Islamic Emirate Calls UN Sanctions List Update 'Unreasonable and Ineffective'

The UN Security Council Sanctions Committee has updated identity details for four senior officials of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan: Prime Minister Mohammad Hassan Akhund, Deputy for Economic Affairs Abdul Ghani Baradar, Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, and Mines and Petroleum Minister Hidayatullah Badri.

Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesman for the Islamic Emirate, denounced the update as "unreasonable," "ineffective," a "clear injustice" and futile political pressure that harms ordinary Afghans and violates their rights. He urged international bodies to seek understanding rather than impose sanctions.

The update, which occurred on April 13, 2026, under Resolution 1988 according to Nasir Ahmad Faiz, acting representative of Afghanistan to the UN, includes biometric information and passport specifications issued in Kabul, as reported by Amu TV. Ariana News detailed added aliases such as "Mullah Haji" for Akhund and "Gul Agha Esakhail" for Badri.

Resolution 1988 imposes travel bans without permission and asset freezes. The sanctions list was last updated last month with information on 22 other individuals. Ariana News noted that Islamic Emirate leader Hibatullah Akhundzada is not on the list, while more than 30 others remain listed.

Mujahid argued the measures reflect poor international policy without justification and do not advance any goals.