EconomyKabul's Nileh Bagh Residential Project Reaches Nearly 60% Completion
The Nileh Bagh residential project in Kabul, a Chinese-backed housing initiative, has reached nearly 60% completion and is set to provide 1,400 apartments for up to 5,000 people by Hoot 1405. Ministry officials detailed the progress, workforce and plans for additional housing blocks.
ReliableKabul Municipality Opens New Roads from Parwan 3 to Badam Bagh and Badam Bagh to Polytechnic Pass
Kabul Municipality has opened two new roads -- 560 meters from Parwan 3 to Badam Bagh and 900 meters from Badam Bagh to Polytechnic Pass -- connecting the 4th, 5th, and 17th districts to alleviate traffic. The municipality plans additional such projects to combat congestion.
ReliablePakistan's Trade with Gulf Countries Drops Nearly 10% as Kabul Suspends Ties
Pakistan's exports and imports with Gulf countries fell nearly 10% in the past month, according to the Dawn newspaper, amid Kabul's suspension of all trade ties and closure of the transit route to Central Asia. Farmers in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan face major losses from spoiled agricultural produce due to export disruptions.
ReliableAfghanistan Installs GPS Devices in 20,222 Transport Vehicles in Solar Year 1404, Total Reaches Around 40,000
Afghanistan's Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation installed GPS devices in 20,222 transport vehicles during solar year 1404, raising the national total to about 40,000. Officials say the ongoing installations aim to bolster security for passengers and cargo.
ReliableIsrael's Central Bank Reports $57 Billion Economic Losses from Gaza and Lebanon Wars
Israel's central bank reported $57 billion in economic losses, or 8.6% of GDP, from nearly two years of wars in Gaza and Lebanon, excluding the ongoing Iran conflict. More than 72,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since October 2023.
Afghanistan's Ministry of Transport Issues Licenses to 185 New Companies in Past Solar Year
Afghanistan's Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation issued licenses to 115 cargo and 70 passenger transport companies in solar year 1404, raising the national total to 900 active firms. The ministry also inspected 86,000 vehicles for safety and standardization.
Pakistan's Trade with Gulf Countries Drops 10% After Closing Routes to Afghanistan
Pakistan saw a 10% drop in exports and imports with Gulf countries after closing trade routes to Afghanistan on October 12 last year, exacerbating economic pressures amid rising unemployment and poverty. Economic analysts and traders blame military policies, low-quality production, and political instability for the woes.
ReliableQoshtepa Canal Second Section Reaches 98% Excavation Progress
The second section of the Qoshtepa Water Canal has reached 98% progress in excavation and 90.5% in headworks, with officials expecting soon operationalization following a visit by the Emirati National Development Company's head. Economic experts highlight its potential to boost agriculture, create jobs and improve water access in northern Afghanistan.
ReliableAfghanistan Ranks Third in South Korean Sweetened Carbonated Soft Drink Imports in 2025
Afghanistan ranked third in imports of sweetened carbonated soft drinks from South Korea in 2025 with $13.4 million, behind Cambodia and Russia, according to South Korean customs data published by TASS. The country placed second in the first two months of 2026 with $3.1 million in imports.
ReliablePakistani Fruits Continue Spoiling After Six-Month Trade Halt with Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan
Pakistani fruits like kinnow are spoiling in Mandi Peshawar amid a six-month trade suspension with the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, causing heavy losses for traders. The Islamic Emirate will resume trade only with a written pledge from Pakistan against politicizing commerce.
ReliableAfghanistan's Saffron Exports Reach $54 Million Last Year
Afghanistan's Ministry of Industry and Commerce reported saffron exports reached $54 million last year, with 56 tons shipped mainly to India, Saudi Arabia and the United States. Officials emphasized expanding cultivation beyond Herat to enhance production and farmers' incomes.
ReliableRegional Tensions in Middle East Disrupt Afghan Airlines' Flights, Surge Fuel Prices
Regional tensions in the Middle East, including Iran's attacks on Gulf countries, have forced Afghan airline Kam Air to cancel flights to Dubai, Qatar and Kuwait amid fuel shortages and price surges from $1,100-1,300 to $2,000-2,400 per ton. Officials and experts call for government subsidies and tax exemptions to avert ticket price increases and maintain service access.
ReliablePetrol prices in Pakistan reach 534 rupees per liter after 200-rupee hike
Petrol prices in Pakistan have jumped 200 rupees to 534 rupees per liter, the second hike this month, sparking transport sector concerns and fears of worsening economic crisis without official explanation from authorities.
ReliableNational bus services begin operations between Kabul and Paktia provinces
National bus services have launched between Kabul and Paktia provinces, operated by state entities aiming to provide safe, regular and affordable travel. Announcements highlight the revival of such services on the eastern Afghanistan route starting early in the solar year.
ReliableGold and Silver Prices Drop Sharply Amid Middle East Tensions
Gold prices plunged 5.8% to $4,226 per ounce on Monday amid Middle East tensions and expectations of interest rate hikes, marking the largest weekly drop since 1983. Silver, platinum and palladium also recorded sharp declines.
ReliableUK Prime Minister to Chair Emergency Meeting on Iran Tensions and Energy Costs
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will chair an emergency government meeting on Monday to evaluate the economic impacts of escalating tensions with Iran, particularly rising energy prices. Finance Minister Rachel Reeves and Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey are set to attend amid concerns over inflation and energy security.
Reliable10,000 Containers of Afghan Transit Goods Stuck at UAE's Jebel Ali Port Amid Iran-US Tensions
About 10,000 containers of Afghan transit goods are stuck at UAE's Jebel Ali port due to Iran-US tensions, after routes shifted from Pakistan amid Taliban-Pakistan frictions. The delays are causing financial losses and price hikes in import-dependent Afghanistan.
IEA Head Warns Closure of Strait of Hormuz Poses Serious Risk to Global Economy
Fatih Birol, head of the International Energy Agency, warned that the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and Middle East energy crisis from recent US-Israel-Iran clashes threaten the global economy. He highlighted damage to over 40 energy facilities, halted oil and gas transport, and surging prices, urging international action.
ReliableAfghani Increases 9.93% Against US Dollar in Solar Year 1404, Central Bank Reports
The Central Bank of Afghanistan reported a 9.93 percent appreciation of the afghani against the US dollar in solar year 1404, crediting monetary policies, bank oversight, and advances in electronic and Islamic banking. Analysts praised the efforts but called for resolving internal issues and easing international sanctions to further integrate public savings.
ReliableDeported Youth from Iran in Farah Province Report No Job Opportunities
Young people deported from Iran to Farah province in western Afghanistan report a lack of job opportunities and criticize the Taliban for having no employment programs. The deportations have contributed to a major unemployment crisis in the region.