An Afghan province bans all media from showing images of living things to comply with Taliban laws

Associated Press

ISLAMABAD (AP) — An Afghan province has banned all media from showing images of living things to ensure compliance with the Taliban’s morality laws.

Thursday’s decision was announced by Information Ministry officials in Helmand, the latest province to crack down on broadcasting and photography of humans and animals.

In August, the country’s Vice and Virtue Ministry published laws regulating aspects of everyday life like public transportation, shaving, the media and celebrations reflecting authorities’ interpretation of Islamic law, or Sharia. Article 17 bans the publication of images of living beings.

Helmand officials said the filming and photography of living things would stop immediately. They gave no further information about enforcement or exceptions.

Last week, Taliban run-media stopped showing images of living things in the provinces of Takhar, Maidan Wardak and Kandahar in observance of the laws.

Some private channels are reported to have also stopped running pictures and videos of living things to ensure compliance.

No other Muslim-majority country imposes similar restrictions, including Iran and Saudi Arabia. During their previous rule in the late 1990s, the Taliban banned most television, radio and newspapers altogether.

Also Thursday, the Information Ministry announced it had banned 400 books that clashed with Islamic and Afghan values.

The outlawed books have been collected from stores and publishing houses and replaced by religious texts, including the Qur’an.

A spokesman for the ministry, Khubaib Ghofran, wrote on X: “Any book written according to the nefarious plans of enemies in order to destroy the thought, faith, unity and culture of this nation will be collected by the Ministry of Information and Culture.”

An Afghan province bans all media from showing images of living things to comply with Taliban laws
read more

Khalilah Ali, wife of boxing legend Muhammad Ali, to visit Kabul to build victory stadium

Khaama Press

Khalilah Ali, the wife of Muhammad Ali, the legendary world boxer, will arrive in Afghanistan today to build a stadium.

The General Directorate of Physical Education and Sports confirmed in a statement that Khalilah Ali, the wife of Muhammad Ali, the world boxing champion, will arrive in Afghanistan to construct a sports stadium.

Khalilah Ali is scheduled to arrive at Kabul airport on Thursday, October 24, to build a sports stadium named “Victory” and establish a sports association named “Muhammad Ali and Khalilah Ali.”

Mrs. Ali is also expected to meet with officials from the country’s Physical Education Directorate during this trip.

Previously, Mrs. Khalilah Ali visited Afghanistan to build a football stadium on eight acres of land in the Qargha area of Kabul.

In July 2022, Khalilah Ali openly criticized the Taliban at the inauguration of an Islamic center in the state of Maryland, USA, stating that the Taliban’s restrictions on Afghan women are contrary to Islam.

She emphasized that Muslim women should be able to enjoy the basic right to work and live in an Islamic environment rather than being oppressed.

Since then, nothing has changed for women in Afghanistan. However, Khalilah Ali, who was a critic of the group, is set to arrive in Kabul to build or inaugurate a stadium for men in a country where women are not allowed to participate in sports.

Despite the promising efforts to develop sports infrastructure in Afghanistan, the plight of Afghan women and girls remains dire. The ongoing restrictions on their education and employment undermine their fundamental rights and aspirations.

The international community must urgently address the challenges faced by Afghan women and girls. Denied access to education and the opportunity to work, they are left without the means to contribute to society or build a secure future for themselves, deepening the cycle of oppression and inequality.

Khalilah Ali, wife of boxing legend Muhammad Ali, to visit Kabul to build victory stadium
read more

China and other BRICS members call for lifting ban on girls’ education in Afghanistan

The leaders of China, Russia, and other BRICS member countries urged the Taliban on Wednesday to lift the ban on education for girls and women in Afghanistan.

In the declaration of the 16th BRICS Summit, the leaders stressed the importance of securing the fundamental rights of Afghan citizens, including women, girls, and different ethnic groups within the country.

The declaration highlighted the urgent need for uninterrupted humanitarian aid to the people of Afghanistan and called on the Taliban to revoke the ban on secondary and higher education for girls.

BRICS leaders emphasized the need for “more visible and verifiable actions in Afghanistan” to ensure that terrorists do not use Afghanistan’s territory.

The declaration expressed the group’s support for Afghanistan as an independent, united, and peaceful country free from terrorism, war, and narcotics.

BRICS reiterated the importance of regional platforms and neighboring countries in resolving Afghanistan’s issues and welcomed regional initiatives to facilitate peace.

The 16th BRICS Summit, attended by 36 countries and six international organizations, began on Tuesday, October 23, in Kazan, Republic of Tatarstan, Russia, and will continue until Thursday, October 25.

This report underscores the growing global concern over the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, especially the restrictions imposed on the education of Afghan girls. The BRICS leaders’ call for lifting the ban reflects international pressure on the Taliban to respect fundamental human rights.

The plight of Afghan girls remains a grave issue, as they are deprived of education and essential freedoms. Without immediate intervention and substantial efforts from both regional and global actors, the future of countless Afghan girls remains uncertain, denying them their right to knowledge and a better future.

China and other BRICS members call for lifting ban on girls’ education in Afghanistan
read more

We Have Opened Chapter of Engagement With World: Sirajuddin Haqqani

Speaking in a special interview with the New York Times, Sirajuddin Haqqani said that they have closed the chapter of violence and war.

Acting Minister of Interior Sirajuddin Haqqani in an interview said that twenty years of fighting has led to victory, and a new chapter has opened, which is positive engagement with the world.

Speaking in a special interview with the New York Times, Sirajuddin Haqqani said that they have closed the chapter of violence and war.

In the interview, Haqqani emphasized the unity in the current Afghan government and denied any rift.

“The Taliban leadership had secured a major achievement by creating an independent government with a single law and a single leader,” he said.

Haqqani also mentioned: “Unity is important for Afghanistan currently, so we can have a peaceful country.”

Regarding his openness to engage with the world, the New York Times wrote that Sirajuddin Haqqani is “walking a fine line” to build relations with the world, including the West.

The acting interior minister also said that the ban on girls’ education will not last forever.

“The current situation does not mean that girls are forever denied from going to schools and receiving an education,” Haqqani told the New York Times.

Quoting sources, the New York Times said that the Haqqanis have pledged to contain the threats from Daesh and Al-Qaida.

“No terrorist groups were present in Afghanistan; the Islamic Emirate controls every corner of the country,” Haqqani said.

We Have Opened Chapter of Engagement With World: Sirajuddin Haqqani
read more

Iran reports arrest of nearly 2,000 Afghan refugees in Lorestan

Khaama News

Mohammad Pir Hayati, the Deputy Head of Security and Places in Lorestan, Iran, stated that since the beginning of the current year, 1,800 Afghan refugees have been arrested in this city.

According to IRIB News Agency on Tuesday, October 22, this Iranian official noted that the number of arrests has increased by more than 100% compared to the previous year.

Reports indicate that most of the Afghan refugees were arrested in the cities of Aligudarz, Khorramabad, and Alishtar in Lorestan province.

The official emphasized that Lorestan has the highest unemployment rate and claimed that job opportunities for the city’s youth are being occupied by “foreign nationals committing crimes.”

He also warned that if anyone employs Afghan refugees, they will face legal consequences in accordance with the law.

This comes as the Islamic Republic of Iran has intensified its pressure and forced deportation of Afghan refugees in recent months.

Recently, Ahmadreza Radan, the commander of Iran’s law enforcement, warned that by the end of this year, two million Afghan refugees would be expelled.

According to this Iranian official, over 750,000 “illegal nationals” have already been deported this year.

The forced deportation of Afghan refugees from Iran and Pakistan amid Afghanistan’s ongoing humanitarian crisis highlights their dire situation. With increasing arrests and deportations, many Afghans face a lack of safe refuge, adding to the immense challenges they already face due to political instability and economic hardships in their homeland.

Despite the critical situation in Afghanistan, where many refugees have no viable options to return safely, these actions by neighboring countries exacerbate their vulnerability.

Afghan refugees are left struggling with an uncertain future, limited access to basic resources, and the constant fear of being sent back to a country where their lives may be at risk.

Iran reports arrest of nearly 2,000 Afghan refugees in Lorestan
read more

Dealy explosion in kabul’s Cinema pamir; 11 injured, including women and children

Following an explosion in the densely populated Cinema Pamir area in central Kabul, 11 people, including children and women, were injured and transferred to the Emergency Hospital.

The incident, which occurred around 2:00 PM on Wednesday, was caused by a bomb planted among street vendors and resulted in casualties. So far, no group has claimed responsibility for the explosion.

Following the incident, fire trucks were dispatched to the scene, and footage shows people fleeing in panic.

In a statement, the Emergency Hospital confirmed that 11 injured individuals, including a three-year-old girl, two boys aged four and sixteen, two women, and six men, were transferred to the facility. The health condition of one of the injured was reported to be critical.

Reports indicated the explosion occurred in the Leilani Market near the Tazkira Directorate. Some reports indicate that a magnetic mine caused the explosion, but Taliban officials have not yet commented on the matter, and no group has claimed responsibility.

It is worth mentioning that similar explosions in various parts of Kabul have repeatedly resulted in civilian casualties and have significantly impacted the city’s security.

The recurring explosions in Kabul highlight ongoing security challenges in the city, leaving civilians vulnerable to frequent attacks. As authorities continue to investigate the incident, the lack of accountability raises concerns over the effectiveness of security measures in the city.

The incident underscores the urgent need for comprehensive security reforms and coordinated efforts to protect civilians in conflict-prone areas like Kabul.

Dealy explosion in kabul’s Cinema pamir; 11 injured, including women and children
read more

Kabir: UNAMA Should Handle Afghanistan’s Issues Responsibly

Fitrat said that the deputy prime minister for political affairs stressed the significance of UNAMA’s mission in the country.

Mawlawi Abdul Kabir, the deputy prime minister for political affairs, has urged Roza Otunbayeva that UNAMA should adopt a responsible approach regarding some of the issues in Afghanistan.

According to Hamdullah Fitrat, the deputy spokesperson of the Islamic Emirate, Mawlawi Abdul Kabir also mentioned in this meeting that the interim government is ready to hold discussions on matters that raise concerns.

Fitrat said that the deputy prime minister for political affairs stressed the significance of UNAMA’s mission in the country.

The deputy spokesperson of the Islamic Emirate told TOLOnews: “Mawlawi Abdul Kabir made it clear in this meeting that the Islamic Emirate values UNAMA’s mission in Afghanistan. He added that the procedure for the High Commission for Combating Narcotics and Intoxicants is nearing completion and committed to holding a joint meeting, including UNAMA and embassies, in the coming days.”

In a meeting with Roza Otunbayeva, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of UNAMA, the deputy prime minister for political affairs stressed that the Islamic Emirate conducts its work based on Islamic laws.

“UNAMA is a bridge between the Islamic Emirate and the world, and it can take further steps. UNAMA can reflect the positive developments that have taken place to the United Nations, so that the existing gap between the UN and the Emirate may decrease, and the ground for recognition is prepared,” Hanif Khan Karokhail, a political analyst, told TOLOnews.

“Our request from UNAMA is to present the true picture of Afghanistan to the world and reflect the realities in various sectors of Afghanistan, so the existing challenges between Afghanistan and the world can be resolved,” said Gul Mohammaduddin Mohammadi, another political analyst.

Earlier, in a meeting with Amir Khan Muttaqi, the acting foreign minister, the special representative of the UN Secretary-General in Afghanistan had highlighted UNAMA’s commitment to constructive engagement with Afghanistan and stated that the voices of all Afghan citizens would be heard.

Kabir: UNAMA Should Handle Afghanistan’s Issues Responsibly
read more

UNESCO: We Support Access to Information and Education in Afghanistan

In this meeting in Kabul, McPhillips highlighted the important role that journalists and media play in informing the public.

Patricia McPhillips, UNESCO’s Director in Afghanistan, stated during a United Nations and media meeting held to mark United Nations Day in Afghanistan that UNESCO supports the right to access information and the improvement of education in the country.

In this meeting in Kabul, McPhillips highlighted the important role that journalists and media play in informing the public.

The head of UNESCO in Afghanistan said: “In Afghanistan, UNESCO has been supporting the people of Afghanistan in improving access to information, protecting the country’s heritage and improving education and literacy. Finally, I wish you a truthful discussion and pledge to continue supporting you and to highlight a point … celebrating UN day with journalists and representatives of the media in Afghanistan could not be more fitting as the UN and the media share the fundamental principles and values of impartiality, humanity and independence.”

Officials from several media-supporting organizations also called on global institutions to assist Afghanistan’s media and journalists, keeping Afghanistan’s national interests in mind. They highlighted the importance of establishing an Access to Information Commission and enacting media-related laws to bring order to the country’s media activities.

Hafizullah Barakzai, head of the the Afghanistan National Journalists Union (ANJU), said during the meeting: “The director of UNESCO is here, as are our colleagues, and there must be full attention and focus on investments, support, and workshops because many intellectuals from the journalism community have left the country. We need attention to how we can continue to serve in the field of information dissemination.”

The United Nations was founded by 51 countries in 1945, with the primary goal of maintaining international peace and security. Afghanistan became a member of the United Nations in 1946.

UNESCO: We Support Access to Information and Education in Afghanistan
read more

Pezeshkian: Iran Supports Any Steps for Peace, Stability in Afghanistan

Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson of the Islamic Emirate, stated that the interim government seeks good relations with all countries, including Iran.

The President of Iran, Masoud Pezeshkian, in a meeting with the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, on the sidelines of the BRICS summit, stressed the need for engagement with Afghanistan on regional issues, highlighting the importance of resolving existing challenges and establishing peace and stability in Afghanistan.

Masoud Pezeshkian and Narendra Modi discussed Afghanistan on the sidelines of the BRICS summit, and Pezeshkian stated that Iran supports any steps that lead to peace and stability in Afghanistan.

The Iranian Presidency, in a statement about this meeting, said: “We must engage with Afghanistan with the motivation and determination to build the future of the region. We must help the Afghan nation solve their problems and achieve peace, calm, and prosperity. The Islamic Republic of Iran supports any action that helps stabilize peace and tranquility in Afghanistan.”

Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson of the Islamic Emirate, stated that the interim government seeks good relations with all countries, including Iran.

Mujahid said: “We want good relations with both Iran and India, and we have so far strengthened our economic ties with all countries. We want to improve other relations as well.”

“In my opinion, Iran is a regional power and plays a significant role in BRICS as a full member. Iran can have a positive role in Afghanistan in all sectors, including political, economic, and cultural, and can also guide Afghanistan’s relations with the international community in a positive direction,” Sayed Akbar Sial Wardak, a political analyst, told TOLOnews.

Earlier, the President of Iran, in a meeting with the President of Tajikistan on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, also raised the issue of Afghanistan as a common concern between Tehran and Dushanbe, and highlighted cooperation between the two countries in solving Afghanistan’s problems.

Pezeshkian: Iran Supports Any Steps for Peace, Stability in Afghanistan
read more

Qatar, Italy Supports Continuation of Doha Process on Afghanistan

Meanwhile, Qatar’s special representative met with members of the German parliament to discuss strengthening peace and stability in Afghanistan.

Qatar and Italy, in a joint statement, announced the continuation of their cooperation in the Doha process and emphasized the importance of bilateral strategic talks regarding Afghanistan.

Part of the joint statement reads: “Italy is grateful to Qatar for hosting the Embassy of Italy to Afghanistan and will continue to contribute to the Doha Process on Afghanistan. In this framework, we reaffirm the importance of our bilateral Strategic Dialogue and look forward to holding its next session in Doha.”

Meanwhile, Qatar’s special representative met with members of the German parliament to discuss strengthening peace and stability in Afghanistan.

The Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated: “The meeting dealt with a number of topics of common concern, especially enhancing peace and stability in Afghanistan.”

The Islamic Emirate has also praised Qatar’s role in various Afghan issues and called on world countries to seriously work on establishing relations with Afghanistan.

Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate, said: “We appreciate Qatar’s efforts and urge countries to take their relations with Afghanistan seriously, as it will benefit all parties.”

“The third step concerns Afghanistan, where once again the understanding and cooperation between Qatar, Germany, and Italy can have positive effects on Afghanistan’s conditions,” Fazl Rahman Orya, a political analyst, told TOLOnews.

“The closer they get to Afghan issues, the more it benefits the Afghan people, and the Doha meetings, in which genuine Afghans and representatives of the Islamic Emirate are invited, will benefit both the people and the Islamic Emirate,” said Salim Paigir, another political analyst.

Last week, Qatar’s special representative for Afghanistan and Germany’s chargé d’affaires in Doha also discussed the latest developments in Afghanistan, including security, political, and humanitarian issues.

Qatar, Italy Supports Continuation of Doha Process on Afghanistan
read more