Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs commented on reports claiming restrictions had been introduced on the use of the Uzbek language in Afghanistan. The ministry stressed that no such restrictions exist and that regular dialogue on this issue is being maintained with the Afghan side. This was reported by podrobno.uz. reports .
According to MFA spokesperson Akhror Burkhanov, information circulated in recent days by some media outlets and on social networks has raised public concern. To clarify the situation, Uzbekistan’s MFA officials promptly contacted Afghanistan’s MFA.
The Afghan side stated that these reports are not true and that there are no obstacles to using the Uzbek language in the country. It was also specifically noted that the Afghan government and people hold deep respect for the Uzbek people and their language.
According to an Afghanistan MFA representative, work is currently underway to standardize signage on the facades of higher and general education institutions. Under this standard, signs will be displayed in three languages — Pashto, Dari, and English.
However, an exception is предусмотрено for the country’s northern regions, including Samangan University: there, signs will be placed in Pashto, Dari, and Uzbek.
In addition, as a symbol of good neighborliness, mutual trust, and friendship, the Afghan government plans, starting this year, to open for the first time in history a master’s-level faculty of “Uzbek Language and Literature” at Jowzjan State University.
It should be recalled that the Uzbek-language inscription on the main entrance of Samangan University had previously been removed on the instruction of local authorities, sparking broad public debate. Later, the inscription was restored.
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