Afghanistan has received its first direct shipment from China via rail, facilitated by trade efforts with China, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan, marking a milestone in regional economic connectivity.

The Ministry of Industry and Commerce of Afghanistan announced that, as a result of efforts and visits by Nooruddin Azizi, acting minister of the ministry, to China, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan, and the expansion of trade relations with these countries, Afghanistan has received its first imported shipment via rail from China.

The ministry stated in a press release on Saturday, November 23 that this large shipment, loaded into 55 containers in China, was transported through Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan and arrived in Mazar-i-Sharif, Balkh province, this afternoon.

According to the press release, a ceremony was held in Balkh province to mark the occasion, attended by the acting minister of industry and commerce and his team, the deputy governor of Balkh province, the head of the Balkh Chamber of Commerce and Investment, and other officials.

The shipment took approximately 22 days to travel from its origin to Afghanistan. It is planned that on the return journey, the rail line will transport Afghanistan’s export goods to targeted countries.

This milestone represents a significant achievement in Afghanistan’s trade relations, strengthening its economic ties with neighboring and regional countries. Enhanced connectivity through rail will further facilitate trade flow and contribute to regional integration.

By establishing efficient transport links like this, Afghanistan can potentially boost its export capacity, expand its trade network, and gain access to larger markets in the region, thus fostering economic growth and stability in the country.

on the other hand, the long-term success of this regional economic connectivity depends heavily on ensuring stability and security within Afghanistan and across the region. A secure environment is crucial for maintaining trade routes, attracting further investment, and realizing the full potential of these economic partnerships.

The Taliban’s police command in Baghlan has confirmed that at least 10 people were killed in an armed attack on the “Sayed Padshah Agha” shrine in Nahrin district of Baghlan province.

The statement mentioned that several suspects have been arrested, and investigations into the incident are ongoing.

The Taliban police in Baghlan described the incident as a “mysterious” attack in a statement released on Friday, November 22.

According to the statement, the victims worked during the day and gathered at the shrine at night for worship.

Early Friday morning report indicated that armed individuals targeted a group of Sufi practitioners in a shrine in Nahrin district, opening fire on them.

The victims of this attack were followers of Sufism and praying during the Friday night in the Shrine.

This tragic incident underscores the persistent threat faced by religious minorities and spiritual communities in Afghanistan. The attack has raised concerns about the Taliban’s ability to ensure security in areas under their control and protect vulnerable groups from targeted violence.

International organizations and human rights groups have called for an impartial investigation into the attack and urged the authorities to take concrete steps to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights described the awards given to Julia Parsi, a women’s rights activist, and Nila Ebrahimi, an education activist, as inspiring. Richard Bennett called their efforts “strong and unwavering.”

On Friday, November 22, Richard Bennett, the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Afghanistan, wrote on his X account that the work of these two women in the face of “gender oppression in Afghanistan” is inspirational. He stated that their struggles deserve recognition in international communities.

Julia Parsi, a women’s rights activist, and Manuchehr Khaliqnazarov, a human rights lawyer in Tajikistan, jointly received the Martin Ennals Human Rights Award on Tuesday, November 21.

The Ennals Foundation stated that these two human rights defenders have “paid a heavy price for justice and equality in Afghanistan and Tajikistan.”

On the same day, the Children’s Rights Foundation awarded the prestigious International Children’s Peace Prize to Nila Ebrahimi, a 17-year-old Afghan girl, in recognition of her “advocacy for Afghan girls’ rights.”

Nila was selected from 165 nominees from 47 countries. This award has previously been given to notable figures such as environmental activist Greta Thunberg and Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai.

The recognition of Julia Parsi and Nila Ebrahimi highlights the critical role of Afghan women and youth in advocating for human rights despite facing significant challenges.

Their achievements send a powerful message of resilience and hope to those enduring oppression.

These awards underscore the importance of continued international support for individuals fighting for equality and justice in regions affected by conflict and gender-based discrimination. Such recognition not only empowers activists but also keeps global attention focused on the plight of marginalized communities.