SAE Newsletter – December 2025, Volume 16, Issue 4, Jadi 1404

Group picture of the SAE Annual GAM 2025 held in Virginia, October 2025.

Volume 16
Issue 4
Jadi 1404
December 2025

Quarterly Update from the Society of Afghan Engineers

Table of Contents

1. Message from the Editor-In-Chief
2. President’s Greetings
3. Message from the Chairperson of the Board of Directors
4. News From Kabul
5. Report on AEBT–SAE Online Classes October–December (2025)
6. Afghan Architecture Studio Classes for students in Afghanistan
7. Arch. Tooba Roshan’s Page
8. Book Review by Omar Mohammad
9. New Book by Hafizullah Wardak
10. Bamiyan: The Last Statues and the World’s Oldest Oil Paintings, by Ghulam Feda
11. Climate Change and Its Impact on Water Resources in Afghanistan, [Part-II of II]: Supplemental Materials by Dr. Gul Afghan Saleh
12. Readers’ Comments and Responses
13. The Society of Afghan Engineers Office Holders

Editor-In-Chief Message

I am pleased to present the quarterly update on the activities of the Society of Afghan Engineers (SAE) through Volume 16, Issue 4 of the SAE eNewsletter. This issue marks the beginning of the New Year 2026 correspond with the month of Jadi 1404 in the Hijri Shamsi calendar. The editorial board extends its warmest wishes for a Happy New Year and hopes all our members enjoy a year filled with joy, prosperity, productivity, and good health.

I like to begin my page with a brief note highlighting important activities or news from our society. This October, the 2nd Reunion of Afghan Engineers and Architects Alumni was held in Virginia, bringing together nearly 170 participants. The event was designed to foster celebration, professional camaraderie, and a genuine sense of connectedness as members and colleagues reunited, shared memories, and exchanged professional experiences. The reunion proved to be exceptionally successful, and the enthusiasm throughout the gathering reflected a spirit of friendship, joy, and warmth among all who attended. I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to the leadership and members who organized this event, along with my deep appreciation for their hard work and dedication.

This issue highlights recent events at SAE and other activities crucial to the professional growth of our members. Featured topics include messages and updates on members from Mr. Jalal Masumi, President of SAE, and Eng. Abdul Manan Khalid, Chairman of the Board of Directors. Additionally, we have invited esteemed authors and contributors to share their knowledge and expertise. I hope our readers find their insights valuable and thought-provoking.

As always, we have featured Architect Tooba Roshan’s poster page, showcasing her vibrant and expressive visual compositions. Her work offers layers of curiosity, meaning, and personal intent. We hope our readers enjoy it.

We have featured two book reviews in this issue. The first is of my own book, “Place, Meaning, and Form in the Architecture and Urban Structure of Eastern Islamic Cities,” co-authored with Rahmani, which caught the attention of Mr. Osman Mohammad, a Master of Design graduate student at UC Berkeley’s College of Environmental Design, when he discovered it on the university library shelves for his research. Since he was fascinated with its content, I asked him to write a review of the book, who graciously eccepted and wrote an impressive reflection of the book.

The next book, “NEW BOOK: Completion of the Pashto Translation of Engineering Mechanics: Dynamics by R.C. Hibbeler,” by Eng. Hafizullah Wardak and Dr. Zarjon Baha, which is on its way to publication. The authors are enthusiastic about its potential value for engineering education in Afghanistan. We extend our warm congratulations and appreciation to both of them.

Eng. Ghulam Feda’s article on “Bamiyan: The Lost Statues and the World’s Oldest Oil Painting,” addresses the newly discoveries of the artistic treasures of Bamiyan which is remarkably noted as the world’s oldest known oil paintings, hidden within the caves of the valley of Bamiyan. These paintings predate the European Renaissance by nearly a thousand years, reshaping our understanding of global art history and technological innovation.

We have added Part-II of II of the article by Dr. Saleh on “Climate Change and Its Impact on Water Resources in Afghanistan: Supplemental Materials,” which features useful supplemental literature references in support of his article.

Finally, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to Dr. Gul Afghan Saleh, Eng. Amanullah Mommandi, and Eng. Abdul Manan Khalid for their dedication and hard work as members of the Editorial Board. I am also deeply thankful to Eng. Jalal Masumi, the President of the society, and Ustad Ghulam Mujtaba, for their unwavering support, which has played a pivotal role in the continued success of this publication.

A final note: I would like dear readers to note that this Issue of SAE Newsletter covers higher than usual volume, and, accordingly, this Bulletin carries considerably more pages.

Sincerely,

Bashir A. Kazimee, AIA
Editor-in-Chief

President’s Message

Dear Fellow SAE Members & Colleagues

It is rewarding that I again have an opportunity to connect with you via this last Issue in 2025 of SAE Newsletter. With 2026 upon us as you read these lines, please accept my warm wishes for a Happy New Year. I humbly and sincerely pray that it turns a prosperous year for all people throughout the world, and especially the women and men in our ancestral land, Afghanistan.

SAE activities during this last quarter of 2025 deserve brief mention, summarized below:

(1) Delivering Online Education
Collaborative efforts by Society (SAE) and Afghan Education for a Better Tomorrow (AEBT) continued, and a series of online academic and professional classes for engineering and architecture students in Afghanistan were delivered. These sessions prepared and delivered by experienced SAE engineers and subject-matter experts with the aim to strengthen technical knowledge and provide practical learning opportunities in key engineering disciplines. Topics included:

• Foundational Understanding of Construction Management Roles – Dr. Gul Afghan Saleh
• Fundamental and Advanced Concepts of Structural Analysis – Eng. Hafiz Wardak
• Digital Design and Computer Architecture – Eng. Ghulam Feda
• Rockfall and Rockslide Mitigation Seminar – Eng. Amanullah Mommandi
• Precast Concrete – Eng. Amin Mahmood
• Architectural Precast Concrete – Eng. Amin Mahmood

(2) Architects & Engineers Alumni Re-union
This reunion event was held as a festive gathering of Afghan architects and engineers on Saturday October 11th in Chantilly, Northern Virginia. Participants included the alumni members as well as their loved ones and/or guests. Many of the alumni were SAE members but some were not. They came from New York, Florida, California, Texas, Virginia, Marland, New Jersey inside the U.S., and the UK, the Netherlands, and Canada. The gathering, organized with SAE support, was entirely funded by those who attended it through paying a registration fee. Participants seemed to enjoy the reunion opportunity held in an atmosphere of joy and fellowship. One hundred and ten (110) individuals participated in the event that lasted about 7 hours.

(3) GAM 25

SAE 2025 general assembly meeting (GAM 25 for short) was convened on October 12th from 2:30 pm to 6:00 pm in Northern Virginia. For the benefits of the members who could not attend in person, the meeting proceedings were also transmitted digitally using livestreaming service. Thirty-seven (37) active members and nine (9) prospective members were physically in attendance.

Figures 1 & 2: Photo of members from SAE 2025 general assembly

Figure 3: Photo of members from SAE 2025 general assembly

After recitation of verses from the Holy Quran, formally opening the meeting, per agenda, SAE Vice President (Tooba Roshan) ran it as follows:

• Society President (Jalal Masumi) presented a “Year in Review” report involving SAE performance.
• Board Member Hadi Rakin delivered a presentation addressing Economic Development and Transportation Infrastructure Needs in Afghanistan.
• Board Chairman Manan Khalid delivered a presentation addressing Impending Water Crisis of Kabul.
• Board Member Ghulam Mohammad Feda delivered a presentation addressing Renewal Energy Potential of Afghanistan.
• Engineer Reza Afshar delivered a presentation addressing construction of the Islamic Crescent Center (where the meeting was being held) as an engineering project, from concept to utilization.
• Engineer Jalal Masumi and Engineer Nick Chow (ex-colleague) delivered a presentation addressing the $2.5 billion Woodrow Wilson Bridge mega project.
• Board Vice Chairman Ghulam Mujtaba was recognized for outstanding service to the Society as a senior member.

Figure 4: Photo of members from SAE 2025 general assembly. From Left to right: Hashim Baluch, Jalal Masumi, Manan Khalid, Ghulam Mujtaba, and Tooba Roshan.

• Breaks to hold late afternoon prayers and to consume refreshments, were observed.
• At the end, Q & A from the floor audience was addressed by the presenters.
• The meeting was adjourned about 6:00 pm as Board Chairman wrapped it up with positive remarks and commendations for the support team and the audience participation.

Outstanding highlight of the meeting was the keen interest shown by prospective members who chose to fill out membership application forms following GAM 25. Especially noteworthy was Engineer Latif Mahjoor’s interest to join SAE as a new member, pledging and then delivering $1,000 donation in addition to the $120 annual membership fee. The Society management hereby again express gratefulness for his unmatched generosity.

• Enthusiastic interest by several new-comers to SAE sparked corresponding SAE management reaction, leading to an exploratory zoom meeting on November 22nd.
• The November 22nd meeting provided impetus to foster wider and more active engagement of fresh energy in the organization.
• The three technical presentations in the GAM event (Kabul Water Crisis, Afghanistan Transportation and National Economy, Afghanistan’s Renewable Energy Potential) proved worthy topics to be pursued as future SAE engagement projects.

In the aftermath of the earthquake in late September that inflicted heavy casualties (loss of life and property), Engineer Amin Mahmood took a bold, patriotic, humanitarian initiative to visit the devastated localities – using his personal funds – and deliver a professional response. He designed and then constructed a prototype emergency shelter unit. His effort and initiative were received with great enthusiastic commendation and appreciation, giving rise to pursue building low-cost shelters as a potential future project. Engineer Mahmood’s efforts described above may well be considered beyond outstanding. But he humbly noted it as “call of duty”. SAE wishes him best of luck in pursuit of his professional career to serve humanity and fellow countrymen, inside and outside Afghanistan. As related noteworthy information, funds raised as donation was $8,240. Engineer Mahmood matched $8,240 correspondingly. Thus, the total funds dedicated and used to build additional units came to be $16,480. This amount is estimated to fund construction of 10-12 shelter units as prices change.

Figures 5, 6 & 7: photos showing interior and exterior of Kunar emergency shelters using funds raised by Afghanistan Relief Alliance (ARA)

(4) Futuristic View

While looking into future with hope for better tomorrow, we all should work as a collective in 2026 to bring new administration into SAE by actively taking part in the election process. I hope that new faces and new energy take charge of the organization helm and navigate the course of sailing SAE to a destiny with more successful and rewarding achievements.

Sincerely,

Jalal Masumi
SAE President

Message from the Chairperson of the Board of Directors

Mission Statement and Acknowledgment of Service

The mission of our noble Society is to provide a forum for Afghan engineers, architects, and scientists to share experiences and knowledge in pursuit of fostering scientific, architectural, and engineering competency, with the goal of enhancing Afghan capacities in these fields and serving Afghanistan and its people. In alignment with this mission—and in response to the challenging conditions on the ground in Afghanistan—the Society has pursued various initiatives to fulfill its responsibilities.

Since 2024, and in accordance with its short- and long-term strategic plans, the Society, in collaboration with AEBT, has been actively engaged in delivering online education to students and professionals in Afghanistan. The success of this program is a direct result of the dedication and hard work of Mr. Ghulam Feda, as well as the commitment, patriotism, and selfless service of our honorable instructors. I therefore wish to dedicate this message specifically to those members who have voluntarily devoted countless hours of their personal and family time to this noble effort.

In no particular order, they are:
Dr. Saboor Rahim, Ustad Bashir Kazimee, Arch. Tooba Roshan, Arch. Najim Azadzoi, Eng. Ghulam Feda, Ustad Hafiz Wardak, Eng. Amanullah Mommandi, Dr. Gul Afghan Saleh, Ustad Mehdi Sabet, Ustad Rafi Samizay, Arch. Homayoon Ibrahim and Ustad Amin Mahmood.

I would also like to acknowledge the valuable contributions of Dr. Mahmood Samizay, Arch Aziz Ghani and Ms. Mehrangaze Danishwar – who continued to devote their time and efforts to this noble cause.

I have intentionally listed Ustad Amin Mahmood last, as his contributions have been truly above and beyond the call of duty. In addition to his educational efforts, he has made extraordinary personal sacrifices by traveling to Afghanistan and providing assistance to disaster-stricken communities through his engineering expertise and personal financial resources. Whether responding to floods, earthquakes, or other emergencies, he consistently goes wherever help is needed. Notably, he designed and constructed a bridge in Paktika Province using his own funds and, more recently, designed and financed fifteen emergency shelters for families in need in Kunar Province. His patriotism, courage, and humanitarian commitment are exceptional and deeply commendable. On behalf of the Board of Directors, I extend our sincere appreciation to all of these dedicated individuals and wish them continued health, strength, and success as they carry forward their noble mission.

Sincerely,

Abdul Manan Khalid, P.E., LEED (BD+C)
Chairman, SAE Board of Directors

News from Kabul

By Eng. Walid Howaida
SAE Representative in Afghanistan

On 7 October I coordinated a meeting with the leadership of TOLO TV which is the most popular Afghan TV.

I, together with Ustad Amin Mahmood, had a very productive one-hour meeting with TOLO TV. They agreed to broadcast Ustad Amin Mahmood’s lectures for 20 weeks. I also presented SAE’s capacity to offer lectures in various fields of engineering, which they warmly welcomed.

On 9 October, I handed over ten different books to Mr. Shinwari, the Senior Adviser to the Minister of Public Works. These books had been sent by Mommandi Sahib and Ustad Amin Mahmood, who brought them to Kabul. Mr. Shinwari expressed his appreciation.

Figure-1: Leftt-Mr. Shinwari Senior adviser to the minister of Public Works with Howaida. Figure-2: Right -Mr. Ataash the general director of Afghanistan Development Company with Ustad Amin Mahmood and Howaida.

On 12 October, I coordinated a meeting with Mr. Ataash, the Director General of the Afghanistan Development Company—the largest government entity responsible for implementing the Qushtepa Canal project. During this meeting, Ustad Amin Mahmood exchanged ideas with him and offered technical support, which was warmly welcomed by Mr. Ataash and his team.

On 13 October, I coordinated a meeting between Ustad Amin Mahmood and the Minister of Public Works. During the meeting, Ustad Amin Mahmood offered his technical expertise, which was received very warmly by the Minister.

On 19 October, a group of male and female engineers who have been attending Professor Amin Mahmood’s online lectures participated in a scientific excursion to Khan Steel Company. During this visit, they gained valuable new experience as the Khan Steel staff explained the entire production process and provided excellent hospitality to the visiting engineers.

On 6 November I participated and had a speech at the certificate distribution ceremony of those civil engineers who were attended project Management online lectures that was taught by Dr. Gul Afghan Saleh. The ceremony took place at the ASHYANA compound.

During November 2025 I also attended the SAE’s board meeting with new young members and some online lectures.

On 4 December I participated and had a speech at the certificate distribution ceremony of those civil engineers who were attended Structural Analysist online lectures that was taught by Ustad Hafiz Wardak. The ceremony took place at the ASHYANA compound.

Figure-3: Certificate distribution to Miss. Maryam Ahmadzai the only female who participated in the ceremony.

Figure-5: Eng. Amin Mahmood, Howaida, Male & female engineers and staff members from Khan Steel Company.

Figure-4: Male Engineers who participated in the ceremony

Report on AEBT–SAE Online Classes Conducted in October–December (2025)

By Ghulam Feda
(Disclaimer: The views and information expressed in this article are those of the AEBT. The SAE is not responsible for the accuracy of the data, references, or recommendations provided in this article.)

1. Introduction

Afghan Education for a Better Tomorrow (AEBT), in collaboration with the Society of Afghan Engineers (SAE), conducted a series of online academic and professional classes during October and November for male and female engineering and architecture students in Afghanistan. These classes were designed to address the severe disruption of higher education and to ensure continued access to quality technical learning for Afghan youth of both genders.

This initiative reflects the shared commitment of AEBT and SAE to inclusive education, capacity building, and the development of Afghanistan’s future technical workforce.

2. Program Overview

The online sessions were delivered by experienced Afghan engineers, professors, and subject-matter experts, primarily members of SAE, through accessible virtual platforms. The program ensured participation of both men and women students, promoting equal learning opportunities despite ongoing educational and social challenges.

The courses combined theoretical knowledge with practical applications, aligned with Afghanistan’s infrastructure, construction, and development needs.

3. Topics and Instructors

The following courses, seminars, and certification activities were conducted during the reporting period:

1. Foundational Understanding of Construction Management Roles
   Instructor: Dr. Gul Afghan Saleh
2. Distribution of Certificates for Construction Management
   Date: November 6
3. Fundamental and Advanced Concepts of Structural Analysis
   Instructor: Ustad Eng. Hafiz Wardak
4. Distribution of Certificates for Structural Analysis
   Date: December 4
5. Digital Design and Computer Architecture
   Instructor: Eng. Ghulam Feda
6. Rockfall and Rockslide Mitigation Seminar
   Instructor: Eng. Amanullah Mommandi
7. Precast Concrete
   Instructor: Eng. Amin Mahmood
8. Architectural Precast Concrete
   Instructor: Eng. Amin Mahmood

4. Impact of the Program

The AEBT–SAE online classes produced significant academic and social impact:

• Inclusive Access: Enabled male and female students across Afghanistan to continue higher education despite limited access to physical universities.
• Capacity Building: Strengthened technical competencies in key engineering and architectural disciplines.
• Gender Equity in Education: Provided women students continued engagement in technical education, helping prevent long-term exclusion from the professional workforce.
• Professional Mentorship: Connected students with senior Afghan engineers and academics, fostering guidance and motivation.
• Applied Learning: Addressed real engineering challenges relevant to Afghanistan, including seismic safety, landslide mitigation, and modern construction methods.

5. The Critical Need for Education in Afghanistan

Higher education in Afghanistan, particularly for women and technical students, faces unprecedented challenges. Limited institutional access, economic hardship, and social restrictions have placed both men and women at risk of losing years of education and professional development.

Without sustained educational initiatives:
* Afghanistan will face a shortage of qualified engineers, architects, and technical professionals.
* Women’s participation in the workforce will decline further, deepening economic and social inequality.
* Long-term national recovery, infrastructure development, and disaster resilience will remain constrained.

Programs like the AEBT–SAE online classes serve as lifelines, preserving academic continuity and promoting inclusive human capital development.

6. Conclusion and Way Forward

The AEBT–SAE online education program conducted in October – December demonstrates the power of inclusive, diaspora-supported education to reach both men and women students in Afghanistan. The success of this initiative highlights the need to expand online learning, engage additional experts, and secure sustainable support.

Continued investment in education—especially inclusive technical education—is essential for Afghanistan’s future stability, resilience, and self-reliance.

Figure-1: Class of Construction Management taught by Dr. Gul Afghan Saleh

Figure-2: Class of Structural Analysis taught by Ustad Hafiz Wardak

Figure-3: Class of Precast Concrete taught by Eng. Amin Mahmood

Fig-4: Rockfall and Rockslides Mitigation taught by Eng. Mommandi

Figure-5: Computer Architecture taught by Eng. Ghulam Feda

Figure-6: Awarding of AEBT/SAE Certificates to Female Students by Eng. Howaida

Afghan Architecture Studio (AAS)

Online Architecture Program for Afghan Students in Afghanistan

(Disclaimer: The views and information expressed in this article are those of the AAS. The SAE is not responsible for the accuracy of the data, references, or recommendations provided in this article.)

After two successful semesters of teaching full architecture courses beginning in October 2024, a third semester of similar architecture courses commenced in October 2025. These courses are offered under the name Afghan Architecture Studio (AAS), which was founded by a group of volunteer Afghan architects and architecture educators.

For this term, approximately thirty-five (35) students registered. All participants are Afghan female architecture students or graduates. Most of the students are from Kabul University, Department of Architecture, and Kabul Polytechnic University, with a smaller number coming from Herat University and Mazar-e-Sharif University.

Organizing and coordinating these classes has been challenging due to the wide range of students’ educational levels and professional experience. Some participants have already graduated and seek to deepen their architectural knowledge and skills, while others have completed only their third, fourth, or fifth year of study. The faculty members, who are all volunteers, strive to design course content that is meaningful and beneficial for students across this diverse spectrum.

This semester, which began in November 2025, will continue until March 2026. Given the varied academic backgrounds of the students, they were divided into two groups:

• Group A consists of fifteen (15) students who have completed their bachelor’s degrees in architecture and are interested in advanced architectural theory and design. For Group A, Prof. Sabet has developed a dedicated course syllabus. The primary design assignment for this group is the conceptual and architectural design of a War Trauma Center for Children in Kabul.
  This project proposes a medium-scale trauma center for 60 children in Kabul, structured around interconnected housing, training, caretaker, and cultivation spaces. The design prioritizes safety, psychological healing, and social interaction, using climate-responsive strategies and simple materials to create a sustainable and supportive environment.
• Group B includes more than twenty (20) students who have completed their second, third, or fourth year of architectural studies. Architect Hamayon Ibrahim has developed and implemented a course syllabus for Group B, designed to introduce students to fundamental architectural drawing skills and design techniques. The course curriculum includes instruction in orthographic drawing, as well as two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) design presentation techniques. Enrollment for the course exceeds twenty students. The course commenced on November 19, and to date, three lectures have been successfully delivered. Supplementary instructional materials and learning resources are provided to students through an organized WhatsApp group to support continuous learning and engagement.

Figure-1: Group A assignment -War Trauma Center for Children in Kabul – above screenshot of class meeting, from left to right: Najim Azadzoi, Mehdi Sabet, Rafi Samizay, and Hamayon Ibrahim.

Figure-2: Group B assignments – Fundamental of Architectural Drawings.

Students are given assignments to practice drawing orthographic shapes in 2-D and 3-D and exercises architecture graphics and letters. End of the first month assignment included each student to measure their own house and draw floor plans, elevations and sections of the building in scale. The students presented their projects on Wednesday, December 17. Next assignment will teach students the elements of a house design which includes the design of bathrooms, kitchens, living room, bedrooms, and other indoor and outdoor activity areas. Final project will be a complete design of a 3-bedroom house in Kabul.

Deptartment of Arch. Kabul University:

Dr. Seraj Sharifzai, head of architecture department from Kabul university, approached AAS and requested to help review the 5th year architecture student’s final thesis projects. We agreed to review the students’ work and provide our feedback as ‘advisors’. A group of five (5) students and their instructor, Mr. Sami Balkhi, were introduced to us. The five (5) students are working to redesign and develop the former American University of Afghanistan (AUA) Master and campus, now known as the Islamic University of Afghanistan.

Figure-3: Kabul University students to redesign the campus of Islamic University of Afghanistan Project

The AUA campus and master plan was designed and completed by Zarnegar architectural firm in Afghanistan in 2025. Prof. Rafi Samizay was the head of Zarnegar group. The master plan was then revised and redesigned under a USAID contract in 2010. The design group for the revision of the AUA master plan was led by architect Najim Azadzoi, AIA. Due to budget constraints, only a portion of the master plan was implemented. Since 2021, the university is taken over by the Ministry of higher education and three colleges are housed in the campus: a college of engineering, a college of agriculture and a college of religious studies. AAS has held four meetings with the 5th year architecture students and reviewed their preliminary site studies, research and verification of existing conditions of the site. Further meetings war scheduled to be held in the future.

Figure-4: The AUA Proposed campus Masterplan

AAS members lecture: Professor Rafi Samizay, AIA, a leading Afghan architect and educator presented a lecture on November 3rd, 2025, to all students. All female architecture students and male architecture students from the faculty of engineering attended this lecture. The topic was ‘The role of architects in the built environment’. The lecture was well received and the department of architecture at Kabul requested to further our lecture to all students and help the department with reviewing their school projects.

Housing Projects by students in Afghanistan: The department of agriculture at Kabul university requested to review and provide feedback of other 5th year students projects. Currently, six (6) other teams of 5th year architecture students are working to design traditional housing schemes throughout the country.

1. A Village design in Panjshir
2. A Neighborhood project in Maidan-Wardak
3. New Futuristic Islamic Center in Ghazni
4. A Neighbood design in Hairatan, Balkh
5. A village design in Parun, Nuristan
6. A village design in Sayed Abad Wardak

Figure-5: An image of student class presentation

Three of the above projects were reviewed in the past in November and December and the review of the 3 more projects are scheduled in late December and in January 2026.

Arch. Tooba Roshan’s page

[Poster Page Content]

Book Review

By: Omar Mohammad

Place, Meaning, and Form in the Architecture and Urban Structure of Eastern Islamic Cities / Bashir A. Kazimee and Ayad B. Rahmani
Lewiston, N.Y: Edwin Mellen Press, 2003. xi + 207 pp. Print.

Figure-1: Book by Bashir A. Kazimee and Ayad B. Rahmani / Lewiston, N.Y: Edwin Mellen Press.

In a volume comprising of six distinct sections, Bashir Kazimee and Ayad Rahmani guide the reader through an architectural, urban, and spiritual journey within the walls, courtyards, and streets that comprise the eastern Islamic city. Focusing on case studies located within urban environments of Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, the manifestation of Islamic principles within the built environment of these spaces is analyzed through references to the Qur’an, Persian poetry, and both western and eastern modes of thought. Place, meaning, and form are presented no longer as static, human-creations, but as dynamic, divine interpretations of the human’s relationship to Divine characteristics.

The first three chapters of the book introduce the reader to the spiritual dimensions of “place”, rather than a physical orientation, but a “…spiritual one in which meanings, values, and a sense of the higher cause are kept alive and within one’s grasp of comprehension” (p. 21). Physical realities are rendered as spiritual ones by an analysis of orientation, unity, and interiority.

In chapter one, the wall is portrayed as a definitive means to orient the human physically in space, spiritually towards the divine, and internally towards their own origin. Throughout the book, the authors continuously invoke poems by the likes of Arab and Persian poets and scholars, along with multiple verses from the Qur’an, doing so in this chapter to re-contextualize the properties of the wall, including its doors and windows, into a man-made structure that possesses metaphysical properties. As the reader wanders through the Eastern Islamic city painted by Kazimee and Rahmani, the wall becomes the foundation which further elements such as the courtyard and the street are built upon.

In chapter two, the concept of unity, or tawhid, is introduced as the force that drives the synthesis of the cosmos into the intangible and tangible understanding of the human’s relationship to place and time. Light, color, geometry, numerology, and symmetry are categorized and analyzed, again through exegesis of poetry and scripture, to illuminate the reader upon hidden realities that are baked into the environment around us. The Masjid-i-Shah, located in Isfahan, Iran, is demonstrated as a prime example of these traits occurring in built form.

Chapter three presents the reader with the courtyard, an amalgamation of the wall discussed in the first chapter. While the courtyard captures an open space, its interiority is argued as a representation of a microcosm of the cosmos, representing not only earth and earthly realities, but dimensions of the heavens and the other world. By reference of a poem by Mawlana Rumi, just as within the interior of the courtyard the cosmos come to a defined center, the human looks within their own center, and finds themself (78). At its center point lies Paradise, an infinite vector that points to the heavens, allowing God’s presence to radiate within the space. The migration within the courtyard, which is discussed more fully in chapter 5, represents the human’s journey within this dimension, leading towards the dimensions of death and ultimately beyond. The architectural elements of the aiwan, the loggia, and the conditions they produce within the plan of the courtyard are illustrated as practical effects that produce these more-than-earthly realities.

After guiding the reader through an understanding of how place, orientation, unity, and interiority are defined within the context of the Islamic built environment, the second half of the book focuses on case studies through which these concepts are manifest in the typical everyday life of the urban Muslim. In chapter four, the street is presented as a “spiritual journey”, prefaced as the physical manifestation of the spiritual path of the straight and guided course, the al-sirat-al-mustaqim (103). Multiple street typologies that are particular to the Islamic city, depicted here in Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, are provided through text and image to guide the reader through an understanding of how the Muslim moves in order to seek truth, find themselves, and find God, a process of purification that the authors relate metaphorically to the Islamic pilgrimage of Hajj (111). In this sense, the alleyway, the thoroughfare, the market street, and the bridge are all part of the journey on the al-sirat-al-mustaqim that all Muslims are constantly treading, even if its reality lays in the physical dimension.

Moving from the public/exterior street back into the private/interior courtyard, chapter five introduces the reader to the concept of “diurnal rotation” within the living tradition of Afghan courtyards. While on the street the Muslim moves through public space and time in a linear fashion, reaching their destination from location A to location B, the movement within the courtyard is cyclical and circular, reducing time, space, and place into memories, traditions, and histories.

The rotation of the Muslim within multiple typologies and case studies around Afghanistan are presented through images and drawings depicting the movement that occurs based on the position of the sun and the inhabitant’s daily journey, duties, and life within the courtyard. A rectangular courtyard in a village in Kandahar, the courtyard of a house in Herat, and the courtyard of a local mosque also in Herat produce an environment of internal migration, rotation, and flexibility that counteracts the western concept of “home” being a static space where “traveling” does not occur. In this chapter, the authors greatly illustrate how Islamic principles, those of both Shariah and Tariqah, have embedded themselves into the simple realities of everyday life, opening the reader’s eyes of both the mind and the heart to inner realities of Islamic architecture and design that today are slowly reaching extinction.

The final chapter touches upon these points, emphasizing the role of the vernacular in the making of Islamic places, architecture, and environments. “For the Muslim the vernacular is not first a visual virtue but a human one, and is best advanced in the manner of experience itself” (179). The act of being Muslim itself is an experiential one, one that is universal and can be applied to multiple cultures and realities as long as it is defined by a common set of traditions. The vernacular, in Islam, is not just the form that environments take, but it is in the actions, experiences, interactions, and life itself that the environment produces. This final chapter makes claims to that concept, and in so doing rather than proposing contemporary vernacular design case studies or proposals, it allows the reader to sit with oneself and ponder over the realities of the Islamic city today: its successes, its failures, and its embodiment, or lack of, the vernacular.

While acts of modernity directly, or often indirectly, destroy the traditions of the vernacular across both religion and architecture, the vernacular offers humanity an opportunity to look to tradition in order to build for the future.

This book, written twenty-two years ago at the time of writing, is an exemplary work into inspiring and encouraging designers, artists, architects, engineers, students, and scholars to study the way in which Islam has penetrated the cities of tradition. This knowledge must be embraced and applied to the design of the cities of the future. In modern design education there is a desire to return to knowledge of the vernacular, the spiritual, and the indigenous in ways that can make absolute change within the environment, the climate, and the socio- cultural landscape. Place, Meaning, and Form in the Architecture and Urban Structure of Eastern Islamic Cities by Bashir A. Kazimee and Ayad B. Rahmani is a piece of text that must be visited by Muslims and non-Muslims alike who are in search of a design and architecture discourse rooted in spirituality and tradition, a rare field to come across in today’s age.

Mr. Omer Mohammad biography

Omar Mohammad is an Afghan-American designer. His practice and research embed buildings, drawings, graphics, objects, and software with culture. He is currently a graduate student pursuing a Master of Design at the UC Berkeley College of Environmental Design. He received his BA in Design from UC Davis.

NEW BOOK: Completion of the Pashto Translation of Engineering Mechanics: Dynamics by R.C. Hibbeler

Hafizullah Wardak

The foundation of every technologically advanced nation lies in its ability to educate, empower, and equip its younger generation with technical and scientific knowledge. Engineering is not merely a profession — it is the practical expression of human intellect that transforms imagination into innovation and challenges into solutions. Every structure, bridge, canal, dam, and power plant begins as an idea in the mind of an engineer trained to think critically and act precisely.

In the 21st century, where technology shapes economies and defines sovereignty, transferring engineering knowledge to the next generation is a national imperative. When students can study advanced science and mathematics in their own language, barriers disappear and learning becomes deeper, faster, and more creative. Translating world-class engineering textbooks into Pashto democratizes access to this knowledge — enabling students across Afghanistan to understand, design, and innovate with confidence. It is a direct investment in the human infrastructure that sustains physical infrastructure.

These initiatives are not about translation alone; they are about mobilizing the younger generation to become the technical leaders of tomorrow — men and women capable of rebuilding and re-engineering their homeland with skill, vision, and integrity. Through education, Afghanistan can transform from a consumer of technology into a creator of technology.

Engineering Knowledge and National Development

Modern Afghanistan stands at a decisive moment where well-informed and highly trained engineers will determine the nation’s future trajectory. The large-scale infrastructure projects now underway demand professionals fluent in modern design, construction technology, and resource management.

The Qosh Tepa Canal Project

A striking example is the Qosh Tepa Canal, an under-construction irrigation megaproject in northern Afghanistan that diverts water from the Amu River to irrigate the arid northern plains.

• Purpose: To irrigate more than 550,000 hectares of desert land across Balkh, Jawzjan, and Faryab provinces — increasing Afghanistan’s arable land by nearly one-third.
• Water Source: The Amu River, which forms Afghanistan’s northern border with Tajikistan and flows into Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan.
• Status: Construction is progressing rapidly, with Phase I completed ahead of schedule.
• Estimated Completion: The full canal system is expected to become operational by 2028.

When completed, this canal will transform vast desert areas into fertile farmland, enhance food security, create employment, and strengthen national economic independence. Yet, such ambitious undertakings demand engineers proficient in hydrology, geotechnics, soil mechanics, and environmental engineering — precisely the kind of knowledge cultivated through advanced textbooks like Engineering Mechanics: Dynamics.

Hydropower and Energy Independence

Equally vital are the ongoing plans to construct hydropower dams on the Kunar River in eastern Afghanistan and the Kokcha River in the north. These projects are essential for generating clean electricity, reducing dependence on imported energy, and promoting rural electrification. Their success depends on engineers well-versed in fluid dynamics, structural analysis, and energy systems — all disciplines grounded in engineering mechanics.

Resource Exploration and Industrial Development

Afghanistan is endowed with vast mineral and rare-earth resources — copper, lithium, iron, gold, and other elements vital to modern technology. Harnessing these resources responsibly requires a new generation of educated engineers, geologists, and materials scientists who can ensure safe, efficient, and sustainable development.

Educating Afghan youth in engineering and applied sciences ensures that the country’s natural wealth benefits its own people. A nation with informed engineers and scientists no longer depends on external expertise; it develops its own industries, builds its own infrastructure, and sustains its own economy. When young Afghans are equipped with knowledge and opportunity, they become agents of progress at home rather than seekers of livelihood abroad.

Completion of Another Pashto Engineering Textbook

It is therefore with great pleasure and deep gratitude that we announce the completion of the Pashto translation of Engineering Mechanics: Dynamics (15th Edition, 2022) by R.C. Hibbeler — a globally respected textbook central to Civil and Mechanical Engineering education. The translation was undertaken by Hafizullah Wardak and Dr. Zarjon Baha, and will be distributed free of charge to universities, libraries, and engineering faculties throughout Afghanistan. It is also available online via the Textbooks of Afghan Universities (د افغانستان د پوهنتونونو درسي کتابونه) website.

Rationale for Selection

The selection of this book was guided by both academic merit and long-term educational strategy:
1. It is among the most authoritative and widely adopted engineering textbooks worldwide, valued for developing analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.
2. The principles of dynamics are fundamental to all branches of engineering and evolve slowly, ensuring lasting academic relevance.

Following the successful completion of our previous works made available to the Afghan engineering community in Pashto, this translation represents the third milestone in a continuing educational mission.

• First book: Structural Analysis in Pashto — authored and published in three volumes in 2020, distributed widely across universities and libraries, and now used as a standard teaching and reference text.
• Second book: Mechanics of Materials by R.C. Hibbeler — translated into Pashto and published in two volumes in 2023, with official translation rights obtained from Pearson Education after a two-year process.
• Third book: Engineering Mechanics – Dynamics — completed efficiently in under two years, demonstrating the team’s growing experience and commitment. Official translation rights obtained from Pearson Education for Engineering Mechanics series, Dynamics and Static, was a smooth process. The book is now freely accessible on the Afghan Universities Books website, and printing is being planned at our own expense for distribution free across the country.
• Fourth book (in progress): Engineering Mechanics – Statics, expected to be completed next year, which will complete the full Mechanics series in Pashto.

This sequence of projects represents a long-term vision to build a comprehensive library of engineering knowledge in Afghanistan’s national language Pashto, making world-class technical education accessible to every student, regardless of geography or background.

Purpose and Educational Scope

This Pashto edition provides a comprehensive and accessible presentation of engineering mechanics, focusing on motion, forces, energy, and vibration. It maintains all technical accuracy — including diagrams, equations, and examples — while enhancing linguistic clarity and comprehension for Afghan students. Its purpose is to empower instructors and learners to develop strong analytical foundations, fostering curiosity, innovation, and confidence in solving real-world engineering problems.

Relation to the Statics Volume

The Dynamics volume follows directly from the Statics chapters (1–11) in the Engineering Mechanics series. The Statics translation is scheduled for completion in 2026, ensuring that Afghan students will soon have access to the full Engineering Mechanics sequence in Pashto — a historic first in the nation’s academic landscape.

Structure and Chapter Overview

The Pashto edition of Dynamics comprises over 1,160 pages, covering Chapters 12–22: Kinematics, Kinetics, Energy Methods, Impulse and Momentum, Rigid-Body Motion, and Vibrations. Each chapter includes worked examples and end-of-section problems, with selected solutions provided at the end of the text.

Acknowledgments

We gratefully acknowledge Pearson Education for granting translation rights and extend deep appreciation to Dr. Soorgul Wardak, Professor at the University of California and former Kabul University faculty member, for his valuable academic input.

Special thanks to Dr. Yahya Wardak of Kinderhilfe-Afghanistan (Germany), whose organization has published more than 389 academic textbooks since 2010 in collaboration with Afghan universities. We also recognize Mr. Hekmatullah Aziz and the Kabul Publication Team for their dedication in producing and distributing this work, as well as the Ministry of Higher Education’s Publication Department for its continued support and coordination.

Final Reflection: Investing in Minds, Building the Nation

All of our published textbooks — past, present, and future — are provided free of charge to Afghan universities, libraries, and professional institutions as part of a long-term vision to rebuild the nation through education. Engineering knowledge is the engine that powers civilization. A nation that cultivates its own engineers builds its own roads, designs its own infrastructure, manages its own energy, and safeguards its own environment. Textbooks like Engineering Mechanics: Dynamics are not merely academic volumes; they are instruments of national transformation — bridging science and society and turning knowledge into nation-building.

When Afghan students gain access to high-quality technical materials in Pashto, they learn to think independently, question critically, and innovate creatively. They become the bridge between tradition and technology — capable of guiding Afghanistan toward self-reliance and prosperity. The new generation of engineers will be the architects of the Qosh Tepa Canal, the Kunar River hydropower dams, and the future industries that will extract and refine Afghanistan’s mineral wealth for the benefit of its people. By investing in knowledge, we invest in peace, stability, and progress. The youth we educate today will not seek opportunities abroad; they will build them at home. They will transform Afghanistan’s mountains, rivers, and deserts into sources of power, food, and livelihood. Through education and engineering, Afghanistan will rise again — stronger, wiser, and self-reliant.

Wishing everyone a happy, healthy and successful year 2026. Our dua is for a peaceful and prosperous Afghanistan.

Hafizullah Wardak
Dr. Zarjon Baha

Few sample pages of the book: Dynamics in Pashto Language

Figure 1. Example of the table of Content page

Figure 2. Page showing problem, and text of a new section

Figure 3. Page showing procedure for analysis, and an example with solution

Figure 4. Page showing example with solution

Figure 5. Page showing problems section

Biography of Eng. Hafizullah Wardak

Eng. Hafizullah Wardak was born in Mohammad Quli village, Jaghatu District, Wardak Province, Afghanistan. He is blessed with two sons, two daughters, and ten grandchildren.

He completed his early education in Wardak and Kabul, graduating from Habibia High School. As an AFS Scholar, he spent one year at Manheim Township High School in Lancaster, Pennsylvania (USA) before returning to Kabul. He earned his B.Sc. in Civil Engineering from the University of Hawaii through the East-West Center Scholarship, and his M.Sc. in Structural Engineering from Case Western Reserve University (Cleveland, Ohio).

He also completed all Ph.D. coursework in Structural Engineering at the University of Alabama in Huntsville.

After completing his master’s degree, Eng. Wardak served for six years as an Associate Professor (Pohanmal) at the Faculty of Engineering, Kabul University. In 1981, after the Russian invasion, he immigrated to the United States, where he worked with several leading engineering organizations:

• Pile Dynamics Inc. (Ohio) – Structural Engineer
• Sargent & Lundy (Chicago) – Structural Specialist Engineer, Nuclear Projects
• United Technologies (Alabama) –Solid Rocket of The Space Transportation System Structural Engineer
• The Boeing Company – Over 30 years as Technical Fellow in Structural Engineering, technical leader and contributing to the NASA International Space Station Program and multiple advanced/new aircraft development/new programs.

He holds a U.S. patent, has authored numerous technical papers, and has received awards and professional recognitions from Boeing, NASA, and United Technologies. In 2022, he was included in “Who’s Who Worldwide” for leadership and achievement in engineering.

Since retirement, Eng. Wardak has dedicated his efforts to advancing engineering education in Afghanistan, translating and publishing major engineering textbooks in Pashto for university use in Afghanistan, in collaboration with Dr. Zarjon Baha.

His published works include:
1. Structural Analysis – 3 Volumes (2020)
2. Mechanics of Materials – 2 Volumes (2023)
3. Engineering Mechanics: Dynamics – in the printing process (2025)

Through these initiatives, Eng. Wardak continues his lifelong mission to empower Afghan engineers and students with accessible, high-quality technical knowledge in their native language by offering online Structural Analysis classes to the Afghan Engineers, male and female.

Bamiyan: The Lost Statues and the World’s Oldest Oil Paintings

By Ghulam M. Feda
(Disclaimer: The views and information expressed in this article are those of the author. The SAE is not responsible for the accuracy of the data, references, or recommendations provided in this article.)

High in the rugged mountains of central Afghanistan lies Bamiyan, a valley that once served as the vibrant crossroads of civilizations along the ancient Silk Road. For centuries, Bamyan was home to towering statues of the Buddha, sanctuaries carved into the cliffs, and murals that astonished pilgrims and travelers alike. While the destruction of the giant Buddhas in 2001 captured global attention, the lesser-known treasure of Bamiyan is equally remarkable: the discovery of the world’s oldest known oil paintings, hidden within the caves of the valley. These works predate the European Renaissance by nearly a thousand years, reshaping our understanding of global art history and technological innovation [1].

Figure-1: Bamiyan Valley showing former locations of the Bamiyan Buddhas

Bamyan’s Historical Significance

Between the 4th and 8th centuries CE, Bamyian emerged as a thriving Buddhist center where monks, pilgrims, and merchants mingled. Its monumental Buddhas, carved directly into sandstone cliffs, symbolized both spiritual devotion and artistic grandeur. Surrounding these statues were more than 700 caves, many adorned with murals that depicted Buddhist cosmology, divine figures, and intricate geometric patterns. These murals provide invaluable insights into the cultural exchanges that shaped Central Asia at the time [2].

The Discovery of the World’s Oldest Oil Paintings

In 2008, a team of Japanese researchers led by Yoko Taniguchi analyzed fragments of murals from the Bamiyan caves. Using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry, they confirmed the presence of oil-based binders, making these works the earliest known examples of oil painting in the world [1]. This groundbreaking discovery challenged the Eurocentric view that oil painting originated during the European Renaissance of the 15th century, these discoveries redefined the history of world art, proving that sophisticated oil-painting techniques originated in Asia, not Europe [3].

Figure-2: Western Buddha, Niche, ceiling, east

Figure-3: A section of the earliest discovered oil paintings (~650 AD) depicting buddhist imagery in Bamiyan, Afghanistan.

Figure-4: Details of paintings in Bamiyan

Techniques and Materials

The Bamiyan artists used organic binders—likely walnut or poppy seed oil—combined with mineral pigments. They prepared the rock surface with a fine clay or plaster layer before applying the pigments in multiple layers. This technique allowed for rich hues and durability, even in the harsh mountain climate. The tools may have included fine brushes, reed pens, and spatulas, showing a sophisticated understanding of artistic processes centuries ahead of their time [1][4].

Pigments and Symbolism

Scientific analysis revealed the use of natural minerals such as cinnabar (red), malachite (green), lapis lazuli (blue), and ochre (yellow and brown). These colors carried symbolic meanings in Buddhist art: blue for transcendence, red for compassion, and gold for divine illumination. The brilliance of these murals spoke not only to aesthetic beauty but also to spiritual intention, guiding monks in meditation and pilgrims in reflection [5].

Bamiyan on the Silk Road

Bamiyan’s location on the Silk Road made it a melting pot of ideas and technologies. Artistic influences from India’s Ajanta caves, China’s Dunhuang murals, and Persian decorative motifs can be traced in Bamiyan’s murals. The use of oil binders may have been a local innovation, later influencing artistic practices across Asia. Bamiyan thus stood as a beacon of cross-cultural exchange long before Europe experienced its Renaissance [6].

Legacy and Modern Significance

Today, Bamiyan stands as both a site of tragedy and resilience. The destruction of the Buddhas in 2001 was a devastating cultural loss, but the discovery of oil paintings reaffirms the valley’s global significance. UNESCO and international teams continue to work on preserving fragments, while digital technology allows virtual reconstructions. For Afghans and the world, Bamiyan remains a symbol of the shared responsibility to safeguard humanity’s cultural heritage [7].

Conclusion

The oil paintings of Bamiyan represent more than a lost chapter of Afghan history—they are a reminder that innovation, creativity, and cultural brilliance have deep roots across civilizations. Long before the European Renaissance, Afghan artists were experimenting with techniques that would shape the future of global art. Bamyan thus invites us to rethink art history not as a linear story centered in Europe, but as a shared human heritage enriched by exchanges along the Silk Road [1][6].

References

[1] Yoko Taniguchi et al., ‘The earliest oil paintings in the world found in caves of the Bamiyan Valley, Afghanistan,’ Journal of Analytical Atomic Spectrometry, 2008.
[2] UNESCO, ‘The Cultural Landscape and Archaeological Remains of the Bamiyan Valley,’ World Heritage Centre, 2003.
[3] David Hockney, ‘Secret Knowledge: Rediscovering the Lost Techniques of the Old Masters,’ Thames & Hudson, 2001.
[4] J. Winter, ‘The Conservation of Wall Paintings,’ Getty Conservation Institute, 2006.
[5] Deborah Klimburg-Salter, ‘Bamiyan: Buddhist Cave Temples in Afghanistan,’ Kunsthistorisches Institut, University of Vienna, 1989.
[6] Richard Foltz, ‘Religions of the Silk Road: Premodern Patterns of Globalization,’ Palgrave Macmillan, 2010.
[7] UNESCO, ‘Action Plan for the Safeguarding of Bamiyan,’ 2003.

Pictures: [1],[2],[3],[4} Streamline Publishing, Inc and Wikimedia Commons

Eng. Ghulam M Feda’s Bio

Ghulam M Feda earned his master’s degree in electrical and computer engineering from the University of Cincinnati, along with a BSEE from Kabul University, Faculty of Engineering. With more than 35 years of engineering experience, he has primarily held leadership roles in industrial R&D projects, focusing on optimizing organizational efficiency. Notably, his significant contributions have been within Owens Illinois, a global glass technology company headquartered in Ohio. Furthermore, he has provided guidance by serving on advisory boards for various state colleges and universities. Presently, he stands as the visionary founder and president/CEO of Afghan Education for a Better Tomorrow, an organization spearheading the development and delivery of educational resources to the conflict-affected regions of Afghanistan.

Engineer Feda has been honored with a patent award in “Glass Technology” and a Congressional award for his work in implementing innovative energy efficiency projects. He also holds a certification as a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt (LSSBB). Mr. Feda is passionate about projects that utilize technology to transform education, especially tele-education, to foster deeper learning in underserved and under-resourced communities, particularly in regions with significant needs.

Apart from his professional pursuits, Mr. Feda is an avid traveler and has authored several articles on the architectural techniques of ancient civilizations, as well as topics related to Afghan history and culture. Besides, he has been a guest on several TV shows, where he shares his scientific and historical knowledge with others. Moreover, Engineer Feda is deeply involved with several other non-profit organizations. He holds an active membership with the Society of Afghan Engineers (SAE) and holds positions as a board member for both International Orphan Care and Immigrant Integration and Empowerment. Additionally, he is the visionary founder of the Afghanistan Relief Alliance, an organization dedicated to providing crucial relief supplies to the most vulnerable and poverty-stricken families in disaster-stricken areas of Afghanistan.

Climate Change and Its Impact on Water Resources in Afghanistan

Part-II of II: Supplemental Materials

By: Dr. Gul Afghan Saleh
(Disclaimer: The views and information expressed in this article are those of the author. The SAE is not responsible for the accuracy of the data, references, or recommendations provided in this article.)

Figure-1: Effect of climate on water resources of Afghanistan

Author’s Note: This study was originally developed for the Kabul International Conference on Water, where it underwent extensive peer consultation and technical review. Although the conference presentation was not approved due to administrative constraints, the research remains highly relevant to Afghanistan’s water and climate discourse. Thanks to The Society of Afghan Engineers (SAE) who now offered their Newsletter as a platform to share these findings with a broader professional audience.

Annex I: Summary of literature review findings from 26 references listed

Figure-2: Groundwater Depletion in major Afghan cities

Summary of Findings:
The analysis reveals significant climate change impacts on Afghanistan’s water resources, agriculture, and socio-economic stability. Key findings include substantial precipitation variability, stressing the need for adaptive water management strategies. Groundwater is under severe stress from reduced surface water and over-extraction, requiring effective conservation practices. Advanced technologies for climate prediction and monitoring are crucial. Climate change severely affects agriculture, emphasizing climate-resilient crops and efficient water practices. Improved water and wastewater infrastructure is essential. Socio-economic impacts include increased poverty and migration due to water scarcity. Integrated disaster risk reduction strategies are vital, highlighting the role of advanced technologies and community involvement. Coordinated efforts, international cooperation, and sustainable practices are imperative to building resilience against climate change in Afghanistan.

Table 2: Review findings, analysis, and integration of results and recommendations

Integrated Summary of Research Findings from Table 1 and Table 2
Afghanistan’s surface water resources, especially in the Panjshir River basin, are under significant stress due to climate change, reduced snowpack, and altered precipitation patterns, threatening drinking water and agricultural irrigation. Groundwater in the Kabul Basin is also endangered by climate change, over-extraction, and urbanization, leading to declining levels and quality. Advanced technologies like remote sensing and satellite imagery are crucial for tracking changes and creating climate-resilient strategies, though deployment is hindered by data collection gaps. Groundwater conservation requires robust policies, efficient water use, and community involvement. Agriculture faces threats from reduced water availability, impacting productivity and food security. Climate change challenges water and wastewater management, requiring optimized use and enhanced infrastructure. Economic and social impacts include reduced agricultural productivity and increased conflicts over water scarcity. Effective disaster risk reduction strategies must integrate climate projections and improve data collection to address increased risks of water-related disasters. Comprehensive management frameworks like Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) and Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) are essential for resilience against climate change.

Dr. Gul Afghan Saleh’s Biography

Dr. Gul Afghan Saleh is a seasoned engineering and urban planning expert with over 30 years of distinguished experience in infrastructure development, construction management, and project leadership. A licensed Professional Engineer (PE), Project Management Professional (PMP), and Certified Construction Manager (CCM), he holds a Ph.D. in Urban Planning and Design.

Currently serving as Chief Inspector for Virginia American Water in Alexandria through Gannett Fleming TranSystems, Dr. Saleh has led major U.S. projects, including National Park Service restorations and the Transform I-66 Public-Private Partnership. Prior to relocating to the U.S. in 2014, he directed donor-funded infrastructure initiatives across Afghanistan for USAID, UNODC, and WFP, managing projects valued up to $300 million in the energy and water sectors.

Dr. Saleh is a passionate advocate for professional development, serving as President of ASCE’s Bull Run Branch and Board Member of its Virginia Section. He founded Gul Engineering PLLC and has held leadership roles in Afghan engineering societies. As a UN-certified trainer and mentor with UNITAR, he has guided professionals in Afghanistan and Iraq, leaving a lasting legacy of empowerment and excellence. His career reflects a deep commitment to sustainable development, ethical leadership, and global mentorship.

Readers’ Comments and Responses

The Editorial Board of the SAE e-Newsletter invites comments and suggestions from our Society members and readers. Your feedback and responses may be shared with all readers in future editions of the SAE eNewsletter.

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Muhtaram Kazimee Sahib,
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Thank you so much for your kind and generous words. I deeply appreciated your support and encouragement. It is truly a collaborative effort, and I am grateful for the dedication and contributions of our colleagues that make this work possible.
I am happy to know that the direction of the publication is advancing well, and I look forward to continuing to build on this momentum together. Your words mean great deal, and I will do my best to ensure that our newsletter continues to reflect the values and aspirations of our Society.
Kind regards,

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Comment: Reinhard Goethert
Another good newsletter!
Some have commented that newsletter file very big and download issues. Perhaps have an AI generated summary: a summary version and full version. Easy and quick to do: most programs have built in summary makers.

Response: Bashir Kazimee
Thank you, Reinhard, we have resolved this issue and the newsletter file is already compressed for the ease of distribution without compromising the quality.
Best regards,

Comment: Hamidullah Habibi
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Thank you for sharing the latest issue of the SAE eNewsletter. I truly appreciate the efforts and valuable contributions that keep us informed and connected. The publication is insightful, and I look forward to future editions.
Best regards,

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Thank you, Habibi Sahib – I appreciated your encouraging note – we do our best to ensure that our newsletter continues to reflect the values and aspirations of our Society.

Comment: Hamida
Thank you very much dear Professor Bashir Kazimee for sharing the latest issue of the newsletter with me. I truly appreciate your kind efforts, as well as the SAE editorial board’s contributions in preparing such a high-quality publication. I felt pleased to see my article on property rights included, and I found the entire issue very engaging.
I look forward to reading future editions and continuing to learn from the valuable work you and the board are doing.
Very Respectfully,

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Thank you, Hamida Jaan, for your encouraging and kind words – I am happy that our newsletter publication is to your liking. I am sure our readers will find your article inspiring and informative.

Comment: Sharif Hossainy
Dear Professor, Bashir Kazimee, AIA Editor-In-Chief SAE eNewsletter Asallam-o- Alaikom,
I hope you are in good health and spirits. I acknowledge receiving your email, regarding the quarterly issue of the October, 2025 SAE e-Newsletter. It has been beautifully done. May God Almighty grant you and all the respected editorial board members a great reward for the hard work you have endured, I wish you more success. As will as I extend my warmest wishes for a Colorful Autumn. Again thank you and Editorial subcommittee, for kind efforts and volunteering.
Sincerely,

Response: Bashir Kazimee
Mohtaram Hossaini Sahib, thank you for your encouraging words – they mean a lot to us, and we do our best to ensure that our newsletter continues to reflect the values and aspirations of our Society.

THE SOCIETY OF AFGHAN ENGINEERS OFFICE HOLDERS

SAE Executive Committee Members:
President: Jalal Masumi
Vice President: Tooba Roshan
Treasurer: Mahjan Saleh
Secretary: Gul Afghan Saleh

SAE Board of Directors-Officers:
Chairman: A. Manan Khalid
Vice-Chairman: Ghulam Mujtaba

SAE Board of Directors:
Ghulam Mujtaba, Sharif Hossainy, Manan Khalid, Yar Mohabbat, Amanullah Mommandi, Hadi Rakin, Hashim Baluch, Ghulam Feda, and Zabi Zaca

SAE Past Presidents:
Najim Azadzoi, Atiq Panjshiri, Ghulam Mujtaba, Abdul Hadi Rakin, M. Quasem Kadir, Abdul Hadi Rakin, Mohammed Hashim Rayek, Ahmad Wali Shairzay, Sohaila Sanie Shekib, and Malik Mortaza

SAE Representative in Afghanistan:
Ahmad Walid Howaida

SAE eNewsletter Editor-in Chief:
Bashir Kazimee, AIA

SAE eNewsletter Editorial Board Members:
Dr Gul Afghan Saleh Ph.D., A. Manan Khalid, M.S., P.E., LEED AP, and Eng. Amanullah Mommandi, M.S., P.E.

SAE eNewsletter publication Website:
https://afghanengineers.org/publication/

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Disclaimer:
The author, reporter, or agency of each publication, project, news, and products is included in this newsletter. Additional contact information of the authors and their agencies are available with the Editorial Board of the newsletter and may be provided upon request. The Editorial Board of the Society of Afghan Engineers, Executive Committee, Board of Directors, or any of its members are not liable for the accuracy or contents of the information. The reports and information are included as provided by the authors and agencies without any changes in the substance of the documents.