Cultural Heritage Under Strain: Historic sites in Afghanistan’s Ghazni province—like Bala Hissar, the Ghaznain fortress and the old city—are deteriorating due to disasters, conflict damage and poor restoration that allegedly ignored traditional building methods. Agri & Water Security: Nimroz farmers report severe losses as drought and falling groundwater dry orchards and fields, pushing families to abandon farming or seek other work. Energy & Market Stability: Afghanistan’s Oil and Gas Corporation says fuel prices and supply are sensitive to regional shocks, including disruptions linked to the Strait of Hormuz, while imports continue through many companies and local commissions monitor hoarding. Food Security: WFP warns acute hunger is rising, with nearly 14 million Afghans facing acute hunger and funding cuts limiting assistance to a fraction of those in need. Trade & Industry Linkages: Afghanistan-US relations and broader economic cooperation remain on the agenda as Kabul discusses expanding ties, while reports also highlight the need to boost domestic production. Humanitarian Aid Pressure: The Islamic Emirate says it distributed 12.6 billion afghanis in cash assistance to 650,000 vulnerable people, as aid restrictions continue to disrupt programs. Security & Supply Chains: Pakistan, US and Sri Lanka report a major methamphetamine bust tied to an Afghan trafficking network, with seizures at Karachi and Colombo ports.