Latest News
65% Afghans have no access to electricity – Integrity Watch Afghanistan
According to the latest research by the Integrity Watch Afghanistan, lack of proper governance in the sector of energy caused 65% of Afghan residents not to have access to electricity.
The research shows that the slow development of the energy sector is a major reason for the slowdown of the economy and it promotes corruption.
Sayed Ikram Afzali, Chief Executive of the IWA said, “If the problems in the energy sector continue, the economy’s growth will slow down. Eco-life problems will get worse and out of control.”
The research shows that the Ministry of Energy and Water doesn’t legally assign executive tasks to the electricity company, water supply company, and urban canalization.
Mohammad Naser Timori, manager of communications and litigation said, “Afghanistan’s plan for 2020 to give access to governmental power for 56% of Afghans has been applied only up to 35%. The Ministry of Water and Energy failed in their plans.”
The research has been conducted by interviewing people and government officials.
Officials in IWA said that there were major issues in the sub-stations and the water dams adding that the construction of the projects hasn’t been done properly.
The Ministry of Energy and Water, however, rejected the allegations stated through the findings of the Integrity Watch Afghanistan.
Shekib, spokesperson of the MoEW said, “The Ministry of Water and Energy is fully committed to its promises in terms of managing Afghanistan’s water and energy. The work is properly in progress.”
Afghanistan now has the capacity to generate 519 megawatts of power, comprised of 51% thermal and 49% water energy.
Afghanistan yearly imports around 2,000 megawatts of power from the neighboring countries – in 2018 alone, $255 million were spent to buy electricity.
The Ministry of Mines and Petroleum of Afghanistan has signed a 30-year agreement with a private company to extract marble in Daikundi province.
Under the contract, the company will invest AFN 283 million in exploring and mining marble at the “Mesh-Uliya” site, spanning 16.74 square kilometers in central Daikundi.
Hedayatullah Badri, Minister of Mines and Petroleum, stated that the marble will be processed domestically before being exported abroad. He added that the Mesh-Uliya project is expected to create around 200 jobs, and the company is committed to supporting local communities through social initiatives.
Economic experts highlight that such investments, especially those focusing on domestic processing, are crucial for job creation, boosting exports, and strengthening the national economy. Analysts further note that the project will improve local infrastructure, expand social services, and enhance the economic and social well-being of Daikundi residents.
Since the return of the Islamic Emirate to power, efforts to develop Afghanistan’s mining sector have intensified, with multiple contracts signed in areas including cement, copper, iron, and lapis lazuli, involving both domestic and international companies.
A passenger bus veered off the Salang Highway before dawn on Sunday, leaving five people dead and 44 others injured, the Ministry of Public Works said.
According to the ministry, the incident occurred at around 2:00 a.m. in the Shawol area of North Salang when a passenger bus deviated from the main road due to the driver’s negligence.
Mohammad Ashraf Haqshenas, spokesperson for the Ministry of Public Works, said five passengers were killed and 44 others sustained injuries. He added that personnel from the Salang Maintenance and Protection Directorate promptly arrived at the scene and transferred the injured to the Khunjān clinic for medical treatment.
The Ministry of Public Works has urged drivers and passengers traveling on the Salang Highway to strictly follow the instructions of on-duty teams, observe traffic regulations, and carry warm clothing, food supplies, and snow chains to prevent similar incidents.
The ministry also noted that heavy snowfall and stormy weather have led to the temporary closure of the highway, while road maintenance teams are continuing snow-clearing operations.
Latest News
Major fire in Mandawi Kabul market contained, extensive losses prevented
Local shopkeepers said the fire broke out around 4 a.m.
The Ministry of Interior reported that personnel from the General Directorate of Firefighting and Emergency Response successfully prevented the further spread of a fire at Mandawi market on Kabul early Sunday morning.
Abdul Mateen Qani, spokesperson for the ministry, said that the fire destroyed 10 storage facilities and 8 shops. He added that initial losses are estimated at around $700,000, but timely action by firefighting personnel saved property worth approximately $2.2 million.
Qani explained that the fire was caused by an electrical short circuit. He praised the rapid and effective containment operations, which prevented more extensive damage.
Local shopkeepers said the fire broke out around 4 a.m.
Pakistan’s kinno exports falter as tensions with Afghanistan continue
Afghanistan and Kuwait draw 4-4 in friendly futsal match
Afghanistan signs 30-year deal for marble mining in Daikundi
Passenger bus veers off Salang Highway, leaving 5 dead, dozens injured
Afghan health officials visit Indian medical institute to expand ties
Afghanistan economy under pressure as Pakistan shocks reshape trade flows
Gaza death toll tops 70,000, health ministry says
India set to establish pharmaceutical factories in Afghanistan: MoIC
Afghanistan offers tax breaks, free land to attract Indian investors
Iran rerouting more oil to China through Indonesia to dodge US sanctions
Tahawol: Iran’s pledges to facilitate trade with Afghanistan discussed
Saar: Discussion on severe tensions between Kabul and Islamabad
Tawsia: India’s enthusiasm for investing in Afghanistan discussed
Tahawol: Global concerns over migration escalation discussed
Saar: Calls for Afghanistan’s balanced, economy-oriented foreign policy discussed
-
International Sports4 days agoIPL 2026: Teams take shape after auction as franchises balance star power and depth
-
International Sports4 days agoILT20: Abu Dhabi Knight Riders end Desert Vipers’ unbeaten run in dramatic one-run win
-
Latest News2 days agoAfghan border forces prevent illegal entry of hundreds into Iran
-
Regional4 days agoPakistan’s military chief Asim Munir in spotlight over Trump’s Gaza plan
-
Business4 days agoMahirood Customs leads Iran’s exports to Afghanistan
-
World4 days agoTrump adds seven countries, including Syria, to full travel ban list
-
Latest News4 days agoAfghanistan, Kyrgyzstan discuss expanding trade and economic cooperation
-
Latest News2 days agoJapan allocates nearly $20 million in humanitarian aid for Afghanistan