Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA), said the group seeks positive and balanced relations with all countries, including the United States, while insisting that no foreign financial aid has been provided directly to the Emirate or the Afghan government.

In an exclusive interview with Payam Afghan TV, Mujahid responded to recent U.S. Senate legislation aimed at restricting aid to Afghanistan, stating that Washington has not sent any assistance directly to the Islamic Emirate. He said humanitarian aid to Afghanistan has been suspended or provided solely on humanitarian grounds.

Mujahid added that past international assistance was channeled through domestic institutions and human rights organizations and remained under the control of those entities, with no direct involvement from the Islamic Emirate.

“The policy of the Islamic Emirate is based on self-reliance. Afghans must resolve their internal challenges themselves,” Mujahid said.

He emphasized that the Emirate’s focus is on attracting investment and promoting economic development while safeguarding national sovereignty and preventing foreign political interference. Mujahid cited engagement with China, Russia, and neighboring countries as examples of this approach.

He concluded that the Islamic Emirate is open to cooperation with European and American investors, aiming to turn Afghanistan into a regional and global economic hub, provided its sovereignty and internal affairs are fully respected.

The U.S. Senate has advanced legislation aimed at preventing American taxpayer funds from reaching the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA), marking a new step in Washington’s efforts to restrict financial support to groups it designates as terrorist organizations.

The No Tax Dollars for Terrorists Act, approved by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, now moves to the full Senate for consideration. The bill seeks to bar U.S. funds from directly or indirectly benefiting the IEA and establishes official U.S. policy opposing financial or material support to the group by foreign governments or non-governmental organizations.

Committee Chairman Senator Jim Risch cited the human cost of the Afghanistan war, noting that more than 2,000 U.S. service members were killed and over 20,000 injured during the conflict. He described any transfer of U.S. funds to the IEA as “a betrayal of the victims of the war,” calling the legislation a common-sense measure to ensure taxpayer dollars are not diverted to militant groups.

The bill was introduced in January 2025 by Senator Tim Sheehy, with co-sponsorship from Senators Bill Hagerty, Tommy Tuberville, and Steve Daines. It also directs the State Department to develop strategies to counter foreign assistance that could benefit the IEA.

In response, Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate, said the United States has not provided funds directly to the Emirate. He added that international assistance entering Afghanistan is intended exclusively for humanitarian purposes.

Supporters of the legislation say it reinforces U.S. efforts to cut off financial resources to militant groups while allowing humanitarian aid to continue through international organizations operating in Afghanistan.

Qatar’s Minister of State for International Cooperation, Mariam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad, met with the Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Afghanistan and Resident Coordinator for Humanitarian Affairs, Indrika Ratwatte, to discuss strengthening cooperation on humanitarian and development efforts in Afghanistan.

According to an official statement, the meeting reviewed ongoing cooperation between the State of Qatar and the United Nations and explored ways to enhance joint initiatives aimed at addressing Afghanistan’s urgent humanitarian and development needs.

Al Misnad reaffirmed Qatar’s commitment to serving as a platform for dialogue and as a key logistical, political, and humanitarian partner for the United Nations in facilitating its work related to Afghanistan.

She also reiterated Doha’s support for the Afghan people, emphasizing the importance of sustained international engagement to ensure the delivery of emergency humanitarian assistance and to support critical sectors, including health, education, and economic empowerment.