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Pakistan organizes cross-border rally through Afghanistan to promote regional tourism
Pakistan has launched a major cross-border motorbike rally that passes through Afghanistan as part of efforts to promote regional tourism, cultural exchange, and people-to-people ties across South and Central Asia.
The 23-day rally, which began in Lahore on July 31, passes through Islamabad and Torkham before entering Afghanistan via Kabul and Kunduz, continuing onward to Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Riders will later re-enter Afghanistan on their return to Pakistan, concluding the tour in Lahore on August 22.
With the theme “Explore Muslim Heritage & Culture – Promote Tourism & Friendship,” the event highlights Afghanistan’s geographical importance and its potential as a key transit and cultural link in the region.
The rally is organized by the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) in partnership with Globe Strainers. At the launch event, Pakistani officials and Central Asian diplomats praised the tour’s role in fostering people-to-people connections and promoting cross-border tourism.
Afghanistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has condemned the deadly bombing at a cafe in the Syrian capital, Damascus, that killed at least nine people and injured 20 others.
In a statement issued by Foreign Ministry spokesman Abdul Qahar Balkhi, the Islamic Emirate described the attack as a violation of Islamic and humanitarian values, saying attacks targeting civilians are unacceptable.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan strongly condemns the attack on a cafe in the capital of the Syrian Arab Republic, Damascus, which resulted in the martyrdom and injury of several civilians,” the statement said.
The ministry added that such incidents pose a serious challenge to Syria’s security and stability.
According to Syrian authorities, the blast occurred on Thursday at a cafe near the Palace of Justice in central Damascus. The Interior Ministry said a crudely made explosive device weighing about one kilogram and packed with metal shrapnel caused the explosion, killing nine people and wounding 20 others.
No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack.
Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi met with Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Thursday in Tehran during an official visit.
According to Iranian media reports, the two diplomats discussed bilateral relations, recent regional developments, and issues of mutual interest.
Mullah Mohammad Hassan Akhund, Prime Minister of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA), has inspected the construction work of the second lane of the Kabul–Jalalabad highway, Arg said on Thursday.
According to Arg’s statement , the Prime Minister visited the project site earlier in the day and expressed appreciation for the efforts of the Ministry of Public Works, project officials, and private contracting companies involved in the construction process. He also issued directives for the timely and high-quality completion of the project.
Akhund said the completion of the highway would significantly improve transportation facilities, transit operations, passenger movement, and contribute to economic growth in the surrounding regions.
Officials report that construction work on the second section of the project, covering 32 kilometers from the Kabul side, is currently about 20 percent complete.
Meanwhile, work on the first 22-kilometer section from the Nangarhar side is also ongoing. Surveying and design work for the third section is being carried out by a private company, with construction expected to begin after completion of the preparatory phase.
The Kabul–Jalalabad second-lane highway is regarded as one of Afghanistan’s key transport and economic infrastructure projects and is being developed in three phases.
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