Local officials announced the inauguration of the first branch of the Afghan National Bank (ANB) in Badakhshan Province.
ANB officials described the institution as one of Afghanistan’s oldest banking organizations. It was founded in 1933 (1312 Solar Hijri) by Abdul Majid Zabuli and, in its early years, also performed certain functions associated with the central bank.
Speaking at the inauguration, participants noted that Afghanistan’s banking sector has a long history and said the new branch would help expand banking services, foster healthy competition within the sector, and offer greater convenience to residents.
Mohammad Tayab Ayubi, head of ANB in Badakhshan, said the bank would strive to improve access to banking services and support the growth of economic activity in the province.
He added that, after Da Afghanistan Bank, ANB is among the institutions contributing significantly to government revenues. The bank also offers services including salary disbursements, the processing of government and private-sector contracts, and cash-flow management.
Badakhshan Deputy Governor Mawlavi Jamaluddin Haqjo welcomed the branch’s opening and called for expanded banking services and closer cooperation between local traders and the bank.
He said economic growth is vital to the country’s development, and that banks, traders, and investors can play a key role in advancing economic development and delivering services to the public.
