Pakistani media has reported that over the past six months, Islamabad has exported $211.8 million worth of sugar to Afghanistan.

According to these reports, the total value of all Pakistani exports to Afghanistan in the last six months amounts to $573.8 million, reflecting a 52 percent increase in exports.

At the same time, the Afghanistan-Pakistan Joint Chamber of Commerce has stated that Afghan exports to Pakistan have decreased.

Meanwhile, the private sector has emphasized the need to develop economic and trade relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan, adding that Pakistan should also open pathways for Afghan exports.

Officials from the Ministry of Economy have stated that Afghanistan supports the expansion of economic and trade relations with all countries, including Pakistan.

However, private sector members have indicated that if the existing issues hindering economic relations are resolved by Pakistan, there is potential for billion-dollar investments and economic ties between the two countries.

Pakistani media has also reported a significant increase in sugar exports from Pakistan to Afghanistan, amounting to $211.8 million over the past six months.

Afghanistan’s passport has been ranked the least powerful in the world, securing the 106th spot on the latest Henley Passport Index.

This ranking highlights the severe travel restrictions faced by Afghan citizens, who can only access 26 countries without a visa.

The Henley Passport Index, a leading global ranking system for passports, evaluates countries based on the number of destinations their passport holders can visit visa-free. Afghanistan's position at the bottom underscores the challenges in global mobility for its citizens, who face significant barriers in travel compared to those from other nations.

At the opposite end of the spectrum, Singapore boasts the world’s most powerful passport, offering its citizens access to 194 countries and territories without a visa. Japan and Finland follow closely in second and third place, respectively, with similarly high levels of travel freedom.

The Henley Passport Index is compiled using data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the world's largest travel information database, complemented by extensive research from Henley and Partners. The report offers an authoritative look into global passport rankings, providing insight into how nationalities can navigate the world without the added complication of visa requirements.

Pakistan's Special Representative for Afghanistan Mohammad Sadiq on Friday announced the launch of second tranche of third phase of Allama Iqbal Scholarships Programme for Afghan students.

This phase offers 4,500 vacancies over three years, providing fully funded scholarships in the fields of medical, engineering, agriculture, and others for graduation, post-graduation, and PhD studies, Sadiq said on X.

This month, over 22,000 applicants will take an online test, followed by interviews for final selection. The entire process will conclude within 45 days.

The envoy said that 33 percent of the scholarship seats are reserved for female students.