UN Security Council Updates Sanctions List on 22 Islamic Emirate Officials; Spokesman Calls for Lifting

The United Nations Security Council's sanctions committee has updated its list targeting 22 officials of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, subjecting them to travel bans, asset freezes and arms embargoes.

The list includes Prime Minister Mohammad Hassan Akhund, Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Abdul Ghani Baradar, Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi and Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani, among others. Ariana News described the action as a renewal of the list, while Pajhwok reported it as an amendment carried out on 19 Hoot under Chapter VII of the UN Charter. The sanctions have been in place for years and are periodically updated by the committee.

Zabiullah Mujahid, spokesman for the Islamic Emirate, condemned the decision as a baseless violation of human rights that has proven ineffective. "Imposing sanctions is depriving people of their rights without cause. These sanctions over the years have had no results and have not been a successful experience, but a failed one," Mujahid said. He described the renewal as a repetition of a failed experience that limits officials' travels and harms the country's international relations.

"This is an aggression against the rights of individuals and the rights of a nation... The sanctions must be lifted because they are baseless and have no benefit in any way," Mujahid added. He said the measures negatively impact individuals in society and called for their immediate cancellation.

Officials on the list can travel to UN member states only with Security Council permission. Mujahid's remarks came in response to the committee's latest action, which both Ariana News and Pajhwok reported.