Residents and cultural activists in Ghazni province say the historic Begum Minaret in Jaghatu district is at risk of collapse.

They warn that if urgent restoration efforts are not undertaken, the minaret, which has a history spanning around 1,000 years, could completely collapse. The structure has already suffered significant damage due to natural disasters and a lack of attention from authorities.

Agha Mohammad Khoshizada, a cultural activist in Ghazni, told TOLOnews: "The Begum Minaret holds both historical and cultural value, but due to the negligence of successive governments, it is now under serious threat. Without immediate restoration efforts, it will be entirely destroyed."

Another cultural activist, Ahmad Shah, said: "The Islamic Emirate should focus on restoring this ancient monument. Sometimes tourists come here and ask why it hasn’t been restored, but we can do nothing, it is the government’s responsibility."

Ali Mohammad, a resident of Jaghatu district, said: "Our demand is that this historical monument be restored before it completely deteriorates."

Local officials in Ghazni say they have shared the issue with the Ministry of Information and Culture and some cultural organizations, and restoration work is expected to begin soon.

Hamidullah Nisar, the head of Ghazni’s Information and Culture Department, said: "The ministry has given us assurances, and we have discussed it with several organizations. We are working to begin the restoration of the Begum Minaret as soon as possible."

According to Ghazni’s Information and Culture Department, besides the Begum Minaret, eight other historical sites in the province also need restoration. Plans have already been approved for the restoration of Sardar Tapa and Sultan Shahabuddin Ghori’s Mausoleum, and practical work will start soon.