Bibi Ayesha, also known as Commander Kaftar, a rare female warlord in Afghanistan, has been a formidable figure in the country's long-standing conflict. Despite her age and health issues, she maintained an undefeated record in the wars she fought. However, the Taliban recently announced that Commander Kaftar has surrendered to them, as confirmed by local officials in Baghlan Province and her relatives. The surrender was seen as a necessary move for survival, given that her position was heavily compromised with surrounding militias defecting to the Taliban, leaving her with no viable options to continue her resistance.

Hairatan, located 80 kilometers from Mazar-i-Sharif in northern Afghanistan, is a significant and secure port for Afghan traders. Once a Soviet military base during the Soviet-Afghan war, it has transformed into a commercial port, now crucial for Afghanistan's trade, particularly in oil and gas. Despite challenges such as security threats from the Taliban, particularly in Baghlan province, and the need for riverbank fortifications against the Amu River, Hairatan has seen substantial investment and growth. The port's revenue has increased, and it plays a key role in Afghanistan's trade with Central Asian countries, Russia, and China, facilitated by the 'One Belt, One Road' initiative.

The Nowruz ceremony in Mazar-i-Sharif, Afghanistan, was held in a secure environment and marked by the first attendance of President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani in the Balkh province center. The event, which also saw the presence of ministers and foreign diplomats, followed regional traditions including the raising of a flag associated with the shrine of Hazrat Ali. Despite the city being a historical host to thousands of Afghan citizens for Nowruz celebrations, this year saw a reduced public turnout. The ceremony took place amid heightened security measures and recent political tensions between Ghani and the former governor of Balkh, Atta Mohammad Noor, over the province's security command, which had led to armed conflict resulting in 18 injuries.

Valentine's Day is gaining popularity among the youth in Afghanistan despite facing challenges due to traditional views. Celebrations are seen in cities like Kabul, Herat, and Mazar-i-Sharif, with young couples exchanging gifts and flowers. The market for Valentine's Day, however, is not as booming as in previous years. Some citizens, like Ahmad Samim Jabari and Nesar Arianfar, celebrate with their partners, while others like Beheshta Khurram and Shiba Nazari find deeper meaning in the day. The article suggests that while traditional views still exist, there is a gradual shift towards more open expressions of love and celebration of special days.

In the traditionally conservative society of Afghanistan, women's participation in sports and recreational activities was once frowned upon. However, the mindset of citizens has been changing with the establishment of recreational and sports centers in various cities. Mazar-i-Sharif, after the establishment of a temporary government in Afghanistan, has seen more reconstruction compared to other cities, creating a more conducive environment for work, education, and women's access to sports and recreational facilities. Two years ago, a bowling alley opened in Mazar-i-Sharif, attracting 150 to 200 customers daily, including over 50 women and girls. Women who visit this recreational and sports facility believe that the years of pain, captivity, and misery have ended. The bowling alley, which also includes a snooker area and a coffee shop, has been well-received by the residents, allowing families and friends to play together in a safe and friendly environment. Security threats and violence against women remain concerns, but the presence of such facilities is seen as a positive step towards creating a more inclusive space for women in the city.

Despite the insecurity in Afghanistan's Baghlan province and active Taliban presence, Zahra Seifi, the Deputy for Gender Equality in Baghlan, has broken traditional norms by purchasing a car with her own funds and driving it herself. She has been driving for nine months and encourages other women to become self-sufficient drivers. Seifi has faced societal challenges and strange looks from the public but remains determined to change perceptions and empower women to claim their rights. The article highlights the rarity of female drivers in Baghlan and the broader struggle for women's rights in Afghanistan.

Buzkashi, a traditional sport in Afghanistan, faces criticism from animal rights activists for mistreatment of animal carcasses. In response, the National Olympic Committee of Afghanistan has introduced new regulations, including the use of a 50-kilogram artificial body instead of slaughtered goats or calves. Despite the official ban on using real carcasses, the practice continues in many games. The sport, which requires extensive training for both riders and horses, is popular across Afghan ethnic groups and has been depicted in various films. Notably, the most famous Buzkashi player in Afghanistan was Tash Pahlavan, who was assassinated in 1360.

Saffron cultivation has become a lucrative business for Afghan women, particularly in Mazar-i-Sharif, Balkh province. The Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock of Afghanistan has allocated part of its developmental projects to saffron due to its profitability, leading farmers who previously cultivated poppies to switch to saffron. Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has banned the import of saffron to maintain its global position and expand domestic production. Women farmers in Mazar-i-Sharif have expressed satisfaction with the support from the local agriculture department, which has helped them thrive in saffron cultivation and trade. The quality of Afghan saffron is reportedly high, and the production is concentrated in Herat and Balkh, with the latter seeing a 50% increase in saffron cultivation compared to the previous year. A significant contract with China has been mentioned, allowing Afghan farmers to sell their saffron in the Chinese market.