A high-level Afghan delegation, headed by Abdul Bari Omar, the acting chief of Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat (DABS), is currently in Tajikistan to participate in strategic discussions aimed at advancing the CASA-1000 regional power transmission project.
The multilateral meeting, which includes representatives from Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, is also attended by officials from the Islamic Development Bank and other global stakeholders. The goal of this session is to evaluate the current status of the project, overcome existing hurdles, and coordinate on future timelines and technical plans.
CASA-1000, short for the Central Asia-South Asia Electricity Transmission and Trade Project, aims to export surplus hydropower generated in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan to the energy-scarce markets of Afghanistan and Pakistan. Afghanistan’s geographic location makes it a critical transit corridor for the $1.2 billion initiative, which is backed by the World Bank and other international partners.
As part of the program, participants will also conduct an on-site visit to the Sangtuda substation in Tajikistan—a key installation in the broader energy network—where they will assess infrastructure readiness and technical alignment.
DABS reiterated its full commitment to accelerating the implementation of CASA-1000 and emphasized that the project not only offers economic benefits but also serves as a bridge for regional energy cooperation and diplomatic connectivity.
Officials noted that the success of this initiative could pave the way for broader collaboration on energy and infrastructure projects across Central and South Asia. For Afghanistan, in particular, it marks a pivotal opportunity to transform into a regional energy transit hub and to attract more foreign investment in its energy sector.
The renewed momentum behind CASA-1000 signals hope for improved economic integration and a sustainable energy future for the broader region.
