Afghan and Iranian officials have held talks in Herat on easing visa procedures, expanding bilateral trade, and improving transport and transit links at their shared border.

According to the Herat governor’s office, Iran’s Deputy Ambassador to Afghanistan, Seyed Hassan Mortazavi, accompanied by the Iranian Consul General in Herat, met with Herat Governor Maulana Islamjar to discuss strengthening economic, trade, and transit cooperation between the two neighbouring countries.

During the meeting, Islamjar stressed the importance of simplifying visa issuance for citizens of both countries, increasing trade through the Islam Qala border crossing, and resolving transportation challenges at the Dogharoon–Islam Qala border.

Mortazavi reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to closer coordination with Afghanistan, saying Tehran is working to facilitate visa issuance, improve cross-border trade, and increase the movement of commercial goods.

He added that efforts are also underway to address existing trade and transit challenges, highlighting the importance of stronger economic ties and continued cooperation between Afghanistan and Iran.

The Islam Qala crossing in Herat province is one of the busiest trade gateways between Afghanistan and Iran, serving as a key route for the movement of goods and playing a vital role in bilateral commerce between the two countries.

Italy and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) have launched an emergency restoration project to protect the historic Blue Mosque (Rawza) in Mazar-e-Sharif after it was damaged in a recent earthquake.

The Italian Embassy in Afghanistan said the initiative is designed to safeguard one of the country’s most important cultural heritage sites while also creating employment opportunities for local communities involved in the restoration work.

The restoration effort follows a powerful magnitude-6.3 earthquake that struck Afghanistan on November 3, 2025, killing at least 20 people and injuring more than 530 others. The quake caused damage to homes, public buildings and several historic structures, including parts of the centuries-old Blue Mosque.

In a statement posted on its official X account on Thursday, the embassy said the project demonstrates the shared commitment of Italy and the United Nations to support the Afghan people and preserve Afghanistan’s rich cultural heritage.

The Blue Mosque, also known as the Rawza of Mazar-e-Sharif, is one of Afghanistan’s most renowned religious and historical landmarks, drawing thousands of worshippers and visitors each year.

Located in the heart of Balkh province in northern Afghanistan, the centuries-old shrine is celebrated for its striking Timurid-era architecture and is widely regarded as one of the country’s most significant cultural and architectural treasures.

The emergency restoration project aims to stabilise and repair earthquake-related damage, helping to ensure the long-term preservation of one of Afghanistan’s most treasured historic sites for future generations.

A total of 325 Afghan migrants have returned to Afghanistan after being released from detention centres and prisons in Pakistan, the Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation said on Thursday.

In a statement, the ministry said the returnees included families, children and individuals who had been detained in Pakistan for varying periods and for different reasons.

According to the ministry, 156 migrants entered Afghanistan through the Torkham crossing in eastern Nangarhar province, while another 169 returned via the Spin Boldak crossing in southern Kandahar province.

The ministry said the returnees were registered at reception and transit centres before being transported to their home provinces with assistance from partner organisations.

The latest returns come as Afghan migrants in Pakistan continue to face arrests, detentions and deportations, with many affected by documentation and residency-related issues.