Afghanistan Times

By Akhtar M. Nikzad-KABUL: The Afghanistan Reconstruction Trust Fund (ARTF) managed by World Bank granted $128 million to Afghan government for the reconstruction of the Naghlu hydropower dam and water resources management. Finance Minister Eklili Hakimi, World Bank Country Director for Afghanistan, Robert Saum, Agriculture Minister Asadullah Zamir and Head …

AT Monitoring Desk-Kabul: The Taliban reiterated Sunday its preconditions for the restart of the peace talks with the government. The preconditions include the removal of their leaders’ names from the international terror blacklists. “Establishment of official venue, removal of blacklists and prize lists, release of prisoners and ending poisonous propaganda” …

AT-KABUL: At least 35 Taliban fighters were killed and seven others wounded in different operations launched by the security forces in the past 24 hours, officials said Sunday. “The national army in collaboration with the national police and National Directorate of Security conducted joint operations against the insurgents in the …

AT-KABUL: The Nutrition and Education International (NEI) said Sunday that Afghan farmers produced 4,000 tons of soybeans in 2015, which demonstrates 100 per cent increase in production as comparing to previous year. Some 2,000 tons of soybeans were produced in 2014, according to a statement issued by the NEI. It …

AT-KABUL: At least 16 Daesh (Islamic State) terrorists were killed in separate drone strikes in eastern Nangarhar province, local officials said Sunday. “The operations were launched by Afghan air forces and foreign troops in Achin and Haska Mina districts,” said Ataullah Khogyani, provincial spokesman. “Two Deash commanders Qari Abdul Wahab …

‘Come, Make in India’! PM Modi’s aggressive push to revive an ailing manufacturing sector, has found resonance with India Inc. Single-window clearances, minimal procedures & cutting out of any red-tapism – PM Modi sees Make in India as a vital impetus for employment & growth. ‘Make in India’ initiative was …

KABUL: The Justice Ministry has published in its official gazette new regulations enabling journalists and media workers to be granted the right to life insurance and retirement allowances from owners. The matter was discussed at a joint press conference by officials from the Ministry of Information and Culture and members …

AT Monitoring Desk-Kabul: Hamid Karzai had better governance than the leaders of the National Unity Government (NUG) despite facing challenges, a former minister and prominent politician has alleged. “Karzai’s administration faced problems likes corruption and inefficiency. But in general, the situation was better than it is today,” said Anwarul Haq …

Analysts stress on improved AfPak ties AT-KABUL: Former Chief of the National Directorate of Security (NDS) said on Saturday that Islamabad has not given up pursuing the strategy of dominating the Afghan foreign policy which led to civil war and unprecedented destruction in Afghanistan, referring the factional fightings following the …

By Akhtar M. Nikzad-KABUL: Political analysts and economists in a monthly gathering of the Rana Think Tank termed the joint regional energy projects including CASA-1000, TUTAP, KUNAR, TAPI and ATGP important for expansion of political and economical ties among the regional countries, especially AfPak relations. Secretary-General of New Beginning Network …