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Efforts underway to standardize processing of export goods: Baradar

Baradar called on all exporters to ensure their exports meet international standards, preserving the country’s reputation, and to remain vigilant against competitors who may attempt to undermine Afghanistan’s exports.

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The Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund, says export processing zones will be established in six provinces of the country, including Kabul, and that he is trying to ensure the processing of export products meets international standards.

Marking National Export Day at an event in Kabul, Baradar emphasized the importance of trade relations between countries to meet their respective needs through exports and imports. He highlighted that countries with higher export volumes see significant growth in domestic production and accelerated economic development.

Baradar assured all export companies in Afghanistan that the Islamic Emirate’s export-oriented economic policies will elevate the country’s export levels, ensuring that all surplus production is commercially exported to other countries.

He announced that under the directive of the IEA supreme leader, export processing zones meeting international standards will be established in six provinces, including Kabul.

The land transfer and ownership processes for these zones have been completed, and they will soon be operational to standardize exports, he said.

Referring to the export process, Baradar stated that exports are currently conducted from 13 provinces to various countries around the world.

The IEA has set up offices in these provinces to facilitate and expedite the export process, significantly reducing the time required for export procedures. He mentioned that efforts are being made to find potential and alternative markets for Afghan export goods in the region and globally, with progress already achieved in negotiating preferential tariffs.

He called on all exporters to ensure their exports meet international standards, preserving the country’s reputation, and to remain vigilant against competitors who may attempt to undermine Afghanistan’s exports.

He stressed the importance of exporting finished products instead of raw materials, aligning with the Islamic Emirate’s economic policies.

Processing raw materials domestically will create opportunities for new factories to operate.

Addressing the National Export Day gathering, Baradar revealed that the IEA is negotiating with reputable international companies to standardize all national ports, aiming to enhance the quality and quantity of exports.

This initiative is expected to have a significant positive impact on the country’s export sector.

To ensure transparent and reliable exports, Baradar urged all security agencies to prevent smuggling, impose severe penalties on offenders, and protect the efforts of the IEA and traders.

Baradar also appealed to national traders to build cold storage facilities in accordance with international standards to prevent the deterioration of manufactured goods and agricultural products.

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UN official warns Afghanistan’s humanitarian crisis could threaten regional stability and security

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A senior United Nations official has warned that Afghanistan’s deepening humanitarian crisis could have consequences beyond the country’s borders, potentially affecting regional security, stability and migration routes.

Bruno Lemarquis, the UN Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Afghanistan and Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, said on Friday that the country was at a “difficult crossroad” more than five years after the Islamic Emirate returned to power.

He said relative stability and security were being undermined by a fragile economy, restrictions on fundamental rights and growing humanitarian needs.

Lemarquis described restrictions on women and girls as “severe and sweeping,” saying they continue to face barriers to education, employment and participation in public life.

He noted that more than 2.6 million girls have been deprived of secondary education since 2021, while female university enrollment currently stands at zero.

The UN official also highlighted the impact of the mass return of Afghan migrants, saying approximately 6.7 million Afghans have returned to the country since 2020, many of them forcibly expelled from neighbouring countries, particularly Pakistan and Iran.

He said the large-scale returns were placing additional pressure on Afghanistan’s already overstretched public services, stressing that returnees urgently need legal documentation, protection and employment opportunities.

Lemarquis also raised concerns over a reported increase in opium poppy cultivation, citing a UN report that found production had risen by 330 percent in 2025 following a sharp decline after the 2022 ban imposed by the Islamic Emirate.

He said efforts to prevent poppy cultivation must be accompanied by viable alternative livelihoods for farmers.

Meanwhile, humanitarian needs in Afghanistan are expected to rise further in 2027 amid mass returns, regional instability and extreme weather risks associated with El Niño.

However, international humanitarian funding has continued to decline. According to Lemarquis, assistance reached $2 billion in 2023, fell to $1 billion in 2025 and has amounted to only $570 million so far in 2026.

He warned that funding shortages were threatening essential services, with around 40 percent of primary healthcare facilities expected to close between 2025 and 2026, potentially affecting 700 of the country’s 1,900 health posts.

Describing the consequences as “very, very, very significant,” Lemarquis urged the international community not to turn its back on Afghanistan.

“And there is a saying in Afghanistan that is ‘What is happening in Afghanistan is not staying in Afghanistan,’” he said.

“The consequences could go beyond the Afghanistan border, potentially affecting regional security, regional stability and migration pathways.”

 
 

 

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Pakistan reviews US plan to deport Afghans through its territory

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Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry says it is reviewing reports that the Trump administration plans to deport Afghans through Pakistan, adding that it is consulting relevant stakeholders to find a mutually acceptable way forward.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Sajjad Haider Khan made the remarks at a press conference on Friday, saying Islamabad remained committed to close coordination with its allies and partners.

“We will continue to act in accordance with our international obligations and established protocols,” Khan said.

He added that the matter was under consideration and that all relevant aspects were being carefully examined in consultation with concerned stakeholders.

 

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Pakistan’s Bank Alfalah exits Afghanistan after 20 years

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Pakistan-based Bank Alfalah has completed its exit from Afghanistan after 20 years of operations, transferring its local banking business to Ghaznfar Bank, the lender said in a notice to shareholders on Friday.

The bank said the transaction was completed on November 5 after the signing of final agreements, approval from the State Bank of Pakistan and Da Afghanistan Bank, and fulfilment of other required conditions.

The deal allows Bank Alfalah to sell and transfer its operations in Afghanistan to Ghaznfar Bank, following approval from the regulatory authorities in both countries.

“Bank Alfalah has acco­rdingly ceased its banking operations in Afghanistan and will complete the closure of its Afghanistan bra­nches in accordance with applicable regulatory req­u­ir­ements,” the notice said.

Bank Alfalah began operating in Kabul in 2005, offering both conventional and Islamic banking services. 

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