Mujahid: IEA seeks positive ties with US, denies receiving foreign aid

Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA), said the group seeks positive and balanced relations with all countries, including the United States, while insisting that no foreign financial aid has been provided directly to the Emirate or the Afghan government.

In an exclusive interview with Payam Afghan TV, Mujahid responded to recent U.S. Senate legislation aimed at restricting aid to Afghanistan, stating that Washington has not sent any assistance directly to the Islamic Emirate. He said humanitarian aid to Afghanistan has been suspended or provided solely on humanitarian grounds.

Mujahid added that past international assistance was channeled through domestic institutions and human rights organizations and remained under the control of those entities, with no direct involvement from the Islamic Emirate.

“The policy of the Islamic Emirate is based on self-reliance. Afghans must resolve their internal challenges themselves,” Mujahid said.

He emphasized that the Emirate’s focus is on attracting investment and promoting economic development while safeguarding national sovereignty and preventing foreign political interference. Mujahid cited engagement with China, Russia, and neighboring countries as examples of this approach.

He concluded that the Islamic Emirate is open to cooperation with European and American investors, aiming to turn Afghanistan into a regional and global economic hub, provided its sovereignty and internal affairs are fully respected.