Textile Investment in Kabul: An Afghan investor says a $80m international-standard textile factory in Kabul is 90% complete and should start fabric production within two months, aiming to create 12,000 direct jobs and produce 50,000 sq meters of fabric per hour. Trade Facilitation with India: The Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment met India’s ambassador to push export growth, better logistics, fewer trade barriers, and easier business visas, with plans for joint exhibitions and business delegations. Carpet Exports and Jobs: Afghanistan’s carpet sector employs nearly one million people and has exported over 760,000 sq meters of handwoven carpets this year, with major buyers in Europe, Turkey, and the Middle East. Humanitarian Pressure: Human Rights Watch warns millions face an imminent hunger crisis, citing Taliban restrictions on women’s work in aid and calling for urgent donor funding and removal of barriers. Rising Costs: Fuel prices reportedly jumped up to 25% in several Afghan cities in two days, pushing up transport fares and the cost of essentials. Regional Shock from Iran War: US-Iran strikes are hitting ports and infrastructure tied to regional trade routes, including renewed reports of damage around Iran’s Chabahar corridor—raising uncertainty for Afghanistan-linked logistics. Pakistan Border Crackdown: AFP reports Pakistan has launched a large-scale crackdown on undocumented Afghans, including demolitions and forced departures, adding pressure to cross-border livelihoods.