Latest News
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.
Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry says it is reviewing reports that the Trump administration plans to deport Afghans through Pakistan, adding that it is consulting relevant stakeholders to find a mutually acceptable way forward.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Sajjad Haider Khan made the remarks at a press conference on Friday, saying Islamabad remained committed to close coordination with its allies and partners.
“We will continue to act in accordance with our international obligations and established protocols,” Khan said.
He added that the matter was under consideration and that all relevant aspects were being carefully examined in consultation with concerned stakeholders.
Pakistan-based Bank Alfalah has completed its exit from Afghanistan after 20 years of operations, transferring its local banking business to Ghaznfar Bank, the lender said in a notice to shareholders on Friday.
The bank said the transaction was completed on November 5 after the signing of final agreements, approval from the State Bank of Pakistan and Da Afghanistan Bank, and fulfilment of other required conditions.
The deal allows Bank Alfalah to sell and transfer its operations in Afghanistan to Ghaznfar Bank, following approval from the regulatory authorities in both countries.
“Bank Alfalah has accordingly ceased its banking operations in Afghanistan and will complete the closure of its Afghanistan branches in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements,” the notice said.
Bank Alfalah began operating in Kabul in 2005, offering both conventional and Islamic banking services.
Abdul Haq Wasiq, head of Afghanistan’s General Directorate of Intelligence (GDI), has said that Daesh uses social media platforms, including Telegram and TikTok, to communicate, secure financial resources and promote ideological diversion.
Wasiq made the remarks at the First SCO Plus Expert Dialogue on Security Issues in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
He said the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA), based on its beliefs and convictions, is at the forefront of the fight against Daesh. However, he added that Afghanistan faces serious constraints in dismantling the technical capabilities of the group.
According to Wasiq, technology companies and operators of Telegram and TikTok do not cooperate with Afghanistan in efforts to counter Daesh activities, a situation he said allows the group greater room to operate around the world.
The intelligence chief added that Daesh causes significant civilian casualties each year through its activities in different countries.
The First SCO Plus Expert Dialogue on Security Issues was held in Samarkand on November 5 and 6. Representatives from 24 countries and five international organisations attended the event to discuss counterterrorism, extremism and emerging security threats.
Pakistan reviews US plan to deport Afghans through its territory
Pakistan’s Bank Alfalah exits Afghanistan after 20 years
Daesh uses Telegram and TikTok for communication and funding: Afghan spy chief
UK-Afghanistan trade falls 16.7% to £70 million over 12 months
Pakistan’s leaders dread US Democrats’ win but its households are praying for it
Afghanistan finish runners-up after 6-0 defeat to Brazil in futsal final
Trump says US will not attack Iran before midterm elections in November
Trump says US may strike Iran’s ‘Pickaxe Mountain’ nuclear facility
Afghan futsal coach: Brazil tournament is first step towards new goals and World Cup
WHO calls for greater mental health support in Afghanistan
Tahawol: Calls for stronger joint action against terrorism discussed
Saar: Impact of closing trade routes between Kabul-Pakistan discussed
El-Sayed’s historic victory opens a new chapter for Muslim Americans
Tahawol: Russia’s Moscow Format for Afghan issues discussed
Saar: Afghanistan’s second invitation to Global Climate Summit discussed
-
Sport5 days agoAfghanistan futsal team thrash Panama 5-0 in flying start to Dakar Youth Olympics
-
Sport5 days agoATN signs deal to broadcast Afghanistan Futsal Premier League seasons 5 and 6
-
World4 days agoUS carries out ‘defensive’ strikes on Iran’s Qeshm Island, officials say
-
Sport5 days agoAfghanistan achieve their highest ICC Men’s ODI team ranking
-
Sport2 days agoAfghanistan suffer narrow defeat against Argentina at Dakar Youth Olympics
-
Regional4 days agoIran says contacts over ending war continue after talks finish with no breakthrough
-
Business5 days agoAfghanistan’s pine nut exports increase by 69 percent
-
Latest News4 days agoIran plans new four-nation meeting on Afghanistan amid regional diplomatic efforts