Authorities in Badakhshan province have announced the immediate suspension of all illegal mining and gold panning activities in Shighnan district until legal procedures are completed and official licenses are obtained.

According to local officials, the decision was made during a meeting chaired by Mohammad Ismail Ghaznawi, with the participation of the provincial Department of Mines and Petroleum, local district authorities, and representatives of mining and gold-panning workers.

Officials said the main objective of the meeting was to curb illegal extraction activities and address the concerns of local residents.

The governor emphasized that no individual, group, or company will be allowed to carry out mining operations in the province without legal authorization and coordination with the Ministry of Mines and Petroleum and the provincial mining department.

He further stated that a new mining regulation framework will soon be announced by the authorities of the Islamic Emirate, after which applicants will be able to resume operations in accordance with official procedures through the Badakhshan provincial mining department

Afghan border forces have intercepted a major smuggling attempt involving hundreds of surgical instruments, medical drugs, and vegetable seeds near Torkham in Nangarhar province.

According to a statement from the 201 Khalid bin Walid Corps, the seizure took place in Momandara district near Torkham, carried out by the 3rd Battalion of the 2nd Border Brigade.

The operation was based on intelligence and counter-intelligence reports, the statement added.

The confiscated items—including surgical equipment, pharmaceuticals, and vegetable seeds—were reportedly being smuggled illegally from Pakistan into Afghanistan. Authorities confirmed that the materials will be handed over to relevant legal institutions for further investigation and processing.

The European Union has clarified that its ongoing engagement with Afghanistan’s de facto authorities is strictly operational and does not constitute political recognition.

European Commission spokesperson Markus Lammert said the EU’s interaction with Afghan authorities is mandated by the Council and aligns with its established policy framework.

“This does not by any means constitute a recognition,” Lammert stressed, noting that the EU’s presence on the ground is aimed at facilitating contacts, monitoring the situation, supporting member states, and continuing humanitarian and technical assistance for the Afghan people.

He added that such operational engagement is consistent with Council conclusions first adopted in 2021 and reconfirmed in March 2023. According to Lammert, this framework continues to guide the EU’s approach, allowing practical engagement while avoiding formal recognition.