Afghanistan's Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani has said the Islamic Emirate is providing support to nearly 400,000 orphans across the country, pledging to continue prioritising their care and education.

Speaking at the central orphanage in Khost province, Haqqani said assistance was being provided without discrimination to children of Islamic Emirate members, former government personnel and civilians.

“The Islamic Emirate is currently supporting 394,450 orphans, including 95,730 children of our Mujahideen, 79,000 children of former government personnel, and 219,270 civilian orphans,” he said.

Addressing the children, Haqqani said their fathers had sacrificed their lives for a cause that had now been achieved, referring to the establishment of the Islamic Emirate in Afghanistan.

“They sacrificed themselves for the religion of Allah, and although they are no longer with us, thankfully, that goal has been achieved,” he said.

Local residents welcomed the Islamic Emirate's efforts to support orphaned children but stressed that many still need greater access to education and care.

Separately, 50 students from Khost's central orphanage graduated after completing courses in Quran memorisation and recitation. (ILKHA)