Introduction to the Afghanistan Science Academy

The Afghanistan Science Academy, an esteemed academic and research institution, traces its origins back more than a century. Initially named "Marakah da Pashto" or "Pashto Marakah," the organization commenced its activities in the northern part of the Arg (Kabul) in November 1924. Under the leadership of Maulvi Abdul Wasi and the direct supervision of Emir Shah Amanullah Khan, it initially comprised two official members alongside numerous honorary members.
In 1925, the Pashto Marakah was officially integrated as the third department within the Ministry of Education. However, this academic and scientific center was dissolved during the internal conflicts of 1929. Subsequently, in 1930, during the reign of Mohammad Nader Khan, the Kabul Literary Association was established by royal decree. The association's primary objectives included the promotion of literature, the standardization of writing methods, the study of national history, and the recognition of notable historical figures. The association's first printed publication was the Kabul Magazine. Ahmad Ali Khan Durrani was appointed as its first Vice President and later assumed the directorship. Following his tenure, Mohammad Nowruz Khan took over as director.
In 1932, the association launched the publication of "Salnama Majalla Kabul," which, after four issues, was renamed "Salnama Kabul." This publication continued under the same title until its ninth issue. On April 21, 1937, the Kabul Literary Association underwent a significant transformation and was renamed Pashto Tolana. This new institution was tasked with advancing the social sciences, compiling historical records, and fostering cultural development. During this transition, "Salnama-e-Kabul" continued its publication, and in its ninth issue, it was rebranded as "Kabul Kaalanay." After the release of its eighteenth issue, the publication became part of the Press Department.
The Pashto Tolana was established as a prominent scientific and academic institution, with Sardar Mohammad Naeem Khan, the then Minister of Education, overseeing its leadership. The institution was formally recognized as an academic entity, and its scope and structure expanded significantly. After 1951, it gained international recognition as an academic institution of Afghanistan, aligning its research methodologies and standards with those of other academic organizations worldwide. In the same year, it began establishing academic collaborations with institutions abroad.
In 1954, the statute governing the Pashto Tolana was drafted, approved, and subsequently published by His Majesty Mohammad Zahir Shah in 1955. A notable development occurred in 1956 when the Pashto Tolana was separated from the Press Directorate and integrated into the Ministry of Education as a scientific-research institution. On March 22, 1970, it was officially reconstituted as the Afghanistan Science Academy.
As the highest research organization in Afghanistan, the Afghanistan Science Academy is responsible for overseeing and directing research in Islamic studies, social sciences, and natural-technical sciences. As an independent entity, it conducts research utilizing rigorous scientific methodologies aimed at fostering intellectual growth, economic and social development, and cultural enrichment. Among its key objectives are the enhancement of scientific knowledge, the advancement of Afghanistan’s socio-economic landscape, and the strengthening of religious and Islamic cultural values.
The Academy is headed by a Chairperson, with each research section led by a Deputy Chairperson. In addition to these deputies, several specialized offices operate under its administration, including the Office of the Academic Secretary, the Encyclopedia Directorate, the Center for Interpretation, and the Center for World Mathematical-Philosophical Scientific Research.
The Academy is structured into three primary sections—Islamic Sciences, Social Sciences, and Natural-Technical Sciences—each subdivided into academic centers, institutes, and departments. In total, the entity comprises 17 academic centers, 48 institutes, and 66 departments. The Directorate of the Chief of Staff, the Directorate of Invitation and Guidance, the Directorate of Cultural Relations, the Legal Advisory Service, and the Internal Audit Department function under the direct supervision of the Chairperson of the Academy.
Additionally, the General Directorate of Finance and Administration oversees the activities of the Finance and Accounting Department, the Administrative Department, the Information and Public Relations Department, the Planning and Policy Department, and the Procurement and Human Resources Departments (recently restructured as the Staff Department). Each of these entities plays a crucial role in ensuring the effective functioning of the Afghanistan Science Academy, thereby contributing to its mission of academic excellence and national development.