09:18 AM

Afghan and Indian Trade Ministers Discuss Expanded Cooperation in New Delhi Afghanistan’s Minister of Industry and Commerce, Hajji Nooruddin Azizi, met with India’s Minister of Commerce and Industry during his official visit to New Delhi. According to the Ministry, the two sides discussed a range of key issues, including expanding trade through air, land, and sea routes; resolving challenges related to the Nhava Sheva port; facilitating banking transactions; issuing business and medical visas; introducing commercial attachés; promoting joint investment; and organizing joint exhibitions. Discussions also focused on developing the Amritsar–Kabul air corridor to strengthen bilateral trade flows. Both sides agreed to activate the joint working group on trade and investment and to hold joint trade exhibitions in the near future.

02:18 PM

Afghanistan Highlights Growing Trade Challenges With Pakistan, Explores Alternative Routes Afghanistan’s Minister of Industry and Commerce, Nooruddin Azizi, on Monday, outlined increasing trade challenges with Pakistan, saying tensions have risen due to restrictions imposed on Afghan transit and commercial goods passing through Karachi port. “Recently, our problems with neighboring Pakistan have intensified because they have blocked Afghanistan’s transit and trade through Karachi. Historically, this route connected us to the world. We are now working to create new corridors, including through Chabahar, and initial efforts in this regard have already begun,” Azizi said. He emphasized that despite some minor obstacles, Afghanistan is working closely with India to fully activate and operationalize this trade corridor. According to Azizi, this strategic initiative will reduce Afghanistan’s dependence on Pakistani ports and ensure smoother, faster access to international markets. During his visit to India, the minister also met with Afghan business representatives based there. He briefed them on the Islamic Emirate’s recent achievements and assured them that the government will take practical and targeted measures to address the challenges Afghan traders face in India.

02:17 PM

Afghan Government Confirms 23 Million People Urgently Need Humanitarian Aid Following repeated UN reports highlighting the sharp rise in humanitarian needs across Afghanistan, the Afghan authorities have now confirmed that at least 23 million people in the country require urgent assistance. Officials from the National Authority for Disaster Management say the number of people in need has increased significantly, stressing that continued international support is essential to prevent further deterioration of living conditions. Nooruddin Turabi, head of the National Authority for Disaster Management, said the real number of vulnerable Afghans may be even higher than current estimates. “Based on our assessments, the number of Afghans in need is actually higher than 23 million,” Turabi said. “We assure the people of Afghanistan that our operations are conducted with both speed and transparency. Sometimes claims emerge that aid reaches wealthy individuals instead of the poor, but we continuously work to prevent such issues.” Afghan officials have urged international donors not to reduce humanitarian aid, warning that millions of vulnerable people depend on continued support amid ongoing economic challenges.