Six killed, five injured in explosion in Eastern Afghanistan

In an explosion targeting a police ranger vehicle in the Dara Noor district of Nangarhar, at least six students from a religious school were killed, while another student and four Taliban members were injured.

A spokesperson for the Taliban police command in Nangarhar stated that these students and their teachers were traveling to the Dara Noor district for educational purposes.

According to a statement released by the Taliban, the explosion occurred at 12:30 PM on Thursday on the route of the Taliban ranger in the village of Shimal. The statement reports that four students were killed instantly, and two others, all minors, succumbed to their injuries on the way.

The Taliban police spokesperson in Nangarhar reported that five students and one teacher from the religious school were killed in the explosion.

Abdul Basir Zabli mentioned that all the victims were residents of Nooristan and were traveling to Dara Noor for educational purposes.

No group has yet claimed responsibility for the explosion, and detailed information about the nature of the incident remains unclear.

The increasing frequency of such attacks reflects a broader pattern of violence. ISIS, as a major adversary of the Taliban, has escalated its campaign of bombings and targeted assaults against the Taliban, contributing to the instability in the region.

The lack of clarity about the perpetrators highlights the ongoing challenges in ensuring safety and security in volatile areas. Efforts to address these threats must be intensified to protect innocent lives and mitigate further violence.

Six killed, five injured in explosion in Eastern Afghanistan
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UN urges immediate need for 18,000 midwives in Afghanistan

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has issued a warning regarding the high maternal mortality rate in Afghanistan, stating that the country urgently needs 18,000 midwives.

The organization has warned that failing to address this urgent need in Afghanistan endangers many lives. Globally, UNFPA estimates that 900,000 skilled (trained) midwives are needed, with the immediate requirement for 18,000 midwives in Afghanistan being highlighted as “urgent.”

According to the report, the number of health centers supported by UNFPA, which was active in 2021, has increased sixfold this year. Over the past three years, the organization has assisted in treating more than five million Afghans in remote areas.

Despite the increase in healthcare facilities, Afghanistan’s health system suffers from significant deficiencies, with a shortage of skilled midwives being a serious concern contributing to high maternal mortality rates.

The UN emphasizes the urgency of recruiting skilled midwives in Afghanistan’s health system, asserting that their inclusion will help prevent maternal deaths and improve overall healthcare outcomes in the country.

Meanwhile, addressing the shortage of midwives in Afghanistan is crucial for improving maternal health and reducing mortality rates. The international community’s support and immediate action are essential to ensure that this pressing need is met and to enhance the country’s overall health infrastructure.

UN urges immediate need for 18,000 midwives in Afghanistan
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UN: Deportation of Afghan Migrants from Pakistan Has Decreased

In a newly released report, this organization said that the number of returnees from Pakistan in July has decreased compared to May and June.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has reported a decrease in the deportation of Afghan migrants from Pakistan.

In a newly released report, this organization said that the number of returnees from Pakistan in July has decreased compared to May and June.

In May and June, each month saw thirty-eight thousand people returning to the country.

The UNHCR report states: “In 2024, return figures reached its peak in May and June with some 38,000 returns each month, July showed a decrease, and so far also August.”

Ghulam Rasool said that he was four years old when he went to Pakistan with his family, and now he is 45 years old. He and his eight-member family returned to the country from Pakistan three days ago.

Ghulam Rasool, one of the returnees from Pakistan, said: “Now it’s good. A year ago, the situation had become very tight. Cold is coming, winter is coming, spring is coming, they said nothing. You will understand that winter cannot stay here.”

Hamidullah, another returnee, said that he used to teach in a school in Pakistan. He, who left Pakistan for the country three days ago, said his family has not yet reached Kabul and he is waiting for them here.

Hamidullah added: “We came to our homeland. We have this request from the Islamic Emirate that those migrants who are coming, are currently being treated well and are being helped. Another request we have is that those who don’t have homes have economic problems, or other issues, or work-related problems, should be assisted.”

Earlier, the government of Pakistan extended the deportation process of Afghan migrants holding the Proof of Registration (PoR) cards until June 30, 2025.

UN: Deportation of Afghan Migrants from Pakistan Has Decreased
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Afghan women arrive in Edinburgh to finish medical degrees denied under Taliban

 

Scotland editor

The Guardian

Tue 20 Aug 2024

A group of trainee female doctors from Afghanistan have travelled to Edinburgh to complete their medical degrees after the Taliban forced them to quit studying.

The 19 women arrived in the UK on Tuesday after a three-year campaign by the parents of Linda Norgrove, the kidnapped Scottish charity worker who was killed during a botched rescue attempt by US special forces in 2010.

The Linda Norgrove Foundation, set up and run by her parents, John and Lorna, from their home in Uig, in the Western Isles, said the students had in effect been confined to their homes in fear for their lives since the Taliban regained power.

The foundation worked with UK and Scottish government officials to arrange safe passage and student visas for the women. They have been given places at four medical schools after Scottish ministers changed the law to treat them as home students eligible for free tuition.

It said significant effort had gone into negotiating legal and bureaucratic hurdles to bring them to the UK, including organising English language tests and arranging university interviews via Skype.

It then negotiated their travel to Pakistan to apply for UK visas, Pakistani visas, biometrics, student funding, UK bank accounts and student accommodation. All told, it spent about £60,000.

Many of the women were based in Kabul, but others came from remote provinces, including Bamyan, Wardak and Daykundi. They flew to the UK from Islamabad in Pakistan.

In a statement issued by the foundation, one of the students, Omulbanin Sultani, said the Norgroves and their assistant “had saved our lives in every sense of the word” by supporting them over the last three years.

“It fills me with immense pride and joy to stand here today on this beautiful day,” she said. “But let me tell you, being here was not as easy as these words make it seem. We endured a thousand days of suffering to reach this point.”

Another student, Zahra Hussaini, 19, who had completed her first year of medicine when the Taliban regained power, said it was a dream to arrive in the UK. She said she hoped that by the time she qualified, it would be safe to return home.

“Our journey here will be long enough, maybe for eight years, nine years, and I think during this time many alterations and changes will come to Afghanistan,” she said. “I am hopeful that the situation won’t remain the same.”

John Norgrove said it was heartening the UK and Scottish governments had collaborated so closely on the project.

“Finally these 19 incredibly talented young women get their future back with the opportunity of a tremendous education and a career. The alternative for them in Afghanistan wasn’t good,” he said.

Linda Norgrove, then 36, was working for the US charity Development Alternatives Incorporated when she was kidnapped by Islamist militants in Kunar province in September 2010. Her death, apparently caused by a US fragmentation grenade thrown during the rescue attempt, caused consternation in the US and UK, and led to a joint inquiry by both governments.

Afghan women arrive in Edinburgh to finish medical degrees denied under Taliban
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The UAE accepts credentials of Taliban ambassador in a major diplomatic win for Afghanistan’s rulers

Associated Press
August 21, 2024
ISLAMABAD (AP) — The United Arab Emirates on Wednesday accepted the credentials of the Taliban’s ambassador to the oil-rich Gulf Arab state, the biggest diplomatic coup for Afghanistan’s rulers who are not officially recognized as the country’s legitimate government. The development, the first Taliban ambassador since one was appointed to China last December, underscored the international divide over how to deal with the government now in Kabul.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kabul confirmed the news about Badruddin Haqqani in a post on the social media platform X. The ministry did not respond to requests for information about Haqqani, who was previously the Taliban’s envoy to the UAE.

Haqqani is not related to the Acting Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani, who in June met the UAE leader, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, but he is from his team.

Sirajuddin Haqqani is the current leader of the powerful Haqqani network, a militant movement allied with the Taliban, and a designated global terrorist. He is wanted by the United States for his involvement in deadly attacks and is also on several sanctions lists.

Even though the Taliban remain isolated from the West, they have pursued bilateral ties with major regional powers. Last week, Uzbek Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov arrived in Afghanistan in the highest-level visit by a foreign official since the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan three years ago.

The United Nations says that official recognition of the Taliban-run Afghanistan is “nearly impossible” while restrictions on women and girls are in place.

In a separate development Wednesday, a U.N.-appointed rights expert decried the Taliban’s decision to bar him from Afghanistan. The special rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan Richard Bennett has frequently criticized the Taliban’s treatment of women and girls.

Bennett said the Taliban’s announcement that they would no longer grant him access to Afghanistan was “a step backwards and sends a concerning signal” about their engagement with the U.N. and the international community on human rights.

“I urge the Taliban to reverse their decision and reiterate my willingness and availability to travel to Afghanistan,” Bennett said.

A spokesman for the Foreign Ministry in Kabul warned that Bennett’s activities were detrimental to the interests of Afghanistan and the Afghan people.

“It was deemed appropriate that Bennett continue his unprofessional conduct from the comfort of his office instead of tiring himself with needless travels,” the spokesperson, Abdul Qahar Balkhi, told The Associated Press in a message.

The UAE accepts credentials of Taliban ambassador in a major diplomatic win for Afghanistan’s rulers
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Iran and Afghanistan join forces to combat drug trafficking

Iran’s Deputy Director of the Anti-Narcotics Department, Mohammad Zarei, announced on Wednesday that Tehran and  Kabul have agreed to collaborate on combating drug trafficking and narcotics.

Zarei informed Iranian media that this decision was reached during a meeting between representatives from both parties. The discussion covered various aspects, including drug prevention, reduction of demand, and treatment for drug addicts.

He also mentioned that the agreement includes exchanging information about drug control efforts, providing educational services, and forming joint committees to address the issue.

Zarei emphasized that the two sides have committed to enhancing coordination to effectively utilize the shared information in countering and dismantling drug trafficking networks.

This agreement marks a significant step in strengthening regional cooperation against drug trafficking. By pooling resources and expertise, Tehran and Kabul aim to more effectively tackle the pervasive issue of narcotics that impacts both countries.

The collaboration reflects a growing recognition of the need for coordinated efforts in addressing the complex and cross-border nature of drug trafficking.

Iran and Afghanistan join forces to combat drug trafficking
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UNICEF: 23.7 million in Afghanistan need humanitarian aid

Khaama Press

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) reported in its latest update that in 2024, 23.7 million people in Afghanistan, including 12.3 million children, have requested humanitarian aid.

The report highlighted that in the first six months of this year, UNICEF provided mental health and psychosocial support services to 2.8 million children and their guardians, including 26% of women.

The report also noted that heavy rains and flash floods in May affected 21 districts in Badakhshan, Baghlan, and Takhar provinces, resulting in 180 deaths and 280 injuries.

Additionally, UNICEF stated that it delivered drinking water services to 442,000 people, sanitation services to 269,000 people, and health protection services to 528,000 people in the first half of this year.

Amid this dire humanitarian crisis, the forced deportation of Afghan refugees from neighboring countries has further exacerbated the situation.

Many of these refugees, fleeing conflict and economic instability, now face the additional hardship of being returned to a country struggling to provide even basic services.

International organizations and human rights groups have expressed deep concern over these forced deportations, urging the global community to take immediate action to prevent further deterioration of the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan.

UNICEF: 23.7 million in Afghanistan need humanitarian aid
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Preliminary Work on Wakhan Road to China Completed

Officials at the Ministry said that the construction of the Wakhan Road is significant for expanding Afghanistan’s economic relations with China.

The Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development said that the preliminary work on the Wakhan Road, including road construction, excavation, and graveling of 50 kilometers, has been completed. 

The construction of this road, which connects Badakhshan to the Yarkand region of China, began last year from the Bazai Gonbad area of Pamir with a length of over fifty kilometers, and it has now reached the zero point between China and Afghanistan.

Officials at the Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development have said that the construction of the Wakhan Road is significant for expanding Afghanistan’s economic relations with China.

Najibullah Haroon, spokesperson for the Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development, told TOLOnews: “From the Bazai Gonbad area of the Wakhan district of Badakhshan to the zero point of China, the preliminary work of constructing the 50-kilometer dirt road at a cost of 369 million afghani has been completed.”

Meanwhile, some residents of Badakhshan said that the implementation of infrastructure projects in this province plays an important role in creating job opportunities.

“The Silk Road has been a long-standing dream of the people of Badakhshan, and we are very happy that this road is being opened and used for trade,” Mirajuddin, a resident of Badakhshan, told TOLOnews.

“Roads should be built, and bridges constructed. With such a situation, the movement will increase, and Afghanistan will be connected to China,” Qara Khan, a resident of Pamir Badakhshan, said.

Meanwhile, the Chamber of Commerce and Investment said that connecting Afghanistan to China through the Wakhan Corridor also plays an important role in expanding economic and trade relations.

“If this route is opened to Afghanistan, I think we can export all of Afghanistan’s products, including minerals and raw materials, to China,” Khairuddin Mayel, the deputy of ACCI, said.

“If the Wakhan Corridor is completed and connects Afghanistan to China, it will be very important in the extraction of minerals, the export of raw mineral materials to China, and imports from China,” Sakhi Ahmad Paiman, the first deputy of the Chamber of Industries and Mines said.

The Wakhan Corridor extends nearly 500 kilometers from the city of Faizabad, the center of Badakhshan, to the Yarkand region of China, passing through border heights at an altitude of 5,000 meters above sea level.

Preliminary Work on Wakhan Road to China Completed
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Fitrat: Islamic Emirate Army Capable of Defending Country Against Invaders

More than 800 soldiers from the 209th Al-Fath Corps graduated after completing a three-month training course.

Fasihuddin Fitrat, Chief of Staff of the Army of the Islamic Emirate, stated that the Islamic Emirate’s army has the capability to respond to any invading country.

Speaking at a graduation ceremony for security forces in Balkh province, Fitrat added that the Islamic Emirate has successfully trained a well-equipped force, and the country now has a strong system in place.

The Chief of Staff of the Army of the Islamic Emirate said: “This army has the ability to defend its land, Afghanistan, and we are confident that if anyone again dares to set their eyes on occupying our homeland, we warn them that if they cast their gaze upon our country, we certainly have an army that will blind that eye and crush it with an iron fist.”

More than 800 soldiers from the 209th Al-Fath Corps graduated after completing a three-month training course.

Sediqullah Nusrat, the spokesperson for the 209th Al-Fath Corps, said: “This is the fifth group of hundreds of soldiers graduating from this corps, with more than 800 mujahideen completing the three-month course and graduating in a special ceremony.”

Naqeebullah Azizi, Chief of Staff of the 209th Al-Fath Corps, said: “We who have learned these exercises and trainings are not doing so just to gain knowledge and graduate, and eventually earn a salary. Be aware that joining the army means a covenant with God to be ready to serve our people and our country.”

The newly graduated soldiers from the 209th Al-Fath Corps stated that they will spare no effort in protecting the lives and property of the people and the territorial integrity of the country.

Soldier Safatullah said: “I assure the people that during this time, we have been strengthened, and God willing, we will serve them so that they can live in a safe environment.”

Soldier Hamidullah said: “We received three months of training here and learned many things. We have undergone significant changes, both ideologically and mentally.”

Soldier Abdul Basir said: “Let the world know that Afghanistan stands on its own feet, and our enemies should be aware that our people have an Islamic, well-trained army that knows how to deal with its people and how to defend them.”

Officials from the 209th Al-Fath Corps stated that they will continue to train more forces as part of this ongoing program.

Fitrat: Islamic Emirate Army Capable of Defending Country Against Invaders
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Challenges and Progress in Empowering Female Entrepreneurs in Afghanistan

Sediqa Tofan, a political science and international relations student in Kabul, is now working as a vendor in one of Kabul’s markets.

The Women’s Chamber of Commerce and Industries told TOLOnews that over 2,500 female entrepreneurs have received business licenses in the past three years, and more than 130,000 other women are currently operating without licenses.

Nazanin Ahmadzai, the spokesperson for the Women’s Chamber of Commerce and Industries, said that the chamber is committed to supporting female entrepreneurs.

“In general, women are active in nine sectors, including agriculture, livestock, health, industry, logistics, and services,” the spokesperson for the Women’s Chamber of Commerce and Industries said.

Meanwhile, several women who have started small businesses over the past three years are urging the interim government to support women in various sectors across the country.

Sediqa Tofan, a political science and international relations student in Kabul, is now working as a vendor in one of Kabul’s markets.

Speaking about her business, she told TOLOnews, “I started working with very little capital, but with the support of women and my friends, we managed to get into business, have a shop, and sell products made by Afghan women.”

Sanam, another shopkeeper, told TOLOnews, “If a girl from a family works, she can take a lot of burden off her father’s shoulders and also reduce her own problems.”

Lack of capital and markets are considered the most significant challenges facing female vendors. The women, who work from dawn to dusk to support their families, are calling on the interim government to support small businesses.

Najma Hussaini, a shopkeeper, told TOLOnews, “When girls work, it helps reduce poverty in families and society.”

Earlier, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) said that it had supported 75,000 women-led businesses over the past two years.

Challenges and Progress in Empowering Female Entrepreneurs in Afghanistan
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