The Independent Election Commission of Afghanistan (IEC) on Sunday said that the turbulence in the security sector and lack of budget are two core issues that could create serious challenges ahead of elections. 

Wasima Badghisi, IEC operational deputy chief said the election management body has taken all necessary arrangements to ensure elections are held as per scheduled. The original date was July 7 this year but this has been moved to October 21 (29 Meezan 1397). 

Senators in the Meshrano Jirga (Upper House of Parliament) on Sunday said the Afghan government needs to raise people’s concerns in their discussions with Pakistani officials and find ways to settle disputes. 

This comes after President Ashraf Ghani on Saturday officially invited the Pakistani prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi to visit Kabul. Ghani has also called on Islamabad to hold direct negotiations with Afghanistan in a bid to resolve problems between the two countries.