Afghan youth turn to innovation over extremism

The efforts of young Afghans to develop health and business applications reflect a growing commitment to innovation and practical problem-solving.

Their work demonstrates how Afghanistan’s younger generation is increasingly embracing entrepreneurship, technology, and community-focused solutions while rejecting extremist ideologies.

One example is the "Doctorya RX" application, developed by young Afghans to streamline digital prescriptions, patient information management, and healthcare services.

The initiative emerged as many young people across the country sought practical ways to address community challenges and improve public services.

Choosing a constructive path

While extremist groups such as al-Qaeda seek to exploit hopelessness, unemployment, and uncertainty among young people, many Afghan youths are pursuing different opportunities.

Instead of embracing extremist narratives, they are participating in technology, education, online commerce, and community service initiatives.

The "Doctorya RX" application illustrates this approach by addressing healthcare challenges through innovation and practical technological solutions.

The application was designed with guidance from doctors and healthcare professionals, its developer, Omar Aryan Sarwari, told Salaam Times.

"This software was developed over four months with guidance from doctors. It provides a digital prescription system for doctors and healthcare centers, making the process simpler, more accurate, and improving patient information management," he said.

"Our goal is to continue developing more programs in the future that respond to the needs of society."

Abdul Hafiz Kakar, an official at the Kunduz Public Health Department, welcomed the initiative and emphasized the need for similar systems.

Healthcare institutions could benefit significantly from technological improvements under current conditions, he said.

"The digitalization of healthcare services can reduce many existing challenges and improve the quality of service delivery," he told Salaam Times.

Healthcare services could become fully digitized within months through cooperation with innovative young professionals, Kakar said.

Strengthening social responsibility

Participation in innovative projects can strengthen young people's sense of purpose and encourage constructive engagement within their communities.

"When young people participate in innovative projects, social activities, and development programs, their sense of value and self-confidence increases," said Muhammad Hashim Ahmadzai, a Kabul-based social affairs analyst.

"Initiatives such as designing healthcare applications in Kunduz show that young people can become part of the solution instead of focusing solely on problems," Ahmadzai added.

Such initiatives strengthen community connections while reducing opportunities for extremist groups to exploit frustration and disappointment, he said.

Muhammad Hanif Zahedi, a Spain-based regional security expert, said projects such as "Doctorya RX" represent broader changes among Afghanistan’s younger generation.

According to Zahedi, technology-related initiatives can help foster optimism and a stronger sense of responsibility among young people.

"Young people working in technology are more hopeful about the future and feel a stronger responsibility to solve the problems facing their communities," he said.

When young people provide useful services through knowledge and practical skills, they become less vulnerable to extremist propaganda, Zahedi said.