In this handout photograph taken on Aug 7, 2020 and released by the Press Office of President of Afghanistan, people attend the first day of the Loya Jirga, a grand assembly, at the Loya Jirga Hall in Kabul. (PRESS OFFICE OF PRESIDENT OF AFGHANISTAN / AFP)

KABUL – The much-awaited Loya Jirga or grand assembly of religious scholars and elders opened in Afghanistan's capital Kabul on Thursday, the government’s chief spokesman said. 

Zabihullah Mujahid told the state-run Mili Television that the Jirga allows people of Afghanistan and even representatives of Iran and Pakistan-based Afghan refugees to attend it. 

Some 70 personalities representing Afghan refugees in Pakistan and about 30 others from refugees living in Iran have participated in the Jirga.

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According to the state-run Bakhtar news agency, about 3,500 religious scholars and elders from across the country have been invited to attend the grand assembly.

Participants of the jirga are expected to discuss a series of issues, including reopening schools for girls from 7th grade to 12th grade, the type of government, national flag and national anthem.