Afghanistan–Uzbekistan Connectivity: Uzbekistan’s renewed regional vision puts Afghanistan at the center of a “common development space,” aiming to link Central Asia, the South Caucasus and Afghanistan to boost trade, investment and transit. Afghan Exports & Transit Bottlenecks: Afghan traders say shifting routes after closures has pushed them toward Iran’s Chabahar and Bandar Abbas, but costs and delays have surged—one container reportedly rising from about $5,000 to $40,000 and transit stretching from ~40 days to 4–6 months. Solar Power Market Growth: With frequent power cuts, Kabul’s solar market is expanding fast, with Chinese-made panels, batteries and inverters drawing homeowners, shopkeepers and farmers—many now installing systems themselves. Counter-Narcotics Push: Afghan security forces dismantled a heroin processing lab in Farah and seized 2,205 kg of illicit drugs, arresting four suspects. Mining & Industry Link: Herat’s mineral stone exports are rising, including a reported 50-ton shipment of black stone to the U.S., supported by improved processing and standardized quality. Regional Trade Corridors: Pakistan and Türkiye moved to revive the Islamabad–Tehran–Istanbul freight rail corridor, targeting stronger logistics links across South Asia, Central Asia and Europe. Cross-border Human Impact: The Taliban says three Afghan citizens killed in Italy were repatriated to Kabul for burial after nearly two months.