Afghanistan’s Minister of Borders and Tribal Affairs, Noorullah Noori, has announced that the long-delayed demarcation and renovation of border markers along the Afghanistan–Iran frontier will officially begin in the near future.

According to a statement from the ministry, Noori made the remarks during a meeting with Iran’s ambassador to Kabul, Ali-Reza Bikdeli.

He assured the Iranian side that the Islamic Emirate is fully committed to accelerating the process and resolving any challenges that may arise during implementation.

In a separate statement, the Iranian Embassy in Kabul said Bikdeli underscored the importance of bilateral cooperation on border issues, describing it as a key factor in strengthening and expanding overall relations between the two countries.

Officials from both sides agreed nearly three months ago to resume the border-marker renovation project, which had remained stalled for the past seven years.

Afghanistan is confronting a severe water crisis as millions of Afghans return from neighbouring countries, stretching an already fragile water system to its limits.

In an investigation by The Independent, the news outlet found the country has seen weak snowfall this season, with groundwater levels dropping and dams such as the Qargha Dam at risk of running low.

Around 80% of Kabul’s groundwater is unsafe, and nearly half of the city’s wells have already dried up, the report stated. Experts warn the city’s aquifers could be depleted by 2030.

Since 2023, more than five million Afghans have returned from Iran and Pakistan, putting additional pressure on water infrastructure. A Mercy Corps assessment found that three-quarters of households in districts hosting returnees report difficulty accessing clean water.

Prolonged droughts, coupled with aid cuts from countries including the US and UK, have worsened the crisis. Save the Children has reported disruptions to health, education, and clean water services affecting hundreds of thousands. NGOs warn that without significant investment in water infrastructure and improved management, entire neighbourhoods could face displacement.

“The situation is critical but not hopeless,” said Mercy Corps’ Marianna von Zahn. “Afghans are resilient, and communities are already implementing water rationing and exploring water-saving solutions, but urgent support is needed.”

A major exhibition highlighting more than 5,000 years of Afghanistan’s history, culture, and artistic heritage has opened at the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha under the title Empire of Light: Visions and Voices of Afghanistan.

The exhibition was inaugurated by Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani and will run from February 2 to May 30, 2026. It presents a sweeping narrative of Afghanistan’s past, tracing its role as a crossroads of civilizations, cultures, and ideas from ancient times to the modern era.

Featuring nearly 150 artefacts, the exhibition brings together archaeological objects, metalwork, glass, manuscripts, textiles, and architectural elements that reflect the country’s rich and diverse cultural legacy. The displays explore key historical periods, including the pre-Islamic era, the rise and spread of Islam, and later artistic and cultural developments.

A central theme of the exhibition is heritage preservation. Large-scale wooden architectural models of historic Afghan sites and monuments highlight ongoing conservation and restoration efforts, offering insight into the country’s architectural traditions and craftsmanship.

Organised both thematically and chronologically, Empire of Light aims to challenge narrow perceptions of Afghanistan by presenting its long-standing contributions to global culture, learning, and artistic expression. The exhibition also emphasizes the resilience of Afghan heritage despite decades of conflict and upheaval.

Through immersive displays and carefully curated works, Empire of Light: Visions and Voices of Afghanistan offers visitors a deeper understanding of the country’s historical significance and enduring cultural identity.