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Panjshir’s green emeralds shine on the global stage
Panjshir province, long celebrated for its rare and dazzling green emeralds, is once again in the spotlight as its gemstones make fresh inroads into international markets.
Governor Mohammad Agha Hakim says the province’s high-quality emeralds have “successfully linked Afghanistan to the world,” drawing strong interest from both domestic and foreign investors.
At the 9th official emerald auction, held in the heart of Panjshir, 2,539 carats of emeralds mined from the province’s rugged mountains were sold during a public bidding session for a total of $347,850.
The event brought together national and international traders — among them “Leon,” a prominent buyer from China — as well as representatives from relevant government bodies. Officials said the auction was conducted under strict transparency measures, with the gems carefully
examined, weighed, and packaged in the presence of an oversight committee before going under the hammer.
Panjshir’s emeralds are renowned for their deep, vivid green color and exceptional clarity, qualities that rival the famed Colombian stones and make them highly sought after in the luxury jewelry market.
The province’s gemstone trade, while historically limited by Afghanistan’s political instability and lack of infrastructure, is increasingly seen as a potential driver of local and national economic growth.
In recent years, the Islamic Emirate has sought to formalize and regulate the gemstone sector, holding public auctions to replace informal and often exploitative trading networks. By doing so, authorities aim to maximize revenue for the state, ensure fair returns for miners, and encourage foreign investment.
Experts say that if managed sustainably, Panjshir’s emerald industry could become a cornerstone of Afghanistan’s mineral economy — alongside the country’s vast reserves of lithium, lapis lazuli, and other precious stones.
However, challenges remain, including limited access to international markets due to sanctions, lack of modern cutting and polishing facilities within Afghanistan, and the ongoing humanitarian crisis that hampers broader economic stability.
Still, with each successful auction, Panjshir’s “green jewels” are carrying Afghanistan’s name further across the globe, symbolizing both the beauty of its natural resources and the untapped potential of its economy.
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Afghanistan and Kyrgyzstan boost trade and digital finance ties
Minister Sydykov, in turn, pledged the continuation of Kyrgyzstan’s humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan and highlighted his country’s interest in working together on e-governance initiatives.
Afghanistan’s Deputy Prime Minister for Administrative Affairs, Abdul Salam Hanafi, has met with a high-level Kyrgyz delegation led by Minister of Economy and Commerce Bakhyt Sydykov to discuss expanding bilateral trade and strengthening cooperation in digital financial services.
During the meeting, Hanafi reaffirmed Afghanistan’s readiness to deepen ties with Kyrgyzstan, stressing the importance of developing electronic administration systems and modern banking channels to facilitate trade and financial transactions between the two countries.
Minister Sydykov, in turn, pledged the continuation of Kyrgyzstan’s humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan and highlighted his country’s interest in working together on e-governance initiatives. He also pointed to potential cooperation in areas such as the printing of securities and the development of electronic payment systems.
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India reaffirms healthcare support to Afghanistan, hands over medicines and vaccines
Indian officials said the support underscores New Delhi’s commitment to helping improve healthcare services and access to life-saving treatment in Afghanistan.
India has reaffirmed its commitment to continued humanitarian assistance and healthcare cooperation with Afghanistan, with a focus on the long-term supply of essential medicines.
According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare of the Government of India, Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda held a productive meeting with Afghanistan’s Minister of Public Health, Noor Jalal Jalali. The discussions focused on strengthening cooperation in the health sector and addressing the medical needs of the Afghan people.
During the meeting, a symbolic handover of cancer medicines and vaccines was carried out, reflecting India’s ongoing support for Afghanistan’s healthcare system. The ministry also announced that a larger consignment of medicines, vaccines, and a 128-slice CT scanner is being dispatched to Afghanistan as part of India’s humanitarian assistance efforts.
Indian officials said the support underscores New Delhi’s commitment to helping improve healthcare services and access to life-saving treatment in Afghanistan.
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Afghan forces target hideout of suspects linked to cross-border attacks on Chinese nationals
Afghan forces target hideout of suspects linked to cross-border attacks on Chinese nationals
Security sources said that special forces of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) have targeted a hideout in Badakhshan province linked to suspects involved in attacks against Chinese nationals in neighboring Tajikistan.
According to the sources, the operation was carried out on Tuesday night in Faizabad city, where several individuals suspected of orchestrating cross-border attacks from Badakhshan’s frontier regions were believed to be present. As a result of the operation, one wanted suspect was arrested alive along with weapons and other military equipment.
The sources added that preliminary investigations and initial confessions by the detainee indicate the planning of the attacks was carried out from outside Afghanistan.
This comes as Tajikistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on November 27 that three Chinese citizens were killed in an attack in Khatlon province.
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