![Afghanistan signs a contract for the 71-km Wakhan road construction, aiming to boost trade ties with China despite challenges. [Image via Tolo News]](https://southasiatimes.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/vlcsnap-2025-03-13-18h23m24s961.webp "vlcsnap-2025-03-13-18h23m24s961")
Afghanistan Signs Contract for Wakhan Road Phase 2 Construction
News Desk
March 14, 2025
Afghanistan signs a contract for the 71-km Wakhan road construction, aiming to boost trade ties with China despite challenges.
Afghanistan signs a contract for the 71-km Wakhan road construction, aiming to boost trade ties with China despite challenges.
![Pakistan and Afghanistan remain at odds over the Torkham border closure, impacting trade, security, and regional stability. [Image via Reuters]](https://southasiatimes.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/H6FPJ5CQXFPOTMBEYNKEEJU37I.webp "H6FPJ5CQXFPOTMBEYNKEEJU37I")
Pakistan and Afghanistan remain at odds over the Torkham border closure, impacting trade, security, and regional stability.
![Foreign interest in emeralds of Panjshir grows as traders from India, the US, and others eye investment opportunities. [Image via Tolo News]](https://southasiatimes.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/vlcsnap-2025-03-13-08h32m58s938.webp "vlcsnap-2025-03-13-08h32m58s938")
Foreign interest in emeralds of Panjshir grows as traders from India, the US, and others eye investment opportunities.
![Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg to return 20 stolen Nepali antiquities worth Rs410 million, including a rare 15th-century paubha painting. [Courtesy of Manhattan District Attorney's Office]](https://southasiatimes.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/thumb4.webp "thumb4")
Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg to return 20 stolen Nepali antiquities worth Rs410 million, including a rare 15th-century paubha painting.
![Bangladesh's trade deficit with Saarc widens as imports far exceed exports; policymakers urged to boost regional trade balance. [Image via Daily Excelsior]](https://southasiatimes.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/SAARC.webp "SAARC")
Bangladesh’s trade deficit with Saarc widens as imports far exceed exports; policymakers urged to boost regional trade balance.
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UAE confirms no official visa ban on Pakistanis; stricter scrutiny due to fake documents, overstays, and social media misuse.
Airpower and counterterrorism evolve as Pakistan fights terrorism in Afghanistan with airstrikes, intelligence, and advanced tech.
![At least seven people were jailed in Bangladesh for raping children in six districts, with one victim's father dying in shock. [Image via The Daily Star]](https://southasiatimes.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/child-ezgif.com-webp-to-jpg-converter.webp "child-ezgif.com-webp-to-jpg-converter")
At least seven people were jailed in Bangladesh for raping children in six districts, with one victim’s father dying in shock.
![Pakistan plans to privatize PIA by July, with Roosevelt Hotel's fate uncertain amid a terminated $228M lease deal in New York. [Image via The Express Tribune]](https://southasiatimes.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/pia_42111112.webp "pia_42111112")
Pakistan plans to privatize PIA by July, with Roosevelt Hotel’s fate uncertain amid a terminated $228M lease deal in New York.
![Pakistan, IMF discuss next $7 billion tranche, focusing on economic reforms, new taxes, and energy tariffs to meet loan conditions. [Image via The Express Tribune]](https://southasiatimes.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/2024965-imf-1564551947.webp "2024965-imf-1564551947")
Pakistan, IMF discuss next $7 billion tranche, focusing on economic reforms, new taxes, and energy tariffs to meet loan conditions.