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Pakistan, UAE Agree to Work on Peace in Afghanistan
Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the United Arab Emirates’ Armed Forces, and Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan have agreed to work jointly for peace and stability in Afghanistan.
The two leaders on Sunday held talks on bilateral matters and strongly condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, and expressed their resolve to work closely to root out the scourge, said a joint statement issued at the conclusion of the visit of Sheikh Mohammed, Xinhua News Agency reported.
“The Crown Prince recognized the efforts and unparalleled sacrifices made by Pakistan to eliminate terrorism and extremism,” the statement said.
The two leaders agreed to work closely for the lasting peace and stability of Afghanistan. The UAE hosted Pakistan-facilitated talks between the Taliban and US officials in Abu Dhabi weeks ago.
Khan briefed the UAE leader about the efforts Pakistan has made to support and facilitate the Afghan-owned and Afghan-led reconciliation process. He also appreciated the role the UAE has been playing in the reconciliation talks, the statement said.
The two sides also agreed to explore further collaboration in areas of training, joint exercises and defense production.
Sheikh Mohammed visited Pakistan following the UAE’s announcement of $3-billion support to Pakistan. In return, Pakistan welcomed the UAE’s investment in its oil and gas, logistics, ports and construction sectors.
According to the statement, Pakistan and the UAE are expected to hold a joint ministerial commission to be co-chaired by respective foreign ministers in Abu Dhabi next month on bilateral cooperation.
Following the matter, the Afghan Chief Executive office said that UAE can play an important role in the Afghan peace process, adding that they are not optimistic about Pakistan’s commitments towards the reconciliation process.
“Pakistan has made promises in the past, but unfortunately, it has not committed to its promises,” said Payenda Mohammad Hekmat, an advisor to CEO.
This comes as sources close to the Taliban told Ariana News that the U.S. special representative to Afghanistan reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad will soon hold talks with the Taliban representatives as part of the diplomatic efforts to end the nearly two decades of war in Afghanistan.
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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