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Sanctions seen as major obstacle to Afghanistan’s five-year development plan
Afghanistan’s newly unveiled five-year development strategy, intended to chart the country’s path toward economic and social progress, faces formidable challenges due to international sanctions and banking restrictions, officials and experts warn.
The strategy, announced by the Islamic Emirate, is built on three main pillars and 15 priority sectors.
Six of these focus directly on economic development, including sustainable use of natural resources, agricultural and livestock growth, energy security, improved financial management, electricity expansion, and the development of transport and transit infrastructure.
Officials from the Ministry of Economy said the plan provides a clear roadmap for the country’s future, but acknowledged that sanctions imposed by the international community and restrictions in global banking networks have severely limited implementation.
Frozen Afghan assets abroad, coupled with the absence of formal ties to global banks, continue to block investment and smooth money transfers, both of which are critical for large-scale development.
“The strategy is a unified document aimed at aligning state resources with Afghanistan’s national priorities,” a ministry spokesperson said, noting that it had been approved under the directive of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Emirate.
Its three pillars also cover governance and international relations, as well as security and public order, alongside economic and social development.
Economic experts argue that if implemented effectively, the plan could help stabilize Afghanistan’s fragile economy, generate jobs, and reduce dependency on aid.
However, they caution that the country’s isolation from the global financial system remains a major obstacle. Without progress in easing restrictions and rebuilding international partnerships, many of the strategy’s goals may prove difficult to achieve.
Since the Islamic Emirate returned to power in 2021, Afghanistan has struggled under the weight of sanctions, with billions of dollars in assets frozen abroad.
Humanitarian aid continues to flow, but development funding — needed for long-term recovery and infrastructure — remains limited.
The cabinet of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) has approved a report on the spending of the national development budget, following deliberations at its 14th meeting chaired by Prime Minister Mullah Mohammad Hassan Akhund.
According to a statement issued by the Arg on Tuesday, the cabinet endorsed the development budget expenditure report and instructed relevant ministries and departments to ensure that allocated funds are spent on planned projects in a timely manner and in line with approved development plans.
The meeting also reviewed a range of key economic, social and cultural issues. Cabinet members emphasized the need for proper implementation of development activities and adherence to established timelines.
In addition, discussions were held on challenges facing refugees, with relevant authorities directed to identify and implement appropriate solutions to address their concerns.
Sadin Ayyıldız, the new head of Turkey’s diplomatic mission in Kabul, met in an introductory visit with Amir Khan Muttaqi, the Foreign Minister of the Islamic Emirate, to discuss the development of bilateral relations between the two countries.
During the meeting, Ayyıldız described relations between Afghanistan and Turkey as positive and emphasized the expansion of cooperation in economic and health fields, the Afghan Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Tuesday.
Muttaqi also wished Ayyildiz success, described Turkey as a close friend of Afghanistan, and assessed bilateral relations as being on a path of progress.
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Afghan, Indonesian sports officials discuss expanding cooperation
Indonesian officials said the deputy minister plans to visit Afghanistan in the future to further advance cooperation.
Ahmadullah Wasiq, head of Afghanistan’s National Olympic and Physical Education Committee, met Indonesia’s Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports, Taufiq Hidayat, during an official visit to Indonesia held alongside the Asian Cup competitions.
The talks focused on strengthening sports cooperation, including improving access for Afghan athletes living in Indonesia to local leagues and training camps.
Hidayat described the meeting as a positive step toward closer sporting ties and stressed the need for continued engagement.
Afghanistan’s ambassador to Indonesia, Saadullah Baloch, also attended the meeting, highlighting the role of sports diplomacy in bilateral relations. Indonesian officials said the deputy minister plans to visit Afghanistan in the future to further advance cooperation.
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