Pakistani Newspaper Says US Still Has Influence Over Afghanistan

August 7, 2026
Khaama Press

A Pakistani newspaper has argued that the United States continues to have influence over developments in Afghanistan despite its military withdrawal, saying Washington’s diplomatic, financial and institutional tools could still affect regional security issues.

In an opinion article, The Nation said stronger counterterrorism cooperation between Pakistan and the United States could help address security concerns involving groups such as the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and Islamic State Khorasan (ISIS-K).

The newspaper described the fourth round of U.S.-Pakistan counterterrorism talks as a positive step, arguing that militant groups in the region should be addressed as a broader international security challenge rather than only a domestic concern.

The article said Pakistan has repeatedly argued that groups such as the TTP and ISIS-K pose threats beyond its borders and require international cooperation. It added that Washington continues to play a role in global security efforts related to Afghanistan through diplomatic engagement, sanctions and intelligence cooperation.

The Nation suggested that Islamabad could use renewed engagement with Washington to seek stronger international action against groups it considers responsible for attacks in Pakistan.

The newspaper also argued that closer cooperation with the United States does not require Pakistan to reduce its strategic relationship with China, saying Islamabad could maintain ties with both countries while pursuing regional security objectives.

The article concluded that Pakistan and the United States share common interests in counterterrorism efforts and that renewed cooperation could lead to practical measures against militant networks.

The claims and assessments in this report reflect The Nation’s analysis and do not necessarily represent the official positions of Pakistan, the United States, the Taliban authorities in Afghanistan, or other parties mentioned.

Pakistani Newspaper Says US Still Has Influence Over Afghanistan
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Climate Disasters Deepen Afghanistan’s Humanitarian Crisis, IOM Says

August 7, 2026
Khaama Press

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has warned that climate change is intensifying Afghanistan’s humanitarian crisis, as repeated floods, droughts and extreme weather events increase the number of vulnerable people needing assistance.

IOM said climate-related disasters have caused an unprecedented rise in humanitarian needs across Afghanistan, while humanitarian organisations face growing challenges due to limited funding and reduced capacity to respond.

The organisation said recurring climate shocks have affected communities already struggling with poverty, food insecurity and limited access to basic services. Floods, droughts and environmental degradation have damaged livelihoods, particularly in rural areas where many families depend on agriculture and livestock for survival.

The worsening climate situation comes as Afghanistan is also facing additional pressure from the large-scale return of Afghan migrants from neighbouring countries, particularly Iran and Pakistan.

Humanitarian agencies have warned that millions of Afghans returning from abroad are arriving in communities that already lack sufficient jobs, housing, healthcare and food resources. Many returnees are settling in areas that are highly vulnerable to drought, water shortages and natural disasters.

According to humanitarian organisations, the combination of climate emergencies and forced returns has placed further strain on Afghanistan’s fragile economy and aid system. Communities hosting returnees are often among the same populations already affected by displacement, unemployment and food insecurity.

IOM said it is working with donors and humanitarian partners to provide emergency assistance to communities affected by climate-related disasters, prioritising people facing the greatest risks.

The agency called for increased international support and stronger long-term response mechanisms to help Afghanistan adapt to the growing impacts of climate change.

Humanitarian organisations have repeatedly warned that Afghanistan remains one of the countries most vulnerable to climate change, while declining aid funding threatens efforts to support millions of people facing worsening humanitarian conditions.

Climate Disasters Deepen Afghanistan’s Humanitarian Crisis, IOM Says
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Pakistan Warns UN of Growing Terror Threat From Afghanistan

August 7, 2026
Khaama Press

Pakistan has warned the United Nations Security Council that militant groups operating from Afghanistan continue to pose a serious regional security threat, urging stronger international action against cross-border terrorism.

Speaking during a Security Council meeting on threats to international peace and security from terrorism, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, said terrorist organisations have expanded their presence in Afghanistan since 2021 and called for greater accountability over commitments to prevent Afghanistan territory from being used for attacks against other countries.

Iftikhar alleged that groups including Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISIS-K), the East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM), and al-Qaeda continue to operate from Afghanistan.

He claimed these groups use Afghanistan territory for recruitment, training and planning attacks, and said some militant organisations receive external support. Pakistan has previously accused India of supporting anti-Pakistan militant groups, a claim New Delhi has repeatedly rejected.

The Pakistani envoy said the latest UN monitoring report showed that although international counterterrorism operations have weakened some extremist networks, terrorist groups continue to adapt and expand across Afghanistan, Africa and the Middle East.

He called for stronger international cooperation, including improved border security, intelligence sharing and law enforcement coordination to address the threat of cross-border militancy.

Iftikhar also warned that extremist groups are increasingly using emerging technologies, including drones, artificial intelligence, encrypted communication platforms and digital financial systems, to improve recruitment, propaganda and operational capabilities.

Pakistan’s comments came during a Security Council session where other major powers also expressed concerns over terrorism threats linked to Afghanistan.

U.S. Deputy Representative to the UN Tammy Bruce said ISIS-K continues to exploit instability in Afghanistan and remains a significant regional security concern. She warned that extremist organisations are becoming more sophisticated through the use of advanced technologies and said counterterrorism cooperation remains a priority for Washington.

China’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN Sun Lei also raised concerns over militant groups operating in Afghanistan, urging stronger action against terrorist organisations and greater regional cooperation to prevent Afghanistan from becoming a safe haven for international terrorism.

The UN Secretary-General’s latest strategic assessment similarly warned that ISIS-K has maintained the ability to conduct external attacks and is rebuilding its capacity for high-profile operations despite sustained pressure.

Kabul has rejected allegations that foreign terrorist groups operate from Afghanistan territory, saying Afghanistan does not pose a threat to other countries and claiming that ISIS-K has been significantly weakened.

However, ISIS-K has continued to claim responsibility for attacks inside Afghanistan, including the recent killing of a Taliban official in Badakhshan province, keeping international concerns over the group’s operational capability alive.

Pakistan Warns UN of Growing Terror Threat From Afghanistan
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UNSC Raises Terrorism Concerns; Islamic Emirate Rejects Allegations

August 7, 2026
Bibi Amina Hakimi
TOLOnews’ Reporter
6 August 2026

While the United Nations Security Council has once again expressed concern over threats posed by the activities of terrorist groups in Afghanistan, the Islamic Emirate has rejected these concerns and insists that no group is allowed to use Afghan territory against other countries.

Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate, told TOLOnews that Afghanistan is under the government’s full control and that no independent armed group is permitted to operate in the country.

Mujahid said: “The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan’s position on this matter is very clear. Afghanistan will not allow its territory to be used against other countries. No unauthorized group is permitted to operate in Afghanistan. The Islamic Emirate has full control over the entire country, and what some countries raised at the Security Council is completely incorrect. We assure everyone that no unauthorized group will be allowed to operate. ISIS has been completely suppressed in Afghanistan, and its safe havens have been eliminated.”

At the UN Security Council meeting held yesterday at the organization’s headquarters in New York, China’s representative stressed the importance of combating terrorism and called on the Afghan authorities to remain committed to their obligations in this regard.

Sun Lei, China’s representative to the UN Security Council, said: “The international community should help Afghanistan revive its economy and improve the livelihoods of its people so that the root causes that create favorable conditions for the spread of terrorism can be eliminated. China supports Central Asian countries and regional organizations, including the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, in strengthening cooperation with Afghanistan to jointly address cross-border terrorist threats.”

Meanwhile, a number of military analysts believe that continued security and economic cooperation between Afghanistan, regional countries, and the international community could play an important role in reducing shared threats and strengthening regional stability.

Military analyst Sadiq Shinwari said: “If the international community cooperates with the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan in this regard, the expansion of ISIS activities across borders can be prevented.”

Another military analyst, Turyalai Zazai, said: “From Afghanistan’s side, there is no obstacle to continuing economic and security cooperation with regional countries; however, some countries in the region, due to their own political and economic objectives, are hindering the expansion of such cooperation.”

These concerns about the presence of ISIS in Afghanistan were raised during the UN Security Council meeting while, in recent months, several ISIS centers beyond the disputed Durand Line have been targeted in operations carried out by the forces of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan.

UNSC Raises Terrorism Concerns; Islamic Emirate Rejects Allegations
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UN Security Council to Hold Meeting on Global ISIS Threat

August 6, 2026
Khaama Press

The United Nations Security Council is set to meet on Wednesday to review the latest assessment of the global threat posed by the Islamic State (ISIS), with a new UN report warning that ISIS-Khorasan (ISIS-K) remains capable of carrying out major external attacks despite sustained counterterrorism operations.

The Council will receive briefings from the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) and the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED) on Secretary-General António Guterres’ 23rd Strategic Report on ISIS and its regional affiliates.

According to the report, ISIS-K continues to pose a significant threat to regional and international security, maintaining the ability to organize or inspire attacks beyond Afghanistan while rebuilding operational networks despite pressure from the Taliban and Pakistani security forces.

The report highlights two recent attacks attributed by several UN member states to ISIS-K: a January 19 suicide bombing in Kabul and a February 6 attack on a Shiite mosque in Islamabad, which together killed 32 people and injured more than 150 others.

While noting that ISIS has suffered operational setbacks, the report says the group has adapted by relying on decentralized regional branches to sustain its activities.

Globally, the UN identifies Africa as the organization’s main operational hub, with the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) remaining its most active affiliate and the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS) expanding attacks across Niger and parts of Nigeria.

In Syria, the report estimates ISIS retains around 3,000 fighters and warns that the closure of the Al-Hol displacement camp has left thousands of women and children linked to the group missing or vulnerable to re-radicalization. Iraq, by contrast, has reduced ISIS to its weakest position in years after repatriating families associated with the group.

The report also warns that ISIS is increasingly exploiting artificial intelligence, drones, encrypted communications and cryptocurrencies to support recruitment, financing and operational planning, presenting new challenges for international counterterrorism efforts.

Security Council members are expected to discuss the evolving threat posed by ISIS across Afghanistan, Africa, Syria and Iraq, while examining whether existing international counterterrorism mechanisms remain adequate to address an increasingly adaptive extremist network.

UN Security Council to Hold Meeting on Global ISIS Threat
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UN Warns Funding Shortfall Threatens Humanitarian Aid in Afghanistan

August 6, 2026
Mohammad Bashir Soltani
Reporter
Tolo News
5 August 2026
UN cautioned that without urgent funding and investment, the number of people affected by malnutrition will continue to rise.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has described Afghanistan as one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises, with millions of people in need of humanitarian assistance.

OCHA said that it and other humanitarian organizations distribute aid based on people’s needs, and that political considerations do not influence the process.

The United Nations stressed that greater financial support from the international community is essential to make humanitarian operations more effective.

Olga Cherevko, spokesperson for OCHA in Afghanistan, said: “Funding is now critically low. Our Humanitarian Response Plan requires nearly $1.71 billion, but we have received just over 26 percent of that amount. This is deeply concerning, particularly as many indicators—especially malnutrition—are worsening.”

Meanwhile, the World Food Program (WFP) said that funding shortages have put its life-saving food and nutrition programs in Afghanistan under serious strain.

The agency warned that nearly 3.7 million children and 1.2 million pregnant and breastfeeding women in Afghanistan are expected to suffer from acute malnutrition this year.

It cautioned that without urgent funding and investment, the number of people affected by malnutrition will continue to rise.

Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, said: “Our colleagues at the World Food Program have warned that funding shortfalls have forced cuts to life-saving food and nutrition programs at a time when they are needed more than ever. WFP also reported that during the first quarter of this year, child food insecurity affected 47 percent of the population.”

At the same time, Afghanistan’s Ministry of Economy has called on the international community to support infrastructure and economic development projects in the country.

Abdul Latif Nazari, Deputy Minister of Economy, said: “The Ministry of Economy calls on UN agencies and the international community to invest in infrastructure, development, and economic projects in Afghanistan.”

The warnings over declining humanitarian assistance come as humanitarian needs in Afghanistan remain extremely high, while the continued deportation of Afghan migrants from neighboring countries is further worsening the country’s economic situation.

UN Warns Funding Shortfall Threatens Humanitarian Aid in Afghanistan
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UN: Recognition of Afghan Government and UN Seat Is Up to Member States

August 6, 2026
 Mohammad Bashir Soltani
Reporter
Tolo News
5 August 2026

Farhan Haq said that no country has so far recognized the Islamic Emirate for the purpose of taking Afghanistan’s seat at the United Nations.

The Deputy Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General has said that the recognition of governments and the allocation of Afghanistan’s seat at the United Nations are matters decided by member states, stressing that the UN itself is not the decision-making body on the issue.

Speaking at a recent press briefing, Farhan Haq said that no country has so far recognized the Islamic Emirate for the purpose of taking Afghanistan’s seat at the United Nations, and that there is currently no process among member states aimed at recognizing the current authorities.

Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, said: “It is up to governments to determine whom they recognize as the government of Afghanistan. So far, that has not happened with the current authorities in Afghanistan, and to the best of my knowledge, there is currently no process among member states to recognize them.”

Over the past five years, the Islamic Emirate has repeatedly called for Afghanistan’s permanent seat at the United Nations to be handed over to the current government. However, the status of Afghanistan’s UN seat remains unresolved.

The international community says respect for human rights, the formation of an inclusive government, and counterterrorism efforts are prerequisites for granting international legitimacy to the Islamic Emirate. In contrast, the Islamic Emirate has called for Afghanistan’s UN seat to be transferred to its administration, the removal of sanctions, and the release of the country’s frozen assets.

Ismail Roshan Gar, a university lecturer, said: “Both sides have demands of each other, and legal discussions are needed on these issues so that Afghanistan can reintegrate in the international community and its permanent UN seat can be handed over to the Islamic Emirate.”

Afghanistan has also been deprived of its voting rights in the UN General Assembly for nearly five years after failing to pay its annual membership fee of $200,000. The unpaid dues, which were covered by the former government before 2021, have now exceeded $900,000.

UN: Recognition of Afghan Government and UN Seat Is Up to Member States
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Ariana Resumes Direct Kabul–Delhi Flights After India Clears Operations

August 4, 2026
Khaama Press

Ariana Afghan Airlines has resumed direct flights between Kabul and New Delhi after receiving fresh operating clearance from Indian civil aviation authorities, restoring one of Afghanistan’s key international air links.

The state-owned airline announced on Monday that scheduled services on the Kabul–Delhi route had resumed and would operate according to the published timetable. Ariana did not explain the reason for the earlier disruption.

Neither Ariana nor Indian aviation authorities disclosed details of the regulatory approval. However, international carriers operating to and from Afghanistan remain subject to aviation safety and operational compliance requirements.

The resumption follows a runway incident involving an Ariana aircraft at New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport in December 2025.

According to Indian media reports, including India Today, Ariana Flight FG311 from Kabul landed on Runway 29R while another aircraft had been cleared for departure on the same runway. Air traffic controllers intervened and directed the aircraft onto a taxiway, preventing a potential runway conflict.

India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) subsequently opened an investigation into the incident, examining cockpit communications, air traffic control procedures and operational compliance.

Neither Ariana nor the DGCA has said whether the investigation was connected to the latest operating clearance.

Air links between Afghanistan and India have become increasingly important since the political changes in Afghanistan in 2021. India remains a major destination for Afghan patients, students, traders and humanitarian organizations, while direct flights also facilitate cargo movement and commercial exchanges.

Despite limited diplomatic engagement with Afghanistan’s Taliban authorities, India has continued humanitarian assistance and maintained practical cooperation in areas including trade, aviation and regional connectivity.

The restoration of direct Kabul–Delhi flights is expected to improve travel for passengers and strengthen commercial links between the two countries.

Ariana Resumes Direct Kabul–Delhi Flights After India Clears Operations
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Islamic Emirate Relations with Central Asian Countries Continue to Expand

August 4, 2026
 Bibi Amina Hakimi
TOLOnews’ Reporter
4 August 2026

Some analysts argue that Central Asian countries should take practical steps toward formally recognizing the Islamic Emirate.

Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan’s relations with the countries of Central Asia, particularly in the political, economic, trade, and transit sectors, have expanded in recent years.

The spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate says these ties are based on neighborly relations, shared interests, and the development of trade, and are currently at a satisfactory level.

Commenting on the recognition of the Islamic Emirate by Central Asian countries, Zabihullah Mujahid said the issue of formal recognition depends on the policy of each individual country. However, he noted that these countries continue to engage with Afghanistan at an official level, and Kabul has no concerns in this regard.

Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate, said: “Afghanistan has good and friendly relations with the countries of Central Asia. These relations are built on good neighborliness, shared interests, expanded trade, and strong diplomatic ties. We do not see any gap in these relations, and we continue to work to make them broader and stronger. High-level Afghan delegations have visited these countries.”

Meanwhile, the Deputy Minister of Economy said Afghanistan’s economic, political, and diplomatic relations with Central Asian countries complement one another, adding that expanding economic cooperation can further strengthen political and diplomatic ties.

Abdul Latif Nazari, Deputy Minister for Professional Affairs at the Ministry of Economy, said: “Strengthening political and diplomatic cooperation between Afghanistan and Central Asia will also expand economic, trade, and transit relations. Our policy is to enhance economic and trade cooperation with the countries of Central Asia, and we want these relations to reach a higher level.”

Some analysts argue that Central Asian countries should take practical steps toward formally recognizing the Islamic Emirate.

Political analyst Abdul Sadiq Hamidzoy said: “If the issue of recognition is resolved, the investment climate will become much stronger. Afghanistan needs to convince the countries of the region, or at least its neighboring countries, to recognize the Islamic Emirate.”

Former diplomat Aziz Maarij also said: “Afghanistan’s relations with Central Asian countries, particularly in economic and trade matters, have expanded and continue to grow, benefiting both Afghanistan and its regional partners. However, regarding formal recognition, the international community—including both friendly and rival countries—continues to share the same position.”

These remarks come as several senior officials, including the deputy prime ministers of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, have visited Afghanistan over the past month and a half, with expanding political and economic cooperation identified as a key focus of their visits.

Islamic Emirate Relations with Central Asian Countries Continue to Expand
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Afghan Child Malnutrition Surges as Aid Cuts Force Clinics to Turn Families Away, WFP Says

August 4, 2026

Reuters

August 4, 2026

Afghan Child Malnutrition Surges as Aid Cuts Force Clinics to Turn Families Away, WFP Says

GENEVA, Aug 4 (Reuters) – Child malnutrition in Afghanistan has reached ⁠critical ⁠levels and aid shortages are ⁠forcing health workers to turn away millions of children and mothers — ​six in seven of those in need — the U.N. World Food Programme said on Tuesday.

Child wasting, the deadliest form ‌of malnutrition, has reached critical levels ‌in a third of Afghanistan’s provinces, while the number of children being admitted to health centres ⁠is rising ⁠sharply, WFP’s country director in Afghanistan, John Aylieff, told reporters in Geneva.

Child wasting ​occurs when a child is too thin for their height because they have lost weight rapidly or failed to gain weight due to insufficient food and, or illness.

  About 80% ⁠of ⁠the most severe cases involve ⁠children under ​the age of two, Aylieff said, with many arriving at clinics too late to be saved.

The ​surge comes as Afghanistan grapples ⁠with conflict-related trade disruptions, mass returns of Afghans from neighbouring countries and deep cuts in international aid.

Nearly 6 million Afghans have been forcibly returned from neighbouring countries over the past three years since expulsion policies began in late 2023, placing additional pressure on jobs and public services, Aylieff ⁠said.

 At the same time, staple food prices have risen by 20% to 30%, while ⁠nearly 14 million Afghans are facing acute hunger, according to WFP. While a better harvest this year has offered some hope, its benefits were being offset by economic pressures, mass returns and aid cuts.

 The agency said funding shortfalls had sharply reduced its operations. The U.S., traditionally the largest donor, as well as a slew of European countries, have cut funding since January 2025. WFP said it was now able to reach only one in seven acutely malnourished women and children, down from one in four ⁠children needing treatment in March this year

“We’re turning them away empty-handed with absolutely nothing,” said Aylieff.

 WFP has also been forced to halt food distributions aimed at preventing famine in the worst-hit areas because of a lack of funding, he added.

WFP said it needs $500 ​million over the next six months to stop the crisis from escalating further.

(Reporting ​by Olivia Le Poidevin; Editing by Kate Mayberry)

 

Afghan Child Malnutrition Surges as Aid Cuts Force Clinics to Turn Families Away, WFP Says
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