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Transparency International opens office in Afghanistan
Transparency Afghanistan has officially become the national contact of Transparency International in Afghanistan.
Alejandro Salas, head of the global movement, spoke at the launch event in Kabul on Tuesday via a video link, and said: “Transparency International recognizes Transparency Afghanistan as a contact office in Afghanistan and Transparency Afghanistan will become Transparency International’s national chapter subject to the fulfillment of Transparency International guidelines and procedures.”
“Amidst a very challenging landscape we have found many champions of anti-corruption among both in government and civil society in Afghanistan,” he said.
Transparency International is a coalition of chapters in more than 100 countries across the globe with an international secretariat in Berlin. Transparency International has been leading the fight against corruption for the last 27 years.
Joy Saunders, the Chairperson of Board of Directors of Transparency Afghanistan, stated: “It is a very big day for us as we become the national contact of Transparency International in Afghanistan. It is an international NGO that is well-respected around the world and has a huge amount of resources that we can use to build up our fight against corruption.”
According to Sayed Ikram Afzali from Integrity Watch Afghanistan (IWA), the move was facilitated by the IWA and the organization will continue to support it until it is fully established.
Suliman Assadullah, Interim Executive Director of Transparency Afghanistan, stated the organization proposes to focus on the transparency in procurements, advocate for transparency for business integrity, accountability of Afghan anti-corruption institutions, Afghan government anti-corruption commitments and access to information.
He also said: “We will hold broad consultation with stakeholders on the strategic priorities of the organization in Afghanistan for the next three to five years.”
Sayed Akram Afzali, head of Integrity Watch Afghanistan, meanwhile pointed a finger at the private sector and said it was riddled with corruption.
“The private sector is very corrupt because it is controlled by powerful men, and the powerful men are members of parliament,” he said.
However, business owners have rejected the accusations. Amin Babak, head of public relations for the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry said there was no truth in these remarks and if companies were corrupt then they should be investigated.
Afghanistan is listed as one of the 10 most corrupt countries in the world. In January, Transparency International released its annual survey and ranked Afghanistan as the seventh most corrupt nation out of 180 countries.
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IEA condemns approval of death penalty law for Palestinian prisoners by Israeli parliament
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has strongly condemned the decision of the Israeli Parliament, which paves the way for issuing death sentences against Palestinian prisoners.
In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Emirate said: “This action is a continuation of repeated injustices, a clear violation of the fundamental rights of the Palestinian people, and contrary to the principles of justice and human rights. It discriminately targets an oppressed nation.”
The Islamic Emirate has called on international organizations to take necessary and urgent measures to prevent such actions.
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19 Afghan migrants killed as boat capsizes off Turkish coast
At least 19 Afghan migrants, including a baby, have died after a speedboat capsized in the Aegean Sea off the coast of Bodrum, Turkish authorities said on Wednesday.
According to the Turkish Coast Guard Command, the vessel was carrying dozens of migrants when it ignored repeated orders to stop and attempted to flee at high speed despite rough sea conditions. The boat later began taking on water before overturning.
Rescue operations were launched immediately, with teams supported by a helicopter from Izmir. Authorities said 20 migrants were rescued from the water, while 18 bodies were initially recovered at the scene. One more person later died in hospital, bringing the death toll to 19.
Search efforts are ongoing for at least one individual still reported missing.
Officials confirmed that all those on board were Afghan nationals. Idris Akbiyik, governor of Muğla province, said the victims included a baby.
Dangerous migration route
The incident occurred along one of the most frequently used—and perilous—migration routes into Europe. The nearby Greek island of Kos lies just about 20 kilometres from Bodrum, making it a common destination for migrants attempting to reach the European Union.
Other islands in close proximity include Kalymnos, Leros and Symi, all part of a corridor frequently used by people fleeing conflict, instability and economic hardship across the Middle East, Asia and Africa.
Turkey remains a major transit point for migrants seeking entry into Europe, with many attempting the short but dangerous sea crossing in overcrowded or unseaworthy boats. Despite increased patrols and enforcement efforts, such journeys often take place in poor weather or under risky conditions, frequently resulting in fatal accidents.
The latest tragedy highlights the ongoing risks faced by migrants on this route, as well as the continued pressure on coastal authorities managing search and rescue operations in the region.
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Baradar approves 17 projects worth over one billion AFN
In a regular meeting of the National Procurement Commission chaired by Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, the Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, 17 projects worth more than one billion AFN were approved.
According to a statement from the deputy PM’s office, a total of 42 projects were presented for approval during the meeting. After discussion, 17 projects valued at over one billion AFN were approved, while modifications were made to 14 other projects.
The approved and amended projects include the construction of a dormitory building at Panjshir University; the construction of a medical faculty building at Badakhshan University; the completion of the first and second phases of the Kunar–Nuristan Road; the construction of general hospitals in Giro district of Ghazni province, Bandar district of Faryab province, and Spin Ghar district of Nangarhar province; as well as electricity supply and distribution projects across various provinces.
These projects are funded by the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan.
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