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Haqqani calls for nation to be ‘more united’
The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan’s (IEA) Minister of Interior Sirajuddin Haqqani, called on Afghans living abroad to return home and on the nation to become more united.
Speaking in Mazar-e-Sharif city of Balkh province, the ministry said: “Enemies are making many conspiracies to divide Afghans, but the roots of prejudice here were never civil but brought by foreigners and only had a political aspect.
“The enemies of Afghanistan tried to divide the country, but the Mujahideen of the North proved the deep roots of national unity, that we are a united nation. Our real situation is that from Panjshir to the earthquake victims of Paktika and from Uruzgan to the people affected by the natural disaster of Badakhshan, the hands of help were extended. Our unity is natural, it has deep roots in our beliefs,” Haqqani said.
Governor of Balkh, Haji Muhammad Yusuf Wafa, welcomed his visit to Balkh province and said Haqqani’s trip was a “good step”.
After voting Hazrat Ali shrine, Haqqani also visited the tomb of Wazir Muhammad Akbar Khan and other historical figures. He prayed for their souls and met with the administrators of the shrine, the ministry said.
Haqqani said he will help in the reconstruction of Hazart Ali’s shrine and the construction of a library for the religious seminary in the compound of the shrine. He shared some advice to solve some problems.
According to the ministry, these visits were conducted on Sunday. On Monday, Haqqani met with officials, scholars and tribal leaders of Balkh province.
Mawlawi Abu Edris, the deputy of Balkh province, said the people of the north were honored by Haqqqani’s visit.
“This is the result of the sacrifices of the Mujahideen of Balkh Province and the great grace and mercy of Allah, that we see leaders among us,” Edris said.
Edris further added that: “We have made great sacrifices in bringing the Islamic system and now the survival of the system requires the sacrifices of honesty, integrity and unity. We are one nation and we must be more united.”
Sheikh Muhammad Saad Hashemi, Chairman of Balkh’s Ulema Council also made a speech at the event and said: “Security has been given priority in all religions, states and nations. The current security privileges are attributed to the Islamic Emirate, the efforts of the Islamic Emirate should be praised at the national and international level.”
At the end of the meeting, Haqqani spoke and said: “We got the power of the government when everything was chaotic and the situation kept me busy, so please accept my excuse for the delay [in visiting Balkh].”
Calling on Afghans who left the country, Haqqani said: “Those Afghans who were frightened by propaganda and left their homeland, should return; this country is a common and peaceful home for all.”
He raised the issue of Jihad and said at the start, many people pointed out that conspiracy methods were being used instead of armed struggle, but due to the sacrifice and perseverance of the Mujahideen, they succeeded in all their “trials”.
The interior minister once again reminded the public of the general amnesty.
“Amir al Mum’ninin [the IEA’s supreme leader] announced general amnesty for peace, and after the amnesty, if someone violated it, they were dealt with according to Sharia law,” he added.
The interior minister also advised the security forces to remain disciplined and said he believes that the survival of the system lies in good morals.
“The survival of the system lies in good morals. Power and status sometimes creates arrogance in a person, with arrogance, the intellect and thinking of a person is destroyed. The leader used to tell me that we have nothing but good manners, and we should treat our subordinates well,” Haqqani said.
Haqqani also passed the IEA leader’s message on to the forces and Balkh officials.
“The leader has sent a message of greetings and good manners to his subjects. My message to the Mujahideen is to be in the service of the people day and night, and even those Mujahideen who are not officially on duty, are responsible to Allah and the Prophet (PBUH) for good deeds, to remain committed to the noble qualities of endeavor through high morals,” he added.
He once again emphasized that the system is all-inclusive and has provided services to tribal leaders, scholars and other professional staff.
“Scholars are our spiritual leaders and the success of this world and the hereafter lies in their guidance. The people share in our profits and losses, as our system is all-inclusive, providing service to tribal leaders, scholars and other professional staff,” Haqqani said.
Haqqani, said: “In order to save the youth from the domination of this foreign culture, we must develop our Islamic and Afghan culture and thought and make it so beloved that people themselves accept it.”
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Doha process private sector meeting highlights growth and coordination in Afghanistan
The session was divided into two segments, focusing on growth and inclusion in the first part, and coordination and transparency in the second.
The 3rd session of the Doha Process Private Sector Working Group was held both in-person and online at Kabul’s Grand Hotel, hosted by the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA).
The meeting brought together representatives from the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, including the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Finance, Industry and Commerce, Economy, Labor and Social Affairs, and the Central Bank, alongside UNAMA, UN agencies, international and regional organizations, as well as ambassadors, diplomats, and private sector experts.
The session was divided into two segments, focusing on growth and inclusion in the first part, and coordination and transparency in the second.
Afghanistan’s Islamic Emirate representatives shared achievements and progress since assuming governance, while participants acknowledged these efforts and highlighted their ongoing support for the private sector. All parties offered recommendations to address challenges and emphasized enhanced cooperation moving forward.
International Sports
IPL 2026: Franchise sales gather pace as global investors circle teams
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) has been put on the market by its current owner and is estimated to be worth up to $2 billion.
Developments off the field are drawing growing attention ahead of the 2026 Indian Premier League season, with two franchises — Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Rajasthan Royals — formally up for sale and attracting interest from high-profile domestic and international investors.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), one of the league’s most recognisable teams, has been put on the market by its current owner, Diageo’s United Spirits Ltd, following a strategic review. The sale process is expected to be completed by the end of March 2026. Market estimates suggest the franchise could be valued at around $2 billion, reflecting the soaring commercial value of the IPL.
Several bidders have been shortlisted for RCB, including investment groups led by Indian industrialists, private equity firms and overseas sports owners. Among those reported to have shown interest is a consortium linked to the Glazer family, co-owners of English Premier League club Manchester United. Non-binding bids have already been submitted, with binding offers expected in the coming weeks.
Rajasthan Royals (RR), winners of the inaugural IPL title in 2008, are also in the process of being sold. A shortlist of potential buyers has been finalised, featuring a mix of Indian and international investors, including private equity firms, entrepreneurs and media-linked groups. The franchise is expected to attract a valuation of more than $1 billion, according to market estimates.
Final bids for Rajasthan Royals are anticipated in early March, while the RCB transaction is expected to move into its final phase later this month. Any change in ownership will require approval from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
The potential sales mark one of the most significant ownership shake-ups in IPL history and underline the league’s growing appeal as a global sports investment as preparations continue for the 2026 season.
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FM Muttaqi meets Uzbek Central Asia Institute Chief, stresses stronger bilateral cooperation
During the meeting, the two sides discussed ways to further strengthen political and economic cooperation, as well as key regional issues.
Afghanistan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amir Khan Muttaqi, has met with a delegation led by Joulan Vakhabov, head of Uzbekistan’s International Institute of Central Asia and adviser to the country’s deputy president.
During the meeting, the two sides discussed ways to further strengthen political and economic cooperation, as well as key regional issues.
Muttaqi said Uzbekistan has adopted a positive and goodwill-based policy toward Afghanistan, expressing hope that bilateral relations and cooperation would continue to expand.
He also underscored the important role of research institutions in promoting mutual understanding, enhancing cooperation, and developing a realistic assessment of regional dynamics.
For his part, Vakhabov praised the progress and stability in Afghanistan and voiced optimism that trade between the two countries would increase further in the current year.
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