Mulla Abdul Ghani Baradar, the Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs of the Taliban, visited Kunar province today, where a devastating earthquake recently struck, to express solidarity with the affected communities.
According to Zharfa News Agency, he called on the international community to lift economic sanctions on Afghanistan. The Taliban official stressed that these sanctions are the main barrier to providing aid and supporting reconstruction efforts in the affected regions.
The recent earthquake in Kunar caused significant damage to infrastructure and residential homes, leaving dozens of families homeless. During his meeting with local residents, Mulla Baradar promised immediate assistance, including food supplies and temporary shelters. He stressed that international cooperation is essential for sustainable reconstruction.
It is worth noting that global sanctions were imposed on Afghanistan following the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, resulting in the freezing of the Afghan Central Bank’s assets.
The withdrawal of international organizations from the country has further exacerbated economic and humanitarian challenges. Mulla Baradar stated that these restrictions have diminished the government’s ability to respond to natural disasters.
During his visit, the Deputy Prime Minister inspected reconstruction projects in Kunar and discussed accelerating relief efforts with local authorities.
He underscored the need for coordination among government institutions to manage the crisis effectively. Local sources reported that the earthquake destroyed over 200 homes, heightening the urgent need for assistance.
The international community has so far responded cautiously to the Taliban’s requests to lift sanctions. Some countries have conditioned the removal of sanctions on political reforms and adherence to human rights standards. However, Mulla Baradar emphasized that the continuation of sanctions primarily harms ordinary citizens.
Taliban authorities announced that relief programs in Kunar will continue in collaboration with local organizations. However, a lack of financial resources and equipment remains a significant challenge. The people of Kunar have called on both the government and the international community to pay greater attention to the province’s critical situation.
This visit comes amid reports of rising casualties and increasing humanitarian needs in Kunar. Analysts believe that managing natural disasters in Afghanistan will remain challenging without international cooperation.
At the conclusion of his visit, Mulla Baradar reiterated his call to the international community to reconsider sanctions to alleviate the suffering of the Afghan people.
