Afghanistan Strategic Forum

Afghanistan Strategic Forum (ASF) | Independent analysis & forecasts on Afghanistan & the region, guiding policymakers & researchers.

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Today marks the 254th anniversary of the passing of Ahmad Shah Durrani, the founder of modern Afghanistan

Exactly 254 years ago today, Ahmad Shah Durrani, widely known as Ahmad Shah Baba, passed away. He is regarded as the founder of modern Afghanistan and the first Afghan ruler to establish a vast empire extending from Khorasan to northern India.
Ahmad Shah Durrani came to power in 1747 following the death of Nader Shah Afshar. Through his leadership, wisdom, and political skill, he united various Afghan tribes and expanded his rule far beyond the borders of present-day Afghanistan.
At its height, the Durrani Empire included all of present-day Afghanistan, large parts of present-day Pakistan and Kashmir, the Punjab region of India, and territories in eastern Iran, including Mashhad and Khorasan. His victory over the Marathas in the historic Third Battle of Panipat further strengthened his influence in the region.
After approximately 25 years of rule, Ahmad Shah Durrani passed away in June 1772 following an illness and was buried in his native city of Kandahar.
Today, the Mausoleum of Ahmad Shah Baba in Kandahar remains one of Afghanistan’s most significant historical landmarks, attracting visitors from across the country and abroad.

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Russia's Chamber of Commerce for Afghanistan:

Visa requirements for travel between Afghanistan and Russia should be waived to further promote trade and economic cooperation between the two countries.
It is worth noting that major regional and global economies, including Russia, are interested in expanding bilateral trade relations with Afghanistan, and significant progress is being made in this area on a daily basis.

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After five decades of war, Afghanistan has once again begun to breathe a new spirit of peace and progress, and soon Afghanistan will become a developed country in every field.
This is the hope of all Afghans, and all Afghans are making tireless efforts to achieve this aspiration.

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Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid, Afghanistan’s Minister of Defense:

We have adopted a balanced policy among the major powers — a policy that serves the interests of Afghanistan and the entire world, and a policy that is in accordance with the beliefs and traditions of the Afghan people.

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Afghanistan's Defense Minister, Mawlawi Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid, has arrived in Moscow to participate in an international security conference hosted by Russia.

The security conference is being held in Moscow from May 26 to May 29 and is attended by representatives from approximately 180 countries and international organizations.
Discussions at the conference are expected to focus on regional security, shared security challenges, and opportunities for cooperation.

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Note: 🔔
Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) has emerged as one of the most dangerous militant groups for Pakistan in recent years, significantly intensifying attacks on security forces, government installations, and strategic projects, particularly in Balochistan.

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We thank India's representative at the United Nations for highlighting the civilian casualties caused by the Pakistani military regime in Afghanistan and for raising a voice in support of Afghan civilians.
The United Nations should investigate the alleged attacks carried out by the Pakistani military regime in Afghanistan and take appropriate action in accordance with its Charter and established principles.

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The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Government of Afghanistan expresses its deep concern over the escalating tensions in the region and condemns the recent drone attacks targeting civilian facilities in the United Arab Emirates, particularly the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Government of Afghanistan calls on all parties involved to exercise restraint and caution, respect international principles and responsibilities, and avoid further escalation of tensions, so that the ongoing disputes may be resolved through dialogue and peaceful means.

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According to the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan office in Afghanistan:

More than 750 civilian casualties were recorded in just the first three months of 2026 due to Pakistani attacks.
From October 10 to 17, 2025, Pakistani military attacks along the Durand Line caused over 500 civilian casualties, including 47 people killed and 456 others injured.

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The Uzbekistan Railways has launched a new multimodal transport route for cargo, connecting China to Afghanistan via Central Asia.
Under this route, goods are transported by rail and then transferred to trucks to reach Herat.
This corridor, which is approximately 7,400 kilometers long, reduces transit time and strengthens regional trade and connectivity.

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We have a long history of success and deep experience, and we know what to do and when to do it.
Behind our patience and meaningful silence lies a firm, well-prepared plan for success that will be effectively implemented.
ان شآءالله

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60% of Phase One and 74% of Phase Two of the Wakhan Corridor have been completed

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The President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, has called for closer relations and brotherhood with Afghanistan, stating that friendship and cooperation with the Afghan people are in the interest of both countries. He emphasized that Afghans are a hardworking and culturally rich nation, and that cooperation with them can create important opportunities for joint economic development.

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Targeting civilians and public infrastructure is neither an achievement nor a victory; rather, it is a grave crime against humanity.
Those who seek to hinder Afghanistan’s progress through such attacks are making a serious mistake. Afghans are neither afraid nor unfamiliar with such sacrifices.

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History bears witness that Afghans have always preferred peace over war. However, when peace has failed and war has been imposed upon them, Afghans have delivered such decisive lessons to those who imposed it that volumes of history have been written about them.
During times of war, the Afghan people observe all Islamic and humanitarian principles. They do not engage in aimless fighting, they respect civilians and public property, and they target only those who impose war and engage in terrorism.
One of the key reasons behind Afghan victories in wars lies in this approach: they fight in response to aggression, which they consider their right. They also respect the accepted principles of warfare, and on this basis, they have enjoyed—and continue to enjoy—the support of both God and the people.

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Afghanistan’s Minister of Interior Meets Chinese Ambassador

The Minister of Interior of Afghanistan met with the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China, Mr. Zhao Xing. During the meeting, both sides held important discussions on expanding relations between the two countries.

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The Honorable Foreign Minister of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi, held a telephone conversation with the Honorable Foreign Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Prince Faisal bin Farhan.
During the call, discussions were held on bilateral relations and regional issues.

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Alternative Routes and Regional Cooperation

If Afghanistan were still limited to a single transit route, the price of one liter of fuel in the country would have reached up to 1,000 Afghanis.
To expand trade and improve supply, a delegation from Afghanistan’s Ministry of Commerce has traveled to Azerbaijan, where they will hold talks with relevant authorities on importing high-quality petroleum products and enhancing transit facilities.

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Accurate Information:ℹ️
Iran will no longer go to Pakistan for negotiations and is considering selecting an alternative country.

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Is Islamabad safe?

While Pakistan violates the airspace of a neighboring country, it also presents Islamabad as a center for peace in order to resolve the conflict.

This is not possible...