From Transit State to Regional Hub: Afghanistan’s Vision Through TAPI

Speech at the Public TAPI Support Gathering in Herat

Keypoints:

• National Unity – One voice for change, equality, and shared national purpose.
• Economic Consensus – Broad public agreement on large-scale national projects.
• Regional Connectivity – Transforming Afghanistan into a hub linking Central and South Asia.
• TAPI Vision – Beyond a pipeline; a platform for energy, transit, and cooperation.
• Digital & Energy Integration – Fiber-optic expansion and power transmission corridors.
• Water & Infrastructure Development – Strategic investment in dams and railways.
• Self-Reliance – Revenue growth and movement toward economic independence.

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

Honorable members of the Wolesi Jirga and Mishrano Jirga, esteemed Ulema, tribal elders, dear sisters, honorable members of the Government, Excellencies the Governors, Dr. Kayoumi, and dear children:

As-salamu Alaykum wa Rahmatullah wa Barakatuh.

First and foremost, I congratulate you on the birth anniversary of the Great Leader of Humanity (Prophet Muhammad, PBUH). We are honored to gather during this week of Mawlid. It is my hope that the entire nation and the Muslim world heed the Prophet's message—a message of peace, justice, and harmony.

I wish to express my gratitude to the great nation of Afghanistan and all its citizens, especially the youth. Thank you for taking the TAPI project as a good omen, and thank you for showing the true face and voice of the Afghan people to our partners, the diplomatic corps present here, and the entire world.

What does Afghanistan want? In one voice: positive change. In one voice: regional cooperation. In one voice: international partnership. And the foundation of all this is national unity and the equality of every Afghan with another.

I thank you from the bottom of my heart because today, there is a grand national consensus on economic issues in Afghanistan. Let the whole world listen to this consensus. What is this economic consensus? Our people have arrived with a new vision—a vision that small-scale projects are no longer sufficient. Our people believe that major national and regional projects must move from words to action to bring about nationwide transformation.

I have understood this message of yours with my heart and soul. In its implementation, Insha’Allah, you will witness a new phenomenon and a new movement every single month. Today, I first want to thank the Ministry of Finance. For the first time, Afghanistan has not only met the revenue targets pledged to the international community, but exceeded them. We pledged 114 billion Afghanis (which, Insha’Allah, in twenty years will be 114 billion dollars), but we successfully completed 118.4 billion Afghanis. In these difficult national circumstances, this means that when we gird our loins, we can move toward self-sufficiency.

Now, I wish to speak for a few minutes about TAPI.

I. TAPI as a Vision, Not Just a Pipeline

What is TAPI? Clearly, it is a project; clearly, it is a highway; clearly, it is a means of gas transmission. But above all, TAPI is a Vision. One of the points I have always presented to the great people of Afghanistan is that our most important capital is our geographical location. For two hundred years, this geography was our vital struggle.

TAPI is the first step in changing this perspective: transforming Afghanistan from a point of conflict into a hub of regional and international cooperation. The nation’s welcome is not merely for a project; it is for this vision. It is my hope that the nation declares this vision loudly to the entire world.

II. The Connectivity Highway

Furthermore, I want to state that at least three components are being implemented to turn TAPI into a multi-purpose highway. In two of these sectors, I want to specifically thank Dr. Kayoumi, one of Afghanistan’s national assets.

• Digital Connectivity: Alongside the gas pipeline, TAPI will simultaneously lay a fiber-optic line across its entire length. This will become a primary route connecting South Asia to Europe. Following that, Insha’Allah, it will serve as a route to connect East Asia to Europe. This is a massive undertaking. We thank His Excellency the President of Turkmenistan for accepting this proposal during our final negotiations.

• Energy Transmission: The second initiative is a 300-volt power line running from Herat to Spin Boldak and into Pakistan. This line will meet 20% of Pakistan’s electricity needs.

• Railways and Regional Focus: Simultaneously, we are working on establishing railway links. My upcoming travels this week and next signify that your Government of National Unity is focusing not only on security, but on the regional economy.

III. Water and Hidden Wealth

Water is our other vital point. Today, the High Economic Council convened and decided on the third phase of the Kamal Khan Dam. We are funding its completion.

I thank all the leaders, scholars, sisters, and brothers across Afghanistan—especially in these five provinces. I ask you to maintain the unity you showed today to ensure that these five provinces fulfill their roles as the connection points between Central and South Asia.

Our future programs aim to make every province and every zone of Afghanistan the axis of such grand projects. Today, we will not delve into the details; I hope you accept this "green leaf"—a humble gift.

If your President is poor, the country is not poor. This is a wealthy country!

Afghanistan is a hidden treasure. You have heard the story of the famous diamond: In Golconda, India, a merchant dreamed that God promised him a great fortune. He spent five years traveling the world in search of it. When he returned home, he found his well had collapsed. Upon descending into the well to fix it, he discovered the world’s largest diamond.

The treasure is here in Afghanistan. Let us develop this treasure together.

Long live Afghanistan! May Afghanistan be eternal! Thank you from the heart!