Former President Karzai Welcomes Taliban-Azizai Contract for Five Electricity Production Projects

Hamid Karzai, former president of Afghanistan, welcomed the signing of a contract to begin operations on five electricity production projects between the Taliban and Azizai Investment Company. Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat and Azizai Investment Company signed the contract in Kabul on Wednesday.

Karzai described the move as a positive step for Afghanistan's development, stating that investment in these projects could pave the way for economic progress for citizens. On Thursday, February 12, he thanked Mirwais Azizai, owner of Azizai Bank.

The five projects, totaling 845 megawatts, include Kerker in Baghlan province, Khoja Changal in Takhar, Barikab in Parwan, Naghlu in Kabul, and Dehkhodaidad in Ghazni. According to the Taliban and Mirwais Azizai, of this capacity, 330 megawatts will be solar and 515 megawatts thermal.

Mirwais Azizai said: "It is a matter of pride for me that today a major and historic step forward has been taken toward implementing one of my major commitments to Afghanistan based on producing 10,000 megawatts of electricity." He added that Afghanistan's industry would grow several times over if existing electricity needs are met.

Abdul Haq Hamkar, head of Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat, stated the projects would cost approximately $463 million. The Taliban said solar projects would be completed in two years and thermal projects in three years.

The contracts mark the start of implementation for five projects initially signed between Azizai Company and the Taliban in Asad (August) of the current year. The signing has drawn positive reactions on social media, with some users calling it a positive step.