Silk Weaving: An Ancient Heritage of Herat on the Brink of Extinction
The ancient silk weaving industry in Herat, which has a glorious history, has recently declined.
With the overwhelming imports of silk clothing from China and Pakistan, domestic silk production has significantly decreased.
Many silk weavers in Herat have stopped their work, while others have turned to different professions.
Aminullah, who has worked behind a silk weaving machine for 60 years out of his 70-year life, said that with the passing of his youthful days, his craft has also lost its prominence.
This silk weaver in Herat told TOLOnews: “There were nearly 200 silk weaving machines in Herat, but now it has been reduced to just ten. The silk weaving industry is on the brink of destruction. The way forward for this industry is for people to use domestic silk products such as turbans, shawls, and handkerchiefs, and we no longer need foreign goods.”
Amir Mohammad, another silk weaver from Herat, said: “This street used to be full of silk weavers, but since the arrival of Chinese handkerchiefs a few years ago, many silk weavers became unemployed or changed their profession.”
In the heart of the old city of Herat, the silk clothing market exists. However, the number of customers in this market has significantly decreased compared to the past.
Ali Reza Hosseini, a silk seller in Herat, told: “The silk market in Herat has lost its former vibrancy with the increase of Pakistani and Chinese goods.”
Ahmad, another silk weaver, said: “The number of silk weaving machines had reached four or five, but I brought some young people to learn this craft, and now it has reached ten machines. I feel that this industry is coming to an end.”
Officials of the Ministry of Information and Culture in Herat pledged that it is committed to the growth of the ancient silk weaving industry in the province.
Hamidullah Ghyasi, head of culture and art at the Ministry of Information and Culture in Herat, told: “The Ministry of Information and Culture in Herat has seriously supported the silk weaving industry. In the Dar al-Funun Herywa, located in the historical fortress of Herat (Qala-i-Ikhtiyaruddin), we have allocated a section for the silk weaving industry.”
Silk weaving is one of the ancient industries in Herat. In the past, most citizens used silk clothing. However, with the rise in the import of low-quality silk clothing and pieces from neighboring countries, especially China and Pakistan, the indigenous silk weaving industry in Herat has lost its vibrancy.
Artifacts from Mes Aynak Will Be Returned to Logar Once Museum is Built
The head of information and culture in Logar said that due to the lack of a proper museum in the province, around 3,000 historical artifacts from Mes Aynak have been moved to Kabul for exhibition at the National Museum.
The Logar provincial museum has only a small room to store and display historical artifacts, most of which have been donated by locals.
Rafiullah Samim, head of information and culture in Logar, told media: “The artifacts we have received from Mes Aynak, numbering about 3,000, are placed in the Mes Aynak section of the National Museum. Once a museum is built in Logar, the transferred artifacts will be brought back to Logar.”
However, some cultural activists and residents of Logar said that the historical artifacts should be stored and displayed in the province itself. They are calling for the construction of a proper museum in the province.
Bashir Sahil, a cultural activist in Logar, said: “It would be great if a place under the name of a museum is established in Logar. The goal is not just to keep the artifacts in Logar, but this will attract tourists both from within Afghanistan and abroad.”
Mohammad Amin Naseri, another cultural activist from Logar, said: “When people go to the National Museum to see artifacts, why not come to Logar? When the artifacts are in Logar, it will lead to an increase in tourists, which in turn will boost the economy of Logar and its people.”
The head of information and culture in Logar also stated that several acres of land have been allocated for the construction of a museum in the Mohammad Agha district of the province, and work on it will begin next solar year.
The previous government began the construction of a special museum to store artifacts from the Mes Aynak mine on 30 acres of land in Mohammad Agha district. However, after the political changes, construction was halted.
In Herat, a centuries-old tradition of pottery faces extinction
Once a thriving craft passed down through generations, Herat’s ancient pottery tradition is teetering on the brink of extinction.
Once home to dozens of bustling pottery workshops producing decorative and functional wares, Herat now has just one active studio struggling to keep the craft alive. Artists and local observers blame government neglect and administrative red tape for the decline of a centuries-old industry that once helped define the cultural identity of the historic western city.
“In the past, Herat was full of workshops, full of creativity,” said Hikmatullah Gholami, one of the last remaining potters in the city. “Now, we are down to one workshop. The officials don’t care, and bureaucracy has stifled any chance to revive this art.”
Gholami, who has worked as a potter for 25 years, turns earth and fire into intricate pottery — bowls, vases, and traditional Herati designs — in his modest studio. But despite the beauty of his work and the heritage it represents, he says navigating government processes has become nearly impossible.
“I went to the industrial park to request land, but they told me, ‘First build the road, then you can extract the soil.’ How can we know if the soil is even usable without testing it first?” Gholami said, expressing frustration with what he described as a broken system.
Herat’s pottery tradition, once known for its innovation and artistry, now struggles with limited sales, declining interest, and lack of institutional support. Decorative wares that once graced homes and markets across the region now sit unsold, as public interest wanes and younger generations turn away from the craft.
In a city renowned for its cultural heritage — from Persian miniatures to tilework — the quiet fading of its pottery tradition marks the loss of more than just a livelihood. For Gholami and the few who remain, it is the slow erasure of a living history.
“We’re not just shaping clay,” he said. “We’re shaping identity. And that identity is being forgotten.”
Widespread Malnutrition Harms Children and Mothers in Afghanistan
The ongoing economic challenges faced by many families in Afghanistan have led to a growing malnutrition crisis among children and mothers.
Numerous families report being unable to provide proper nutrition for their children.
Sayed Shah, a father who cannot afford treatment for his children, told TOLOnews: “These two children are suffering from malnutrition; I treated one of them for two years, and for the past year, I’ve been treating the other. They are also afflicted with other illnesses. I call on the government and the public to help me with my children’s treatment.”
Meanwhile, UNICEF has reported that in the first three months of the current year, it has provided medical services to more than 1.527 million children and breastfeeding mothers in Afghanistan. The United Nations Children’s Fund also noted that during this period, over 246,000 children under the age of five suffering from malnutrition were referred to treatment programs.
Dr. Ahmad Shaqib Zaheer, a physician in Kabul, told TOLOnews: “It is essential to identify the root causes of malnutrition. Since this disease is prevalent in poor countries, it is necessary to improve the economic, political, and cultural conditions of such societies. Alongside that, maintaining a proper diet is crucial — our food must include proteins, fats, carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins.”
Previously, the World Food Programme (WFP) projected that by 2025, 3.5 million children in Afghanistan would suffer from malnutrition.
According to WFP statistics, 1.2 million pregnant and breastfeeding mothers in the country are currently suffering from malnutrition and are in urgent need of medical treatment and nutritional support.
WHO Reports 42% Spike in Measles Cases in Afghanistan
The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported a 42% increase in measles cases in Afghanistan during the month of March.
The organization said in a report that diseases such as acute diarrhea, malaria, and Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever have also increased compared to February.
Meanwhile, WHO statistics indicate that respiratory illnesses have decreased; new cases of COVID-19 and dengue fever have also declined.
Latest Statistics:
Measles: 12,535 new cases (42.8% increase compared to February)
Acute Diarrhea: 7,128 new cases (9.4% increase)
Malaria: 794 new cases (10.9% increase)
Crimean-Congo Fever: 29 new cases (81.3% increase)
Respiratory Illnesses: 139,226 new cases (18.9% decrease)
COVID-19: 147 new cases (41.9% decrease)
Dengue Fever: 18 new cases (30.8% decrease)
Mujtaba Sofi, a doctor, stated: “The Ministry of Public Health must be capable of attracting aid in order to reduce the spread of contagious diseases and control them with the help of WHO.”
The WHO also announced support for 123 health centers across 20 provinces and three hospitals in Afghanistan.
Sayed Abdullah Ahmadi, another doctor said: “Cutting aid and lack of support from WHO will cause a major disaster in delivering healthcare services to the impoverished population of Afghanistan.”
Previously, the organization had warned that due to budget shortages, 80% of the WHO-supported health centers in Afghanistan may shut down by June this year.
Afghanistan Exported Over 32,000 Tons of Figs in 1403
Afghanistan’s fig exports saw a significant rise in the year 1403 (April 20, 2024 – March 19, 2025), with shipments valued at over $165 million sent to various countries.
According to the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, this marks a notable increase compared to the previous year, 1402.
The ministry reports that 32,814 metric tons of figs were exported in 1403 to countries including India, Pakistan, the United Arab Emirates, the United States, Oman, Qatar, the United Kingdom, Canada, and the Netherlands, generating over 165 million USD in export value.
Abdul Salam Jawad, spokesperson for the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, stated: “Fig exports in 1403 amounted to 32,814 tons, valued at over 165 million dollars, with the majority going to India, Pakistan, the UAE, the US, Oman, Qatar, the UK, Canada, and the Netherlands.”
However, the Chamber of Commerce and Investment and the Dry Fruit Exporters’ Union have highlighted key obstacles to expanding dried fruit exports—especially figs. These include banking limitations, visa issues, and the lack of standard processing facilities.
Mirzaman Popal, acting head of finance and administration at the Chamber of Commerce and Investment, told media: “There should be investment in fig processing and packaging within the country. We also call on international partners to support our traders and investors in the packaging sector.”
Khalid Rahmani, spokesperson for the Kabul Dry Fruit Exporters’ Union, said: “If business challenges such as lack of export facilities and visa delays are resolved, we can confidently say that exports of dried fruits, especially figs, will increase.”
Figs are considered one of Afghanistan’s key horticultural products and have recently become an important export commodity, shipped both fresh and dried to various global markets.
'Orange Blossom' Exhibition Launched in Nangarhar to Promote Local Products
A three-day exhibition of domestic products titled “Orange Blossom” has been launched by a private company in the eastern province of Nangarhar.
According to organizers, the exhibition, which features 160 booths, aims to market locally made goods.
Masood Haqmal, the organizer of the exhibition, said: “Industrialists and traders from various sectors have taken booths in this exhibition and are showcasing their products.”
Sayed Abdul Basir Pacha, the head of Nangarhar’s Industry and Commerce Department, said: “The goal of this exhibition is to help local products reach international markets.”
Meanwhile, several industrialists not only seek market access but also demand more facilities and support for domestic production.
Participants of the Orange Blossom exhibition said that organizing such events positively contributes to the growth of local industries.
Masiullah, an exhibitor at the event, told: “The government must do more to support entrepreneurs, such as stopping the import of low-quality medicines into the market.”
Abdul Rahman Jumazai, another exhibitor, said: “We have invested from our own pockets, but the banking system needs to be strengthened so that people can access loans.”
Local officials in Nangarhar have assured investors and industrialists that they will facilitate investment opportunities in the province.
Azizullah Mustafa, the deputy governor of Nangarhar, stated: “We have assured and will continue to assure traders that we are cooperating with them in every area so they can invest in the country and contribute to its development.”
This comes as similar exhibitions have recently been held in various provinces to promote domestic products, with a positive impact reported.
China Pledges to Start Trade Via Wakhan With Completion
Local officials in Badakhshan said that Chinese authorities have assured them that the country will open its trade route with Afghanistan once the construction of the Wakhan road is completed.
According to Badakhshan local officials, the second phase of the Wakhan road project with China will be completed within the next two months, and at the same time, China will begin its trade activities with Afghanistan.
Mohammad Ayoub Khalid, the governor of Badakhshan, stated, “We have reached the Chinese border, where the barbed wire is located. The road has been connected, and work on its development is ongoing. It will soon be operational.”
Khan Mohammad, head of the governor’s office in Badakhshan, said, “Work on the road construction and other facilities is ongoing, and we hope that it would be ready for use in a short time. The Chinese ambassador has fully assured us that the trade route will be opened and the road will be operational.”
The reopening and commencement of activities through the Wakhan Corridor will have a positive impact on the country’s economic and trade processes.
Saleh Mohammad Alokozai, an Afghan businessman in China, discussed the importance of this road, saying, “This route could affect prices in Afghanistan’s markets, and it is a short and efficient route for exporting fresh and dried fruits from Afghanistan.”
According to officials in the de facto govermnet, the connection with China through the Wakhan Corridor will significantly enhance the country’s trade and economic activities. They added that the construction of trade and security infrastructure at the border with China is also nearing completion.
Investors Propose $12M Industrial Park in Deh Sabz
A number of Afghan investors have presented a $12 million investment plan to the Ministry of Industry and Commerce for the establishment of industrial parks in Deh Sabz district of Kabul.
These investors, during a meeting with Nooruddin Azizi, the acting minister, emphasized that the activation of industrial parks by the private sector will not only provide job opportunities for hundreds of industrial workers but also create employment for thousands of others.
The ministry’s spokesperson, Abdul Salam Jawad, said that Azizi, while welcoming the proposal, requested the investors to share their proposal with the ministry so the technical team could begin planning its implementation.
Jawad stated: “The individuals in question have shared their investment plan for establishing a private industrial park worth $12 million over an area of 1,000 acres in Deh Sabz district of Kabul with the ministry leadership and stressed that the activation of this park will enable hundreds of industrialists to operate and create jobs for thousands.”
Meanwhile, officials in the private sector said investing in the establishment of industrial parks that meet global standards will be influential in the development of domestic production and job creation for citizens in the country.
Mir Zaman Popal, acting head of finance and administration of the chamber of commerce and investment, said: “The government must provide facilities such as electricity, sewage systems, and land in industrial parks, while investors are responsible for making significant investments in various sectors in accordance with international standards.”
Abdul Jabbar Safi, the head of the Afghanistan industrialists’ Association, said: “We are making a joint investment that will amount to $12 million. This industrial township will be built on 1,000 acres of land, and its roads and sidewalks will meet international standards.”
This comes after the leader of the de facto government issued an order to allocate land in all provinces for the establishment of industrial parks aimed at economic development and industrial growth in Afghanistan. Relevant institutions are currently working on implementing this directive.
Gold Price Surges in Afghanistan Amid Global Trade Tensions
Amid escalating trade tensions between China and the United States, the price of gold has seen a significant increase both in global markets and in Afghanistan.
Several residents of Kabul, who were purchasing gold for celebratory events, said that due to economic hardships, they can no longer afford to buy gold.
They express hope that gold prices will drop in the country’s markets.
Mohammad Kabir, a Kabul resident, told: “I came to the market yesterday because we have a wedding and needed gold. Compared to a few days ago, prices have risen sharply. My financial situation, and that of the people is weak, and buying gold has become very difficult.”
Faisal, another Kabul resident, said: “Gold has become more expensive, and people cannot afford to buy it. I hope prices will drop so that people can afford purchases.”
Gold sellers also report a decline in sales due to the rising prices in Afghanistan’s markets.
“There are general problems. Previously, customers would come, and if they wanted a locket, it would cost around 200,000 afghani, but today, 200,000 afghani is worth much less. That’s why our sales have dropped,” said Hashmatullah, a gold seller in Kabul.
The Kabul Goldsmiths’ Union attributes the rise in gold prices to various political and economic factors globally, including the economic tensions between China and the US.
They say that the price of gold has increased by $50 per gram compared to last year.
Mohammad Bashir Ehsanzada, head of the Kabul Goldsmiths’ Union, told: “The only solution is for political tensions in the region and the world to end. Recently increased tariffs have also had an impact. When the world becomes stable, gold prices will decrease. Right now, everyone is turning to gold trading because gold remains stable while physical currency has lost its value.”
According to information from the Kabul Goldsmiths’ Union, currently, 18-karat gold is sold at 6,300 Afghanis per gram, 21-karat gold at 7,300 Afghanis per gram in Kabul markets, and on the global market, one gram of gold has reached 107 U.S. dollars.
Afghanistan, Kazakhstan Strengthen Trade Ties at 3rd Joint Forum in Kabul
The third Afghanistan-Kazakhstan trade forum concluded in Kabul with a joint exhibition showcasing products from both countries.
Kazakhstani participants viewed this event as a significant opportunity for marketing and expanding commercial relations.
A Kazakhstani participant stated: “This is an excellent exhibition that will help boost trade between Kazakhstan and Afghanistan. I really like it—this is my first time in Kabul, an amazing place with unmatched hospitality.”
Another Kazakhstani participant said: “I am very happy to be present at this exhibition. It’s a beautiful venue; we found more partners here and 20 companies from Kazakhstan are participating. We found good markets in Afghanistan.”
Meanwhile, Nooruddin Azizi, acting minister of industry and commerce, said that during B2B meetings at the forum, agreements worth $140 million were signed between the private sectors of the two countries.
Nooruddin Azizi added: “There are 17 trade agreements worth around $140 million.”
Waseem Safi, head of Chamber of Agriculture and Livestock: “This time, Kazakhstan brought mainly food products such as oil and essential goods to the exhibition because we lack these items. They had conducted studies to identify what Afghanistan lacks and brought those goods.”
Abdul Nasir Rashtia, economic analyst: “Having strategic economic relations with all regional countries, especially neighboring ones, is of particular importance because Afghanistan can import or export goods on time and at lower costs from neighbors compared to distant countries.”
According to statistics, the trade volume between Kabul and Astana reached $545 million in 2024, and the two countries have pledged to increase this figure to $3 billion in the coming years.
Afghanistan-India trade volume totalled $890 million in last solar year
Afghanistan’s trade with India continued to grow through solar year 1403, with Afghan exports accounting for a significant percentage of the total $890 million.
According to Abdul Salam Jawad, the spokesman for Afghanistan’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Afghanistan’s exports to India amounted to $627 million.
Imports were however considerably less, totalling $263 million.
Jawad stated that Afghanistan’s exports were primarily agricultural and herbal products.
The main items included dried figs, asafetida, asafetida seeds, saffron, raisins, cumin, and almonds.
India remains one of Afghanistan’s key regional trade partners, and trade figures highlight the ongoing demand for Afghan goods despite broader geopolitical and logistical challenges.
However, Afghanistan’s trade with India through Pakistan has been halted due to closure of the Attari-Wagah border this week.
Indian media reported that the border, which is the only land route allowed for trade, is now closed.
This route is vital for importing goods from Afghanistan to India, and if it is stopped, trade with Afghanistan will be severely affected.
Some traders have said they will seek alternate routes.
India closed its border crossing this week after gunmen shot and killed at least 26 tourists on Tuesday at a resort in Indian-controlled Kashmir.
Police blamed Pakistani militants for the attack.
Plans Underway to Send Afghan Workers Abroad Amid Rising Unemployment
Abdul Mateen Maulawizada, the head of Afghanistan’s National Workers’ Union, stated that currently, due to the sharp rise in unemployment, about 1.5 million workers in the country are without jobs.
In an effort to reduce unemployment, agreements will be made with several countries to send Afghan workers abroad, and measures will be taken to facilitate the issuance of work visas, he said.
Maulawizada described the rise in unemployment as a serious challenge and said that joint efforts have begun with the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs and the International Labor Organization (ILO) to increase Afghan workers’ participation in the private sector and to create facilities for issuing work visas.
The head of the National Workers’ Union said: “A program will be developed based on the needs of countries requiring workers. Workers’ skills will be assessed, and they will be sent accordingly.”
He further mentioned that negotiations are nearing finalization with countries such as Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Russia. Under these agreements, a large number of skilled and professional Afghan workers are expected to be sent abroad in the near future.
Mullahwizada added: “Currently, workers travel to some countries under very harsh conditions. Instead, an official process should be established where they are provided with work visas, allowing them to travel legally.”
Meanwhile, several workers have called on the caretaker government to create employment opportunities inside the country.
Mohammad Jan, a worker from Ghazni, told media: “We have been waiting along the roadside for almost two months hoping for work. Around 200 workers gather here daily, but there is no work, and they barely earn 100 afghani per day.”
Noroz Ali, another worker from Ghazni, said: “Currently, there are no projects or active institutions. The few agricultural jobs available offer very low income. There are no sustainable opportunities that could improve people’s livelihoods.”
Previously, the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs announced that to address unemployment, countries like Qatar had facilitated legal pathways for Afghan workers. Once the draft agreements are approved, many Afghan workers will have the opportunity to work abroad.
The Ministry also reported that last year, over 114,000 work permits were issued to Afghans and foreigners.
Afghanistan secures spot at 2026 U-19 Cricket World Cup
Afghanistan’s under-19 national cricket team returned home to a hero’s welcome on Monday after securing qualification for the 2026 ICC Men’s Under-19 Cricket World Cup.
The team, nicknamed the “Future Stars,” arrived at Kabul International Airport, where they were greeted by senior officials from the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) and jubilant fans celebrating their success.
Afghanistan booked their ticket to the World Cup after advancing undefeated through the Asia Qualifiers, with commanding wins over the United Arab Emirates, Hong Kong and Oman earlier this month. Their final qualifying match against Nepal, scheduled for Saturday in Kathmandu, was washed out by rain, allowing Afghanistan to qualify based on points.
The 2026 ICC Under-19 World Cup is expected to showcase the top youth talent from around the world.
Exiled Afghan women cricketers welcome ICC funding with hope and tears
A pledge of support from the International Cricket Council has given a group of exiled Afghan women cricketers a renewed sense of hope — and for some, tears — as they look to revive their careers and reclaim visibility on the international stage.
The ICC, the global governing body of cricket, announced on Sunday that it will establish a dedicated fund to support Afghan women cricketers who fled the country following the Taliban’s return to power in 2021. Most of the players have resettled in Australia, with others living in the United Kingdom and Canada.
While the ICC did not disclose financial details or a timeline for disbursement, the announcement was received as a major step forward by the players, who have lived in exile without official recognition.
“We feel inspired and valued,” said Nahida Sapan, a former player with the Afghanistan women’s team now based in Melbourne. “This news gave us a lot of confidence for the future. We messaged and called each other about it — some of the girls were crying because we worked really hard for it.”
Sapan was among 25 women offered contracts by the Afghanistan Cricket Board in 2020, a move that had raised hopes for a pathway to international competition. Those hopes were extinguished when the Taliban seized control of Kabul the following year and dismantled most women’s sports programs.
In January, the exiled players, led by Sapan, played their first match in exile — an exhibition game against a local team organized by Cricket Without Borders, an Australian non-profit promoting women’s cricket. Though unofficial, the match was supported by Cricket Australia and local government officials.
The ICC said it would coordinate efforts with the Indian, Australian and English cricket boards to create a task force focused on sustaining the players’ development and access to the sport. However, the governing body stopped short of acknowledging whether the players might one day be formally recognized as a national team.
Human rights organizations have repeatedly called on the ICC to suspend Afghanistan’s full membership status over the Taliban’s ban on women’s sports and other restrictions on women and girls. Despite those calls, the Afghanistan men’s team continues to receive ICC funding and participate in international tournaments.
Australia and several other cricketing nations have refused to engage in bilateral series with the Afghanistan men’s team, citing the deteriorating rights of women under Taliban rule. Since returning to power, the Taliban have barred women from secondary and university education, restricted their ability to work, and imposed strict dress codes and limitations on their movement.
The Taliban have said they support women’s rights in accordance with their interpretation of Islamic law and Afghan culture.
Sapan said the women were not surprised that no male Afghan cricketers had reached out following the ICC’s announcement.
“It’s difficult,” she said. “We know about the situation in Afghanistan. We know the cricket board can’t support us because if they do, they might lose the chance to keep the men’s team playing. Supporting us might close the cricket board’s door entirely.”
Still, she and her teammates remain determined to keep playing — and to keep being seen.
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