This paper explores the challenges and prospects associated with the adoption of Islamic banking in Afghanistan. Despite the global growth and acceptance of Islamic banking by approximately 50 countries by 1997, Afghanistan only embraced it between 2008–2009. The decision to convert conventional banks to Islamic ones, driven by the involvement of interest rates (riba) in the prevailing system, necessitates a thorough examination of the challenges and the need for an appropriate response. The study employs qualitative, analytical, and exploratory methods, reviewing secondary sources and conducting unstructured interviews with key stakeholders, including officials from the Da Afghanistan Bank (DAB), staff of Islamic banking institutions, experts in Islamic banking and finance, and consumers. The findings reveal that the challenges in promoting Islamic banking in Afghanistan are more complex and multi-layered than commonly understood, stemming from the legal system, regulatory capacities and mindset, banking services, and public perception. The paper emphasizes the importance of addressing these challenges comprehensively to safeguard the already fragile economic and financial sector. Failure to do so may lead to further deterioration. This research contributes to the existing body of knowledge by shedding light on the unique challenges and prospects of Islamic banking in Afghanistan, providing valuable insights for policymakers, regulators, and practitioners in shaping an effective transformation strategy.

Refugee situations do not last forever. Therefore, international protection provided to refugees fleeing persecution ceases with restoration of national protection through voluntary repatriation, local settlement, or resettlement. However, repatriation not only needs to be voluntary, it must be conducted orderly, in safety and with dignity. Among other things, voluntary repatriation requires an overall general improvement in the situation of the country of origin. Since the Afghan government is planning to welcome refugees from all parts of the world, especially Pakistan, it is essential to evaluate if the return fulfills the criterion laid down by the international refugee law. This paper elaborates the criterion for conducting voluntary repatriation and then argues through evidence of the prevalent situation in Afghanistan that prerequisites for voluntary repatriation are not met and therefore the government of Pakistan, Government of Afghanistan and UNHCR need to work on eliminating the root causes of refuge in the first place and then encourage repatriation. Only then, it will be a lasting and sustainable solution to the problem of Afghan refugees. It also presents recommendations to the government of Afghanistan and UNHCR on how to proceed with repatriation.