Taliban Claims Diplomatic Gains and Broad Domestic Programs in 2025

DID Press: Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson of Taliban authorities, says Afghanistan achieved “significant diplomatic progress” in 2025, including expanded international engagement and recognition from Russia. Speaking on Wednesday, Mujahid said senior Taliban officials — including deputy prime ministers and cabinet ministers — undertook about 99 foreign trips during the year, primarily focused on economic, trade, and diplomatic cooperation.

Despite these claims, no Western country — nor Afghanistan’s neighbors or most Islamic states — has formally recognized the Taliban as the legitimate government. Analysts continue to stress that broad recognition is unlikely without measurable progress on human rights, guarantees of fundamental freedoms, and the formation of an inclusive government.

Mujahid also reported that more than 2.8 million Afghan citizens and migrants returned to the country over the past year. He said the process was managed to ensure most families were resettled, provided with basic services, and included in ongoing plans for new residential townships.

According to the spokesperson, authorities in major cities identified and collected 10,664 homeless people and beggars, allocating a cash grant of 2,000 Afghanis to each as emergency assistance.

He further noted progress on nationwide water-management projects, saying construction or completion of nine major dams advanced last year, while 341 small dams were newly built — measures he argued will strengthen water management and help reduce recurring water crises.