Taliban Anniversary & Rights: As Afghanistan marked five years since the Taliban returned to power, UN officials warned of a worsening rights crisis, especially for girls and women barred from education and public life. Panjshir Tourism Claim: Panjshir’s governor said the province is “safe and peaceful,” rejected any armed opposition, and claimed tourism has surged with nearly 300,000 visitors this year, including foreigners. Land Disputes in Ghazni & Kabul: Residents in Shiite areas of Ghazni and Kabul protested alleged biased Taliban land rulings and eviction pressure. Badakhshan Security: Juma Khan Fateh surrendered to IEA forces in Nusay after clashes, with reports of disarmament and full control expected. Khost Health Upgrade: A new 50-bed hospital in Khost opened after a roughly $1m investment, with officials urging better care and trust in local services. Travel/Transit Watch: Iran’s foreign minister said border issues and visa questions with Afghanistan should be handled locally, and claimed no obstacles to issuing visas for Afghan nationals. Regional Travel Context: Afghanistan’s push for new transit corridors with Central Asia and China highlighted routes via Uzbekistan to expand exports. Safety & Travel Risk: UNODC warned that meth shipments from Afghanistan are being intercepted along the Afghanistan–West Asia corridor, a reminder that illicit routes can affect regional travel and border security. Tourism Inspiration: A new cultural expedition retracing Xuanzang’s Silk Road journey is set to pass through Afghanistan, pointing to future tourism cooperation across the region.