Islamic scholars and investors from 10 countries pledge support for Panjshir province

Islamic scholars and business leaders from 10 Muslim-majority countries have pledged to expand trade ties and channel fresh investment into Afghanistan’s Panjshir province, in a move aimed at revitalizing the region’s economy and promoting its image abroad.

The delegation — with representatives from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Bahrain, Iraq, Oman, Malaysia, Palestine, Syria, and India — met with Panjshir Governor Mohammad Agha Hakim during an official visit. Participants committed to showcasing what they described as the “true image” of Afghanistan to the wider Islamic world and potential investors.

Hakim told the visitors that with security now restored after five decades of conflict, Afghanistan was entering a new era of opportunity.

While acknowledging the heavy toll on the country’s infrastructure, he urged investors from Islamic nations to play a role in strengthening the Islamic system and rebuilding key sectors, including education, healthcare, agriculture, and mining.

Dr. Abdullah al-Zindani, head of Yemen’s Council of Scholars, praised Afghanistan’s security environment and vowed to advocate for the country internationally.

Qatari investor Mohammed Hassan al-Emadi signaled readiness to commit capital to tourism and agriculture, sectors seen as having strong growth potential in Panjshir.

Khalid, chairman of the Islamic Funding Committee and a Yemeni businessman, said he was in Afghanistan to help consolidate the foundations of the Islamic government.

He revealed a proposal under which some 250 companies and investors from Muslim countries would each invest around $900,000 in Afghanistan’s economy.

Panjshir’s local administration has in recent years intensified its push to attract foreign capital, hosting multiple delegations to highlight the province’s agricultural potential, natural resources, and scenic landscapes. Officials say they hope this latest round of commitments will translate into concrete projects that can create jobs, improve infrastructure, and stimulate sustainable growth in the province.