The first direct flight from Khost to Jeddah was operated by Kam Air, a private Afghan airline.

The ministry announced a new monthly rate of 95 Afghanis (around $1.40) for a 1GB internet package.

“The business situation is just terrible now, and the economy is weak,” a driver said.

Currently, one afghani trades at 992 tomans in Iranian markets, compared to 694 tomans during the same period last year.

The majority of the contracts involve iron mines.

The figure includes $477 million in Afghan exports and $203 million in imports from India, Jawad said.

USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance has allocated more than $534 million to support several United Nations agencies involved in relief.

Dildar, who runs a bicycle repair shop and supports his 11-member family, described the severe downturn in his business.

He also stressed the need for streamlined visa processes and the establishment of joint markets with Afghanistan and Iran.

The sale underscores the Taliban administration’s increasing reliance on Afghanistan’s natural resources as a source of revenue.