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Chinese oil deal cancelled, Afghan experts take over Amu Darya fields
The Ministry of Mines and Petroleum of Afghanistan has confirmed that oil extraction in the Amu Darya basin continues without interruption, now under the management of Afghan engineers, following the recent termination of a contract with the Chinese company Xinjiang Central Asia Petroleum and Gas Co. (CAPEIC).
According to the ministry, Afghan technical teams have stepped in to lead the operations using local expertise, ensuring the extraction process remains on track despite the withdrawal of China’s support.
“We have sufficient capacity in the extraction sector,” said Humayoun Afghan, spokesperson for the Ministry of Mines and Petroleum. “Our Afghan engineers are leading the work wherever possible. If the need arises, we are open to partnering with foreign or private companies. However, there has been no formal interest in transferring operations to the private sector so far.”
The ministry had previously announced that the contract with CAPEIC—signed in 2023 with a pledged investment of $150 million in the first year and a projected $540 million over three years—was canceled due to repeated violations of contractual terms. Despite the termination, officials stress that extraction activities at the Qashqari oil field and other sites have not been disrupted.
The Afghanistan Crude Oil Refinery Union also reported that work at the Qashqari field is proceeding smoothly under domestic leadership.
“We call for training and the development of new capacities so that we can utilize domestic resources and workforce in oil-rich regions across the country. This can play a significant role in achieving economic self-sufficiency and boosting domestic production,” said Zabihullah Nazari, the union’s deputy head.
Economic analysts view this shift toward domestic control as a potential turning point for Afghanistan’s resource sector. Experts say leveraging local capacity in oil and gas can reduce reliance on foreign companies, foster national resilience, and contribute to long-term sustainable development.
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IEA should respond to Pakistan’s security concerns with concrete actions: Andrabi
Pakistani Foreign Ministry spokesman Tahir Hussain Andrabi says both Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Sadyr Japarov, the President of Kyrgyzstan, who visited Islamabad on Thursday, expressed their mutual commitment to a peaceful, stable Afghanistan with a sustainable future for the Afghan people.
Speaking in a press conference on Friday, Andrabi stated that both sides agreed that the Islamic Emirate must fulfill its obligations toward the international community and take concrete steps against terrorist groups to address Pakistan’s legitimate security concerns.
This comes while the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has repeatedly emphasized that no terrorist groups operate from Afghan territory and that it will not allow anyone to use Afghan soil against any country.
The Islamic Emirate has also stated that Pakistan’s security concerns are an internal issue of that country, and Pakistan itself must take measures to prevent any security incidents.
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Malaysia’s PM calls peaceful solution to Afghanistan-Pakistan tensions
Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has voiced deep concern over escalating tensions between the Afghanistan–Pakistan during a telephone conversation with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
In a statement posted on Facebook, Anwar said he emphasized Malaysia’s concerns regarding regional stability and urged all parties to pursue a peaceful resolution through dialogue and diplomatic engagement to prevent further escalation.
His remarks follow media reports indicating heightened tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan after a series of attacks in October.
During the call, the two leaders also exchanged views on several aspects of Malaysia–Pakistan bilateral relations.
Anwar also briefed Sharif on the ongoing flood situation in Malaysia and similar challenges facing neighboring countries, including Indonesia and Thailand.
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Afghanistan makes major strides in cutting drug trafficking, says Putin
Putin stated that Afghan authorities have “substantially reduced” opium cultivation and are “seriously confronting” drug-related threats from within their borders.
Russian President Vladimir Putin says Afghanistan has taken “active and effective” steps to curb drug trafficking, noting a significant drop in opium production across the country. He made the remarks during an exclusive interview with India Today during his India trip, highlighting what he described as “visible progress” in Afghanistan’s internal security efforts.
Putin stated that Afghan authorities have “substantially reduced” opium cultivation and are “seriously confronting” drug-related threats from within their borders. He added that Afghanistan has also made important advancements in the fight against terrorism.
Responding to a question about why Russia officially recognized the Islamic Emirate, the Russian president said Afghanistan had been engulfed in civil conflict for many years, but the current authorities now hold control over the country. “This is the reality, and it must be acknowledged,” Putin emphasized.
He further noted that maintaining contact with Afghanistan’s leadership is crucial for shaping events inside the country. “If you want influence, you must engage with the people in charge — and that is exactly what we are doing,” he said.
Putin’s remarks come as several regional powers continue to recalibrate their diplomatic strategies toward Afghanistan, focusing on stability, counterterrorism, and economic cooperation.
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