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Major gas exploration and extraction project launched in northern Afghanistan

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A major gas exploration and extraction project has officially begun in the Totai gas fields in northern Afghanistan, marking a significant step in Afghanistan’s economic development.

At the inauguration ceremony, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs of the Islamic Emirate, described the project as a “crucial step toward advancing investment and economic growth” in the country.

He emphasized that the initiative will play a vital role in meeting Afghanistan’s domestic demand for natural gas, reducing dependence on imported energy, and ultimately paving the way for exporting clean energy to regional markets.

“The Islamic Emirate is committed to providing all necessary facilities and incentives for both domestic and foreign investors,” Baradar said, urging international partners to explore Afghanistan’s untapped opportunities.

He added that the Totai gas project is expected to generate thousands of jobs for Afghan youth while helping to balance foreign trade.

The Deputy Prime Minister also called on contracting companies to operate in line with international standards and best practices to ensure the highest quality and sustainability of work.

The Totai gas fields are found in the Amu Darya basin and span three provinces – Jowzjan, Faryab and Sar-e-Pol.

Seen as a landmark achievement, the launch of the Totai gas project underscores Afghanistan’s push toward energy self-sufficiency, economic diversification, and long-term stability.

Afghanistan holds significant untapped natural gas reserves, particularly in the northern provinces bordering Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. Most deposits were discovered during the Soviet era in the 1960s and 1970s, when Moscow invested heavily in geological surveys and infrastructure.

Key deposits include the Sheberghan fields in Jawzjan, long regarded as the country’s main gas hub, and the Totai (Totimaidan) reserves in Faryab—now the focus of fresh exploration. Other reserves are located in Sar-e Pol and Balkh.

At its peak in the late 1970s, Afghanistan exported up to three billion cubic meters of gas annually to the Soviet Union. Production collapsed in the decades of conflict that followed, leaving most of the infrastructure outdated or in disrepair.

Today, Afghanistan’s proven reserves are estimated at 150–200 billion cubic meters, with the potential for far more. Officials view gas as a strategic resource to supply power plants, cut costly imports, and eventually position the country as a regional energy exporter.

The launch of the Totai gas project is therefore seen not only as a milestone for the north, but also as part of a broader push to revive Afghanistan’s long-dormant natural gas sector and move toward energy self-sufficiency.

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Security Sources: Pakistani military shelling in Kunar and Nuristan leaves female doctor dead

The sources said the vehicle was struck by gunfire and subsequently fell into the Kunar River.

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Security sources report that several security incidents in the eastern provinces of Kunar and Nuristan have resulted in the death of a female doctor, injuries to others, and several people reported missing.

According to the sources, early Thursday morning at around 9:30 a.m., Pakistani military forces opened fire on a Toyota vehicle in the Dokalam Baghcha area of Nari district in Kunar province.

The sources said the vehicle was struck by gunfire and subsequently fell into the Kunar River. As a result of the incident, a female doctor was killed and another person was injured. Five other individuals who were reportedly in the vehicle remain missing, the sources added.

In a separate incident, security sources stated that around 11:00 a.m. in the Seno area of Shultan district, Kunar province, Pakistani forces carried out artillery shelling that left one person injured. The injured individual was transferred to the provincial hospital for medical treatment.

Meanwhile, security sources in Nuristan say that despite Pakistan’s announced ceasefire, the main road between Kamdesh and Barg-e-Matal districts has been completely closed to traffic since Thursday morning.

According to the sources, the closure of the route has caused serious difficulties for local residents, preventing any movement in the area. The sources also claim that Pakistani military posts are located within close proximity of the road and have opened fire on people attempting to pass through the area.

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UN Secretary-General condemns Pakistani airstrike on Kabul rehab center

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed concern over rising tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, stressing the importance of diplomacy to resolve conflicts.

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The United Nations Secretary-General has strongly condemned a Pakistani airstrike on a rehabilitation center for addicts in Kabul and expressed condolences to the families of the victims.

The attack, which occurred on March 16, reportedly left over 600 people killed or injured, according to local sources.

In an official statement, Antonio Guterres, UN Secretary-General, emphasized that under international humanitarian law, patients, medical staff, and healthcare facilities, including hospitals, must be respected and protected at all times.

Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, stated: “The Secretary-General strongly condemns the airstrike in Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan, on March 16, which reportedly resulted in the deaths and injuries of civilians at a medical facility.”

Haq added that Guterres has called for an independent and impartial investigation into the incident, while offering his deepest condolences to the families of the victims and wishing a speedy recovery for the injured.

The Secretary-General reiterated the urgent need to reduce tensions and immediately halt hostilities between Afghanistan and Pakistan, emphasizing that disputes should be resolved through dialogue and peaceful solutions in accordance with the UN Charter.

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed concern over rising tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, stressing the importance of diplomacy to resolve conflicts.

This development comes after Afghanistan and Pakistan announced a temporary cessation of hostilities ahead of Eid al-Fitr, a move that regional officials hope will pave the way for a lasting ceasefire and ensure the protection of civilians in both countries.

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IEA Supreme Leader: Afghanistan’s victory lies in faith and National unity

Akhundzada also called on citizens to support the Islamic Emirate, stating that those serving in the current system are the sons of the same nation and people.

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Eid al-Fitr prayers were held on Thursday at the Eidgah Mosque in Kandahar, led by Hibatullah Akhundzada, the supreme leader of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, with a large number of residents attending the ceremony.

During his sermon, Akhundzada said that if the people of Afghanistan were meant to be destroyed by bombardments and military attacks, it would have happened during the wars with the Soviet Union and the United States.

According to the Islamic Emirate leader, the key to Afghanistan’s victory and resilience lies in reliance on Islam, preservation of religious beliefs, and unity among the people. He stressed that by adhering to Islamic values, no country would be able to harm Afghanistan.

Akhundzada also called on citizens to support the Islamic Emirate, stating that those serving in the current system are the sons of the same nation and people.

At the same time, he urged government officials to ensure justice in their duties, warning that no system can survive through oppression. He added that the implementation of decrees and laws is necessary to reform society and maintain order in the country.

The Islamic Emirate leader further said that without Islam, Afghanistan could have remained under the control of the United States and NATO, but now, according to him, the country stands as an independent and free nation.

In the economic section of his remarks, Akhundzada called on traders to avoid hoarding goods and instead assist fellow Muslims in difficult times. He warned that individuals found hoarding commodities for up to 40 days would face legal consequences.

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