Latest News
Ghani’s bodyguard claims he has proof the ex-president stole millions
A senior member of the former president’s security staff said on Sunday that Ashraf Ghani took with him “hundreds of millions” of dollars in cash while fleeing Kabul in August.
Brigadier General Piraz Ata Sharifi, who was head of Ghani’s bodyguard unit, said he also has video proof of this alleged theft.
In an interview with the UK’s Daily Mail, Sharifi, who is currently in hiding, said he saw huge bags of cash being transferred but also acquired a video clip from a CCTV camera.
“I have a [CCTV] recording [from the palace] which shows that an individual at the Afghan Bank brought a lot of money to Mr Ghani before he left,” Mr Sharifi claimed.
“Hundreds of millions, perhaps billions of dollars. There were many big bags, and they were heavy.”
He said he was disappointed as he liked Ghani. “This money was for the currency exchange market.
“Each Thursday, the dollars were brought for that purpose. Instead, it was taken by the president. Mr Ghani knew in the end what would happen. So, he took all the money and escaped,” Sharifi said.
Ghani, however, last month denied the allegation that he left Kabul with a helicopter full of cash, stating he left with only the clothes he was wearing.
Reports first emerged in late August that Ghani fled the country on August 15 taking $169 million in cash with him.
His abrupt departure allowed the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) to take Kabul two weeks before the US troop withdrawal had been completed.
However, last week, the US government’s inspector general in charge of investigating misuse of aid money in Afghanistan told Congress he’s “looking into” claims that Ghani and his subordinates stole millions of dollars before fleeing.
“We haven’t proven that yet. We’re looking into that,” Inspector General John Sopko said during a House hearing on Afghanistan.
“There are allegations, but not only with President Ghani. There are allegations with senior officials in their finance ministry, their central bank and a number of other ministries walking off with millions of dollars,” he said.
“But again, those are just allegations. We have not confirmed any of those yet,” he said.
A 6.1-magnitude earthquake struck Afghanistan on Saturday afternoon, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
The quake’s epicenter was reported in Jurm district of Badakhshan province, with a depth of 208.3 kilometers.
So far, there have been no immediate reports of casualties or damage following the tremor.
Shahabuddin Delawar, Head of the Commission for Contact with Afghan Personalities, says Afghanistan has achieved security, unified governance, brotherhood, and progress for the first time in 47 years under the administration of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA).
Speaking at a meeting in Kabul on Saturday, Delawar said Afghanistan had lacked a unified system over the past four decades, but added that with the return of the Islamic Emirate, the issue has now been resolved.
Referring to Ashura commemorations held on Friday, he said the occasion was observed peacefully across the country under full security.
Delawar also urged exiled Afghan politicians to return, saying the commission was established to serve Afghans and address the concerns of returning figures. He added that any legal disputes involving returnees would be handled exclusively through the commission.
He further said the Islamic Emirate has expanded treatment centers and intensified anti-narcotics efforts since regaining power, claiming this has led to a significant decline in drug addiction.
Addressing the issue of international legitimacy, Delawar said he understood why the United States has not recognized the Islamic Emirate, arguing that Washington suffered a defeat in Afghanistan that it cannot easily overlook.
“They have suffered a major defeat that they cannot forget; if they recognize us, they will face questions from their own people,” Delawar said.
The European Union says it is implementing hundreds of millions of euros in projects to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Afghanistan and help expand economic opportunities across the country.
Speaking to Ariana News, EU Chargé d’Affaires in Kabul, Veronika Boskovic Pohar, said the programs are aimed at creating jobs for skilled workers, women, youth, and returnees, while also strengthening the private sector. She added that alongside international support, Afghan authorities also have a role in facilitating economic growth.
According to Pohar, the EU is currently implementing projects worth €156 million focused on livelihoods, durable solutions, job creation, and women’s economic empowerment. She said an additional €40 million program specifically designed to support returnees will be launched in the near future.
She noted that the EU is gradually shifting its focus from emergency humanitarian aid toward long-term sustainable solutions, particularly for internally displaced people and returnees in Afghanistan.
Meanwhile, the United Nations, marking World Day of Small and Medium Enterprises, said SMEs account for more than 90 percent of businesses worldwide and play a critical role in employment and economic growth.
UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric stressed that stronger investment, innovation, and sustainable industrial development are essential to help businesses withstand economic challenges and build resilient economies.
Afghan private sector representatives and economic analysts say greater support for SMEs could help the country address economic challenges faster, increase employment, and promote sustainable long-term development.
Saar: Concerns over Afghan deportations from Europe discussed
6.1-magnitude earthquake hits Afghanistan, epicenter in Badakhshan
Delawar says Afghanistan has achieved security and unity after 47 years
EU announces major funding to support Afghan small businesses
Afghan women’s situation highlighted at SCO Forum amid ongoing global debate
Norway’s Viking-inspired World Cup team photo goes viral
TAPI project advances in Afghanistan as 84kms of pipeline laid
Afghanistan’s trade with Central Asia records sharp growth
Afghanistan to play in Diamond Jubilee Tournament opener against Maldives
Gaikwad set to replace injured Kohli for Afghanistan ODI Series
Saar: Concerns over Afghan deportations from Europe discussed
Exclusive interview with Polleak Ok Serei, UNODC Representative for Afghanistan
Tahawol: Germany’s defense of engagement with IEA discussed
Saar: Rejection of security threats from Afghan soil discussed
Tahawol: Efforts to eliminate drugs across Afghanistan discussed
-
International Sports4 days agoKnockout picture begins to take shape at FIFA World Cup 2026
-
Latest News5 days agoContract signed for reconstruction of 15km section of Salang Highway
-
Latest News1 day agoTAPI project sees rapid progress in Afghanistan
-
Business5 days agoKazakhstan signs $18.8 million zinc ore supply agreement with Afghan company
-
Latest News4 days agoAfghanistan’s SCO participation blocked over one member’s objection, Kabulov says
-
Latest News5 days agoQatar embassy holds roundtable on Afghanistan’s relations with international community
-
International Sports5 days agoMessi breaks World Cup scoring record as Argentina reach knockout stage
-
Latest News4 days agoEU allocates 20 million euros to support returnees in Afghanistan