China to become Afghan’s second-largest trade partner in 2023
Ariana: China’s trade with Afghanistan has been growing fast and it may become the second-largest trading nation with Afghanistan in 2023 after Pakistan, a situation that bodes well for the continuation of the CPEC part of the Belt & Road Initiative into Afghanistan, as per Silk Road Briefing (SRB). In December 2022 the top exports from Afghanistan to China were nuts, animal hair, semi-precious stones, dried fruits, and vegetable products. In December 2022, the top exports of China to Afghanistan were synthetic filaments, yarn-woven fabrics, rubber tires, other synthetic fabrics, semiconductors, and unknown commodities, SRB reported. Click here to read more (external link).
Taliban’s Latest Decree in Parwan Requires Media to Publish Content Verified by Bakhtar News Agency
8am: In a recent order issued in Parwan, the Taliban has mandated that all media outlets must publish content that has been approved by the Bakhtar News Agency. This move is seen as an attempt to control the narrative and restrict the free flow of information in the country. The Bakhtar News Agency is presently being operated under the authority of the Taliban. Click here to read more (external link).
Donor Organizations Suspend Fund for 40 COVID-19 Hospitals: Official
Tolo News: Donor organizations have suspended the budget for at least 40 COVID-19 hospitals in the country over the past 18 months after political developments in the country, the acting minister of public health, Qalandar Ebad, said in an interview with TOLOnews. He said the suspension of the budget and restrictions on health projects have affected health services in the country. Click here to read more (external link).
AFPL: FC Asre Jadeed 13-3 Jawanan Khurasan; Shams FC 2-2 Zaitoon FC draw
Ariana: FC Asre Jadeed defeated Jawanan Khurasan in the first match of the day on Monday in this year’s edition of the Afghanistan Futsal Premier League (AFPL) which is being held in Kabul. FC Asre Jadeed scored 13 goals in this exciting match, while their opponents Jawanan Khurasan were only able to drive home three goals. The second match of the day between Shams FC and Zaitoon FC ended in a two all draw. Click here to read more (external link).
Related
No divisions in the Islamic Emirate: Stanikzai
Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai
Ariana: ” There is no rebellion and opposition in the Emirate. All the members of the Islamic Emirate, from Amir al-Mu’minin (may Allah protect him) to an ordinary Talib are (united in action and word). There is no problem. We accept every decision issued by the leadership. We consider it obligatory to obey their orders, because we have pledged allegiance to the Amir,” Stanikzai said..He added that one of the keys to the success of the Islamic Emirate is that it has a united front. Click here to read more (external link).
Taliban plans to turn former foreign bases into special economic zones
Baradar
Reuters: “Following a thorough discussion, it was decided that the Ministry of Industry and Commerce should progressively take control of the remaining military bases of the foreign forces with the intention of converting them into special economic zones,” Mullah Baradar said in the statement. Click here to read more (external link).
Tolo News in Dari – February 19, 2023
Afghan Journalist Majrooh Released After Five Days In Custody
DPA: An Afghan journalist was released from detention on February 19 after spending five days in custody in the country’s southern province of Kandahar. Afghanistan’s Journalists Center welcomed the release of Tolonews journalist Mohammadyar Majrooh, calling for the immediate and unconditional release of all other journalists still in prison. Authorities provided no reason why Majrooh was detained or where he was taken. The Taliban has imposed severe restrictions on the media and freedom of expression since it retook power in August 2021. Click here to read more (external link).
Iran Bans the Entry of Afghan Migrant Students to Universities
Khaama: Iran’s Sharq Daily on Sunday reported that the Ministry of Education has instructed universities to avoid the entry of Afghan migrant students holding refugee certificates. These students will have to travel to Afghanistan and should enter Iran with passports and study visas to get enrolled in universities and educational institutions, the announcement said. Click here to read more (external link).