Afghanistan

Qatar discusses Afghan oil, gas investment as Gulf interest grows

Qatar has discussed potential investment in Afghanistan’s oil and gas sectors and the construction of a crude oil refinery, during talks in Kabul as Gulf businesses show growing interest in the Afghan market.  

Kabul’s groundwater plunges as Afghan authorities seek new supplies for millions

Groundwater has fallen by as much as 150 to 200 metres in some parts of Kabul, according to a senior water official, as families in Afghanistan’s capital struggle with dry wells and increasingly unreliable supplies.

Kuwait’s Al-Sayer Group eyes Afghan fruit exports and investment

Kuwait’s Al-Sayer Group plans to export fresh and dried Afghan fruit to Kuwait and other markets while exploring broader trade and investment opportunities in Afghanistan, according to Afghan government statements following talks in Kabul on Tuesday.

Qatar pledges academic and cancer care support for Afghanistan

Qatar has pledged to bring professors from Qatar and other Islamic countries to Afghanistan and help equip a cancer treatment centre, as the two countries seek closer academic cooperation.

Afghanistan, Belarus agree to deepen industrial cooperation

Afghanistan and Belarus have agreed to advance joint industrial projects, investment and technical cooperation following talks in Minsk, as Kabul seeks Belarusian machinery and support to develop domestic manufacturing.

Afghan businesses seek new trade links at Iran construction expo

Afghan business representatives are seeking new trade and investment opportunities at Iran’s 26th International Building Industry Exhibition, as they look to expand ties with Iranian and international companies.

Dozens of children injured in explosion at Kabul education centre

At least 42 children were injured in an explosion at an educational centre in western Kabul on Monday, sparking international calls for a full investigation.

Afghanistan expresses regret over woman killed by cross-border gunfire in Tajikistan

Afghanistan’s Foreign Ministry has expressed regret over the death of a 21-year-old pregnant woman killed by gunfire across the border in Tajikistan’s Darvoz district. Dushanbe has issued a formal protest to Kabul over the incident, which it said involved a violation of its airspace. 

UN urges sustained Afghanistan engagement five years into Taliban rule

The United Nations has urged sustained international engagement with Afghanistan five years into Taliban rule, warning that restrictions on women and terrorism concerns risk undermining gains from improved security.

Iran and Afghanistan seek deeper agriculture and trade ties

Iran and Afghanistan are seeking closer cooperation in agriculture, livestock and irrigation during a three-day Iranian ministerial visit to Kabul, as both sides look to strengthen trade and rural economies.

UN refugee agency plans Kabul settlement and jobs project for Afghan returnees

The United Nations refugee agency is planning a settlement and carpet-weaving workshop for Afghan returnees in Kabul as the country grapples with large-scale returns and growing pressure on housing, jobs and basic services.

Five years of Taliban rule: What happened in Afghanistan?

Afghanistan's Taliban marks five years in power on Saturday, 15 August, five years after taking Kabul as U.S.-led foreign forces withdrew following two decades of war.

UN warns soaring fertiliser prices could jeopardise Afghanistan’s 2027 wheat harvest

The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has warned that soaring fertiliser prices could threaten Afghanistan’s 2027 wheat harvest despite favourable growing conditions, appealing for $38.3 million to support farmers before planting.

More than 100,000 return to Afghanistan from Iran and Pakistan in two weeks

More than 100,000 people entered Afghanistan from Iran and Pakistan between 19 July and 1 August, increasing pressure on communities and humanitarian organisations already struggling with poverty, limited services and funding shortages.

Afghanistan launches five-year health strategy amid funding crisis

Afghanistan has launched a five-year national health strategy to strengthen healthcare services as the country faces severe funding shortages, rising humanitarian needs and mounting pressure on its health system.

More than 800 Afghan families return from Pakistan and Iran in two days

More than 800 Afghan families returned from Pakistan and Iran over two days as Afghan authorities continued receiving thousands of people arriving through deportations and voluntary returns from neighbouring countries.

Iran approves East-West transport corridor centred on Afghan railway

Suicide bombing at Pakistan police station kills 17 at pro-police rally

A suicide bomber killed at least 17 people and injured 35 others outside a police station in northwestern Pakistan on Sunday evening, officials said. The Pakistan Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack in Kabal, a town in the Swat Valley near the Afghan border.

UN warns crisis in Afghanistan is increasing risk of human trafficking

The United Nations has warned that Afghanistan’s worsening humanitarian and economic crises are leaving more people vulnerable to human trafficking, with returnees, women, children and indebted families facing the greatest risks.

More than 800 Afghan migrants return after release from Pakistan prisons

More than 800 Afghan migrants have returned to Afghanistan after being released from prisons in Pakistan, Afghan authorities said, as Islamabad continues its crackdown on undocumented foreign nationals under its repatriation policy.