07 Oct 2012 08:55:47 +0000 Society and Culture, By: Mahmood Ezterabi
Provincial officials believe that Mehrgan Festival, an ancient fair where farmers exhibit their agricultural products, paves the way to industrialize crop production across Afghanistan. The festival helps farmers to improve their agricultural goods. The Mehrgan Festival was recently held for the second time in Herat. ]]> http://www.bamdad.af/english/story/1958 http://www.bamdad.af/english/story/1958#When:04:58:30Z Thu, 27 Sep 2012 04:58:30 +0000 Society and Culture, By Hamidullah Habibi
The Wolesi Jirga or the Lower House of the Afghan National Assembly has recently approved a bill which provides people with disabilities with more privileges; however, people with disabilities believe such a step cannot resolve their problems as the bill is not worth  more than paper pieces. ]]> http://www.bamdad.af/english/story/1949 http://www.bamdad.af/english/story/1949#When:05:29:58Z Thu, 20 Sep 2012 05:29:58 +0000 Society and Culture, By Zahir Eztirabi
The initial survey of the Mes-e-Aynak ancient site in Logar Province south of Kabul took place 60 years ago; however, its artifacts are still buried deep in the soil. According to an official at the Afghanistan National Museum, Aynak historical site where the invaluable ancient relics are buried was discovered by a group of French archeologists led by Mr. Fos Man in 1963. ]]> http://www.bamdad.af/english/story/1929 http://www.bamdad.af/english/story/1929#When:09:04:12Z Wed, 29 Aug 2012 09:04:12 +0000 Society and Culture, By Hamidullah Habibi
A number of welfare organizations are helping poor Afghan families by providing education, livelihoods assistance, and other basic needs on a regular basis. KHERULBASHER Welfare Social and Educational Community (KWSEC) is one of these organizations, founded in 2010 and funded by Afghan businessman Haji Mohammad Hasan Jalali. ]]> http://www.bamdad.af/english/story/1919 http://www.bamdad.af/english/story/1919#When:05:59:46Z Wed, 15 Aug 2012 05:59:46 +0000 Society and Culture, By Asar Hakimi
When Afghanistan’s athletes returned home from the London Olympics, they were greeted by enormously proud and cheerful crowds. Both during and after the games, thousands of social media users (Facebook and Twitter) across Afghanistan posted prayers for the athletes’ success, comments of national pride, and pleas for unity and forgiveness among all Afghans. Afghan athletes fought not only for medals at the Olympic Games, but also for peace and unity in their homeland. ]]> http://www.bamdad.af/english/story/1900 http://www.bamdad.af/english/story/1900#When:06:06:36Z Tue, 07 Aug 2012 06:06:36 +0000 Society and Culture, By Hamidullah Habibi
Prices of food and other goods are on the rise during the holy month of Ramadan.  Analysts argue that price increases result from simple supply and demand – Ramadan drives up the demand, which drives up the prices. However, many others, particularly sellers in the market believe that government inattention to market oversight and hoarding of foodstuff are main causes of the problem. ]]> http://www.bamdad.af/english/story/1879 http://www.bamdad.af/english/story/1879#When:03:42:16Z Mon, 30 Jul 2012 03:42:16 +0000 Society and Culture, By Qayoom Suroush
The dOCUMENTA (13) contemporary art exhibition brought out more than 24,000 visitors, organizers report. Visitors warmly welcomed the exhibition, which presented the works of Afghan artists and their interpretations of Afghanistan’s conflict and desire for peace.  dOCUMENTA (13) aimed to familiarize visitors with modern art and bring exposure to Afghan artists. ]]> http://www.bamdad.af/english/story/1849 http://www.bamdad.af/english/story/1849#When:07:41:50Z Tue, 03 Jul 2012 07:41:50 +0000 Society and Culture, By Hamidullah Habibi
In the past, most books available in Afghanistan were published in Iran and Pakistan. But now, several printing houses in Afghanistan are able to publish books up to international standards. And these new publishing houses are satisfying a growing demand for books. Although it’s been a slow progression, many attribute this to an emerging culture of reading in Afghanistan. ]]> http://www.bamdad.af/english/story/1833 http://www.bamdad.af/english/story/1833#When:08:32:40Z Wed, 20 Jun 2012 08:32:40 +0000 Society and Culture, By Asar Hakimi
Little has been done to promote children’s literature in Afghanistan.  Many education experts and advocates argue this must be a priority to advance the quality of children’s education as well as to further the country’s cultural development. ]]> http://www.bamdad.af/english/story/1828 http://www.bamdad.af/english/story/1828#When:06:49:32Z Tue, 19 Jun 2012 06:49:32 +0000 Society and Culture, By Zahir Eztarabi
Afghanistan is a landlocked country faced with an unstable economy and severely constrained resources.  However, the country has sufficient water reserves which could be used to irrigate land, bolster agricultural production, feed its population, and produce electricity.  But, the potential of these water reserves remains untapped, and much of the water is flowing into neighboring countries. ]]> http://www.bamdad.af/english/story/1813 http://www.bamdad.af/english/story/1813#When:04:46:51Z Sun, 10 Jun 2012 04:46:51 +0000 Society and Culture, By Qayoom Suroush
Bagh-e-Babur (Babur Garden), situated in the heart of Kabul, is the city’s most beautiful public garden and a top destination for Kabul residents and foreign tourists.  Although the garden was ravaged during the civil war, extensive restoration has brought Bagh-e-Babur to its previous glory and it attracts thousands of visitors each day. ]]> http://www.bamdad.af/english/story/1778 http://www.bamdad.af/english/story/1778#When:07:23:36Z Sun, 20 May 2012 07:23:36 +0000 Society and Culture, By Hamidullah Habibi
Kabul’s air pollution proliferation problem is poisoning the city’s environment and transforming it into one of the dirtiest cities in the world. According to environmental analysts, each cubic meter of Kabul air is estimated to have 70 micro meters of dangerous gases, which is threatening the lives and health of its residents. ]]> http://www.bamdad.af/english/story/1762 http://www.bamdad.af/english/story/1762#When:08:28:03Z Thu, 10 May 2012 08:28:03 +0000 Society and Culture, By Zahir Eztarabi
Taliban attacks on schoolgirls and other similar security incidents have disrupted education in several southern provinces of Afghanistan. Reportedly, in Ghazni Province alone, 119 schools, most of which are girls schools have been closed following threats by Taliban insurgents.  Many believe much more must be done to prevent attacks against schoolchildren. ]]> http://www.bamdad.af/english/story/1754 http://www.bamdad.af/english/story/1754#When:10:19:52Z Mon, 07 May 2012 10:19:52 +0000 Society and Culture, By Zahir Eztarabi
The majority of Afghans are farmers and busy with agricultural activities and animal husbandry.  However, the country imports a major part of its foodstuff and agricultural products from neighboring countries. Agricultural experts believe that lack of access to modern machinery and inadequate irrigation systems are the main reasons for decreasing agricultural products in Afghanistan. ]]> http://www.bamdad.af/english/story/1748 http://www.bamdad.af/english/story/1748#When:09:26:44Z Sun, 06 May 2012 09:26:44 +0000 Society and Culture, By Qayoom Suroush
A decade after the fall of the Taliban, women advocacy organizations have improved remarkably. Women’s rights activists point to the presence of women’s rights organizations as a clear sign of improving women’s living conditions over the past ten years. They accept that some challenges still exist in this regard. ]]>