Islamic Emirate Leader Warns Against Misuse of Government Resources

October 22, 2026
TOLOnews
TV Network
22 October 2026

Sheikh Hibatullah also emphasized unity and mutual acceptance, urging caution in the use of public funds, vehicles and weapons.

The leader of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, Sheikh Hibatullah Akhundzada, has stressed that government resources and equipment must not be misused or used for personal purposes during an address at the 205th Al-Badr Army Corps.

Sheikh Hibatullah Akhundzada also emphasized unity and mutual acceptance, urging caution in the use of public funds, vehicles and weapons.

A statement from the Islamic Emirate spokesperson’s office quoted him as saying: “Be very careful in using public resources, vehicles and weapons, and do not misuse them. Maintain unity and solidarity among yourselves and stay away from ethnic favoritism and personal loyalties. Put the interests of the system above your personal interests and practice piety and religious devotion.”

The Islamic Emirate leader also called on security forces to avoid ethnic favoritism and personal loyalties and to prioritize the interests of the current government over their personal interests.

Another part of the statement quoted Sheikh Hibatullah Akhundzada as saying: “Do not engage in useless activities and continue pursuing education. Respect your elders and teachers and obey them.”

Previously, during a graduation ceremony for security forces in Kandahar province, the Islamic Emirate leader also emphasized protecting public property, treating people well and avoiding arrogance.

Islamic Emirate Leader Warns Against Misuse of Government Resources
read more

Russia Pledges to Expand Security Cooperation with Afghanistan

October 22, 2026
TOLOnews
22 October 2026

Russia says it will expand its cooperation with Kabul in the areas of counterterrorism, counter-narcotics and security.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said that the intergovernmental agreement on military and technical cooperation between Russia and Afghanistan, signed on the sidelines of an international security conference in Moscow in May this year, was intended to strengthen Afghanistan’s defense capabilities and its ability to combat terrorism.

Zakharova added that addressing security threats in the region is a shared responsibility of countries.

Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, said: “Russia will continue to expand its cooperation with Kabul in combating terrorism and drug trafficking, as well as in the broader field of security.”

The Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson also commented on the dispute between Afghanistan and Pakistan, saying that Russia supports a political and diplomatic solution and stands ready to assist in resolving the dispute if both sides are interested.

Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, said: “We remain committed to pursuing political and diplomatic means. If both sides are interested, we are ready to assist them in this regard using all available means. Both sides are aware of our position.”

Political analyst Sayed Moqaddam Amin said: “The dispute between Pakistan and Afghanistan has destabilized the region, and Russia has considerable influence here. It can exert pressure on Pakistan while also finding common ground with the Islamic Emirate.”

These remarks come as Russia has launched efforts in recent weeks to ease tensions between the two countries, including recent visits by Russian officials to Kabul, Islamabad and New Delhi.

Earlier, the foreign ministers of Russia and Iran emphasized the need to reduce tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan and called for continued consultations to address the issue.

Russia Pledges to Expand Security Cooperation with Afghanistan
read more

UN Experts Warn EU Against Afghan Deportations and Normalization of Taliban Rule

October 22, 2026
Besmellah Zahidi·
Kabul Now

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – United Nations human rights experts expressed concern on Thursday over reports that European Union member states are deporting Afghan nationals to Afghanistan, saying the country remains unsafe for forced returns and that such actions could violate international law.

In a joint statement, the experts, including Richard Bennett, the UN special rapporteur on human rights in Afghanistan, stressed the principle of non-refoulement, which bars returns to places where people face serious risks. They reminded EU states of their obligations under international human rights and refugee law.

The experts described Afghanistan’s human rights situation as “dire,” saying violations against women and girls are so widespread and systematic that they could amount to crimes against humanity.

They also cited reports of torture and extrajudicial killings targeting ethnic and religious minorities, human rights defenders, journalists, sexual and gender minorities, and former Afghan officials and security personnel.

The group reminded EU member states of their non-refoulement obligations under the Convention against Torture, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the Refugee Convention, and the European Convention on Human Rights.

“International law’s non-refoulement obligation prohibits the removal of any person to a State where they are at risk of arbitrary deprivation of life, torture and other ill-treatment, enforced disappearance and arbitrary detention, flagrant denial of justice and other serious violations of human rights,” the experts said.

The experts also warned against efforts to normalize relations with the Taliban, citing a visit by a Taliban delegation to Brussels in June at the invitation of the European Commission. The commission described the meeting as “technical,” while the Taliban delegation called it “historic.”

“We remain concerned that such engagement, without clear redlines on the need for improvements in respect for human rights, leads to the normalization of gross human rights violations by the Taliban, including gender persecution,” the experts said.

They noted that some EU member states continue “technical discussions” to facilitate deportations and have accepted Taliban consular officials on their territories.

The experts urged EU states to increase advocacy for human rights improvements in Afghanistan. “There must be no normalization or legitimation of the Taliban unless there are concrete improvements on human rights, including the lifting of the ban on the education of girls and women over sixth grade,” they said.

European countries have increased contacts with the Taliban regarding the deportation of Afghan migrants. France has confirmed it is in contact with the group on the matter. Germany previously reached an agreement with the Taliban on deportations and has returned hundreds of Afghan nationals whose asylum claims were rejected or who committed crimes.

The United Nations, some EU lawmakers and human rights groups have criticized the rise in returns to Taliban-ruled Afghanistan and growing official contacts with the group, arguing the country remains unsafe for forced returns and that engagement risks legitimizing a regime responsible for widespread rights abuses

UN Experts Warn EU Against Afghan Deportations and Normalization of Taliban Rule
read more

US Lawmaker Seeks House Vote to Restore Protection for Afghan Nationals

October 21, 2026
Khaama Press
US Lawmakers Urge Immediate Action for Afghan Allies and Military Families Stranded Abroad
Afghan refugees board an aircraft at Kabul airport during an evacuation operation following the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan.

A US Democratic lawmaker is seeking to force a vote in the House of Representatives on legislation that would restore Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Afghan nationals, potentially shielding thousands from deportation following the Trump administration’s termination of the protection in 2025.

Representative Sam Liccardo of California is backing efforts to advance the Afghanistan TPS Act of 2026, a bipartisan bill intended to make Afghans eligible for temporary protected status in the United States. The legislation was introduced in July and referred to the House Judiciary Committee, where it has remained pending.

The bill was introduced by Democratic Representative Jason Crow, with Liccardo and Republican Representatives Don Bacon and Maria Elvira Salazar among its co-sponsors. It seeks to restore a legal protection that had allowed eligible Afghans to remain in the United States temporarily.

The proposed legislation comes after the Trump administration announced the termination of Afghanistan’s TPS designation in May 2025. The decision put thousands of Afghan nationals at risk of losing their protection against deportation, including people who had supported US forces during the war in Afghanistan.

To bypass the committee bottleneck, Liccardo and Crow introduced a resolution on October 1 to set up a procedure for bringing the bill to the House floor. The resolution was referred to the House Rules Committee. If the process advances, lawmakers could use a discharge petition to seek a vote without the usual approval from House leadership.

Under House rules, a discharge petition generally requires 218 signatures to bring eligible legislation to the floor. The petition cannot simply be assumed to be active yet: the special-rule process must first meet the required procedural steps.

Liccardo has argued that the United States has a responsibility to Afghan partners who supported American forces as interpreters, informants and in other roles. Some of those Afghans could face serious risks if returned to Afghanistan, according to the bill’s supporters.

The legislation has bipartisan support, with Republican lawmakers among its co-sponsors. However, it has not yet passed the House, and the proposed restoration of TPS would require further legislative action before it could become law.

The number of Afghans affected requires careful attribution. Liccardo’s office said more than 9,000 Afghans had received TPS after the US withdrawal from Afghanistan, while the supplied draft cites about 8,000 people at risk of deportation.

US Lawmaker Seeks House Vote to Restore Protection for Afghan Nationals
read more

Qatar calls for shift from humanitarian aid to economic recovery in Afghanistan

October 21, 2026
Ariana News
facebook sharing buttonlinkedin sharing button

Qatar has called for a shift from emergency humanitarian assistance toward economic recovery and private-sector development in Afghanistan, stressing the need for sustained international engagement to build a more stable future for the country.

Qatar’s Minister of State for International Cooperation, Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad, made the remarks Tuesday at the Afghanistan Coordination Group meeting in Doha.

Al Misnad said Qatar has provided and pledged nearly $150 million over the past decade for humanitarian and development projects in Afghanistan, particularly in health care, education and emergency response.

She warned that severe humanitarian needs and economic difficulties continue to affect Afghan families, while the return and displacement of people are placing additional pressure on public services and livelihoods. She said urgent needs remain in food security, health care, nutrition, education and access to water.

The minister stressed that assistance must be delivered transparently, with accountability and in line with humanitarian principles, with particular attention to vulnerable groups, including women and young people.

She also said Afghanistan’s future should be shaped through a comprehensive political process led by Afghans themselves, with respect for the country’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity.

Al Misnad highlighted Qatar’s role in facilitating dialogue on Afghanistan since the launch of the Doha peace process in 2013, as well as its support for initiatives such as the Solutions Strategy for Afghan Refugees and the Afghanistan Humanitarian Fund.

She said the UN-led Doha Process provides a platform for political engagement and practical cooperation, highlighting counter-narcotics and private-sector development as areas where international efforts could deliver tangible results.

Al Misnad urged participants to maintain Afghanistan’s place on the international agenda, establish clear priorities and renew their commitments to the Afghan people, emphasizing that technical cooperation should complement broader political efforts.

Qatar calls for shift from humanitarian aid to economic recovery in Afghanistan
read more

EU Calls for Unconditional End to Girls’ Education Ban in Afghanistan

October 21, 2026
TOLOnews
TV Network
21 October 2026

The European Union has expressed concern over continued restrictions on the rights of women and girls in Afghanistan and called for their unconditional removal.

The European Union has expressed concern over continued restrictions on the rights of women and girls in Afghanistan and called for their unconditional removal.

Speaking at the 225th session of the Executive Board of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the EU stated that Afghanistan remains the only country in the world where girls are barred from education beyond the sixth grade, affecting more than 2.2 million girls.

In a statement, the European Union said: “The EU remains concerned about the further deterioration of the rights of women and girls in 2026 and the fact that Afghanistan is the only country where girls are denied formal education beyond grade six, with this ban affecting more than 2.2 million girls. We call for the unconditional reversal of these discriminatory policies.”

While welcoming UNESCO’s efforts to provide alternative learning opportunities for women and girls, the EU emphasized that such programs cannot replace formal, inclusive, and quality education.

Ummul Banin Haidari, a student, said: “I was in the eleventh grade when these restrictions were imposed. I might be able to continue my education elsewhere somehow, but the situation is difficult for other girls who were deprived of education in the sixth grade or above.”

Over the past five years, the international community and regional countries have repeatedly called for the removal of the ban on girls’ education beyond the sixth grade. However, the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has not recently provided an official clarification on the issue.

EU Calls for Unconditional End to Girls’ Education Ban in Afghanistan
read more

Qatar Urges Sustained International Support for Afghanistan at Doha Meeting

October 21, 2026

Khial Hamidzai

Kabul Tribune

21 October 2026

The Kabul Tribune (KT)— Qatar’s Minister of State for International Cooperation Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad on Tuesday called for sustained international engagement and stronger coordination to address Afghanistan’s humanitarian and economic challenges.

Speaking at a meeting of the Afghanistan Coordination Group in Doha, held Oct. 20-21, Al Misnad said Afghanistan needed clear priorities, practical cooperation and long-term international support to help its people cope with worsening humanitarian needs and economic difficulties.

She thanked Switzerland, the United Nations, the World Bank and participating governments and institutions for their continued commitment to the Afghan people, emphasizing that fragmented international efforts could undermine the effectiveness of assistance.

Al Misnad said Qatar remained committed to dialogue and preventive diplomacy, noting that the country had supported political engagement on Afghanistan since the launch of the Doha peace process in 2013. Qatar has also facilitated communication among Afghan parties, the United Nations and international partners, she said.

She stressed that Afghanistan’s future should be determined through an inclusive political process led by Afghans themselves, with respect for the country’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity.

At the same time, she said Afghanistan’s stability was closely linked to regional security, economic connectivity and international peace.

Qatar pledges continued humanitarian support

Al Misnad said Qatar had provided and pledged nearly $150 million over the past decade for humanitarian and development projects in Afghanistan, including in health care, education and emergency response.

She warned that humanitarian needs remained severe, while economic fragility, population displacement and the return of Afghans from abroad were placing additional pressure on already strained public services and limited livelihood opportunities.

Funding shortages have added to the challenges facing aid agencies, particularly in essential health care, nutrition, education, water and food security, she said.

Al Misnad called for closer coordination among donors, U.N. agencies, international financial institutions, regional organizations and implementing partners to ensure that assistance was delivered transparently, accountably and in accordance with humanitarian principles.

She reaffirmed that Qatar would continue supporting humanitarian and development initiatives through its national institutions and in cooperation with international partners, with particular attention to vulnerable communities, women and young people.

Doha process and economic cooperation

The Qatari minister said the U.N.-led Doha Process and its working groups offered a platform for improving international coordination and advancing practical cooperation on Afghanistan.

She highlighted counter-narcotics efforts, private-sector development and other areas where international engagement could produce tangible results.

Al Misnad urged participants to maintain momentum in the process and keep Afghanistan high on the international agenda, stressing that technical cooperation should complement, rather than replace, broader political engagement.

She said the meeting should help identify shared priorities, strengthen practical cooperation and renew international commitments to the Afghan people.

The Afghanistan Coordination Group meeting in Doha brought together international partners to discuss assistance and cooperation for Afghanistan amid continuing humanitarian needs and economic pressures.

Qatar Urges Sustained International Support for Afghanistan at Doha Meeting
read more

Hundreds of Book Titles Removed from Markets Across Afghanistan

October 20, 2026
Mursaleen Muwahid
Multilingual Journalist & Social Media Editor
19 October 2026

Meanwhile, some booksellers say the evaluation and removal of books have affected their businesses.

تصویر بندانگشتی

 

The Ministry of Information and Culture says hundreds of book titles have been removed from markets across Afghanistan.

According to the ministry, its Book Evaluation Commission collected the books for violating established policies, values, and regulations.

The ministry’s spokesperson added that the publication of dozens of other book titles had been prevented over the past year due to noncompliance with writing and content standards and copyright regulations.

Khabib Ghufran, spokesperson for the Ministry of Information and Culture, said: “The Book Evaluation Commission assesses books based on various criteria, including writing standards, content selection, the nature of the material, and copyright compliance, before issuing publication permits.”

Meanwhile, some booksellers say the evaluation and removal of books have affected their businesses.

Karimullah, a bookseller, said: “The Islamic Emirate has collected books that contradict Islamic Sharia from across Afghanistan. Although this has caused financial losses for booksellers, its benefits have been greater.”

On the other hand, some bookstore owners have expressed concern over the slowdown in the book market and called for measures to address the challenges facing the sector.

Noor Mohammad Ahadi, a bookstore owner, said: “The Islamic Emirate should support booksellers and publishers, help them with advertising, and encourage them so that those struggling with difficult economic conditions can recover from the market downturn.”

Despite these developments, the Ministry of Information and Culture has not yet disclosed the exact number of books removed or published a list of the banned titles.

It is hoped that the book evaluation process, alongside efforts to address the challenges facing publishers and booksellers, will help improve publication quality and revive Afghanistan’s book market.

Hundreds of Book Titles Removed from Markets Across Afghanistan
read more

Russia Offers to Help Ease Afghanistan-Pakistan Tensions

October 20, 2026
TOLOnews
TV Network
19 October 2026

He expressed hope that the disputes between Kabul and Islamabad would soon be resolved and that crossings between the two countries would reopen.

تصویر بندانگشتی

 

The Russian Ambassador to Islamabad has emphasized Moscow’s readiness to help ease tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan and find a solution to resolve the ongoing disputes between the two countries.

Speaking at an event at the Islamabad Institute of Strategic Studies, Albert P. Khorev expressed Moscow’s concern over civilian casualties resulting from Pakistan’s actions, adding that resolving the issue would benefit not only the two countries but the entire region.

Albert P. Khorev, Russian Ambassador to Islamabad, said: “Russia is ready to help Pakistan and Afghanistan find a solution to end tensions between the two countries. As you know, our embassy in Kabul had previously expressed concern over civilian casualties resulting from Pakistan’s actions.”

The diplomat also referred to the simultaneous presence of three senior Russian officials in Kabul, Islamabad, and New Delhi, saying tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan were a key focus of their discussions and that Moscow was seeking to contribute to resolving the issue through these diplomatic efforts.

Albert P. Khorev added: “We hope this problem will be resolved soon and that the border between Pakistan and Afghanistan will reopen as quickly as possible. While Russia’s Interior Minister was visiting Islamabad, the head of Russian intelligence was in Kabul, and the Deputy Secretary of our Security Council was in New Delhi. All of them also discussed this issue. Therefore, Russia is now trying to contribute to resolving this problem through these efforts.”

The Russian Ambassador also said that tensions and the continued closure of crossings between Afghanistan and Pakistan have affected Pakistan’s trade and economic relations with Central Asian countries and Russia.

He expressed hope that the disputes between Kabul and Islamabad would soon be resolved and that crossings between the two countries would reopen.

He stated: “The consequences of this situation are not limited to security and terrorism-related issues; they are now also negatively affecting trade and economic relations. The closure of the border crossing between Pakistan and Afghanistan has brought Pakistan’s trade with its partners in Central Asia and Russia to a halt. Alongside US sanctions, this is another factor hindering the expansion of trade relations.”

Russia’s efforts, along with those of other regional countries, to reduce tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan come as the future of relations between Kabul and Islamabad remains uncertain, with tensions between the two sides continuing.

Russia Offers to Help Ease Afghanistan-Pakistan Tensions
read more

Qatar Highlights Humanitarian Support for Afghanistan

October 20, 2026
Khaama Press
Qatar Highlights Humanitarian Support for Afghanistan.

Qatar has reaffirmed the importance of humanitarian diplomacy and international cooperation to protect civilians and essential water resources in conflict zones, including Afghanistan.

Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad, Qatar’s Minister of State for International Cooperation, made the remarks on October 19 during a panel discussion titled “Bridging Humanitarian Diplomacy to Water Security” at the Global Security Forum 2026 in Doha, according to Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Al Misnad said Qatar contributes to humanitarian responses in conflict-affected areas through relief assistance, diplomatic engagement, mediation, reconstruction support and assistance for displaced civilians. She identified Afghanistan, Gaza, Sudan, Lebanon, Somalia and Syria among the places where such efforts are relevant.

The discussion focused on protecting water resources and essential infrastructure during armed conflicts. Al Misnad said damage to desalination plants, water-treatment facilities and distribution networks can undermine access to safe drinking water and sanitation, with long-term consequences for public health, human dignity and community resilience.

She stressed that safeguarding water infrastructure requires compliance with international humanitarian law, as well as consideration of international human rights and environmental law. She also argued that the challenge lies not only in the existence of legal protections but in ensuring that they are respected and applied consistently.

Al Misnad called for stronger international cooperation to influence parties to armed conflicts to protect essential resources and prevent interruptions to vital water services. She also encouraged the sharing of knowledge and experience to help communities withstand conflict-related disruption and improve access to clean water.

The Qatari ministry said the country has worked with regional and international partners on humanitarian initiatives and mediation efforts. Its statement also highlighted ongoing cooperation with Egypt, Türkiye and the United States aimed at advancing the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement, reopening the Rafah crossing and facilitating humanitarian aid deliveries.

Afghanistan remains among the countries Qatar has identified as requiring humanitarian support. In September, Qatar also reiterated its commitment to humanitarian and development assistance for Afghans during diplomatic discussions at the United Nations General Assembly.

The latest remarks place water security and the protection of civilians at the centre of Qatar’s call for humanitarian diplomacy amid continuing conflicts and crises.

Qatar Highlights Humanitarian Support for Afghanistan
read more

Recent Posts