Russian FM Stresses Formation of Inclusive Govt in Afghanistan
The Russian Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov, expressed hope for the formation of a government in Afghanistan that would feature “political inclusivity.”
Speaking at his annual news conference devoted to reviewing Moscow’s main foreign policy achievements in 2023, Lavrov said “there is a de facto government in Afghanistan, and it has the situation in control.”
“True, some hotbeds of tensions, protest do remain there, but the Taliban have real power. And our embassy never stopped operations in Kabul,” Lavrov told the reporters. “And we maintain regular communication with the Taliban, including on issues that need to be solved for them to become a fully recognized government.”
However, regarding the formation of inclusive government in Afghanistan, he said:
“The fulfillment of their own promises, first and foremost, the main being the establishment of an inclusive government, which would include not only ethnic Pashtuns, not only other ethnic groups, but feature political inclusivity, as well.”
The caretaker government has not commented regarding the remarks of the Russian Foreign Minister, but earlier stressed that their government is inclusive.
The political analysts stressed that the interim government should accept the wishes of the international community to pave the way for recognition.
“The people of Afghanistan want a legal system based on the laws. They want to have a government which is based on the constitution,” said Saleem Paigeer, a political analyst.
“I think the best way to ensure the political stability in Afghanistan is the Doha agreement which includes inclusive government, human rights and in general the policies of Afghanistan towards other countries,” said Sayed Muqdam Ameen, a political analyst.
The international community has repeatedly expressed concerns over the lack of formation of the international community since the Taliban group came to power.
The deputy Prime Minister for Political Affairs, Mawlawi Abdul Kabir, said that the de facto government is committed to the formation of an inclusive government.
Russia sends 33 tons of food aid to Afghanistan
A Russian flight delivered a shipment of humanitarian aid consisting 33 tons of food products in Kabul on Thursday.
“This humanitarian action confirms that a special positive potential exists for interaction between the states, including via regional organisations that provide assistance to the friendly Afghan people who are suffering from the devastating earthquake in Herat province in October 2023,” Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
“Russia, for its part, will continue to provide free assistance to the people of Afghanistan,” the statement added.
Women, Girls Bearing Brunt of Economic, Humanitarian Crisis: UNDP
The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) said that women and girls are bearing the brunt of the economic and humanitarian crises where female-headed households work more for the same household per capita income, consume a lower quantity of food, and women constantly lose their share of employment compared to men, while girls’ education attendance is at alarmingly low levels.
Speaking at a press event in Kabul, UNDP Resident Representative for Afghanistan, Stephen Rodriques, said that the economic loss caused by the restrictions on the female workforce was estimated to have reached US$ 1 billion at the end of 2022.
“This is largely due to a number of facts including restricted banking services. Suspension of official development weakened and isolated …economic institutions, and a lack of foreign direct investment,” he said.
Rodriques said that 7 out of 10 Afghans are unable to fulfill their basic needs for food, health care and employment.
“While the economy appears to be stabilizing, it is simply not growing fast enough to meet the needs of the 35 million in growing population,” he said.
The chargé d’affaires of the Japan embassy, Takuya Tanimoto, said Japan seeks to help the people of Afghanistan to become self-reliant, “to support Afghanistan’s people in maintaining and improving their lives and becoming self-reliant through their own efforts,” he said.
The UNDP released its report of 2 years in review “Changes in Afghan Economy, Households and Cross-Cutting Sectors (August 2021 to August 2023)” on Thursday.
Turkey Pledged to Not Allow Activities Against Kabul
Turkey’s ambassador in Afghanistan, Cenk Unal, met with the Deputy PM for Political Affairs, Mawlawi Abdul Kabir, where Unal pledged that Ankara “will not allow political and military activities against the de facto government in Turkey,” according to a statement released by the Arg.
Based on the statement, the two sides also discussed Turkish business people’s interest for investment in agriculture, electricity, and mining in Afghanistan.
“In this meeting, strengthening of bilateral relations and extension of trade as well as Turkey’s readiness for investment in Afghanistan was discussed,” said Hassan Haqyar, General Director of Press for the office of the deputy PM.
The political analysts meanwhile said that Turkey seeks to extend political and strategic relations with the caretaker government.
“”Turkey wants to strengthen its relations with the caretaker government for its economic and strategic purposes. But Turkey as one of the developed Islamic country in the region and world can take essential steps for peace and reconciliation among Afghans,” said Ahmad Khan Andar, a political analyst.
When the caretaker government came to power, many political leaders left for Turkey and some other world countries.
The caretaker government also announced that activities of all political parties have been banned.
America's concern about the steps taken against women in Afghanistan
US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller told reporters that the steps taken against women in Afghanistan are unfortunate.
Mr. Miller added: “We have witnessed that in relation to women and girls and their role in society, they do really deplorable actions. We will continue to take all appropriate steps to hold them accountable for their actions.”
But the caretaker government once again says about women’s rights in Afghanistan that women have their rights within the framework of Islamic laws.
Zabihullah Mujahid, the spokesperson of the caretaker government, told XXX: “The allegation of women’s arrest is not true. We rejected this before and we reject it again, any circle, any institution or any person who claims this is far from the truth.
Previously, the Office of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) had expressed concern about “arbitrary arrests of women” by the UAE in a statement; A concern that was called baseless by the Islamic Emirate.
Acting interior minister meets with new deputy head of UNAMA
Acting Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani on Thursday met with Indrika Ratwette, the new deputy special representative of UNAMA in Kabul, the ministry said in a statement.
Haqqani congratulated Ratwette on his new job and thanked the former deputy of UNAMA, Daniel Andres for his good management and wished him success in his future endeavors.
At the meeting, Ratwette described the security of the country as satisfactory and assured that he will try to carry out his mission well in the field of humanitarian aid.
In addition, the discussion was held on how to help the refugees returning to the country, and how to resettle them comfortably, the statement read.
Referring to Ratwette’s vast experience in refugee affairs, Haqqani expressed his hope that there will be further improvement in UN-related works in Afghanistan.
Journalists being faced problems due to lack of media law: AIJU
Afghan Independent Journalists Union (AIJU) officials say journalists have faced problems due to the lack of media law.
AIJU officials made these remarks in a training seminar held for journalists in Nangarhar province.
“Unfortunately, the lack of law is a big problem for the media and journalists,” said Hojatullah Mujadadi, head of AIJU.
The journalists, however, said that some facilities have been provided in the information field compared to the past.
They also complained about the economic situation of the media.
“A number of journalists have lost their duties due to the closure of some media outlets, or their salaries have decreased,” said a journalist.
Meanwhile, the caretaker government officials have always announced their full cooperation with the media outlets and also asked the journalists to report the correct information and facts in the country.
Looting the historical treasures of Afghanistan with a bulldozer
Destruction and looting have been “wide and systematic”. This is today’s history of the ancient places of Afghanistan that have sheltered thousands of years of history and civilization.
Archaeologists at the University of Chicago say that the ancient sites of Afghanistan have gone under the blade of the bulldozer and the series of destruction and looting started during the previous government and continued after the Taliban group came to power.
Previously, there was scattered information about the possibility of illegal excavations and demolition of historical monuments, but this is the first time that with the help of mapping, remote sensing and geographic information systems, archaeologists can say with certainty that these places have been bulldozed.
The historical buildings that have been bulldozed in this distance include ancient habitats that are more than 3 thousand years old – until the age of bronze and metal.
The ancient sites that have been bulldozed are mainly located in Balkh in northern Afghanistan, which was the western heart of the earth two thousand years ago. A vast, rich, rich and dense land that was ruled by great empires, including the Achaemenes Empire in the sixth century BC.
United Nations: Afghanistan's economy has reached a little stability
The United Nations’ review of Afghanistan’s economic situation in more than two years of Taliban rule says that the country’s economy has reached a low level of “stability” that requires attracting foreign investment in addition to international aid.
Afghanistan’s economy has not yet recovered from its 27 percent contraction since 2020, the report said.
The main reasons for the lack of economic growth are banking restrictions, trade and transit disruptions, isolation of government institutions, and lack of foreign investment in industry and agriculture.
The 1.2 percent decrease in GDP in 2020, which was mainly due to the spread of Covid-19, reached 27.2 percent (about a third of the economy) in two years
Former Afghan officials and politicians welcome the Security Council resolution for "engagement with the Taliban
Officials of the former government, Afghan human rights activists and political organizations in exile in this country have expressed optimism about the recent resolution of the Security Council.
Resolution 2721 of the Security Council, which was approved on Friday, is about “a road map” for talks with the Taliban group and “full integration of Afghanistan” in the international community, which was approved with 13 votes in favor and two abstentions from Russia and China.
The “Afghanistan Liberation Front” consisting of a number of members of the security forces of the former government who carry out attacks against the Taliban forces, in a statement called Security Council Resolution 2721 a “positive sign” but said that “increasing” interaction with the Taliban “does not contribute to the solution problem and has not reduced the crisis.
The statement of this front states: “The United Nations must, without wasting time, talk and interact with the political-military forces opposing the Taliban, the women’s movement and other movements that believe in democracy, the principles and values contained in the United Nations Charter in connection with the future. Afghanistan should start.”
I teach in secret, defying the Taliban ban and fighting despair
The biggest challenge of teaching girls and women in Afghanistan is not the security risk or the bad internet connection, but the creeping hopelessness.
I have sent the link and I am waiting for my students to join the Zoom session. I am teaching them English. I receive a notification that my students are in the waiting room. I put a big smile, I let them in, and greet them in English.
I know that they can’t see my smile because I don’t turn on my camera for security reasons, but I know they hear it in my voice. I know that I have to do everything and anything to keep up the spirits of my students. And I have to do it for myself as well.
85% Afghans Live on Less than One Dollar A Day
Meanwhile, the World Food Programmed (WFP) said that one in three Afghans do not know where their next meal will come from.
The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in a report said that Afghans are dealing with extreme hardship, and approximately 85 percent of them live on less than one dollar a day. The situation became markedly worse after August 2021, particularly for women, who are now facing severe restrictions that bar them from education and most jobs, the report said.
It’s stated in the report that the latest UNDP research indicates that the real GDP of Afghanistan has declined by 29 percent since 2020 and continues to spiral downward. The restrictions on women’s rights alone are estimated to have caused an economic loss between US$600 million and $1 billion.
According to the report, UN Assistant Secretary-General and UNDP Regional Director, Asia-Pacific, Kanni Wignaraja, said: “We focus on direct support to women-owned businesses, job creation, basic social services, renewable energy and disaster risk management to keep local economies running, ensure food and energy security, improve people’s wellbeing and protect them from disasters.”
Meanwhile, the World Food Programme (WFP) said that one in three Afghans do not know where their next meal will come from.
The World Food Programme (WFP) in a report said that it urgently needs $670 million to reach 15.2 million men, women and children with lifesaving food, nutrition, and livelihood support.
Stéphane Dujarric, spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, said: “WFP warns that every province in the country is currently in crisis or worse levels of food insecurity. Previously, large-scale and sustained donor contributions helped carry millions of Afghans through two difficult winters and pulled back more than 5 million people from the brink of famine.”
The Ministry of Economy said that it is trying to solve the economic challenges by attracting investment and supporting domestic production and small businesses in the country.
The spokesman of the Ministry of Economy, Abdul Rahman Habib, told TOLOnews: “The Islamic Emirate tries to bring about employment and work opportunities and the gradual reduction of poverty through the coherence of national policies and programs.”
Earlier, The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), said that 23.7 million people–more than half of Afghanistan’s population–will require humanitarian assistance to survive in 2024 as the country continues to reel from decades of war and grapple with climate-induced crises, recurrent natural disasters, entrenched poverty, and barriers to women’s participation in public life.
Afghan Carpets Displayed at Exhibition in Germany
The head of the union, Noor Ahmadi Noori, said that such an international exhibition helps to boost markets for the Afghan products.
“The exhibition was held from (January)11 to 14. Eight companies took the stalls and attended the exhibition,” he said.
The exhibition was held at Domotex International in Hannover Germany, where various countries like India, China and Iran display carpets and rugs.
“These carpets were sold here, which were not solved for many past years. There is no carpet left,” said Khodai Berdi, a participant.
The Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment (ACCI) said that the market for Afghan carpets is big in the European countries.
“Our major companies which are based in the north and some of whom settled in Kabul, they are exporting high quality carpets to countries like France and Germany,” said Khanjan Alokozai, a member of the ACCI.
Based on the statistics of the MoIC, nearly 6 million square meters of carpet worth $22 million have been exported to Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Turkey, Italy, US, Germany, China and India within one year.
Torkham Crossing Closed to Transit by Pakistan
Local officials of Nangarhar said that Pakistani border guards demanded passports and visas from Afghan drivers, which is why the Torkham crossing has been closed.
Officials added that in response to this action of the Pakistani government, they have also taken similar action against Pakistani drivers.
“Those drivers who do not have passports and visas are not allowed to go to Pakistan from Torkham and they should refrain from traveling,” said Qureshi Badlon, the head of information at the Information and Culture Department of Nangarhar.
Meanwhile, drivers said that on both sides businessmen have suffered significant financial losses as a result of the closure of the Torkham crossing.
They called for a permanent solution to this problem.
“This is an international route. Every time they block and open this road. This problem must be solved fundamentally, this problem is from Pakistan’s side,”. Either open it properly or block it. We are lost and confused about what to do,” Sur Gul, driver told XXX
This is the fifth time in the past four months that the Pakistani government has closed the Torkham crossing, sometimes to patients and passengers as well as to transit vehicles.
Caretaker government: Efforts Continue to Attract Foreign Investment in 2024
The caretaker government officials said that large companies from various countries, including Türkiye, Russia, Iran, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, are going to invest in different sectors in Afghanistan this year.
The spokesman for the de facto government, Zabihullah Mujahid, told TOLOnews that some of these companies will invest in the mine sector, in energy production and in water dams.
“A lot of work was done last year to attract foreign investment, and we’re still working on it this year. Türkiye, Russia, Iran, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and other nations have attempted to send companies to invest in Afghanistan; we are in the process of negotiating with some of them, and some of them have already arrived and begun works,” Mujahid added.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Economy noted that a large number of countries are interested in investing in Afghanistan and the caretaker government provides them with the opportunity to invest.
The ministry added that foreign investors are willing to invest in the fields of agriculture, trade, energy, railway and infrastructure projects.
“National and international investors are interested in investing in the fields of agriculture, trade, energy, railways, roads, and infrastructure projects, and every day we receive a wide welcome in the field of investment from different countries,” said Abdul Latif Nazari, Deputy of Ministry of Economy.
According to Afghanistan’s Chamber of Industries and Mines and Chamber of Commerce and Investment, foreign investment in different areas of the country’s infrastructure is beneficial.
“Most of our local businesses are eager to invest, and many international businesses as well as those from nations with better political interactions are also interested. The more our political interactions improve with the world, the more investments will flow in Afghanistan, it is both beneficial for Afghanistan and investing companies,” said Sakhi Ahmad Payman, deputy of the chamber.
“Afghanistan’s private sector, especially the Chamber of Commerce and Investment, has always tried to have constructive contacts with its foreign counterparts, especially neighboring countries, for potential and actual investment, considering the favorable investment conditions in the country,” Mirwais Hotak, head of the Executive Board of the Chamber of Commerce and Investment.
This come as Friday, Mirwais Azizi, an Afghan businessman, during a trip to Herat province said that he will invest $10 billion dollars in the energy and railway sectors in Afghanistan in the coming days.
Afghanistan Conducted $779M Trade with India in 2023
The Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MoIC) said that Afghanistan conducted trade worth $779 million with India in 2023.
A spokesman for the MoIC, Abdul Salam Akhundzada, said that of $779 million in bilateral trade, $579 million were exports while $200 million were imports.
“Afghanistan’s trade with India in 2023 worth $779 million, with $579 million in exports and $200 million in imports,” Jawad said.
The Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment (ACCI), called India a good market for Afghan fresh and dry fruits.
“If India cooperates and brings ships via Chabahar port, we can sell the fruits to India instead of selling them to Pakistan with low prices. But the ships are not coming from India, and we are facing so many problems,” said Khan Jan Alokozai, a member of the ACCI.
The traders meanwhile called on the caretaker government officials to boost facilities to pave the ground for improvement of regional trades.
“Due to lack of agreements for export, due to lack of an organized framework for transit, existing problems at the custom offices and lack of air-corridors, important economic programs have been reduced,” said Mahbobullah Mohammadi, a trader.
The de facto government spokesman, Zabiullah Mujahid meanwhile said that they will provide further facilities for the traders and attempt to solve banking challenges.
“We attempt to eliminate the hurdles; thus, our traders will be able to transfer the money with an open hand. They will be able to transfer money for export and import,” Mujahid said.
Based on the statistics of the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, dry and fresh fruits as well as heng and saffron are the main products being exported to India.
Afghan businessman announces plan to invest $10 billion over next 5 years
Dubai-based Afghan businessman Mirwais Azizi has announced that he plans to invest $10 billion in energy and transportation sectors in Afghanistan over the next five years.
In the energy sector, the aim is to produce 5,000 to 6,000 megawatts of electricity, while in the transportation sector the focus will be on building railway networks that help promote trade and economic activity, Azizi said on his X account.
“I anticipate that close to one hundred thousand new jobs will be created and millions of other Afghans will benefit indirectly from these projects,” he said.
Azizi added that technical teams from his company will soon visit Kabul in a bid to further explore the areas, exchange views with the relevant authorities and pave way for the implementation stage.
November export value rises to $166.5 million; up by $12.5 million
The National Statistics and Information Authority (NSIA) has collected and analyzed data on the country’s exports and imports for November 2023 and found the total value of the country’s exports for the month was $166.5 million and the total value of imports was $791 million.
Exports for November 2022 totaled $154 million, which shows an increase of $12.5 million in November 2023.
Also, the total value of imports was $735.8 million in November 2022, which was an increase of $55.2 million in November 2023.
According to NSIA, most exports were to Pakistan, India and the United Arab Emirates in November 2023 – while the same period in 2022, the bulk of exports went to Pakistan, India and China.
Most imports meanwhile came from Iran, Pakistan and China in November 2023, against the bulk coming from Iran, China and Pakistan in the same period in 2022.
Use of foreign currencies banned in Nimruz province
Local authorities in Nimruz say that the use of foreign currencies for transaction and daily business is totally banned in the province.
According to local officials, it has recently been emphasized in announcements that no one has the right to use foreign currency in buying and selling, transactions and business.
Residents in Nimruz, which borders Iran, usually use Iranian Toman in their daily exchanges.
Provincial Directorate of Information and Culture has recently disseminated thousands of copies of notices over the ban on use of foreign currencies.
The purpose of the program is to raise the value of the Afghan currency.
The city order committee monitors markets in Nimruz on daily basis and those who use foreign currencies in transactions and buying and selling will face legal action.
Acting head of Turkish embassy in Kabul meets with head of Ministry of Transport
In a meeting with Hamidullah Akhundzadah, acting Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation of Afghanistan, the head of Turkish Embassy in Kabul discussed the resumption of Turkish Airlines flights.
In this meeting, both sides discussed bilateral transport and transit cooperation, strengthening relations between the two countries, and other topics.
The Turkish ambassador said that as the overall security in Afghanistan has improved, he wants to strengthen relations with Kabul in the field of air and land transport.
India vs Afghanistan: Second T20 cricket match – as it happened
India win the T20I series against Afghanistan after another stellar performance in Indore.
Jaiswal and Dube combined superbly to lead India to a rollicking six-wicket victory.
Spare a thought for the visitors though, who posted their highest T20I score against India in their own back yard.
The final T20I of the series will be played on January 17 in Bengaluru.
Afghanistan will be hoping to get one over the hosts given that it will be a dead rubber.
India, on the other hand, would be tempted to test out their depth given the 2024 T20 World Cup looming on the horizon.
We hope you enjoyed our coverage of today’s match and on behalf of Al Jazeera Sport, this is Rohan Sharma signing off.
Kaisy Khademi Narrowly Defeated by Jackson Chauke in IBO Flyweight Title Clash
In a gripping contest that held the audience on the edge of their seats at London’s historic York Hall, Afghan-British boxer Kaisy Khademi (Qais Khademi) faced a challenging bout against South African boxer Jackson Chauke on January 27, 2024. The highly anticipated fight was for the coveted IBO World flyweight title, marking a significant event in the boxing calendar.
Khademi, born in Kabul and a resident of London, brought his unique style and resilience to the ring, having a history of overcoming challenges both inside and outside the boxing world. His journey to this title fight was marked by determination and skill, as he previously won and successfully defended the IBO Inter-Continental super-flyweight title.
Jackson Chauke, known for his extensive experience and formidable boxing skills, proved to be a tough competitor. With an impressive record and a background that includes an extensive amateur career, Chauke brought his A-game to the fight. His approach, combining aggressive tactics and strategic defense, posed a significant challenge to Khademi.
The fight progressed through intense rounds, with both boxers showcasing their skills and determination. Khademi, known for his sharp counterattacks and agile movements, engaged in a tactical battle against Chauke’s forward-pressing style. The contest displayed a blend of technique, speed, and endurance, captivating the audience with its high-octane action.
As the rounds progressed, the intensity of the fight escalated, with both boxers having their moments of dominance. The anticipation built up towards the later rounds, as the outcome of the fight hung in balance. Khademi, fighting in his adopted hometown, had strong support from the crowd, adding to the electric atmosphere of the event.
Afghan MMA fighter defeats French opponent
Afghan free fighter, Farid Besharat, achieved a remarkable victory over his French opponent in a recent match organized by the World Free Fight Federation (WFFF) in Las Vegas, USA, on January 13th.
The unexpected victory took place in the 61kg weight class, where Farid Besharat faced off against Taylor Lapilus, a French athlete, in three rounds of combat.
Farid Besharat’s impressive performance secured his victory in the match, making him the triumphant fighter in the cage, despite facing an opponent with a record of 19 wins and 3 losses.
In contrast, Farid Besharat, hailing from Afghanistan, maintained his undefeated record with 11 wins and no losses before this match.
This victory against Taylor Lapilus marked Farid Besharat’s 12th consecutive win without a single defeat in his career.
The match was a testament to Farid Besharat’s skill and determination, as he overcame a seasoned French opponent on an international stage.
Farid Besharat’s success has made him a rising star in the world of Free Fight, and he continues to inspire Afghan athletes and free fight enthusiasts worldwide.
Afghanistan wheelchair Basketball wins fourth consecutive Asia-Oceania game
The Afghanistan wheelchair basketball team achieved their fourth consecutive victory in the Asia and Oceania Championships by defeating the United Arab Emirates team.
This competition took place on Tuesday, January 16th, in Thailand, and at the end of the game, Afghan players secured their fourth consecutive win against various countries.
It is worth mentioning that the Afghan wheelchair basketball national team won with a score of 57-51 against the United Arab Emirates.
Simultaneously, this was the fourth and final group stage match for the national wheelchair basketball team of Afghanistan.
However, the disabled players of the country also advanced to the next round of this competition with their victory against the United Arab Emirates.
Previously, the wheelchair basketball players of Afghanistan managed to defeat several consecutive games against New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, and the Philippines.
These games began with the participation of the Afghanistan national wheelchair basketball team, which, according to officials from the Afghan Paralympic wheelchair basketball, is among the top ten teams in Asia based on their information.
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