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Atmar Accuses Gov’t of Removing Officials with Links to His Election Ticket
Presidential candidate Mohammad Haneef Atmar on Monday accused the government of removing officials with links to his election ticket.
Addressing a press conference in Kabul Atmar said that the presidency has taken “illegal cleansing” approach towards the government officials.
He claimed that so far 12 members of his election team have been sacked or forced to resign including Deputy Chief Executive Mohammad Mohaqiq who is the running mate of Atmar as his second deputy in July presidential elections.
Expressing his concerns over the dismissal of election commissioners following the amendment of electoral law, Atmar said that decision was made unilaterally as presidential candidates had not been consulted.
He also urged the government to consult with political leaders before appointing new election commissioners.
Regarding the consultative Loya Jirga which will be held next month, Atmar said that he supports the gathering if it truly represents the Afghan people, but he said he will be against it if is aimed to undermine the ongoing peace talks and be an election campaign.
President Ghani’s spokesman Haroon Chakhansoori, however, said that dismissals of government officials are part of government’s reform plan.
It comes as recently, a number of presidential candidates and political parties have criticized Amrullah Saleh’s participation in government’s official meetings.
They said Saleh’s participation in the meetings “illegal” and that more of a campaign for the elections.
However, Saleh said that has received no concessions from the government by accompanying the president in meetings.
He stressed the president has asked him to participate in some political and consultative meetings which focus on peace and war issues, adding that he has neither used this opportunity for his personal or any group’s interest and nor will use it.
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.
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