Afghan administration unveils five-year ‘Development Strategy’

Afghanistan’s interim administration unveiled a five-year 'Development Strategy' on Tuesday aimed at creating jobs and promoting balanced development.

Taliban chief spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said the strategy is built around three core pillars: good governance, international relations, and security and public order.

He added that the plan covers ten sectors: economy and agriculture; natural resources and energy; housing and social cohesion; transport and communications; education (both religious and contemporary) and cultural affairs; health; social protection; and environmental conservation.

Mujahid outlined 15 priority programmes, including the implementation of Sharia law and ensuring Islamic justice, as well as strengthening governance, transparency, regional cooperation, and border security.

The strategy also focuses on expanding agriculture, energy supply, healthcare, education, transport infrastructure, and telecommunications. Mujahid assured citizens that the plan will be implemented progressively and deliver improved outcomes.

The announcement comes amid Afghanistan’s ongoing economic challenges. The United States has frozen $7 billion of Afghan assets since the Taliban regained power in August 2021. In total, Afghanistan holds $9 billion in foreign assets, with $7 billion in the U.S. and the remainder in Germany, the United Arab Emirates, and Switzerland.

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