UN, Qatari Officials Discuss 4th Doha Meeting

B‌oth parties stressed the importance of utilizing the positive outcomes from the third Doha meeting and applying these results in the upcoming fourth meeting.

Qatar’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani, met with the UN Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, Rosemary DiCarlo, to discuss arrangements for the fourth Doha meeting on Afghanistan.

According to Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, both parties stressed the importance of utilizing the positive outcomes from the third Doha meeting and applying these results in the upcoming fourth meeting.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Qatar in a statement added: “The meeting touched on the need to leverage the positive momentum created by the success of the third Doha Meeting of Special Envoys on Afghanistan, and to build on its outcome in the fourth meeting to be held in Doha.”

“The three previous Doha meetings did not achieve tangible outcomes to shift engagement from a de facto framework to a de jure one. I hope that this meeting can pave the way for the Islamic Emirate to transition from this stage,” Mohammad Omar Nehzat, a political analyst, told TOLOnews.

Support for Afghanistan’s private sector, combating narcotics, and ensuring alternative livelihoods for farmers were among the key issues discussed in the third Doha meeting.

Suhail Shaheen, head of the Islamic Emirate’s Political Office in Qatar, told TOLOnews that if the agenda is shared with the Islamic Emirate and their conditions are met, their delegation will participate in the fourth Doha meeting.

The head of the Islamic Emirate’s Political Office in Qatar said: “The agenda for the upcoming Doha meeting should be shared with the Islamic Emirate beforehand, and our agenda should also be considered. We hope that this meeting will be fruitful and help resolve issues.”

Qatar has been one of the influential countries in recent political developments in Afghanistan, hosting at least three international meetings with special representatives from different countries for Afghanistan under the auspices of the United Nations.

The exact date of the fourth Doha meeting is not yet confirmed, and the Islamic Emirate has also not officially announced its participation. The fourth Doha meeting on Afghanistan is expected to be held before the end of this year.

UN, Qatari Officials Discuss 4th Doha Meeting
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Paris show spotlights Afghan women who ‘lost hope’

Joris FIORITI
Agence France-Presse/AFP

Posing in a pink hijab in front of a window, 14-year-old Muska will soon be married “in exchange for a well and some solar panels”, explains the caption on her photograph.

There are dozens of images of Afghan women and girls like Muska at the Paris exhibition “No Woman’s Land”, which offers a glimpse into their private lives, despair and rare moments of joy.

Iranian-Canadian photographer Kiana Hayeri, 36, lived in Kabul for seven years and has regularly contributed to outlets including the New York Times and National Geographic.

Many tough stories are told in the exhibition but Hayeri said her feelings had been worsened by the changes in Afghanistan during the six months she worked on the project.

“Some of the women that, even two and a half years into Taliban’s returning to power, were still trying to do things and making it happen… well they also lost hope,” she added.

The photographer worked with French researcher Melissa Cornet, 32, to interview over 100 women and girls in seven Afghan provinces.

“One of the questions we asked the women was: ‘”Do you have any hope that your situation can improve under the Taliban?’,” said Cornet, a lawyer who lived in Kabul for over two years until the hardliners reclaimed Kabul.

“And almost systematically the answer was no.”

– ‘Locked up’ –

The Taliban have established what the UN has called “gender apartheid” since taking power in August 2021.

Women have been barred from education beyond primary school, visiting parks, gyms and beauty salons, or even going outside at almost any time without a chaperone.

One recent measure — following a hyper-strict interpretation of Islamic law like the others — even forbids women from speaking loudly in public.

For now, “there’s barely any light at the end of the tunnel,” Hayeri said.

Cornet said the haphazard layout of the exhibition, running until November 18 at the Refectoire des Cordeliers in Paris, recalls “how confined (Afghan women) now are to these interior spaces,” Cornet said.

“All of the women we met, except for a couple of encounters, it happened in their homes or at our home for security reasons, because there’s just no third places where we could safely meet,” she added.

Some photos show women or teenagers smiling, dancing or celebrating a birthday indoors.

Such moments claim “their right to joy, to freedom and to the celebration of their femininity,” one caption reads.

– ‘Change nothing’ –

Other pictures focus on silent acts of resistance, such as study in underground schools.

Most photos simply show how tragic everyday life can be for Afghan women.

In one, two cupped hands hold a ring belonging to Halima, who is “holding the wedding band of her husband, who died of a heart attack the day of his release from jail for activism,” the caption explains.

The portrait of Muska shows a girl recently expelled with her family from Pakistan, where she was born.

“Because her family is struggling financially, they accepted the marriage offer from the son of the landlord,” Cornet said.

Muska was effectively sold for  “a well and solar panels… the equivalent of probably $300-$400,” she added.

Hayeri and Cornet’s knowledge of Afghanistan and their contacts allowed them to secure the poignant photos. Hayeri said she felt “heartbroken and helpless”.

“How’s it going to change anything?,” she asked.

“We know exactly how the situation is… it’s just that there’s no political will right now to do more to help them in Afghanistan, but also to help them leave Afghanistan and be welcome in Europe or in the US,” Cornet added.

The NATO coalition that fought a Taliban insurgency for 20 years before withdrawing in 2021 highlighted women’s rights as one of its major causes.

Critics say that has now been forgotten. “We just don’t talk enough about the responsibility we have” to Afghan women, Cornet said.

Paris show spotlights Afghan women who ‘lost hope’
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UNICEF Warns Kabul’s groundwater could run dry by 2030, urges action to prevent crisis

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has warned that Kabul’s groundwater could be depleted if no action is taken.

UNICEF stated on Tuesday, October 29, on the social media platform X that Kabul’s groundwater might run out by 2030 due to rapid urbanization and climate change.

UNICEF has not proposed a specific solution to prevent this crisis but mentioned that Roza Otunbayeva, the UN Special Representative in Afghanistan, and Tajudeen Oyewale, UNICEF’s representative in Afghanistan, visited water-scarce areas in Kabul.

The purpose of these UN officials’ visits to the water-crisis-affected regions was reported to be finding an effective solution to the ongoing crisis.

“Water is life. Due to rapid urbanization and climate change, there could be no ground water in Kabul by 2030, if we do not act now. We can stop this,” UNICEF said.

Our Rep @TajudeenOyewale and SRSG @otunbayeva went to meet affected communities & find out how to help meet this basic human need,” the organization added.

The organization emphasized that if “we take action,” this crisis can be prevented.

The worsening water crisis in Kabul is further intensified by climate change, leading to prolonged droughts and shrinking water sources. Rapid urbanization without sustainable planning has also strained the city’s limited water resources.

Mismanagement of water resources in Kabul has exacerbated the situation, with poor infrastructure and lack of proper regulation contributing to the depletion of groundwater. Addressing these issues requires immediate and collaborative efforts to ensure sustainable water management and protect the city from a severe water crisis.

UNICEF Warns Kabul’s groundwater could run dry by 2030, urges action to prevent crisis
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Iran announces deportation of 850,000 undocumented Afghan migrants

Ahmad Reza Radan, the General Commander of Iran’s security forces, announced that 850,000 undocumented Afghan migrants have been deported from the country.

On Tuesday, October 29, Tasnim News Agency reported, quoting the Iranian official, that foreign nationals without proper documentation are not allowed to work or reside in Iran.

This comes amid increasing pressure and restrictions by the Islamic Republic against Afghan migrants, with authorities frequently emphasizing the deportation of undocumented migrants from the country.

Just yesterday, Nasser Farshid, the Police Commander of Kerman, stated that more than 38,000 undocumented migrants have been deported from the province this year alone.

He urged employers to refrain from providing work to undocumented migrants.

Previously, Iranian officials warned that by the end of this solar year, a total of two million undocumented migrants would be deported from the country.

Iran announces deportation of 850,000 undocumented Afghan migrants
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Retirees Protest in Kabul Over Unpaid Pensions

They called on the UNAMA office to act regarding the payment of retirees’ pensions.

Several retirees once again held a protest gathering in front of the United Nations office in Kabul, protesting the non-payment of their pensions.

They called on the UNAMA office to act regarding the payment of retirees’ pensions.

Abdul Hakim, a retiree, said: “We came here to appeal to the United Nations. If the United Nations supports us and wants us to stand on our own feet, they must pay our pensions.”

Abdul Mohammad, another retiree, said: “We have spent everything we had, we have nothing left; only a single mattress remains in our home.”

Some other retirees added that they have repeatedly approached the Ministry of Finance and the Pension Fund for the payment of their pensions, but they have yet to receive a clear response.

Ghulam Ehsan Andish, a retiree, said: “We gathered here because it’s been over three years since the retirees’ pensions were frozen, and they still haven’t been paid to us.”

Although the Islamic Emirate has not recently commented on the payment of pensions, a spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate previously said that in the 1403 fiscal year budget, efforts were made to consider the needs of all groups entitled to funds within the budget.

Retirees Protest in Kabul Over Unpaid Pensions
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Trump criticizes Afghanistan withdrawal, calls abandoning Bagram base a ‘Major Mistake’

Former U.S. President Donald Trump, the Republican nominee for the 2024 election, criticized what he described as the mishandling of the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, stating that the Bagram Air Base should not have been abandoned.

In his latest interview, Trump called the U.S. exit from Afghanistan “horrible” and “a major mistake.”

According to Trump, American troops should have been the last to leave Afghanistan, not among the first as part of the plan.

Throughout his campaign, Trump has frequently raised the issue of the Afghanistan withdrawal, using it as a point of attack against the Democrats’ campaign, led by Kamala Harris.

In his recent interview, Trump highlighted the strategic significance of Bagram Air Base, mentioning its proximity to locations in China where nuclear weapons are reportedly being produced.

He emphasized that the United States should never have left this base.

Trump’s criticisms of the Afghanistan withdrawal are part of a broader strategy to question the current administration’s decisions on national security.

By focusing on the strategic importance of Bagram, Trump aims to frame the withdrawal as a misstep with long-term consequences.

With the 2024 election approaching, the handling of Afghanistan’s exit continues to be a key talking point in U.S. politics, reflecting the ongoing debates over military strategy, foreign policy, and national security.

Trump criticizes Afghanistan withdrawal, calls abandoning Bagram base a ‘Major Mistake’
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SCO support peaceful and inclusive government in Afghanistan

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) has emphasized the importance of Afghanistan in ensuring security, peace, and stability in the region, stating that a terrorism-free Afghanistan would benefit all parties involved.

Zhang Ming, the Secretary-General of the organization, stated in an interview on Monday, October 28 that peace and stability in the region are closely tied to peace and stability in Afghanistan. From this perspective, the issue of Afghanistan holds significant regional importance.

He also called for the establishment of an inclusive government in Afghanistan, one that, according to him, should include the participation of all political representatives of the people.

The Secretary-General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization further clarified that, “We wish for Afghanistan to become a country free from terrorism, war, and drugs.”

Regarding the formation of an inclusive government in Afghanistan, Mr. Ming expressed hope that, in the future, a government would be established in Afghanistan with broad participation from all political, ethnic, and religious groups.

The statements from the SCO underscore the critical importance of a peaceful and stable Afghanistan for regional security and cooperation. The organization’s call for inclusivity highlights the ongoing international concerns about political representation and governance in Afghanistan.

As regional stakeholders continue to engage with Afghanistan, the international community’s hope remains that an inclusive political framework and a focus on eradicating terrorism and drug-related issues will pave the way for lasting peace and stability in the region.

This approach aims to foster a more secure and prosperous future for Afghanistan and its neighbors.

SCO support peaceful and inclusive government in Afghanistan
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Bamyan Residents Urge Protection of Historic Sites

The head of Bamyan’s Department of Information and Culture has pledged efforts toward the restoration and preservation of the province’s historical sites.

Several Bamyan residents expressed concern over the damage to some historical remnants in the province, noting that with the approach of winter and increased rainfall, these sites are at greater risk of harm.

They urged officials to take serious measures to preserve these historical heritage sites. Surkhush City, a historical area in Bamyan, is in the Ghandak Valley of Shibar district.

This ancient site, built in two stories across approximately 50 acres of land from stone, clay, and mud brick, has suffered damage from recent rainfall.

This city once served as a residence for merchants passing along the Silk Road.

Nizamuddin, a resident of Bamyan, said: “This site has four gates, with one facing south and another north. It is said that this route was part of the Silk Road, traversed by caravans, and was constructed in two stories.”

Yahya, another Bamyan resident, said: “Floods and natural events have also contributed to the destruction of this site, and recently, people have been engaging in illegal excavations here.”

The head of Bamyan’s Department of Information and Culture has pledged efforts toward the restoration and preservation of the province’s historical sites.

Safiullah Raed, head of Bamyan’s Department of Information and Culture, said: “We intend to reconstruct access roads to Bamyan’s historical and recreational sites and to restore damaged monuments. We are also collaborating with partner organizations in this regard.”

With its numerous historical relics, ancient sites, and natural attractions, Bamyan is one of the provinces that attracts thousands of domestic and international tourists each year.

Bamyan residents believe that serious attention to historical sites can help promote the tourism industry in the province.

Bamyan Residents Urge Protection of Historic Sites
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Iran reports 4.5-fold increase in Afghan refugee deportations from Tehran this year

Ehsan Haidari, Director-General of Foreign Nationals and Immigrants Affairs at Tehran’s provincial government, announced the commencement of the eighth campaign to regulate and deport Afghan migrants.

He stated that the deportation of undocumented migrants in Tehran during the first half of this year has increased 4.5 times compared to the same period last year.

The Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) reported on Friday, October 25, that the latest phase of the operation to regulate and deport undocumented migrants was carried out in Quds village.

Haidari emphasized that during this operation, a number of migrants were identified and handed over to camps for deportation.

Meanwhile, Vahid Gholi Kani, the governor of Quds, commented, “The illegal presence of foreign nationals creates challenges in our policymaking.”

According to IRNA, Iranian officials have once again warned employers not to hire undocumented migrants.

The ongoing deportations are part of Iran’s broader plan to expel nearly two million migrants by the end of this year.

Reports indicate that hundreds of Afghans are being deported daily, and even some with valid visas and residence documents are being detained and expelled by Iranian police.

The forced deportations are worsening the plight of Afghan refugees, many of whom face a dire humanitarian crisis and the harsh winter ahead in Afghanistan.

With limited resources and a lack of support, the situation is increasingly dire for those being forced back to a country struggling with conflict, poverty, and political instability.

Iran reports 4.5-fold increase in Afghan refugee deportations from Tehran this year
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Retirees protest in Kabul over three years of unpaid pensions

By Fidel Rahmati

Khaama News

A group of retirees blocked the street leading to the Ministry of Finance in  Kabul on Saturday, protesting the non-payment of their three-year pensions by the Taliban.

The Taliban leader, Hibatullah Akhundzada, has dissolved the pension system in Afghanistan and halted payments to retirees.

According to the report, that during the protest, one of the retirees was detained by the Taliban and taken to Kabul’s Second District.

The demonstration reflects the widespread dissatisfaction among retirees who are suffering from the current harsh conditions due to the economic crisis and neglect of their basic needs.

Over the past three years, retired government employees in Kabul and other cities have staged protests. These retired employees say that they have not received their pensions for the last three years.

The protesters stated that the non-payment of their pensions has caused them severe difficulties in their daily lives.

Earlier, in March this year, Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada had issued a decree to halt the deduction of pension contributions from employees’ monthly salaries, effectively ending the pension system in Afghanistan.

The humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan remains dire, with severe poverty gripping the population. The lack of adequate financial support, such as unpaid pensions and decreasing salaries, especially for teachers, adds to the mounting concerns.

The situation is exacerbating everyday hardships for citizens, reflecting a country struggling to meet the basic needs of its people. As economic conditions worsen, the cries for aid and relief grow louder, demanding urgent attention from the international community.

Retirees protest in Kabul over three years of unpaid pensions
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