By Reuters

Russia has officially lifted its two-decade-long ban on the Afghan Taliban, removing the group from its list of designated terrorist organizations. The move, confirmed by Russian state media on Thursday, marks a significant shift in Moscow’s diplomatic posture toward the de facto rulers of Afghanistan.

President Vladimir Putin previously described the Taliban as a partner in combating terrorism. Russia now views cooperation with the group as a strategic necessity, especially amid growing regional security threats from extremist organizations.

One such group is Islamic State Khorasan (ISIS-K), which claimed responsibility for the deadly March 2024 attack on a concert hall near Moscow that killed at least 145 people. U.S. intelligence pointed to ISIS-K as the orchestrator, further fueling Russia’s concern over the militant presence in and around Afghanistan. The Taliban, for its part, maintains it is actively targeting ISIS-K and other extremist factions operating on Afghan soil.

Western governments continue to insist that meaningful engagement and recognition will depend on the Taliban’s willingness to uphold international human rights standards.

Russia’s latest move, while not constituting formal recognition of the Taliban government, signals a pragmatic step toward deeper relations and regional coordination.

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in Afghanistan has warned of a severe shortage of lifesaving therapeutic foods due to global budget cuts.

The situation has been exacerbated by the reduction of international financial aid. On Wednesday, Cobi Rietveld, the head of the organization “Action Against Hunger” in Afghanistan, highlighted that the cut in U.S. financial assistance would result in the death of many children.

The humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan continues to deepen, with the lack of necessary resources threatening the lives of millions of children. The situation calls for immediate and significant action from the international community to prevent further loss of life.

Despite these dire conditions, the international community must prioritize the wellbeing of Afghan children and provide the financial and material support needed to address the crisis effectively.

As global financial constraints affect humanitarian efforts, it is crucial for governments and organizations to renew their commitments to providing necessary resources and support to Afghanistan.

CSTO officials are concerned about the rising threats from northern Afghanistan provinces, particularly related to terrorism, extremism, and drug crimes.

The Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) has expressed concern over the situation in Afghanistan and the growing threats from its northern provinces. According to the CSTO press office, the organization is particularly concerned about the rise in terrorism, extremism, and drug-related crimes originating from Afghanistan. These challenges are seen as direct threats to regional security and stability.

Natalia Kharitonova, spokesperson for the CSTO, explained in an interview with the Russian newspaper Izvestia on April 15 that Afghanistan has become a source of considerable concern for the organization. She emphasized that the CSTO members are worried about the increasing threats from Afghanistan, particularly from the northern regions bordering Central Asia. These threats are contributing to heightened security risks in the region.

Kharitonova further pointed out that CSTO member countries have called for more regional cooperation to combat terrorism and drug trafficking. The growing concerns about Afghanistan’s instability have led to calls for stronger coordination and joint actions to address these pressing issues in the region. The CSTO is working on measures to enhance regional security in response to these emerging threats.

In light of these concerns, the CSTO has placed special importance on strengthening the border security of Tajikistan, which shares a long border with Afghanistan. Kharitonova noted that a targeted intergovernmental program aimed at improving the security of Tajikistan’s border with Afghanistan is of critical significance to the CSTO. This program is seen as essential for safeguarding the security of all CSTO member states.

The CSTO’s concerns about Afghanistan highlight the growing instability in the region and the need for cooperative regional security efforts. The planned border security program between CSTO members, especially Tajikistan, demonstrates the organization’s commitment to addressing these security threats comprehensively. Through increased coordination and focused action, the CSTO aims to safeguard the security and stability of its member states in the face of rising challenges.

Karzai emphasized the importance of girls’ education for Afghanistan’s development, while discussing strengthening diplomatic ties with Norway.

Furthermore, Karzai pointed out that national reconciliation is key to achieving lasting peace and stability in Afghanistan. He urged collaborative efforts to create an inclusive environment for different segments of society to work together harmoniously.

Details of the discussions were not immediately available, but the meeting emphasized the ongoing importance of education and reconciliation in Afghanistan’s recovery. Norway has been a key player in supporting Afghanistan’s education, humanitarian, and peacebuilding sectors over the past two decades.

Imran Khan has called for extending the Afghan refugee return deadline, emphasizing the need for continued support and negotiations.

Khan, the leader of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, during a meeting with senior members of his party at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi, urged the extension of the deadline for Afghan refugees to return from Pakistan.

Sheikh Waqas Akram, the spokesperson for PTI, announced that Khan had proposed that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Provincial Assembly pass a resolution urging the federal government to facilitate negotiations between the provincial government and the Taliban of Afghanistan.

Khan emphasized that the surge of terrorism has had devastating effects on Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and direct engagement with Afghan authorities could help reduce the intensity of this crisis. In a message shared by Waqas Akram on social media platform X, Khan said, “The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly should demand that the federal government extend the deadline for expelling Afghan refugees and grant permission for direct talks with the Taliban.”

Since the beginning of April 2025, the Pakistani government has initiated a new wave of expulsions of Afghan refugees without legal documentation. Reports suggest that in the past two weeks alone, over 60,000 refugees have either returned to Afghanistan or been forcibly expelled. The government’s strict policy towards Afghan refugees has sparked widespread domestic and international reactions.

Imran Khan’s call for extending the refugee return deadline and facilitating negotiations with the Taliban reflects growing concerns over Pakistan’s refugee policy and its implications for regional security. The debate surrounding this issue is expected to continue, with significant political and humanitarian consequences.

UN-Habitat reports that millions in Afghanistan, especially in informal settlements, lack access to clean water, requiring urgent intervention.

According to UN-Habitat, the lack of essential infrastructure in numerous regions of Afghanistan has left a significant portion of the population, especially in informal settlements, without access to clean water and primary healthcare services.

In a message shared on social media platform X on Tuesday, April 15, the agency emphasized the importance of clean water and its role in public health and resilient communities.

The message further stated, “UN-Habitat highlights that water is vital for human dignity, health, and resilient communities, yet many in Afghanistan lack access to it.

International organizations have repeatedly called for immediate action to improve living conditions for millions of Afghans, emphasizing the critical need for sustainable water supply and healthcare infrastructure.

Efforts to address these urgent needs are crucial to ensure the well-being and resilience of vulnerable populations in Afghanistan. With ongoing support and collaboration, there is hope to restore essential services and improve the overall quality of life for the people of Afghanistan.