Fuel & cost pressure: Kabul and other areas report sharp jumps in liquefied gas and fuel prices, squeezing household budgets and pushing up daily costs for workers like taxi drivers. Trade disruption: Afghan importers and industrialists in Herat say US strikes on Iranian ports and nearby infrastructure are leaving raw materials stuck at Bandar Abbas, urging faster customs clearance and alternative routes. Women in business: UNDP reports over 10,000 women hold business licenses in Afghanistan, but warns this doesn’t mean more real opportunities as restrictions and banking barriers keep employment low. Jobs & local industry: A slipper factory in Baghlan says it has invested $200,000 and created jobs for about 70 people, calling for land and tax support for domestic investors. Food insecurity: UN and Human Rights Watch warn acute hunger is worsening, with over 17 million Afghans facing severe food insecurity as aid funding falls short. Carpet exports: Afghanistan’s carpet sector employs nearly one million people and has exported over 760,000 square meters this year, with major demand from Turkey, Europe and Arab states. Agriculture hit: Mango growers report water shortages and trade route disruptions cutting exports, while Samangan melon sellers complain of falling prices and weak cold storage. Regional talks: Iran and Afghanistan’s joint consular commission in Kabul agreed to keep working on trade, transport, border terminals and migrant issues. Women’s rights & aid access: HRW says Taliban restrictions on women’s work in aid organizations are limiting humanitarian reach, especially for female-headed households. Textiles investment: Kabul’s new textile factory nears completion, with plans to start production soon and create thousands of jobs. Pakistan pressure on Afghans: Reports say Pakistan has intensified crackdowns on Afghan migrants in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including demolitions and deportation efforts.