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Baradar inaugurates raisin processing factory in Kabul’s Istalif district
Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, on Wednesday inaugurated a raisin processing factory in Afghanistan’s Istalif district of Kabul province.
In a statement issued by the deputy PM’s office, Baradar described the launch of the factory as an important step toward increasing the value of agricultural products, adding that this initiative will stimulate the local economy, standardize exports, and create employment opportunities for hundreds of people.
At the inauguration ceremony of the factory, Baradar emphasized that the Islamic Emirate, alongside other sectors, has given special attention to the agricultural sector and has launched several projects related to water management to support the growth of the agricultural economy.
Baradar stated that the IEA has created the necessary conditions to facilitate the export of agricultural products to regional and global markets. He added that it has organized exhibitions to promote these products and has increased tariffs on imported goods that are produced domestically.
According to him, IEA has prioritized the use of domestic agricultural products to strengthen the agricultural sector, and progress has been made in improving irrigation systems, establishing cold storage facilities, and constructing processing and packaging centers.
He emphasized the importance of the quality and packaging of agricultural exports, considering it vital for Afghanistan’s credibility and the development of trade relations.
Baradar noted that the IEA is placing special focus on regional connectivity to increase the level of trade. Fortunately, he said, Afghanistan’s railway network has now expanded, strengthening and broadening trade relations with various countries.
Baradar added that the IEA is working to fully activate the Lapis Lazuli Corridor, and in the recent ECO (Economic Cooperation Organization) summit, it held discussions with relevant countries to help Afghanistan gain access to European markets.
During the factory’s inauguration ceremony, he also highlighted the important role of the private sector and investors in the country’s economic growth, stating that the necessary facilities have been provided in various areas to support investment.
He added that investors can invest not only in agriculture and industry but also in the sectors of mining, energy, telecommunications, transportation, and services.
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.
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.
Abdul Haq Wasiq, head of Afghanistan’s General Directorate of Intelligence (GDI), has said that Daesh uses social media platforms, including Telegram and TikTok, to communicate, secure financial resources and promote ideological diversion.
Wasiq made the remarks at the First SCO Plus Expert Dialogue on Security Issues in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
He said the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA), based on its beliefs and convictions, is at the forefront of the fight against Daesh. However, he added that Afghanistan faces serious constraints in dismantling the technical capabilities of the group.
According to Wasiq, technology companies and operators of Telegram and TikTok do not cooperate with Afghanistan in efforts to counter Daesh activities, a situation he said allows the group greater room to operate around the world.
The intelligence chief added that Daesh causes significant civilian casualties each year through its activities in different countries.
The First SCO Plus Expert Dialogue on Security Issues was held in Samarkand on November 5 and 6. Representatives from 24 countries and five international organisations attended the event to discuss counterterrorism, extremism and emerging security threats.
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