KABUL - The university design matches those in Pakistan, Malaysia and Bangladesh and its construction has been approved by the Organization of Islamic Countries.
The foundation stone of the Islamic University was laid in front of the Ghazi Amanullah Khan Township in Rodat district of Nangarhar in 2016. Similar universities are established in Pakistan and Malaysia.
Recently, the Cabinet announced that the university, a $350 million OIC-funded project should be built in Kabul because funders of the project had proposed so.
Senator Lotfullah Baba from eastern Nangarhar province, without naming anyone, accused some individuals of trying to shift the university to Kabul.
“On behalf of Nangarhar people, I say this is unacceptable for us and the government should revoke its decision otherwise the Nangarhar people would block Daronta tunnel and will create new country by the name of Pashtunistan,” he warned.
Abdullah Qarlaq, a lawmaker from Kunduz province, told today’s session that the transfer of the Islamic University from Nangarhar to Kabul was not rational and the government should review its decision.
Upper house member from Zabul province Zalmai Zabuli also expressed similar views.
Senate chairman Fazl Hadi Muslimyar said: “Nangarhar people have not gained this project by force but it has been approved by government and it should not ignore the demand of Nangarharis.”
“If the donors do not provide fund then why government officials went and laid the foundation stone, Nangarhar is part of Afghan soil. I call on the president to address the issue in the Cabinet meeting and reject it.”

He called on the government to power lines to extend Nangarhar along the highway because Taliban used to cut off the lines in Badpakh district of Laghman and create hurdles for people. (Pajhwok)