Afghanistan’s Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, on Thursday inaugurated the construction of the second large-scale cement production plant in Jabal Seraj district of Parwan province.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Baradar described the project as an important step toward strengthening Afghanistan’s industrial sector, achieving economic self-reliance and expanding domestic production.

He said Afghanistan has significant potential for industrial development because of its abundant natural resources, skilled workforce and strategic geographic location.

“Since the Islamic Emirate came to power, security has been ensured across the country, administrative corruption has declined to an unprecedented level, bureaucratic procedures have been simplified, and a safe and favorable environment for investment has been created,” Baradar said.

He added that the Islamic Emirate is working to transform Afghanistan from an import-dependent economy into one based on domestic production and exports.

Describing cement as a key material for infrastructure and construction projects, Baradar said expanding domestic production would reduce imports, prevent the outflow of foreign currency and create thousands of jobs.

He also called on foreign investors to invest in Afghanistan.

“The Islamic Emirate calls on all foreign investors to invest in Afghanistan’s various economic sectors,” he said.

Baradar stressed that economic growth requires joint efforts from the government, the private sector and the public.

“Economic development cannot be achieved by the government alone. The government, the private sector and the people must work together. If we properly manage our natural resources, expand industry and strengthen the culture of production, Afghanistan can become a strong industrial country in the region,” he said.

Deputy Prime Minister for Administrative Affairs Abdul Salam Hanafi said the new factory will have the capacity to produce 5,000 tonnes of cement every 24 hours, enabling it to meet a significant share of Afghanistan’s domestic demand.

“Since the Islamic Emirate returned to power and security has been ensured across the country, everyone has contributed to development and reconstruction according to their capacity, but we still do not have sufficient cement production inside the country,” Hanafi said.

He added that several cement factories have been established across Afghanistan over the past few years.

Ahmad Jan Bilal, Director General of State-Owned Companies, said Afghanistan is expected to become self-sufficient in cement production in the near future, eliminating the need to import cement from other countries.

Minister of Energy and Water Mohammad Younus Akhundzada said Afghanistan possesses abundant resources for electricity generation and should also strive to achieve self-sufficiency in the energy sector.

Hindustan Times has reported that India and Afghanistan have agreed to work towards establishing a Joint Working Group to prepare a long-term roadmap for cooperation in the agriculture and livestock sectors, as both countries seek to expand collaboration in areas including seeds, irrigation, agricultural research and agri-trade.

According to the report, the decision was made during bilateral talks held in New Delhi on Wednesday between India’s Union Minister of Agriculture, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, and Afghanistan’s Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock, Ataullah Omari.

The proposed Joint Working Group will facilitate regular institutional engagement and identify new areas of cooperation based on the priorities of both countries, India’s Ministry of Agriculture said in a statement.

The report said the Afghan side requested India’s support to improve wheat productivity through advanced seed technologies and research collaboration.

In response, Chouhan said India was prepared to support Afghanistan by providing quality wheat, maize and potato seeds, climate-resilient and biofortified crop varieties, as well as scientific expertise from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).

Water management and climate-resilient agriculture were also discussed during the meeting. According to the ministry’s statement, Afghanistan sought cooperation in irrigation, water harvesting and watershed development to address water scarcity and the impacts of climate change.

Chouhan said India was willing to share its expertise in micro-irrigation, rainwater harvesting, farm ponds, check dams and efficient water-use technologies.

The two sides also discussed expanding cooperation in agricultural research, education and capacity building.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Chouhan said India and Afghanistan share “very old and historic relations” and described the discussions on strengthening agricultural cooperation as “very friendly.”

The cricket world has united in paying tribute to former Afghanistan fast bowler Shapoor Zadran following his death at the age of 38, with the International Cricket Council (ICC), national cricket boards, current and former players and officials remembering him as one of the pioneers of Afghan cricket.

Zadran, who died in New Delhi on Tuesday after a prolonged illness, was laid to rest in Kabul on Thursday following funeral prayers at the Eidgah Mosque attended by family, friends, fellow cricketers and thousands of mourners.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) said it was saddened by the passing of the former Afghanistan paceman, describing him as a Cricket World Cup hero whose contribution to the game would be remembered.

ICC Chairman Jay Shah said he was deeply saddened by Zadran’s death and praised his role in Afghanistan’s remarkable rise in international cricket.

“His match-winning all-round performance against Scotland at the 2015 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup will forever remain a landmark moment in Afghanistan’s cricket history,” Shah wrote on X.

“Our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and the entire Afghanistan cricket fraternity. May his soul rest in peace.”

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) described Zadran as one of the foundation-laying figures of Afghanistan cricket, saying his dedication, passion and unwavering commitment played a vital role in the development of the game.

“He was among the proud cricketers who stood at the heart of Afghanistan’s early cricket journey and helped build the path that brought Afghan cricket to the international stage,” the board said.

Former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh called Zadran “a true pioneer of Afghanistan cricket”, saying his passion and commitment to the game would always be remembered.

“It’s always heartbreaking to lose someone who gave so much to the game,” Singh wrote, extending condolences to Zadran’s family and the Afghanistan cricket community.

Former India captain and commentator Ravi Shastri also paid tribute, saying Zadran’s contribution to Afghanistan’s journey in world cricket would never be forgotten.

Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar described him as a fearless cricketer who played a key role in putting Afghanistan on the global cricket map, while former Sri Lanka all-rounder Angelo Mathews remembered him as “a champion both on and off the field.”

The Bangladesh Cricket Board expressed deep sadness over Zadran’s passing, saying his contribution to Afghanistan cricket would always be remembered. Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood also conveyed his condolences to Zadran’s family.

Messages of sympathy also poured in from current and former players, cricket boards and officials around the world, highlighting the respect Zadran earned throughout his career.

A key figure in Afghanistan’s rise on the international stage, Zadran represented his country in 44 One-Day Internationals, 36 Twenty20 Internationals and one Test match, claiming 43 ODI wickets and 37 T20I wickets during an international career spanning more than a decade.

He played a defining role in Afghanistan’s first-ever ICC Cricket World Cup victory, starring in the dramatic win over Scotland in 2015 and finishing as Afghanistan’s leading wicket-taker at the tournament with 10 wickets.

Zadran retired from international cricket in 2020 and announced his retirement from all forms of the game in 2025. He is widely remembered as one of the pioneers who helped transform Afghanistan from an emerging cricket nation into a respected force on the world stage.