The formation and authorities of the High Advisory Board for Peace, which encompasses incumbent and ex-government officials, political parties and some prominent politicians, was faced with mixed reactions on Thursday, as the political committee of the political parties called the formation of the new body unacceptable.

President Ashraf Ghani at a ceremony in Herat on Thursday inaugurated the Lapis Lazuli Corridor where he said the route enables Afghanistan to send its products to Europe and other parts of the world.