Afghanistan International: The funds, earmarked for madrasas in Pakistan’s border provinces of Balochistan, Sindh, and Punjab, were ordered by Akhundzada despite the Taliban administration facing a severe financial shortfall. Click here to read more (external link).
Amu: In the drought-stricken province of Faryab, farmers say their livelihoods are hanging by a thread as water scarcity and prolonged dry spells continue to devastate agriculture. Dozens of farmers are now looking to the Qosh Tepa canal — a long-awaited irrigation project — as their last hope for salvaging the growing season. Without its
Ariana: The tariffs, he said, were a response. The base tariff of 10 percent on almost all US imports will be imposed by April 5, the additional reciprocal tariffs on countries will kick in on April 9. Abdul Qasim Amarkhel, head of the Dried Fruit Exporters’ Union, says: “The 10% tariff is cruel and illegal.
Afghanistan International: Iran and the Taliban plan to establish consulates in Farah and Birjand to boost trade and economic ties, according to Mohammad Reza Hashemi, Governor of South Khorasan, as reported by IRNA. Hashemi stated that these consulates could pave the way for enhanced cooperation across various sectors. He noted that, under directives from Iran’s
Amu: Iran’s top diplomat in Afghanistan, Alireza Bigdeli, said Afghan migrants living in Iran have played a “vital” role in supporting the country’s economic development, and called for stronger cultural and economic ties between the two neighbors. Speaking during a visit to Herat to follow up on bilateral cooperation projects, Bigdeli described Iran-Afghanistan relations as
8am: The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) warned on World Water Day that climate change threatens Afghanistan’s glaciers. Reports from United Nations agencies indicate that Afghanistan is facing severe climate change challenges. Click here to read more (external link).
By RFE/RL’s Radio Azadi March 19, 2025 Under the Taliban, Afghan women can’t study at universities or work in most jobs. But 22-year-old Zahra Ali has created a small business that brings in an income and provides a much-needed resource to her neighbors. At her home workshop in Kabul, she builds rechargeable battery packs that help
Tolo News: Carpet sellers in Herat have called on the interim government to not only prevent the smuggling of Afghan handwoven carpets to neighboring countries but also to facilitate their export under Afghanistan’s name. Click here to read more (external link).
8am: The United Nations has reported in a recent assessment that the price of one kilogram of opium in Afghanistan has increased tenfold compared to previous years. The UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) stated in its report that following the Taliban’s ban on opium cultivation, the price of this substance has sharply risen,
By Sarah Zaman VOA News March 7, 2025 Just as discoveries of fossil fuel reserves helped to shape the 20th century, the race for critical minerals is shaping the 21st. These minerals are seen as strategically crucial for modern economies, including those used in construction, energy and manufacturing — particularly for semiconductors and other technology