Afghanistan celebrated Eid on Sunday amid tightened security following recent wave of bomb blasts in the country.

Afghanistan’s apex court on Saturday announced that the Shawwal moon was sighted in various provinces of the country, hence Eidul Fitr will be celebrated on Sunday, May 1.

Acting Government Spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid wrote on his Twitter account late last night that the Supreme Court declared Sunday the first day of Eidul Fitr.

Meanwhile, a statement issued by the Supreme Court said that 27 people in Farah, Ghazni, Kandahar and Ghor provinces had seen the crescent and presented evidence to the committee.

Security measures

Following recent attacks in Kabul and other provinces, officials of the Ministry of Defence and the Kabul Police Command said that strict security measures have been taken during Eid to provide security to the citizens. “People can spend their Eid days with a peace of mind and calmness because their brothers, the Mujahideen, are at their service and will ensure their security, and we will not allow any group or movement to disrupt security,” said Enayatullah Kharazmi, spokesman for the Ministry of Defence.

“I believe that our compatriots throughout the country, including Kabul, will celebrate Eid in a spirit of brotherhood, thanks to our brave forces ensuring security,” said Khalid Zadran, a spokesman for the Kabul Police Command.

The Ministry of Defence and the Kabul Police Command said the number of checkpoints in the city has increased.

Islamic Emirate leader issues Eid message

The supreme leader of the Islamic Emirate, Mawlawi Hibatullah Akhundzada, issued a message on the eve of Eid, in which he congratulated the arrival of Eid and also said the Islamic Emirate has granted the general amnesty and put it into practice.  

Mawlawi Hibatullah called on Afghans living abroad to return to their country and said Afghanistan is “no longer capable of carrying out any conspiracy.”  

However, he warned that if anyone disobeyed the amnesty and tried to start a war in the country, they would "face a harsh and severe reaction."

The supreme leader of the Islamic Emirate said that they are working to strengthen education through “opening new schools and madrassas in many central and remote areas of the country for religious and modern education and providing a safe environment for education.” 

The Islamic Emirate “is committed to take further steps in this regard, as education is the key to rescue our compatriots and pave the way towards country’s development and prosperity," he said.  

Hibatullah called on the world to recognize the current Afghan government and said that the Islamic Emirate is seeking positive relations with the region and the world.  

“We allow no one to pose a threat to other countries from Afghanistan and we also want other countries to engage with us on mutual respect,” he said.  

The Islamic Emirate will continue to call for the full implementation of the Doha agreement, he added. 

“After (43 years), the long lasting and devastating war has finally ended and now under the shade of Islamic rule, the ground has been prepared for a peaceful and prosperous life in Afghanistan,” he said.  

Hibatullah also urged Afghans to work together for the development, prosperity, and welfare of the country.  

He talked about the economic and development plans of the Islamic Emirate for the country.

“Also, the national traders, financiers and industrialists are empowered to play their role in Afghanistan’s reconstruction. The Islamic Emirate will stand behind and strongly support all construction projects and efforts,” he said. “I invite domestic and foreigner investors to invest in Afghanistan; the Islamic Emirate will cooperate with you and will provide all necessary means and facilities.” 

The supreme leader of the Islamic Emirate urged the neighboring countries to treat the Afghan refugees in “line with international practices and standards, give them time and permission to return to their homeland voluntarily and with dignity.” 

Hibatullah said the Islamic Emirate is committed to the rights of men and women as well as freedom of speech based on Islamic values.  

He underscored that the citizens must respect the decree which bans poppy cultivation and the use of drugs in the country.  

Hibatullah instructed the forces of the Islamic Emirate to treat the people respectfully.

He also requested the international community to provide support to the Afghan health sector.