Former deputy speaker of the Afghan parliament, Zahir Qadeer, on Thursday appeared in a court in Kenyan capital Nairobi on charges of drug and arms smuggling.

Qadeer was arrested in Nairobi about three weeks ago on charges of drug and arms smuggling and faces possible extradition to the United States.

A final decision is expected on May 13.

Qadeer’s lawyer has told the BBC that there were political motives behind his arrest, noting that he was an outspoken critic of the US policies in Afghanistan.

According to him, Qadeer had entered Kenya for business purposes and intended to return to Afghanistan.

He said that Qadeer should not be extradited to the United States.

A powerful storm swept through the eastern Afghan city of Jalalabad on Thursday, leaving one person dead and injuring at least 32 others, according to local officials.

Saifullah Khalid, head of Nangarhar province’s National Disaster Management Authority, confirmed the casualties on Friday. He stated that the injured were transported to local hospitals, where 28 have since been discharged. Four individuals remain under medical care.

The storm brought heavy rain and strong winds, causing widespread damage across the city. Two telecommunications towers were toppled, and dozens of trees were uprooted. Solar panels and various private properties also sustained significant damage or were destroyed.

Homayoun Afghan, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Mines and Petroleum, says the TAPI pipeline will reach the city of Herat by the end of 2025.

Afghan added that once the pipeline is in place, the gas distribution process will begin.

According to him, the pipeline’s route to Herat spans 153 kilometers, of which 14 kilometers has already been completed.

Meanwhile, economic experts have stated that once the project is completed, it will bring substantial economic benefits to Afghanistan.

“Thousands of people will be employed both directly and indirectly, and we will witness the positive economic impact of this major project in the country. It is truly a vital project for us, especially for our two industrial provinces, Kandahar and Herat, which will be able to access gas at an affordable price,” said Qalandar Rahimi, a member of the Chamber of Commerce and Investment.

Shamsur Rahman Ahmadzai, an economic affairs expert, also stated: “TAPI is considered one of Afghanistan’s key infrastructure projects, with significant economic impact that will benefit both the government and the citizens of the country.”

The total length of the TAPI gas pipeline is 1,814 kilometers, and it is designed to transport Turkmen gas through Afghanistan to Pakistan and India.

This pipeline will cut through the provinces of Herat, Farah, Nimruz, Helmand, and Kandahar, and 816 kilometers of the total length of 1,814 kilometers will be constructed within Afghanistan.