Abdul Salam Hanafi, Administrative Deputy of the Taliban’s Prime Minister’s Office, on Sunday urged greater regional cooperation to harness Afghanistan’s energy resources during a conference titled “Promoting Investment and Supporting Afghanistan’s Energy Sector.”
In his remarks addressed to neighboring and regional countries, Hanafi highlighted the religious, linguistic, and cultural commonalities between Afghanistan and its neighbors, saying: “We must strengthen our relations with mutual understanding and mutual respect.” He claimed that these shared ties could pave the way for broader economic cooperation, particularly in the energy sector.
According to the Taliban deputy, Afghanistan is rich in natural resources, with five gas fields and extensive coal reserves that could be exploited for up to two centuries. He also emphasized renewable energy resources such as solar and wind.
While Hanafi spoke of the country’s potential energy capacity, the reality on the ground shows that Afghanistan’s energy sector suffers from lack of investment, inadequate infrastructure, and serious mismanagement. Furthermore, the Taliban administration’s lack of international recognition and widespread sanctions severely restrict the practical implementation of such plans.
Experts believe that until an inclusive and accountable government is established in Afghanistan, there is little hope for attracting genuine investment in key sectors such as energy, despite the country’s untapped natural wealth.
