POLITICS — June 19, 2026
Taliban Eases Restrictions on Gold Mining in Badakhshan's Darwaz District
The easing of curbs follows protests in Nasi district on 17 Jawza organized with the help of local commander Jum'a Khan Fateh, two of whose associates are still being held after operations were stopped at the Qatqati mine.
The Ehtebar Desk — originates with Afghanistan International — 2 min read
The Taliban administration in Badakhshan has reduced restrictions on gold mining and local gold washing in the Darwaz districts of Nasi and Shaki. This step was taken due to concerns over internal disputes and the risk of popular unrest. Extraction has resumed at some gold mines in these districts.
A board from the Badakhshan Mines Directorate is currently in Shaki district to address issues at the Qatqati gold mine. However, extraction at the Qatqati gold mine has not resumed. The mine had previously been operated by Taliban commander Jum'a Khan Fateh. His associates, Musa Kaka and Islamuddin, remain in detention following the halt of operations at the mine.
The reduction in restrictions occurred despite a decree issued by Hibatullah Akhundzada. The decree classified government gold-bearing lands as protected and prohibited their unauthorized occupation.
Residents of Nasi district organized protests on 17 Jawza against the mining halt. Jum'a Khan Fateh helped organize the protests. These demonstrations followed the appointment of a high-level delegation by the Taliban leader to investigate the assets of local commanders in Badakhshan.
Read the original reporting at Afghanistan International →
Reliability assessment
Single source citing anonymous informed sources only; no on-record named officials or independent corroboration of the core events
The source language mixes facts with framing or advocacy wording. Afghanistan International: "intensifying internal disputes and containing popular uprisings" and "dissatisfied Taliban commander" – these phrases frame the Taliban's actions as driven by fear of rebellion and internal conflict, adding interpretive opinion to the reporting.
Independent web corroboration
An independent web search turned up no separate corroborating reports. Treat the account as single-sourced until more outlets pick it up.
Across the newsrooms
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Afghanistan International
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Framed
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Politics — Taliban, Badakhshan, Darwaz, gold mines, Hibatullah Akhundzada
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