Infrastructure & Trade: Afghanistan officially opened a 121-kilometer Wakhan Corridor road linking Badakhshan to China, built over two years at a cost of 365 million afghanis, with officials calling it a strategic boost for markets and tourism. Local Development: Farah province began a 61-kilometer road asphalting project to improve district access and help local products reach domestic and international markets. Heritage Under Pressure: Takhar residents renewed calls to restore the ancient Ai-Khanoum site, warning that decades of conflict and illegal excavations have damaged key artifacts. War Memory & Museums: The Islamic Emirate says it will collect jihadi-era artifacts and documents and establish museums and memorials nationwide. Cross-Border Tensions: Herat residents demanded a decisive response to Pakistan’s attacks, as Kabul and UN figures cite civilian deaths in recent strikes. Food Prices: With fighting in Iran disrupting supply routes, Kabul markets report sharp rises in flour, cooking oil, and rice over recent months. Power Shortfalls: DABS says 850 power projects remain incomplete, warning delays could slow electricity access and raise costs. Regional Connectivity: Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and the UAE signed a plan to study a new railway route through Afghanistan and Pakistan toward seaports. Human Rights: Human Rights Watch renewed criticism of the lack of justice and reparation for war crimes committed during the 2001 Afghanistan war. Earthquake: A deep 4.9 quake was reported in Afghanistan, with no immediate damage reported.