Reliable sources in Kabul have revealed to Arg Times that the ground services contracts for Mazar-i-Sharif and Khost airports have quietly been awarded to a company called Balkh Service—a firm established years ago during the Republic era through a partnership between Ismail Ghaznfar, head of Ghaznfar Group, and Faheem, one of the most trusted and long-time aides of Atta Mohammad Noor.
According to these sources, Faheem is considered Noor’s second most trusted man after Qari Qudrat. Despite the fall of the Republic, he remains at the heart of lucrative business dealings in Afghanistan. It is said that from Mazar-i-Sharif Airport alone, Balkh Service earns nearly $2 million annually, and it has now taken over a similar contract for Khost Airport.
Faheem currently resides in Turkey—the same place where Atta Mohammad Noor continues his political activities and voices verbal opposition to the Taliban. Yet, in practice, companies linked to his associates are securing million-dollar contracts under Taliban rule. Meanwhile, Noor’s family enjoys a comfortable life in the United Arab Emirates.
Repeated attempts by Arg Times to contact Atta Mohammad Noor went unanswered. His eldest son, Khalid Noor, confirmed only a personal acquaintance with Faheem, saying their relationship was purely friendly. He stressed that any questions about partnerships or business dealings should be addressed directly to Faheem or Ghaznfar.
Sources say Balkh Service operates with the direct backing of Sattar Ghrawal, head of airports at the Taliban’s Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation. Ghrawal, a former pilot during Afghanistan’s communist era, previously lived in Ukraine, where his family still resides. His exact connections to Ghaznfar Group and Atta Mohammad Noor’s network remain unclear.
Efforts by Arg Times to reach Ismail Ghaznfar were also unsuccessful. He remained silent when asked about Balkh Service and any partnership with Atta Mohammad Noor.
In line with its policy of exposing corruption and behind-the-scenes dealings between political figures and the Taliban, Arg Times will continue to pursue this case until new evidence emerges.
