Kabul Market Push: Kabul hosted an “Economic Transformation” exhibition aimed at boosting domestic production and backing women entrepreneurs, with officials urging donors to invest in infrastructure—not only humanitarian aid—and organizers planning a dedicated market for women to sell locally made goods. Human Trafficking Risk: The UN warned Afghanistan’s worsening humanitarian and economic crisis is raising the risk of human trafficking, citing forced returns, shrinking livelihoods, and Taliban restrictions on women and girls; only 11% of surveyed returnees were fully employed or running businesses. Mining Safety & Livelihoods: A methane blast collapsed a coal mine in Balochistan’s Sorange, killing two and trapping 25 miners; in Afghanistan’s northeast, reports highlight opaque gold extraction networks and local complaints that Taliban bans on gold panning in Andarab, Baghlan are pushing families deeper into debt. Water Stress in Herat: Herat faces declining groundwater from deep wells and solar pumping, with officials moving toward water meters to curb over-extraction as canals dry and farmland and drinking water supplies come under pressure. Exports & Trade Signals: Afghanistan marked National Export Day and reported progress on stone exports to the US, while regional trade cooperation with Uzbekistan continues to expand.