Bayat Power has renewed its natural gas supply agreement with Afghan Gas, securing the continued production of 40 megawatts of electricity for the next ten years.

The extension ensures that power generated from domestic gas will continue to be distributed through the country’s power utility, Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat (DABS), supporting households and contributing to economic activity nationwide.

A senior official from Bayat Power, Haji Ismael, welcomed the agreement, stating:

“We are very pleased to witness today the extension of the gas purchase and sale contract with Afghan Gas Company.

“As you know, Bayat Power Company has been generating forty megawatts of electricity from gas in Sheberghan Province for several years, and it is distributed through Breshna Company. This process will continue for another ten years with the extension of the contract. I would like to thank Afghan Gas Company and its leadership” he said.

Ismael added that the agreement aligns with the company’s long-term vision of supporting Afghanistan’s development through reliable, locally generated energy.

Officials from Afghan Gas in Jawzjan reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining a stable gas supply, noting that domestic energy production remains an important pillar for long-term stability and self-reliance.

Bayat Power’s facility in northern Afghanistan continues to play a key role in the country’s energy mix.

The renewed agreement follows a separate extension signed earlier this year between DABS and Bayat Power, which also secured power production for an additional ten years—reinforcing a key public-private partnership in Afghanistan’s energy sector.

Alongside the extension, the two sides signed a technical memorandum of understanding aimed at strengthening operational cooperation.

Bayat Power is currently the country’s largest private electricity producer and operates Bayat Power-1, Afghanistan’s first modern gas-to-electricity plant. At the time of the earlier agreement, Chairman Ehsanullah Bayat said the company remains committed to delivering reliable, affordable and sustainable electricity, while also exploring opportunities to expand production capacity.

The project itself represents a major milestone in Afghanistan’s energy development. Built as a public-private partnership, it brings together Bayat Power, Siemens Energy, Afghan government institutions—including the Ministries of Mines and Petroleum and Energy and Water—Afghan Gas, and DABS. The facility uses Siemens Energy’s advanced SGT-A45 mobile gas turbine, known for its efficiency and flexibility, and remains a cornerstone of the country’s push toward greater energy independence.

Overall, the renewed agreement is seen as a significant step toward strengthening domestic energy production, reducing reliance on imports, and supporting Afghanistan’s long-term economic development.

The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) has responded to the 2026 Global Terrorism Index report, emphasizing what it described as a significant reduction in insecurity and continued progress toward nationwide stability.

In a statement, the authorities said Afghanistan is currently on a path toward consolidating lasting security, attributing the decline in violence to effective leadership and the efforts of security forces.

The statement noted that improved security conditions have created opportunities for economic growth, investment, and the implementation of major national and international infrastructure projects. Officials added that plans are underway to strengthen a secure investment environment, expand transit networks, and support the private sector.

The Islamic Emirate also stressed its commitment to fulfilling regional security responsibilities and maintaining long-term stability, vowing to preserve and further strengthen recent gains.

According to the 2026 Global Terrorism Index, Afghanistan ranks 11th among countries most affected by terrorism, compared to its previous position of ninth. Pakistan was ranked as the country most impacted by terrorism in the latest report.

Officials reiterated that sustained security improvements remain a top priority as the country seeks to build a more stable and economically viable future.

Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi met with representatives of countries that participated in a traditional wrestling festival in Kabul.

During the meeting, Muttaqi described cultural ties between Afghanistan and the region as historic, stressing that such shared traditions can serve as a foundation for stronger engagement. He said Kabul is seeking to expand and deepen its international relations through sports diplomacy.

The foreign minister highlighted ongoing efforts to facilitate visas and provide necessary support for athletes, noting that steps are being taken to ease participation in international sporting events.

He also said that since the return of the Islamic Emirate, notable progress has been made in promoting traditional sports across the country.

Representatives from participating countries praised the organization of the festival and the management of the event, as well as the standard of traditional wrestling in Afghanistan. They also expressed readiness to strengthen cooperation and joint initiatives in the field of sports.

The international traditional wrestling festival, hosted by Afghanistan, began last Thursday in Kabul, bringing together athletes from seven countries. Around 60 foreign and 100 Afghan athletes competed in the event.

Foreign participants included representatives from Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Iran, and Turkey, highlighting regional engagement through sport.