The acting head of Afghanistan’s Embassy in Kuwait, Mohammad Shafiq Khatib, has met with senior Kuwaiti officials to discuss the situation of Afghan nationals held in Kuwaiti prisons.

According to a statement from the Afghan Embassy in Kuwait, Khatib met with Abu Fahad Mansour Fayez Al-Barrak, Deputy Director of Kuwait’s Prisoners Affairs Department, and Ali Abbas, an official responsible for legal affairs.

During the meeting, both sides held constructive discussions on the condition of Afghan prisoners in Kuwait.

The embassy did not provide further details about the specific issues raised or any agreements reached during the meeting.

The meeting comes as part of diplomatic engagement between Afghanistan and Kuwait on matters concerning Afghan nationals and their welfare abroad.

Archaeologists excavating Kabul’s historic Bala Hissar fortress have uncovered remarkable remains, including a Mughal-era palace, evidence of ancient Buddhist monasteries and a mysterious star-shaped pool, offering fresh insight into more than 2,000 years of Afghanistan’s history.

The discoveries include palace ruins featuring wall paintings, bathing facilities and what is believed to be a royal throne. Researchers also found Buddhist sculptures and monastery-related structures, pointing to Kabul’s importance as a religious and cultural centre before the Islamic period.

Other artefacts include ancient coins, Islamic ceramics, oil lamps and pottery, revealing how communities lived across different periods. Excavations are underway in five areas, with one trench reaching approximately 11 metres below ground.

Bala Hissar served as a royal residence, administrative centre and military stronghold, including during the Mughal era after Emperor Babur captured Kabul in 1504.

The fortress suffered extensive damage during centuries of conflict, particularly the Second Anglo-Afghan War in 1879.

The Aga Khan Trust for Culture has led conservation and archaeological work at the site since 2018, using modern technologies such as ground-penetrating radar and 3D laser scanning.

Large sections remain unexplored, and archaeologists believe further excavations could reveal more about Afghanistan’s rich cultural, religious and military heritage.

Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani has visited Ghazni, Paktika, Paktia and Maidan Wardak provinces, meeting with local officials, religious scholars, tribal elders, security members and residents to discuss security, governance and community concerns.

According to a statement released by the ministry, Haqqani listened to residents’ concerns, reviewed the activities of local authorities and discussed administrative and security challenges during his visits.

In Ghazni, Haqqani attended a graduation ceremony at Noor-ul-Madaris Madrasa in Shilgar district, where more than 400 students received graduation certificates from various departments.

He also visited an elementary school in Behbud village of Gilan district, where he reviewed the learning environment and discussed plans for constructing a school building and providing assistance to students.

During another visit, he inspected the Shaheed Muslim Orphanage in Janda area and received information about the children’s education and welfare.

In Paktika, Haqqani met with local residents, tribal elders and security members in Khairkot district, emphasizing reconstruction and national development.

He said the period of war and bloodshed had ended and that Afghanistan should now focus on rebuilding and progress. He also described reconstruction as a shared responsibility between the government and the public.

At the Paktika provincial governor’s office, Haqqani met civilian and security officials to discuss the province’s overall situation, administrative affairs, security challenges and public service needs.

He also met separately with people with disabilities, listened to their concerns and assured them of cooperation and support.

During his visit to Paktia, Haqqani met with tribal elders in Gardez-e-Sher district and attended a condolence gathering for a deceased family member.

His final stop was Maidan Wardak province, where he visited the Tang-e Valley and attended another condolence gathering before returning to Kabul.

The four-province tour focused on engagement with local communities, reviewing provincial affairs and discussing reconstruction, governance and public concerns.