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Media watchdog slams Ghor govt for failing to protect slain journalist

Published

5 years ago

January 2, 2021

In a series of tweets, the Afghanistan Journalists Safety Committee (AJSC) slammed the Ghor provincial government for its lack of cooperation in helping to safeguard the life of slain journalist Bismillah Adil.

This comes after Adil and the AJSC repeatedly requested support from Ghor provincial government regarding his safety.

Adil was gunned down in a targeted attack on Friday in the province.

AJSC said on Twitter: “AJSC condemns the indifference of the local government in Ghor towards repeated requests by AJSC’s local representative and Bismillah Adil for his safety.

“In the light of extensive threats against journalists and their serial killing, protection of journalists must be given priority,” the AJSC stated.

This was the third attempt on Adil’s life in two years. In October 2019, gunmen shot at him in his vehicle in Firoz Koh city, the AJSC reported.

“In November 2020, attackers shot and threw a grenade at his house; AJSC accuses officials of indifference over security of Bismillah Adel,” the organization stated.

Adil was Editor in Chief of Sadai Ghor Radio in Ghor province.

The US has meanwhile once again voiced its concern over the increase in attacks on journalists and as Ross Wilson, US Chargé d’Affaires in Afghanistan, said, this tactic to silence the media was “appalling”.

On Friday Wilson tweeted: “Another Afghan journalist was killed today: Bismillah Adil Aimaq in Ghor province. Attacks on freedom of speech and those who seek to inform society are appalling and must end.”

President Ashraf Ghani also condemned the attack on Adil Bismillah and ordered security institutions to investigate.

However, Adil’s assassination is the latest in a string of targeted killings of media workers, civil society activists and civil servants who have been systematically killed over the past few months.

In just two months, five journalists have been killed in the country in what is perceived as a ploy to silence the free media in the country.

No group has claimed responsibility for any of the killings and while the Taliban reject claims of any involvement, many officials and organizations have blamed the group for this new “scare tactic.”

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Afghanistan signs 30-year deal for marble mining in Daikundi

Published

7 hours ago

December 21, 2025

Ariana News

The Ministry of Mines and Petroleum of Afghanistan has signed a 30-year agreement with a private company to extract marble in Daikundi province.

Under the contract, the company will invest AFN 283 million in exploring and mining marble at the “Mesh-Uliya” site, spanning 16.74 square kilometers in central Daikundi.

Hedayatullah Badri, Minister of Mines and Petroleum, stated that the marble will be processed domestically before being exported abroad. He added that the Mesh-Uliya project is expected to create around 200 jobs, and the company is committed to supporting local communities through social initiatives.

Economic experts highlight that such investments, especially those focusing on domestic processing, are crucial for job creation, boosting exports, and strengthening the national economy. Analysts further note that the project will improve local infrastructure, expand social services, and enhance the economic and social well-being of Daikundi residents.

Since the return of the Islamic Emirate to power, efforts to develop Afghanistan’s mining sector have intensified, with multiple contracts signed in areas including cement, copper, iron, and lapis lazuli, involving both domestic and international companies.

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Passenger bus veers off Salang Highway, leaving 5 dead, dozens injured

Published

7 hours ago

December 21, 2025

Ariana News

A passenger bus veered off the Salang Highway before dawn on Sunday, leaving five people dead and 44 others injured, the Ministry of Public Works said.

According to the ministry, the incident occurred at around 2:00 a.m. in the Shawol area of North Salang when a passenger bus deviated from the main road due to the driver’s negligence.

Mohammad Ashraf Haqshenas, spokesperson for the Ministry of Public Works, said five passengers were killed and 44 others sustained injuries. He added that personnel from the Salang Maintenance and Protection Directorate promptly arrived at the scene and transferred the injured to the Khunjān clinic for medical treatment.

The Ministry of Public Works has urged drivers and passengers traveling on the Salang Highway to strictly follow the instructions of on-duty teams, observe traffic regulations, and carry warm clothing, food supplies, and snow chains to prevent similar incidents.

The ministry also noted that heavy snowfall and stormy weather have led to the temporary closure of the highway, while road maintenance teams are continuing snow-clearing operations.

Latest News

Major fire in Mandawi Kabul market contained, extensive losses prevented

Local shopkeepers said the fire broke out around 4 a.m.

Published

11 hours ago

December 21, 2025

Ariana News

The Ministry of Interior reported that personnel from the General Directorate of Firefighting and Emergency Response successfully prevented the further spread of a fire at Mandawi market on Kabul early Sunday morning.

Abdul Mateen Qani, spokesperson for the ministry, said that the fire destroyed 10 storage facilities and 8 shops. He added that initial losses are estimated at around $700,000, but timely action by firefighting personnel saved property worth approximately $2.2 million.

Qani explained that the fire was caused by an electrical short circuit. He praised the rapid and effective containment operations, which prevented more extensive damage.

Local shopkeepers said the fire broke out around 4 a.m.