Latest News
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.
Latest News
Afghanistan now has unified central government: IEA defense minister
Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid, the Minister of Defense of the Islamic Emirate, says that Afghanistan currently has a unified central government, and that no groups engaging in destructive activities are present in the country. He added that they will not allow anyone to undermine the country’s security.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Defense, Mujahid made these remarks at a graduation ceremony for commandos of the Special Forces Division. The ceremony was attended by Khalifa Sirajuddin Haqqani, the Minister of Interior; several cabinet ministers; foreign ambassadors and military attachés; special representatives; and a number of officials and military personnel.
Addressing the commandos, Yaqoob Mujahid said: “In the service you perform, make the pleasure of Almighty Allah your sole intention, because Almighty Allah will reward you for such an intention in this world and the hereafter. There is now a unified central government in the country, and no groups engaging in destructive activities are present. We will also not allow anyone to undermine security.”
He also added: “I assure our people that these forces will defend the lives, property, and territory of their beloved country with full courage and wisdom. I tell all foreign countries that Afghanistan is now secure, and there is no enemy in this country, whether from within or outside, that poses a threat to others.”
At the ceremony, Khalifa Sirajuddin Haqqani also said: “For half a century, Afghanistan did not have an independent army. However, now, it has an organized army and other security forces. You are not a ceremonial army, nor do you operate to serve the interests of others; rather, you are an organized and independent army. Although we may be materially weak, we are stronger than others in terms of morale and spirituality. We must maintain high morale, avoid acting emotionally in military affairs, and respond to the enemy at the appropriate time. We are not a threat to anyone; rather, we are defenders of our own land.”
It is worth noting that 1,000 young commandos of the Special Forces Division of the Ministry of Defense graduated from the eighth training course after completing six months of professional, ideological, and commando training.
During the ceremony, the graduating commandos, in cooperation with the Air Force, demonstrated coordinated practical and military exercises using various types of unmanned aircraft.
Latest News
Baradar approves action plan for establishing special economic zones
The action plan for establishing special economic zones across the country was approved on Wednesday by Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs.
According to a decree issued by the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Emirate, these special economic zones will be established in the provinces of Kabul, Balkh, Nangarhar, Kandahar, Herat, Paktia, and Kunduz.
Under the plan, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, in cooperation with other relevant ministries and government agencies, will identify the land required for these zones, determine the necessary sectoral activities and services, and create the conditions needed to attract investment.
The establishment of these special economic zones is aimed at attracting new investments, achieving a relative balance between exports and imports, and expanding production activities in a suitable environment, paving the way for a new phase of economic development in the country.
Latest News
Russian deputy prime minister to visit Kabul with high-level economic delegation
The visit aims to strengthen economic and trade relations between Afghanistan and Russia, explore investment opportunities and discuss potential joint economic projects.
Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk is scheduled to visit Kabul on Thursday, leading a high-level economic delegation, Afghanistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced.
According to a statement by the ministry, the visit aims to strengthen economic and trade relations between Afghanistan and Russia, explore investment opportunities and discuss potential joint economic projects.
The visit is expected to provide an opportunity for officials from both countries to discuss ways of expanding bilateral economic cooperation and identifying new areas for trade and investment.
The ministry did not provide further details about the delegation’s programme or the specific projects expected to be discussed during the visit.
-
World4 days agoHouthi-run health ministry says airstrikes kill 33 near Yemen capital
-
Sport3 days agoAfghanistan’s record partnership highlights fourth day of Test against Zimbabwe
-
Sport4 days agoToofan Herat defeat Arman FC 2–0 in Afghanistan Champions League
-
Sport3 days agoAfghanistan thrash Senegal 6-0 to reach Dakar Youth Olympics futsal semi-finals
-
Regional5 days agoPakistan’s leaders dread US Democrats’ win but its households are praying for it
-
Sport2 days agoPortugal beat Afghanistan 2-0 in Dakar Youth Olympics futsal semi-finals
-
Business5 days agoUK-Afghanistan trade falls 16.7% to £70 million over 12 months
-
Regional4 days agoExplosions heard in areas in southern Iran, Iranian media report
