A coal mine explosion has resulted in the deaths of seven individuals and injured two others.

According to a statement from the press office of the Samangan Police Command, the incident occurred at midnight in the Gula village, located in Dar-e-Suf Payin district of the province. The explosion took place inside a coal mine, causing the fatalities and injuries.

The statement added that upon receiving information about the incident, security personnel from the district police command rushed to the area.

With the help of an ambulance team, the injured were transported to the district clinic and are now under medical care.

According to available information, the condition of the injured is reported to be stable.

The statement further mentioned that the bodies of the deceased were recovered from the mine tunnel and handed over to their families.

The reason for the explosion is not mentioned in the statement.

Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, says if pharmaceutical factories in the country produce medicines in accordance with national and international standards, it would not only be a “major achievement” but would also reduce the country’s reliance on imported medicines and meet domestic demand.

According to a statement issued by the PM’s office, Baradar made these remarks on Tuesday during a ceremony honoring pharmaceutical factories.

“Today, out of all the pharmaceutical factories, only three are being awarded GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) certificates due to their high-quality production in line with international standards. I consider this a significant achievement for the factory managers and extend my congratulations to them,” said Baradar.

He described dependence on imported medicines as detrimental to the national economy, noting that imported drugs are both costly and result in greater foreign currency outflow.

He also called on all investors to consider investing in the health sector alongside other industries.

Acting Minister of Mines and Petroleum Hedayatullah Badri said at the opening ceremony of “Iran International Mineral Exhibition” in Tehran that Afghanistan currently has stability and that favorable opportunities for investment have been created in the country.

Badri added that the Islamic Emirate seeks to effectively utilize the experiences of neighboring countries in the extraction of Afghanistan’s mineral resources.

In addition to touring various sections of the exhibition and a lithium processing plant, he also extended an invitation to Iranian private sector companies to invest in Afghanistan.

He also held a meeting and discussion with Iran’s Minister of Industry, Mine, and Trade. A previous agreement between Tehran and Kabul regarding survey work, development, and laboratory procurement was the central focus of this meeting.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Mines and Petroleum of Afghanistan announced that two technical committees have now been formed to begin practical work on this agreement.

The Ministry of Economy also stated that Kabul is seeking to strengthen its economic and trade relations with Tehran, which would be mutually beneficial for both countries.

“Iranian investors are interested in investing in Afghanistan’s mining, transportation, energy, and infrastructure sectors, and the Islamic Emirate welcomes Iranian investors in Afghanistan,” said Abdul Latif Nazari, Deputy Minister of Economy.

Economic experts, however, consider Iran to be a valuable economic and trade partner for Afghanistan. They emphasize that expanding relations with Iran could benefit the economies and trade sectors of both Kabul and Tehran.