The Ministry of Energy and Water (MoEW) on Tuesday signed a major power supply project worth over 1.8 billion afghanis with domestic firm State Corps to provide electricity to Qush Tepa and Darzab districts in northern Jawzjan province.

 The contract signing ceremony, held at the Government Information and Media Centre, was attended by Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar and senior government officials.

Mawlawi Abdul Rahman Rahmani, Director General of Renewable Energy at MoEW, said the $28.4 million project (equivalent to 1.886 billion afghanis) aims to ensure nearly all households in Qush Tepa and Darzab have access to electricity.

He explained that the project involves constructing an 85.4-kilometre transmission line from Shiberghan, the provincial capital, building substations, and establishing electricity distribution networks in both districts.

Alauddin Salim, representing State Corps, described the initiative as “crucial” and said it is expected to be completed within three years. He highlighted that domestic firms, like State Corps, are more committed than foreign companies to project delivery.

According to MoEW, the project will be funded through revenues from Afghanistan’s mines and will provide electricity to around 47,000 families. The ministry urged the company to ensure timely completion with high quality standards.

Saudi Arabia’s Al-Nassr will take on Iraq’s Al-Zawraa in a crucial AFC Champions League Two group-stage encounter tomorrow, Wednesday December 24, as both sides look to strengthen their positions in the competition.

The match will be played in Riyadh, where Al-Nassr will aim to make home advantage count following their strong performances earlier in the campaign.

With a squad packed with international stars and attacking depth, the Saudi club will be targeting another positive result to move closer to qualification for the knockout stages.

Al-Zawraa, one of Iraq’s most successful clubs, arrive determined to bounce back and keep their continental hopes alive.

Known for their discipline and resilience, the Baghdad-based side will be looking to frustrate the hosts and capitalize on any opportunities on the counterattack.

The encounter is expected to draw significant attention from football fans across the region, as the AFC Champions League Two continues to showcase competitive clashes between leading clubs.

The match will be broadcast across Afghanistan live and exclusively on Ariana News from 8:30pm.

Prominent Pakistani religious scholar Mufti Taqi Usmani has strongly criticised moves to grant lifetime immunity to Pakistan’s Army Chief, General Asim Munir, describing such protection from judicial accountability as contrary to Islamic principles.

Speaking at a public gathering on Monday, Mufti Usmani said that Islam does not place any individual above the law, stressing that rulers, military leaders and ordinary citizens are equally accountable for their actions. He emphasised that justice and accountability form the foundation of an Islamic system, and that permanent immunity for powerful figures violates the spirit of Sharia.

The cleric warned that creating legal distinctions between state officials and the general public undermines public trust and fosters injustice within society. He urged state institutions to adhere to Islamic values when making political and military decisions, particularly those affecting governance and accountability.

Mufti Usmani’s remarks come amid growing debate in Pakistan over the role of the military in state affairs and the expanding authority granted to senior army officials. The issue has drawn heightened public and political attention in recent weeks, with critics arguing that excessive protections weaken democratic institutions and the rule of law.