Afghan Diaspora Jirga
Media Department
Meeting Brief Report
September 4, 2025
At the beginning of the meeting, Mr. Noor Alam Hakimyar shed light on the activities and recent achievements of the Afghan Diaspora Jirga, its elections, the Jirga’s upcoming third visit to Afghanistan, its ongoing meetings with Afghan communities and notable figures abroad, and other future plans. Hakimyar also highlighted existing challenges, particularly regarding girls’ education, and stressed the important role of religious scholars. He noted that in the Jirga’s upcoming visits, there will be more consultations, cooperation, and even the active participation of scholars.
Jirga member Dr Meena Afzali provided a detailed briefing about the upcoming Afghan Diaspora Conference in London, which will be held at the end of September under the Jirga’s leadership. She emphasised that promoting girls’ education and generating broad Afghan support for the Jirga’s activities, while fostering structured and meaningful dialogue, are among the main goals of the conference.
Other Jirga members, including Mr. Ahmad Farid Rahimi, Mr. Abdul Latif Mateen, and Mr. Abdul Rashid Halimi, also spoke about the Jirga’s capacity, opportunities, and their experiences from previous visits to Afghanistan.
Mr. Scott Smith described the Afghan Diaspora Jirga as effective and unique, adding: “The Jirga is special because it is composed of Afghans who have organized themselves to visit Afghanistan and talk to other Afghans, including the de facto authorities. Through your consistent visits to Afghanistan, you have demonstrated that your determination is strong.”
He also noted the rapid return of around two million Afghans from Iran and Pakistan and acknowledged the authorities’ efforts to respond effectively to the recent earthquake in eastern Afghanistan, given limited resources, as well as the returnee crisis.