The prestigious Ashoka Award 2026 was formally presented to Dr. Tanzaire Vashishtha representative of Peace & Sport Council of Afghanistan in India on 11 January 2026 in New Delhi, India. The award was conferred with full protocol honours by Her Excellency Shielabai Bappoo GOSK, Ambassador of Mauritius to India and former Cabinet Minister.

This distinguished recognition highlights the significant social impact and international peace-building initiatives led by the Peace & Sports Council of Afghanistan (PSCA) in India. Under the leadership of Dr. Tanzaire Vashishtha, who serves as representative of PSCA in India, the organisation has advanced meaningful programmes promoting peace, inclusion, and community development through sport and education.

Dr. Vashishtha has demonstrated exceptional leadership, unwavering dedication, and a steadfast commitment to fostering dialogue and cooperation across communities. Over the years, she has become widely recognised for her strategic vision and tireless efforts toward building a more peaceful and inclusive society.

Her work has served as an inspiring example of how sport, education, and grassroots initiatives can contribute to sustainable peace. Through progressive policies and community-based programmes—particularly those supporting refugees and individuals affected by conflict—PSCA India continues to promote positive social change and cross-border understanding.

The Peace & Sports Council proudly acknowledges Dr. Vashishtha’s achievements and her enduring commitment to the guiding principle: “Peace Beyond Borders

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The Afghanistan Peace and Sports Council hereby announces that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for cooperation has been signed with Samanian School, operating under the support of the Embassy of Afghanistan (Small Afghanistan).

This Memorandum of Understanding has been concluded with the aim of establishing direct communication between the school and international institutions and organizations, supporting teachers and students, and enhancing the quality of education for girls. The Afghanistan Peace and Sports Council acts solely as a facilitating bridge and bears no responsibility for the collection or implementation of financial or material assistance.

The Afghanistan Peace and Sports Council maintains representations in various countries and, in this process, will spare no effort in establishing connections, securing scholarships, and raising awareness among international organizations that support education.

The Council expresses its sincere appreciation for the tireless efforts of the leadership of Little Afghanistan and the teachers of Samanian School especially the women who, with dedication and commitment, are educating the future generation and emphasizes that the continuation of this cooperation will facilitate direct international support for the school and for the education of Afghanistan’s girls.

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The Peace and Sport Council of Afghanistan proudly awards the 2025 Peace Prize to Mr. Arnošt Baluška in recognition of his outstanding contributions to peace-oriented social development, public health innovation, and sustained support for community safety and volunteer emergency services.

Mr. Baluška’s professional leadership, humanitarian initiatives, and strong commitment to cooperation and social responsibility reflect the core values and mission of the Peace and Sport Council of Afghanistan. His work in the fields of health technologies, civic engagement, and support for volunteer firefighters demonstrates the positive impact of innovation, responsibility, and service in strengthening resilient and peaceful societies.

The award was formally presented to Mr. Arnošt Baluška during a special ceremonial event, where Eng. Fawad Nadri, Representative of the Peace and Sport Council of Afghanistan, personally handed over the 2025 Peace Prize in recognition of Mr. Baluška’s achievements and dedication to peace-building values.

By granting the 2025 Peace Prize, the Peace and Sport Council of Afghanistan honors Mr. Arnošt Baluška for his dedication to peace, solidarity, and the promotion of human well-being through responsible leadership, humanitarian engagement, and community service.

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Mr. Tomio Okamura is widely recognized as a distinguished international figure known for his generosity and humanitarian leadership, particularly in the aftermath of the 2021 transfer of power to the Taliban. He has demonstrated exceptional courage and moral leadership on the global stage, consistently advocating for the rights, freedoms, and dignity of the people of Afghanistan. Through his active participation in justice-seeking demonstrations and international advocacy efforts, he amplified the voices of the Afghanistan’s people and steadfastly defended their fundamental rights worldwide.

On this occasion, the Special Representative of the Afghanistan Peace and Sports Council in the Czech Republic, Eng. Fawad Nadri, formally conferred this nomination on behalf of the Council’s leadership and its entire community.

The Afghanistan Peace and Sports Council extends its sincere congratulations to Mr. Tomio Okamura and his dedicated team on this well-deserved recognition. The Council also expresses its deep appreciation for his unwavering commitment to peace, freedom, justice, and the Afghanistan’s people, and wishes him continued success in his humanitarian and principled endeavors.

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The Peace and Sport Council of Afghanistan has awarded its 2025 Peace Prize to Mr. Ahmad Seiar Daqeeq in recognition of his distinguished service in diplomacy, his commitment to peace dialogue, and his continued efforts to promote human rights and peaceful engagement for Afghanistan at national and international levels.

Mr. Daqeeq is a former Afghanistan diplomat with more than a decade of experience in diplomacy, consular affairs, and international representation. He is an active member of the Peace and Sport Council of Afghanistan and has been closely engaged in peace dialogue initiatives, including participation in peace talks associated with the National Resistance Front (NRF), where he has consistently advocated for inclusive political dialogue, non-violence, and the protection of fundamental rights.

Most recently, Mr. Daqeeq served as Vice Consul General of Afghanistan in Dubai, representing the Afghanistan government in official meetings and overseeing key consular services. His responsibilities included visa issuance, passport renewals, document validation, and providing essential support to Afghanistan citizens residing in the United Arab Emirates. His tenure was marked by professionalism, efficiency, and a strong commitment to serving citizens under challenging circumstances.

Previously, Mr. Daqeeq served as Counsellor at the Afghanistan Embassy in London, where he contributed to diplomatic engagement, coordination with international partners, and advocacy on issues related to Afghanistan. He also held the position of Deputy Director of Consular Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kabul, where he coordinated closely with Afghanistan embassies and consulates worldwide to improve consular services and institutional cooperation.

Earlier in his career, Mr. Daqeeq held diplomatic postings in Dubai and Sofia and began his professional service at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kabul, gaining extensive experience in international diplomacy and state representation.

Beyond his formal diplomatic roles, Mr. Daqeeq is widely recognized as a peace and human rights advocate. He has actively participated in international and regional forums, policy discussions, and dialogue platforms focused on peacebuilding, conflict resolution, human rights, and the protection of civilians. Through these platforms, he has consistently emphasized the importance of inclusive peace processes, respect for international law, women’s rights, and the role of dialogue in achieving sustainable peace in Afghanistan.

Mr. Daqeeq is known for his strong communication skills, leadership, and cultural awareness—qualities developed through years of diplomatic service in diverse international environments. His ability to engage constructively with policymakers, civil society actors, and international institutions has made him a respected voice in peace-related discussions concerning Afghanistan.

In awarding the 2025 Peace Prize, the Peace and Sport Council of Afghanistan highlighted Mr. Daqeeq’s dedication to peaceful dialogue, his principled stance on human rights, and his continued efforts to promote understanding, reconciliation, and unity for the people of Afghanistan.

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The Peace and Sport Council of Afghanistan has officially awarded its 2025 Peace Prize to Mr. Nassir Ahmad Taraki, recognizing his longstanding contributions to peacebuilding, democratic governance, human rights, and political analysis related to Afghanistan and the wider region.

Mr. Taraki is a well-known Afghanistan researcher, political analyst, and former lecturer in political science with extensive academic and professional experience in governance, security, local development, and international relations. The Council stated that the award honors his intellectual leadership, civic activism, and consistent efforts to promote peace, dialogue, and democratic values through research, education, and public engagement.

He holds a Master’s degree in Defense and Strategic Studies from the University of Pune and a Master’s degree in Political Science from Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), New Delhi. He completed his Bachelor’s degree in Political Science at Fergusson College. In addition, Mr. Taraki has undertaken specialized professional training and earned diplomas in national security, international relations, local governance, development management, and United Nations–related programs from reputable institutions in India and China.

Before the collapse of the Afghanistan Republic, Mr. Taraki served as Director for Central Asia, Russia, and China Affairs at the Office of the National Security Council of Afghanistan. Following this role, he worked as a Global Justice and Governance Analyst with an international consulting firm based in the United States.

Mr. Taraki has also contributed significantly to higher education and local governance development. He previously taught at universities in Kabul and served for five years as Senior Program Coordinator for Afghanistan’s Local Councils under a joint project of the Independent Directorate of Local Governance and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Additionally, he worked as a local governance trainer in programs organized by the National Democratic Institute (NDI).

As an independent civic and political activist, Mr. Taraki remains actively engaged in initiatives related to peacebuilding, democracy, and human rights. He has published numerous analytical articles in national and international media outlets, including BBC Persian, Eurasia Journal, and Hasht-e Subh Daily, and has translated more than one hundred articles from Pashto and Persian into English.

Mr. Taraki is fluent in Persian, Pashto, and English, with working proficiency in Urdu, Spanish, and Hindi. He is currently working on a book titled “The Dream of the Asian Century.”

In announcing the award, the Peace and Sport Council of Afghanistan emphasized that the 2025 Peace Prize reflects Mr. Taraki’s enduring commitment to non-violence, intellectual integrity, and the pursuit of a peaceful and democratic future for Afghanistan and the region.

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The Peace and Sport Council of Afghanistan is honored to announce that the 2025 Peace Prize has been awarded to Mr. Abdul Jabar Azizyar, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to journalism, peacebuilding, public awareness, and the promotion of social values in Afghanistan.

Mr. Abdul Jabar Azizyar was born in Shahr-e-Ara, one of the historic neighborhoods of Kabul city. He completed his primary and secondary education in Kabul and later enrolled at Kabul University, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism.

He began his professional career in the media sector in 1999 and, with more than two decades of continuous service, is widely regarded as one of Afghanistan’s veteran and respected media figures. From 1999 to 2012, Mr. Azizyar worked at Radio Television of Afghanistan (RTA) as a news anchor, political program host, and General Manager of Presenters, playing a key role in the production, management, and presentation of national news and analytical programs.

Between 2012 and 2014, he served at Maiwand Radio and Television Network (MBN) as a senior presenter and Head of the Presenters Department, where he was responsible for professional training, departmental management, and the development of news content. From 2014 to 2017, he collaborated with Zarnigar Media Production, working as a news anchor and program host across various media platforms.

From 2017 to 2019, Mr. Azizyar worked with Parliament Television (WJ) as a news anchor and political program host. During this period, he covered nightly news, conducted interviews with political leaders, and produced in-depth analytical programs that contributed to public understanding of national affairs.

Alongside his media career, Mr. Azizyar has been actively engaged in civil society and human rights initiatives. From 2014 to 2019, he was a member of the Afghanistan Civil Rights Organization, participating as a freelance journalist in advocacy programs focused on women’s rights, children’s rights, and freedom of expression. He was also an active member of the Afghanistan National Journalists Union (ANJU) from 2006 to 2019, where he worked to defend journalists’ rights and promote ethical, truth-based journalism.

In addition, from 2018 to 2019, Mr. Azizyar collaborated with the international organization Equal Access (EQA) as a program host and content developer, contributing to initiatives aimed at equal access to education for Afghan children.

Through his professionalism, integrity, and unwavering commitment to responsible journalism, Mr. Abdul Jabar Azizyar has played a significant role in promoting peace, public awareness, dialogue, and media values in Afghan society. His work has consistently supported social cohesion, informed citizenship, and the principles of free and responsible media.

The Peace and Sport Council of Afghanistan proudly awards the 2025 Peace Prize to Mr. Abdul Jabar Azizyar in recognition of his lifelong dedication to peace, media development, and social responsibility.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Mr. Abdul Jabar Azizyar and wish him continued success in his professional and humanitarian endeavors.

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The Peace and Sport Council of Afghanistan is honored to announce that the 2025 Peace Prize has been awarded to Mr. Abdullah Rasouli in recognition of his outstanding commitment to human rights, freedom of expression, and peaceful civic engagement in Afghanistan.

Mr. Abdullah Rasouli is a respected human rights activist, journalist, and founder of the FekreSabz Organization, with more than a decade of dedicated service to advancing women’s rights, human rights, and civic freedoms. Through FekreSabz, he has led impactful education initiatives, women’s empowerment programs, and community outreach projects that provide practical support while amplifying the voices of marginalized and vulnerable communities.

As a journalist and advocate, Mr. Rasouli has played a vital role in documenting human rights violations, raising international awareness, and creating safe platforms for victims and activists to be heard. His work has contributed to increased global engagement on Afghanistan’s human rights situation and strengthened solidarity across civil society networks.

Mr. Rasouli’s mission is rooted in restoring dignity, freedom, and equal opportunity for the people of Afghanistan. He remains firmly committed to nonviolent, rights-based approaches that expand access to education, protect women and children, and support resilient communities in peacefully claiming their rights. Despite escalating risks under the current Taliban regime—where girls’ education and fundamental freedoms face severe restrictions—he continues to organize, document, and advocate for justice, peace, and accountability.

A frequent participant in national and international conferences, Mr. Rasouli actively mobilizes support across civil society and the global community to advance human rights protections and humanitarian access. His courage, strategic leadership, and long-term vision for a free and equitable Afghanistan have inspired a new generation of activists and brought hope to those striving for a future defined by learning, safety, and opportunity.

The Peace and Sport Council of Afghanistan extends its warmest congratulations to Mr. Abdullah Rasouli on this well-deserved honor and commends his unwavering dedication to peace, justice, and human dignity.

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The Peace and Sport Council of Afghanistan has proudly awarded the 2025 Peace Prize to Ms. Judith Carmody in recognition of her outstanding contribution to peacebuilding, psychological wellbeing, and the promotion of safe, inclusive environments through leadership and advocacy.

Ms. Judith Carmody is the acclaimed author of Co-Bully No More, a transformative work that underscores the critical importance of developing robust Psychological Wellbeing and Safety Strategies within organizations and communities. Through her work, Judith presents an innovative and forward-thinking model designed to foster holistic wellbeing, grounded in conscious intention, prevention, and sustainable cultural change.

Ms. Judith holds a Master’s Degree (Honours) in Leadership in Workplace Health and Wellbeing from Technological University of the Shannon (TUS), Ireland, reflecting her deep academic and practical expertise in organizational leadership and wellbeing frameworks. She also holds a Certificate in Bullying Prevention and Intervention from Dublin City University, further strengthening her credentials in addressing psychosocial risk and promoting respectful, safe environments.

Prior to her work in wellbeing and safety advocacy, Judith enjoyed a distinguished career as a Chartered Accountant (CAI), where she developed strong strategic, governance, and leadership capabilities. This unique professional background enables her to bridge business leadership with human-centred wellbeing practices, delivering impactful and sustainable solutions.

The 2025 Peace Prize recognizes Ms. Judith Carmody’s unwavering commitment to advancing peace through psychological safety, ethical leadership, and the empowerment of individuals and organizations to create healthier, more compassionate societies.

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Peace and Sport Council of Afghanistan Awards 2025 Peace Prize to Sediq Shabab

The Peace and Sport Council of Afghanistan has officially awarded its 2025 Peace Prize to Sediq Shabab a renowned singer, composer, and cultural figure from Afghanistan, in recognition of his long standing contribution to peace, unity, and cultural dialogue through music.

Sediq Shabab, originally from Panjshir Province, Afghanistan, is widely respected for using music as a platform to promote peace, cultural identity, and social harmony among people from Afghanistan both inside the country and across the global diaspora.

In addition to this honor, Sediq Shabab serves as an official Ambassador of Peace for the Peace and Sport Council of Afghanistan, a role through which he actively represents the Council’s mission of peacebuilding, social cohesion, and cultural understanding at national and international levels.

From Military Service to Music:

Before beginning his artistic career, Sediq Shabab served as a military officer in Afghanistan. Coming from a military family, he initially followed a path of national service. However, driven by a deep passion for art and cultural expression, he later chose to leave military life and dedicate himself fully to music. This transition from military service to artistic work has become a defining aspect of his personal journey and message of peace.

Musical Career and Cultural Impact

Sediq Shabab began his professional music career in the mid-1990s, releasing his early works on cassette tapes and CDs. Over the years, he has produced more than two dozen albums and singles, blending traditional music of Afghanistan with modern influences. He performs in Persian,Pashto, Uzbek, and Urdu, reflecting the cultural diversity of Afghanistan.

His songs often address themes of peace, love, homeland, sacrifice, and the human cost of conflict, making his work especially meaningful to communities affected by decades of war.

International Presence

Now based in Germany, Sediq Shabab continues to perform internationally at concerts and cultural festivals across Europe, Australia, and North America. His performances have played an important role in preserving the musical heritage of Afghanistan and strengthening cultural ties among people from Afghanistan living abroad.

Recognition and Legacy

The Peace and Sport Council of Afghanistan stated that the 2025 Peace Prize honors Sediq Shabab not only for his artistic achievements but also for his unique journey from military officer to Ambassador and messenger of peace through music. His life and work stand as a powerful example of how culture and art can contribute to reconciliation, understanding, and unity.

The Council praised his consistent efforts to represent the identity, culture, and peaceful aspirations of Afghanistan on the international stage.

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