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IEA says 36 areas in Kabul identified as being contaminated with mines
The CEO of UK-based HALO Trust, which works to clear landmines around the world, met with Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) officials in Kabul on Saturday to discuss the issue of clearing the deadly debris of war.
The NGO has over 8,500 staff in 24 countries and has worked in Afghanistan since 1988.
Mohammad Abbas Akhund, the Minister of State for Disaster Management of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA), met with HALO’s CEO James Cowan and called for the organization to help clear the country of mines.
Cowan in turn said the organization was involved in clearing mines without any security issues.
The ministry said in a statement that according to Nuruddin Rustamkhail, the head of mine clearance coordination of the ministry, 36 areas in Kabul have been identified as being contaminated with mines and unexploded ordnance.
The statement noted that given Kabul’s high population, clearing these areas was “urgent” and needs to be given priority.
In the “National Survey, Vulnerable and Mine Contaminated Areas” project, which is being conducted across the country, the first and second phases have been completed, and the third phase has remained half-finished due to the lack of funds. The IEA has however asked HALO for help in this respect.
Both parties agreed to strengthen cooperation going forward.
Zalmay Khalilzad, the former US special representative for Afghanistan, has questioned Pakistan’s commitment to the welfare of the Afghan people, citing Islamabad’s policies over the past three decades.
Khalilzad said in a post on X that Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif advocated for the rights of Afghan women during his speech at the UN General Assembly on Friday.
Sharif said: “Fundamental rights of the Afghan people — especially women and girls — must be respected.”
Responding to the remarks, Khalilzad said Pakistan’s policies over the past 30 years raise questions about Sharif’s commitment to Afghan welfare.
He cited Pakistan’s support for militant groups against US forces and what he described as the poor treatment of Afghan refugees as examples.
Khalilzad also said Afghanistan and Pakistan need and should have much better relations, adding that “a reset is necessary.”
India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met with the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, Rabab Fatima, on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.
Indian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a post on X that Misri underscored the need to keep addressing the humanitarian needs of the Afghan people as a priority.
Misri also appreciated the role of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) and reaffirmed India’s continued cooperation with the United Nations on Afghanistan.
The meeting comes as Afghanistan continues to face humanitarian and economic challenges, with international agencies warning of significant needs among the Afghan population.
Kazakhstan’s Foreign Minister Mukhtar Tileuberdi has called for pragmatic and coordinated international engagement with Afghanistan, saying the country’s long-term stability is closely linked to the security and sustainable development of Central Asia.
Speaking during the general debate of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Friday, Tileuberdi said humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan remains essential but alone cannot break the cycle of poverty, displacement and dependency.
He said Kazakhstan supports a “pragmatic, coordinated and step-by-step” approach to international engagement with Afghanistan, with the United Nations playing a central role.
Tileuberdi also said Kazakhstan is working with the UN to operationalize the United Nations Regional Centre for the Sustainable Development Goals for Central Asia and Afghanistan in Almaty.
He said the success of the centre should be measured by the results and assistance it delivers to the region.
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