Afghanistan and Turkmenistan have held discussions on the development of the Herat gas pipeline and the expansion of gas distribution networks, as Kabul seeks to attract investment and introduce modern technologies to the country’s energy sector.

Akhtar Mohammad Mansour, Chief Executive Officer of the state-owned Afghan Gas Company, held talks with officials from Turkmenistan’s state-owned Turkmengaz company and representatives of the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline project during a visit to Turkmenistan, where he attended the country’s international oil and gas conference.

According to Afghanistan’s General Directorate of State-Owned Companies, the discussions focused on issues related to gas transmission and distribution, as well as the use of advanced equipment and internationally recognized technical standards in the sector.

Mansour reportedly identified the adoption of modern technologies in gas extraction, transmission and distribution as a key priority for Afghan Gas.

Focus on Investment and Technical Cooperation

During the visit, the Afghan Gas chief also met with representatives of international companies to explore opportunities for technical and commercial cooperation.

The discussions emphasized direct cooperation, the exchange of technical expertise and experience, and the adoption of new technologies. Mansour also highlighted the importance of attracting investment to Afghanistan’s gas sector.

The General Directorate of State-Owned Companies said the meetings provided an opportunity to strengthen ties with international firms, identify potential areas for joint cooperation and present investment opportunities in Afghanistan’s gas industry.

TAPI Project Remains a Key Regional Energy Initiative

The TAPI gas pipeline project is designed to transport natural gas from Turkmenistan through Afghanistan to Pakistan and India, making it one of the region’s major energy cooperation initiatives.

The expansion of gas transmission infrastructure and distribution networks could help improve access to energy in Afghanistan while creating opportunities for investment and strengthening regional economic cooperation.

Abdul Qahar Balkhi, spokesperson for Afghanistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, says 1,119 Afghan civilians have been killed or injured in Pakistani military attacks on Afghanistan since the beginning of 2022.

In an interview with CNN, Balkhi said women and children accounted for most of the casualties.

He also referred to a Pakistani military strike on the Omid Addiction Treatment Centre in Kabul, claiming that hundreds of people were killed in the attack.

“Rather than making unsubstantiated allegations, Pakistan should address its security challenges through responsible engagement with its own people and genuine diplomacy with Afghanistan,” Balkhi told CNN.

His remarks come amid continued tensions between Kabul and Islamabad over security concerns.

Afghanistan’s Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani has called for stronger national unity, improved relations between citizens and security personnel, and greater public awareness to help end longstanding rivalries and hostilities.

Speaking in Khost province, Haqqani said maintaining security was a shared responsibility and should not be considered solely the duty of police personnel.

He urged religious scholars, preachers and tribal elders to raise public awareness, encourage reconciliation and use the current opportunity to strengthen peace and solidarity among communities.

Haqqani also called on security officials to serve the public in accordance with the directives of the Islamic Emirate’s leadership, emphasizing respectful conduct, brotherhood and good manners in their interactions with citizens.

Addressing the country’s broader situation, the interior minister expressed optimism about Afghanistan’s progress toward self-sufficiency and reconstruction, describing the development as a blessing from God following years of hardship and difficulties.

He said security had improved, divisions and hostilities had declined, and unity among Afghans had strengthened. Haqqani further claimed that security incidents across the country had fallen to nearly zero.

He also alleged that certain individuals were attempting to create concern and anxiety among the public despite the current security situation.

Haqqani’s remarks focused on shared responsibility for security, public service, reconciliation and the role of community leaders in promoting social cohesion.