The Bayat Foundation has distributed food packages to dozens of needy  families in Maidan Wardak province as part of its ongoing nationwide Ramadan assistance campaign.

Foundation officials said the packages — which included flour, rice, and cooking oil — were delivered following a needs assessment to ensure support reached the most deserving households, including displaced and low-income families struggling to meet basic needs.

Haji Mohammad Ismail, Deputy of the Bayat Foundation, said the initiative builds on similar Ramadan efforts already carried out in provinces. “We are pleased to extend assistance today to deserving and displaced families in Maidan Wardak,” he said, emphasizing the foundation’s commitment to continuing support throughout the holy month.

Afghanistan continues to face severe economic hardship, with high unemployment and reduced income opportunities pushing many families into poverty.

Years of conflict, natural disasters, and economic instability have left millions reliant on humanitarian assistance, particularly during Ramadan, when food insecurity becomes even more acute for vulnerable households.

Aid recipients expressed gratitude for the support and urged other charitable organizations and donors to expand assistance to communities in need. “We sincerely thank the Bayat Foundation for this support,” one beneficiary said.

In addition to emergency food aid, the Bayat Foundation has implemented long-term development projects across Afghanistan, including the construction of schools, health centers, and mosques, as well as drilling deep-water wells to improve access to safe drinking water in underserved communities.

Football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo is thought to have left Saudi Arabia amid rising security concerns following a drone strike on the United States Embassy Riyadh on Tuesday.

Saudi authorities confirmed that two drones struck the embassy compound in the capital, causing minor structural damage and a small fire.

Officials said there were no casualties, but security measures were immediately heightened across the city. The embassy issued safety advisories to U.S. citizens, urging caution and limiting movement near diplomatic facilities.

Flight tracking data indicated that Ronaldo’s private jet departed Riyadh shortly after the incident. While it has not been officially confirmed whether the Portuguese star and his family were on board, the timing of the departure has fueled speculation that the move was prompted by escalating regional tensions.

Ronaldo, who currently plays for Al-Nassr FC, has been based in Saudi Arabia since joining the Saudi Pro League. Neither the player nor his representatives have publicly commented on the reported departure.

The embassy attack comes amid broader instability in the region, with increased drone and missile activity targeting diplomatic and strategic sites.

Saudi security forces remain on high alert as authorities investigate the source of the strike and assess the wider implications for regional stability.

Afghanistan’s exports to Central Asian countries rose by 77 percent in 2025, according to figures released by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, underscoring a significant expansion in regional trade and economic engagement.

Official data shows exports increased from $122 million in 2024 to $216 million in 2025.

Imports from Central Asia also grew by 43 percent over the same period. Afghanistan’s main regional trade partners include Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Turkmenistan, with overall trade volumes trending upward.

Much of Afghanistan’s imports from the region consist of electricity, natural gas, and fuel products — key supplies for a country facing chronic energy shortages. However, officials say the sharp rise in exports marks an encouraging development for domestic producers, particularly in agriculture, minerals, and light manufacturing.

The Islamic Emirate has in recent years placed strong emphasis on expanding export markets as part of its broader economic strategy.

With limited access to Western financial systems and reduced international aid flows, authorities have prioritized strengthening trade ties with neighboring and regional countries.

Efforts have focused on facilitating cross-border transit, negotiating preferential trade agreements, and improving customs processes to reduce delays and costs for exporters.

Officials have also highlighted initiatives aimed at boosting domestic production capacity, encouraging investment in processing industries, and standardizing packaging to meet regional market requirements.

Expanding rail connectivity and trade corridors linking Afghanistan to Central Asia have further supported export growth.

Economic analysts note that sustaining this upward trajectory will depend on continued improvements in infrastructure, quality control standards, and market diversification. If current trends persist, Afghanistan could gradually reduce its trade imbalance and strengthen its position as a regional trade hub connecting South and Central Asia.

The export surge comes amid ongoing diplomatic and trade engagement with Central Asian governments, as Kabul seeks to deepen economic cooperation and secure long-term access to regional markets.