Business
US House passes bill to stop financial aid to Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan
Abdul Latif Nazari, Deputy Minister of Economy, characterized the legislation as part of a broader pressure campaign.
The U.S. House of Representatives has passed new legislation aimed at increasing oversight and restricting financial aid to Afghanistan, specifically to prevent the Islamic Emirate government from gaining access to U.S. taxpayer-funded assistance.
The bill, co-sponsored by Representative Tim Burchett, outlines three core objectives: blocking the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) from accessing financial and material support, increasing transparency around cash assistance programs, and closely monitoring the Afghanistan Trust Fund (ATF) and the Central Bank of Afghanistan.
“This bill is about protecting American resources and ensuring they do not fall into the hands of those who undermine international norms,” Burchett said during floor debate.
The House Foreign Affairs Committee praised the bill as a necessary corrective, referencing reports that millions in aid may have entered Afghanistan with insufficient oversight following the U.S. military withdrawal.
Under the new law, the State Department is required to establish mechanisms to prevent humanitarian aid from being misused and to provide detailed, recurring updates to Congress on these measures.
The Islamic Emirate rejected the bill, calling it interference in Afghanistan’s internal affairs. Spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said the Ministry of Economy administers humanitarian aid with fairness and independence, and accused the U.S. of politicizing relief efforts.
Abdul Latif Nazari, Deputy Minister of Economy, characterized the legislation as part of a broader pressure campaign.
He insisted that Afghanistan’s economy could endure without U.S. assistance, pointing to ongoing efforts toward economic self-sufficiency. Even if the aid stops, our economy will rely on domestic sources, he said.
However, independent analysts warn that any sharp reduction in international aid could significantly undermine humanitarian operations in a country still grappling with high poverty, food insecurity, and economic instability. Several NGOs and aid agencies reliant on U.S. funding have already scaled back operations.
The legislation also signals a more assertive policy shift under President Donald Trump, whose administration has prioritized a security-first, results-driven approach to engagement with Afghanistan.
With declining foreign support and strained diplomatic relations, Afghanistan’s economic future—and its ability to maintain basic services—now faces a period of deep uncertainty.
A Kazakh delegation led by the Deputy Minister of Finance of Kazakhstan met with Sediqullah Khalid, First Deputy Governor of Da Afghanistan Bank, to discuss ways of strengthening banking and economic cooperation between the two countries.
According to a statement issued by Da Afghanistan Bank, Khalid said the central bank is keen to establish regular and effective banking relations with Kazakhstan as part of broader efforts to expand bilateral trade.
He noted that enhanced banking cooperation would help facilitate trade, investment, and wider economic interaction between Afghanistan and Kazakhstan, while also contributing to financial stability at the regional level.
Members of the Kazakh delegation also emphasized the importance of developing banking and economic ties and expressed their readiness to expand joint cooperation.
The two sides further agreed to establish technical committees from both countries to hold expert-level discussions and advance practical steps for cooperation.
Business
Afghanistan, Kazakhstan envoys discuss expanding trade and regional connectivity
Ambassador Shakeeb thanked Kazakhstan for its continued support and constructive engagement with Afghanistan, particularly in efforts aimed at peace and economic development.
Afghanistan’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Sardar Ahmad Shakeeb, has met with Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Yerzhan Kistafin, to explore ways to strengthen bilateral relations and advance regional cooperation.
The two envoys exchanged views on Afghanistan–Kazakhstan ties, regional connectivity, and major infrastructure initiatives, as well as the opportunities and challenges facing regional trade. Discussions also touched on Kazakhstan’s role in promoting regional stability and other matters of mutual interest.
Ambassador Shakeeb thanked Kazakhstan for its continued support and constructive engagement with Afghanistan, particularly in efforts aimed at peace and economic development.
He expressed hope that the proposed $3 billion joint trade agreement, once finalized, would bring tangible benefits to both countries and contribute to broader regional economic integration.
Ambassador Kistafin reaffirmed Kazakhstan’s support for stability and economic growth in Afghanistan, highlighting his country’s involvement in key regional connectivity and trade projects.
He said the current security and stability situation in Afghanistan has increased Kazakhstan’s confidence in expanding regional trade and transit, and praised the efforts of the Islamic Emirate in this regard.
He also stressed the need for coordinated regional efforts to ensure lasting stability, sustainable economic development, and the smooth movement of goods and transit across the region.
Business
Mahirood Customs leads Iran’s exports to Afghanistan
More than 1.5 million tonnes of goods were exported to Afghanistan through the border crossing during this period.
Mahirood Customs in South Khorasan province has become Iran’s main export gateway to Afghanistan, accounting for 36 percent of the country’s total exports to its eastern neighbor, Iranian officials said.
South Khorasan Governor Seyed Mohammadreza Hashemi told local media that Mahirood ranked first among Iran’s 71 active customs points during the first eight months of the current Iranian year.
More than 1.5 million tonnes of goods were exported to Afghanistan through the border crossing during this period.
Official customs figures show that Iran’s total exports to Afghanistan exceeded 4.26 million tonnes in the first eight months of the year, with Mahirood handling the largest share, Hashemi said.
He attributed the strong performance to South Khorasan’s strategic location, improved border infrastructure, effective planning, close cooperation with traders, and coordinated efforts by government agencies.
Hashemi said the expansion of exports via Mahirood Customs is contributing to economic growth, job creation, and stronger economic diplomacy for the province.
He added that continued support for exporters and streamlined customs procedures could further increase South Khorasan’s share of the Afghan market and other target markets in the future.
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