The foundation stone of the Lajward Residential Complex was laid on Tuesday in northern Balkh province by Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Baradar said the Islamic Emirate is placing special focus on achieving economic self-reliance, attracting domestic and foreign investment, and implementing major infrastructure projects across the country.

He described the Lajward Residential Complex as a significant example of ongoing development efforts and noted that large-scale projects in sectors including industry, transportation, electricity generation, and urban development are currently underway.

Baradar stated that practical work on master plans and urban expansion projects is continuing alongside national initiatives such as the Qosh Tepa project. He added that the Islamic Emirate considers it a responsibility to provide opportunities and facilities for both local and foreign investors in the construction sector.

According to his office, the Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that cooperation between the government and the private sector is essential for economic stability and the reconstruction of Afghanistan, while assuring continued support for investors.

He also encouraged business leaders to expand investments in the housing and construction sector.

During his visit to Balkh, Baradar said he would inspect commercial ports in the province to ensure the provision of 24-hour services and improve the efficiency of export and import operations.

The Deputy Prime Minister noted that senior officials from various institutions are accompanying him to closely assess economic activities, development projects, and challenges related to port operations in the province.

According to the Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Office, the Lajward Residential Complex will be built with a private sector investment of $150 million.

The project includes the construction of approximately 1,448 modern apartments and is expected to create around 7,000 jobs.

The complex will be developed on nearly 21 jeribs of land and will include schools, healthcare and commercial facilities, green areas, a mosque, sports and recreational centers, and other public amenities.

Police in northern Balkh province say three individuals have been arrested on charges of smuggling 540 kilograms of hashish from Afghanistan to Uzbekistan through the Hairatan border crossing.

In a statement, the Balkh police command said the suspects had concealed the drugs inside an excavation machine and transported it through the Hairatan port in an attempt to smuggle them across the border.

Mohammad Isa Wasiq, spokesperson for the Balkh police command, said the drugs had been hidden in a highly sophisticated manner to avoid detection.

According to officials, the suspects have confessed to the crime and will be handed over to the relevant judicial authorities following the completion of preliminary investigations.

Hairatan port is considered one of Afghanistan’s most important commercial gateways and serves as a major transit route connecting the country with Central Asia.

Authorities say efforts to combat drug trafficking through key border crossings remain ongoing.

Two children were killed and their mother seriously injured after an unexploded device detonated inside their home in southern Helmand Province, local officials said on Wednesday.

According to Nasir Ahmad Mahajer, spokesperson for the Helmand police command, the incident occurred at around 9:00 a.m. in the village of Kala Sabz in Khanashin District.

Officials said the children had reportedly brought an unidentified object into the house. While preparing tea, the device was placed into a fire, triggering a powerful explosion.

The two children were killed instantly, while their mother sustained serious injuries and was transferred for medical treatment.

Authorities have once again warned residents against touching or handling suspicious objects, stressing that unexploded ordnance remains a major danger in areas affected by years of conflict.