Latest News
Poppy Cultivation Drops by 19 % This Year
Poppy cultivation in Afghanistan decreased 19 percent in 2016, compared to the years 2014 and 2015, according to the latest figures released by the Afghan Ministry of Counter Narcotics.
The ministry of Counter Narcotics announced that the drug production has 48 percent decrease this year which follows with the arrest of 3,000 suspects in counter narcotics.
The Ministry of Interior (MoI) says opium is the main source of terrorism war in Afghanistan and the big trafficking gangs enter to Afghanistan from Pakistan.
The Taliban, which have been waging war against the Afghan government since 2001, are heavily involved in poppy cultivation and opium distribution.
Billions of dollars have been spent on counter-narcotics efforts in Afghanistan in the past decade, including programs encouraging farmers to switch to other cash crops like wheat, fruit and saffron.
The southern region has the country’s largest share of national opium production with 58 percent recorded, which equals some 1,900 metric tons (MT). Afghanistan’s second most important opium producing region is in the west, responsible for 22 percent of national production (720 MT), followed by the eastern region with 13 percent (450 MT). The remaining areas (north-eastern, northern and central regions) together account for less than eight percent of opium production.
In terms of eradication, efforts across the country led by the various provincial governments increased a collective 40 percent, compared to last year, or from around 2,700 ha to 3,760 ha.
During the latest eradication campaign, there were less casualties reported than the previous year: in 2015, five lives were lost and 18 persons were injured compared to 2014, when 13 lives were lost and 26 persons injured.
Zhao Xing, the Chinese Ambassador to Kabul, has invited political deputy prime minister Mawlavi Abdul Kabir to participate in the upcoming Trans-Himalayan Forum meeting.
The Chinese envoy said at a meeting Wednesday with Kabir that Beijing supports the Islamic Emirate in terms of attending international meetings, especially UN Security Council meetings.
Zhao also said China was committed to cooperating with the Islamic Emirate.
Kabir in turn expressed his gratitude for China’s support and cooperation across numerous sectors and said that as a responsible government, the Islamic Emirate is bound by commitments made and tries to play an active role in regional issues and the stability and development of the region.
Kabir also acknowledged China’s support of the Islamic Emirate and said Beijing’s cooperation can bring about positive changes and economic growth in the country.
Torkham commissioner Mullah Abdul Jabbar Hikmat said Thursday the crossing will be closed for the next three days in order for Pakistan border authorities to move into new premises.
He said the crossing has been closed to travelers and to people seeking medical help in Pakistan.
Hikmat appealed to the public not to make their way to the crossing over the next three days.
However, trucks carrying goods will still be able to cross as per usual, in both directions.
Pakistani media has also reported that the crossing will be closed from May 17 to May 19 in order to enable border officials to move into new premises.
Afghanistan’s Ministry of Defense confirmed Wednesday that one person was killed and 12 were injured when a helicopter crashed in Firozkoh, the capital of Ghor province.
Enayatullah Khwarazmi, the spokesman of the Ministry of Defense, said on X that on Wednesday morning, an Air Force Mi-17 helicopter, which was sent to Ghor province, experienced technical problems and crashed into a wall during an emergency landing.
In footage published by Afghan media, the wreckage of a helicopter can be seen lying in a fast-flowing river, with crowds of people gathered around it.
The spokesman of the Ministry of Defense said the helicopter had been sent to Firozkoh to retrieve bodies of car crash victims.
The spokesman said a car plunged into the Harirod River a few days ago, resulting in the death of a few people.
China invites IEA deputy PM to Trans-Himalayan Forum
Torkham crossing closes temporarily to travelers
Sorkh Poshan Khafi and Sarsabz Yashlar win in ACL matches
EU adds Russian media outlets to sanctions list despite Kremlin warning
Putin arrives in China to deepen strategic partnership with Xi
Commerce ministry inks 10 MoUs to boost development of small and medium-sized businesses
Rashid Khan threatens BBL pullout after Australia postpones Afghanistan T20I series
Afghanistan announce T20 World Cup 2024 squad
Rashid Khan named AWCC’s brand ambassador
Balkh health officials report sharp increase in number of cancer patients
Tahawol: China’s ambassador meeting with deputy PM discussed
Saar: USIP’s report on Daesh threats discussed
Tahawol: Afghanistan losing UN voting rights discussed
Tahawol: Uzbek delegation’s visit to Kabul discussed
Saar: UNAMA head’s meeting with Iranian officials discussed
-
Business5 days agoPakistan: Consultations underway on preferential trade agreement with Afghanistan
-
Business4 days agoAfghanistan, Pakistan agree on new travel mechanism for truckers
-
Sport4 days agoKolkata down Mumbai to confirm IPL play-off berth
-
Business3 days agoAfghanistan can become important industrial center in region: Hanafi
-
Latest News4 days agoEx-MP Allah Gul Mujahid arrested in connection with a murder
-
Latest News4 days agoBaghlan floods leave 315 dead and over 15,00 injured so far
-
Latest News4 days agoSeveral countries express solidarity with Afghanistan after flash floods kill hundreds
-
Latest News4 days agoInvesting in Afghanistan mines can be profitable for Iranian industry: Qiafeh