Mullah Baradar launches solar power project for self-reliance

MEHTHARLAM (Pajhwok): The Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs says the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA)’s economic strategy is founded on freeing Afghanistan from foreign dependency, reaching self-sufficiency by using the country’s existing capacities.

Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund inaugurated the construction of a 10-megawatt solar power project in Laghman province on Thursday.

Speaking to Pajhwok Afghan News, Mullah Baradar said that the project is being implemented with $6 million in financial support from a private company named Regal Group. It will involve the construction of a solar power generation facility.

According to him, “This project will have the capacity to generate 10 megawatts of electricity. Its construction is expected to be completed within six months, and once operational, it will provide electricity to thousands of households and commercial businesses.”

He said: “It is a matter of happiness that today we are taking an important step in Laghman province toward the production of clean energy. This will not only enhance the region’s resilience to climate change but also partially meet the country’s need for sustainable and clean energy.”

Mullah Baradar added that the Islamic Emirate has taken important steps like this project to achieve self-reliance in the energy sector. These efforts are not only focused on electricity production but also contribute significantly to the national economy, attracting domestic and foreign investment, creating job opportunities, and improving public services.

He stated that contracts for seven major electricity production projects recently were signed at the national level, with a total production capacity of over 228 megawatts. This, he said, marks an unprecedented step toward energy production in the country, and the Laghman project is part of this larger initiative.

Mullah Baradar emphasized: “The Islamic Emirate’s economic strategy is centered on freeing the country from foreign dependency and achieving self-sufficiency through existing domestic capacities. Since electricity is considered the backbone of a nation’s economic development, it holds a central place in our economic policies.”

He noted that Afghanistan relies heavily on imported electricity, which is not only costly but also leads to a significant outflow of foreign currency from the country.

He stressed that security is the most crucial factor for launching and completing economic and investment projects in the country and assured investors of full support and guarantees from the Islamic Emirate in this regard.

He called on investors to invest in various sectors in Afghanistan, particularly in the energy sector.

At the same time, residents of Laghman praised the launch of the 10-megawatt solar power project and expressed hope that it would help resolve the region’s electricity problem.

Malik Azizullah, a resident of Mehtarlam, told Pajhwok that this was a commendable step toward addressing the electricity issues being faced by local communities.

It is worth noting that this solar power project in Laghman involves a $6 million investment from the private sector. Upon completion, it is expected to partially resolve electricity issues of the region’s residents and expand industrial activities.

sa/ma