China and other BRICS members call for lifting ban on girls’ education in Afghanistan

The leaders of China, Russia, and other BRICS member countries urged the Taliban on Wednesday to lift the ban on education for girls and women in Afghanistan.

In the declaration of the 16th BRICS Summit, the leaders stressed the importance of securing the fundamental rights of Afghan citizens, including women, girls, and different ethnic groups within the country.

The declaration highlighted the urgent need for uninterrupted humanitarian aid to the people of Afghanistan and called on the Taliban to revoke the ban on secondary and higher education for girls.

BRICS leaders emphasized the need for “more visible and verifiable actions in Afghanistan” to ensure that terrorists do not use Afghanistan’s territory.

The declaration expressed the group’s support for Afghanistan as an independent, united, and peaceful country free from terrorism, war, and narcotics.

BRICS reiterated the importance of regional platforms and neighboring countries in resolving Afghanistan’s issues and welcomed regional initiatives to facilitate peace.

The 16th BRICS Summit, attended by 36 countries and six international organizations, began on Tuesday, October 23, in Kazan, Republic of Tatarstan, Russia, and will continue until Thursday, October 25.

This report underscores the growing global concern over the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, especially the restrictions imposed on the education of Afghan girls. The BRICS leaders’ call for lifting the ban reflects international pressure on the Taliban to respect fundamental human rights.

The plight of Afghan girls remains a grave issue, as they are deprived of education and essential freedoms. Without immediate intervention and substantial efforts from both regional and global actors, the future of countless Afghan girls remains uncertain, denying them their right to knowledge and a better future.

China and other BRICS members call for lifting ban on girls’ education in Afghanistan
read more

We Have Opened Chapter of Engagement With World: Sirajuddin Haqqani

Speaking in a special interview with the New York Times, Sirajuddin Haqqani said that they have closed the chapter of violence and war.

Acting Minister of Interior Sirajuddin Haqqani in an interview said that twenty years of fighting has led to victory, and a new chapter has opened, which is positive engagement with the world.

Speaking in a special interview with the New York Times, Sirajuddin Haqqani said that they have closed the chapter of violence and war.

In the interview, Haqqani emphasized the unity in the current Afghan government and denied any rift.

“The Taliban leadership had secured a major achievement by creating an independent government with a single law and a single leader,” he said.

Haqqani also mentioned: “Unity is important for Afghanistan currently, so we can have a peaceful country.”

Regarding his openness to engage with the world, the New York Times wrote that Sirajuddin Haqqani is “walking a fine line” to build relations with the world, including the West.

The acting interior minister also said that the ban on girls’ education will not last forever.

“The current situation does not mean that girls are forever denied from going to schools and receiving an education,” Haqqani told the New York Times.

Quoting sources, the New York Times said that the Haqqanis have pledged to contain the threats from Daesh and Al-Qaida.

“No terrorist groups were present in Afghanistan; the Islamic Emirate controls every corner of the country,” Haqqani said.

We Have Opened Chapter of Engagement With World: Sirajuddin Haqqani
read more

Iran reports arrest of nearly 2,000 Afghan refugees in Lorestan

Khaama News

Mohammad Pir Hayati, the Deputy Head of Security and Places in Lorestan, Iran, stated that since the beginning of the current year, 1,800 Afghan refugees have been arrested in this city.

According to IRIB News Agency on Tuesday, October 22, this Iranian official noted that the number of arrests has increased by more than 100% compared to the previous year.

Reports indicate that most of the Afghan refugees were arrested in the cities of Aligudarz, Khorramabad, and Alishtar in Lorestan province.

The official emphasized that Lorestan has the highest unemployment rate and claimed that job opportunities for the city’s youth are being occupied by “foreign nationals committing crimes.”

He also warned that if anyone employs Afghan refugees, they will face legal consequences in accordance with the law.

This comes as the Islamic Republic of Iran has intensified its pressure and forced deportation of Afghan refugees in recent months.

Recently, Ahmadreza Radan, the commander of Iran’s law enforcement, warned that by the end of this year, two million Afghan refugees would be expelled.

According to this Iranian official, over 750,000 “illegal nationals” have already been deported this year.

The forced deportation of Afghan refugees from Iran and Pakistan amid Afghanistan’s ongoing humanitarian crisis highlights their dire situation. With increasing arrests and deportations, many Afghans face a lack of safe refuge, adding to the immense challenges they already face due to political instability and economic hardships in their homeland.

Despite the critical situation in Afghanistan, where many refugees have no viable options to return safely, these actions by neighboring countries exacerbate their vulnerability.

Afghan refugees are left struggling with an uncertain future, limited access to basic resources, and the constant fear of being sent back to a country where their lives may be at risk.

Iran reports arrest of nearly 2,000 Afghan refugees in Lorestan
read more

Dealy explosion in kabul’s Cinema pamir; 11 injured, including women and children

Following an explosion in the densely populated Cinema Pamir area in central Kabul, 11 people, including children and women, were injured and transferred to the Emergency Hospital.

The incident, which occurred around 2:00 PM on Wednesday, was caused by a bomb planted among street vendors and resulted in casualties. So far, no group has claimed responsibility for the explosion.

Following the incident, fire trucks were dispatched to the scene, and footage shows people fleeing in panic.

In a statement, the Emergency Hospital confirmed that 11 injured individuals, including a three-year-old girl, two boys aged four and sixteen, two women, and six men, were transferred to the facility. The health condition of one of the injured was reported to be critical.

Reports indicated the explosion occurred in the Leilani Market near the Tazkira Directorate. Some reports indicate that a magnetic mine caused the explosion, but Taliban officials have not yet commented on the matter, and no group has claimed responsibility.

It is worth mentioning that similar explosions in various parts of Kabul have repeatedly resulted in civilian casualties and have significantly impacted the city’s security.

The recurring explosions in Kabul highlight ongoing security challenges in the city, leaving civilians vulnerable to frequent attacks. As authorities continue to investigate the incident, the lack of accountability raises concerns over the effectiveness of security measures in the city.

The incident underscores the urgent need for comprehensive security reforms and coordinated efforts to protect civilians in conflict-prone areas like Kabul.

Dealy explosion in kabul’s Cinema pamir; 11 injured, including women and children
read more

Kabir: UNAMA Should Handle Afghanistan’s Issues Responsibly

Fitrat said that the deputy prime minister for political affairs stressed the significance of UNAMA’s mission in the country.

Mawlawi Abdul Kabir, the deputy prime minister for political affairs, has urged Roza Otunbayeva that UNAMA should adopt a responsible approach regarding some of the issues in Afghanistan.

According to Hamdullah Fitrat, the deputy spokesperson of the Islamic Emirate, Mawlawi Abdul Kabir also mentioned in this meeting that the interim government is ready to hold discussions on matters that raise concerns.

Fitrat said that the deputy prime minister for political affairs stressed the significance of UNAMA’s mission in the country.

The deputy spokesperson of the Islamic Emirate told TOLOnews: “Mawlawi Abdul Kabir made it clear in this meeting that the Islamic Emirate values UNAMA’s mission in Afghanistan. He added that the procedure for the High Commission for Combating Narcotics and Intoxicants is nearing completion and committed to holding a joint meeting, including UNAMA and embassies, in the coming days.”

In a meeting with Roza Otunbayeva, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of UNAMA, the deputy prime minister for political affairs stressed that the Islamic Emirate conducts its work based on Islamic laws.

“UNAMA is a bridge between the Islamic Emirate and the world, and it can take further steps. UNAMA can reflect the positive developments that have taken place to the United Nations, so that the existing gap between the UN and the Emirate may decrease, and the ground for recognition is prepared,” Hanif Khan Karokhail, a political analyst, told TOLOnews.

“Our request from UNAMA is to present the true picture of Afghanistan to the world and reflect the realities in various sectors of Afghanistan, so the existing challenges between Afghanistan and the world can be resolved,” said Gul Mohammaduddin Mohammadi, another political analyst.

Earlier, in a meeting with Amir Khan Muttaqi, the acting foreign minister, the special representative of the UN Secretary-General in Afghanistan had highlighted UNAMA’s commitment to constructive engagement with Afghanistan and stated that the voices of all Afghan citizens would be heard.

Kabir: UNAMA Should Handle Afghanistan’s Issues Responsibly
read more

UNESCO: We Support Access to Information and Education in Afghanistan

In this meeting in Kabul, McPhillips highlighted the important role that journalists and media play in informing the public.

Patricia McPhillips, UNESCO’s Director in Afghanistan, stated during a United Nations and media meeting held to mark United Nations Day in Afghanistan that UNESCO supports the right to access information and the improvement of education in the country.

In this meeting in Kabul, McPhillips highlighted the important role that journalists and media play in informing the public.

The head of UNESCO in Afghanistan said: “In Afghanistan, UNESCO has been supporting the people of Afghanistan in improving access to information, protecting the country’s heritage and improving education and literacy. Finally, I wish you a truthful discussion and pledge to continue supporting you and to highlight a point … celebrating UN day with journalists and representatives of the media in Afghanistan could not be more fitting as the UN and the media share the fundamental principles and values of impartiality, humanity and independence.”

Officials from several media-supporting organizations also called on global institutions to assist Afghanistan’s media and journalists, keeping Afghanistan’s national interests in mind. They highlighted the importance of establishing an Access to Information Commission and enacting media-related laws to bring order to the country’s media activities.

Hafizullah Barakzai, head of the the Afghanistan National Journalists Union (ANJU), said during the meeting: “The director of UNESCO is here, as are our colleagues, and there must be full attention and focus on investments, support, and workshops because many intellectuals from the journalism community have left the country. We need attention to how we can continue to serve in the field of information dissemination.”

The United Nations was founded by 51 countries in 1945, with the primary goal of maintaining international peace and security. Afghanistan became a member of the United Nations in 1946.

UNESCO: We Support Access to Information and Education in Afghanistan
read more

Pezeshkian: Iran Supports Any Steps for Peace, Stability in Afghanistan

Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson of the Islamic Emirate, stated that the interim government seeks good relations with all countries, including Iran.

The President of Iran, Masoud Pezeshkian, in a meeting with the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, on the sidelines of the BRICS summit, stressed the need for engagement with Afghanistan on regional issues, highlighting the importance of resolving existing challenges and establishing peace and stability in Afghanistan.

Masoud Pezeshkian and Narendra Modi discussed Afghanistan on the sidelines of the BRICS summit, and Pezeshkian stated that Iran supports any steps that lead to peace and stability in Afghanistan.

The Iranian Presidency, in a statement about this meeting, said: “We must engage with Afghanistan with the motivation and determination to build the future of the region. We must help the Afghan nation solve their problems and achieve peace, calm, and prosperity. The Islamic Republic of Iran supports any action that helps stabilize peace and tranquility in Afghanistan.”

Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson of the Islamic Emirate, stated that the interim government seeks good relations with all countries, including Iran.

Mujahid said: “We want good relations with both Iran and India, and we have so far strengthened our economic ties with all countries. We want to improve other relations as well.”

“In my opinion, Iran is a regional power and plays a significant role in BRICS as a full member. Iran can have a positive role in Afghanistan in all sectors, including political, economic, and cultural, and can also guide Afghanistan’s relations with the international community in a positive direction,” Sayed Akbar Sial Wardak, a political analyst, told TOLOnews.

Earlier, the President of Iran, in a meeting with the President of Tajikistan on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, also raised the issue of Afghanistan as a common concern between Tehran and Dushanbe, and highlighted cooperation between the two countries in solving Afghanistan’s problems.

Pezeshkian: Iran Supports Any Steps for Peace, Stability in Afghanistan
read more

Qatar, Italy Supports Continuation of Doha Process on Afghanistan

Meanwhile, Qatar’s special representative met with members of the German parliament to discuss strengthening peace and stability in Afghanistan.

Qatar and Italy, in a joint statement, announced the continuation of their cooperation in the Doha process and emphasized the importance of bilateral strategic talks regarding Afghanistan.

Part of the joint statement reads: “Italy is grateful to Qatar for hosting the Embassy of Italy to Afghanistan and will continue to contribute to the Doha Process on Afghanistan. In this framework, we reaffirm the importance of our bilateral Strategic Dialogue and look forward to holding its next session in Doha.”

Meanwhile, Qatar’s special representative met with members of the German parliament to discuss strengthening peace and stability in Afghanistan.

The Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated: “The meeting dealt with a number of topics of common concern, especially enhancing peace and stability in Afghanistan.”

The Islamic Emirate has also praised Qatar’s role in various Afghan issues and called on world countries to seriously work on establishing relations with Afghanistan.

Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate, said: “We appreciate Qatar’s efforts and urge countries to take their relations with Afghanistan seriously, as it will benefit all parties.”

“The third step concerns Afghanistan, where once again the understanding and cooperation between Qatar, Germany, and Italy can have positive effects on Afghanistan’s conditions,” Fazl Rahman Orya, a political analyst, told TOLOnews.

“The closer they get to Afghan issues, the more it benefits the Afghan people, and the Doha meetings, in which genuine Afghans and representatives of the Islamic Emirate are invited, will benefit both the people and the Islamic Emirate,” said Salim Paigir, another political analyst.

Last week, Qatar’s special representative for Afghanistan and Germany’s chargé d’affaires in Doha also discussed the latest developments in Afghanistan, including security, political, and humanitarian issues.

Qatar, Italy Supports Continuation of Doha Process on Afghanistan
read more

IFRC: 3.2 million children in Afghanistan suffer from severe malnutrition

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) states that currently, 3.2 million children under the age of five and 840,000 pregnant and lactating women in Afghanistan are suffering from severe malnutrition.

In a report published on Monday, October 21, the federation expressed concern over the rising malnutrition rates among children and pregnant women.

The IFRC shared on the social media platform X that of these affected, 1.7 million children are experiencing severe malnutrition, poor cognitive functioning and facing a “risk of death.”

The report noted that the provinces of Paktika and Kandahar have the highest number of affected children and mothers.

According to the report, in Kandahar, more than 103,000 children and nearly 42,000 pregnant and lactating women are suffering from malnutrition. In Paktika, nearly 48,000 children and more than 17,000 pregnant and lactating women are affected.

Meanwhile, Sharafat Zaman, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Public Health of Afghanistan, told the media on Monday that efforts are being made to provide healthcare services to children and mothers affected by malnutrition.

He added, “The Ministry of Public Health is striving to increase healthcare centers and inpatient services (IPD) in provinces, remote areas, and the central regions to provide quality services to children and mothers suffering from malnutrition.”

Malnutrition is a type of disease that occurs when one or more essential nutrients are insufficient or excessively consumed.

One of the biggest nutritional issues in many developing countries is famine and the lack of essential food supplies needed for the body’s metabolism. However, malnutrition manifests in different forms, such as obesity, poor eating habits, or undernourishment, in all countries worldwide.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), malnutrition is the leading cause of child mortality globally.

The rising malnutrition rates in Afghanistan, particularly among children and pregnant women, present a significant public health challenge, highlighting the urgent need for increased healthcare services and international aid interventions. The ongoing humanitarian crisis exacerbates this situation, making it crucial to prioritize nutrition programs to prevent further loss of life.

Comprehensive efforts from national and international organizations are essential to combat malnutrition and ensure that vulnerable populations receive the necessary support and access to basic healthcare and nutrition services.

IFRC: 3.2 million children in Afghanistan suffer from severe malnutrition
read more

Iran Reaffirms Clear Policy Toward Afghanistan, Says Stability is Key

Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate, characterized the relationship between Afghanistan and Iran as trustworthy.

Ismail Baghaei, spokesperson for Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, addressed journalists, affirming that Iran’s policy toward Afghanistan is clear and remains consistent, regardless of any changes in leadership.

He further explained that the resolution of key issues such as terrorism and Afghan migration is contingent upon the establishment of stability and security in Afghanistan.

“If stability and security are established in Afghanistan, many other issues, including terrorism and the matter of Afghan refugees, will also be resolved. We hope to take more serious steps in this direction,” Baghaei said.

In response, Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate, characterized the relationship between Afghanistan and Iran as trustworthy. He emphasized that the interim Afghan government remains committed to fulfilling its responsibilities, particularly in ensuring security.

Mujahid highlighted several key factors, such as trade relations, the movement of Afghans to Iran, and the presence of Afghan refugees, which underline the importance of maintaining strong ties with Iran.

Zabihullah Mujahid further stated: “Afghanistan assures that in all areas, whether it’s combating smuggling or addressing security concerns, it will fulfill its duties and pay close attention to the security of its neighbors, including the Islamic Republic of Iran. We have taken and will continue to take the necessary steps in this regard.”

Political analyst Fazal Rahman Oria shared his insights with TOLOnews, saying: “Relations between countries are based on national interests. We hope that neighboring countries, particularly the Islamic Republic of Iran, will shape their relations with Afghanistan in a way that respects the national interests of Afghans.”

Additionally, according to Iranian media reports, Baghaei mentioned during the press conference that Tehran is actively pursuing the issue of securing Iran’s water rights from Afghanistan’s interim government.

Iran Reaffirms Clear Policy Toward Afghanistan, Says Stability is Key
read more