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Rubio: US to Resume Life-Saving Aid Programs Worldwide

March 30, 2025 Current News Articles

Liluma Qadiry

Tolo News

30 March 2025

The Ministry of Economy also emphasized the importance of continued humanitarian aid in supporting Afghanistan’s economic stability.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently reaffirmed America’s commitment to continue providing critical and urgent assistance to countries around the world.

Rubio also criticized the current approach of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), promising that future aid will be delivered in a more efficient and transparent manner.

He said: “We are reorienting our foreign assistance programs to align directly with what is best for the United States and our citizens. We are continuing essential lifesaving programs and making strategic investments that strengthen our partners and our own country.”

This comes as the 90-day suspension of US foreign aid—imposed by the US President—nears its end, with less than 20 days remaining. The suspension impacted aid delivery worldwide, including in Afghanistan.

The halt in aid has affected the operations of some humanitarian organizations in Afghanistan. Experts have criticized former President Trump’s economic policies as impractical.

Mohammad Asif Stanikzai, an economic analyst, commented: “If humanitarian aid, especially in developmental and operational sectors, resumes, it could accelerate Afghanistan’s economic progress and strengthen the internal strategies already in place.”

Taj Mohammad Talash, another economic expert, said: “Third-world countries suffer greatly from such aid suspensions and aggressive economic policies, as they directly impact their economies in a negative way.”

The Ministry of Economy of the Islamic Emirate also emphasized the importance of continued humanitarian aid in supporting Afghanistan’s economic stability and empowering its people.

Abdul Rahman Habib, spokesperson for the ministry, said: “Transitioning from humanitarian to developmental aid is a vital process for the survival and self-reliance of a crisis-affected society. We call on all organizations and countries to continue their assistance for economic stability and public empowerment.”

Previously, organizations such as the Norwegian Refugee Council and Save the Children, among others, stated they had been forced to suspend parts of their operations in Afghanistan due to funding shortfalls.

One Day to Deadline: Afghan Refugees Plead for More Time in Pakistan

March 30, 2025 Current News Articles

Bibi Amina Hakimi

Tolo News

30 March 2025

A number of refugees who have lived in Pakistan for over four decades are once again appealing to the government to extend their stay.

Only one day remains until the deadline set by Pakistan for the expulsion of Afghan refugees from the country.

A number of refugees who have lived in Pakistan for over four decades are once again appealing to the government to extend their stay.

Zabit Khan, a refugee who has lived in Islamabad for nearly forty years, says he has established a business over the years, and expulsion from Pakistan could seriously disrupt his life.

Zabit Khan, Afghan refugee in Pakistan: “Give us time because we cannot suddenly relocate our business. We’ve worked here for forty years or more and have built relationships with people. This will cause us problems.”

However, the Pakistani government has declared that only holders of immigration visas will be allowed to live in the country.

The Afghan Embassy in Islamabad also stated that efforts are underway to facilitate visas for Afghan refugees residing in Pakistan.

Sardar Ahmad Shakeeb, acting ambassador of the Islamic Emirate in Islamabad, said regarding visa facilitation efforts: “We are easing the visa process so that Afghans are not forced to live illegally in Pakistan.”

Meanwhile, the Afghan refugee representative in Pakistan has also urged the government to halt the deportation process.

Shaheen Zakhil, a representative of Afghan refugees in Pakistan, said: “The Pakistani government must reconsider its decision because Afghans are facing many difficulties here, and their economic situation is also poor.”

Additionally, the prime minister of the Islamic Emirate, in his Eid message, called on neighboring countries not to forcibly deport Afghan refugees.

Abdul Wasi Khadem, the chief of staff of the prime minister’s office, said: “We ask countries hosting Afghan refugees to provide them with facilities instead of forcibly deporting them.”

This comes as Pakistan has set March 31 as the final deadline for Afghan refugees — including holders of ACC and PoR cards — to leave the country, particularly from Islamabad and Rawalpindi.

UN official backs call for FIFA action on gender oppression in Afghanistan

March 28, 2025 Current News Articles

Al Jazeera

The UN special rapporteur on Afghanistan urges ‘strong stand’ from FIFA for nation’s women to make return to international football.

Afghanistan’s national women’s football team have received support from a United Nations special rapporteur as they urge athletes worldwide to stand in solidarity as they fight their exclusion from World Cup qualifying competitions since the Taliban takeover in 2021.

Many players from the team fled the country at the time because they feared persecution.

The women’s team has since been unable to compete internationally because FIFA rules require recognition by a national federation, and the Taliban-controlled Afghan Football Federation bans women from playing.

The Taliban says it respects women’s rights in accordance with its interpretation of Islamic law and local customs and that internal matters should be addressed locally.

At a news briefing hosted by the Sports & Rights Alliance on Tuesday, Afghan national team captain Mursal Sadat highlighted the importance of global unity in the fight for gender equality in sport.

“If there is one thing that I would request from the athletes all around the world, it would be it is time that we unite together. And it’s time that women support other women,” she said.

“It would give us a lot of inspiration and support because you guys have a voice to use and that platform is there to be used.”

Sadat added that even a short video posted by athletes on social media would be a sign of solidarity against gender-based violence taking place in Afghanistan.

Richard Bennett, the UN special rapporteur on Afghanistan, said on Wednesday that he stood with Afghan women footballers in their call for FIFA to take action.

“I support the call by Sports & Rights Alliance for FIFA to take a strong stand against systematic gender oppression and ensure that Afghan women footballers in exile, who are barred from playing in Afghanistan, can return to international competition,” Bennett wrote on X.

“Our platform is sport – together with everyone, with the media, with individuals, with organisations and with governing bodies and including FIFA because we are not fighting against FIFA or any other organisation,” Popal said.

“We want to work together to find the best solutions as using Afghanistan as an example to make sure the other countries, the other nations don’t face what we have faced.”

In 2020, Afghanistan had 25 contracted women football players, most of whom now live in Australia.

Source: Al Jazeera and news agencies

Over 170 Afghan citizens transferred from Islamabad to Germany on special flight

March 28, 2025 Current News Articles

By Fidel Rahmati

Khaama Press

March 28, 2025

Over 170 Afghan citizens, including women and children, were transferred from Islamabad to Germany on a special flight for resettlement.

A total of 174 Afghan citizens, particularly those at high risk, have been transferred to Germany in a flight that landed in Hanover Airport on March 28. These individuals had previously received resettlement promises from Germany.

The group of 174 Afghan citizens comprises 82 women and 92 men, with 74 individuals under the age of 18. Additionally, nine children under the age of two were also part of the group, highlighting the vulnerable nature of those resettled.

A spokesperson for Germany’s Ministry of the Interior confirmed that all individuals were thoroughly vetted for security concerns before their flight. The spokesperson emphasized that security was the highest priority in the selection process to ensure the safety of the resettled individuals.

The German resettlement program is designed for Afghan citizens who had worked for the Afghan military or German organizations before the Taliban’s rise to power. These individuals were given priority due to their association with German interests during the previous Afghan government.

In addition to this recent transfer, Germany had previously resettled 132 Afghan refugees from Pakistan on March 5. The ongoing resettlement efforts are part of Germany’s broader initiative to support Afghan citizens facing persecution.

Germany’s resettlement program continues to prioritize the safety of Afghan citizens who were at high risk due to their work with foreign entities. The careful security checks and attention to vulnerable groups, such as women and children, reflect Germany’s commitment to humanitarian aid.

The efforts also highlight the continuing global responsibility to support refugees, especially in light of the instability and risks Afghan citizens face under Taliban rule. As countries like Germany take action, international cooperation remains crucial for ensuring the safety and dignity of displaced individuals.

Analyst Calls Trump’s Approach to Afghanistan ‘Pragmatic’

March 28, 2025 Current News Articles

TOLOnesws

28 March 2025

Kugelman referred to several indicators of a shift in US policy compared to 2021.

Michael Kugelman a director of the Wilson Center research institute in Washington wrote that former US President Donald Trump is taking a pragmatic approach toward the current authorities in Afghanistan.

The director at the Wilson Center also said that Afghan officials are trying to take advantage of this opportunity to propose more dialogue with Washington and advance their own goals.

Kugelman referred to several indicators of a shift in US policy compared to 2021, including the removal of the bounty for the capture of Sirajuddin Haqqani, the acting minister of interior, the visit of an American delegation to Kabul; and the release of George Glezmann, suggesting these reflect a significant policy change by Washington toward the Islamic Emirate.

“The Trump administration’s new tack can be attributed to its transactionalism. Its limited objectives in Afghanistan include the release of remaining captive US citizens and the return of US-made weapons. There are other things that the White House may want later, such as assistance on counterterrorism,” he stated.

“If the Islamic Emirate fulfills the conditions and agreements required by the US, then unexpectedly, the United States may recognize the Islamic Emirate of the Taliban as the official government of Afghanistan,” stated Wais Naser, a political analyst.

“The US has interests in Afghanistan, and we have our own interests there. Relations must be clearly defined, and decisions should be based on that framework,” stated Moeen Gul Samakni, a political analyst.

At the same time, the Independent reported, quoting experts familiar with the situation in Afghanistan, that Zalmay Khalilzad could potentially return as a mediator between Donald Trump and the current government in Afghanistan.

Meanwhile, Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate, recently told Al Arabiya News that the caretaker government in Afghanistan considers the chapter of war with the US to be closed and is in favor of establishing good relations with Washington.

He called on the US to reopen its embassy in Kabul to rebuild trust and restore relations between the two capitals.

White House slams Biden for failing to hold officials accountable in Afghanistan withdrawal

March 27, 2025 Current News Articles

By Fidel Rahmati

Khaama Press

March 27, 2025

Karoline Leavitt, White House spokesperson, criticized the Biden administration for its failure to hold officials accountable for the “disastrous” U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, calling it “outrageous.”

Leavitt responded to reporters’ questions about the disclosure of chat group information involving senior U.S. security officials, stating that the Trump administration ignored national security concerns raised by Democrats and mainstream media about the chaotic withdrawal.

The White House spokesperson emphasized that due to the incompetence of the previous U.S. administration, 13 U.S. soldiers lost their lives during the evacuation from Afghanistan.

Leavitt highlighted that no one in the previous administration was held accountable for the “disastrous” withdrawal, even as President Biden described the operation as “excellent.”

She added that such behavior was “outrageous” and “unacceptable” in the view of both the current U.S. President and Secretary of Defense.

Meanwhile, Leavitt explained that Mike Walz, the White House National Security Advisor, took full responsibility for the inadvertent addition of a journalist to the chat group of senior U.S. officials. She assured that the administration takes the security, safety, and well-being of its forces worldwide with the utmost seriousness.

Leavitt also addressed concerns about the potential exposure of sensitive information regarding U.S. military operations, stressing the importance of safeguarding national security and maintaining the integrity of communication within the government.

UN Women: Generations Will Be Affected by Education Ban

March 27, 2025 Current News Articles

TOLOnews

TV Network

27 March 2025

Schoolgirls once again urged the Islamic Emirate to pay attention to their education and allow them to continue their studies.

UN Women in a post on X called the educational and academic deprivation of girls in Afghanistan an “injustice” and stated that if this deprivation continues, generations in the country will be affected.

It further noted that girls in Afghanistan have been denied the right to education for a third consecutive year, and the new academic year has begun with schools reopening without their presence.

UN Women emphasized that girls in Afghanistan must go to school.

Hekmat Mirzada, a university professor, spoke about the right to education: “Considering that education and learning are natural human and Islamic rights for members of society, including women and girls, ruling systems of every country have a responsibility to create appropriate conditions and opportunities, in line with their policies, for all members of society, including women and girls, in the field of education.”

Schoolgirls once again urged the Islamic Emirate to pay attention to their education and allow them to continue their studies.

Sheela, one of the students, expressed her demand saying: “It has been four years since schools have been closed, and the fate of all Afghan girls remains uncertain. Our request from the Islamic Emirate is to open the doors of schools to all girls.”

Husna, another student, said: “Every girl dreams of studying and learning. I hope the Islamic Emirate makes a good decision for girls this year so that they can study and attend universities.”

Additionally, a number of women’s rights activists have again emphasized that for the progress of society and the growth of family economies, educational opportunities for girls must also be provided.

Tafsir Siyahposh, a women’s rights activist, said: “When the fate of half the society is unclear, we know what consequences it brings. This situation affects the psyche, the family, and society as a whole. As a result, both women and girls—and society—suffer.”

A day earlier, the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) also expressed disappointment over the continued restrictions on girls’ education. UNAMA added that banning girls from education complicates Afghanistan’s human rights situation, humanitarian aid, and economic crises.

Amnesty Intl Urges Pakistan to Halt Forced Deportation of Afghans

March 27, 2025 Current News Articles

TOLOnews

TV Network

27 March 2025

Isabelle Lassée, deputy regional director for South Asia at Amnesty International, described Pakistan’s decision as contrary to the rights of migrants and refugees.

Amnesty International has called for the immediate cancellation of Pakistan’s forced deportation plan of Afghan migrants.

Isabelle Lassée, deputy regional director for South Asia at Amnesty International, described Pakistan’s decision as contrary to the rights of migrants and refugees. She stated that the deportation plan also contradicts Pakistan’s own commitments and repeated appeals from human rights organizations to uphold migrants’ and refugees’ rights.

Lassée said: “The opaque executive orders contravene the government’s own promises and repeated calls by human rights organizations to uphold the rights of Afghan refugees and asylum seekers.”

Meanwhile, Pakistani media reported that the federal government has decided not to extend the deadline for the deportation of Afghan migrants. In a meeting chaired by Pakistan’s Minister of Interior, it was decided that the deportation of Afghans residing in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, who had previously been warned, would now be strictly enforced.

“We request the deportation of migrants from Pakistan be stopped to open a window of hope for them. We face different challenges here [in Pakistan] every day,” Rajabi, an Afghan migrant in Pakistan, told TOLOnews.

“These are very difficult days for migrants in Pakistan. We, the migrants, are worried and afraid as March 31 approaches,” said Mohammad Reza Sazesh, another Afghan migrant in Pakistan.

The Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation has also called this decision by Pakistan a violation of international law and good neighborly relations. The ministry added that concerns about the matter have been shared with Pakistan.

Abdul Mutalib Haqqani, spokesperson for the ministry of refugees and repatriation, said: “Such a decision against migrants contradicts all international conventions and opposes Islamic, humanitarian, and neighborly principles. This decision not only fails to solve problems but worsens them. We have shared our concerns with Pakistan.”

A day earlier, the head of refugees and repatriation affairs in Nangarhar province said that since the beginning of 2023, more than 67,000 families have been forcibly returned to Afghanistan through the Torkham crossing.

World Food Programme Warns of Malnutrition Crisis Among Afghan Children

March 27, 2025 Current News Articles

TOLOnews

TV Network

27 March 2025

The UN agency also stated that it needs $555 million over the next six months to safeguard life-saving food assistance across its programs.

The World Food Programme (WFP) has predicted that 3.5 million children in Afghanistan will suffer from malnutrition in 2025.

The UN agency also stated that it needs $555 million over the next six months to safeguard life-saving food assistance across its programs.

According to WFP data, currently 1.2 million pregnant and breastfeeding mothers in Afghanistan are suffering from malnutrition and urgently need treatment and nutritional support.

Mona Shaikh, head of nutrition for the World Food Programme (WFP) in Afghanistan, said: “In 2025, 3.5 million young children in Afghanistan are expected to be malnourished. This is huge. We haven’t seen anything like that in the last four years.”

Abdul Qadir, whose two daughters have been suffering from malnutrition for nearly six months, said he has taken them to the hospital several times but cannot afford treatment due to poverty and unemployment.

“Our economic situation is weak. I push a cart for a living. I can’t afford to treat my daughters. I ask the government and the Red Cross to help treat them,” Abdul Qadir told TOLOnews.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Economy has called for international support for Afghanistan’s economy.

Abdul Rahman Habib, spokesperson for the Ministry of Economy, said: “There is a need for joint efforts by internal institutions and continued support from the international community, especially in child nutrition. Supporting the agriculture sector and creating job opportunities can strengthen household economies and help reduce food insecurity.”

“It is the responsibility of the international community, especially the World Health Organization, to consider various ways to assist countries with poor economies and ultimately provide support,” said Nabi Afghan, an economic analyst.

Earlier, Save the Children had stated that due to reduced foreign aid, it had suspended life-saving programs for children suffering from malnutrition in Afghanistan.

UN official backs call for FIFA action on gender oppression in Afghanistan

March 26, 2025 Current News Articles

Al Jazeera

The UN special rapporteur on Afghanistan urges ‘strong stand’ from FIFA for nation’s women to make return to international football.

Many players from the team fled the country at the time because they feared persecution.

The Taliban says it respects women’s rights in accordance with its interpretation of Islamic law and local customs and that internal matters should be addressed locally.

At a news briefing hosted by the Sports & Rights Alliance on Tuesday, Afghan national team captain Mursal Sadat highlighted the importance of global unity in the fight for gender equality in sport.

“If there is one thing that I would request from the athletes all around the world, it would be it is time that we unite together. And it’s time that women support other women,” she said

“It would give us a lot of inspiration and support because you guys have a voice to use and that platform is there to be used.”

Sadat added that even a short video posted by athletes on social media would be a sign of solidarity against gender-based violence taking place in Afghanistan.

Richard Bennett, the UN special rapporteur on Afghanistan, said on Wednesday that he stood with Afghan women footballers in their call for FIFA to take action.

“We want to work together to find the best solutions as using Afghanistan as an example to make sure the other countries, the other nations don’t face what we have faced.”

In 2020, Afghanistan had 25 contracted women football players, most of whom now live in Australia.

Source: Al Jazeera and news agencies

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