Officials from the Ministry of Urban Development and Housing say efforts are underway to address the growing housing shortage across Afghanistan through new development initiatives in multiple provinces, including Kabul.

According to the ministry, 41 sites have been allocated in Kabul city for the construction of residential townships, with building work expected to begin soon.

The ministry said it is also working to expand housing investment in cooperation with the private sector as part of broader urban development plans.

Private sector representatives say investment in the housing sector remains a key priority, stressing that Afghanistan has strong potential for real estate development amid rising population growth.

Economic analysts also say the country offers favorable conditions for investment in housing and have called on the ministry to provide further incentives and facilitation for private investors.

They add that improved conditions could attract hundreds of millions of dollars in investment and create employment opportunities for thousands of people nationwide.

Business leaders from Uzbekistan and Afghanistan have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral trade and investment, focusing on improved logistics, digital commerce, and closer cooperation between the private sectors of the two neighboring countries.

According to a statement issued by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan, nearly 50 business representatives from both countries participated in an open dialogue aimed at addressing challenges facing entrepreneurs and identifying new opportunities for economic cooperation.

The meeting was attended by Sukhrob Abdurakhmanov, Deputy Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan, and Sayed Karim Hashimi, Chairman of the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment (ACCI).

Participants discussed key issues affecting business operations, explored ways to expand commercial partnerships, and exchanged views on measures to strengthen economic ties between the two countries.

Both sides stressed the importance of enhancing the effectiveness of the Uzbekistan–Afghanistan Business Council and introducing practical mechanisms to promptly resolve challenges facing private-sector companies.

A proposal was also presented to establish a trade warehouse and logistics center for Uzbek products in Afghanistan’s Naimabad region. Participants said the initiative could reduce transportation costs, shorten delivery times, and increase the volume of bilateral trade.

The discussions also highlighted the growing role of digital commerce, with both sides encouraging wider use of the Yarmarka.uzex.uz electronic trading platform to facilitate trade transactions, promote products, expand marketing opportunities, and strengthen transparent business relations.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the two sides agreed to continue working together to remove trade barriers, expand investment opportunities, and create a more favorable business environment for companies operating in both Uzbekistan and Afghanistan.

The talks underscore the two countries’ continued efforts to deepen economic engagement through improved cross-border logistics, digital trade solutions, and stronger business-to-business cooperation, with the proposed logistics hub expected to play a key role in boosting regional connectivity and commercial exchange.

Zalmay Khalilzad, former U.S. special representative for Afghanistan reconciliation, has called for renewed diplomatic engagement between Afghanistan and Pakistan following reports of Afghan operations targeting ISIS-K sites in Pakistan.

In a post on X, Khalilzad referenced the statement issued by Afghanistan’s Ministry of Defense regarding operations in Pakistan’s Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces, where militant hideouts were reportedly targeted.

He warned that rising tensions between the two neighboring countries risk further instability and urged both sides to resolve disputes through dialogue rather than escalation.

Khalilzad emphasized the need for a bilateral agreement ensuring that neither country’s territory is used by individuals or groups to threaten the security of the other. He added that Afghanistan has expressed readiness for such an arrangement.

He further noted that Türkiye has offered to support the process by hosting an operational coordination center in Ankara to facilitate monitoring efforts.

The former envoy also called on Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Türkiye to intensify diplomatic efforts aimed at helping Afghanistan and Pakistan reach a peaceful and sustainable agreement.

His remarks come amid renewed tensions between Kabul and Islamabad, with growing international calls for restraint and dialogue to prevent further escalation in the region.