Latest News
First passenger rail service between Mashhad and Herat to launch soon
The first-ever passenger rail service connecting Mashhad, Iran, and Herat, Afghanistan, is set to begin operations within the next two weeks, according to a senior Iranian transportation official.
Jabbarali Zakeri, Deputy Minister of Roads and Urban Development of Iran, confirmed the development and emphasized that this initiative is part of Iran’s broader strategy to expand regional rail connectivity and enhance transportation infrastructure across borders.
“As part of our planning, we anticipate the first passenger train between Mashhad and Herat will be launched within the next two weeks,” Zakeri stated. He added: “The railway system’s strategic focus is to
boost transit capacity. Transit corridors are being given high priority within the national rail network, with the primary objective being the expansion of cross-border transportation.”
While Zakeri did not provide further technical or logistical details, he noted that Iran’s Ministry of Roads and Urban Development had previously announced the construction of the rail link from Rozanak to
Herat. Once completed, this section will facilitate the movement of passenger trains between the two cities.
In addition to the Mashhad–Herat line, Zakeri also revealed that preliminary steps have been taken to establish a future passenger rail route between Mashhad and Mary (Merv) in Turkmenistan, signaling Iran’s intention to strengthen regional connectivity through expanded rail links.
The launch of this service marks a significant step toward improving trade, tourism, and people-to-people ties between Iran and Afghanistan, while also advancing Iran’s role as a regional transportation hub.
Latest News
Top Kankor 2026 performers honored in Kabul
The General Examination Authority held a ceremony in Kabul on Sunday to honor the top ten achievers of the 2026 Kankor university entrance examination, which was attended by several senior officials of the Islamic Emirate.
Speaking at the event, Abdul Baqi Haqqani, head of the General Examination Authority, said it has consistently worked to ensure a transparent examination process and uphold fairness by awarding candidates based on merit. He added that Afghanistan requires both modern and religious education systems.
Abdul Salam Hanafi, Administrative Deputy Prime Minister, said the Islamic Emirate has utilized available resources to support the development of education and higher learning. He called on students to remain committed to contributing to the country’s reconstruction and future development.
Around 117,000 candidates took part in the 2026 Kankor examination, with more than 74,000 gaining admission to higher education institutions across the country.
Latest News
OIC, Muslim World League discuss support for Afghanistan on sidelines of Islamabad conference
Senior officials from the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Muslim World League (MWL) have discussed ways to strengthen cooperation and support Afghanistan amid ongoing humanitarian and development challenges.
The meeting between OIC Assistant Secretary-General Ambassador Tarig Ali Bakheet and MWL Secretary-General Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa was held on Saturday on the sidelines of the 9th OIC Ministerial Conference on Women, which began on Sunday in Islamabad with the participation of delegates from 57 OIC member states.
During the meeting, the two sides reviewed prospects for expanding bilateral cooperation and agreed to launch several joint programs aimed at serving Islamic causes and broadening areas of joint work.
They also exchanged views on recent developments in Afghanistan, discussing ways to support the Afghan people in overcoming humanitarian and development challenges. Both sides emphasized the importance of coordinated Islamic and international efforts to provide necessary assistance and sustain relief and humanitarian initiatives.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Ambassador Bakheet conveyed the OIC’s appreciation for the Muslim World League’s efforts, under the leadership of Al-Issa, in promoting moderation and balance and serving the causes of the Muslim Ummah.
Latest News
Afghanistan offers condolences over death of former Qatar ruler Sheikh Hamad
-
Latest News4 days agoCricket world pays tribute to Afghanistan fast bowler Shapoor Zadran
-
Latest News4 days agoThousands pay final respects as Afghan cricketer Shapoor Zadran buried in Kabul
-
Sport5 days agoShapoor Zadran’s body returns to Kabul as family, teammates and officials pay tribute
-
Regional4 days agoUS military carries out fresh strikes on Iran, prompting Iran attacks on Kuwait and Bahrain
-
Latest News4 days agoUN chief nominates Bangladeshi diplomat Rabab Fatima as special envoy for Afghanistan
-
Latest News4 days agoBaradar inaugurates construction of second Jabal Seraj cement plant
-
Regional5 days agoSearch underway after cargo plane disappears off Pakistan coast
-
Regional2 days agoTurkey spent over $120 million to prepare airport for Qatar-donated U.S. presidential aircraft
