Afghan Wireless Communication Company (AWCC) has donated thousands of ornamental and non-fruit-bearing saplings to the National Environmental Protection Agency (NEPA) as part of efforts to promote greenery and improve the country’s environment.

NEPA officials said the saplings will be planted at new terminals of the Ministry of Transport, in several government offices, and across parts of Kabul to enhance urban greenery and environmental quality.

The agency welcomed the contribution and called on other private sector actors to support environmental initiatives and urban greening efforts.

Afghan Wireless officials said the company, in coordination with NEPA and municipal authorities, plans to continue tree-planting campaigns in Kabul, Kandahar, Herat, and Kunduz.

Mohammad Khan Yaqoubi, legal adviser to Afghan Wireless, said the company also intends to expand cooperation this year in Kabul, Kandahar, Bamyan, and Herat alongside environmental authorities and Kabul Municipality.

NEPA officials urged citizens to take part in efforts to develop and protect the country’s environment, emphasizing the importance of preserving a greener Afghanistan for future generations.

Noorullah Noori has reiterated that Afghanistan does not recognize the Durand Line, reaffirming Kabul’s long-standing position on the disputed boundary.

Speaking at a public gathering in Badakhshan province, the Minister of Borders, Ethnicities and Tribal Affairs accused regional intelligence agencies, including those of Pakistan and other countries, of past interference in Afghanistan’s internal affairs, alleging they have contributed to divisions within the country.

Noori also dismissed claims of an internal “resistance” movement, describing it as an externally driven effort lacking genuine domestic support.

Despite the criticism, he said the current authorities seek normal relations with all countries based on mutual respect, while stressing that Afghanistan would defend its territorial integrity against any potential threats.

The European Union has announced €175,000 (more than 13 million afghanis) in humanitarian assistance to support communities affected by recent flooding across Afghanistan.

The funding is expected to assist around 12,000 people in some of the hardest-hit provinces, including Badghis, Farah, Ghor, Helmand, Herat, Kandahar, Logar and Uruzgan.

According to officials, the support will be channelled through the Afghan Red Crescent Society to deliver emergency cash assistance aimed at helping families meet their most urgent needs. The aid package will also include essential relief items such as tents, blankets and basic household supplies.

Additional assistance will focus on providing hygiene kits, access to safe drinking water and primary healthcare services to affected populations.

The funding forms part of the EU’s broader contribution to the Disaster Response Emergency Fund managed by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, which enables rapid response to emergencies.

The EU remains one of the largest humanitarian donors to Afghanistan, with more than €162 million allocated this year alone to support aid operations in the country. Earlier in 2026, the bloc also released €250,000 to assist communities displaced by ongoing conflict.

In addition to financial support, the EU has facilitated nearly 50 humanitarian airlift operations in recent years, including three flights so far this year delivering approximately 270 tonnes of nutrition supplies.

Officials said the latest funding underscores continued international efforts to address urgent humanitarian needs following natural disasters, as many Afghan communities face growing vulnerability due to recurring climate shocks and economic challenges.

The European Union and its member states are among the world’s leading providers of humanitarian assistance, supporting millions of people affected by conflicts and natural disasters each year.

Through its humanitarian operations arm, the EU delivers aid based on need, with the aim of saving lives, reducing suffering and protecting human dignity in crisis-affected regions.

The Disaster Response Emergency Fund, established in 1979 and supported by international donors, provides immediate financial assistance to national Red Cross and Red Crescent societies responding to emergencies, allowing for rapid deployment of relief efforts when disasters strike.