Afghanistan’s pine nut exports increased by 69 percent in the first seven months of the current solar year 1405 compared with the same period last year, reaching $72 million, the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment (ACCI) says.

According to chamber officials, the value of pine nut exports stood at $42 million during the first seven months of last year. The product has been exported to European countries, India and, particularly, China.

Meanwhile, officials at the Ministry of Industry and Commerce say they have taken steps since the beginning of the year to expand pine nut exports and identify new markets for the product.

However, some economic experts say pine nuts are among Afghanistan’s key export products and that relevant government ministries, particularly the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, should strengthen efforts to promote the product and secure access to new markets.

Afghan pine nuts are also exported to China, India, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, the United States, the United Kingdom, Italy, Germany, Australia, Turkey, Austria and Kuwait.

Experts emphasize that pine nut packaging should be improved to meet the requirements and standards of different international markets in order to further increase exports.

Suhail, inspired by one of the brightest stars in the night sky and deeply rooted in Gulf heritage, has been unveiled as the official mascot of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027, which will be held in Doha, Qatar.

The announcement comes less than a year before the start of the tournament, the flagship competition of international men’s basketball.

Known as Canopus in Western culture, the Suhail star has guided sailors, nomads and pearl divers across the Gulf region for centuries. It has traditionally been associated with the transition from the intense summer heat to cooler temperatures and more comfortable evenings.

The star holds a special place in Qatari and Gulf traditions, symbolizing the region’s connection with the sea, desert and its cultural heritage.

According to the organizers, the mascot has been designed with inspiration from meteorites. Its crystalline body combines fragments of a star with meteorite metal, representing a connection between the sky and earth, strength and brilliance.

Suhail is expected to play a key role in promoting the tournament and engaging basketball fans of all ages as Qatar prepares to host the 2027 edition. The star is also expected to be visible in the night sky during the competition.

Abdulla Ali Al Mawlawi, Executive Director of Communications and Guest Relations at the Local Organizing Committee, said the unveiling marks an important milestone in preparations for the tournament.

He said Suhail reflects Qatar’s cultural identity and rich heritage, while symbolizing the country’s connection to its past and aspirations for the future.

Al Mawlawi added that the mascot will help strengthen engagement with fans and promote the competition in the months ahead.

He also said organizers aim to extend the tournament experience beyond the basketball court, encouraging younger generations to take up the sport and supporting the growth of basketball in Qatar and across the region.

The FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 will bring together national teams from around the world in Doha, with Suhail serving as the face of the tournament.

Ariana Radio & Television Network (ATN) and the Afghanistan Football Federation (AFF) signed an agreement in Kabul on Monday for the organization, production and broadcast of the fifth and sixth seasons of the Afghanistan Futsal Premier League.

The first half of the fifth season is scheduled to begin on December 7 and run until December 31. The second half of the competition will start on January 10 and continue until February 6, 2027.

A total of 10 teams are expected to compete in the upcoming season. Eight teams have so far been confirmed: Sadaqat FC, Norzad FC, Omid FC, Zaitoon FC, Zahir Asad FC, Etihad FC, Jawanan-e-Mihan and Pirouzi Panjshir. The remaining two teams will be announced later.

Sadaqat FC, last season’s champions, will return to defend their title, while two teams from the previous season, Deyar Sanayee and Arya Forj, have been relegated.

Farid Ahmad Yousafzai, Deputy Technical Director of the Afghanistan Futsal Committee, said the introduction of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system last season was a successful initiative that received positive attention both domestically and internationally.

He said organizers hope to use the technology differently this season in line with changes to futsal rules. According to Yousafzai, the new rules have so far been implemented in Italy’s Serie A and at the Dakar Youth Olympic Games, with Afghanistan’s Futsal Premier League set to become the third official competition to adopt them.

Yousafzai added that the changes will bring significant adjustments to refereeing. He also announced that Tamim Hosseini, a referee from Australia, is expected to arrive in Kabul on December 1. He will officiate alongside international referee Atiqullah Niyaze, and Khaliqyar Payman, who recently returned from an academy in Malaysia.

Hamidullah Sharifi, ATN’s Channel Manager and Head of Acquisitions, said the network has consistently sought to bring quality sports content to Afghan audiences. He expressed confidence that the upcoming season would offer improvements in both production quality and television coverage.