In an effort to strengthen public health and immunization programs in Nuristan province, ten motorcycles have been distributed to local vaccinators under the BCU program. According to a statement released by the Media Office of Nuristan Province, the motorcycles were procured with financial support from UNICEF to improve outreach for child immunization and facilitate service delivery in remote areas. The handover took place in the presence of relevant officials, marking a step toward enhancing the mobility of health workers. The statement further added, that this initiative will not only ease transportation for vaccinators but also help extend immunization services to hard-to-reach communities, thereby increasing overall vaccination coverage in the province.

The Mazar-e-Sharif Municipality, in cooperation with the private company Shukoor Qanaatbakhsh, has begun construction of a minaret at the Fatema Balkhi High School intersection in District 2 of the city. The project is being carried out at a cost of 1.5 million Afghanis. At the inauguration ceremony, the mayor of Mazar-e-Sharif stated that 10 more minarets are planned to be built in various parts of the city this year. According to the company officials, the current minaret will be completed and inaugurated within a month.

The foreign ministers of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan and Iran held a phone conversation. During the discussion, they talked about bilateral issues, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and the deportation of Afghan refugees from Iran.

Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi, Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, met with John Iliffe, the new head of the World Food Programme (WFP) in Afghanistan. The respected acting minister thanked WFP for the humanitarian assistance provided in Afghanistan and emphasized the need to increase focus on developmental efforts alongside emergency humanitarian aid. Mr. Muttaqi noted that many crises in Afghanistan have now been resolved, creating a favorable opportunity to implement development projects.

The Kunar Directorate of Education has launched the distribution of textbooks and educational materials to 451 schools, valued at 40.2 million Afghanis. Under the framework of the Ministry of Education and with financial support from UNICEF, the distribution process was officially launched by the Director of Education and other officials, covering 440 schools and 11 religious madrasas in Kunar province. According to Kunar’s Director of Education, Mawlawi Muhebullah Haidari, the mentioned aid includes not only textbooks but also student shelter tents, whiteboards, notebooks, and other educational supplies. Around 79,000 students are expected to benefit from this support.

Last week, under the management of the Eastern Zone Armed Contamination Project of the Afghan Red Crescent Society, and with the cooperation of twenty volunteers, 213 public awareness sessions were held in ten districts of Nangarhar, Laghman, Kunar, and Nuristan provinces. Meanwhile, project officials said that during these sessions, 3,823 civilians were reached, including 2,440 children and the rest adults. They were informed about the identification, safety measures, prevention, and emergency response related to unexploded ordnance from previous conflicts. It is mentionable, officials of the Afghan Red Crescent Society added that such awareness programs will continue with the aim of protecting the lives of the people, identifying dangers, and preventing incidents caused by unexploded ordnance.

According to the Nuristan Provincial Media Office, a lightning strike killed 30 livestock belonging to a shepherd named Malik Khan in the Konder area of Kordar Valley, located in Wama District. The area is known for hosting a large number of livestock herds. It is worth noting that no human casualties were reported in the incident.

To facilitate the return process of Afghan nationals and provide them with necessary guidance, the Public Information and Awareness Committee of the High Commission for Refugee Affairs has distributed thousands of informational leaflets at the Islam Qala border crossing. Maulawi Ahmadullah Muttaqi, Head of the Herat Directorate of Information and Culture and a responsible member of the mentioned committee, stated that in addition to distributing welcome leaflets, walls stretching hundreds of meters along the Islam Qala border and the refugee camp have been decorated with welcoming messages. Dozens of banners have also been installed to warmly receive the returnees.

In Herat province, the Traffic Directorate under the Provincial Police Command conducted practical tests for applicants seeking driving licenses. A total of 243 individuals had participated in training classes on traffic laws and regulations. After completing the designated course duration and successfully passing the theoretical exam, they were eligible to take the practical test. Out of these individuals, 150 passed the practical test. The examination was overseen by the Director of the Traffic Police, Mawlawi Abdul Khaliq Omari, and Qari Ahmad "Javid", the Head of Licensing, along with the Head of Education and Training.

In an effort to reduce traffic accidents and raise awareness about driving laws, a driving license exam was held for 170 Mujahideen in the Khuram and Sarbagh districts of Samangan province. According to Hashmatullah Rahmani, spokesperson for the Samangan Provincial Police Command, the exam took place after the participants completed a one-week training course. As a result, 80 individuals successfully obtained their driving licenses, while 90 others failed and are scheduled to undergo additional training for a second attempt.