Plenary Session 1:
Higher Education Legal Framework: A Critical Legal Analysis
Mr. Khawaja Jamshed Siddiqi
Abstract
It is settled that Afghanistan requires a qualified and professional cadre able to manage both government and private sector since it is neither possible nor reasonable to rely on foreign brains for a longer period of time. Based on this fact, the Law on Civil Higher Education, 2015 permits offering degree programs in public and private institutions of higher education, however, it provides that the manner of establishing such programs and their operation shall be governed by virtue of special Regulations. This paper, by adopting an analytical and critical approach in an attempt to evaluate the Regulation on Private Higher Education Institutions (PHEIs) and regulations on undergraduate and post-graduate degree programs. Research indicates that the Regulation of PHEIs is not based on best practices worldwide but responds to various issues that the Ministry of Higher Education has come across since the establishment of the PHEIs. The Regulation has focused on setting rigid conditions for the establishment of PHEIs but has ignored laying down appropriate provisions for quality assurance and enhancement. The Regulation, therefore, fails to ensure quality higher education or proper progress and development of the PHEIs. Moving ahead, the Regulation on Bachelor Degree Education does not contain a mechanism for achieving the objectives set for the Regulation and the provisions enshrined there are not appropriate for applied sciences, medical and engineering. In addition, the Regulation does not contain any mechanism for quality assurance and enhancement and therefore seems to have been laid down in haste and in response to the problems MoHE had to cope with. The Regulation also mixes up credit and the annual system of education making it difficult to follow either of them. As far as the Regulation on Post-Graduate Degree Programs is concerned, it offers stronger control to public universities in decision-making related to PHEIs and discourages positive competition between the public and private institutions. In addition, some provisions in the Regulation are impractical for private higher education institutions and are in the meaning of shutting down postgraduate programs offered by PIHEs. In view of the above, the paper recommends that all three Regulations require fundamental modification and thus is preferred to devise a law on PIHEs and a combined Regulation on both undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs focusing more on quality than on cosmetics and matters that do not add any value to the quality of education offered.
Keywords: Afghanistan, Regulation, Higher Education, PIHEs, Reforms, Bachelors, Masters
About the Author
Mr. Khawaja Jamshid Siddiqi, Dean Faculty of Law, Kardan University, Kabul Afghanistan. kj.siddiqi@kardan.edu.af
Plenary Session 2:
Public Private Partnership for Sustainable Growth in Afghanistan
Dr. Ahmad Khalid Hatam
Public Private Partnership (PPP) is a double-edged sword, thus, where it can contribute to progress and development of a country, it may go against state’s interests. It is noteworthy, that the traditional procurement in Afghanistan has failed to deliver projects on time, thus offering PPP as a viable option. Currently, the Afghan government is not in a position to invest in and lacks the human capital to complete major projects in Afghanistan. The private sector therefore is the hope and should therefore be enabled to partner with the government and contribute to development and prosperity of Afghanistan. The study builds premises on the literature on the PPP framework in Afghanistan, demanding urgent action to further navigate and facilitate the PPP towards a sustainable direction. This study sets out to identify the key constraints that affect the feasibility of PPP in Afghanistan, most notably lack of PPP-enabling environment in Afghanistan. Upon critical evaluation of the available literature, the study reflects the outdated nature of set rules and regulations, and egregious and nefarious procedures governing the implementation of PPP in Afghanistan. The study recommends boosting the business-enabling environment, amending the laws and regulations by adopting comprehensive laws, minimizing government interference while focusing instead on oversight, and discouraging bureaucratic procedures that pave way for unfair and corrupt practices. Based upon these findings, the study recommends actions on key determinants for fostering and enabling the PPP in Afghanistan.
Keywords: Afghanistan, PPP, Reforms, Projects, Laws and Regulations
About the Author
Dr. Ahmad Khalid Hatam, Chancellor, Kardan University, Kabul Afghanistan
Plenary Session 3:
SME’s Growth and Development in Afghanistan: Prospects and Challenges
Mr. Shahzad Anwar
Abstract
The current study endeavours to evaluate the challenges and prospects of SMEs in Afghanistan since SMEs hold paramount importance in the economic setup of Afghanistan. The study primarily focused on as to how entrepreneurship education helps in careers in entrepreneurship, introspecting the internal and external factors affecting their growth with a prime focus on female entrepreneurs, challenges faced by startups, and how SMEs can be developed through technical vocational and educational training (TVET) programs. The study employed, a mixed research approach to achieve the research objectives like exploratory factor analysis (EFA), thematic analysis and phenomenological methodology. The study found entrepreneurship education strongly impacted the attitudes and the intention of the students toward entrepreneurial behaviour. Also, entrepreneurial intention had a significant effect on students choosing entrepreneurship as a career. In ascertaining the factors affecting SME growth, a sample of 150 SME employees including top-level and middle-level managers was chosen for the study through a structured questionnaire. Upon analysis, the study found that the internal factors included the use of technology, marketing the products, skilled labour, and structure and size of the businesses while external factors were the role of government, education curriculum and SMEs knowledge, access to finance, loyal customers, and competition from foreign companies. Albeit other factors as challenges included lack of financial resources and support, non-availability of specific markets and platforms for business development in Afghanistan, high bureaucracy in government procedures and documentation for business registration and taxation. Social and environmental barriers always exist due to a lack of education and family support as well as gender discrimination. This study explored current trends of technical vocational skills needed for improving the livelihood of Afghan youth like mobile repairing, motorbike repairing, solar lights related works, tailoring skills and metal work. Finally, this study recommends that institutions and training centres should be established to impart the technical skills to promote the establishment of small enterprises and initiation of more projects related to technical skills to streamline the unprivileged youth of Afghanistan.
About the Author
Mr. Shahzad Anwar, Assistant Professor Department of MBA, Kardan University, Kabul Afghanistan. s.anwar@kardan.edu.af
Plenary Session 4:
Higher Education Reforms through Kankor in Afghanistan
Dr. Kaleemullah Khan
The objective of this study is to stimulate and generate discussions on different aspects of Kankor examination-related issues in Afghanistan. The study primarily focuses on the dimensions which are related to the Kankor examination envisaging and evaluating the linkage between the Kankor topper scorers with the academic performance of the students in the University, and the economic impact of Kankor examinations in Kabul city. To address the aforementioned issues and to establish the objectives of this study, the relationship of students’ Kankor scores with their university performance was analysed through the correlation technique and it is concluded that there is a relationship; however, this relationship is very weak. Considering the heterogeneity of different stakeholders, focus group discussion (FGDs), distribution of online questionnaires and Interviews were conducted to meet the objectives of the study in a rational way. Moreover, many overwhelming and compelling factors are found. First, the Kankor examination is not specialized in Afghanistan. Based on the current system, students need to prepare for taking the test of all subjects taught during secondary school regardless of what their first choice would be on the Kankor examination. In evaluating the economic impact of Kankor examinations in Kabul city, economic impact is viewed as direct impact areas attributable to Kankor examinations in terms of employment, income, GDP contribution, and accumulation of tax revenues to the government. The study shows that Kankor examinations as a national product have a significant direct economic impact on Kabul city. The estimates that are made based on a collection of primary data from a sample size of more than 16,450 students in Kabul city indicate that the conduct of Kankor examinations contributes approximately 2 billion AFN to the GDP. In addition, our study shows that the employer contribution of the Kankor examination in Kabul city is more than 950 jobs. Furthermore, the conduct of Kankor examinations added more than 1.3 billion AFN factor income in Kabul city and potentially as much as 260 million to the government in taxes annually. The study opines on the options of public-private partnership and Private Sector Universities. In the end, it is suggested that there is a strong need for a collaborative approach between the ministry of education and the ministry of higher education and the private sector. Public-private partnership is proposed with the collaborative approach between MOHE and the private sector to accommodate students in the private sector by offering scholarships. It is also suggested that the private sector should be made autonomous. However, it should be done with a proper and collaborative approach to outcome measurement by MOHE.
Keywords:: Kankor, Afghanistan, social stigma, challenges, solutions, Afghanistan, Economic Impact, GDP, Kankor
About the Author
Mr. Kaleem Ullah Khan, Assistant Professor, Department of MBA, Kardan University, Kabul Afghanistan.kaleemullah@kardan.edu.af
Plenary Session 5:
Role of Zakah in Poverty Alleviation in Afghanistan: An Introspection
Dr. Habib Gul Zadran
Abstract
The current study endeavours to evaluate and introspect the role of Zakah in poverty alleviation in Afghanistan. While various policies have been tried in the last few decades to mitigate the menace of poverty, it still continues to plague large segments of humanity particularly in the context of Afghanistan- a developing nation. Given the role of the institutions of Zakah in solving the problems of poverty, this paper aims at assessing the role of these institutions in addressing the problem of poverty. To do so, the operational aspects of these institutions such as the way they are governed, raise and disburse funds, the type of beneficiaries, and programs for poverty alleviation are examined in Afghanistan. Based on theoretical discussions and empirical findings, this paper suggests that Zakat institutions could collect and disburse funds more effectively by integrating Zakah into the overall Development Scheme, proper laws and regulations, effective organizational structures, and institutional development and diversity. This paper finally provides recommendations and policies in connection with Zakah.
About the Author
Dr. Habib Gul Zadran, Dean Faculty of Economics and Management Sciences, Kardan University, Kabul Afghanistan. h.zadran@kardan.edu.af
Plenary Session 5:
Role of Zakah in Poverty Alleviation in Afghanistan: An Introspection
Dr. Habib Gul Zadran
Abstract
The current study endeavours to evaluate and introspect the role of Zakah in poverty alleviation in Afghanistan. While various policies have been tried in the last few decades to mitigate the menace of poverty, it still continues to plague large segments of humanity particularly in the context of Afghanistan- a developing nation. Given the role of the institutions of Zakah in solving the problems of poverty, this paper aims at assessing the role of these institutions in addressing the problem of poverty. To do so, the operational aspects of these institutions such as the way they are governed, raise and disburse funds, the type of beneficiaries, and programs for poverty alleviation are examined in Afghanistan. Based on theoretical discussions and empirical findings, this paper suggests that Zakat institutions could collect and disburse funds more effectively by integrating Zakah into the overall Development Scheme, proper laws and regulations, effective organizational structures, and institutional development and diversity. This paper finally provides recommendations and policies in connection with Zakah.
About the Author
Dr. Habib Gul Zadran, Dean Faculty of Economics and Management Sciences, Kardan University, Kabul Afghanistan. h.zadran@kardan.edu.af
Plenary Session 6:
Dynamics of Trade Specialization and Performance of SAFTA: A Case Study of Afghanistan
Mr. Mirwais Rasa and Dr. Nassir Ul Haq Wani
Abstract
The idea that regional integration is the podium of economic growth dates back a long time, and even now, a plethora of literature confirms a strong and positive link between regional integration and economic growth. However, most of these studies are focused on developed countries. Indeed, literature from developing countries is scant, and that from underdeveloped and landlocked countries like Afghanistan is almost non-existent. This article endeavours to innovatively scrutinize the trends in exports, imports, and trade at different industry levels in the trade specialization of Afghanistan in the context of SAFTA, at Harmonized Standards (HS) 6-digit level of product classification, by employing the Lafay Index (LF) approach. The present study found that Afghanistan has more affinity towards resource-intensive manufacturing products, which are mostly related to labour and non-fuel primary commodities, which is the output of the primary division of the economy. The study suggests that Afghanistan should confront issues such as its trade deficit, its dependency on agricultural products for export and the underutilization of its natural resources. The results show that Afghanistan still has a competitive disadvantage over SAARC members for different industry levels, despite transitioning from a low-specialized economy to a medium competitive and specialized one. The study recommends dealing with problems including technology diffusion, product diversity, and quality sophistication at various industrial levels, which restrict a higher degree of trade specialization.
Keywords:SAFTA (South Asian free trade agreement); Trade specialization; Trade performance; Lafay index (LF)
JEL Classification: F1,F10,F14
About the Author
Mr. Mirwais Rasa, Member of Research Society, and Alumni MBA, Kardan University, Kabul Afghanistan. Mirwaisrasa11@gmail.com
Dr. Nassir Ul Haq Wani, Assistant professor, Department of MBA, Kardan University, Kabul Afghanistan. n.wani@kardan.edu.af
Plenary Session 7:
The Role of Large Tax Paying Companies in Poverty Alleviation in Afghanistan
Mr. Hamid Safi and Mr. Muhammad Hasham Nizam
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to find out the role of tax in the poverty reduction of Afghanistan, which is very much highlighted that poverty is mainly a big problem and is extensive in Afghanistan. In addition, a large number of companies and firms in different sectors are working and paying taxes to the government of Afghanistan while poverty has increased in parallel. Moreover, regarding the research methodology, the qualitative research methodology is used in the research and the sample of 9 people is used as primary data for analysis of the information and the final conclusion is made based on these sample data. This research thesis suggests that poverty alleviation by the tax to be considered by the government of Afghanistan in order to improve the system, especially focusing on; security, corruption, infrastructure building, evading of taxes by taxpayers, hiding the incomes by taxpayers, lack of standard system, the effect of peace, consideration of commitments of taxation authorities that will contribute further in the reduction of poverty.
Keywords:Tax, Poverty, Alleviation, Afghanistan
JEL Classification: G1, H8, F11
About the Author
Mr. Hamid Safi, Member of Research Society, and Alumni MBA, Kardan University, Kabul Afghanistan.
Mr. Muhammad Hasham Nizam, Member of Research Society, and Alumni MBA, Kardan University, Kabul Afghanistan. Hashamnizam14@gmail.com
Plenary Session 8:
Disables Education System and Developing Disables as Potential Human Resource in Afghanistan
Mr. Abozar Danish
Abstract
This study investigates the antecedents of disabled children's education System in Afghanistan. A total of twenty-eight (28) participants and disabled school teachers, disabled institution management and experts at various levels, curriculum developers, department of Education and Kabul universities answered from mental and physical disability schools who are with different education level and rank to find out the main causes of the disabled education system. Therefore, the study followed qualitative research and interpretivism philosophy, an inductive research approach and applied qualitative research methodology, and content analysis for analysis of data. Based on reports and investigations from different organizations such as UNICEF, Asia Foundation, Handicap International and other INGOs more than 800,000 disabled people are existing in the country and half of them are children. Variety of challenges reported for disabled children deprivation from schools such as not being of a comprehensive curriculum, not being of the school and educational facilities, not being qualified/expert teachers, and not being of attention from parents and communities for disabled education. This study tried to investigate those factors to help build of a comprehensive curriculum to be the best fit for the talent and merit of different types of disabilities of students as well as suggestions for interventions to develop the education system for disabled children.
Keywords:Education System, Afghanistan, Disables, Mental and physical disability
About the Author
Mr. Abozar Danish, Member of Research Society, and Alumni MBA, Kardan University, Kabul Afghanistan. abozar.danish2017.gmailcom
Plenary Session 9:
Enhancing Entrepreneurial Education and Self-Efficacy through Technical and Vocational Education and Training in Afghanistan: Evaluation and Way Forward
Mr. Sebghatullah Bazgar and Dr. Nassir Ul Haq Wani
Abstract
This study endeavours to evaluate and propose the mechanism to intensify and expedite entrepreneurial education and self-efficacy in Technical and Vocational formal education. Based on the qualitative research method, fourteen open-ended questions were developed for interviews targeting three types of respondents (students, teachers and TVET-A officials) for data collection. The results suggest that there is no specific entrepreneurial learning in TVET-AVI institutions, and on the organization level a clear comprehensive strategy for enhancing entrepreneurial education is not yet developed. Further findings revealed that students only received a technical education, mismatching the current labour market needs. To enhance entrepreneurial education it has been observed that developing a new curriculum for entrepreneurial education, teacher training and teaching methodology and the role of TVET authority has a positive impact on enhancing entrepreneurial education. In addition to that, cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset in the local community is an important factor for student motivation and independence. This study proposes how TVET can realize the issue of integrating entrepreneurship education and self-efficacy in formal education. The curriculum and monitoring and evaluation directorates will utilize the study result to ensure the entrepreneurial education and self-efficacy included in the updated curriculum and for monitoring and evaluation procedures as well. Further research is required to identify the stakeholders’ involvement that could help the entrepreneurial education process.
Keywords:Entrepreneurial Education, Self-Efficacy, Technical Vocational Education and Training- Authority of Afghanistan
About the Author
Mr. Sebghatullah Bazgar, Member of Research Society, and Alumni MBA, Kardan University, Kabul Afghanistan. bazgaragro@gmail.com
Dr. Nassir Ul Haq Wani, Assistant professor, Department of MBA, Kardan University, Kabul Afghanistan. n.wani@kardan.edu.af
Plenary Session 10:
Factors Influencing Adoption of Islamic Banking in Afghanistan
Mr. Noorullah Mohammadi and Mr. Burhanuddin Wahajzai
Abstract
The economic success of a nation is dependent upon the performance of the banks as its major responsibility is to bring stability and cohesion in the financial sector regulation by performing the role of intermediary to different parties like individuals, organizations and governments in order to do depositing and borrowing activities smoothly. The main aim of the study was to analyze the factors that influence the adoption of Islamic banking in Afghanistan. A quantitative approach and a structured questionnaire were used as a survey method to collect data from 250 respondents in Kabul city, Afghanistan. The total number of respondents who returned the questionnaire was 236. SPSS software was utilized for the analysis in this research. As research tools, descriptive, correlation and regression analysis were used for the results and analysis in this study. The findings revealed that compatibility, religiosity, amount of information and social influence as independent variables positively impact the intention of consumers to adopt Islamic banking significantly. The coefficient of regression analysis showed that religiosity, relative advantage, and compatibility will positively enhance the intention of consumers towards the usage of Islamic banking while the amount of information was found that will not bring any change in the dependent variable which is also insignificant. The last variable, social influence was found negatively correlated with behavioural intention to use Islamic banking.
About the Author
Mr. Noorullah Mohammadi, Member of Research Society, and Alumni MBA, Kardan University, Kabul Afghanistan.
Mr. Burhanuddin Wahajzai, Member of Research Society, and Alumni MBA, Kardan University, Kabul Afghanistan. Wahajzai5@gmail.com
Plenary Session 11:
Effect of Credit and Liquidity Risks on Bank Stability: Empirical Evidence from Afghanistan Banking Sector
Mr. Hameedullah Faiz
Abstract
This study investigates the effects of liquidity and credit risks on the stability of banks with empirical evidence from the Afghanistan Banking sector over the period 2014-2020. The stability of a bank is measured through the dependent variable of the capital adequacy ratio. Credit risk (calculated by the ratio of impaired loans) along with liquidity risk are included as independent variables. The bank-specific factors, namely bank net interest margin, size of the bank, return on asset, loan growth rate, liquidity gap, return on equity, loan to asset and macro-economic factors, inflation and GDP growth rate are included as control variables. This study includes all 10 operationalized banks of Afghanistan excluding the two branches of foreign banks. The penal dataset collected from banks’ websites and macroeconomic data was derived from the World Bank reports. This study employed the simultaneous equation approach of a two-stage least square and fixed effect panel regression model to investigate the relationship between liquidity and credit risks and their effects on the stability of banks. Results of this study signify that liquidity and credit risks don’t hold a mutual relationship while the interaction of both types of risks jointly impacts bank stability. It shows that NIM, loan assets, ROA, liquidity gap, loan growth rate and ROE are positively impacted bank stability whereas the size of the bank has negative effects on the bank stability. Among the macroeconomic variables, only the growth rate of GDP signifies negative effects on the stability of banks. The finding under this paper recommends that the governance body of the banking sector drafts policies aiming to strengthen bank capital and take liquidity measurements according to the best standards introduced by the Basel committee, and design frameworks for measurement of liquidity and capital standards.
Keywords: Bank; Capital Adequacy Ratio; Liquidity Risk; Credit Risk; Bank Stability; Afghanistan
JEL Classification: C23; E58; G21; G32; G33
About the Author
Mr. Hameedullah Faiz, Member of Research Society, and Alumni MBA, Kardan University, Kabul Afghanistan. Hamidullah.mfaiz@gmail.com
Plenary Session 12:
Impact of Financial Inclusion on Bank’s Credit Risk in Afghanistan
Mr. Ziaullhaq Frotan
Abstract
This paper has investigated the relationship between financial inclusion with credit risk in the banking sector of Afghanistan from 2010 to 2021 for 9 commercial banks. Panel data has been used in this study with a random and GMM regression model. Financial inclusion factors which are used in this study are the number of loan accounts, number of deposits account, and number of branches and ATMs. NPL is used for measuring credit risk. We found positive and significant relationships between the number of loans and branches with credit risk. The number of deposits has a positive but not significant impact on credit risk. In addition, this study found negative relationships between the number of ATMs and credit risk. Besides, among the control variables loan to deposits, CAR, asset growth and GDP has negative relationships with risk but inflation, and the interest rate has positive relationships.
Keywords:Bank; Credit Risk; Financial Inclusion; Bank Stability; Afghanistan
JEL Classification:C23; E58; G21; G32; G33
About the Author
Mr. Ziaullhaq Frotan, Member of Research Society, and Alumni MBA, Kardan University, Kabul Afghanistan. Zia.frotan@gmail.com
Plenary Session 13:
The moderating role of Environmental Concern between Green Advertising Practices and Consumer Green Purchase Behavior
Ms. Leena Ahmadi and Mr. Sadeq Zazai
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to know the effect of green advertising practices on consumer green purchase behaviour in the food and beverage sector of Afghanistan. The current study applies Ajzen’s theory of planned behavior (TPB) in order to test the relationship between green advertising practices and consumer green purchase behaviour, including the additional predictors (green awareness, green products and environmental concern). This study is based on a quantitative methodology. The survey based on a questionnaire was conducted with a convenient random sampling technique of the food and beverage sector consumers and a total of 200 respondents were selected. The overall result of this study shows that three predictors significantly improve the TPB in the context of green advertising practices on consumer green purchase behaviour. This means there is a positive and significant effect of green advertising practices on consumer green purchase behaviour by considering the moderating role of environmental concern. Further, this study recommends that for future research the researcher can add more green advertising practices and increase the sample size and it is also suggested for companies to emphasize green launch, use green labels or stickers on the front side of their products, ensure natural claim, sustain green profile and start using the concept of 3Rs (Reduce, Recycle and Reuse).
Keywords:Green advertising, environmental green awareness, green product, environmental concern and consumer green purchase behaviour.
About the Author
Ms. Leena Ahmadi, Member of Research Society, and Alumni MBA, Kardan University, Kabul Afghanistan. Leena.ahmadi1@gmail.com
Mr. Sadeq Zazai, Research Assistant, Department of Research and Development, Kardan University, Kabul Afghanistan. s.zazai@kardan.edu.af>
Plenary Session 14:
7. India and Pakistan Rivalry in Afghanistan: A new Imperialism in the Making?
Mr. Mohammad Kawsar Dawlatzai
Abstract
Since the independence of India and Pakistan in 1947, they have been striving for gaining power in Afghanistan. The losses of Pakistan in Afghanistan are considered by India as a victory and vice versa. The adversaries of both countries have been so strong and deep-rooted that both India and Pakistan miss no chance to ‘checkmate’ each other on the soil of Afghanistan. For India, Influence in Afghanistan is a component of its regional strategy, designed to maintain dominance over Pakistan in South Asia. While for Pakistan, influence in Afghanistan is sought primarily for the opportunity to confront, damage, and frustrate Indian aims. And the consequences of these rivalries between India and Afghanistan are vivid which is continued violence and instability in Afghanistan. This paper looks into the factors of Indo-Pak rivalry in Afghanistan. It also sheds light on Indo-Afghan relations from geo-political and geo-strategic perspectives in Afghanistan. Moreover, the paper tends to evaluate the interests of India and Pakistan and the impact of the Indo-Pak rivalry in Afghanistan.
Keywords:India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Indo-Pak Rivalry, Imperialism
About the Author
Mr. Mohammad Kawsar Dawlatzai, Member of Research Society, and Alumni MIR, Kardan University, Kabul Afghanistan. Kdawlatzai@mfa.af
Plenary Session 15:
A Study of India’s Policy in Afghanistan Since 2001
Dr. Peerzada Tufail Ahmad
Abstract
Following the ouster of the Taliban regime in 2001, India was quick enough to respond to be part of the emerging political structure in Afghanistan. Since 2001, India’s engagement with Afghanistan became multi-dimensional. It adopted the soft power approach in the reconstruction process of Afghanistan. India’s strategy in Afghanistan has centred on supporting the emerging democratic regime thereby denying any space for the return of the Taliban. Its engagement with Afghanistan is motivated by four main considerations: First, India sees Afghanistan as a potential market. Second, to explore Central Asian oil and mineral. The third and most important objective has been to contain Pakistan. The fourth objective is to contain anti-India activities in Afghanistan. It is against the backdrop of the above-mentioned interests; a study like this is needed to analyze India’s policy towards Afghanistan. The paper argues that, since 2001, India has tried to pursue a proactive policy toward Afghanistan. Being an aspiring and rising power in the region, India seeks to enhance its security and influence by increasing the capabilities of its neighbours, especially Afghanistan. In addition, India’s Afghan policy in co-optive ways indicates India’s ambitions as a rising power to make its presence felt in the region. Being the fifth-largest contributor to the development and reconstruction of Afghanistan, India has worked hard to win the confidence and hearts, and minds of both the Afghan government as well as the common people.
Keywords:Afghanistan, Central Asia, India, 2001
About the Author
Dr. Peerzada Tufail Ahmad, Assistant Professor, Faculty Social Sciences Kardan University, Kabul Afghanistan. t.ahmad@kardan.edu.af
Plenary Session 16:
FinTech led Tax Justice: Redistribution Using Zakat for the Socio-Economic Improvement of Women
Dr. Lyla Abdul Latif
Abstract
Unpaid care work and working in the informal sector have restricted women’s access to finance. These money restrictions are partly because of cultural barriers framing gender roles and institutions structured towards a service economy that is representative of women. Also, the market’s emphasis on minimum state intervention and freedom of trade and capital has steered redistribution away from addressing gender-related socioeconomic inequalities. Redistribution has instead been fostered to stimulate the growth of private markets and provide entrepreneurs with a path for socio-economic mobility. It has created gendered wealth and income asymmetries and deepened gender inequalities in accessing finance. Can fintech, arguably the next iteration of development models, bridge this inequality gap? Should tax justice continue to be construed from a public finance perspective where taxes collected are not always used to provide commensurate public benefits to citizens? Or can tax justice be purposively construed to include religious tax practises inspired by an exogenous, religiously inspired fiscal system, for example, Islam? Relatedly, can Muslim non-state actors also be subservient to the exogenous Islamic fiscal system and facilitate redistribution using the available religious funds transmitted through fintech? Redistributive taking under the Islamic fiscal system as part of the collective consciousness of the Muslim community should be analysed as part of the conceptual framework that explains what tax justice means. This paper attempts to explore how the concept of redistribution can be examined using the Islamic wealth tax. It will explain how a faith-based organisation in Nairobi uses the Islamic wealth tax to meet the development needs of women looking for financial access to improve their economic well-being.
Keywords:Economic development, Kenya, Redistribution, Women, Zakat.
About the Author
Dr. Lyla Abdul Latif, Chair, Committee of Fiscal Studies, School of Law, University of Nairobi and Tutorial Fellow, Warwick Law School Latif.lyla@gmail.com
Plenary Session 17:
Nexus between imposed career study, career planning, and employability perceptions among higher education students: An empirical investigation of Afghanistan
Ms. Masooda Noora, Dr. Nassir Ul Haq Wani and Mr. Abdul Baqi
Abstract
Delving into the health of the education system and unfolding the graduate labour market conditions, this study aims to address the limited empirical analysis of Kabul higher education students' approaches to career planning and perceptions of Afghanistan's labour market. This study has carried out an extensive theoretical and empirical analysis to help enhance the understanding of the impact imposed that can significantly impact students' sense of career planning and the labour market in the bigger picture. The study revealed evidence from a survey among university undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate students, a total of two hundred students across various disciplines. The findings show that imposed educational streams negatively impact both students' career planning and the labour market. The study also demonstrates that students who reported positive perceptions of the labour market were the ones who had better control over their careers. There was also evidence that students who experienced less influence on their career choice positively perceived employability and the labour market. In contrast, students who reported negative perceptions of the labour market were seen to have the involvement of other factors while choosing their career field and could not plan their career correctly, resulting in their negative perception of the labour market. The study raises significant implications for higher education policymakers in identifying ways of improving students' transition to higher education and the realisation of the system's set to assist students in better planning their careers to better cope with today's challenging labour market.
Keywords:Afghanistan, Imposed Career Study, Employability Perceptions, Labor Market, Career Planning, Higher Education.
About the Author
Ms. Masooda Noora, Member of Research Society, and Alumni MIR, Kardan University, Kabul Afghanistan. faridunfaryad2000@gmail.com
Dr. Nassir Ul Haq Wani, Assistant professor, Department of MBA, Kardan University, Kabul Afghanistan. n.wani@kardan.edu.af
Plenary Session 18:
Factors promoting Ethnocentricity in the Afghan society post-2001: An Exploratory Study
Mr. Wahdatullah Wardak and Mr. Zabiullah
Abstract
Ethnicization of politics is extremely prevalent in Afghanistan. It turned out to be an essential component of the Bonn Agreement of 2001, which aimed to put an end to the civil wars and to outbalance ethnic applications to overcome the prolonged conflict. This research explores the role of the factors that added to the ethnocentricity promotion in Afghan society post-2001. It demonstrates how the political display of ethnicity in Afghan politics and ethnocentricity promotion has manipulated the political structure of Afghanistan. This research study is qualitative, and the analysis is based on secondary sources. The study outlines the spread of ethnicity in Afghanistan on two grounds, including internal as well as external factors. The reasons include tribalism, mismatched leadership and corruption; control of material and spiritual resources; marginalization of some ethnic groups; and strategic goals and interests of regional stakeholders that exacerbate the spread of ethnocentricity in Afghanistan. The study recommends a strong central government to keep the ethnic card players in check, and in the meantime, the government should provide equal opportunities to all ethnic groups and eradicate discrimination from the governmental structure. The government needs to allocate national annual budgets properly, which can address grievances from regions and rural areas, and take steps to ensure the inclusion of all ethnic groups.
Keywords:Afghanistan, Ethnocentricity, Regional Powers, Politics, Diplomacy
About the Author
Mr. Wahdatullah Wardak, Member of Research Society, and Alumni MIR, Kardan University, Kabul Afghanistan. eng.wahdatt@gmail.com
Mr. Zabihullah, Research Assistant, Department of Research and Development, Kardan University, Kabul Afghanistan. z.barekzai@kardan.edu.af
Plenary Session 19:
The Afghan Debacle and the Taliban Triumph: What India Expects?
Mr. Rohith Ram, Dr. S. I. Humayun and Ms. Masouda
Abstract
The re-emergence of the Taliban to power in Afghanistan is a major setback for India's ambitions in the region. The paper elucidates the implications of the resurgence of the Taliban triumph in Afghanistan on India. The long-standing bilateral relations between India and Afghanistan are analyzed. The present threats emanating from Afghanistan, namely the possibility of security issues brewing up in Kashmir, the humanitarian crisis, and the large exodus of refugees, are examined. Lastly, the paper provides insights into India’s role in establishing peace in Afghanistan by shifting from its previous approach and focusing more on regional diplomacy.
Keywords:India, Afghanistan, Taliban, Pakistan, Kashmir, Politics, Diplomacy
About the Author
Mr. Rohith Ram, Post Graduate Student, Department of Politics and International Studies, Pondicherry University, India. ram.rohith.ub@gmail.com
Dr. S. I. Humayun, Associate Professor, Centre for South Asian Studies, Pondicherry University, India.sheikhumayun@pondiuni.ac.in
Ms. Masouda, Member of Research Society, and Alumni MIR, Kardan University, Kabul Afghanistan.
Plenary Session 20:
Relations between Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan and India: Revisiting the Future Discourse
Mr. Farid Hasanzada and Dr. Nassir Ul Haq Wani
Abstract
This article explores the history of security relations between India and Afghanistan and the prospects for any future engagement, considering the recent developments and disintegration of the security sector in Afghanistan. It investigates how the two countries can find common ground for economic, political and social cooperation and what role India could take in helping stabilize Afghanistan and ultimately the region. The paper also elaborates on potential security threats to India in Afghanistan and concludes with recommendations for future engagement.
Keywords:Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, India, Future, Security, Engagement
About the Author
Mr. Farid Hasanzada, Member of Research Society, and Alumni MIR, Kardan University, Kabul Afghanistan. farid.hz1@gmail.com
Dr. Nassir Ul Haq Wani, Assistant professor, Department of MBA, Kardan University, Kabul Afghanistan. n.wani@kardan.edu.af
Plenary Session 21:
valuating the Causes of Spaces Deficiency in Residential Buildings and Ascertaining Its Optimum Solutions
Ms. Zainab Zahedi and Mr. Rahmatullah Ibrahimy
Abstract
Space use is one of the main concerns in interior design which ensure the economic and functional comfortability of buildings. This study focuses to evaluate the causes of space deficiency in Residential Buildings and Ascertaining its optimum solutions. The study analyzed the interior space of existing residential buildings (2) space deficiency in current residential buildings and (3) recommended optimum solutions to ensure space use efficiency in residential buildings. A quantitative methodology approach with direct observation was used for data collection and comparative analysis. A total of six different types of residential building has been observed and purposive sampling was used for selecting buildings. Lack of public awareness, ignoring law, regulation, guidelines during architectural design, and lack of professional architecture, lack of governmental land use policies and a comprehensive approach for evaluating and approving residential building designs, were the main factors of space use deficiency in residential buildings. The function of the building and space relationship was not considered in existing buildings. The interior of buildings was not ensuring functional comfortability as the space was not used efficiently according to estimated percentages. Meanwhile, customs, lifestyles and occupations, and people’s living standards can have a great impact on the effective optimization of space, and this makes a large area of space useless. The space efficiency of residential buildings can be achieved by maximizing the Gross Floor Area (GFA) and Net (usable) Floor Area (NFA) as permitted on the local site by the codes and regulations. Space deficiency is one of the significant segments of the building that required consideration. The study concluded with suggestions that government must establish comprehensive policies and guidelines, people must be educated about the importance of architectural design, as well as a typical sustainable and space-efficient variant of the residential building is suggested to eradicate space deficiency in residential buildings and ensure functional and economical comfortability. Findings will serve as the basis for information that policymakers, owners and designers should concentrate on space use efficiency during architectural design.
Keywords:Space efficiency, Gross floor area, Net floor area, Kabul city, Residential building.
About the Author
Ms. Zainab Zahedi, Member of Research Society, and Alumni Department of Engineering, Kardan University, Kabul Afghanistan. zeynabzahedi1@gmail.com
Mr. Rahmatullah Ibrahimy, Assistant Professor, Department of Engineering, Kardan University, Kabul Afghanistan. r.ibrahimy@kardan.edu.af
Plenary Session 22:
Optimizing Intersection Performance Using Sidra Program on Baraki Intersection Kabul Afghanistan
Rustam Hafizyar, Gul Rahman Abdulrahimzai, Haroonrasheed Safi, Ahmad Walid Yusufi, Khawaja Abdul Rahman Sediqi and Suhrab Aryan
Abstract
Traffic congestion in road networks and intersections is a ubiquitous problem which occurs due to several causes. Kabul city the capital of Afghanistan has felt this propagating problem since 2001. The rapid population growth urbanization, low capacity of roads, and lack of a comprehensive strategy to manage traffic systems and tackle traffic congestion are the leading contributors to the traffic congestion problem. Therefore, it is vital to utilize advanced software tools to explore possible solutions to the traffic congestion problem. This study aimed to evaluate and analyze Baraki Intersection in Kabul city Afghanistan using SIDRA INTERSECTION 5 software. It assessed traffic performance in one of the most important junctions in Kabul based on parameters such as Level of service, delays, Queue, Fuel consumption and production of CO2, CO, (CH20) n, NO x. The results showed that there was a notable time delay, a dangerous amount of emissions and a low level of service (LOS F). After a comprehensive investigation of the results, it was concluded that building an underpass from north to south direction will significantly reduce delays and emissions and increase the level of service until 2030.
Keywords:Intersection Performance, Sidra Program, Baraki Intersection Kabul Afghanistan
About the Author
Dr. Rustam Hafizyar, Assistant Professor, Department of Engineering, Kardan University, Kabul Afghanistan. r.hafizyar@kardan.edu.af
Mr. Gul Rahman Abdulrahimzai, Academic Administrator, Department of Engineering, Kardan University, Kabul Afghanistan. grahman@kardan.edu.af
Mr. Haroonrasheed Safi, Member of Research Society, and Alumni Department of Engineering, Kardan University, Kabul Afghanistan.
Mr. Ahmad Walid Yusufi, Member of Research Society, and Alumni Department of Engineering, Kardan University, Kabul Afghanistan. ahmadwalidyu@gmail.com
Mr. Khawaja Abdul Rahman Sediqi, Member of Research Society, and Alumni Department of Engineering, Kardan University, Kabul Afghanistan
Mr. Suhrab Aryan, Member of Research Society, and Alumni Department of Engineering, Kardan University, Kabul Afghanistan.
Plenary Session 23:
Investigation on the Performance of Various Thermal Insulation Materials and their Environmental Impacts
Najiullah Safi, M.Abrahim and Zabihullah Dalil Shinwari
Abstract
Recently, along with the global energy saving efforts building energy conservation approaches which effectively use the heat energy in buildings, have emerged. In order to fulfil the increasing demands of indoor comfort and energy efficiency requirements of buildings, innovative materials with decent thermal properties have been developed. Among the insulation methods used for residential buildings Expanded Polystyrene and Stone Mineral Wool can effectively utilize the thermal energy of the building as it prevents the occurrence of thermal conductivity, unlike internal insulation. In this study, insulation materials for optimization of energy and the direct impact of carbon dioxide on the environment are comparatively evaluated. Optimum insulation thickness of the external wall for different energy sources (coal, natural gas, fuel oil and electricity) and two different insulation materials (expanded polystyrene and stone mineral wool) are calculated for Kabul City using Life-Cycle cost analysis. According to results, expanded polystyrene performance has shown 28% lower energy losses than building without insulation and 3% lower than building with SMW insulting material for both summer and winter seasons. In case of environmental concerns, expanded polystyrene produced 28% lower CO2 than building without insulation and 1% lower than building with SMW insulating material. EPS showed the maximum thermal insulation performance with minimum energy consumption and less release of CO2 to the environment.
Keywords:Energy efficiency, Thermal insulation, Thermal conductivity, Environmental impacts.
About the Author
Mr. Najiullah Safi, Member of Research Society, and Alumni Department of Engineering, Kardan University, Kabul Afghanistan. najeebullah900@gmail.com
Mr. M.Abrahim, Member of Research Society, and Alumni Department of Engineering, Kardan University, Kabul Afghanistan.
Mr. Zabihullah Dalil Shinwari, Assistant Professor, Department of Engineering, Kardan University, Kabul Afghanistan. z.shinwari@kardan.edu.af
Plenary Session 24:
An Exploration of the Construction Management Failures in Ongoing Projects of the Kabul City
Mr. Mohammad Sharif Amiri and Mr. Zabihullah Dalil Shinwari
Abstract
The construction industry is known for its chronic problems of fragmentation, low productivity, time and cost overruns, poor safety, inferior working conditions, and insufficient quality which ultimately leads to project failure and poor construction images. A project becomes a failure when it does not deliver what was required within the agreed-upon budget and time. The majority of projects are temporary efforts to create value through a unique product, service or result. Almost all projects have a beginning and an end. They have a team, a budget, a schedule and a set of expectations the team needs to meet. Each project is unique and differs from routine operations and the ongoing activities of the organization. The project of an organization reaches a conclusion once the goal is achieved. The purpose of construction management is to control a project's timely delivery, cost and quality, and it requires professional management to decrease failure factors. This study covers the project management failures and their causes during and after the construction and focuses mostly on the critical factors that cause the failure of construction projects in Kabul city. Two types of methodologies have been used which will allow the researchers to dive deep and get more information regarding flaws and failure causes, especially with the help of root cause analysis which has made the research more effective. Cost control, scheduling, procurement, and risk assessment have been reported as significant issues that must be addressed in the complicated discipline of construction project management.
Keywords:Construction Management Failure, Budget, Fragmentation, Project Delivery.
About the Author
Mr. Mohammad Sharif Amiri, Member of Research Society, and Alumni Department of Engineering, Kardan University, Kabul Afghanistan. sharif.amiri200@gmail.com
Mr. Zabihullah Dalil Shinwari, Assistant Professor, Department of Engineering, Kardan University, Kabul Afghanistan. z.shinwari@kardan.edu.af
Plenary Session 25:
Steel Structures Usage and Steel Production: A Case Study in Afghanistan
Gul Rahman Abdulrahimzai, Haroonrasheed Safi Asil Ahmad Halimyar, Ahmad Syed Dildar
Abstract
Concrete structures are dominant in the construction sector and the lack of steel structure usage is a propagating problem in Afghanistan. This problem not only affects the steel production industry and market but also the construction Industry. To determine factors contributing to this problem and their extent, a series of surveys and interviews were conducted with steel traders, wholesalers, steel production companies, construction companies, and engineers. The collected data were analyzed by SPSS (Software package for the Social Sciences) program. After a thorough investigation of the results, it was concluded that the low investment in the steel sector has created a shortage in the steel products market. Therefore, traders import steel products legally and illegally, which in turn weakens the domestic production industry on basis of unfair competition. Moreover, a serious shortage of skilled labor, design professionals, and quality materials has shifted more attention toward the concrete structure. To address these concerns, this paper has attempted to suggest solutions that can help improve the market condition and shift attention towards building steel structures. The outcome suggests that training professionals in the steel sector, importing steel production and erection technologies, increasing tariffs on steel imports, controlling illegal imports, exploring mines and iron reserves for raw materials, and making productive investments in the steel sector are likely to contribute to the reduction of the present problems.
Keywords:Steel Structure’s Usage, Steel Production Industry and Market, SPSS, Steel Imports, Investment.
About the Author
Mr. Gul Rahman Abdulrahimzai, Academic Administrator, Department of Engineering, Kardan University, Kabul Afghanistan. grahman@kardan.edu.af
Mr. Haroonrasheed Safi, Member of Research Society, and Alumni Department of Engineering, Kardan University, Kabul Afghanistan.
Mr. Asil Ahmad Halimyar, Member of Research Society, and Alumni Department of Engineering, Kardan University, Kabul Afghanistan.
Mr. Ahmad Syed Dildar, Member of Research Society, and Alumni Department of Engineering, Kardan University, Kabul Afghanistan.Sayeed.dildar77@gmail.com
