UNSC updates sanctions on 22 IEA officials; Mujahid urges lifting of curbs

KABUL (Pajhwok): The UN Security Council Sanctions Committee has updated the sanctions list targeting 22 officials of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA). However, Zabihullah Mujahid described the move as a violation of individual rights and called for the sanctions to be lifted.

According to the UN Security Council, the sanctions were imposed under Chapter VII of the UN Charter and the list was revised on 10 March 2026.

The 22 officials are subject to travel bans, asset freezes and restrictions on arms transfers.

The list includes Mullah Mohammad Hassan Akhund, Prime Minister; Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs; Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi, Foreign Minister; Khalifa Sirajuddin Haqqani, Interior Minister and several other senior IEA officials.

Responding to the revised sanctions, Zabihullah Mujahid, chief spokesman for the IEA, told the media that the measures violate individual rights and are ineffective.

He added that the sanctions also infringe on the rights of the Afghan people and urged the UN to lift them.

hz/sa