AGP Executive Report

Mining Safety: Five workers were killed after a mine collapse in Afghanistan’s Takhar province, highlighting ongoing risks in the country’s mineral-rich districts. Salt Industry: Afghanistan has reached self-sufficiency in salt production, producing 344,000 tons annually versus an estimated 300,000-ton need, with 14 mines supplying domestic processing and packaging and plans to export. Sports & Youth Infrastructure: Afghan cricket star Rashid Khan says he plans to build a major cricket academy and stadium in Nangarhar, aiming to start construction after current commitments. Food Security & Women’s Livelihoods: UN Women reports Afghan women and girls make up 60% of those at risk of food insecurity, warning that Middle East escalation and rising costs could worsen pressures on families and humanitarian operations. Cross-Border Tensions: Afghanistan and Pakistan traded opposing claims over casualties from recent cross-border airstrikes, underscoring instability that can disrupt trade and regional industry. Digital Identity & Connectivity: Regional connectivity discussions at CAMCA Forum 2026 focused on turning digital IDs and cross-border financial systems into practical services, including interoperability and regulatory alignment.

Food Security: UN Women says women and girls in Afghanistan make up 60% of people at risk of food insecurity, warning that Middle East escalation could add 11.7 million more women and girls facing hunger by end-2026, as higher energy, fertilizer, transport and food costs squeeze livelihoods. Humanitarian Funding: The UN released $160m from its emergency fund for crises including Afghanistan, with $10m earmarked for people with disabilities, urging faster access for aid operations. Industry & Trade Links: Afghanistan’s Industry and Commerce minister visited Belarus, alongside agriculture and health officials, to expand economic ties, discuss banking and visas for traders, and plan business forums and investment conferences. Regional Diplomacy: A meeting in Islamabad on “Afghan Predicament and the Trajectory to Peace” heard Russia’s push for a peaceful, economically self-sufficient Afghanistan integrated with neighbors. Energy/Logistics: A uranium fuel convoy for Bangladesh’s Rooppur plant is moving under tight security, with the route reportedly passing through Afghanistan as part of a wider corridor.

Afghanistan–Belarus Economic Push: Kabul’s Industry and Commerce Minister Nooruddin Azizi and Public Health Minister Noor Jalal Jalali are in Belarus, following an earlier agriculture visit by Ataullah Omari, with talks on expanding trade, visas for traders, banking links, and plans for an Afghanistan–Belarus business forum and investment conference. Regional Peace Talks: A meeting titled “Afghan Predicament and the Trajectory to Peace” in Islamabad drew regional participation, with Russia’s Zamir Kabulov stressing support for Afghanistan’s economic self-sufficiency alongside peace and stability. Mining Safety Alert: Afghanistan’s gold mine collapse has trapped at least ten miners, highlighting ongoing risks for the country’s extractives sector. Agriculture & Livestock Focus: The Taliban’s agriculture, irrigation and livestock minister discussed agricultural and livestock development, signaling continued attention to rural production. Industry & Trade Context: Reports also note Afghanistan’s drought deepening and women bearing the heaviest burden, a pressure point for food production and supply chains.

Regional Connectivity & Trade: At the CAMCA forum in Baku, leaders stressed that Central Asia, the Caucasus and Afghanistan are moving toward the “strategic center,” with the Middle Corridor and stronger regional institutions seen as key to boosting transport, trade and business links. Energy Infrastructure: TAPI gas pipeline has reached the outskirts of Herat, with plans to extend into the city and a provincial industrial park—an important step for regional gas supply and potential transit benefits. Agriculture & Irrigation: UNDP’s new Afghanistan representative met the agriculture minister to push continued cooperation in agriculture, livestock and irrigation, with a focus on meeting international standards and solving market access gaps. Industry & Machinery Links: Belarus’s industry ministry met Afghanistan’s industry leadership during INNOPROM, highlighting demand for Belarusian freight and agricultural vehicles and discussing concrete business events. Cross-border Security: Pakistan again warned Kabul over alleged militant activity “emanating from Afghan soil,” calling for decisive action while reiterating its stance on international sanctions. Aviation & Logistics Disruption: US air restrictions tied to the Iran airline ban cut Tehran international flights by 42%, reshaping regional air connectivity and route planning.

Regional Energy & Industry: The TAPI gas pipeline has reached the outskirts of Herat city, with plans to extend supply into the city and the provincial industrial park, supporting regional trade and industrial activity. Agriculture & Livestock Development: Afghanistan’s agriculture ministry met UNDP’s new representative, discussing expanded cooperation in farming, irrigation, livestock and better marketing for agricultural products. Cross-Border Security Impacting Trade: Pakistan carried out air strikes on Kunar and Helmand near the Afghan border, with conflicting casualty claims from both sides—another reminder of how instability can disrupt livelihoods and supply routes. Mining & Jobs Risk: A gold mine collapse in northern Afghanistan trapped miners, underlining the urgent need for safer extraction and faster rescue capacity. Logistics Innovation: FPT and ZEBOX launched a three-year partnership to build AI solutions for shipping, ports and logistics, aiming to improve operations and clean energy use. Trade Connectivity Planning: Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and the UAE agreed to study a CASA railway corridor through Afghanistan to Pakistan’s seaports, targeting major freight volumes. Policy & Markets: UNDP and Afghan officials again flagged market access as a key bottleneck for farmers—turning “production” into “income” remains the core industrial challenge.

Counter-Narcotics: Afghan forces in Nimroz incinerated 3.05 million stimulant tablets and 9.5 tons of narcotics, while Takhar saw destruction of over 3 tons of illegal drugs, as Kabul reiterates its ban on poppy cultivation and trafficking. Security & Borders: A major fire broke out at Islam Qala border crossing in Herat, with videos showing large vehicles burning; authorities have yet to confirm losses. Regional Connectivity: Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and the UAE agreed to explore a CASA railway corridor linking Central Asia to Afghanistan and Pakistan with access to Pakistan’s seaports, aiming to boost freight and trade logistics. Trade & Industry Diplomacy: Afghanistan’s Industry Minister reportedly traveled to Belarus to expand investment and economic ties. Infrastructure Progress: Afghanistan inaugurated a key 43-km segment of the Herat-Khaf railway, strengthening links toward regional markets. Logistics Disruption: UAE flight operations saw cancellations and suspensions tied to a flydubai incident, affecting travelers heading through Dubai.

Mining Safety: At least 10 miners were trapped after a tunnel collapse at a gold mine in Takhar province, with provincial police and rescue teams dispatched as authorities await details on the cause and the miners’ condition. Power Trade: Da Afghanistan Breshna Shirkat (DABS) says Tajikistan’s electricity company is ready to expand exports, including plans for a 500-kilovolt transmission line and further work on tariffs, investment, and training. Regional Energy & Industry: Tajikistan-Afghanistan grid talks come as Afghanistan’s energy needs remain tightly linked to cross-border infrastructure and investment. Cross-Border Logistics & Human Cost: A Paris court jailed six men for manslaughter over the 2021 Channel migrant disaster that killed at least 27 people, including Afghans, highlighting how unsafe “logistics” networks keep exploiting shipping routes. Security & Investment Risk: Pakistan’s Barrick Reko Diq copper-gold project slowed and extended its review after militant violence raised concerns over construction, logistics, and supply chains.

Regional Trade & Connectivity: Pakistan-Afghanistan business ties get a boost as the Pakistan-Afghanistan Joint Chamber of Commerce & Industry elects Muhammad Jawaid Bilwani, urging resolution of outstanding issues and practical solutions for trade. Business Services: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry inaugurates a Business Facilitation Centre in Peshawar to bring key departments (FBR, NADRA, WAPDA, police and others) under one roof for faster approvals. Transport Infrastructure: Uzbekistan, Afghanistan and Pakistan push the Uzbekistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan railway concept (Termez–Hairatan–Peshawar, with links toward Karachi/Gwadar), with feasibility work expected to finish by end-2026. Water & Agriculture Pressure: In Zabul’s Qalat, residents report wells drying and groundwater dropping from 30–40m to 170–200m, with calls for dams and water-storage to protect irrigation. Energy & Logistics Cooperation: Kyrgyzstan and the UK discuss British investment and expertise for energy and logistics projects, including critical minerals, while also coordinating on Afghanistan-related security. Pharma Supply Strain (Regional Watch): Iran’s medicine prices reportedly triple as sanctions and blockade squeeze pharmaceutical imports—an indirect reminder for Afghanistan’s import-dependent health supply chains.

Rail & Trade Connectivity: Uzbekistan, Afghanistan and Pakistan are pushing ahead on a planned transborder railway linking Termez–Hairatan–Peshawar and onward to Karachi and Gwadar, with feasibility work and field surveys underway and completion expected by end-2026. Afghanistan Infrastructure: Afghanistan inaugurated a key 43-km segment of the Herat–Khaf railway, signaling continued momentum for rail-led trade corridors. Food & Supply Chains: Grain shipments from Kazakhstan to Afghanistan jumped 4.4 times to about 655,000 tons, while Kazakhstan’s grain harvest nears 20 million tons despite dry spells. Climate & Water Risk: UN officials say Afghanistan is on the frontline of the global climate crisis, with snow—up to 80% of water resources—declining and raising drought and flood risks. UN Participation & Projects: UNAMA is working to help Afghan delegations attend international environment conferences and attract climate-related projects, amid calls for more financial support. Energy & Logistics Diplomacy: Kyrgyzstan’s foreign minister met the UK on cooperation, including British investment and expertise for energy, logistics, and critical minerals—alongside discussion of Afghanistan’s regional security.

Rail & Trade: Afghanistan inaugurated the first phase of the Herat-Khaf railway, a 43-km stretch worth $58.5m, with a second 47-km phase under way—aimed at boosting regional transit and access to European markets. Sanctions & Mobility: New US sanctions have grounded many Iranian flights on short notice, forcing travelers to reroute via long road journeys and remaining gateways like Turkey, raising costs and uncertainty for cross-border movement. EU Diplomacy: Italian diplomat Nicola Bellomo began his role as EU charge d’affaires in Afghanistan, as the EU continues donor-backed programs focused on economic resilience and agriculture. Urban Environment: Kabul residents and officials are pushing back on noise pollution, with loudspeakers and noisy vehicle horns being confiscated and targeted. Industry & Connectivity (Regional): Iran’s Chabahar–Zahedan rail link completion is highlighted as a corridor to Central Asia and Afghanistan, though sanctions continue to complicate operations. Security & Governance (Regional): Pakistan’s federal ministers escalated criticism of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s counter-terror response, fueling debate over emergency or governor’s rule.

Afghanistan-Industry & Trade: Iran completed the 730-km Chabahar–Zahedan railway, a move expected to strengthen landlocked Afghanistan’s access to maritime routes and boost regional logistics for Central Asia. Healthcare & Pharma Cooperation: Afghanistan’s Public Health Minister Nur Jalal Jalali visited Belarus to discuss healthcare delivery, specialist training, and pharmaceutical production partnerships, including a state pharmaceutical manufacturer. Construction & Social Infrastructure: Afghanistan’s Ministry of Education says 1,300+ schools and religious schools were built and 4,000+ renovated over five years, with new foundations laid for 42 more in the first half of 1405. Handicrafts & Exports: Aqcha carpet weavers in Jawzjan report production and exports falling due to raw-material shortages and higher export tariffs, with shipping costs rising sharply. Security & Supply Chains: Afghan counter-narcotics police seized 60 kg of meth and 5 kg of opium in Nangarhar and dismantled three heroin-processing labs in multiple provinces.

Carpet Industry: Aqcha carpet weavers in Jawzjan say production and exports have fallen as raw materials run short and market access stays weak, with export costs rising sharply and traders urging the Islamic Emirate to step in. Education Infrastructure: Afghanistan’s Ministry of Education reports 1,300+ new school and religious school buildings built in five years, with thousands more renovated, aiming for safer classrooms and steadier attendance. Public Health & Nutrition: In Ajristan (Ghazni), health officials warn malnutrition is widespread—around 80% of mothers and 85% of children—while limited beds, rooms, and just one ambulance strain emergency care. Trade & Transport: Iran says transit cooperation with Afghanistan is expanding, highlighting Chabahar and Bandar Abbas ports and Afghan follow-up representation as sanctions continue to shape operations. Women’s Entrepreneurship: UNDP and UN Women launched a $1.7m fund to support 1,500 Afghan women entrepreneurs with Sharia-compliant finance, training, mentoring, and market access. Road Construction: Work continues on the Farah-Farah Rod highway widening, a key trade route with heavy daily cargo traffic, with completion expected within eight months.

Women Entrepreneurship: UNDP and UN Women launched a $1.7m Afghanistan Women’s Fund for Resilient Businesses to support 1,500 women entrepreneurs with Sharia-compliant finance plus training and market access, aiming to mobilize an extra $10m. Trade & Logistics: Ariana Afghan Airlines doubled Kabul–Delhi cargo flights to two daily services to speed up shipments of fresh produce, dried fruits, carpets, saffron and pharmaceuticals. Road Infrastructure: Farah’s Ministry of Public Works is widening and reconstructing the Farah–Farah Rod highway (68 km), citing heavy daily cargo traffic and targeting completion within eight months. Security & Industry Risk: The World Bank reports security spending is dominating the Taliban administration budget (45.2% so far), while education, health and agriculture receive far smaller shares—raising concerns for business and production growth. Regional Connectivity: Pakistan told ECO that ending militancy linked to Afghanistan is key for lasting regional peace and economic integration. Cross-border Energy/Transit: Iran and Afghanistan expanded cooperation on transit and logistics via Chabahar and Bandar Abbas ports, with follow-up talks continuing.

Trade & Logistics: Ariana Afghan Airlines doubled Kabul–New Delhi dedicated cargo flights to two daily services, aiming to speed up shipments of fresh produce, dried fruits, carpets, saffron and pharmaceuticals as overland routes remain harder. Health & Private Sector: The Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment approved plans for a 100-bed charity cancer hospital in Kabul, with a technical team now set to map site, equipment, departments, costs and funding for low-income patients. Security & Drugs: Afghan police in Helmand destroyed two heroin labs and seized 3,520 kg of production materials. Regional Security & Policy: A World Bank report says security takes nearly half of the Taliban administration’s budget, while education, health and agriculture receive far smaller shares amid economic pressure. Regional Connectivity: Iran and Afghanistan expanded transit and logistics cooperation, including follow-up on Afghanistan’s representative for the Chabahar port and continued talks on routes via Bandar Abbas. Industry & Infrastructure: Kabul’s business ecosystem gets a boost as ACCI moves from planning to implementation for oncology services, while trade corridors remain a key lever for industry growth.

Afghan Trade & Transit: Iran and Afghanistan say Kabul-Tehran transit cooperation is expanding, with follow-up on Chabahar port representation and ongoing talks to move Afghan goods via Iran toward India and global markets. Afghanistan Economy & Budget: A World Bank report says security spending is dominating the Taliban administration’s budget, with security taking 45.2% of government spending so far this fiscal year while education, health, and agriculture lag. Private Health Investment: The Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment approved a plan for a 100-bed charity cancer hospital in Kabul, aiming to cut costs for low-income patients and set up a technical committee for site, equipment, and funding. Law Enforcement & Drugs: Afghan police in Helmand destroyed two heroin processing labs and seized 3,520 kg of heroin-production materials. Regional Security Pressure: Pakistan-linked reporting highlights cross-border militant tensions, including claims of strikes and drone incidents tied to Afghanistan-based threats. Industry & Logistics Crime: A major UK case shows how stolen smartphones were exported through a sophisticated supply chain to China and Dubai—an indirect reminder of how vulnerable logistics networks can be.

Healthcare & Philanthropy: The Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment approved a plan for a 100-bed charity cancer hospital in Kabul, with a technical committee to assess site, design, equipment, oncology departments, costs, funding, and private-sector roles—aimed at helping low-income patients who can’t afford diagnosis and treatment. Regional Trade & Logistics: Pakistan and Oman are discussing sister-port cooperation between Gwadar and Sohar, covering port operations, training, shipping incentives, logistics, warehousing, fisheries, and investment—an effort to deepen maritime connectivity. Energy & Connectivity Risk: UNGA remarks highlighted the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandeb as “arteries of the global economy,” warning they must stay open amid Middle East escalation. Security & Cross-Border Tensions: Reports also flagged renewed militant pressure tied to Afghanistan-Pakistan dynamics, alongside political disputes over terrorism and law-and-order responsibilities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Aviation Disruption: New US sanctions have triggered flight suspensions affecting Iranian services across parts of the Gulf, adding to regional travel chaos.