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‘Impossible’ to Ensure Peace with Presence of Foreign Forces: Hekmatyar
Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, the leader of Hezb-e-Islami party and a presidential candidate for July elections on Thursday said that with presence of foreign forces and the rule of current government it would be “impossible” to ensure peace in Afghanistan.
Addressing a press conference in Kabul, Hekmatyar said that the current “imposed” government is the main reason for the continuation of the war in Afghanistan, adding that NUG is not able to ensure peace in the country.
Hekmatyar stressed that in order to ensure peace in Afghanistan, the two main issues including the presence of foreign forces and the current “dependent” government should be addressed.
He also noted that foreign forces need to withdraw. and that the government needs to be independent and not be tied to another country or installed by a foreign country.
The Presidential Palace did not comment in this regard despite repeated attempts by Ariana News.
Separately, Hekmatyar said that the Consultative Loya Jirga which is scheduled to be held on March 17, would not resolve the problems in the country but will cause more problems.
He said the government should agree on establishment of another strong address in which the important national issues could be discussed.
In addition, Hekmatyar said that the Taliban need to agree on a long term ceasefire and the government should also support and observe it.
The leader of Hezb-e-Islami, meanwhile, noted that election is the only way for power to be handed over to a new administration and that government should end meddling in the electoral system.
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.
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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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