Islamic Emirate Leader Announces Tax Relief Measures in Four Sectors

July 13, 2026
Mursaleen Muwahed
Multilingual Journalist & Social Media Editor
Tolo News
12 July 2026

Meanwhile, Finance Minister Mohammad Naser Akhund said that since the Islamic Emirate returned to power, 13 tax relief measures have been introduced.

The leader of the Islamic Emirate has approved a series of tax relief measures in four key sectors, a move officials say is aimed at encouraging investment, boosting economic activity, and easing the financial burden on citizens and the private sector.

Speaking at a ceremony announcing the new measures, Deputy Prime Minister for Administrative Affairs Abdul Salam Hanafi said the tax reductions apply to legal entities, individual taxpayers, property transfers, and fuel imports, including oil and gas.

Hanafi said that, with the exception of mining companies, the income tax on all legal entities, including companies and private hospitals, has been reduced to 10 percent.

He added that the annual tax exemption threshold for individual taxpayers has been doubled from AFN 60,000 to AFN 120,000, meaning individuals earning up to AFN 120,000 per year will be exempt from paying income tax.

“Previously, the income tax rate was 20 percent. From now on, it has been reduced to 10 percent for all eligible entities,” Hanafi said.

According to Hanafi, the tax on oil and gas imports has also been reduced from AFN 100 to AFN 50 per metric ton, while the property transfer tax has been cut from 1 percent to 0.5 percent.

Meanwhile, Finance Minister Mohammad Naser Akhund said that since the Islamic Emirate returned to power, 13 tax relief measures have been introduced.

“The taxes you pay today finance the Islamic Emirate’s defense, security, intelligence, and ordinary government expenditures,” Akhund said.

At the same event, Minister of Industry and Commerce Nooruddin Azizi urged the private sector and investors to pay their taxes transparently and avoid tax evasion.

“We ask taxpayers to uphold transparency and remain committed to fulfilling their tax obligations,” Azizi said.

Officials of the Islamic Emirate described the latest tax relief measures as part of broader efforts to support investment, stimulate economic growth, and improve the business environment in Afghanistan.

Islamic Emirate Leader Announces Tax Relief Measures in Four Sectors
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Afghanistan’s Population Growth Raises New Challenges

July 11, 2026
Khaama Press

The United Nations estimates Afghanistan’s population will reach 48.6 million in 2026, while the Taliban-controlled statistics authority puts the figure at 37.2 million, highlighting a major gap in demographic data as the country marks World Population Day.

The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) and Afghanistan’s Taliban-controlled National Statistics and Information Authority released different population estimates on Saturday, July 11, to mark World Population Day.

UNAMA said in a statement that Afghanistan’s population is projected to reach 48.6 million people in 2026, adding that accurate demographic data is essential for informed policymaking, improving healthcare services, promoting gender equality, strengthening resilience and advancing sustainable development.

Meanwhile, the Taliban-controlled National Statistics and Information Authority estimated Afghanistan’s population at 37.2 million in the current solar year 1405, a figure more than 11 million lower than the UN projection.

The authority said men make up 51 percent of Afghanistan’s population and women account for 49 percent. It estimated that around 70 percent of the population — nearly 26 million people — live in rural areas, while 26 percent, or about 9.8 million people, reside in urban areas. Nomadic communities account for the remaining 4 percent, or approximately 1.5 million people.

According to the Taliban-run statistics agency, Kabul is Afghanistan’s most populous province with an estimated 6.4 million residents, followed by Herat with around 2.4 million.

The agency said Afghanistan’s population increased from 36.4 million last year to 37.2 million this year, representing annual growth of about 2.2 percent, or approximately 800,000 additional people.

The UN has also warned that Afghanistan faces growing pressure from climate change, including drought, flooding, rising temperatures and water shortages. Around 75 percent of Afghans depend on agriculture and livestock for their livelihoods, leaving many communities vulnerable to environmental shocks.

The significant difference between the UN and Taliban population estimates reflects longstanding challenges in Afghanistan’s demographic data collection. The country has not conducted a comprehensive national census for decades due to prolonged conflict, displacement and limited statistical capacity.

Experts say reliable population data is critical for planning healthcare, education, humanitarian assistance and development programs, particularly as Afghanistan continues to face economic hardship and humanitarian challenges.

Afghanistan’s Population Growth Raises New Challenges
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Growing population meets economic reality in Afghanistan

July 11, 2026

by 

AMU TV

July 11, 2026

Kabul City. July 2026. File photo.

Afghanistan’s population has surpassed 43 million, according to United Nations estimates, making it one of the world’s youngest countries. But as the population continues to grow, many Afghans say economic hardship is changing attitudes toward family size.

Residents in Kabul say rising living costs, unemployment and limited access to education and health care are making it increasingly difficult to support large families.

“As technology advances, people’s expectations also increase,” said Abdul Hamid, a Kabul resident. “Children and adults today have greater needs than before.”

According to the World Bank, Afghanistan’s fertility rate stood at 4.66 births per woman in 2025. Although the rate has declined over the past two decades, it remains well above the global average and continues to contribute to the country’s youthful population.

Some residents said families should have fewer children to improve their quality of life.

“Parents should think about their children’s future and be able to raise them properly,” said Salim, a Kabul resident. “Personally, I think having three children is better.”

Another resident, Hamed, echoed that view.

“Having many children brings its own challenges,” he said. “There’s a saying: fewer children, a better life.”

Others said raising children has become significantly more expensive than it was in previous generations.

“I raised eight children — four daughters and four sons,” said Rasul Dad, another Kabul resident. “I don’t even know whether they grew up on their own or whether I raised them.”

For younger Afghans, economic pressures are affecting even the decision to marry.

“I want to get married,” said Tabish, a Kabul resident. “But under the current circumstances, I can’t because of the economic difficulties.”

Economists say population growth is neither inherently an advantage nor a burden. Its impact depends largely on whether governments can create jobs, expand education and strengthen public services.

“In some situations, a smaller population is better, especially when the economy is weak,” said Sayed Massoud, an economist. “If the economy is stronger, a larger population can become an advantage. Traditionally, Afghans have lived in large extended families.”

Afghanistan continues to face widespread poverty, high unemployment and one of the world’s youngest demographic profiles. International organizations have repeatedly warned that without sustained investment in education, health care and employment, the country’s growing youth population could place increasing pressure on limited public resources.

According to global population estimates, India is the world’s most populous country, followed by China. The United States, Indonesia and Pakistan complete the top five. Afghanistan’s population is far smaller, but its rapid growth and youthful demographics present a distinct set of economic and social challenges.

Growing population meets economic reality in Afghanistan
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Dissident Taliban Commander Returns To Darwaz After Renewing Loyalty

July 11, 2026
Afghanistan International
11 July 2026

Hurriyat, a Taliban-affiliated media outlet, reported on Saturday that dissident Taliban commander Juma Khan Fateh had returned to Darwaz after pledging loyalty to the Taliban administration.

He had travelled to Faizabad for talks under guarantees provided by Taliban army chief Fasihuddin Fitrat.

No details of the talks or any agreement between the two sides have been released. However, Hurriyat Radio quoted Badakhshan Taliban governor Mohammad Ismail Ghaznavi as describing Fateh as a “committed and loyal” member of the Taliban who would remain with the group.

A video published by Hurriyat shows Fateh boarding a helicopter and bidding farewell to armed Taliban members. This came a day after the outlet dismissed reports of his transfer to Badakhshan’s provincial capital as “rumours” and “baseless”.

Fateh recently travelled to Faizabad under guarantees from Taliban army chief Fasihuddin Fitrat to discuss his disputes with the Taliban leadership. Sources say the disagreements centred on local appointments, efforts to disarm fighters loyal to him and the management of Badakhshan’s gold mines.

The Taliban’s order to prevent illegal gold mining has directly affected Fateh’s economic interests. The group has also sought to disarm his loyalists who do not hold official positions within the Taliban structure.

Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada had previously removed Fateh from his post as deputy governor of Zabul and planned to appoint him to a government position outside Badakhshan.

However, according to information obtained by Afghanistan International, Fateh rejected those proposals and refused to accept a post outside Badakhshan.

Sources said one of the positions offered to him was to head a Taliban intelligence department in Kabul, but Fateh also declined that role.

 

Dissident Taliban Commander Returns To Darwaz After Renewing Loyalty
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Pakistan to Begin Deportation of Around 20,000 Afghans From Peshawar

July 11, 2026
Khaama Press

Pakistani authorities have finalized preparations for a new phase of deportations that could see around 20,000 Afghan nationals returned from the northwestern city of Peshawar to Afghanistan, according to a report by The Express Tribune, as Islamabad continues its nationwide campaign against undocumented foreigners.

The Express Tribune reported on Friday, July 10, that authorities in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province have completed preparations for a phased deportation operation targeting Afghan nationals without valid legal documents or with expired residency permits. The newspaper said police, district authorities, and security agencies have finalized operational plans in coordination with the federal government.

According to the report, police and security agencies in Peshawar have prepared lists of Afghan nationals expected to be included in the operation. Federal authorities are also expected to assist provincial officials in carrying out the deportation process.

The newspaper reported that the operation is expected to begin after the conclusion of the ongoing nationwide polio vaccination campaign, although Pakistani authorities have not announced an official start date.

Under the reported plan, Afghan families from different parts of Peshawar will first be transferred to the Nasir Bagh transit center, where officials will complete registration, identity verification, and administrative procedures before transporting them to the Torkham border crossing for return to Afghanistan.

According to The Express Tribune, authorities have collected information on Afghan residents living in several areas of Peshawar, including Afghan Colony, Nasir Bagh, Chamkani, Charsadda Road, Ring Road, and Board Bazaar. Officials have also reportedly compiled a separate list of Afghan nationals employed in markets, factories, workshops, and other commercial establishments as part of the preparations.

Pakistan launched its nationwide campaign to deport undocumented foreign nationals in October 2023, saying the policy is intended to enforce immigration laws, improve border management, and address security concerns. Since then, hundreds of thousands of Afghans have returned or been deported to Afghanistan through the Torkham and Spin Boldak border crossings, according to Pakistani authorities and United Nations agencies.

The deportation campaign has drawn repeated concern from the United Nations, the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and human rights organizations. They have warned that many Afghans being returned face severe humanitarian conditions, limited access to livelihoods, and potential protection risks, particularly women, girls, journalists, former government employees, and others considered vulnerable under Taliban rule.

Pakistan has hosted one of the world’s largest Afghan refugee populations for more than four decades. Many Afghans fled to Pakistan following the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021, while others remain in the country awaiting resettlement to third countries, including the United States, Canada, Germany, Australia, and other nations.

Humanitarian agencies have urged Pakistan to ensure that any returns are voluntary, safe, and carried out in accordance with international law, particularly for individuals who may have international protection needs. They have also called on the international community to expand resettlement pathways and increase support for Afghans who remain displaced.

Pakistan to Begin Deportation of Around 20,000 Afghans From Peshawar
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Turkey Detains Nearly 20,000 Afghan Migrants in First Half of 2026

July 11, 2026
Khaama Press

Turkish authorities detained 19,574 Afghan migrants during the first six months of 2026, making Afghans the largest group of undocumented migrants apprehended in the country, according to newly released government migration data.

Turkey’s Directorate of Migration Management said authorities detained 19,574 Afghan nationals between January and June 2026, the highest number among all nationalities recorded during the period, underscoring the continued scale of Afghan migration into and through Turkey.

According to the agency, nearly 70,000 undocumented migrants from various countries were apprehended nationwide during the first half of the year as part of ongoing immigration enforcement operations. The figures were published in the agency’s latest migration statistics.

After Afghan nationals, the largest groups of detained migrants were citizens of Syria, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Iran, Morocco, Iraq, Egypt, Sudan and Yemen, reflecting Turkey’s role as a major transit and destination country for people fleeing conflict, economic hardship and political instability.

The migration authority said those detained were found to be residing in Turkey without valid residence permits or other required immigration documents. It did not specify how many had been deported, transferred to removal centers or released pending immigration proceedings.

Authorities also reported detaining more than 6,000 people on suspicion of involvement in migrant smuggling during the same six-month period, saying investigations and border enforcement operations remain ongoing.

Turkey has intensified efforts in recent years to curb irregular migration through increased border surveillance, police raids, and cooperation between security agencies and the coast guard. Officials say the operations are intended to enforce immigration laws, combat human smuggling networks and strengthen border security.

The country remains one of the principal transit routes for migrants attempting to reach Europe from Asia, the Middle East and Africa. Afghan nationals have consistently ranked among the largest groups of undocumented migrants intercepted by Turkish authorities.

According to the United Nations, Turkey deported more than 13,000 Afghan nationals during the first five months of 2026. Humanitarian organizations, including the UN refugee agency and rights groups, have repeatedly raised concerns over the forced return of Afghans, warning that many face humanitarian hardship, insecurity and limited access to basic services after returning to Afghanistan.

Since the Taliban returned to power in August 2021, hundreds of thousands of Afghans have continued to leave the country, citing economic collapse, unemployment, restrictions on women and girls, and fears of persecution. Many have sought refuge in neighboring countries or attempted to travel onward to Europe through Iran and Turkey.

Turkish authorities maintain that deportations are conducted in accordance with national immigration laws and international obligations. However, refugee advocates have urged governments to ensure that returns are voluntary, safe and consistent with international protection standards, particularly for people who may face persecution or other serious risks upon return.

Turkey Detains Nearly 20,000 Afghan Migrants in First Half of 2026
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India, Afghanistan Hold Fourth Joint Foreign Office Consultations

July 11, 2026
TOLOnews
TV Network
10 July 2026

The meeting also covered visa issuance, trade challenges, and ways to boost bilateral trade.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday hosted the fourth meeting of the India-Afghanistan Joint Coordination Committee in New Delhi.

The meeting was co-chaired by Shuaib Baryalai, Director General of the First Political Division at Afghanistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Anand Prakash, Joint Secretary for Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran at India’s Ministry of External Affairs.

According to Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for India’s Ministry of External Affairs, the two sides reviewed all aspects of bilateral relations, including cooperation in humanitarian assistance, development partnerships, food security, healthcare, capacity building, education, sports and regional connectivity.

The meeting also covered visa issuance, challenges facing bilateral trade, and ways to strengthen exports and imports between Kabul and New Delhi.

India has not formally recognized the Islamic Emirate. However, it has previously announced plans to reopen its embassy in Kabul, a move that has yet to materialize.

Maiwand Jarat, a political analyst, said: “The closer Afghanistan becomes economically with a major power like India, the more it will help reduce the country’s international isolation and encourage other countries to expand their political engagement with Afghanistan.”

India has also accepted several diplomats appointed by the Islamic Emirate, including Noor Ahmad Noor as the acting head of Afghanistan’s embassy in New Delhi and Ekramuddin Kamil at Afghanistan’s consulate in Mumbai.

India, Afghanistan Hold Fourth Joint Foreign Office Consultations
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Calls Grow to Reopen Schools for Girls

July 11, 2026
Mitra Majeedy
Journalist
Tolo News

It has now been 1,756 days since girls above the sixth grade were barred from attending school.

Following the announcement of this year’s university entrance exam (Kankor) results, calls to reopen schools for girls who have been deprived of education have once again intensified.

It has now been 1,756 days since girls above the sixth grade were barred from attending school.

Seventeen-year-old Beheshta, although saddened by the loss of educational opportunities and being kept out of school, says that she and thousands of other girls remain hopeful that schools will reopen and they will be able to return to their classrooms.

“I am certain that if we had been allowed to participate, one of us would have ranked first, second, or third. But for the past five years, schools and universities have been closed to us, and none of us has been able to make progress,” Beheshta, a student, said.

Another student said: “I am also a citizen of Afghanistan, just like the boys. Why don’t I have the right to education while a boy does?”

Referring to the fifth consecutive year in which girls have been excluded from the Kankor exam, former U.S. Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad said that preventing Afghan women and girls from taking the exam is sad and wrong and that the time has come to allow them to return to schools and universities.

“It is sad and wrong that girls and young women are not allowed to take the exam. The time has come for the Taliban leader to allow girls and young women to return to public middle and high schools, as well as public universities,” Khalilzad said.

Earlier, former Afghan President Hamid Karzai also expressed concern over the exclusion of women and girls from the Kankor exam and called for the reopening of schools and universities to them.

The Islamic Emirate has not yet commented on reopening schools for girls.

Calls Grow to Reopen Schools for Girls
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Pakistan Orders Immediate Arrest of Undocumented Afghan Nationals

July 11, 2026
Bibi Amina Hakimi
TOLOnews’ Reporter
10 July 2026

Meanwhile, migration experts warn that implementing the decision could create new challenges for thousands of Afghan families.

Pakistan’s Ministry of Interior announced in a statement that, effective today (Friday, July 10), all Afghan nationals residing in the country without a valid visa will be subject to immediate arrest.

The directive instructs provincial authorities, local administrations, police, and other relevant agencies to implement the order in a coordinated and effective manner.

Kamaluddin, an Afghan migrant in Pakistan, said: “We ask the Pakistani government to revise its policy toward Afghan migrants. It should resume the visa issuance process, which has been suspended, and issue visas to Afghans through legal channels.”

Meanwhile, migration experts warn that implementing the decision could create new challenges for thousands of Afghan families.

Mohammad Jamal Muslim, a migrant rights activist, said: “By using its migration policy, Pakistan has placed migrants who are living there simply to survive under serious pressure. If the Islamic Emirate, international organizations, and human rights groups do not take action to address this situation, the crisis could become one of the most bitter chapters in relations between the two countries.”

A number of analysts also stress that the issue of migrants should not be turned into a political tool and that their return should be carried out in accordance with international principles—voluntarily, safely, and with full respect for human dignity.

Hemayatullah Ahmadi, a political analyst, said: “The international community and the United Nations should respond responsibly to Pakistan’s decision. Pakistan has, at different times, used Afghan migrants as a tool of political pressure against successive governments in Afghanistan.”

Earlier, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) announced that approximately 2.5 million Afghan migrants are expected to return to Afghanistan by the end of the current calendar year.

Pakistan Orders Immediate Arrest of Undocumented Afghan Nationals
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Former Afghan general and politician is extradited to US to face drug charges

July 11, 2026

Associated Press

July 10, 2026

NEW YORK (AP) — A former Afghan general who also served in his nation’s National Assembly was extradited to the U.S. on Friday to face drug charges, authorities said.

Abdul Zahir Qadeer, 52, of Afghanistan, appeared in Manhattan federal court and was ordered detained until trial, federal prosecutors said in a release.

Qadeer was arrested in Nairobi, Kenya, on April 15 before his extradition to face charges that he conspired to import heroin and methamphetamine, along with related firearms offenses.

Authorities said he previously served as a general in Afghanistan’s Border Force and as first deputy speaker of Afghanistan’s House of the People.

It was unclear who is representing him on the U.S. charges, which if he is convicted carry a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life behind bars.

U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton described Qadeer as a large-scale international narcotics and military-grade weapons trafficker.

“In an attempt to traffic massive amounts of poison and weaponry — including heavy machine guns and rocket-propelled grenade launchers — Qadeer allegedly sold a two-kilogram test shipment to a buyer, which was delivered in South Africa,” Clayton said in a release.

The prosecutor said the buyer was actually working with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said in a release that Qadeer was “purporting to be a political leader in Afghanistan” while leading a criminal enterprise dealing in dangerous and addictive narcotics.

Former Afghan general and politician is extradited to US to face drug charges
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