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OIC welcomes IEA’s decision to ban poppy cultivation, says farmers need an alternative
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has welcomed the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan’s (IEA) decision to ban poppy cultivation in the country but has in turn called on the international community to continue offering alternative crops to poppy farmers.
The IEA’s Supreme Leader Mullah Hebatullah Akhundzadah issued a decree earlier this week banning the cultivation of poppies and any other intoxicants throughout Afghanistan, saying that “after this, no one can cultivate poppy in this country.”
The IEA leader added that farmers who defy the new ruling will be dealt with in accordance with Islamic law.
Officials from the Organization of Islamic Cooperation’s (OIC) office in Kabul meanwhile said late Monday that providing alternatives to farmers and ensuring addicts get access to treatment facilities needs to be a key component of the international community’s plan to help Afghanistan.
Hissein Ibrahim Taha, the organization’s secretary-general, said that banning poppy cultivation was one of the IEA government’s commitments to effectively curb drug production in Afghanistan.
Meanwhile, Ian McCary, US Chargé d’Affaires for Afghanistan, called the ban on poppy cultivation by the IEA a “first step” and called for the order to be implemented.
McCary said on twitter: “Outlawing the production of narcotics in Afghanistan is a positive first step but enforcement will be key. Having a healthy and licit agricultural sector will help Afghanistan’s economy and ultimately the Afghan people.”
Since the IEA regained power in Afghanistan in mid-August last year, curbing narcotics cultivation and trafficking has been a key demand by the international community.
At the same time, however, as the IEA leader issued a decree banning poppy cultivation, sources in Helmand province told VOA that drug prices had tripled in the province.
Some drug dealers in Helmand told VOA that 7Kg of opium is currently being sold for 200,000 Pakistani rupees, up from 85,000 Pakistani rupees a few months ago.
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IEA should respond to Pakistan’s security concerns with concrete actions: Andrabi
Pakistani Foreign Ministry spokesman Tahir Hussain Andrabi says both Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Sadyr Japarov, the President of Kyrgyzstan, who visited Islamabad on Thursday, expressed their mutual commitment to a peaceful, stable Afghanistan with a sustainable future for the Afghan people.
Speaking in a press conference on Friday, Andrabi stated that both sides agreed that the Islamic Emirate must fulfill its obligations toward the international community and take concrete steps against terrorist groups to address Pakistan’s legitimate security concerns.
This comes while the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has repeatedly emphasized that no terrorist groups operate from Afghan territory and that it will not allow anyone to use Afghan soil against any country.
The Islamic Emirate has also stated that Pakistan’s security concerns are an internal issue of that country, and Pakistan itself must take measures to prevent any security incidents.
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Malaysia’s PM calls peaceful solution to Afghanistan-Pakistan tensions
Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has voiced deep concern over escalating tensions between the Afghanistan–Pakistan during a telephone conversation with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
In a statement posted on Facebook, Anwar said he emphasized Malaysia’s concerns regarding regional stability and urged all parties to pursue a peaceful resolution through dialogue and diplomatic engagement to prevent further escalation.
His remarks follow media reports indicating heightened tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan after a series of attacks in October.
During the call, the two leaders also exchanged views on several aspects of Malaysia–Pakistan bilateral relations.
Anwar also briefed Sharif on the ongoing flood situation in Malaysia and similar challenges facing neighboring countries, including Indonesia and Thailand.
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Afghanistan makes major strides in cutting drug trafficking, says Putin
Putin stated that Afghan authorities have “substantially reduced” opium cultivation and are “seriously confronting” drug-related threats from within their borders.
Russian President Vladimir Putin says Afghanistan has taken “active and effective” steps to curb drug trafficking, noting a significant drop in opium production across the country. He made the remarks during an exclusive interview with India Today during his India trip, highlighting what he described as “visible progress” in Afghanistan’s internal security efforts.
Putin stated that Afghan authorities have “substantially reduced” opium cultivation and are “seriously confronting” drug-related threats from within their borders. He added that Afghanistan has also made important advancements in the fight against terrorism.
Responding to a question about why Russia officially recognized the Islamic Emirate, the Russian president said Afghanistan had been engulfed in civil conflict for many years, but the current authorities now hold control over the country. “This is the reality, and it must be acknowledged,” Putin emphasized.
He further noted that maintaining contact with Afghanistan’s leadership is crucial for shaping events inside the country. “If you want influence, you must engage with the people in charge — and that is exactly what we are doing,” he said.
Putin’s remarks come as several regional powers continue to recalibrate their diplomatic strategies toward Afghanistan, focusing on stability, counterterrorism, and economic cooperation.
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