Wakhan Connectivity Boost: Afghanistan officially opened a 121-kilometer gravel road through the Wakhan Corridor in Badakhshan, linking to China’s Xinjiang and built in two phases at a reported cost of 365 million afghanis, with bridges, culverts and retaining walls—aimed at expanding trade and transit. Banking & Digital Finance: Kabul is set to host a major banking conference later this month, with the Afghanistan Banks Association saying it will focus on sector strengthening, job creation, Islamic banking, money transfers, and further progress in electronic and digital banking. Power for Remote Districts: DABS signed a cooperation agreement with Tajikistan’s Pamir Energy to supply electricity to border districts in northern Badakhshan, targeting network modernization and improved services. Explosive Hazard Cleanup: UNDP and partners are clearing explosive remnants of war and running mine-risk education in Kunduz, warning that unexploded ordnance remains a serious threat to civilians. Mining Safety Alert: Five workers were killed after a mine collapse in Takhar’s Shah Mastan Valley, underscoring ongoing risks in Afghanistan’s mineral-rich provinces. Regional Trade Pressure: Reporting highlights how Afghanistan-Pakistan border closures keep trade routes like Torkham and Spin Boldak from functioning normally, raising costs and disrupting supplies.