Speech by the Deputy Minister for Finance and Administration of MoFA at the Meeting on the Achievements and Facts of the Counter-Narcotics Campaign

بسم الله الرحمن الرحیم

الحمد لله رب العالمین، والصلوة والسلام علی سیدنا محمد وعلی آله وأصحابه أجمعین. أما بعد:

Respected Ambassadors, Distinguished Diplomats, Esteemed Representatives of International Organizations, and Honored Participants of this Gathering,

Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh!

The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan regards the fight against narcotic drugs as a religious and social responsibility. Following the issuance of Decree No. 31 by His Highness the Amir al-Mu’minin, may Allah preserve him, serious and determined measures have been undertaken throughout the country to prevent the cultivation, production, processing, trafficking, and use of narcotic substances.

In the course of 2026, the Deputy Ministry for Counter-Narcotics of the Ministry of Interior Affairs, together with other relevant institutions, has carried out extensive detection and serious operational activities.

This progress reflects the sustained efforts and diligent work of the Emirate’s forces and concerned departments in implementing the Decree. The collection and treatment of persons suffering from addiction likewise constitute essential dimensions of this struggle, for the narcotics problem is not solely a security matter but also encompasses economic, health, and social dimensions.

Distinguished participants,

Sustaining the gains achieved and continuing the fight against narcotics is not only a domestic responsibility; it is also a shared responsibility of the international community. The issue of narcotic drugs is a global and humanitarian concern from which all humans suffer. Providing sustainable alternative livelihood opportunities for farmers affected by the ban on poppy cultivation, strengthening agriculture and the rural economy, supporting treatment and rehabilitation centers for persons with addiction, enhancing technical capacities, and reinforcing regional coordination against trafficking networks are among the important areas in which the international community bears responsibility.

Accordingly, the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan calls upon international organizations, donor countries, and relevant institutions to increase their practical assistance in these fields, taking into account the measures already undertaken by Afghanistan and its existing needs, and to develop effective programs for sustained cooperation. In particular, support for alternative livelihoods and the economic empowerment of farmers can play a vital role in preventing any resurgence of poppy cultivation and in consolidating the progress achieved.

Meanwhile, the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan continuously follows the reports and statements of the international organizations, agencies, and media. Unfortunately, in certain instances, claims and reports concerning Afghanistan are published that do not fully reflect the actual situation, do not adequately take into account information from the relevant Afghan authorities, or whose conclusions, in light of available evidence, require further examination. This concern is not limited to reports on narcotics; it also applies to certain political, security, and humanitarian matters, including reports on child mortality and similar incidents, where greater precision and impartiality are needed regarding sources of information, the circumstances of events, and the determination of responsibilities.

We believe that the credibility of international reports rests upon accurate evidence, professional research, the assessment of information from all relevant parties, and adherence to the principles of impartiality. The dissemination of an allegation without thorough investigation and evaluation of the relevant evidence creates misconceptions about events, generates misunderstandings, and adversely affects mutual trust between international bodies and the parties concerned. It is therefore reasonable that international organizations, when preparing reports on Afghanistan, also obtain the views and information of the relevant Emirati authorities and, in cases of differing assessments, work through professional dialogue and joint evaluation to clarify the facts.

Our request is not that international organizations refrain from monitoring and reporting on the situation in Afghanistan; rather, we emphasize that this process should be conducted on the basis of accuracy, fairness, and impartiality, and that standards of assessment should be applied consistently across all countries and subjects. Serious efforts should be made to avoid approaches that not only fail to resolve existing problems but also generate new ones and undermine the atmosphere of trust and confidence. A fair reflection of Afghanistan’s actions and achievements in the present circumstances, just as an accurate presentation of problems and shortcomings remains important, is of fundamental value for mutual trust and constructive cooperation.

In conclusion, the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan regards the fight against narcotic drugs as a shared responsibility of governments and the international community. We call upon the international community to support Afghanistan’s practical efforts, to take effective and serious steps in the areas of alternative livelihoods and treatment, and to base its assessments of Afghanistan on accurate information and fair judgment. We are confident that through shared responsibility, mutual respect, and practical cooperation, we can preserve the progress achieved in the fight against narcotics and take effective steps to reduce the regional and global impact of this challenge.

Wassalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh!