Afghanistan Peace CampaignCURRENT NEWS ARTICLES
Al-Qaeda Releases New Video of Hamza bin Laden Ahead of 9/11 Anniversary
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press September 12, 2026 Al-Qaeda has released a new propaganda video featuring Hamza bin Laden, the son of the group’s founder Osama bin Laden, ahead of the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, raising renewed international concerns about the militant network’s presence and activities in Afghanistan. The nearly 50-minute video,
Pakistan Court Suspends Order Expelling Afghan Medical Students, Allows Them to Continue Studies
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press September 12, 2026 The Lahore High Court has temporarily suspended a Pakistani medical regulator’s order requiring Afghan medical students to leave the country, allowing them to continue their education while the court reviews legal challenges against the decision. The interim ruling, issued on Friday, came after a group of Afghan
Former U.S. Diplomat Says Stable Post-9/11 Afghanistan Remains in America’s Interest
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press September 12, 2026 Former U.S. diplomat Zalmay Khalilzad said the United States’ primary interest in Afghanistan is preventing the country from once again becoming a base for terrorist groups that could threaten America, while urging Washington to remain engaged in Afghanistan rather than leave the field to rival powers. Speaking
Pakistani Ambassador: Current Situation Blocks Afghanistan’s SCO Membership
TOLOnews 12 September 2026 According to the Pakistani ambassador, some SCO member states have concerns about the participation of the Islamic Emirate. Pakistan’s ambassador to Russia says Afghanistan is part of the region and an important link between Central and South Asian countries, and Islamabad hopes the country can eventually become a full member of
UNSC Raises Concerns Over Afghanistan
TOLOnews 12 September 2026 They said that ISIS, al-Qaeda, and their affiliates remain active, with ISIS-Khorasan being one of the group’s most active branches. The United Nations Security Council held a meeting marking the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks. Representatives of several countries said at the meeting that 25 years later, the threat
Al-Qaeda regroups in Afghanistan, 25 years after 9/11
By Greg Miller The Washington Post September 12, 2026 The terror organization and its offshoots have set up at least eight training sites over the past three years, taking advantage of the Taliban’s return to power. Al-Qaeda’s plans for the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks took root in dusty, mud-walled compounds in Afghanistan that served for
25 Years After 9/11, Al Qaeda Still Has a Home in Afghanistan
By Elian Peltier Reporting from Kabul and Badakhshan, Afghanistan The New York Times Sept. 12, 2026 The Taliban claim that Afghanistan is no longer a sanctuary for terrorist groups, but Al Qaeda and others are still present, reviving old fears. Twenty five years ago, Osama bin Laden led the planning of Al Qaeda’s attacks on Sept.
UN: Al-Qaeda presence in Afghanistan persists
UA.News 11 September 2026 A UN sanctions monitoring team said in a report dated August 10 that Al-Qaeda’s position and capabilities in Afghanistan have remained unchanged under Taliban rule. The terrorist threat emanating from the country has also generally remained unchanged, while the ability of numerous groups to operate poses a lasting danger to neighboring
UN Chief Marks 25 Years Since 9/11, Urges Global Unity Against Terrorism
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press September 11, 2026 United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres marked the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks on Friday by paying tribute to nearly 3,000 victims and urging the international community to remain united in combating terrorism through cooperation and international law. In a statement commemorating the attacks, Guterres said
Lavrov Says US Used Afghanistan Presence to Advance Geopolitical Goals, Not Just Fight Terrorism
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press September 11, 2026 Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said the United States used the international response to the September 11, 2001 attacks to expand its geopolitical influence in Afghanistan and other regions, arguing that Washington’s military interventions went far beyond the fight against terrorism. Speaking in an interview with Russian
9/11: Two Decades of War and Foreign Presence in Afghanistan
Mursaleen Muwahed Multilingual Journalist & Social Media Editor Tolo News 11 September 2026 Following the attacks, the United States held Al-Qaeda responsible and launched military operations in Afghanistan on October 7, 2001. September 11 marked the beginning of a new era for Afghanistan—one characterized by the arrival of foreign forces, a change in the political
25 Years Since 9/11: From the Attacks to the Afghanistan War
TOLOnews TV Network 11 September 2026 On that day, four passenger planes were hijacked in the United States. Today marks 25 years since the September 11, 2001 attacks, which not only changed the course of US foreign and security policy but also triggered a war in Afghanistan that lasted nearly two decades. On that day,
‘I want to cry’: Afghan medical students in Pakistan face expulsion fear
By Abid Hussain Al Jazeera Published On 11 Sep 2026 A court has temporarily suspended a directive to expel the students, but the threat of eviction lingers amid broader Pakistan-Afghanistan tensions. Islamabad, Pakistan – Alishba*, a medical student, was on a maternity ward night shift in Lahore when her phone began filling with messages on September
Afghan Woman Deported in First Use of Obscure Terrorism Court
By Alan Feuer The New York Times Sept. 11, 2026 It remains unclear whether the administration would seek to use the court again after successfully obtaining an order from its chief judge to expel the woman. An Afghan woman accused of supporting the Islamic State has been sent back to her homeland in the first
US Betrayed Allies by Leaving Afghanistan, Says Former US Defence Secretary
Afghanistan International 10 September 2026 Former US Defence Secretary Leon Panetta has described the complete withdrawal of American forces from Afghanistan and the Taliban’s return to power as a terrible mistake, saying Washington betrayed those it had fought for. Panetta, who served as defence secretary under former President Barack Obama, said the United States had
3.1 Million People Displaced In Afghanistan In 2025, Says Research Group
Afghanistan International 10 September 2026 REACH, a Geneva-based international humanitarian initiative specialising in humanitarian data collection and analysis, says 3.1 million people were displaced in Afghanistan last year due to economic pressures, food insecurity and natural disasters. Poverty and a lack of financial resources, particularly among poor households and women, have also prevented people from
Karzai Urges Pakistan to Reverse Ban on Afghan Students, Says Education Must Not Be Politicized
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press September 10, 2026 Former Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai has called Pakistan’s decision to stop admitting Afghan students to medical and dental colleges “deeply concerning,” urging Islamabad to immediately reverse the policy and allow Afghan students to continue their education. Karzai said educational and scientific cooperation should never become a victim
RSF Condemns Detention of 12 Journalists at Book Fair in Eastern Afghanistan
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press September 10, 2026 Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has condemned the Taliban’s temporary detention of 12 journalists in Khost province after morality police arrested them while they were covering a public book fair, calling the incident another example of escalating repression against Afghanistan’s independent media. RSF said the journalists were detained
Pakistan Says Afghan Students With Valid Visas Can Continue Studies
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press September 10, 2026 Pakistan has clarified that Afghan students holding valid visas will be allowed to continue their education, following reports that the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) had ordered medical universities to stop admitting Afghan students and expel those enrolled. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Sajjad Haider Khan said Islamabad
UN Human Rights Chief Voices Concern Over Situation in Afghanistan
TOLOnews TV Network 10 September 2026 He also criticized the international community, accusing it of neglecting Afghanistan. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has expressed concern over what he describes as widespread restrictions in Afghanistan and called for the country’s obligations under international law to be upheld. Volker Türk particularly criticized restrictions on women
Egeland: Aid Cuts, Lack of Diplomatic Engagement Deepen Afghans’ Sufferings
TOLOnews TV Network 10 September 2026 He added that thousands of families need humanitarian assistance, but reductions in international aid have left many of them without support. Jan Egeland, Secretary General of the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), says that avoiding diplomatic engagement and cutting humanitarian aid have failed to address the challenges facing people in
NGO chief sees ‘hypocrisy’ in Afghan women’s rights calls amid aid cuts
AFP Bangkok Post 11 September 2026 KABUL – The head of the Norwegian Refugee Council aid group, Jan Egeland, criticised on Thursday what he called the “hypocrisy” of countries demanding rights for Afghan women while cutting humanitarian assistance. Afghanistan has seen a sharp decline in international aid since 2021, when the Taliban authorities returned to
25 Years After 9/11, Al-Qaeda Remains Active in Afghanistan as Global Network Shifts, Report Says
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press September 9, 2026 Twenty-five years after the September 11, 2001 attacks, al-Qaeda continues to operate inside Afghanistan, but global jihadism has evolved into a decentralized network spread across Africa, the Middle East and South Asia, according to a new assessment by the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED).
Aid Cuts Shut 600 Health Facilities Across Afghanistan, Affecting 4 Million
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press September 9, 2026 Severe cuts in humanitarian funding have forced hundreds of health facilities across Afghanistan to close or scale back services, leaving millions of people with reduced access to essential medical care, according to reports. Al Jazeera reported on Wednesday, citing new findings from Save the Children, reported that
Pakistan’s Decision to Expel Afghan Medical Students Sparks Reactions
TOLOnews 9 September 2026 Mr. Mujahid said that the Ministry of Higher Education is prepared to facilitate the continuation of these students’ education inside Afghanistan. Pakistan’s decision to expel Afghan medical students from universities in the country has sparked widespread reactions. The spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan described Pakistan’s move as regrettable and
‘One day the Taliban will need women to be educated’: three sisters on being forced back to Afghanistan
The Guardian Wednesday, September 9, 2026 It was a warm summer afternoon on 15 August 2021 when the Taliban entered Kabul and changed the lives of millions. Shallah*, then 16, watched the news at home on the Afghan TV channel Tolo news. She ran crying to the garden, to tell her mother that Afghanistan had fallen. Her
Afghanistan is the only country that bars girls past sixth grade. New research shows they are still learning.
By Christian Daily International Staff Sep 8, 2026 Afghanistan remains the only country in the world where girls are shut out of school beyond the sixth grade, and where women are barred from university. Five years into that ban, new research suggests the classroom doors closed but the learning did not stop. Findings from 2,612 Afghan
Richard Bennett Says Afghan Children Are Growing Up in Fear and Hopelessness
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press September 8, 2026 UN Special Rapporteur on Afghanistan Richard Bennett told the UN Human Rights Council that Afghanistan’s children are growing up in an environment defined by fear, deprivation and hopelessness after nearly five years of regime change, warning that the country’s next generation is facing a deepening human rights
UN Warns Afghanistan Faces One of the World’s Largest Humanitarian Crises After 4 Decades of War
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press September 8, 2026 The United Nations has warned that Afghanistan remains one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises after more than four decades of conflict and recurring natural disasters, saying millions of Afghans continue to depend on humanitarian assistance as food insecurity, displacement and economic hardship deepen across the country.
UN Human Rights Council Discusses Human Rights Situation in Afghanistan
Asima Rasoly Tolo News 8 September 2026 They stressed that the international community should consider the long-term consequences of the current situation for future generations of Afghans. The human rights situation in Afghanistan was once again discussed at a meeting of the United Nations Human Rights Council. Representatives of several countries, including Australia, Luxembourg, New
Balkhi: US Military Equipment Left Behind Belongs to Afghanistan
TOLOnews TV Network 8 September 2026 The spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate has previously described such demands as unreasonable. Qahar Balkhi, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Emirate, says the military equipment left behind by US forces in Afghanistan is now the property of the Afghan government and that Kabul is
Saudi Energy Deal Could Pave Way for $10 Billion Afghan Pipeline Project
By Daniel Onyango Ariana News Sep 08, 2026 Saudi Arabia’s Delta Energy Group has signed a series of agreements with Afghanistan’s Ministry of Mines and Petroleum to advance hydrocarbon exploration and build a major regional gas pipeline network, the company announced. At the center of the framework is the proposed “Corridor of Prosperity,” a 700-kilometer regional
Mansour: Some Neighbors Cannot Tolerate Afghanistan’s Progress
TOLOnews TV Network 6 September 2026 Mansour stressed that the Islamic Emirate should not allow neighboring countries to interfere in Afghanistan’s affairs. Minister of Rural Rehabilitation and Development Abdul Latif Mansour says some neighboring countries cannot tolerate Afghanistan’s progress and do not respect the principles of good neighborly relations in their engagement with Kabul. Without
Guterres Calls for Immediate Lifting of UN Work Ban on Women in Afghanistan
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press September 7, 2026 United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has called on the Taliban to immediately lift their ban on Afghan women working for the United Nations, warning that the restriction undermines humanitarian operations and violates international law as it enters its second year. In a statement issued ahead of the
25 years after Sept. 11 attacks, Taliban rules Afghanistan again, but now with $7 billion in U.S. firepower
Imtiaz Tyab CBS News September 7, 2026 Kabul — As Americans reflect this week on the 25 years that have passed since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, CBS News has returned to Afghanistan, where the war those attacks triggered ended five years ago with the Taliban’s stunning return to power.When the last U.S. and allied
UN Rapporteur Raises Concerns Over Expansion of Madrassas in Afghanistan
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press September 6, 2026 The expansion of religious schools (Madrassas) under current rule could permanently reshape Afghanistan’s social fabric and deepen the country’s education crisis, Richard Bennett, the UN special rapporteur on human rights in Afghanistan, has warned in a new report. Bennett said that while religious education has long been
Karzai: Girls’ Education Essential for a Vibrant Society
TOLOnews TV Network 7 September 2026 He added that some Islamic Emirate officials also privately support girls’ education and women’s employment. Former Afghan President Hamid Karzai, in an interview with the Financial Times, has called for schools to be reopened to girls and for women to return to work. Karzai said Afghanistan needs educated women
WFP: Nearly 14 Million Afghans Facing Acute Hunger
TOLOnews 7 September 2026 He added that conflict with Pakistan and the crisis in the Middle East have disrupted trade and supply routes. Afghanistan’s hunger and malnutrition crisis is worsening as millions of people face rising food prices, unemployment and declining humanitarian assistance. John Aylieff, WFP Country Director in Afghanistan, says nearly six million Afghans
Canada Urges Citizens Not to Travel to Afghanistan
Farhad Farhaad Hasht e Subh daily 3 September 2026 nationaltoday Canada has urged its citizens to refrain from all travel to Afghanistan due to the unstable and dangerous security situation. The Canadian government said in a statement on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, that the risk of terrorist attacks, armed conflict, kidnapping, arbitrary arrest and detention,
Qani: Pakistan’s Attempts to Destabilize Badakhshan Thwarted
TOLOnews TV Network 3 September 2026 The ministry’s spokesperson added that these attempts have been thwarted and that the security situation is now normal. The Ministry of Interior says Pakistan has repeatedly attempted to create security challenges in some districts of Badakhshan and other areas near the Durand Line. The ministry’s spokesperson added that these
After fleeing Afghanistan to continue educating girls, SOLA opens a permanent school in Rwanda
By GLENN GAMBOA Associated Press September 2, 2026 The sign, like the campus, is virtually brand new – with classes beginning for the first time later this month. It is a declaration, but also a symbol of the danger associated with educating Afghan girls – even thousands of miles from their homes. It’s not visible
Turkey Detained More Than 25,000 Afghan Migrants in First Eight Months of 2026
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press September 3, 2026 Turkish authorities detained 25,314 Afghan migrants during the first eight months of 2026, making Afghans the largest group of undocumented foreigners apprehended across the country, according to new figures released by Turkey’s Directorate General of Migration Management. The official statistics show that Turkish police and migration authorities
OCHA Says 18 Humanitarian Aid Programmes Suspended in Afghanistan in July
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press September 3, 2026 Restrictions on humanitarian access in Afghanistan forced the temporary suspension of 18 humanitarian programmes during July, while continued limits on women’s participation disrupted relief operations across the country, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said in a new report. OCHA said it recorded
Taliban Interference Disrupts Humanitarian Operations In Afghanistan, Says UN
Afghanistan International 3 September 2026 The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs says it recorded at least 30 incidents of Taliban interference with humanitarian activities in the past month, including the detention of two aid workers in Herat. In a report issued on Thursday, 3 September, OCHA said it recorded 16 incidents involving
ICRC Warns Afghanistan ‘Being Overlooked Despite Severe Humanitarian Needs’
Hadia Ziaei Tolo News 2 September 2026 ICRC director of operations stressed that Afghans need both national and international support. The director of operations at the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has expressed concern that Afghanistan, despite its severe humanitarian needs, has fallen off the international community’s radar. Yasmine Praz Dessimoz, speaking to
U.S. May Seek Return to Afghanistan After Regional Tensions, Iranian Politician Says
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press September 2, 2026 An Iranian politician has claimed that the United States could seek to return militarily to Afghanistan following recent developments in the Middle East, arguing that Washington may consider shifting part of its forces from Gulf bases to Afghanistan as part of a broader regional strategy. Hossein Kanani
Gold Mining Halted in Panjshir Province, Afghanistan: Miners Report Financial Losses Under Taliban Restrictions
Farhad Farhaad Ilya 2 Sept 2026 Exclusive Several gold miners in Panjshir province’s Paryan district are complaining that the Taliban have set exorbitant prices for mining licenses. They say that beyond the high license fees, mining activity in the district has been suspended for six months. During this period, the miners add, Taliban forces confiscated
Taliban defend complete ban on protests in Afghanistan
DPA Wed, September 2, 2026 Taliban government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid delivers a news conference in Kabul. Further ministers and deputies were named as part of the Taliban interim government, none of them are women. (is associated with: «Taliban defend complete ban on protests in Afghanistan») Oliver Weiken/dpa Taliban government defends complete ban on public protests
India’s Modi Says Afghanistan Stability Is Vital to Regional Security
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press September 1, 2026 Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit that lasting stability in Asia would be difficult to achieve without addressing the situation in Afghanistan, stressing that New Delhi would continue its engagement with the people of Afghanistan. Speaking at the 26th SCO
UN Report Says Afghanistan’s War Killed Over 40,000 Civilians Between 2009 and 2021
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press September 1, 2026 More than 40,000 people were killed and over 77,000 injured during Afghanistan’s armed conflict between 2009 and 2021, according to a new report by the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), which documents the long-term human cost of two decades of war. The report, released on
UNAMA: Afghan War Victims Still Face Lasting Harm, Lack Access to Justice
Hadia Ziaei Tolo News 1 September 2026 The report is based on interviews with 195 victims and their family members, 23 non-governmental organizations, and 23 Islamic Emirate officials. UNAMA said in a new report that victims of armed conflict in Afghanistan from 2001 to August 15, 2021, continue to face severe physical, psychological, and economic
Shakib: Pakistan’s Security Concerns No Excuse for Military Action
Tolo News 1 September 2026 Relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan have faced growing tensions since October last year. Sardar Ahmad Shakib, the Islamic Emirate’s ambassador in Islamabad, described Afghanistan and Pakistan as interconnected countries during remarks at Pakistan’s National Defence University, emphasizing the deep ties between the peoples of the two countries. He said Afghanistan
SCO Leaders Stress Inclusive Government, Peace, Stability in Afghanistan
TOLOnews TV Network 1 September 2026 The President of Uzbekistan called for the resumption of regular dialogue between the SCO and Afghanistan. Member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), in the final declaration of the Bishkek summit, said that forming an inclusive government with broad participation of Afghanistan’s ethnic and political groups is the
‘I’ve never been to Afghanistan’: Six million deportees forced to start over under the Taliban
Lyse Doucet Chief international correspondent Torkham crossing and Kabul\ BBC News 1 September 2026 Watch: BBC’s Lyse Doucet reports on the biggest cross-border movement of people The elderly grimace, hobbling on crutches, and wide-eyed children stare, cradling chickens carried from homes they were forced to leave behind. “It feels good to be in my own
Delawar: US Committed 3,000 Violations After Doha Agreement
Hadia Ziaei Tolo News 31 August 2026 He also stressed that Washington’s demands from the Islamic Emirate indicate that the United States has recognized the Islamic Emirate. Sheikh Shahabuddin Delawar, head of the Afghan Red Crescent Society and a former senior member of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan’s political office in Doha, said in a
Families Seek Compensation for Losses in US Military Operations
TOLOnews TV Network 31 August 2026 They are also demanding the prosecution of US soldiers allegedly involved in the killing of Afghan civilians in Afghanistan. People affected by US military operations in Afghanistan’s southern provinces are calling for compensation. They are also demanding the prosecution of US soldiers allegedly involved in the killing of Afghan
Five Years On: How the Doha Agreement Led to the U.S. Withdrawal
By Hadia Ziaei, Tolo News 31 Aug 2026 In Doha, four major issues were on the table: the withdrawal of foreign forces, counterterrorism guarantees, the start of intra-Afghan talks, and a ceasefire. Five years ago, the last U.S. soldier left Afghanistan, bringing Washington’s nearly two-decade military presence in the country to an end. But the
Relative of Afghans Who Helped U.S. Military Is Deported to Africa
By Miriam Jordan and Hamed Aleaziz The New York Times Aug. 29, 2026 The Trump administration has deported thousands of immigrants to countries where they have no ties. Dozens were on the latest flight, to the Central African Republic. A deportation plane carrying about 70 foreign nationals, one of an increasing number of flights that have sent
UN Says More Than 100 Health Centers Shut in Afghanistan
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press August 30, 2026 The United Nations says funding cuts to humanitarian operations in Afghanistan have forced the closure of more than 100 health centers, leaving millions of children with reduced access to lifesaving nutrition and medical care. Melissa Fleming, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications, said in a post on
European Parliament to Discuss Return of Afghan Refugees to Afghanistan
Hadia Ziaei Tolo News 30 August 2026 The discussion will take place following meetings between the European Commission and representatives of the Islamic Emirate. The European Parliament’s Subcommittee on Human Rights is scheduled to discuss the return of Afghan refugees and asylum seekers from the European Union to Afghanistan on Thursday, September 3. According to
FM: Islamic Emirate Seeks to Normalize Relations With US
Mursaleen Muwahed Multilingual Journalist & Social Media Editor Tolo News 30 August 2026 Muttaqi also called on the United States to reconsider its position toward the Islamic Emirate in light of Afghanistan’s current circumstances. Five years after the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Afghanistan, Kabul says it is willing to open a new chapter in
5 years after withdrawal, a grave picture for Afghans inside and outside the US
by Rebecca Beitsch The Hill 08/30/26 The fifth anniversary of the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan falls as the nation’s citizens face a starkly different picture than when they first arrived in America, with the Trump administration employing numerous tactics to deport Afghans and halt the arrival of new refugees. Since President Trump returned to office,
Trump administration deports relative of Afghans who helped US military to Central African Republic
The Associated Press National Public Radio August 30, 2026 DAKAR, Senegal — The United States on Saturday deported dozens of people to the Central African Republic, including an Afghan whose brothers collaborated with the U.S. military, his lawyer and an advocacy group said. The Afghan man, who is in his early twenties, was granted protection
ICE deports Afghans and others to Africa, expanding “third country” deportations
Camilo Montoya-Galvez CBS News August 30, 2026 Over a 10-day period, the Trump administration sent more than 100 deportees from Afghanistan, Cuba, Nicaragua and other nations to eight countries across Africa, expanding its “third country” deportation campaign, according to internal U.S. government documents obtained by CBS News. Three Immigration and Customs Enforcement deportation flights, the
Mirziyoyev: We Will Continue Constructive Approach Toward Afghanistan
TOLOnews TV Network 29 August 2026 Previously, at the first Central Asia–Japan summit, Mirziyoyev also said that Afghanistan remains an important area of engagement. Uzbekistan’s president has reiterated his country’s commitment to a constructive approach toward Afghanistan. Shavkat Mirziyoyev, speaking at a ceremony marking the 35th anniversary of Uzbekistan’s independence, said economic diplomacy is one
Mujahid: We Want Wartime Policies to Change and Good Relations With US
TOLOnews 29 August 2026 In another part of the interview, Mujahid said the Islamic Emirate does not want war in the region. Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, has told an Indian media outlet that the current government wants wartime policies to change and seeks good relations with the United States. Mujahid
US Remained In Afghanistan Rather Than Defeating Terrorism, Says Russian FM
Afghanistan International 29 August 2026 Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has accused the United States of choosing to maintain a military presence in Afghanistan after the 9/11 attacks rather than focusing on eliminating terrorism. Speaking to Russia’s RBC television network on Friday, 28 August, Lavrov discussed tensions between Moscow and the West, the latest developments
Afghans Deported from Iran, Pakistan Face Unemployment and Poverty
Nasir Ahmad Salehi TOLOnews Reporter 27 August 2026 They say nearly a year after returning, they remain unemployed, with some of their property still in neighboring countries. Afghans deported from Iran and Pakistan say they are struggling with unemployment and poverty after returning to the country. They say nearly a year has passed since their
Inside Afghanistan’s Secret Schools for Girls
By Elian Peltier The New York Times Elian Peltier interviewed more than 50 students, educators, therapists and parents involved with clandestine schools in Afghanistan. Aug. 28, 2026 Ayesha goes to a secret school six days a week, mainly to keep seeing people outside her home. It’s the only way to avoid total isolation under Taliban rule,
More Than 6 Million Afghan Migrants Have Returned Home in Three Years, UN-Habitat Says
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press August 27, 2026 More than 6 million Afghan migrants have returned to Afghanistan over the past three years, and many more continue to return, the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) said on Thursday. In a post on X, UN-Habitat said the large-scale return of Afghan migrants has increased
Trump Blames Biden for Abbey Gate Attack, Calls Afghanistan Withdrawal a “Catastrophe”
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press August 27, 2026 US President Donald Trump has blamed former President Joe Biden for the deadly Abbey Gate bombing during the US withdrawal from Afghanistan, calling the 2021 evacuation a “catastrophe” on the fifth anniversary of the attack. In a statement released by the White House on Wednesday, Trump paid
Gloden: We Cannot Avoid Talks With Afghanistan’s Current Authorities
Hadia Ziaei Tolo News 26 August 2026 Gloden said he had previously discussed the issue with German officials, who responded positively to a request for assistance in returning convicted Afghans. Léon Gloden, Luxembourg’s Minister of Home Affairs, says his country cannot avoid talks with the Islamic Emirate over the return of Afghan nationals and is
Pakistan Says Ready for Government-Level Talks with Islamic Emirate
TOLOnews TV Network 27 August 2026 Zabihullah Mujahid had said that continued tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan were in the interest of neither country. Pakistan has announced its readiness to hold government-level talks with the Islamic Emirate. The spokesperson for Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said at a recent news briefing that any bilateral mechanism
Pentagon claims to have found ‘hidden’ files on final days of the Afghanistan war
By Leo Shane III Politico 08/26/2026 Pentagon officials on Wednesday claimed they have uncovered classified documents that were “hidden away in safes where they would not be found” that shed new light on the chaotic end to the U.S. war in Afghanistan five years ago — but declined to offer public details of the revelations.
Germany Deports 30 Afghans to Kabul in Latest Charter Flight
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press August 25, 2026 Germany deported 30 Afghan nationals to Kabul on Tuesday aboard a charter flight from Leipzig, continuing its policy of returning Afghan citizens despite ongoing security and humanitarian concerns in Afghanistan. The deportation flight departed from Leipzig/Halle Airport and marked Germany’s latest forced return operation to Afghanistan since
Girls’ Education Above Grade Six; An Issue That Remains Unresolved
TOLOnews TV Network 26 Aug 2026 The organization warned that if the situation continues, by 2030 the number of girls deprived of education beyond the primary level will reach nearly four million. Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate, said in an interview with the BBC that the Islamic Emirate remains committed to women’s rights
Aisha Wahab Calls for US Diplomatic Engagement with Afghanistan
TOLOnews TV Network 25 August 2026 In another part of her remarks, she also described groups opposed to the Islamic Emirate as unsuccessful. Aisha Wahab, the first Afghan-American woman in the US House of Representatives, has emphasized the need for diplomatic engagement between Washington and Kabul. In an interview with Democracy Now!, Wahab described the
New book details NY Times’ efforts to evacuate Afghan refugees
Sara Fischer AXIOS 25 August 2026 A new book from journalists Rebecca Blumenstein and Diana Kapp provides crucial details about how The New York Times evacuated hundreds of Afghan nationals as the country fell to Taliban rule in 2021. Why it matters: The account serves as a reminder of the risks many people take to support pivotal
Floggings on the rise in Afghanistan, human rights group says
DPA Tue, August 25, 2026 FILE PHOTO – Taliban fighters ride on an armoured vehicle at a checkpoint near Torkham border crossing between Pakistan and Afghanistan. (is associated with: «Floggings on the rise in Afghanistan, human rights group says») Sami Jan/dpa Flogging is increasingly being used as a form of punishment in Afghanistan five years
One million children in Afghanistan face deadly malnutrition
UN News 25 August 2026 Some 3.7 million children in Afghanistan are suffering from wasting, one of the most dangerous forms of malnutrition, with around one million currently battling the most severe, life-threatening form of the condition. © WFP/Sayed Abidullah Sadat A young girl eats a nutritionally enriched biscuit in Zabul Province, Afghanistan. Malnutrition, driven by
US set for largest mass visa revocation in history targeting up to 200,000 foreigners, officials say
Story by Matthew Lee The Los Angeles Times Aug 24, 2026 The Trump administration is preparing to revoke the business and tourism visas of up to 200,000 foreigners who have applied for or are currently seeking asylum status in the United States. If it happens, the move would be the largest single mass revocation of visas
US Congressman Seth Moulton Says He Is Working With Veterans to Evacuate Afghan Allies
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press August 24, 2026 Democratic Congressman Seth Moulton says he is continuing to work with U.S. military veterans to help evacuate Afghans who supported the United States during the war in Afghanistan, accusing the Trump administration of effectively halting relocation efforts for former Afghan allies. Speaking to CBS News on
Major Infrastructure Projects Advance in Afghanistan Over Past Five Years
Liluma Qadiry Tolo News 22 AUGUST 2026 In the water management sector, the Qosh Tepa Canal is one of the major projects that has continued to advance during this period. Major infrastructure projects have been a key part of the Islamic Emirate’s economic agenda over the past five years. The projects are aimed at developing
US Visa Suspension Lifted, but Afghan Entry Ban Remains: AfghanEvac
Hadia Ziaei Tolo News 23 Aug 2026 The organization urged Afghan families not to travel or visit embassies or consulates without official instructions. AfghanEvac said in a statement that lifting the suspension on immigrant visa issuance for citizens of 75 countries, including Afghanistan, does not mean that the pathway for Afghans to enter the
Former US Envoy Links Kabul Embassy Reopening to Policy Changes
TOLOnews TV Network 24 Aug 2026 Neumann said there are reasons for reopening the US Embassy in Kabul and that he could envision Washington taking such a step. Ronald Neumann, former US ambassador to Kabul, says reopening the US Embassy in Kabul would require specific changes in the policies of the Islamic Emirate. Neumann, who
Now Is Not The Time To Recognise the Taliban, Says Former Afghan President
Afghanistan International 21 August 2026 Former Afghan President Hamid Karzai says Taliban recognition and legitimacy depend on meeting specific conditions, including allowing girls to return to school and women to work. Speaking to Bloomberg on Friday, 21 August, Karzai said the international community and the United Nations had repeatedly called on the Taliban to lift
Senior National Resistance Front Commander Hasib Panjshiri Killed
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press August 21, 2026 Abdullah Khanjani, head of the Political Committee of Afghanistan’s National Resistance Front, confirmed senior commander Hasib Panjshiri has been killed. Hasib Panjshiri, a senior military commander of Afghanistan’s National Resistance Front (NRF), has been killed, the group’s political leadership confirmed on Thursday. Abdullah Khanjani, head of the
Aisha Wahab Makes History as First Afghan American Elected to US Congress
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press August 21, 2026 Aisha Wahab has won a special election for California’s 14th Congressional District, becoming the first person of Afghan descent elected to the US Congress, according to Decision Desk HQ. Wahab, a progressive Democrat and California state senator, defeated Melissa Hernandez in Tuesday’s election to fill the seat
Afghanistan Calls for Stronger Coordination as Climate, Disaster Risks Rise
TOLOnews TV Network 21 August 2026 The head of the National Disaster Management Authority said people’s needs, particularly in remote areas, have increased. As risks from natural disasters and climate change increase, Islamic Emirate officials and aid organizations emphasized strengthening coordination at a meeting in Kabul. The head of the National Disaster Management Authority said
Karzai: Women’s Rights Key to International Legitimacy
Liluma Qadiry Tolo News 21 Aug 2026 He also called on Pakistan to establish “civilized” relations with Kabul instead of seeking to weaken Afghanistan. Former Afghan President Hamid Karzai considers girls’ education and women’s participation in the workforce among the key factors for Afghanistan to gain international legitimacy. In an interview with Bloomberg, Karzai said
Taliban secures pragmatic global alliances without formal recognition
By Hamidullah Mohammad Shah Al Jazeera Published On 20 Aug 2026 Kabul expands trade and security partnerships across the region despite the ongoing lack of full international legitimacy. The Taliban government in Afghanistan has successfully expanded its ties in security, trade, energy, and transport with various countries, five years after returning to power in Afghanistan
WFP Says Only 12% of Funding Available as Child Hunger Worsens in Afghanistan
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press August 20, 2026 TOPSHOT – A child suffering from malnutrition receives treatment at the Mirwais hospital in Kandahar on September 27, 2021. – At an overcrowded hospital in Kandahar, the few remaining doctors and nurses try urgently to treat skeletal babies and malnourished children packed side by side on beds.
US weighs third-country resettlement for more than 1,000 Afghans stranded in Qatar
By Fidel Rahmati Tolo News August 20, 2026 More than 1,000 Afghans evacuated to Qatar in 2021 remain stranded as Washington explores third-country options for their long-term resettlement. More than 1,000 Afghans evacuated to Qatar following the Taliban’s return to power in 2021 remain stranded at Camp As Sayliyah, with their prospects for resettlement in
Hanafi: Afghanistan’s Sovereignty, Security Established; UN Seat Our Right
TOLOnews 18 AUGUST 2026 So far, no country has recognized the Islamic Emirate for the purpose of taking Afghanistan’s seat at the United Nations. Abdul Salam Hanafi, Administrative Deputy Prime Minister, told TOLOnews that with security ensured and poppy cultivation and drug trafficking brought to an end in Afghanistan, the Islamic Emirate has the right
ILO: Afghanistan Has Second-Lowest Female Labour Participation Rate
Ebadullah Ebadi Journalist (Web Editor) Tolo News 18 AUGUST 2026 According to the ILO report, employment reached around 8.5 million in 2026, an increase of about 14% compared with 2022. The International Labour Organization (ILO) says that five years after the Islamic Emirate’s takeover of Afghanistan, the gender disparities in the country’s labour market has
Third Anglo-Afghan War: How Did Afghanistan Gain Independence?
TOLOnews TV Network 19 August 2026 The military forces of British India were mobilized, and Jalalabad and Kabul were subsequently bombed. On 12 Saur 1298, a decisive battle against Britain began from the provinces of Nangarhar, Paktia and Kandahar. Although the king’s soldiers at the time had limited military equipment, their desire for freedom and
Afghanistan-India Ties Enter New Phase Amid Growing Diplomatic Engagement
TOLOnews TV Network 19 August 2026 Jaiswal says relations between New Delhi and Kabul have a long history and that engagement between the two sides, particularly over the past year, has increased. Relations between Afghanistan and India have entered a new phase over the past year, with increased exchanges of officials between the two countries
Islamic Emirate’s Diplomatic Ties Extend to 103 Countries and Organizations
TOLOnews TV Network 20 Aug 2026 Meanwhile, Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesman for the Islamic Emirate, said Afghanistan has good and significant relations with Islamic, Arab, and regional countries. Findings from a new study by the Washington Institute for Near East Policy show that the Islamic Emirate had a total of 3,651 diplomatic engagements with 103 countries
Afghanistan’s Taliban rulers release 2 U.N. staff members more than a week after detaining them
By ELENA BECATOROS Associated Press August 20, 2026 Afghanistan’s Taliban rulers have released two United Nations staff members who they detained more than a week ago, the U.N. said Thursday, adding that the reason for the two men’s detention remains unclear. The arrests were the latest in a series of detentions by Afghanistan’s Taliban authorities. Last week, the advocacy
OAS warns Haiti needs help as it prepares to hold elections for the first time since 2016
Washington Post Associated Press August 19. 2026 The secretary general of the Organization of American States says that Haiti needs help fighting gangs and seizing back territory as it prepares to hold general elections for the first time in more than a decade PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti — Albert Ramdin, secretary general of the Organization of American
Afghanistan’s geography should not be field for negative competition, but bridge for prosperity: Envoy
The Tribune (India) ANI Aug 18, 2026 Advertisement New Delhi [India], August 18 (ANI): Afghanistan on Monday highlighted that the country’s geographical position should not be a field for negative competition but rather a bridge for connectivity, cooperation and shared prosperity. During the fifth anniversary of the ‘Victory’ Day reception at the Afghan Embassy
Afghan Activists in Washington Call for Women’s Rights, a Better Future for Afghanistan
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press August 17, 2026 Afghan civil society activists, artists and members of the Afghanistan community gathered in Washington on Sunday, August 16, to mark the fifth anniversary of the fall of Afghanistan’s former republic, calling for continued international support for the rights of Afghans, particularly women and girls. Participants urged governments
Kabul Welcomes China’s Efforts to Ease Afghanistan-Pakistan Tensions
TOLOnews TV Network 17 August 2026 China is among the countries with close ties to the Islamic Emirate and also maintains strong relations with Pakistan. The Islamic Emirate has praised China’s efforts to reduce tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan. The spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate told TOLOnews that, in light of the Chinese special envoy
UN Women Calls for Continued Investment in Afghan Women, Girls
Bibi Amina Hakimi TOLOnews’ Reporter 17 August 2026 According to her, secondary schools remain closed to girls, while universities are open only to men. Susan Ferguson, UN Women’s Special Representative in Afghanistan, has called on governments and international donors to continue supporting and investing in women and girls in Afghanistan. The UN official said the
Afghanistan urges stronger politico-economic partnership with India for “regional stability, shared prosperity”
The Tribune (India) ANI Aug 17, 2026 New Delhi [India], August 17 (ANI): Afghanistan on Monday pitched for deepening political trust and economic partnership with India so as to contribute to regional stability, connectivity and shared prosperity. The remarks were made by Mufti Noor Ahmad Noor, Charge d’Affaires, during the fifth anniversary of the ‘Victory’
Explosion reported at school in Afghan capital Kabul
Al Jazeera By News Agencies Published On 17 Aug 2026 Several people have reportedly been injured in an explosion in a western district of the Afghan capital Kabul. Reports on Monday said that a blast took place at a school in the Dasht-e-Barchi neighbourhood at around 4:30pm local time (12:00pm GMT). Several students from the
They fought for the U.S. in Afghanistan. Now they worry about losing their green cards
Ximena Bustillo All Things Considered National Public Radio August 15, 2026 Hundreds of Afghans who fought alongside U.S. troops and supported the U.S. government in Afghanistan are now worried their green cards could be revoked. In Afghanistan, their efforts ranged from custodial jobs at the U.S. embassy, to technology and engineering roles with U.S. contractors
Taliban threaten former Afghan police worker after MoD leak reveals identity
Haroon Siddique Legal affairs correspondent The Guardian Sunday, 16 August 2026 UK has refused resettlement application despite ‘years of loyal service’ that have resulted in ‘constant fear’ of reprisals A man has received threats from the Taliban after his work for the Afghan police was revealed by a Ministry of Defence leak and the UK refused his
The Taliban are vile. Democracies must still engage with them
The Economist Aug 13th 2026 Five years ago President Joe Biden pulled American troops out of Afghanistan. He was not forced to. America could have defended Afghanistan’s flawed but democratically elected government indefinitely, but chose not to. Voters were weary of America’s longest war, against the Taliban, a militia that controlled much of the countryside. Donald
While Taliban leaders mark 5 years in power in Afghanistan, a UN official warns of a rights crisis
By ABDUL QAHAR AFGHAN and SUZAN FRASER Associated Press August 15, 2026 KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — Taliban rulers and other officials gathered at Afghanistan’s traditional Loya Jirga assembly hall on Saturday to celebrate the fifth anniversary of their return to power, touting what they described as restored stability and an end to decades of conflict. A top United
Afghanistan marks 5 years under the Taliban with safer streets but pleas for jobs and education
By ABDUL QAHAR AFGHAN and SUZAN FRASER Associated Press August 14, 2026 KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — As Afghanistan’s Taliban rulers mark five years since sweeping back to power, some Kabul residents say they feel safer after decades of conflict and upheaval but stress the leaders should now focus on creating jobs and expanding access to schools
Islamic Emirate Leader Criticizes Int’l Community Over Non-Recognition
TOLOnews TV Network 16 August 2026 At the event, the leader of the Islamic Emirate called on the people to preserve the existing unity and mutual acceptance. The fifth anniversary of the Islamic Emirate was marked at an event in Kandahar attended by the leader of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. At the event, the
Afghan Fund Earns Over $661M in Profits, Assets Reach $4.19 Billion
Bibi Amina Hakimi TOLOnews’ Reporter 16 August 2026 He stressed that any use of the fund’s assets would only be possible under specific legal conditions and after the necessary safeguards are in place. The Afghan Fund has earned more than $661 million in profits since its establishment, and its total assets had reached $4.19 billion
724 Aid Trucks Enter Afghanistan Through Torkham Border Crossing, Pakistan Says
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press August 16, 2026 Pakistan said 724 trucks carrying humanitarian assistance have crossed into Afghanistan through the Torkham border crossing, delivering aid to families in need amid the country’s continuing humanitarian crisis. Pakistan Today reported that Muhammad Yahya, the UN humanitarian coordinator and resident representative in Pakistan, said the trucks transported
Natural Disasters Affect 92,000 People in Afghanistan, OCHA Says
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press August 16, 2026 Natural disasters have affected more than 92,000 people across all 34 provinces of Afghanistan since the beginning of 2026, killing at least 97 people and injuring 331 others, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). OCHA said in a report on
Entrenched, Embattled and Defiant, the Taliban Celebrate 5 Years in Power
By Elian Peltier Elian Peltier is The Times’s Afghanistan bureau chief. The New York Times Aug. 15, 2026 The Taliban have Afghanistan in a chokehold that spares no one. But threats are starting to crack their veneer of stability and control. The black and white flags of the Taliban were flying high along the streets
Concerns grow over increased global ties with Taliban in Afghanistan
Jason Burke The Guardian August 15, 2026 Campaigners fear deeper diplomatic contacts are undermining demands for improvements in human rights The Taliban in Afghanistan have launched a diplomatic effort to end their isolation as major regional and international powers show a readiness to engage more closely with the repressive regime despite its systematic human rights abuses. Five
The Taliban Kicked the U.S. Out of Afghanistan. Now They Want It Back.
By Elian Peltier Elian Peltier, the Times’s Afghanistan bureau chief, interviewed the country’s foreign minister in Kabul. The New York Times Aug. 14, 2026 In an interview, Afghanistan’s foreign minister called on the U.S. to reopen its embassy and invest in the country — a near-impossible sell for now, analysts and former diplomats say. Five years
Islamic Emirate FM: There Is No Need for Dialogue With the Opposition
TOLOnews TV Network 14 August2026 He described the Islamic Emirate government as “inclusive” and said there is no need for dialogue with its opponents. Amir Khan Muttaqi, Foreign Minister of the Islamic Emirate, has told the BBC that the people of Afghanistan are satisfied with the current government and that the Islamic Emirate enjoys support
Abbas fought the Taliban alongside US and Australian troops. Now exiled in Iran, he feels abandoned
Ben Doherty The Guardian 14 August 2026 War is Abbas’s* earliest memory. As a child, the first iteration of Taliban rule forced his family to flee – with nothing but the clothes on their backs and what food they could carry – for the relative safety of far-distant hills. War became his profession. Joining republican
Malala Yousafzai Calls for Unconditional Release of Six Women’s Rights Activists in Kabul
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press August 14, 2026 Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai has called for the immediate and unconditional release of six women’s rights activists detained in Kabul, saying that defending women and children should not be treated as a crime. Yousafzai made the call on Thursday, August 13, 2026, in a post
Afghan Farmers Are Collateral Damage in the Taliban’s War on Drugs
Abdullah Badakhsh World Politics Review Aug 13, 2026 BADAKHSHAN, Afghanistan — For the past decade, Asadullah’s poppy fields offered his family something rare in Afghanistan: a reliable income. That stability came to an abrupt end in May, when Taliban officials walked through his fields here in northeastern Afghanistan, cutting down his opium-producing flowers. It was
UNAMA Calls for Global Engagement and Lifting Restrictions on Women
Tolo News 13 August 2026 The Islamic Emirate has also repeatedly called for greater engagement between the international community and Afghanistan. On the fifth anniversary of the Islamic Emirate’s return to power, UNAMA has emphasized the need for continued principled and practical international engagement with Afghanistan, saying the country’s future depends on inclusive progress and
Malnutrition Crisis Deepens as Funding Cuts Close Nearly 600 Health Facilities in Afghanistan, Save the Children Says
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press August 13, 2026 Acute malnutrition among children in Afghanistan is worsening as humanitarian funding falls sharply, forcing the closure or suspension of hundreds of health facilities and leaving millions with reduced access to essential healthcare. Save the Children said on Thursday, August 13, 2026, that nearly one in 10 children
UNAMA: Afghanistan’s Security Gains Not Enough to Ensure Lasting Stability
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press August 13, 2026 The security situation in Afghanistan has improved and armed conflict has declined since the Taliban returned to power five years ago, but the progress alone is not enough to ensure lasting stability, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said Thursday. In a statement marking five
HRW Calls for Release of 8 UN and Aid Workers Detained in Afghanistan
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press August 13, 2026 Human Rights Watch (HRW) on Wednesday called for the release of eight employees of the United Nations and a nongovernmental organization who it says have been detained or forcibly disappeared in Afghanistan. The rights group said six male employees of the Women and Children Research and Legal
Female Afghans Erased From Public Life in Five Years of Taliban Rule
By Ephrat Livni The New York Times August 13, 2026 Decrees restricting women’s rights to study, work, travel and act independently now threaten to damage Afghanistan permanently, experts say. The Taliban regained control of Afghanistan five years ago this week, returning to power after two decades and restoring an Islamic government that had severely restricted women’s rights. In
Under the Taliban, Afghanistan is, for once, peaceful
The Economist HERAT, KANDAHAR AND KABUL August 13, 2026 Five years after America left Also very hungry, poor and repressed THE cafés on foreign-ministry road in the heart of Kabul’s government district used to blare out Afghan pop to attract a gossipy crowd of civil servants. No music comes from them now—or from anywhere else. It
Half of Afghan women rarely leave home as Taliban restrictions deepen, UN agency says
Olivia Le Poidevin Reuters August 12, 202 Summary Over half of women surveyed by UN leave home no more than twice monthly Afghanistan the only country banning girls from secondary school and women from university Seven in 10 women rate their mental health bad or very bad, UN Women says GENEVA, Aug 12 (Reuters) –
Mujahid Responds to UNAMA: Security Forces ‘Accountable’ for Their Actions
Liluma Qadiry Tolo News 11 August 2026 Mujahid also attributed Afghanistan’s current security situation to the efforts of the Islamic Emirate’s security forces. Following a new UNAMA report on transparency and accountability in Afghanistan’s security institutions, the Islamic Emirate says the Islamic Emirate’s security forces are accountable for their actions. The Islamic Emirate’s spokesperson says
Merz’s deal with the Taliban alarms Afghan dissidents in Germany
By NETTE NÖSTLINGER in Berlin Politico 12 August 2026 Under pressure from the rising far right, Germany is letting Taliban officials staff Afghan missions in exchange for more deportations. Afghan activists say the arrangement puts them at risk. Illustration by Arnau Busquets Guàrdia/POLITICO Zarmina Paryani and her four sisters fear they may soon have to again
Taliban have barred 2.4 million Afghan girls from school since 2021, UNESCO says
By Reuters August 11, 2026 Summary UNESCO says Afghanistan is only country formally banning girls and women from secondary and higher education Education ban could push 600,000 Afghan women out of workforce by 2066, UNESCO says UNESCO estimates Afghanistan faces deficit of more than 11,000 qualified female teachers by 2030 PARIS/KABUL, Aug 11 (Reuters) –
RSF Says Afghanistan’s Media Rules Have Deepened Press Restrictions
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press August 10, 2026 Reporters Without Borders (RSF) says Afghanistan’s legal and regulatory system has been increasingly used to restrict independent journalism since the Taliban returned to power in 2021. In a report marking five years since the Taliban takeover, RSF reviewed more than 20 nationwide orders, along with provincial directives
NRC Chief: World Is Turning a Blind Eye to Afghanistan’s Growing Crisis
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press August 10, 2026 Afghanistan is facing mounting humanitarian and economic pressures as more than six million Afghans have returned from neighbouring countries since late 2023, with 73% of returnees unemployed, the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) said. Jan Egeland, secretary-general of the NRC, said Monday, August 10, that the scale of
Tehran Praises Islamic Emirate’s Policy During Iran War
TOLOnews TV Network 10 August 2026 Iran maintains close relations with the Islamic Emirate. Iran’s president says the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has cooperated well with Tehran in preventing foreign elements from entering Iranian territory. According to Masoud Pezeshkian, during the conflict between Iran and the United States, Afghanistan deployed groups to manage the situation
Kabul Prepares to Mark 5th Anniversary of Islamic Emirate’s Return to Power
Mursaleen Muwahed Multilingual Journalist & Social Media Editor Tolo News 10 August 2026 Across different parts of the city, flags, banners, and commemorative signs are being installed, and preparations are still underway. Kabul is preparing to mark 24 Asad (solar month), the fifth anniversary of the Islamic Emirate’s return to power in Afghanistan. Across different
Afghanistan: UN tells Taliban to open up on abuses committed by security forces
UN News Law and Crime Prevention 10 August 2026 Five years into Taliban rule, Afghans still have almost no way of knowing whether soldiers, police and morality officers who abuse their power ever face consequences – and that secrecy is corroding trust in the State, the UN said Monday. UN Photo/Tilak Pokharel Headquarters of the UN
Pakistan Plans to Reopen Border Trade Routes With Afghanistan After 300 Days
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press August 9, 2026 Pakistan has reportedly decided to reopen its major border crossings and transit routes with Afghanistan after nearly 300 days of restrictions that have disrupted bilateral trade, stranded cargo and imposed heavy costs on businesses and transporters on both sides. Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi made the
9 Private Universities in Afghanistan Face Suspension or Licence Revocation
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press August 9, 2026 Nine private higher-education institutions in Afghanistan have had their operating licences suspended or revoked over alleged “ghost students,” administrative deficiencies and violations of academic requirements. Afghanistan’s Ministry of Higher Education, controlled by the Taliban, announced Sunday that the licences of seven institutions had been suspended for
Russia Eyes Railway Route to India Through Afghanistan
TOLOnews TV Network 9 August 2026 Under this proposal, Afghanistan, due to its geographical location, could serve as a transit corridor connecting Central Asia, Iran and Pakistan. Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister says Moscow is seeking to develop alternative railway routes to access the Indian Ocean, and Afghanistan could serve as a key link in such
Turabi: World Looking for Excuses Not to Recognize Islamic Emirate
Hadia Ziaei Tolo News 9 August 2026 Turabi also said that dialogue is the only solution to tensions between Kabul and Islamabad. Nooruddin Turabi, Director General of the National Disaster Management Authority, says, as the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan approaches its fifth anniversary, that the world is looking for excuses not to recognize the Islamic
Five Years On: How Afghanistan’s Provinces Fell One After Another
TOLOnews TV Network 9 August 2026 Just nine days before the fall of Kabul, on 15 Asad, Nimroz became the first province to fall to Islamic Emirate forces. Five years ago, during the third week of the solar month of Asad, Afghanistan’s provinces and districts fell one after another and came under the control of
Gender Apartheid Moves Closer to Recognition as International Crime
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press August 8, 2026 Amnesty International, the End Gender Apartheid Campaign and Human Rights Watch say efforts to recognize gender apartheid as an international crime have reached a significant stage, following the release of the first formal proposals to amend a draft United Nations treaty on crimes against humanity. The organizations
Afghanistan-Pakistan Border Closures Reach 300 Days, Disrupting Trade
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press August 8, 2026 The closure of major Afghanistan-Pakistan border crossings has reached 300 days, disrupting bilateral trade, raising transport costs and pushing Afghan businesses to rely more heavily on alternative trade routes. The crossings, including Torkham in Nangarhar, Spin Boldak in Kandahar, Kharlachi in Paktia, Angoor Adda in Paktika and
Uncertain Future for Afghan Refugees; Qatar Camp to Close
TOLOnews 8 August 2026 VanDiver said the camp is currently scheduled to close on September 30, 2026. As thousands of Afghan refugees await relocation to the United States, AfghanEvac says uncertainty over their future continues. Shawn VanDiver, president of AfghanEvac, says the Donald Trump administration had decided to close the camp in Qatar where a
UN: More Than 600,000 Afghans Have Returned From Pakistan
Bibi Amina Hakimi TOLOnews’ Reporter 8 Aug 2026 Migrant rights advocates say the return process should respect human rights and human dignity, particularly for vulnerable families. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) says more than 600,000 Afghans have returned or been forced to return from Pakistan since the beginning of this year, with
Taliban are cheering five years in power while Afghan women starve
Christina Lamb Chief Foreign Correspondent The Sunday Times Saturday August 08, 2026 Global aid cuts mean malnourished families — already suffering under ‘gender-based lockdown’ — are being turned away from barren clinics When Nilofar Hanafi started working for the World Food Programme hotline in Afghanistan in 2022, she thought she would simply be providing information
In Taliban-Ruled Afghanistan, One Woman Refuses a Life of Dependence
Inter Press Service Friday, August 7, 2026 “They say driving is only for men. But women have proved that they, too, can drive.” Credit: Learning Together. KABUL, August 7 (IPS) – The Taliban’s rise to power robbed Mehrmaa of her husband, her job and her chance to live freely. It was a cold, snowy night
Pakistan Says TTP Issue Remains Main Obstacle in Ties With Kabul
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press August 7, 2026 Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tahir Andrabi has said that Islamabad’s concerns over continued support for the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) remain the biggest challenge in improving relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan. According to reports, Andrabi’s remarks came as Pakistan continues to raise concerns over militant groups operating from
Pakistan: We Do Not Want War with Afghanistan
Bibi Amina Hakimi TOLOnews’ Reporter August 7, 2026 Zabihullah Mujahid said continued tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan are harmful to both countries. Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Tahir Andrabi, has said that Islamabad does not seek war with Afghanistan and considers the Afghan people its “brothers and sisters.” Speaking at a press briefing, Andrabi responded to
‘Her face was beaten in’: how Taliban rule ushered in a new era of women being killed
Khadija Haidary, Zahra Nader, Hura Omar* & Atousa Azar* for Zan Times The Guardian Friday, August 7, 2026 An investigation into 231 femicide cases highlights the dire situation in Afghanistan, where men are empowered to murder and face no punishment while their crimes are covered up by the state In a voice message recorded weeks
Pakistani Newspaper Says US Still Has Influence Over Afghanistan
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press August 6, 2026 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
Climate Disasters Deepen Afghanistan’s Humanitarian Crisis, IOM Says
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press August 6, 2026 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
Pakistan Warns UN of Growing Terror Threat From Afghanistan
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press August 6, 2026 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
UNSC Raises Terrorism Concerns; Islamic Emirate Rejects Allegations
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
UN Security Council to Hold Meeting on Global ISIS Threat
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press August 5, 2026 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.
UN Warns Funding Shortfall Threatens Humanitarian Aid in Afghanistan
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
UN: Recognition of Afghan Government and UN Seat Is Up to Member States
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
Ariana Resumes Direct Kabul–Delhi Flights After India Clears Operations
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press August 4, 2026 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
Islamic Emirate Relations with Central Asian Countries Continue to Expand
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
Afghan Child Malnutrition Surges as Aid Cuts Force Clinics to Turn Families Away, WFP Says
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
Nearly 140,000 Afghan Migrants Deported From Pakistan’s Punjab Province
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press August 2, 2026 Pakistan’s Punjab province has detained and deported nearly 140,000 undocumented Afghan migrants as part of a nationwide campaign targeting foreigners without legal residency documents, provincial authorities said. Punjab’s Home Department stated that 139,902 Afghan nationals had been detained and sent back to Afghanistan after completing legal
U.S. Federal Court Rules in Favor of Afghan Refugee Families
Ebadullah Ebadi Journalist (Web Editor) 3 August 2026 The report noted that the families of these Afghan nationals had already been approved to enter the United States. A U.S. federal court has ruled that travel restrictions imposed by the White House cannot prevent the families of Afghan refugees who supported U.S. forces in Afghanistan from
Islamic Emirate Calls for Expanded UN Engagement, Representation
Bibi Amina Hakimi TOLOnews’ Reporter 3 August 2026 Experts emphasize that resolving the issue of Afghanistan’s representation at the United Nations depends on decisions by UN member states. Zakir Jalali, the Second Political Director at Islamic Emirate’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, says engagement between Afghanistan and the United Nations is effective, but believes it should
Delawar: Islamic Emirate Honored Doha Commitments
Bibi Amina Hakimi TOLOnews’ Reporter 1 August 2026 Delawar said that one of the main points of disagreement during the implementation of the Doha Agreement. Shahabuddin Delawar, head of the Commission for Contact with Afghan Personalities, president of the Afghan Red Crescent Society, and a member of the Islamic Emirate’s negotiating team for the Doha
China, Türkiye Discuss Afghanistan, Stress Regional Cooperation
Bibi Amina Hakimi TOLOnews’ Reporter 1 August 2026 Islamic Emirate spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid told TOLOnews that consultations among influential regional countries on Afghanistan are important. Afghanistan has once again become a key topic in regional diplomatic discussions. China’s Special Envoy for Afghanistan, Yue Xiaoyong, met with Cihad Erginay, Director General for South Asia at Türkiye’s
Afghanistan Shifts Trade Routes Toward Iran, Central Asia Amid Pakistan Disruptions: World Bank
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press August 1, 2026 World Bank on glass building. Mirrored sky and city modern facade. Global capital, business, finance, economy, banking and money concept 3D rendering illustration. The World Bank says disruptions affecting Afghanistan’s trade routes through Pakistan have pushed Afghan businesses to rely more heavily on alternative transit corridors through
Spate Of Attacks In Northern Afghanistan Pose Test For Taliban
By Daud Khattak and Mustafa Sarwar Raio Fee Europe/Radio Liberty July 31, 2026 During the 1990s, Afghanistan’s vast and mountainous province of Badakhshan was a bastion of resistance to the rule of the Taliban. Now, the resource-rich region is again becoming a thorn on the side of the Islamist militant group, which regained power in the war-torn
Amnesty Urges EU to Halt Forced Returns and Deportations to Afghanistan
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press July 31, 2026 Amnesty International has urged the European Union and its member states to halt efforts to forcibly return Afghan nationals to Afghanistan, warning that the country cannot currently be considered safe for forced returns. In an open letter to EU Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner
Pakistan To Extend Stay for 16,000 Afghan Women, Children and Elderly on Humanitarian Grounds
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press July 31, 2026 Pakistan will extend the stay of about 16,000 Afghan women, children and elderly people on humanitarian grounds, while authorities continue reviewing the status of tens of thousands of other Afghans whose legal residency documents are not currently valid. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said the extension was
UNAMA Calls for Reopening Girls’ Schools and Universities in Afghanistan
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press July 31, 2026 The United Nations has again called on the authorities to reopen secondary schools and universities to girls and ensure women and girls in Afghanistan can access education at all levels without restrictions. Georgette Gagnon, the acting head of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), made the
US uses dormant court to seek deportation of Afghan woman accused of aiding terror plot
By ERIC TUCKER and MICHAEL KUNZELMAN Associated Press July 29, 2026 WASHINGTON (AP) — An Afghan woman accused of supporting an Islamic State-inspired plot in the U.S. is the first person facing deportation through the Trump administration’s use of an obscure court that remained dormant for 30 years, according to court records filed Wednesday. The Alien Terrorist Removal Court is
ISKP Claims Killing of Information Chief in Afghanistan’s Badakhshan
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press July 30, 2026 The Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) has claimed responsibility for the killing of Zabihullah Amiri, the Taliban-appointed director of information and culture in northeastern Badakhshan province. According to Agence France-Presse, the monitoring group SITE reported that Islamic State Khorasan (ISKP) said in a statement on Wednesday that
UNODC, IOM Warn of Rising Human Trafficking Risks in Afghanistan
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press July 30, 2026 The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) have warned that Afghans returning from Iran and Pakistan face increased risks of human trafficking, forced labour and other forms of exploitation. In a joint statement marking World Day Against Trafficking
US Judge Rules Travel Ban Cannot Block Afghan Refugees’ Family Reunification
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press July 30, 2026 A US federal judge has ruled that the Trump administration unlawfully applied its Afghan travel restrictions to the spouses and children of seven Afghan nationals who were granted asylum in the United States, a decision that could allow the affected families to move forward with reunification. US
880 Afghans Return After Release From Pakistani Prisons
TOLOnews TV Network 30 July 2026 Turkish authorities said that seven children were among those detained and that all of them are Afghan nationals. As the detention and return of Afghan migrants from various countries continues, the Islamic Emirate’s Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation says that 880 Afghan citizens have returned to the country via
Iran Offers to Mediate Between Afghanistan and Pakistan Amid Tensions
TOLOnews TV Network 30 July 2026 In another part of his remarks, the Iranian diplomat also addressed relations between Kabul and Tehran. Iran’s deputy ambassador in Kabul has expressed concern over the recent tensions between Kabul and Islamabad, warning against any further escalation. Seyed Hassan Mortazavi said Iran has been trying to play a mediating
Future of Afghan Embassies in Japan and Australia Remains Uncertain
TOLOnews TV Network 30 July 2026 Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate, said that the policies of some countries have hindered progress in this regard. It has been months since the Afghan embassies in Japan and Australia suspended and ceased their operations, yet the future of these diplomatic missions remains uncertain. The Islamic Emirate
Inquiry finds MoD Afghan data breach was foreseeable failure
Henry Mooreand Hannah O’Grady BBC News 29 July 2026 BBC Britain set up scheme to bring those thought to be the most in danger to safety A data breach that exposed personal details of thousands of Afghans applying to come to the UK to flee the Taliban was a “foreseeable” failure, a parliamentary inquiry has
Months of fighting between Afghanistan and Pakistan have killed nearly 500 Afghan civilians, UN says
By Elena Becatoros | AP The Washington Post 29 July 2026 The United Nations reports that cross-border fighting between Pakistan and Afghanistan has killed nearly 500 civilians in Afghanistan and wounded over 1,000 others between October and June Cross-border fighting between Pakistan and Afghanistan has killed nearly 500 civilians in Afghanistan and wounded over 1,000 others between October and the
Fear of Arrest Keeps Afghan Refugees In Pakistan From Seeking Healthcare, MSF Warns
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press July 29, 2026 Thousands of Afghan refugees in Pakistan are delaying or avoiding essential medical care because they fear arrest, detention and deportation under Islamabad’s ongoing campaign against undocumented migrants, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) said on Tuesday, warning that the policy is putting vulnerable families at growing risk. In a
Germany Deports Another Group of Afghan Nationals
Mitra Majeedy Journalist Tolo News 29 July 2026 The deportation coincided with protests outside the airport, where hundreds of demonstrators gathered to oppose the move. Germany has deported another group of Afghan nationals to Kabul on a special charter flight from Leipzig Airport. The deportation coincided with protests outside the airport, where hundreds of demonstrators
UN Says More Efforts Needed to Advance Doha Process on Afghanistan
Mitra Majeedy Journalist Tolo News 29 July 2026 UNAMA says progress has been made toward developing a comprehensive approach, but further efforts are still needed. The United Nations launched the Doha Process in 2023, initiating regular meetings among the special representatives of various countries on Afghanistan. The process aims to establish a common framework for
UK appoints Minister Stephen Doughty to oversee Afghanistan, Pakistan affairs
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press July 28, 2026 The United Kingdom has appointed Stephen Doughty as the minister responsible for Afghanistan, Pakistan, the Middle East and North Africa, expanding his portfolio to include sanctions policy and consular affairs as London reshapes its diplomatic engagement across several strategically important regions. Doughty, who assumed the role on
Former Afghan Diplomat Abdul Ghafoor Rawan Farhadi Dies at 96
Mohammad Bashir Soltani Reporter, Political Writer Tolo News 27 July 2026 Former Afghan President Hamid Karzai described Farhadi’s passing as a great loss to Afghanistan’s cultural community. Abdul Ghafoor Rawan Farhadi, a former Afghan diplomat, author, researcher, and one of the country’s most prominent intellectuals, passed away Sunday evening at the age of 96 in
UNAMA Report Highlights Women’s Rights, Education Ban in Afghanistan
Mitra Majeedy Journalist Tolo News 28 July 2026 The report also referred to the detention of media workers, saying it reflects a difficult and concerning environment. The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), in its latest quarterly human rights report, addressed issues including women’s rights, the recently issued regulation on the separation of spouses,
Sources: Daesh and Other Armed Opposition Bases Targeted in Chitral
Bibi Amina Hakimi TOLOnews’ Reporter 28 July 2026 They said the pre-designated targets were successfully hit, inflicting heavy casualties on members of the two groups. Sources say a series of airstrikes targeted positions of armed opposition groups and Daesh (ISIS) centres in the Shah Salim area of Chitral, across the Durand Line. According to the
Islamic Emirate: Expanding Regional Ties ‘Foreign Policy Priority’
Mursaleen Muwahed Multilingual Journalist & Social Media Editor Tolo News 28 July 2026 Mujahid said these relations are being developed on the basis of Afghanistan’s national interests. Speaking during a virtual briefing with the media from Kandahar, Islamic Emirate spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said Afghanistan’s ties with regional countries are expanding under the government’s connectivity- and
Gunmen kill high-ranking Taliban official in Afghanistan in rare targeted attack
By ABDUL QAHAR AFGHAN Associated Press July 28, 2026 Gunmen have killed a high-ranking local Taliban official in Afghanistan’s Badakhshan province KABUL, Afghanistan — Gunmen killed a high-ranking local Taliban official in Afghanistan’s northwestern province of Badakhshan on Tuesday in a rare targeted killing in the country. Two gunmen shot Zabihullah Amiri, Badakhshan’s director of information
Months of fighting between Afghanistan and Pakistan have killed nearly 500 Afghan civilians, UN says
By ELENA BECATOROS Associated Presss July 28, 2026 Cross-border fighting between Pakistan and Afghanistan has killed nearly 500 civilians in Afghanistan and wounded over 1,000 others between October and the end of June, the United Nations said Tuesday. In a report on the human rights situation, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan said it had documented 499 civilians
‘I disguised myself as a boy so I could go to school’
Louise Parry BBC News 24 July 2026 Zahra Joya fled to the UK in 2021 and is now a bye-fellow at Cambridge University Zahra Joya was only five years old when a huge door closed to her – and to all girls in her home country of Afghanistan. The Taliban had seized power in 1996
UN Warns Funding Shortfall Threatens Nutrition Support for 5.7 Million in Afghanistan
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press July 26, 2026 The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has warned that a funding shortfall in 2026 is threatening nutrition programmes that support 5.7 million children and mothers across Afghanistan. OCHA said on Sunday that millions of vulnerable Afghans could lose access to essential health
Afghans in Mazar-i-Sharif report Iranian visa black market charging up to $1,700
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press July 27, 2026 Afghan residents in Mazar-i-Sharif say intermediaries are demanding hundreds or thousands of dollars to arrange Iranian visas despite an announcement that visas for Afghan pilgrims travelling for Arbaeen would be issued free of charge under specified conditions, according to reports. Residents in Mazar-i-Sharif reported that some
Kabul Water Crisis Deepens, Raising Health, Livelihood Concerns
Bibi Amina Hakimi TOLOnews’ Reporter 27 July 2026 In many neighborhoods across Kabul, families wait for hours for water tankers to arrive, while others are forced to buy water at high prices. Kabul’s water shortage is worsening, leaving millions of residents struggling with limited access to drinking water, rising water costs, and growing concerns over
Islamic Emirate Spokesman Dismisses Badakhshan Clashes as ‘Propaganda’
Hadia Ziaei Tolo News 27 July 2026 Mujahid also said no malicious elements would be allowed to carry out activities, adding that the Afghan people support the country’s political system. Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson for Afghanistan’s Islamic Emirate, described the recent clashes in Badakhshan as “propaganda” at the opening of the “Government in the Mirror of
Opposition Lacks Will & Ability To Fight, Says Taliban Culture Minister
Afghanistan International 27 July 2026 The Taliban’s information and culture minister, Sher Ahmad Haqqani, discussed the group’s recent clashes with opposition forces in Badakhshan during a meeting with media officials in Kabul. Referring to recent developments in Badakhshan, Haqqani said every war should be examined from five perspectives. He said it was first necessary to
Bipartisan Plan to Extend Temporary Protected Status for Afghans in the US
Bibi Amina Hakimi TOLOnews’ Reporter 25 July 2026 if passed, the bill would prevent eligible Afghans from being deported and allow them to continue living and working in the United States. A group of Democratic and Republican members of the U.S. House of Representatives has introduced bipartisan legislation to extend Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for
Pakistan Says Terrorism from Afghanistan Among Its Most Serious Security Challenges
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press July 25, 2026 Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar has described terrorism originating from Afghanistan as one of the country’s most serious security challenges, calling for stronger regional efforts to address the threat. Dawn reported on Friday, July 24, that Dar made the remarks during a meeting of foreign ministers from
German Court Blocks Mass Cancellation of Afghan Resettlement Cases
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press July 24, 2026 Photo/Getty Images. Germany’s Federal Constitutional Court has ruled that the government cannot collectively cancel previously issued resettlement commitments to Afghan nationals and must assess each affected case individually. The ruling followed a complaint by an Afghan woman and her two sons, who had been selected for relocation
Iran, Pakistan Discuss Regional Tensions, Reaffirm Commitment to Peace and Stability
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press July 24, 2026 Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi have discussed recent regional developments and escalating tensions in the Middle East, with Islamabad calling for restraint and a renewed focus on diplomatic engagement. The Pakistani Foreign Ministry said on Friday, July 24, that Dar
Araghchi at SCO: Afghanistan’s Stability ‘Strategic for Regional Security’
TOLOnews TV Network 24 July 2026 Araghchi said Iran supports any initiative aimed at creating a stable Afghanistan and called for an end to tensions and clashes between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) foreign ministers’ meeting in Kyrgyzstan that Afghanistan’s stability and security are among
Federal agency seeks to interview Afghan immigrants, alarming refugee groups
By Ted Hesson The Washington Post July 24, 2026 A federal refugee resettlement office is quietly launching an effort to interview hundreds of Afghan immigrants living in the United States, raising alarms among refugee groups who worry the information they collect could be used for future immigration enforcement. An internal email sent to staff in the
Top German court says Afghan resettlement pledges cannot be revoked en masse
By Miranda Murray and Markus Wacket Reuters July 24, 2026 Summary Officials must review each Afghan resettlement case individually, court says Berlin must keep supporting the family in Pakistan until visas issued or a lawful new decision Rights group says about 30 similar constitutional cases pending BERLIN, July 24 (Reuters) – Germany’s top court ruled on Friday
UNAMA Warns of Rising Censorship and Attacks on Journalists
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press July 21, 2026 The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said journalism is facing unprecedented pressure. The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has warned that press freedom and independent journalism are facing growing global pressure from censorship, attacks on journalists, AI-generated misinformation and declining support for independent
Flash Floods Kill at Least 23 in Afghanistan
By Elian Peltier and Safiullah Padshah Reporting from Kabul, Afghanistan. The New York Times July 21, 2026, 5:38 a.m. ET At least 23 people died and more than 80 others were injured in flash floods that struck a province in eastern Afghanistan on Monday, local officials said, adding that the death toll would likely rise as dozens
Afghanistan floods kill at least 20 people, with more than 100 missing
Agence France-Press in Kabul The Guardian 20 Jul 2026 National disaster agency confirms ‘severe financial and human losses’ in remote province of Nuristan At least 20 people have been killed and more than 80 injured in flooding that hit Afghanistan’s Nuristan province, the country’s disaster management agency said on Monday. In Parun, the provincial capital,
Pakistan-Afghanistan Border Tensions Rise After Reported Clash Between Forces
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press July 20, 2026 Pakistan’s security forces targeted Taliban positions with artillery fire after an attack on Pakistani border posts, Pakistani security sources said, according to a report by Dawn newspaper published on Sunday. Dawn reported that Taliban fighters attacked Pakistani border posts using light and heavy weapons, but did not
EU Warns Afghanistan Still Faces One of World’s Highest Maternal Mortality Rates
By idel Rahmati Khaama Press July 20, 2026 The European Union highlighted maternal healthcare support in Afghanistan, warning the country remains among those with the world’s highest maternal mortality rates. The European Union has highlighted ongoing efforts to improve maternal and newborn healthcare in Afghanistan, saying the country continues to face one of the world’s
Contact Commission Reports Return of 26 Afghan Figures in One Month
Hadia Ziaei Tolo News 20 July 2026 The commission said that since the commission began its work, a total of 1,371 people have returned to the country. The Commission for Contact with Afghan Personalities says that more than 26 people returned to Afghanistan through the commission over the past month. The commission’s spokesperson said that
Pakistan’s Jamaat-e-Islami Chief Urges Continued Dialogue With Afghanistan
TOLOnews TV Network Tolo News 20 July 2026 He Stressed that the people of Afghanistan and Pakistan share longstanding historical ties and should not bear the cost of disputes between their governments. Pakistan’s Jamaat-e-Islami leader has expressed concern over the continued tensions between Kabul and Islamabad, stressing that dialogue must continue to resolve the disputes
Flash floods kill at least 20 in Afghanistan and leave more than 100 missing
By ABDUL QAHAR AFGHAN Associated Press July 20, 2026 KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — Flash floods in eastern Afghanistan have killed 20 people, injured about 80 more and left more than 100 missing, Afghan authorities said Monday. The floods struck the eastern province of Nuristan, said Yousaf Hammad, spokesman for the Afghanistan National Disaster Management Authority, adding that a search
Nearly One Million Afghans Work in Carpet Industry: Report
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press July 18, 2026 Nearly one million Afghans work directly or indirectly in the carpet industry, with exports topping 760,000 square meters this year, officials said. Nearly one million people in Afghanistan are employed directly or indirectly in the country’s carpet industry, according to the Taliban’s Office of the Deputy Prime
UN Official: Al-Qaeda Still Maintains a Presence in Afghanistan
Mitra Majeedy Journalist Tolo News 18 July 2026 Last Wednesday, Russia’s FM Sergey Lavrov also said that ISIS-K is attempting to use Afghanistan as a base to expand its activities and establish a caliphate. The acting UN Under-Secretary-General for Counter-Terrorism has claimed in an interview with Russia’s TASS news agency that Al-Qaeda still maintains a
Human Rights Watch Warns Millions in Afghanistan Face Imminent Hunger Crisis
Nazanin Mohseni Kabul Today July 18, 2026 Human Rights Watch Warns Millions in Afghanistan Face Imminent Hunger Crisis KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – Human Rights Watch (HRW) has warned that Afghanistan’s economic crisis is worsening, with millions of people facing the threat of severe hunger, and called for urgent international funding for humanitarian operations as well as
Iran, Tajikistan and Kabul Agree on New Road Transit Corridor Through Afghanistan
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press July 17, 2026 Iran, Tajikistan and Afghanistan agreed to establish a road transit corridor aimed at expanding regional trade and improving cross-border freight connectivity. Iran, Tajikistan and Afghanistan have agreed to establish a new road transit corridor through Afghan territory to facilitate regional trade and streamline freight transport between Iran
UK Pledges £420 Million in Humanitarian Aid for Afghanistan Through 2029
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press July 17, 2026 Britain pledged £105 million annually in humanitarian assistance for Afghanistan through 2029, focusing on food security, healthcare, women and vulnerable communities. The United Kingdom has pledged £105 million ($141 million) annually in humanitarian assistance for Afghanistan through 2029, reaffirming its long-term commitment to one of the world’s
Criticism of Pakistan’s Afghanistan Policy Grows Amid Ongoing Tensions
Bibi Amina Hakimi TOLOnews’ Reporter 17 July 2026 Meanwhile, a number of political analysts believe continued dialogue is essential to reducing mistrust between the two countries. As political and security tensions between Kabul and Islamabad continue, criticism of Pakistan’s policy toward Afghanistan is also growing within Pakistan. The Information Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa says differences
Russia: ISIS-K Seeks to Use Afghanistan to Expand Its Operations
By Mitra Majeedy Journalist Tolo News 17 July 2026 According to a statement from the Russian Foreign Ministry, Lavrov identified the ISIS-K as the primary security threat to Central Asia. Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has described terrorism as one of the most serious threats to global peace and stability during a regional counterterrorism meeting.
Pakistani troops kill 24 militants in raids as violence escalates in region near Afghanistan
By MUNIR AHMED Associated Press July 17, 2026 ISLAMABAD (AP) — Pakistani security forces raided multiple militant hideouts in the country’s northwest region, killing Pakistani Taliban and seizing a cache of weapons, the military and local officials said. The military said Friday it used intelligence sources to target militants in operations carried out over the
Haiti: Training the next generation to fight corruption
By Jerome Bernard UN News Global perspective Human stories July 18, 2026 A helicopter flies over the Haitian capital, Port-au-Prince How do you tackle corruption in a country grappling with insecurity, weak institutions and widespread impunity? In Haiti, the Government and the United Nations are betting on the country’s youth. Corruption and related financial criminality come
U.S. Judge Strikes Down Four USCIS Policies Delaying Afghan Immigration Cases
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press July 16, 2026 A U.S. federal judge has struck down four U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) policies that delayed or subjected immigration benefit applications filed by nationals of Afghanistan and 38 other countries to heightened scrutiny, ruling that the agency exceeded its legal authority under federal administrative law. The
Russia Warns of Worsening Humanitarian Crisis as Polio Cases Rise in Afghanistan
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press July 16, 2026 Russia has expressed renewed concern over Afghanistan’s humanitarian situation, citing high infant mortality and the continued spread of polio while accusing Western countries of politicizing humanitarian assistance and maintaining measures that have worsened the country’s economic crisis. Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said on Wednesday
IEA Blames Foreign Intelligence for Attacks on Chinese Nationals
TOLOnews TV Network 16 July 2026 Fitrat said that the Islamic Emirate’s defense minister, visited Badakhshan to meet with border forces stationed in several frontier districts. The Chief of Army Staff of the Islamic Emirate’s Ministry of Defense says foreign intelligence agencies targeted Chinese nationals in an effort to undermine confidence in the Islamic Emirate.
Human Rights Watch Calls for Probe Into Pakistan Strikes in Afghanistan
Mitra Majeedy Journalist 16 July 2026 The organization said that civilian casualties alone do not necessarily constitute a violation of the laws of war. Human Rights Watch, citing reports by the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), says that at least 28 civilians were killed and 49 others, including women and children, were injured
Secretary-General appoints Ms. Rabab Fatima of Bangladesh as Special Representative for Afghanistan and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA)
UN News 16 July 2026 New York, 15 July 2026 – United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres announced today the appointment of Rabab Fatima of Bangladesh as his new Special Representative for Afghanistan and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA). Ms. Fatima succeeds Roza Otunbayeva of Kyrgyzstan, to whom the Secretary-General expressed his
13 Afghan Doctors, Medical Student Detained in Pakistan
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press July 15, 2026 Pakistani police have detained 13 Afghan doctors and one Afghan medical student in Punjab’s Multan city and transferred them to a deportation center, despite the group saying their visa applications have remained pending for nearly a year. Pakistani police have detained 13 Afghan doctors and one
Pakistani Police Detaining Afghan Students, Amid Crackdown
Mitra Majeedy Journalist Tolo News 15 July 2026 The students say they are currently pursuing studies in various fields, but due to the non-renewal of their visas, they are at risk of deportation. As the new phase of the forced deportation of Afghan migrants from Pakistan begins, a number of Afghan students have told TOLOnews
‘When she turns eight they will take her’: rising number of Afghan girls being sold into child marriage
Neda Noran and Atousa Azar for Zan Times The Guardian Wed 15 Jul 2026 Afghanistan is seeing a resurgence in underage brides and mothers as desperate families sell their children in order to eat Sima* is 18, but has already given birth four times. Her youngest is a newborn, the eldest is four. Sitting with
Anwar: Those Who Exceed Free Speech Limits Are Criminals
Farid Ahmad Atiqi Tolo News 14 July 2026 The Islamic Emirate official also stressed the importance of justice, saying that expression should be aimed at reform. The Head of the Administrative Office, Sheikh Noor-ul-Haq Anwar, said during a journalist capacity-building program in Maidan Wardak province that, while emphasizing the importance of conveying facts through the
OIC Calls for Lifting Restrictions on Women, Girls in Afghanistan
Mitra Majeedy Journalist Tolo News 14 July 2026 Member states of the OIC called on Afghanistan to ensure the full, equal, and meaningful participation of women and girls in public life. The two-day meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) concluded with the adoption of a resolution. According to the resolution, adopted at the
U.S. Lawmakers Criticize Delays in Afghan Refugee Resettlement
Mitra Majeedy Journalist Tolo News 14 July 2026 The lawmakers also reaffirmed their support for the cases of Afghan refugees, saying they would use every available legal and political tool. AfghanEvac, an organization that supports the relocation of former U.S. allies and their families, has announced that it hosted a virtual meeting between Afghan refugees
Rubio Cites Afghanistan ICC Investigation as U.S.Launches Campaign Against International Criminal Court
KT The Kabul Tribune 14 July 2026 The Kabul Tribune (KT) — U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has announced a diplomatic campaign against the International Criminal Court (ICC), citing the court’s investigation into alleged crimes committed during the war in Afghanistan as one of the reasons behind the move. In an opinion article published
Pakistan Cannot Tolerate A Peaceful Afghanistan, Says Taliban Official
Afghanistan International 14 July 2026 A Taliban Interior Ministry official says Pakistan does not want prosperity, peace or security in Afghanistan, accusing the neighbouring country of opposing a united and stable Afghanistan. Abdul Hakim Hemmat Akhundzada, head of public relations at the Taliban’s Interior Ministry, made the remarks at a gathering in Paktia. Without naming
The Taliban’s war on education: ‘Nobody talks about what is happening to the boys’
Fatima Faizi The Guardian Monday, July 13, 2026 Five years after the ultra-conservative Islamists retook Afghanistan, students describe male pupils being beaten for minor rule breaches and inexperienced teachers struggling to deliver lessons Before he leaves for Kabul University each morning, Hashmat* checks his face for the beard he has been ordered to grow. Male
Afghans Under Pressure Again In New Pakistani Deportation Drive
By Daud Khattak Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty July 13, 2026 Thousands of Afghan families, fearing an uncertain future, have begun pouring into Afghanistan amid a fresh push from Pakistan against what officials describe a “crackdown” on undocumented aliens. Islamabad had set the July 10 deadline for what the authorities call “undocumented” Afghans to leave the country.
US Attacks on Chabahar Port Disrupt Cargo Traffic, Threatening Afghanistan’s Trade Routes
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press July 13, 2026 PHoto: US launched fresh strikes on Iran’s Chahbahar port. US strikes targeting infrastructure at Iran’s Chabahar Port have raised fresh concerns over Afghanistan’s access to regional trade, threatening one of the country’s main alternatives to Pakistani transit routes at a time when Kabul is seeking to reduce
Inside Herat, Where a Taliban Campaign Targets a Cosmopolitan Outpost
By Elian Peltier Reporting from Herat, Afghanistan The New York Times July 12, 2026 Afghanistan’s leader has exerted full control over a city that once enjoyed looser social norms, even under Taliban rule. Province by province, the Taliban government’s leader, Sheikh Haibatullah Akhundzada, has tightened his grip over Afghanistan. With a recent show of force
WHO Warns Closure of 150 Health Centres Threatens Healthcare and Polio Eradication in Afghanistan
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press July 12, 2026 The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that the closure of more than 150 health centres across Afghanistan since the beginning of 2026 is restricting access to essential medical care for millions of people and threatening efforts to eradicate polio as funding for humanitarian health services
Islamic Emirate Leader Announces Tax Relief Measures in Four Sectors
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
Afghanistan’s Population Growth Raises New Challenges
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press July 11, 2026 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
Growing population meets economic reality in Afghanistan
by Bais Hayat 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
Dissident Taliban Commander Returns To Darwaz After Renewing Loyalty
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
Pakistan to Begin Deportation of Around 20,000 Afghans From Peshawar
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press July 11, 2026 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
Turkey Detains Nearly 20,000 Afghan Migrants in First Half of 2026
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press July 10, 2026 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
India, Afghanistan Hold Fourth Joint Foreign Office Consultations
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
Calls Grow to Reopen Schools for Girls
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
Pakistan Orders Immediate Arrest of Undocumented Afghan Nationals
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
Former Afghan general and politician is extradited to US to face drug charges
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
Taliban declares war on smartphones
Fatima Faizi National Public Radio July 10, 2026 Farzana, 40, is a midwife who covers 10 villages in Moqor district of Afghanistan’s Ghazni province. Until recently, worried mothers often sent her photos of newborns with rashes, swelling or skin infections so she could decide who needed help most urgently. But since the Taliban began enforcing
India-Afghanistan review wide-ranging ties as New Delhi reiterates support to welfare, development
The Tribune (India) ANI Updated At : 01:43 AM Jul 10, 2026 New Delhi [India], July 10 (ANI): India and Afghanistan took stock of the bilateral ties during the 4th round of India-Afghanistan Joint Committee Meeting, here in the national capital on Thursday, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement. India also reassured
Germany Plans to Deport Afghans Without Criminal Records
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press July 9, 2026 A German newspaper has reported that several Afghan nationals without criminal convictions are being held in immigration detention pending deportation, raising questions about whether some recent cases align with Germany’s stated policy of primarily deporting individuals convicted of serious crimes or considered threats to public security. The
UNHCR, UNDP Call for Stronger Support for Afghan Returnees
Bibi Amina Hakimi TOLOnews’ Reporter 9 July 2026 Interior Minister Khalifa Sirajuddin Haqqani also held talks with Barham Salih and his delegation. Following their joint visit to Afghanistan, UN High Commissioner for Refugees Barham Salih and UNDP Administrator Alexander De Croo said in a joint statement that investment in protection, livelihoods, economic opportunities, and the
Funding Shortfalls Force Closure of 150 Health Centers Across Afghanistan
Hadia Ziaei Tolo News 9 July 2026 Sadiq Zahirzai, a physician, called on the World Health Organization to expand its support for provincial health facilities. Hanan Balkhy, the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, says that nearly 150 health centers have been forced to close since the beginning of 2026 due
Baradar urges UN, international organisations to focus aid on development
By Ahmad Sohaib Hasrat Pajhwok News Jul 8, 2026 KABUL (Pajhwok): Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar has urged the United Nations and international organisations to channel their assistance towards development projects to help provide housing, schools, electricity, clean water, employment and other essential services for returning refugees and internally displaced persons
Newsweek: Brussels Meeting Marks Diplomatic Victory for Islamic Emirate
TOLOnews TV Network 7 July 2026 According to the report, Europe’s need to cooperate with the Islamic Emirate on the return of Afghan migrants created the conditions for holding the meeting. Two weeks after a delegation from the Islamic Emirate met with representatives of 15 European Union member states, the U.S. magazine Newsweek described the
UNHCR Chief Urges Swift Resolution of Afghanistan-Pakistan Tensions
Mitra Majeedy Journalist Tolo News 8 July 2026 Speaking to Sky News, he warned that extremist and armed groups could exploit the current situation, potentially fueling instability in the region and beyond. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Barham Saleh, said at the conclusion of his visit to Afghanistan that tensions between Afghanistan and
UN chief to appoint Rabab Fatima as SRSG for Afghanistan: Two sources in New York
by Siyar Sirat AMU News July 9, 2026 UN chief António Guterres has decided to appoint Bangladeshi diplomat Rabab Fatima as the next UN Special Representative for Afghanistan, two diplomatic sources in New York tell Amu TV. The appointment becomes final if no Security Council member objects within 48 hours. Fatima would take over leadership of
UN officials urge Western nations to engage with Afghanistan to prevent it sliding into instability
By ELENA BECATOROS Associated Press July 8, 2026 It is crucial for Western nations to engage with Afghanistan to prevent the country from sliding back into instability that could have repercussions far beyond its borders, two top United Nations officials said. “The lesson of (the) recent past is that ignoring Afghanistan is not a good thing to
Afghan Refugee Applicants Urge U.S. to Resume Processing Cases
Hadia Ziaei Tolo News 5 July 2026 The participants urged the U.S. government to work with Pakistan to halt deportations and speed up the processing of P-1 and P-2 refugee cases. A group of Afghan applicants for U.S. immigration and refugee programs in Pakistan, who say they remain in limbo, held a peaceful gathering at
Historic Sites in Badakhshan Face Risk of Destruction
Nazim Qasimi Tolo News 5 July 2026 Among the sites most at risk are the Pul-e Kheshti of Faizabad and the Ras-ul-Mulk Mausoleum in Wak A number of cultural activists in Badakhshan have expressed concern that several historic monuments in the province are at risk of being destroyed. They say years of neglect by previous
The Afghan women farmers keeping their village alive
By Isabelle WESSELINGH and Qubad WALI AFP Japan Times Jul 6, 2026 Eshtiwi, Afghanistan – In a remote province of northeastern Afghanistan, women farmers are playing a vital role in their community’s survival among the snow-capped mountains. The fields of Eshtiwi show only the first faint signs of growth in June, with small green sprouts emerging around the
Pakistani military vows to continue actions against alleged militant hideouts in Afghanistan
Waseem Abbasi Arab News July 06, 2026 Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), HJ, Chief of Army Staff & Chief of Defence Forces, presided over the 276th Corps Commanders’ Conference (CCC) at General Headquarters (GHQ), Rawalpindi, Pakistan, on July 6, 2026. (ISPR) ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s military on Monday vowed to continue intelligence-based operations against alleged
EU Warns of Worsening Maternal Health Crisis in Afghanistan
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press July 3, 2026 Afghanistan’s maternal health crisis is worsening as restrictions on women’s education and limited access to health care put mothers and newborns at greater risk, the European Union’s humanitarian aid office said on Friday. In a post on the social media platform X, the EU office responsible for
US Backs Pakistan’s Right to Self-Defense After Deadly Strikes in Afghanistan
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press July 3, 2026 The United States has reaffirmed its support for Pakistan’s right to defend itself against terrorism, days after cross-border airstrikes that the United Nations says killed at least 28 civilians in Afghanistan and amid rising tensions between Islamabad and the Taliban administration in Kabul. The US State Department
Mujahid: Global Stance Biggest Obstacle to Recognition of Islamic Emirate
Bibi Amina Hakimi TOLOnews’ Reporter 3 July 2026 Despite the absence of formal diplomatic relations, contacts between Kabul and Washington have not been completely severed. Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate, told TOLOnews that the biggest obstacle to the international recognition of the current government is the position of countries around the world. According
World Bank says Afghanistan’s economy increasingly dependent on Iran trade routes
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press June 30, 2026 Afghanistan has become increasingly dependent on Iran for trade, with 56% of its imports passing through the country, leaving its economy vulnerable to regional tensions and disruptions, the World Bank said in its latest Afghanistan Economic Monitor. The report said Afghanistan’s economy grew by an estimated 4.8%,
Afghanistan Among World’s Most Neglected Humanitarian Crises, NRC Says
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press July 1, 2026 Afghanistan is among the world’s most neglected humanitarian crises this year, with funding falling sharply despite rising needs driven by mass refugee returns and worsening economic hardship, the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) said on Wednesday. In its annual report on neglected displacement crises, the NRC said Afghanistan
UN: Mines Kill or Injure 175 People in Afghanistan This Year
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press July 2, 2026 At least 175 people were killed or injured by landmines and unexploded ordnance in Afghanistan between January and May 2026, with children accounting for three-quarters of the casualties, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said on Thursday, warning of a severe funding shortfall
Defense Ministry Says ISIS Sites Hit in Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Mitra Majeedy Journalist Tolo News 1 July 2026 According to the ministry, the targeted sites had been used to plan destructive activities against Afghanistan and to launch attacks on civilians. The Ministry of Defense of the Islamic Emirate announced that it carried out airstrikes overnight on ISIS positions in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The ministry
Mujahid: UNAMA Has Fallen Short of Its Mission Over the Past Five Years
TOLOnews TV Network 2 July 2026 UNAMA was established in March 2002 under UN Security Council Resolution 1401. The spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate has criticized the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) over its performance during the past five years, saying the mission has focused largely on secondary issues and has failed to
After Afghanistan fires drones into Pakistan, what’s next?
By Abid Hussain Al Jazeera Published On 1 Jul 2026 Pakistan and Afghanistan have been locked in an on-off cycle of cross-border strikes that has left their ties in tatters. Islamabad, Pakistan – Pakistan’s military said on Wednesday it shot down four drones launched by the Afghan Taliban into Balochistan, hours after Afghanistan’s defence ministry claimed its air
Pakistani Strikes Kill Many in Afghanistan
The Taliban said that airstrikes left 36 civilians dead, while Pakistan claimed that its assault killed 32 militants, the latest in a monthslong conflict. The United Nations’ mission in Afghanistan said that at least 28 civilians were killed and several others were injured in Pakistani airstrikes on eastern Afghanistan on Sunday. By Elian Peltier and Safiullah Padshah Reporting
The Unraveling of Afghan Asylum
Tanvi Misra Afghan asylum seekers fled a crisis the US had a direct role in fomenting—only to become targets in Trump’s immigration crackdown. The New York Review of Books June 28, 2026 We first met in the spring of 2025, at a gathering in the basement of the Hazrati Abu Bakr Siddique mosque in Flushing,
CIS Secretary-General: Isolating Afghanistan ‘Not the Solution’
Mitra Majeedy Tolo News 26 JUNE 2026 He also emphasized that regional security cannot be ensured without Afghanistan’s participation in Eurasian economic and transit projects.CIS Secretary-General: Isolating Afghanistan ‘Not the Solution’ Amid growing regional engagement with Afghanistan, the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) says isolating the country is not a solution and
SCO, UN Discuss Stability in Afghanistan and Central Asia
By TOLOnews TV Network 28 June 2026 The two sides also discussed preparations for the upcoming SCO Heads of State Summit in Bishkek. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) has announced that it has held talks with the United Nations on efforts to promote stability in Afghanistan and maintain peace and security in Central Asia. According
Islamic Emirate Envoy: Dialogue ‘Only Way’ to Resolve Issues with Pakistan
Bibi Amina Hakimi TOLOnews’ Reporter 28 June 2026 Shakib told TOLOnews that the current Afghan government’s policy is to resolve all issues with Pakistan through dialogue. While relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan have been marked by political and security ups and downs in recent months, officials of the Islamic Emirate continue to emphasize resolving differences
Pakistan says it carried out ground operation, strikes along Afghan border
Hindustan Times/AP Published on: Jun 29, 2026 The military did not say how the strikes were carried out. ISLAMABAD (AP) — Pakistani security forces Sunday carried out an “intelligence-based” ground operation along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, followed by “calibrated strikes” against militant hideouts and safe havens, killing 29 fighters, officials said. The military did not say how the
Strong earthquake hits Afghanistan’s Hindu Kush region, 20 injured
By Reuters June 27, 2026 Summary More than 20 injured, dozens of homes damages Another quake reported in Pakistan earlier; more than 20 people injured People leave their homes in panic in Pakistan’s Swat district, witness says June 27 (Reuters) – (This June 27 story has been corrected to say 20 people were injured, not
Former UK Envoy Warns Excluding Women Carries Lasting Costs for Afghanistan
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press June 28, 2026 Former British ambassador to Afghanistan Laurie Bristow warned excluding women from education and public life threatens Afghanistan’s long-term future. Former British ambassador to Afghanistan Laurie Bristow said Britain should continue engaging with the Taliban to understand the group’s positions, while maintaining that London should not formally recognize
Pakistan says it carried out ground operation, strikes along Afghan border, killing 29 militants
By MUNIR AHMED and SUZAN FRASER Associated Press June 28, 2026 ISLAMABAD (AP) — Pakistani security forces Sunday carried out a ground operation along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, followed by “calibrated strikes” against militant hideouts and safe havens, killing 29 fighters, officials said. In a post on X, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said the operation was launched in response to
Taliban Officials to Head to Brussels for Talks on Afghan Deportees
By Jeanna Smialek and Elian Peltier Jeanna Smialek reported from Brussels, and Elian Peltier from Kabul, Afghanistan. The New York Times June 22, 2026 Taliban officials were issued visas to travel to Brussels, according to Belgium’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as they prepared for discussions with European Union officials about the deportation of Afghans from countries within
Aid Workers Given One Month to Comply With Beard Rules at Islam Qala Border Center
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press June 22, 2026 Humanitarian aid workers at the Islam Qala reception center in Herat have been given one month to comply with newly imposed beard regulations or risk losing access to the facility. Taliban authorities at the Islam Qala reception center in Herat have given humanitarian aid workers one
UNICEF Warns Climate Change Increasing Child Malnutrition Risks in Afghanistan
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press June 22, 2026 The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has warned that worsening climate-related shocks in Afghanistan are making living conditions increasingly difficult for children and heightening the risk of malnutrition across the country. UNICEF said prolonged droughts, water shortages, extreme heat and severe weather events are reducing families’ ability
Iran Yet to Recognize Islamic Emirate Despite Earlier Signals
TOLOnews TV Network 22 June 2026 Alireza Bikdeli had insisted that there was no obstacle to Iran’s recognition of the Islamic Emirate and that Tehran would soon announce this legal decision. Four months ago, the acting ambassador of Iran in Kabul spoke with TOLOnews about Tehran’s position on recognizing the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. Alireza
Afghanistan in crisis: Drought, malnutrition and a worsening humanitarian situation
By Nancy Sarkis in Geneva UN News 22 June 2026 Imagine being one of a family of nine and sitting down to a meal of potato peelings and other scraps, boiled up into a soup. This is the harsh reality for many of Afghanistan’s most vulnerable families, forced on them by climate change and drought,
EU, UK Pledge Continued Support for Afghan Returnees 0 Comments
TOLOnews TV Network 21 June 2026 Access to employment opportunities, education, and adequate housing remains among the key demands of returnees. The two sides said they will continue, in cooperation with international organizations, to provide protection, humanitarian assistance, and support for rebuilding the lives of vulnerable Afghan families. In a post on X, the European
Astana Open to Mediating Afghanistan-Pakistan Disputes, Deputy PM Says
Bibi Amina Hakimi TOLOnews’ Reporter 21 June 2026 He added that Astana is ready to play a mediating role between Afghanistan and Pakistan if formally requested by both sides. Serik Zhumangarin, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy of Kazakhstan, referring to the recent tensions between Kabul and Islamabad, emphasized that his country’s position
The Women Running Businesses Under Taliban Rules
By Elian Peltier Elian Peltier interviewed a dozen female entrepreneurs, business owners and trade representatives across Afghanistan’s largest cities for this story. The New York Times June 21, 2026 The Taliban have imposed some of the world’s toughest restrictions on women and girls, but to ward off economic collapse and isolation, they have let women start
The Afghan family who are safe at last and full of hope, thanks to an Australia Pauline Hanson will never know
Ben Doherty The Guardian 19 Jun 2026 They came in the chill of winter to hear their speaker, a man known to most only as a name. “Thank you,” Mohammad Ibrahim told the people of Apollo Bay. “Today I am proud to call Australia my home.” Here, assembled before him in the Mechanics Hall, was
EU Calls for Global Action to Address Hunger Crisis in Afghanistan
Mitra Majeedy Journalist Tolo News 20 June 2026 The European Union’s humanitarian arm said its aid continues to support life-saving food and nutrition programs across the country. As millions of families across Afghanistan continue to struggle with economic hardship and food shortages, the European Union has warned that the country is facing a severe hunger
Afghanistan strikes targets in Pakistan, raising cross-border tension
By Al Jazeera Staff and Reuters Published On 19 Jun 2026 The strikes are the latest threat to the fragile ceasefire between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Afghanistan has launched air strikes on what it called hideouts used by armed groups and “hostile intelligence circles” inside Pakistan, Kabul has announced. The strikes, reported on Friday by Afghanistan’s defence ministry,
Afghanistan Accounts for Nearly Half of the World’s Exiled Journalists Since 2021, RSF Says
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press June 19, 2026 Afghanistan has become the world’s leading source of exiled journalists, with hundreds forced to flee threats, arrests and growing restrictions on independent media, according to a new report by Reporters Without Borders. AfghanPolitical Analysis Reporters Without Borders (RSF) stated on Fiday, June 19 that at least 677
Amnesty International Says Returned Afghan Refugees Face Rights Violations
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press June 20, 2026 Amnesty International has warned that Afghan refugees who are returned to Afghanistan face serious human rights violations and worsening humanitarian conditions, as deportations from neighboring countries continue to increase. Marking World Refugee Day on Saturday, Amnesty International said millions of Afghan refugees and migrants are facing growing
US Budget Bill Seeks to Block Transfer of Afghan Allies From Qatar to High-Risk Countries
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press June 18, 2026 A proposed US defense spending bill for 2027 includes provisions that could prevent the transfer of former Afghan allies from Qatar to Afghanistan or other countries deemed unsafe. A draft US defense authorization bill for fiscal year 2027 contains measures aimed at protecting Afghan nationals who previously
IOM: Over 6M Afghans Returned From Iran, Pakistan Since 2023
Hadia Ziaei Tolo News 18 June 2026 International organizations and the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan have repeatedly called on host countries to prevent the forced deportation of Afghan migrants. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has reported that more than 6.04 million Afghan citizens returned to Afghanistan from Iran and Pakistan between September 2023 to
Hanafi: Opponents Seeking to Discredit the Islamic Emirate
TOLOnews TV Network 18 June 2026 Hanafi stated that opponents are seeking to discredit the Islamic Emirate and influence the mindset of young people. Mohammad Khalid Hanafi, Acting Minister for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice, said at the conclusion of a conference for the ministry’s inspectors that divisions previously created among Afghans
Afghanistan Issues Ban on Smartphones for Civil Servants and Military
By Safiullah PadshahYaqoob AkbaryAttaullah Omar and Elian Peltier Reporting from Kabul and Kandahar, Afghanistan, and from Islamabad, Pakistan The New York Times June 18, 2026 Afghanistan’s leader has ordered all civil servants and members of the country’s armed forces to stop bringing their smartphones to work as of Wednesday, the latest restriction on individual freedoms imposed by
New Smartphone Curbs Target Civil and Military Employees in Afghanistan
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press June 17, 2026 A nationwide ban on the use of smartphones by civilian and military government employees has been approved in Afghanistan, with violators facing legal punishment and confiscation of their devices. Sources in the Kabul provincial administration confirmed on Wednesday that a ban on smartphone use by government and
OCHA Warns Restrictions Limiting Afghan Women’s Access to Life-Saving Healthcare
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press June 17, 2026 The UN humanitarian agency has warned that growing restrictions on Afghan women and girls are further limiting access to critical healthcare services in a country already facing one of the world’s highest maternal mortality rates. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has
EU Reiterates Call for Inclusive Government in Afghanistan
Tolo News 17 June 2026 The EU delegation stated that an inclusive political framework could help Afghanistan achieve lasting peace and stability. The European Union has once again emphasized the need for an inclusive government in Afghanistan during a session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva. The EU delegation stated that an
Pakistan Defense Minister: Talks with Afghanistan Have Failed
Mitra Majeedy Journalist Tolo News 17 Jine 2026 Responding to calls for continued dialogue, he urged Pakistani politicians to visit Afghanistan and obtain guarantees. Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif has told parliament that all talks held with Afghanistan have yielded no results. Asif claimed that during negotiations between the two countries, Islamabad was prepared to
Trump says US may recover all the equipment left behind in Afghanistan by Biden admin
By James Cirrone Fox News Published June 17, 2026 During the G7, President Trump said he may regain US military equipment left in Afghanistan after 2021 withdrawal. President Donald Trump criticized former President Joe Biden’s foreign policy record at the G7 Summit, while touting the forthcoming agreement with Iran. President Donald Trump suggested he may be able to
UN Security Council Extends UNAMA Mandate in Afghanistan Until 2027
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press June 15, 2026 The United Nations Security Council on Monday unanimously extended the mandate of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) for another year, keeping the mission’s existing responsibilities and priorities largely unchanged. The resolution extends UNAMA’s mandate until June 17, 2027, following discussions among council members on possible
Newly Appointed UN Deputy Special Representative Begins Mission in Afghanistan
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press June 16, 2026 Bruno Lemarquis on Tuesday officially assumed his duties as the United Nations’ deputy special representative, resident coordinator and humanitarian coordinator for Afghanistan, as the country continues to face severe humanitarian and development challenges. The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said Lemarquis began his mission in Kabul
UN calls on Afghanistan’s Taliban rulers to reverse crackdown on women
By EDITH M. LEDERER Associated Press June 15, 2026 UNITED NATIONS (AP) — The U.N. Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution Monday calling on Afghanistan’s Taliban rulers to swiftly reverse their crackdown on women and to combat militant groups inside Afghanistan that Pakistan accuses of carrying out cross-border attacks. China’s U.N. Ambassador Fu Cong, whose
Kabul Hosts Regional Meeting of Afghanistan, Central Asia, Azerbaijan
Bibi Amina Hakimi TOLOnews’ Reporter 16 June 2026 Participants discussed ways to strengthen regional cooperation in the areas of security, economy, transit, investment, and regional connectivity. Amir Khan Muttaqi, the Foreign Minister of the Islamic Emirate, called for strengthening scientific and research cooperation among regional countries while emphasizing the role of think tanks in expanding
Kidnapped US journalist faces Taliban captor in court as 42-year sentence caps long saga
Victoria Bekiempis in New York The Guardian 13 Jun 2026 Haji Najibullah appeared unbothered as he walked into Manhattan federal court earlier this week to learn whether he would face life behind bars for his role in brutal violence during his time as a Taliban commander – including the 2008 kidnapping of US journalist David Rohde.
UN Security Council to Hold Meeting on UNAMA Mission in Afghanistan
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press June 14, 2026 The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said the UN Security Council will hold a meeting on Monday to discuss the mission’s mandate in Afghanistan. UNAMA said in a post on X on Sunday that the Security Council is scheduled to make a decision regarding the mission’s
Over 700 Afghan Refugees Released From Pakistan Jails
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press June 13, 2026 A total of 763 Afghan nationals were released from prisons in Pakistan and returned to Afghanistan over the past week, according to authorities overseeing migration affairs. The Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation said on Saturday that the former detainees entered Afghanistan through the Torkham and Spin Boldak
Herat Developments Draw Concern From UN and MSF
Mitra Majeedy Journalist Tolo Nes 14 June 2026 Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) condemned the detention of one of its healthcare workers in Herat, saying it was deeply concerned by the incidents. The spokesperson for .the UN Secretary-General has expressed concern over the recent situation in Herat, saying that the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan
Women in Afghanistan Need More Than Expressions of Concern, Rights Group Says
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press June 13, 2026 A human rights organization said women in Afghanistan need more than repeated expressions of concern from the international community. A human rights organization has criticized what it described as the international community’s repeated expressions of concern over the situation of women in Afghanistan, saying Afghan women need
Afghans Hold Rare Public Protests Against Taliban Rules
In Herat, Afghanistan, on Monday. By Yaqoob Akbary and Zane Irwin Yaqoob Akbary reported from Kabul, Afghanistan The New York Times June 12, 2026, 6:56 p.m. ET The United Nations said it was “deeply concerned” about the arrests of dozens of women, and reported that two people were killed in protests organized to support them. In a rare burst
Major Fire Erupts Near Medical Facilities in Afghanistan’s Mazar-i-Sharif
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press June 12, 2026 A major fire broke out on Friday in Mazar-i-Sharif, the capital of Afghanistan’s northern Balkh province, with witnesses reporting thick smoke, powerful explosions and ongoing efforts to contain the blaze. Residents stated that the fire started in the Dasht-e Shor area near Journalist Square in the
Islamic Emirate Seeks Broader International Recognition, Relations
Bibi Amina Hakim TOLOnews’ Reporter 12 June 2026 In return, the release of Afghanistan’s frozen assets remains one of Kabul’s key demands from the international community. Suhail Shaheen, acting ambassador of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, says the current government seeks to expand bilateral relations with all countries based on the principles of engagement and
MSF says one of its staff was among women detained in Afghanistan for violating dress code rules
By ELENA BECATOROS Associated Press June 12, 2026 A Doctors Without Borders paramedic was among women arrested during a recent crackdown for alleged dress code violations in Afghanistan, the medical aid organization said Friday. The paramedic was arrested for not wearing a face covering while on her way to work at a hospital in the western city
13 Afghan Civilians Killed in Airstrikes on Pakistan Border, U.N. Says
By Zane IrwinSafiullah Padshah and Zia ur-Rehman Safiullah Padshah reported from Kabul, Afghanistan, and Zia ur-Rehman from Islamabad, Pakistan. The New York Times June 11, 2026 13 Civilians Killed in Pakistani Airstrikes in Afghanistan The United Nations said on Thursday that 13 civilians were killed in airstrikes this week in eastern Afghanistan, as Pakistan claims that it
Afghanistan Ranked Seventh Least Peaceful Country in Global Peace Index 2026
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press June 11, 2026 Afghanistan has been ranked the seventh least peaceful country in the world in the 2026 Global Peace Index, highlighting the country’s continued security and stability challenges despite a decline in large-scale armed conflict. The latest report, released on Thursday, ranked Afghanistan among the bottom seven countries out
Indian Envoy Urges Review of UN Sanctions on Afghanistan
Ebadullah Ebadi Journalist (Web Editor) Tolo News 08 JUNE 2026 Harish also condemned Pakistan’s airstrikes on Afghan territory and, citing a UNAMA report, said the attacks had resulted in significant civilian casualties. Parvathaneni Harish, India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, told a UN Security Council meeting on Afghanistan that the country’s political reality has
Diplomatic Talks Overshadowed by Renewed Afghanistan-Pakistan Tensions
TOLOnews TV Network 11 June 2026 However, on the final day of the talks, Pakistan’s military carried out airstrikes in parts of three Afghan provinces. The second round of informal Afghanistan-Pakistan talks, titled “From Courtesy to Closeness,” was held in Istanbul, Türkiye, on June 8 and 9. The Humanitarian Relief Foundation (IHH) said the meeting
US lawmakers demand Trump officials halt plan to send Afghans to DRC
The Guardian/Reuters 11 Jun 2026 Government urged to reconsider proposal for 1,100 Afghans, currently stranded in Qatar, who worked with US forces Dozens of US lawmakers urged the Trump administration on Thursday to roll back any plans to ship to unsafe third countries Afghan nationals who worked with US forces during the war in their
Grave concern’ after dozens of women arrested in Afghanistan for dress violations
UN News 11 June 2026 Gender equality agency UN Women is “gravely concerned” by the arrest of at least 30 women in Herat city last weekend in Afghanistan for allegedly violating dress requirements imposed by Taliban authorities. The women allegedly violated decrees which include a requirement to wear a burka or chador with a face
Deadly Pakistani airstrikes in Afghanistan end a month of calm
By ABDUL QAHAR AFGHAN and MUNIR AHMED Associated Press June 10, 2026 KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — Pakistan launched deadly new airstrikes on Afghanistan early Wednesday, ending a month of calm following what Islamabad previously described as “open war” between the neighbors that has defied international efforts to bring a lasting peace. Afghanistan said the strikes hit the eastern provinces
Explosion Kills 7, Including 5 Children, in Afghanistan’s Paktika Province
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press June 9, 2026 An explosion in Afghanistan’s Paktika province killed seven people, including five children, and injured four others, officials said. At least seven people, including five children, were killed and four others injured after an unexploded artillery shell detonated in Afghanistan’s eastern Paktika province, local Taliban authorities said on
UN Warns of ‘Lost Generation’ as 3.8 Million Girls Remain Out of School in Afghanistan
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press June 9, 2026 The United Nations has warned that Afghanistan risks creating a “lost generation” as nearly 3.8 million girls remain excluded from education under Taliban restrictions, while millions more face worsening humanitarian conditions, food insecurity and poverty. Addressing the UN Security Council on Monday, Georgette Gagnon, acting head of the
Richard Bennett Calls for Accountability After Protest Crackdown in Herat
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press June 9, 2026 Richard Bennett, the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Afghanistan, has called for accountability following reports that Taliban forces used force against protesters in Herat province. In a statement posted on X on Tuesday, Bennett said he was concerned by reports of excessive force against demonstrators
EU Commission Reaffirms Plans to Invite Islamic Emirate to Brussels
Mohammad Bashir Soltani, Reporter Political Writer Tolo News 07 JUNE 2026 In another recent move, the European Union has nominated Italian diplomat Nicola Bellomo as its new Chargé d’Affaires for Afghanistan. Amid criticism over the invitation extended to a delegation of the Islamic Emirate to Brussels, a spokesperson for the European Commission says the institution
Five Years On, Afghanistan’s UN Seat, Voting Rights Remain Uncertain
Bibi Amina Hakimi TOLOnews’ Reporter 8 June 2026 Prior to 2021, these dues were paid by the former Afghan government. Afghanistan’s outstanding debt has now exceeded $900,000. Although nearly five years have passed since the Islamic Emirate returned to power in Afghanistan, the fate of the country’s permanent seat at the United Nations and its
More Than 400,000 Afghan Migrants Return From Pakistan in Four Months
Mitra Majeedy Journalist Tolo News 9 June 2026 According to the UNHCR official, around 5,000 Afghan migrants are returning to Afghanistan each day. A number of Afghan migrants have criticized the continued deportation of Afghans from Pakistan, saying that harassment of Afghan nationals persists, including those who hold valid residency documents. Zahir Bahand, a journalist
UN Report Highlights Education Ban, Security and Economic Strains
Hayatullah Rahimi Journalist & Digital Editor Tolo News 8 June 2026 The UN recorded 3,687 security incidents in Afghanistan between February and April 2026, up 57.7% from a year earlier. UN Secretary-General António Guterres, in his latest quarterly report on Afghanistan, highlighted the ban on girls’ education, civilian casualties caused by Pakistani airstrikes and shelling
Disagreements Over UNAMA’s Role Surface at UN Security Council
Ebadullah Ebadi Journalist (Web Editor) Tolo News 9 June 2026 The U.S. representative also stressed the need for the prompt appointment of a new UNAMA chief. With just one week remaining before the expiration of UNAMA’s mandate in Afghanistan, Russia’s representative at a UN Security Council meeting on Afghanistan said that what she described as
UN protests women’s arrests in Afghanistan for alleged clothing violations
By ELENA BECATOROS Associated Press June 8, 2026 The United Nations’ mission in Afghanistan has expressed concern over what it says are arrests and detentions of women in western Afghanistan for allegedly not adhering to regulations governing how they should dress. The U.N. Assistance Mission in Afghanistan said on X late Sunday that the arrests and
Taliban Forces Fire On Afghan Women Protesting New Restrictions
Radio Azadi RFE/RL June 09, 2026 WATCH: Taliban Security Forces Fire On Afghan Women’s Rights Protesters Afghanistan’s Taliban government used live fire to disperse a protest in the western city of Herat over new restrictions on women, eyewitnesses told RFE/RL’s Radio Azadi. One eyewitness said that at least one person was killed and several were
Why the U.S. is detaining a senior Afghan diplomat
By Lennart Pfahler POLITICO 06/09/2026 10:27 AM EDT Raheem Peerzada has been in immigration detention for more than a year. Previously sealed court documents are shedding light for the first time on the reasons behind the arrest of a senior Afghan diplomat in the United States. Raheem Peerzada, who also goes by the name Mohammed
Pakistan raises Afghanistan concerns with U.S.
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press May 30, 2026 Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar discussed security threats originating from Afghanistan territory during talks with senior U.S. officials in Washington. According to Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry, Dar raised concerns over what Islamabad described as the use of Afghanistan soil by militant organisations to carry out attacks inside Pakistan.
Truck carrying Afghan returnees from Pakistan flips on highway, killing 18
Al Jazeera By AFP and AP Published On 30 May 2026 At least 10 children among the dead as a packed truck carrying families returning from Pakistan flips on major highway. At least 18 people, including women and children, were killed when a cargo truck carrying recently returned Afghan refugees from Pakistan overturned on a major highway in
Afghan president voiced concern over civilians killed by SAS troops, inquiry told
Dan Sabbagh Defence and security editor The Guardian Thu 28 May 2026 Concerns about the number of Afghan civilians being killed by British special forces in the early part of the last decade prompted the country’s then president to make a “muscular” complaint to Nato commanders fighting the Taliban. Newly released evidence from a public
UN Concerned Over Obstacles to Aid Deliveries in Afghanistan
Liluma Qadiry Tolo News 29 May 2026 Washington has maintained that, under this directive, any aid that could potentially reach the Islamic Emirate remains suspended. With tensions continuing across the Middle East, the United Nations has expressed concern over the growing challenges affecting the delivery of humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan. The World Food Programme (WFP)
World Bank warns poverty worsening in Afghanistan
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press May 27, 2026 World Bank said Afghanistan’s economy continued to grow in 2025, but the expansion has failed to improve living conditions as poverty, inflation, and economic vulnerability continue to deepen across the country. In its latest Afghanistan Development Update released Tuesday, the World Bank said Afghanistan’s real gross
Russia Offers to Mediate Between Afghanistan and Pakistan
Bibi Amina Hakimi TOLOnews’ Reporter 28 May 2026 Political analysts believe that the involvement of regional countries, particularly Russia, in diplomatic efforts could help pave the way for reducing tensions. As efforts continue to reduce tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, the deputy secretary of Russia’s Security Council has said that Moscow is ready to assist
Islamic Emirate Seeks Expanded Diplomatic Presence in Europe
TOLOnews TV Network 28 May 2026 At the same time, German media reported that Germany’s Green Party has criticized the Interior Ministry’s cooperation with representatives of the Islamic Emirate. Germany’s NDR news network has reported that the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan is seeking to expand its diplomatic presence in European countries. According to the report,
Moscow Signs Military Partnership With the Taliban
The Moscow Times May 28, 2026 Russia and the Taliban government in Afghanistan have signed a military cooperation agreement, Russian news agencies reported Wednesday. The deal was finalized during an international security forum in the Moscow region following a meeting between Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu and Afghan Defense Minister Mohammad Yaqoob. Yaqoob is the Taliban’s
Why Pakistan and Afghanistan Are Still Fighting
By Elian Peltier and Zia ur-Rehman Elian Peltier reported from Kabul, Afghanistan and Zia ur-Rehman from Islamabad, Pakistan. The New York Times May 28, 2026 Months after Pakistan declared “open war” on Afghanistan, neither side appears ready to back down, despite China’s efforts to mediate. Pakistan’s leaders are playing a big role on the global stage, traveling
UNICEF says 2,400 health centers remained operational across Afghanistan last year
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press May 24, 2026 Tajudeen Oyewale said Sunday that around 2,400 health centers across Afghanistan remained operational last year with support from international donors. In a post on X, the UNICEF representative thanked the World Bank and Asian Development Bank for supporting health services that reached more than 20 million
New Taliban Decree on Divorce Formalizes Child Marriage, U.N. Warns
By Elian Peltier Reporting from Kabul, Afghanistan. The New York Times May 23, 2026 See more of our coverage in your search results.Add The New York Times on Google A decree published by the Taliban government in Afghanistan has drawn condemnation from the United Nations and human rights groups for implicitly recognizing child marriage and
Taliban Leader Calls for Expanded Relations with World
Bibi Amina Hakimi TOLOnews’ Reporter 24 May 2026 The leader of the Islamic Emirate added that with the establishment of the Islamic system, the Sharia rights of citizens have been secured. In his Eid al-Adha message, the leader of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan said that the Islamic Emirate seeks to expand political and economic
Taliban Systematically Purges Former Government Employees, Bans All Appeals
Amin Kawa 8am.media Hasht-e Subh 24 May 2026 The Taliban have recently dismissed several former government employees who had continued working under the group’s administration and have ordered that no institution is permitted to hear their complaints. According to the dismissed employees, the majority belong to a specific ethnic group and were removed from their
Taliban ‘legitimising child marriage’ with new law, activists warn
Zahra Joya The Guardian Fri 22 May 2026 Up to 70% of girls may be in early or forced marriages but law now makes divorce impossible if husbands disagree Child marriage appears to have been legally recognised for the first time by the Taliban in Afghanistan, as activists say “shameful” new laws make it
UN’s Richard Bennett warns forced Afghan returns expose refugees to grave risks
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press May 23, 2026 Richard Bennett has expressed deep concern over the forced deportation of Afghan asylum seekers from neighboring countries and parts of the European Union, warning that Afghanistan remains unsafe for returnees. In a post on X, Bennett said the situation in Afghanistan remains highly dangerous, stressing that deportations
UK: Formal Ties With Kabul Depend on Human Rights and Security
Mitra Majeedy Journalist 23 May 2026 So far, aside from Russia, no country has officially recognized the Islamic Emirate. Richard Lindsay, the United Kingdom’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, who occasionally visits Kabul, said in an interview with the BBC that establishing formal engagement with Kabul depends on practical steps regarding human rights and security. Speaking
Islamabad keeps pressure on Kabul over cross-border violence, Pakistan says
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press May 22, 2026 Pakistan says relations with Kabul will remain strained unless Afghanistan territory is no longer used for militant attacks inside Pakistan. Pakistan said relations with the Taliban administration in Kabul will not improve unless armed groups operating from Afghanistan territory are stopped. Pakistani foreign ministry spokesman Tahir Andrabi
Pakistan’s PM Stresses Peaceful Relations with Afghanistan
TOLOnews TV Network 20 MAY 2026 The Pakistani premier once again alleged the presence of anti-Pakistan groups in Afghanistan and called on the Islamic Emirate to take action against them. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif says Islamabad wants peaceful ties with Kabul. Speaking at a meeting in Quetta, the Pakistani premier once again alleged the
Funding Shortfalls Deepen Afghanistan’s Humanitarian Crisis
Lailuma Qadiri Tolo News 21 May 2026 OCHA estimates that nearly 22 million people in Afghanistan are in need of humanitarian assistance. The Funding cuts following the suspension of U.S. aid to Afghanistan have become a serious concern for humanitarian organizations. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and the World
UN gravely concerned by an Afghan Taliban law that has provisions on child marriage
ABDUL QAHAR AFGHAN and ELENA BECATOROS Associated Press May 21, 2026 KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — The United Nations expressed “grave concern” on Thursday about a new law issued by Afghanistan’s Taliban government on separation in marriage which includes provisions on child marriage, saying the code further entrenches discrimination against women and girls. The government rejected the accusations, saying
Britain to End Afghan Relocation Program by 2028
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press May 19, 2026 Britain has ended direct evacuation support inside Afghanistan but says Afghan resettlement from third countries will continue until 2028. The United Kingdom government said its Afghan relocation and resettlement programs are expected to end by 2028 as authorities reduce pending applications and phase out temporary housing measures.
Former Afghanistan Minister Criticizes Clerics Over Muslim World Decline
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press May 19, 2026 Abdul Bari Jahani, a former Afghanistan information minister and prominent Pashto poet, criticized religious clerics, saying they have played a major role in decline and divisions across Islamic societies. Speaking in an interview with Sufi Podcast, Jahani said history, religion and Islamic texts themselves show that clerics
IOM: Returns of Afghan Migrants From Pakistan Continue at High Levels
Sial Yousofi Correspondent Tolo News 19 May 2026 The report also notes that 69 percent of respondents identified financial debt as another factor influencing their decision to return. The International Organization for Migration (IOM), in its latest report, says that the return and deportation of Afghan migrants from Pakistan to Afghanistan continued at a high
Uzbek-Afghan-Pakistan transit corridor making progress
Eurasianet May 19, 2026 A train rests on the railroad that runs from Uzbekistan to Afghanistan’s Mazar-e-Sharif. Uzbekistan, as well as other Central Asian states, see potential routes via Afghanistan to Pakistan as their fastest and most efficient way to reach seaports. (Photo: Army Sgt. Michael Reinsch, IJC Public Affairs) Tashkent eager to create route
Selling children to survive: Afghan fathers forced to make impossible choices
Yogita Limaye South Asia and Afghanistan correspondent BBC News 18 May 2026 Imogen Anderson/BBC Abdul Rashid Azimi says he is prepared to sell one of his daughters to feed the others As dawn breaks, hundreds of men gather at a dusty square in Chaghcharan, the capital of Ghor province in Afghanistan. They line the roadside
3 Killed in Bomb Blast in Pakistan’s South Waziristan
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press May 18, 2026 At least three people, including prominent tribal leader Malik Tariq Wazir, were killed and four others injured in a bomb blast Monday in South Waziristan district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistani officials said. Police said the explosion occurred near Gulshan Plaza in the busy Rustam Bazaar area of
Commission Urges Afghans Abroad to Return and Live Safely
Hadia Ziaei Tolo News 17 May 2026 Wasiq added that some of the returnees are women and that efforts are ongoing to facilitate the return of other prominent figures as well. The Commission for Contact with Afghan Figures says that more than 1,000 people have returned to the country since the commission was established. The
International Museum Day Highlights Afghanistan’s Cultural Heritage
TOLOnews TV Network 18 May 2026 The National Museum of Afghanistan preserves more than 60,000 historical and cultural artifacts from different periods of the history. May 18 marks International Museum Day, observed to highlight the role of museums in preserving historical, cultural, and artistic artifacts, as well as raising public awareness about the value of
Women’s Health in Afghanistan Faces Severe Crisis Amid Restrictions and Dwindling Aid
Mohammad 8AM media Hasht e Subh 18 May 2026 IOM /Marjan Wafa The Afghanistan Analysts Network (AAN) has reported that women’s health in Afghanistan is facing a serious crisis as a result of the closure of healthcare facilities, a shortage of female health workers, restrictions on girls’ education, and a decline in foreign aid. In
Afghanistan-Russia Joint Meeting Concludes in Kazan
TOLOnews TV Network 16 May 2026 The Kyrgyz delegation also stressed that stability and economic progress in Afghanistan would benefit the entire region. The Deputy Minister of Economy described the joint Afghanistan-Russia meeting held in Kazan under the leadership of the Islamic Emirate’s Minister of Higher Education as productive and successful. Abdul Latif Nazari said
Zalmay Khalilzad Calls for Political Solution Between Afghanistan, Pakistan
By Bibi Amina Hakimi TOLOnews’ Reporter 16 May 2026 Zalmay Khalilzad, former US special representative for Afghanistan reconciliation, warned about the consequences of continued mistrust between the two countries. Following the killing of eight Pakistani security personnel in a car bombing in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, concerns over rising tensions between Kabul and Islamabad have intensified once
Taliban legalizes sick child marriages with special rules for ‘virgin girls’ in Afghanistan
Jeanne Erickson New York Post Published May 16, 2026 The Taliban has formally legitimized child marriages under a twisted new family law decree that sets out rules for marriages involving minors — treating the girls as sellable property. It also establishes specific guidelines governing “virgin girls,” reported Afghan outlet Amu TV. Approved by Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada, the 31-article
Militant threats linked to Afghanistan continue to concern US security agencies
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press May 16, 2026 A senior United States military official said Afghanistan remains a central focus of American counterterrorism monitoring, warning that militant threats linked to the country continue to concern US security agencies. US media reported Friday that senior commander Brad Cooper told lawmakers during a congressional hearing that Afghanistan
Afghan mothers and children face worsening hunger crisis, WFP warns
United Nations UN News 15 May 2026 Afghanistan’s deepening malnutrition crisis is pushing mothers and children to the brink, the UN World Food Programme has warned, as mass returns from neighbouring countries and severe funding shortfalls overwhelm already strained humanitarian operations. “WFP has been sounding alarm bells for months,” Carl Skau, WFP Deputy Executive Director, said at the end
CENTCOM Stresses Continued Focus on Afghanistan
Bibi Amina Hakimi TOLOnews’ Reporter 15 May 2026 More socials These remarks come as officials of the Islamic Emirate have repeatedly stressed that they will not allow Afghan soil to be used against other countries. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) has stated that Afghanistan remains one of Washington’s main security concerns, and that the United States
Deadly attack on Pakistan outpost puts Afghanistan ceasefire at risk
Al Jazeera By AFP and Reuters Published On 15 May 2026 Two assaults in the northwest region have killed more than 20 people in recent days, threatening Islamabad’s shaky truce with the Taliban. An attack on a security compound in northwest Pakistan has killed several paramilitary officers, with the Afghan-based Pakistan Taliban (TTP) claiming responsibility. An armed
Over 500 Detained Afghan Migrants Return From Pakistan
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press May 14, 2026 More than 500 Afghan migrants detained in Pakistan returned home this week as deportations and cross-border repatriations continue increasing. Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation said 561 Afghan citizens detained in Pakistan were released and returned to Afghanistan during the current week amid continuing deportation and repatriation operations
Afghanistan Faces Sharp Decline in Forests and Water Resources: Report
TOLOnews TV Network 14 May 2026 Officials stressed the need for greater international and regional cooperation to improve Afghanistan’s environment and support stability. Afghanistan’s National Environmental Protection Agency (NEPA) publicly released the Afghanistan Environment Status Assessment Report during an event in Kabul attended by representatives of regional countries and the United Nations. The report identifies
Russia Is Building ‘Pragmatic’ Partnership With Taliban Government, Shoigu Says
The Moscow Times 14 May 2026 A Taliban delegation at a Russian Foreign Ministry meeting in Moscow.TASS Moscow is building “pragmatic” and “full-fledged” relations with the Taliban government in Afghanistan, Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu said Thursday at a regional security gathering. The Taliban swept back to power in 2021 after overthrowing the U.S.-backed government and
Taliban detains three journalists in Afghanistan, UN says
By Mohammad Yunus Yawar Reuters May 14, 2026 KABUL, May 14 (Reuters) – Afghanistan’s Taliban government has detained at least three journalists on unspecified charges, the United Nations mission there said on Thursday in a statement that called for the protection of reporters. The three were the head of the Kabul-based Paigard News Agency, and
Exiled Afghan Journalists Highlight Media Crisis at Canada Press Freedom Forum
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press May 13, 2026 The third annual conference of thr Free Speech Center was held in Toronto this week, bringing together around 300 exiled journalists, media activists and academics, with a strong focus on the situation of Afghan reporters forced to flee their country. The organization said journalists from more than
EU Invites Islamic Emirate to Brussels Talks on Returning Afghan Migrants
Mitra Majeedy Journalist Tolo News 13 May 2026 According to him, the meeting will be held at a technical level and has been organized in cooperation with Sweden’s Ministry of Justice. The European Union has confirmed that it sent a letter to the Islamic Emirate, inviting them to participate in talks regarding the return of
Afghanistan crisis deepens as record returns, drought and aid cuts strain economy
UN News Global perspective Human stories 13 May 2026 © UNDP/S. Omer Sadaat Children look over a wall in Shade Bara village, in Herat province, Afghanistan. Afghanistan’s humanitarian and economic crisis is deepening despite modest economic growth, with nearly three in four people unable to meet basic needs, the UN Development Programme (UNDP) said on Wednesday.
Pakistan PM Adviser Claims Thousands of Militants Are Being Trained in Afghanistan
Kabul Tribune 13 May 2026 The Kabul Tribune (KT) — The News International reported that Rana Sanaullah, adviser to Pakistan’s prime minister on political affairs, told the Senate on Tuesday that between 7,000 and 8,000 “misguided people” are allegedly receiving militant training in Afghanistan and carrying out attacks inside Pakistan. According to the report, Sanaullah
Iran moved aircraft to Afghanistan to escape U.S. airstrikes: CBS Claims
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press May 12, 2026 CBS News, citing U.S. officials, reported that Iran transferred some civilian aircraft to Afghanistan during recent tensions with the United States in an apparent effort to protect aviation assets. Two U.S. officials told the network it remained unclear whether military aircraft were also moved to Afghanistan. However,
U.N. says 13.8 million people face acute hunger in Afghanistan
By Fidel Rahmati’ Khaama Press May 12, 2026 The United Nations said more than 13.8 million people in Afghanistan are facing acute food insecurity, with women and children among the hardest hit. The U.N. said in a new report that nearly five million children and pregnant or breastfeeding women in Afghanistan are suffering from malnutrition
UNAMA Publishes New Human Rights Report on Afghanistan
TOLOnews TV Network 11 May 2026 The report added that since 2021, more than 2.2 million girls have continued to be deprived of secondary and higher education. The UNAMA report on the human rights situation in Afghanistan covers incidents from January to March 2026. In its latest human rights report, the United Nations Assistance Mission
EU invites Taliban members to discuss Afghan migrant returns
Mark Hallam with AFP Deutsche Welle/DW 11 May 2026 The European Commission has invited officials from Afghanitan’s Taliban to discuss the returns of certain migrants. It’s controversial on humanitarian grounds, and because Brussels doesn’t recognize Taliban authority. The European Commission has invited representatives of the Taliban to Brussels for talks on deporting Afghan nationals who have been refused permission to
Over 370 Afghans killed in Pakistan conflict in first 3 months of 2026: UN
By AFP Published On 12 May 2026 Fighting between the Taliban and Pakistani forces intensified in February, with many civilians killed in air raids. At least 372 Afghan civilians were killed and 397 injured as a result of cross-border violence between Taliban forces and the Pakistani military in the first three months of 2026, the
US 2026 Counterterrorism Strategy Does Not List Afghanistan as a Threat
Najibullah Lalzoy Tolo News 07 MAY 2026 The United States’ counterterrorism strategy for 2026, recently released by the White House, once again does not mention Afghanistan as a threat to the United States. The report states, citing President Donald Trump, that the arrest of the perpetrator of the 2021 Kabul airport attack only 43 days
Pakistan Welcomes New Agreements Across Hypothetical Durand Line
Bibi Amina Hakimi TOLOnews’ Reporter 08 MAY 2026 In a post on X, he wrote that Afghans seek peaceful coexistence with the people of Pakistan, but stressed that the will of the Afghan people remains strong. Islamabad has welcomed two new agreements between Afghanistan and Pakistan, which Pakistani officials say reflect the desire of people
New rail-road corridor links China to Afghanistan via Uzbekistan
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Prress May 6, 2026 Uzbekistan Railways has launched a new multimodal transport corridor linking China to Afghanistan through Central Asia, in a move aimed at improving regional trade efficiency and reducing transit times, Uzbek media reported on Wednesday. The route will carry containerised cargo by rail from China through the Altynkol
Unexploded ordnance blast kills one, injures three in Parwan
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press May 6, 2026 A blast caused by unexploded ordnance killed one person and injured three others in Afghanistan’s Parwan province, Taliban police said, highlighting the continued threat posed by leftover munitions. The incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon in Bagram district when a 20-year-old man attempted to open a piece of
Afghan Girls Renew Call for Reopening of Secondary Schools
Mitra Majeedy Journalist Tolo News 6 May 2026 They consider education essential for Afghanistan’s progress and therefore urge the Islamic Emirate to allow girls to return to classrooms. A number of girls deprived of education in the country have once again called for the reopening of schools above the sixth grade so that, as they
Afghan Migrants in Pakistan Forced to Demolish Homes Amid Deportation
TOLOnews TV Network 6 May 2026 Meanwhile, the High Commission for Addressing Migrants’ Problems has criticized the way Afghan migrants are being deported from Pakistan. A number of Afghan migrants residing in Pakistan say that Pakistani authorities have asked them to demolish their homes and return to Afghanistan. The Afghan migrants told TOLOnews, in recent
Mujahid Calls on Nations to Recognize Afghanistan Without External Pressure
TOLOnews TV Network 6 May 2026 Mujahid calls on countries, like Russia, to independently establish good relations with Afghanistan, without considering pressure from powerful countries. More than four and a half years have passed, and so far, except for Russia, no country has recognized the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. The spokesperson of the Islamic Emirate
UN warns funding cuts are slowing mine clearance efforts in Afghanistan
Ariana News May 3, 2026 The United Nations has warned that declining humanitarian funding, driven in part by rising global conflicts and increased defense spending, is significantly slowing mine clearance operations in Afghanistan. UN officials said the shortage of funds has directly affected efforts to remove landmines and unexploded ordnance, with devastating consequences for civilians.
Afghanistan accuses Pakistan of killing three civilians in ‘war crime’
By Al Jazeera Staff, Anadolu and The Associated Press Published On 5 May 2026 The incident is the latest test of a fragile ceasefire agreed between the two countries last month. Afghanistan’s Taliban-led government has accused neighbouring Pakistan of killing three civilians in a cross-border attack, which Kabul has condemned as a “war crime”. The incident on Monday
They were hunted by the Taliban for helping the US. Now, Trump wants to send these families to the DRC
Stefanie Glinski The Guardian Tue 5 May 2026 Hasina Nasimi* had been counting down to 27 January 2025, the day she was booked on a flight with her husband and four children, to Denver, Colorado. Her brother, four sisters and mother were already there, rebuilding their lives after fleeing Afghanistan. Nasimi’s father and brother were killed
Jury Delivers Mixed Verdict in Case of Afghan Charged in 2021 Kabul Attack
By Charlie Savage The New York Times Charlie Savage writes about national security and legal policy. He reported from Washington. April 30, 2026 A federal jury in Virginia on Wednesday delivered a mixed verdict in the trial of an Afghan man accused of helping plot a terrorist bombing outside the Kabul airport during the August 2021
Activists voice concern over Afghanistan embassy shutdowns abroad
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press May 1, 2026 A rights group warned closing Afghanistan embassies abroad could limit services, weaken advocacy and deepen humanitarian and political challenges for vulnerable citizens. A coalition of human rights activists warned that closing or weakening Afghanistan’s diplomatic missions abroad could have serious humanitarian and political consequences, particularly for vulnerable
UK envoy urges restraint as Afghanistan-Pakistan border tensions rise
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press May 1, 2026 A UK envoy urged restraint over Afghanistan-Pakistan border clashes, warning rising tensions risk civilians and calling for dialogue to prevent further escalation. Richard Lindsay has expressed concern over ongoing clashes along the Durand Line, urging both sides to exercise restraint and prioritize the protection of civilians. He
UN expert urges release of detained journalists in Afghanistan
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press May 1, 2026 A UN expert urged release of detained journalists in Afghanistan, warning press freedom has sharply declined under growing restrictions, threats and censorship. Richard Bennett has called on authorities in Afghanistan to immediately and unconditionally release detained journalists, warning of a worsening environment for press freedom. His appeal
Man convicted of aiding IS group, but jury deadlocks on alleged role in deadly Kabul airport bombing
By MICHAEL KUNZELMAN Associated Press April 29, 2026 ALEXANDRIA, Va. (AP) — An alleged Islamic State group militant from Afghanistan was convicted on Wednesday of aiding the terror organization that took credit for a deadly suicide bombing at a Kabul airport, but a jury couldn’t agree on whether he bears some responsibility for that attack during the
‘War crime’: Afghan-Pakistan truce under strain after university strike
By Abid Hussain Al Jazeera Published On 28 Apr 2026 Civilian casualties in Kunar raise tensions as Pakistan denies role, casting shadow over ceasefire and peace talks. Islamabad, Pakistan – Afghanistan’s Taliban authorities say Pakistani mortars and missiles struck a university and residential neighbourhoods in the eastern province of Kunar on Monday, killing at least seven
UN: Aid Disruptions Rise in Afghanistan, One Worker Killed
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press April 26, 2026 UN OCHA reports rising security incidents disrupting aid in Afghanistan as hunger crisis worsens, with the country ranked among worst globally. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said 86 security incidents and aid disruptions were recorded in Afghanistan in March, resulting in
US Senators Condemn Reported Plan to Transfer Afghan Allies From Qatar to Congo
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press April 25, 2026 US lawmakers criticize reported Trump administration plan to relocate Afghan allies from Qatar camp to conflict-hit Democratic Republic of Congo. US Senator Jeff Merkley has strongly condemned reported plans by the Trump administration to transfer Afghan nationals from a holding facility in Qatar to the Democratic Republic
Afghanistan calls on Afghans who helped US in war and are now stuck in Qatar to return home
By ABDUL QAHAR AFGHAN and ELENA BECATOROS Associated Press April 25, 2026 KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — Afghanistan’s foreign ministry says Afghans who helped America’s war effort and have been stuck in Qatar in the hope of reaching the United States, can safely return to Afghanistan. The statement Saturday by foreign ministry spokesman Abdul Qahar Balkhi comes after reports emerged that
Pakistan clashes disrupt education for 12,000 students in Afghanistan
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press April 24, 2026 Fighting along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border has disrupted education for 12,000 students, as displacement and damage to schools worsen humanitarian conditions. The United Nations said clashes between the Taliban and Pakistan have disrupted education for around 12,000 Afghan students in border areas. Many children have been displaced or
Trump reviewing Congo option for Afghan refugees, sparks concern
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press April 24, 2026 Trump says he is reviewing plans to relocate Afghan refugees in Qatar, as bipartisan criticism grows over proposals to send them to Congo. Donald Trump said he is considering options for around 1,100 Afghan refugees stranded in Qatar, including possible relocation to Democratic Republic of the Congo.
UNAMA urges lifting curbs on girls’ education as Afghanistan marks ICT Day
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press April 23, 2026 United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan has called on the Taliban to lift restrictions on Afghan girls, marking the International Girls in ICT Day with renewed concern over access to education. UNAMA said more than four years have passed and an entire generation of Afghan girls remains
Pakistan strikes damage homes in eastern Afghanistan as border tensions persist
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press April 23, 2026 Local sources in Kunar Province say fresh Pakistani strikes have damaged several homes in the Sarkano district, as cross-border hostilities continue to escalate. Residents reported that the attacks began around midnight and continued into Wednesday morning, with explosions heard across multiple regions of the district. Sources added
Afghans Who Helped U.S. Forces Say They’re Being Pushed Back to the Taliban
By Elian Peltier The New York Times April 23, 2026 Once promised a move to the United States, Afghan refugees who helped U.S. forces say they face ‘bad or worse’ options: resettlement to Congo or returning home to live under the Taliban. Afghan refugees who once helped U.S. forces and have been stranded for years at
EU Special Envoy Travels to Kabul, Afghanistan
By Khaama Press April 22, 2026 EU envoy visits Kabul for talks with Taliban officials, focusing on aid, diplomacy, and cooperation as Afghanistan faces a dire humanitarian crisis. The European Union’s special envoy for Afghanistan, Gilles Bertrand, visited Kabul on Wednesday and held talks with Taliban officials, the Taliban foreign ministry said. During the meeting
Trump Is Said to Be in Talks to Send Afghans Who Aided U.S. Forces to Congo
By Megha RajagopalanEileen Sullivan and Zolan Kanno-Youngs Megha Rajagopalan reported from London, Eileen Sullivan from Washington and Zolan Kanno-Youngs from Islamabad, Pakistan. The New York Times April 21, 2026 After halting a U.S. resettlement program for Afghans who helped the American war effort, President Trump is in talks to send as many as 1,100 of them to
Over 360 rights activists call for immediate release of jailed reporters in Afghanistan
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press April 18, 2026 More than 360 journalists, media workers and rights activists have voiced deep concern over the situation of detained reporters in Afghanistan, calling for their immediate and unconditional release in an open letter. The signatories said responsibility for the health and safety of jailed journalists lies with
Even the dead must make way as construction transforms Afghanistan’s capital
By ELENA BECATOROS Associated Press April 18, 2026 KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — The door that once led to a family room now faces nothing but the void. Most of the floor is gone, as are the walls and roof. This used to be Syed Murtaza Sadar’s home in Kabul, on top of the barber shop and
Food prices in Afghanistan jump up to 47%, WFP warns
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press April 17, 2026 Food prices in Afghanistan have risen by up to 47% over the past year, the World Food Programme (WFP) said, warning of growing pressure on households. Staple items including rice, wheat, sugar and cooking oil recorded significant annual increases, while weekly price changes remained relatively stable. Markets
Amnesty urges UK to lift asylum restrictions on Afghan women
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press April 16, 2026 Amnesty International and the Gender Action for Peace and Security (GAPS) have urged the United Kingdom to halt asylum policies they say are increasingly rejecting Afghan women and girls seeking protection. In a joint report released on April 16, the groups said acceptance rates for Afghan asylum
Pakistan police detain landlords renting homes to Afghans in Balochistan
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press April 15, 2026 Authorities in Quetta, the capital of Balochistan, have detained more than 20 landlords and shop owners for renting properties to undocumented Afghan migrants during a recent enforcement operation. Local police said the crackdown, launched on Tuesday, targeted violations of rental laws, with cases registered against those
Only 17% of returnee women in Afghanistan earning income, UN says
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press April 15, 2026 UN Women said in a new report that fewer than one in five women returning to Afghanistan are able to earn income, with just 17% currently employed. The report warns that low employment rates among returnee women risk worsening household debt and food insecurity, particularly in families
Afghanistan’s capital is in the grip of a water crisis
By ELENA BECATOROS Associated Press April 14, 2026 Nestled in a high-altitude valley in Afghanistan’s Hindu Kush mountain range, Kabul is rapidly running out of water KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — The woman was furious. Standing in the muddy lane sloping up the hill in one of the Afghan capital’s poorer neighborhoods, she pulled her headscarf aside to
Afghan migrants in Poland fear forced deportations as asylum applications remain suspended
By CLAUDIA CIOBANU Associated Press April 14, 2026 WARSAW, Poland (AP) — Afghan migrants in Poland face forced deportations and fear for their lives at the hands of the Taliban-run government back home, concerns that rights groups say have soared after Poland last year moved to partially suspend the right to seek asylum. Rights groups warn the measure, introduced in March
Suspected militants kill police officer assigned to guard polio team as nationwide campaign begins
By MUNIR AHMED and ABDUL QAHAR AFGHAN Associated Press April 13, 2026 ISLAMABAD (AP) — Suspected militants opened fire on a vehicle carrying police officers assigned to protect polio workers in northwestern Pakistan on Tuesday, killing one of them and wounding four others before fleeing the scene, police said. Two attackers were killed when police returned fire. The shooting
“There’s no interest”: Iran war worsens and overshadows the crisis in Afghanistan
Ali M. Latifi Asia Editor Farzad Rahimi Journalist and entrepreneur based in Herat, Afghanistan The New Humanitarian 13 April 2026 HERAT, Afghanistan When the United States and Israel began their military assaults on Iran, it had already been two days since Pakistan declared “open war” on Afghanistan. Only hours before bombs started falling on Tehran,
Afghanistan says talks with Pakistan positive as Türkiye backs improved ties
By Tameem Bahiss AN ANEWSZ April 13, 2026 Afghanistan’s Foreign Ministry said on Sunday that talks with Pakistan had been positive, while Türkiye stressed the importance of stronger ties between Kabul and Islamabad. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi met Türkiye’s chargé d’affaires in Kabul, Sadin Ayyıldız. The two
UN warns of critical funding shortfall for humanitarian aid in Afghanistan
Ariana News April 12, 2026 The United Nations has raised alarm over a significant funding gap threatening the continuation of humanitarian assistance in Afghanistan, as millions remain in urgent need of support. According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), only $211 million—equivalent to 12.3 percent—of the required $1.7 billion
Fear of Forced Return: Former Military Personnel of Afghanistan Living Under Threat and Uncertainty
Adrina Behzad Hasht-e Subh Daily April 13, 2026 Several former military personnel who fled to neighboring countries, particularly Pakistan and Iran, due to security threats from the Taliban, say they fear being deported back to Afghanistan under the group’s rule. They report facing serious economic, security, and social hardships, with their children also being denied
Conference in Vienna spotlights Afghanistan women’s education, rights crisis
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press April 12, 2026 A conference in Vienna brought together Afghan and international figures to support women’s rights, highlighting urgent concerns over education restrictions in Afghanistan. A conference titled “Solidarity of Women for Education and Self-Determination in Afghanistan” was held in Vienna, bringing together Afghan diaspora figures and Austrian officials to
UNAMA says 11 killed in attack on Shi’ite gathering in Herat
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press April 12, 2026 The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan said at least 11 people were killed and 11 others wounded in a gun attack on a Shi’ite gathering in Herat, with women and children among the victims. UNAMA said in a statement on Sunday that the attack took place
UN expert calls for probe into deadly attack on Shiite civilians in western Afghanistan
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press April 11, 2026 A UN expert has called for an independent investigation into a deadly attack on Shiite civilians in Herat, urging accountability for those responsible. Richard Bennett has called for an independent investigation into a deadly armed attack targeting Shiite civilians in Injil district of Herat, describing the incident
Afghan female students in Pakistan face deportation risk as visa renewals stall
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press April 11, 2026 Afghan female students in Pakistan say they are increasingly worried about forced deportation and visa renewals, as authorities intensify crackdowns on undocumented migrants. Many report that even after repeated applications, visa extensions are being rejected, leaving them at risk of arrest and removal despite being enrolled in
Etihad to expand Kabul–Abu Dhabi flights to daily service from May 1
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press April 10, 2026 Etihad Airways will operate daily flights between Kabul and Abu Dhabi from May 1, 2026, responding to rising demand and improving global travel connectivity. Etihad Airways has announced plans to increase its Kabul–Abu Dhabi service to daily flights starting May 1, 2026, citing a sharp rise in
Naeem Says Pakistan Security Stance Stalled China-Hosted Talks
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press April 9, 2026 A senior Taliban foreign ministry official said Pakistan’s insistence on raising its internal security concerns caused China-hosted talks between the two sides to end without a breakthrough. Mohammad Naeem Wardak said Islamabad was trying to shift responsibility for its domestic security failures onto Afghanistan, hardening the Taliban’s
CSTO warns of persistent security threats from Afghanistan
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press April 9, 2026 The Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) said potential threats and security risks emanating from Afghanistan territory remain high, after officials and regional representatives met in Moscow to review the situation in Afghanistan. The warning came at the 43rd meeting of the Afghanistan working group under the CSTO
Ben Roberts-Smith arrested: former Australian soldier charged with five war crime murders in Afghanistan
Nino Bucci and Ben Doherty The Guardian Tue 7 Apr 2026 Roberts-Smith previously failed in his attempt to sue three newspapers which published allegations he murdered unarmed civilians and bullied comrades Australia’s most decorated living soldier, Ben Roberts-Smith, has been arrested at Sydney airport and charged with war crimes. The Australian federal police and the Office of the
UN says Afghanistan floods worsen shelter crisis for 4.2 million people
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press April 8, 2026 Recent floods in Afghanistan have worsened an already severe shelter crisis, with 4.2 million people now needing emergency housing support, the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) said on Wednesday. The agency urged immediate action, saying safe housing is a basic human need as repeated climate-related disasters
China says Afghanistan and Pakistan agreed to explore a ‘comprehensive solution’ to conflict
By The Associated Press April 8, 2026 BEIJING — China’s government said Afghanistan and Pakistan have agreed not to escalate their conflict and to “explore a comprehensive solution” after several weeks of cross-border fighting between the two countries that has killed hundreds of people. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Wednesday that after seven days of peace
Pakistan Says It Hit a Military Target. Investigations Suggest It Was a Rehab Center.
By Elian Peltier and Safiullah Padshah Reporting from Kabul, Afghanistan The New York Times April 7, 2026 Inside a dark cargo container on a recent drizzly morning in Kabul, two dozen people stared at pictures of hundreds of bodies scrolling by on a projector, hoping to catch sight of a missing relative. Brothers, wives or parents often asked
UNAMA Says Mines and Explosives Kill or Injure 50 People Monthly in Afghanistan
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press April 4, 2026 The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) says around 50 people are killed or injured every month in mine-related and explosive ordnance incidents across Afghanistan, warning that children continue to bear the brunt of the country’s long-running contamination crisis. In a statement issued for International Day
Deadly Earthquake and Floods Worsen Afghanistan’s Troubles
By Yaqoob Akbary Reporting from Kabul, Afghanistan The New York Times April 4, 2026 Floods have killed at least 77 people this week and destroyed or damaged thousands of homes, and an earthquake on Friday killed a dozen more. See more of our coverage in your search results.Add The New York Times on Google A
UNICEF Warns Education and Work Bans Threaten Future of Afghan Women and Girls
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press April 3, 2026 UNICEF has raised fresh concern over the legal and social condition of women and girls in Afghanistan, warning that restrictions on education and work are creating long-term harm that will be felt far beyond the current crisis. The agency says these policies are not only damaging
NRC Calls for Urgent Aid for Families Displaced by Pakistan Attacks in Eastern Afghanistan
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press April 3, 2026 The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) has called for urgent humanitarian aid for families displaced by recent fighting between Taliban forces and Pakistan in Afghanistan. The group said on Friday that thousands of families have been forced from their homes by the latest border violence. According to
Pakistan, Afghanistan hold talks in China to end months of conflict
By AFP and Reuters Al Jazeera Published On 2 Apr 2026 China has been trying to mediate a negotiated settlement to the conflict between the allies-turned-foes. Pakistan and Afghanistan have confirmed they are holding talks in China aimed at ending the worst conflict between the South Asian neighbours since the Afghan Taliban returned to power in 2021.
Clashes Reported in Afghanistan’s Khost, Paktia Border Areas With Pakistan
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press April 2, 2026 Fresh clashes have erupted along Afghanistan’s eastern border, with local sources reporting fighting between the Taliban and Pakistani forces in Khost and Paktia, while Taliban officials say recent Pakistani attacks have also caused civilian casualties in several provinces. Local sources said the first clash began around 7:00
Pakistan says a new round of peace talks with Afghanistan is underway in China
By MUNIR AHMED and E. EDUARDO CASTILLO Associated Press April 2, 2026 ISLAMABAD (AP) — Pakistan on Thursday confirmed it was holding peace talks with Afghanistan’s Taliban government in China, where Beijing is trying to broker a lasting ceasefire after weeks of fighting that have killed hundreds, disrupting trade and cross-border travel. The confirmation of the new round of
Pakistan Shelling in Kunar Kills 2 Children Amid Fresh Border Tensions
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press April 1, 2026 Two children were killed and six other children were wounded after Pakistani forces shelled the Sarkano district of Afghanistan’s eastern Kunar province, according to reports. The attack reportedly took place around 5 p.m. on Wednesday and struck civilian areas, including residential homes, deepening concerns over the growing
AP Exclusive: Pakistan and Afghan Taliban officials meet in China for ceasefire talks
By MUNIR AHMED, ELENA BECATOROS and ABDUL QAHAR AFGHAN Associated Press April 1, 2026 ISLAMABAD (AP) — Pakistan and Afghanistan held the first round of peace talks on Wednesday, with China mediating to broker a durable ceasefire after weeks of fighting, two Pakistani officials said. But even as the talks were held, Afghanistan accused Pakistan of firing mortars into
Torkham Border Reopens for Return of Afghan Migrants
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press March 31, 2026 The Torkham border crossing has reopened for the return of Afghan migrants from Pakistan, easing movement at one of the busiest and most politically sensitive crossings between the two countries. Local authorities in Nangarhar said the crossing reopened on Tuesday, allowing Afghan migrants to return from Pakistan.
UN Says Rights and Living Conditions in Afghanistan Are Worsening
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press March 31, 2026 A new United Nations report says living conditions in Afghanistan are deteriorating sharply, with women and girls bearing the brunt of deepening repression and poverty. The United Nations has said conditions in Afghanistan worsened significantly between August 2025 and January 2026, particularly for women and girls. The
Death toll in Afghanistan flooding increases to 28, authorities say
Associated Press March 30, 2026 KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — Afghan authorities said Monday that the death toll from severe weather that has struck swathes of the country over the past four days has increased to 28, with 49 people injured. Dozens of people have died from extreme weather in the country so far this year. Storms and heavy rainfall
Left in limbo, Afghans who served with U.S. forces fear Trump could send them back to the Taliban
By Jennifer Jett and Babak Dehghanpisheh NBC News March 29, 2026 On a former U.S. military base in Qatar, Afghans who supported the United States in its 20-year war against the Taliban have been left in limbo, living in windowless shipping containers far from the new lives they were once promised in the U.S. Now, the Trump administration is
Afghanistan, Pakistan Elders to Meet in Peshawar for Peace Talks
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press March 29, 2026 Pakistani media say a joint Afghanistan-Pakistan meeting will be held in Peshawar to promote dialogue, a ceasefire and de-escalation between the two sides. A joint peace assembly involving participants from Afghanistan and Pakistan is expected to be held on Tuesday, March 31, in Peshawar, according to Pakistani
UK approves resettlement for nearly 1,000 former Afghan special forces
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press March 28, 2026 Britain has approved resettlement for nearly 1,000 former Afghan special forces personnel after reviewing previously rejected immigration and protection cases. Britain has agreed to resettle 884 former Afghan special forces personnel after reviewing previously rejected immigration cases, offering fresh hope to members of elite units who fought
Pakistan says it will continue military operation against Militants in Afghanistan
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press March 27, 2026 Pakistan said on Thursday it would continue its military operation against the Kabul administration after a temporary Eid ceasefire expired. Pakistan said on Thursday it had resumed its “Ghazaab-ul-Haq” military operation against what it called militant hideouts in Afghanistan after a temporary Eid al-Fitr ceasefire expired, dimming
Torkham Border Crossing Reopen Temporarily, Officials Say
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press March 26, 2026 Local officials in Nangarhar have announced that the Torkham border crossing will reopen today exclusively for migrant travel. Quraishi Badloon, head of Taliban Information and Culture in Nangarhar, wrote on his social media platform on Wednesday evening, March 25, that the crossing will open from 9 a.m.
UNICEF Says Every Girl in Afghanistan Has the Right to Go to School
By Khaama Press March 26, 2026 A UNICEF representative in Afghanistan has said every girl in the country has the right to go to school, renewing calls for the reopening of classrooms to girls. Tajudeen Oyewale wrote on X on Thursday, March 26, that when girls are educated, communities grow stronger and the future becomes
Afghans hold second mass funeral for victims of an airstrike on Kabul
By Abdul Qahar Afghan | AP Washington Post March 26, 2026 KABUL, Afghanistan — Dozens of people were buried in a Kabul cemetery on Thursday in the second mass funeral of victims killed in an airstrike that hit a drug rehabilitation center in the Afghan capital earlier this month. Bulldozers opened a large pit into which individual graves were
Fighting resumes between Pakistan and Afghanistan after temporary ceasefire ends, killing 2
By ABDUL QAHAR AFGHAN Associated Press March 25, 2026 KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — Renewed fighting erupted along the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan on Wednesday after a temporary ceasefire expired, killing at least two civilians and wounding others in eastern Afghanistan, Afghan Taliban officials said. The brief truce had been announced by the two sides ahead
Pakistan Resumes Attacks On Afghanistan After Eid Pause; 2 Civilians Killed, Several Injured
Aveek Banerjee News18.com March 26, 2026 The latest attacks came after Pakistan and Afghanistan had announced a “temporary pause” in hostilities amid long-standing tensions between the two neighbours. Pakistan on Thursday resumed attacks against Afghanistan after a temporary pause, according to the Pakistani Foreign Ministry, dashing hopes of a ceasefire after a brief pause was
Religious Leaders Call for Extension of Pakistan-Afghanistan Ceasefire Until Eid al-Adha
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press March 25, 2026 Religious scholars from Pakistan and Afghanistan have jointly called on authorities in both countries to extend the temporary ceasefire, originally announced for Eid al-Fitr, until Eid al-Adha. On Tuesday, 24 March, 22 prominent clerics issued a statement emphasizing that their goal is to foster sustainable peace and
UN Calls for Independent Investigation into Kabul Hospital Airstrike
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press March 25, 2026 Richard Bennett, the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Afghanistan, has urged an independent, rapid, and transparent investigation into the recent airstrike on the “Omid” drug rehabilitation Hospital in eastern Kabul. He stressed that the investigation must respect international law and civilian protection standards while holding
Released American Dennis Coyle: ‘Not all evil, wicked people’ in Afghanistan
by Max Rego The Hill 03/25/26 American Dennis Coyle, who the Taliban released on Tuesday after more than a year in detention, said the people of Afghanistan are “not all evil.” “People live life daily on the streets, doing their best to make do. So, there are not all evil, wicked people there,” he reflected in an interview
Islamabad–Kabul Ceasefire on Brink as Pakistan Vows to Eliminate Terror Threat
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press March 24, 2026 Pakistan has reaffirmed its commitment to “eliminate terrorism” as a temporary ceasefire with authorities in Kabul nears its deadline, signaling a possible return to intensified conflict. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said Islamabad’s security approach remains unchanged despite the brief pause in hostilities. The ceasefire, agreed last
One in Three in Afghanistan Without Safe Water Despite Aid Efforts, UNICEF Says
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press March 24, 2026 UNICEF has warned that nearly one in three people in Afghanistan lack access to safe and sufficient drinking water, highlighting an ongoing humanitarian crisis. The agency said that in 2025, it managed to provide clean water access to around 2.1 million people, marking progress but still falling
Clashes Resume in Zabul Province as Pakistan–Afghanistan Ceasefire Ends
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press March 24, 2026 Clashes have resumed along the Pakistan–Afghanistan border in Zabul Province after the end of a four-day unilateral ceasefire by Pakistan, according to local sources. The fighting began late in the Shamulzai district after Pakistani border forces carried out artillery shelling on residential areas, prompting a response from
Afghanistan Frees American Detainee Amid Mounting U.S. Pressure
By Elian Peltier Reporting from Kabul, Afghanistan The New York Times March 24, 2026 Dennis Walter Coyle, a researcher from Colorado, had been held since last year by the Taliban government. Afghanistan’s Taliban-led government on Tuesday freed an American researcher, Dennis Walter Coyle, who had been held there for over a year, amid pressure from
Millions of Girls Still Denied Education in Afghanistan, Says UK Envoy
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press March 23, 2026 Richard Lindsay, the UK’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, expressed deep concern that millions of girls in Afghanistan remain denied access to education as the new year begins. On Monday, March 23, Lindsay wrote on X that barring women and girls from schooling harms the country’s future and
‘The UK is saying the same thing as the Taliban’: the women banned from studying in Britain
Diane Taylor The Guardian Mon 23 Mar 2026 The Home Office has blocked new study visas for applicants from Afghanistan, Sudan, Myanmar and Cameroon. It means many women will miss out on life-changing opportunities – as five female academics explain Shahira Sadat was thrilled. She had received an invitation to interview for the prestigious Chevening
Caught Between Two Conflicts, Afghans Flee Iran
By Elian Peltier Reporting from the Afghanistan-Iran border and Herat, Afghanistan. The New York Times March 23, 2026 Fatima Sajjadi crossed the Iran-Afghanistan border last week after a two-day journey, still coughing from the smoke of burning oil in Tehran. A 26-year-old Afghan graduate student in the southern Iranian city of Bushehr, Ms. Sajjadi initially resisted
Afghan Journalist Mahdi Ansari Released From Bagram Prison After 18 Months in Custody
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press March 20, 2026 The Afghanistan Journalists Center said Mahdi Ansari, a Kabul-based local journalist, has been released after spending one and a half years in Bagram prison, marking the end of a lengthy detention. In a statement issued on Friday, the media watchdog welcomed his release and said Ansari’s fundamental
Pakistani strike killed hundreds, Afghanistan says, as regional conflicts boil
By Shaiq Hussain and Haq Nawaz Khan The Washigton Post 19 March 2026 As attention focuses on Iran, the conflict between two of its neighbors is escalating. ISLAMABAD, Pakistan — A Pakistani airstrike on a crowded drug rehabilitation center in Kabul killed more than 400 people earlier this week, Afghanistan’s health ministry said, amid an escalating
Ex-Pak envoy says Kabul truce will not last without action on TTP
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press March 20, 2026 Former Pakistan special envoy for Afghanistan Asif Durrani has warned that the current ceasefire between the Taliban and Islamabad will not last unless concrete action is taken against Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan, or TTP. Writing on X on Thursday, Durrani said the pause in hostilities could turn into
Afghanistan Again Ranked World’s Unhappiest Country
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press March 20, 2026 Daily life around Afghanistan moves forward as U.S.Army Soldiers of the 2nd Battalion 19th Special Forces Group of the W.Va, Army National Guard conduct missions around the country in support of Operation Enduring Freedom XIII. Afghanistan has again been ranked the world’s unhappiest country, while Finland was
Pakistan Pauses Afghanistan Airstrikes After Outrage Over Civilian Deaths
By Elian PeltierSafiullah Padshah and Zia ur-Rehman Elian Peltier reported from Herat, Afghanistan, Safiullah Padshah from Kabul, Afghanistan, and Zia ur-Rehman from Islamabad, Pakistan. The New York Times March 18, 2026 At least 143 people were killed in a Pakistani airstrike that hit a drug rehabilitation facility in Kabul on Monday, according to a top U.N. official. Facing
As Pakistan and Afghanistan declare truce, civilians in Kabul count the cost of war
By Fazelminallah Qazizai National Public Radio March 19, 20268:11 AM ET A crowd gathers outside Kabul’s Omid Addiction Treatment Hospital, where the United Nations says an airstrike killed more than 100 people on Monday. KABUL, Afghanistan — On Monday night, residents living near the Omid Addiction Treatment Hospital in the Afghan capital heard a sharp
Afghan Officials Say Hundreds Dead in Pakistani Airstrike on Kabul
By Safiullah Padshah and Elian Peltier Safiullah Padshah reported from the site of the airstrike in Kabul, Afghanistan. Elian Peltier reported from Herat, Afghanistan. The New York Times March 17, 2026 The attack hit a drug rehabilitation facility, Afghanistan said, suggesting that its victims included civilians. Pakistan said it had targeted an ammunitions depot. At least 400 people
Afghanistan accuses Pakistan of targeting homes in airstrikes that kill at least 6 civilians
By ABDUL QAHAR AFGHAN and MUNIR AHMED Associated Press March 13, 2026 KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — Afghanistan’s Taliban government accused Pakistan’s military Friday of targeting homes in overnight airstrikes in Kabul and other areas of the country, saying at least six civilians were killed and more than a dozen injured, as fighting between the neighbors entered its
‘A few beatings won’t kill you’: judge rejects divorce request of woman abused by husband in Afghanistan
Zahra Joya, Tom Levitt and Ziba Balkhi from Rukhshana Media The Guardian Thu 12 Mar 2026 The shocking level of physical violence against women permitted under the Taliban’s new laws has been revealed this week by the case of a woman in northern Afghanistan, who said she was beaten with a cable wire by her husband and told
Afghanistan accuses Pakistan of air attacks on homes in Kabul, Kandahar
By Al Jazeera Staff, AFP and AP Published On 13 Mar 2026 Afghanistan’s Taliban government has accused Pakistan of targeting civilian homes in overnight air attacks, killing four people in the capital and two in the east, as fighting between the two neighbours entered its third week, overshadowed by the United States-Israel war on Iran igniting the Middle
Pakistan bombs airline fuel depot near Afghanistan’s Kandahar airport: Taliban
Reuters 13 March 2026 Afghanistan’s defence ministry said it carried out drone strikes in response to a Pakistani military base in the northern city of Kohat, causing heavy damage. Pakistan bombed the fuel depot of private airline Kam Air near Afghanistan’s Kandahar airport, the Taliban said on Friday, a significant escalation in the worst conflict
Afghanistan’s Taliban government rejects US allegation that it engages in ‘hostage diplomacy’
Associated Press 10 March 2026 KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — Afghanistan’s Taliban government on Tuesday rejected U.S. allegations that it detains foreigners to obtain leverage over other countries, saying Afghan authorities arrest people for violating laws not to make a deal. The U.S. State Department on Monday announced the designation of Afghanistan as a sponsor of wrongful detention,
40 Countries at UN Condemn Restrictions on Women in Afghanistan
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press March 11, 2026 Representatives of 40 countries at the United Nations Security Council issued a joint statement condemning the restrictive policies imposed on women and girls in Afghanistan. The statement was released on Wednesday to mark International Women’s Day, with the countries expressing solidarity with Afghan women and girls facing
UN Official Says Afghans Flee War in Iran Only to Face Another Crisis in Afghanistan
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press March 10, 2026 A United Nations official says thousands of Afghan migrants living in Iran are crossing the border back into Afghanistan every day due to ongoing attacks by the United States and Israel. The UN refugee agency warns that many Afghans are leaving Iran amid growing insecurity and fear caused
Taliban Official Threatens To Kill Americans With US-Supplied Weapons
Afghanistan International 10 March 2026 ATaliban official in northern Afghanistan has threatened to kill Americans using weapons seized from US forces, as tensions between Washington and the Taliban escalated following America’s designation of Afghanistan as a state sponsor of wrongful detention. Ataullah Zaid, spokesman for the Taliban governor of Balkh province, issued the threat on
Rubio designates Afghanistan as ‘state sponsor of wrongful detention’
By Max Rego The Hill 03/09/26 8:27 PM ET Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Monday designated Afghanistan as a “state sponsor of wrongful detention” and urged the ruling Taliban to release two U.S. citizens he said are “unjustly detained.” “Today, I am designating Afghanistan as a State Sponsor of Wrongful Detention. The Taliban continues to use
UN Women says 90% of female-headed households in Afghanistan lack sufficient food
By Fidel Rahmati KKhaama Press March 9, 2026 UN Women says 90% of households headed by women in Afghanistan do not have adequate access to food, highlighting severe levels of food insecurity among vulnerable families. The UN agency said Sunday, marking International Women’s Day, that women who lead households face some of the largest barriers
Afghanistan risks famine if pressure on traders continues, chamber of commerce says
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press March 9, 2026 Afghan traders have warned that rising regional tensions and trade disruptions could push the country toward a serious food shortage if the situation continues. Khan Jan Alokozay, a board member of the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment, said Taliban authorities are pressuring traders to sell essential
UN Expert Warns Women’s Rights Restrictions Could Trigger Health Crisis in Afghanistan
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press March 9, 2026 A UN human rights expert warns restrictions on women and girls in Afghanistan risk worsening the health crisis and causing preventable deaths. Richard Bennett, the UN Human Rights Council’s Special Rapporteur for Afghanistan, says policies restricting women are creating a serious health crisis in the country. Bennett
Afghanistan and Pakistan Military Clashes: UN Calls for Dialogue
Kanako Mita, Sawako Utsumi, and Lee Jay Walker Modern Tokyo Times March 9, 2026 Pakistan launched air strikes deep inside Afghanistan in late February, marking a serious escalation in already fragile bilateral relations. The operation appears to be a calculated military move by Islamabad, reflecting mounting security concerns along one of the most volatile frontiers
Ruchi Kumar National Public Radio March 9, 2026 Hokyoung Kim for NPR In this four-minute clip, a disembodied voice asks a child in a dimly lit room: “Are you a man or a woman now?” The child looks terrified – and like she’s trying to be brave. She says she’s 13 years old. But she’s
Taliban under fire for hosting designated terrorists in Kabul’s Diplomatic Hub
Express Tribune March 09, 20265 Recent reports emerging from Kabul indicate that the Afghan Taliban may be adopting a tactic reminiscent of those used during their 1990s insurgency: positioning themselves or allied militants in areas considered too sensitive for opponents to strike, according to the Associated Press of Pakistan. Security officials and regional analysts
Pakistan Praised Trump. Now It Risks Being Caught Up in His War.
By Elian Peltier Reporting from Islamabad, Pakistan The New York Times March 7, 2026 U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran have set off a crippling energy crisis and sparked deadly protests in one of the world’s most populous Muslim nations. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan stood beside President Trump last October in Egypt and effusively praised
Pakistan, Afghanistan claim killing dozens of other’s troops in relentless fighting
By MUNIR AHMED and ABDUL QAHAR AFGHAN Associated Press March 6, 2026, 9:01 AM Pakistani and Afghan officials say their forces have launched multiple strikes at each other in cross-border clashes, with each side claiming to have killed dozens more enemy troops in what has been the deadliest fighting yet between the two neighbors ISLAMABAD —
Clashes erupt again along Pakistan border in Afghanistan’s Paktia and Khost provinces
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press March 6, 2026 Heavy clashes broke out overnight along the Pakistan border in eastern Afghanistan, with local sources reporting intense fighting and heavy weapons fire. Local sources say fighting has resumed between fighters of the Taliban and forces of the Pakistan Army in eastern Afghanistan. According to the reports on
UN says 185 Afghan civilians killed or wounded in border clashes with Pakistan
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press March 6, 2026 The United Nations said Friday at least 185 Afghan civilians were killed or wounded during recent cross-border fighting between Taliban forces and Pakistan. The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said in a report released on Friday, March 6, that 185 civilian casualties were verified between
Pakistan and Afghanistan claim killing dozens of the other side’s troops in relentless fighting
By MUNIR AHMED and ABDUL QAHAR AFGHAN Associated Press March 6, 2026 ISLAMABAD (AP) — Pakistani and Afghan forces launched multiple strikes at each other in cross-border clashes on Friday, and each side claimed to have killed dozens more enemy troops in what has been the deadliest fighting yet between the two neighbors — a conflict that Islamabad has
UNFPA warns limited maternal healthcare access endangers women in rural Afghanistan
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press March 5, 2026 The United Nations Population Fund said access to healthcare services for women and pregnant mothers remains severely limited in remote villages of Afghanistan. In a report released on Wednesday, UNFPA said poor roads, long distances to hospitals and the absence of nearby health facilities often force pregnant
Turkey’s Erdogan offers to try to revive a truce as Pakistan-Afghan border clashes enter sixth day
By SUZAN FRASER and MUNIR AHMED Associated Press March 4, 2026 ISLAMABAD (AP) — Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday offered to mediate for a new ceasefire between Pakistan and Afghanistan as border clashes between Afghanistan and Pakistan entered their sixth day. Pakistan’s army chief said lasting peace depends on Kabul cutting ties with militants targeting his country. The conflict
Afghan allies, stranded at Qatar refugee camp, face ‘hell’ amid Iran war
Cybele Mayes-Osterman USA TODAY March 5, 2026 Missile sirens ring out every few hours. Young children scream in terror. Fire lights up the sky. For more than a thousand Afghan refugees trapped at a U.S.-run camp in Qatar, this is daily life since the United States and Israel started a war with Iran less than a week
Afghans Returning from Iran as Airstrikes Intensify
Naseer Ahmad Salehi Tolo News 4 March 2026 Some of those returning from Iran describe an atmosphere of fear and widespread panic caused by the war. As U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iranian cities intensify, the return of Afghans from Iran has increased. Some of those returning from Iran describe an atmosphere of fear and
OIC and UNAMA Discuss Afghanistan Ahead of UN Security Council Meeting
TOLOnews TV Network 4 March 2026 According to the statement, both sides reviewed cooperation between the OIC and the United Nations regarding Afghanistan. Afghanistan at the Center of Talks Between OIC and UNAMA Ahead of UN Security Council Meeting With only five days left before the UN Security Council meeting on Afghanistan, the Organization of
US to continue vetting Afghans admitted under refugee programs, Noem says
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press March 4, 2026 Kristi Noem, United States Secretary of Homeland Security, said the United States will continue conducting “rigorous reviews” of individuals who entered the country, particularly Afghan nationals admitted through refugee and humanitarian programs. Speaking at a recent hearing of the United States Senate Judiciary Committee, Noem said the objective
Pakistan once again strikes Afghanistan’s Paktia province, civilian homes reported hit
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press March 4, 2026 Cross-border strikes were reported overnight in Afghanistan’s eastern Paktia province, where Pakistani forces were accused of carrying out attacks in the Samkani district. Radio Television Afghanistan reported on Wednesday, March 4, that the strikes occurred late the previous night, citing local sources. According to the broadcaster, civilian
Pakistan not seeking regime change in Afghanistan, security official says
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press March 4, 2026 Bloomberg reported, citing an unnamed senior Pakistani security official, that Islamabad is not seeking regime change in Afghanistan and that its military operations are focused on militant groups. The official said in a statement sent to journalists on Tuesday, March 3, that Pakistan has “no rush” to
Nearly 66,000 Afghans displaced amid fierce fighting on Pakistan border: UN
By Al Jazeera Staff, AFP and Reuters 4 Mar 20264 Mar 2026 United Nations migration agency warns that escalating violence on Afghanistan-Pakistan border risks further displacement. The United Nations says nearly 66,000 people have been displaced in Afghanistan as heavy shelling and explosions marked a seventh day of fighting along the country’s border with Pakistan. The UN’s International Organization for
‘Now they only deport’: Afghans trapped in Pakistan arrested and sent back after ‘open war’ breaks out
Zahra Nader and Freshta Ghani for Zan Times The Guardian Tue 3 Mar 2026 02.00 EST Journalists and activists who fled Taliban rule are living in fear as Pakistani police hunt and deport refugees after escalating cross-border clashes At midnight on Saturday, Alma* stood at the check-in counter at Karachi airport in Pakistan with her husband and
Afghanistan ranks 181st out of 181 countries in global women’s index
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press March 3, 2026 Afghanistan ranked 181st out of 181 countries in the latest global Women, Peace and Security Index, underscoring worsening conditions for women nationwide. Denmark ranked first among 181 countries assessed in the Women, Peace and Security Index, while Afghanistan placed last, according to the latest report by the
Pakistan says its forces killed 67 Afghan troops in cross-border clashes. Kabul rejects the claim
By MUNIR AHMED and ABDUL QAHAR AFGHAN Associated Press March 3, 2026 ISLAMABAD (AP) — Afghan forces attacked Pakistani military positions along the border early on Tuesday, triggering intense clashes that left 67 Afghan troops and one Pakistani soldier dead, officials in Islamabad said as cross-border fighting between the two countries entered its fifth day. The Taliban defense ministry in Kabul,
WFP warns of deepening crisis in Afghanistan as insecurity flares on eastern, southern and western border
World Food Program 3 March 2026 This is a summary of what was said by John Aylieff, WFP Afghanistan Representative and Country Director (speaking from Bangkok via Zoom) – to whom quoted text may be attributed – at today’s press briefing at the Palais des Nations in Geneva. GENEVA – Afghanistan is seeing an escalation
Former U.S. Special Envoy Condemns Pakistan’s Attacks on Afghanistan
TOLOnews TV Network 2 Mer 2026 Khalilzad also stressed that the best way to resolve tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan is through dialogue and diplomacy. The former U.S. Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation has condemned Pakistan’s attacks on Afghan territory, describing Pakistan as “guilty” in this regard. Zalmay Khalilzad said in an interview that the
UN Security Council to Hold Meeting on Afghanistan Next Week
TOLOnews TV Network 2 Mar 2026 The council said that its members will also address the recent military tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan. The United Nations Security Council is scheduled to hold a meeting on Afghanistan next week. In a statement, the council said that in addition to discussing the situation in Afghanistan, its members
Afghanistan says it thwarted Pakistan airstrikes on Bagram airbase
Guardian staff and agencies Sun 1 Mar 2026 Sporadic clashes reported in several provinces in Afghanistan as both sides give conflicting death tolls Afghanistan has said it had thwarted Pakistan’s attempted airstrikes on Bagram airbase, the former US military base north of Kabul, as cross-border fighting between the two countries stretched into a fourth day. Months of
Hundreds of Afghan Migrants Arrested in Pakistan Amid Rising Tensions
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press March 2, 2026 Pakistani media outlets have reported that police have detained hundreds of Afghan migrants following escalating tensions and clashes with the Taliban. According to a report by Dawn, a local court in Peshawar on Sunday sent hundreds of Afghan nationals into judicial custody. The detainees had been arrested
Naeem Wardak Claims Fighters Crossed Durand Line Into Pakistan, Clashes Ongoing
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press March 2, 2026 Mohammad Naeem Wardak, the Taliban’s deputy minister for finance and administration at the foreign ministry, claimed that Taliban forces have crossed the Durand Line and are engaged in “intense fighting” inside Pakistani territory. He made the statement in a post on X. Wardak alleged that the clashes are
Four Pakistani Military Bases Seized in Cross-Border Clashes: Defense Ministry
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press March 1, 2026 Four Pakistani military bases were reportedly seized during heavy cross-border fighting, according to official claims released Sunday. Afghanistan’s Taliban defense ministry has claimed that its forces captured four Pakistani military bases following retaliatory attacks against Pakistani troops. The statement was issued Sunday by Taliban defense spokesperson Enayatullah
Blasts heard in Kabul as Pakistan-Afghanistan conflict continues
By Al Jazeera Staff and News Agencies Published On 1 Mar 2026 Kabul reports a thwarted strike on Bagram air base as international calls for a ceasefire go unheeded. Explosions have been heard in the Afghan capital, Kabul, with Taliban forces saying they opened fire at Pakistani aircraft, as the conflict stretched into its fourth consecutive day.
Afghanistan strikes Pakistan’s strategic Nur Khan military airbase
ANI (India) Kabul, Updated At : 12:21 AM Mar 03, 2026 The Nur Khan airbase in Rawalpindi’s Chakala also suffered significant damage in May last year following India’s coordinated strikes on key military installations in Pakistan as part of Operation Sindoor. Amid escalated cross-border tension between Afghanistan and Pakistan, the Ministry of National Defense of the Islamic
Pakistan, Afghanistan show no signs of stepping back as fighting enters fifth day
By Mohammad Yunus Yawar and Asif Shahzad Reuters March 2, 2026 Summary Fighting between Afghanistan and Pakistan enters fifth day Taliban claims to have destroyed Pakistani military assets Pakistan accuses Afghanistan of harbouring insurgents KABUL/ISLAMABAD, March 2 (Reuters) – Afghanistan and Pakistan said on Monday that their militaries had targeted each other’s posts across the border as
Afghanistan Says Pakistan Tried to Strike Prized Air Base
By Elian Peltier and Safiullah Padshah Elian Peltier reported from Islamabad, Pakistan, and Safiullah Padshah from Kabul, Afghanistan. The New York Times March 2, 2026 Afghan officials said they had thwarted a Pakistani airstrike on the former U.S. base, Bagram airfield, amid an intensifying campaign that has targeted dozens of military sites across the country. Afghan officials said
No Clear Endgame in the Conflict Between Afghanistan and Pakistan
By Elian Peltier Reporting from Islamabad, Pakistan The New York Times March 1, 2026 Once again, Afghanistan is fighting a mightier enemy. After Pakistan declared “open war” on the Taliban government on Friday, two armed forces with wide gaps in weaponry and tactics between them now face each other along a roughly 1,600-mile-long border. Pakistan has
Pakistan says it is in ‘open war’ with Afghanistan as nations exchange strikes
By Haq Nawaz Khan, Victoria Craw and Shaiq Hussain The Washington Post February 27, 2026 PESHAWAR, Pakistan — Pakistan’s defense minister said his country will have “open war” with Afghanistan, as the neighboring nations carried out strikes in each others’ capital cities after months of escalating tension. Khawaja Asif said that Pakistan had hoped for
Pakistan Strikes Afghanistan in ‘Open War’ Against Taliban Government
The airstrikes came hours after Afghan troops had attacked Pakistani border positions and follow months of worsening relations between the neighboring countries. By Elian PeltierSafiullah Padshah and Zia ur-Rehman Elian Peltier and Zia ur-Rehman reported from Islamabad, Pakistan, and Safiullah Padshah from Kabul, Afghanistan. The New York Times Published Feb. 28, 2026 Pakistan and Afghanistan engaged in
Afghanistan says it launches attacks against Pakistan
By Al Jazeera Staff, Reuters and The Associated Press 26 Feb 2026 Afghan military source tells Al Jazeera 13 border outposts were captured as Pakistan denies that any posts were seized. Afghanistan has launched attacks against Pakistan’s military positions along their border in response to Pakistani air strikes last week, Taliban authorities say, as Pakistan
A Hero the Taliban Didn’t Expect
By Elian Peltier and Yaqoob Akbary The New Tork Times Feb. 25, 2026 A triumph in indoor soccer has turned Alireza Ahmadi, 17, and other players from the Hazara minority, long marginalized in Afghanistan, into national heroes. After a lukewarm shower in the freezing winter of Kabul, Alireza Ahmadi combed his hair, tucked his white shirt into
Afghanistan’s new penal code sets 15 days in prison for wife-beating, 5 months for animal fights
Associated Press The Washington Post February 26, 2026 ATHENS, Greece — A new penal code issued by decree in Afghanistan sets harsher punishments for the mistreatment of animals than for domestic violence against women and solidifies into law inequality based on gender and social status. The decree, which was signed by Afghanistan’s Supreme Leader Hibatullah
Iran’s Envoy in Islamabad: Kabul-Islamabad Tensions Benefit No One
TOLOnews TV Network\ 25 Feb 2026 The Iranian ambassador in Islamabad also described regional cooperation and continued engagement with the Islamic Emirate as important. Iran’s ambassador in Islamabad expressed concern over the recent round of tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan and said that Tehran is working to de-escalate tensions between the two countries. Reza Amiri-Moqaddam,
Pakistan Exports to Afghanistan Fall 59% to $228 Million Amid Trade Suspension
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press February 25, 2026 Pakistan’s exports to Afghanistan plunged sharply in the first seven months of the current fiscal year, reflecting deepening trade disruptions and political tensions. Official data from the State Bank of Pakistan show exports to Afghanistan fell by more than half compared with the same period last year.
UN Expert Warns of Deepening Women’s Health Crisis in Afghanistan
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press February 25, 2026 UN Special Rapporteur Richard Bennett says current restrictions have drastically limited Afghan women’s access to healthcare, further weakening an already fragile system. Richard Bennett, the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Afghanistan, has warned that women and girls face severe restrictions in accessing healthcare since the
Fresh Clashes Erupt Between Pakistan Forces and Afghan Fighters in Khyber
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press February 25, 2026 Heavy fighting broke out Wednesday evening between Taliban forces and Pakistani border troops in Khyber, with both sides using heavy weapons. Security sources said clashes resumed on Wednesday night in the Khyber border region, with exchanges of heavy gunfire continuing at multiple points. The fighting reportedly spread
What’s behind the latest tension between Afghanistan and Pakistan?
By Reuters February 24, 2026 ISLAMABAD, Feb 24 (Reuters) – Tensions have heated up again between Islamabad and Kabul this week after Pakistan launched airstrikes on militant targets in Afghanistan. Pakistani security sources said the strike killed at least 70 terrorists, while the United Nations said at least 13 civilians were killed. The attack threatens a fragile ceasefire following border clashes
Nearly 2.9 Million Afghans Returned in 2025, UNHCR Reports
Hadia Ziaei Tolo News 24 Feb 2026 According to the organization’s statistics, nearly 2.9 million Afghans returned to the country during that year. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), in its latest report, stated that 2025 was marked by the large-scale return of Afghans from neighboring countries. According to the organization’s statistics, nearly
Millions in Afghanistan Face Hunger as Ramadan Begins, WFP Says
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press February 24, 2026 The World Food Programme (WFP) says millions of people in Afghanistan are beginning the holy month of Ramadan facing severe hunger and deep economic hardship. In a statement issued Tuesday, Febraury 24, the agency stressed that it is working with partners to help provide essential food supplies
They Fought for the C.I.A. in Afghanistan. In America, They’re Living in Fear.
By Matthieu Aikins and Wesley Morgan The New York Times Feb. 23, 2026 A shooting in Washington, D.C., threw their immigration status into jeopardy — and brought attention to a long-hidden dimension of America’s war. Portraying them as sources of crime and terrorism, Trump and his officials have blamed the Biden administration for bringing a total of nearly
At least 13 civilians killed in Pakistani airstrikes in Afghanistan, UN says
Arpan Rai The Independent Tuesday 24 February 2026 Taliban claim airstrikes by Pakistan’s military killed ‘innocent women and children’ At least 13 civilians were killed and seven others injured in Pakistani airstrikes in Afghanistan, the United Nations said amid an escalation in the armed conflict between the two neighbours. The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (Unama)
New Afghan, Pakistani border clashes follow deadly strikes
Al Jazeera By AFP and Reuters Published On 24 Feb 2026 Both sides accused the other of unprovoked fire near their fraught frontier. Afghan and Pakistani forces engaged in new clashes along their troubled border region, days after deadly air strikes on Afghanistan by Pakistan sent tensions soaring. The two countries gave competing accounts of the violence
Economic Hardship Deepens in Kabul During Ramadan
TOLOnews TV Network 21 FEBRUARY 2026 Meanwhile, the Ministry of Economy says the Islamic Emirate has plans to introduce programs aimed at reducing poverty and unemployment. Some residents of Kabul say poverty has made their daily lives difficult and are calling for humanitarian assistance during the holy month of Ramadan. Mirza Mohammad, 65, the head
The secret Afghan women’s book club defying the Taliban to read Orwell
Azada Raha Rukhshana Media The Guardian Thu 19 Feb 2026 Four young women sit together, waiting for the phone to ring. When the call finally comes, their friend’s voice is crackly and hard to make out, but they wait patiently for the signal to improve so they can start discussing their chosen book. Every Thursday,
Pakistan Claims TTP, ISIS Hideouts Targeted in Overnight Airstrike in Eastern Afghanistan; Reports Say Civilians Hit
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press February 22, 2026 Pakistan claims its overnight airstrike in eastern Afghanistan targeted TTP and ISIS hideouts, while local reports claims civilians, including women and children, were hit. Pakistan’s Information Ministry said overnight airstrikes targeted hideouts of Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Islamic State Khorasan in parts of Nangarhar and Paktika provinces.
Former Islamabad Envoy Warns Of Broader Pakistani Attacks In Afghanistan
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press February 22, 2026 Pakistan’s former envoy Asif Durrani warned that broader military attacks could follow if Kabul compels Islamabad to escalate operations. Asif Durrani, Pakistan’s former special representative for Afghanistan, said airstrikes targeting alleged hideouts of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan and Islamic State militants were a “clear and calculated message” to Afghanistan’s
Afghanistan promises ‘appropriate response’ after deadly Pakistani strikes
By Al Jazeera Staff AP and Reuters Published On 22 Feb 2026 At least 17 killed and six missing as Pakistan attacks a school and homes in an operation against the Pakistan Taliban’s camps and hideouts. Pakistan’s military early on Sunday carried out air raids in Afghanistan, targeting what it called “camps and hideouts” belonging
Pakistan launches deadly strikes on Afghanistan
Ottilie Mitchelland and Yama Bariz BBC Afghan Service 22 February 2026 Islamabad said the strikes were launched on Afghanistan following recent suicide bombings in Pakistan Pakistan has carried out multiple overnight air strikes on Afghanistan, which the Taliban has said killed at least 18 people, including women and children. Islamabad said the attacks targeted seven
Afghanistan’s UN Seat Dispute Deepens as Voting Rights Remain Suspended
Bibi Amina Hakimi TOLOnews’ Reporter 16 FEBRUARY 2026 For the past three years, Afghanistan has been deprived of its voting rights due to nonpayment of its annual membership fee, which amounts to $200,000. In the grand hall of the United Nations General Assembly, where representatives of 193 countries convene, each nation holds one vote, equal
Afghanistan faces catastrophic hunger crisis as aid cuts force the WFP to turn away 3 in 4 children
By ABDUL QAHAR AFGHAN and ELENA BECATOROS Associated Press February 18, 2026 KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — The toddler cries as an oxygen mask is fitted to his face, its green elastic band stretched across his sunken cheeks. When he was first hospitalized a month ago, the 2 ½-year-old was fighting for his life. Severely malnourished, Abu Bakar
Gul Hassan Hassan: Afghanistan-Russian Relations Expanding
TOLOnews TV Network 18 Feb 2026 The Afghan diplomat added that direct flights between the two countries have already been established and will expand further in the future. The Ambassador of the Islamic Emirate in Moscow Gul Hassan Hassan has emphasized that relations between Russia and Afghanistan are at a very good level. Speaking with
Afghan Returnees Struggle as Ramadan Begins
Hadia Ziaei Tolo News 18 Feb 2026 They express concerns about the lack of shelter and the financial means to prepare suhoor and iftar meals. A number of recently returned migrants at the Kabul migrants’ camp have criticized Pakistan for deporting them during the month of Ramadan and are calling for increased Ramadan assistance. On
Pakistan Defence Minister Warns of Possible Airstrikes in Afghanistan
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press February 18, 2026 Pakistan warned it may conduct airstrikes in Afghanistan if cross-border militant attacks continue, as regional security tensions sharply escalate following recent violence. Pakistan’s defence minister Khawaja Asif said Islamabad would not hesitate to launch air operations if militants continue using Afghanistan territory to attack Pakistan. He claimed
Flawless Asphalt, Empty Homes: A 300-Mile Drive Through Afghanistan
By Elian Peltiera The New York Times Feb. 18, 2026 Life and business are back along a road once defined by war damage. But even with improved security, Afghans are desperate for jobs and development. Highway 1 was once among the most dangerous, damaged arteries in Afghanistan. But on a recent 300-mile road trip between
Afghanistan, UN Hold 2026 Development Framework Coordination Meeting
Liluma Qadiry Tolo News 17 Feb 2026 Several representatives of the United Nations and aid organizations emphasized the continuation of cooperation and a focus on development projects. The Minister of Economy of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan stated at a coordination meeting on the 2026 Development Framework with the United Nations, the European Union, and
Pakistan, Russia Discuss Security Concerns in Afghanistan
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press- February 17, 2026 Pakistan and Russia held talks on regional security concerns, focusing on terrorism threats and diplomatic efforts addressing instability linked to Afghanistan. Mohammad Sadiq, Pakistan’s special envoy for Afghanistan, said on Tuesday that he met Albert Khorev to discuss militant groups operating in Afghanistan. Sadiq wrote on social
Mujahid: Three Pakistani Soldiers Freed at the Request of Saudi Arabia
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press February 17, 2026 Spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid announced three Pakistani soldiers were released following Saudi mediation. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said three Pakistani soldiers captured during earlier border clashes were released following a request from Saudi Arabia. He stated the release was carried out as part of the group’s policy of
Zabihullah Mujahid: Ready to Support Iran if US Launches Attack
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press February 16, 2026 Spokesman of the Islamic Emirate Zabiullah Mujahid speaks at a gathering on Mass Media in Afghanistan, September 6, 2022. Zabihullah Mujahid stated on Sunday that Afghanistan’s people would show sympathy and possible cooperation with Iran if requested, should the United States launch military action. Taliban spokesperson, Mujahid
Afghanistan Marks 37th Anniversary of Soviet Withdrawal
Bibi Amina Hakimi TOLOnews’ Reporter 15 Feb 2026 On this occasion, the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan held a gathering attended by senior officials. Today (Sunday, 26 Dalwa on the solar calendar) marks the day recorded in Afghanistan’s historical memory as the official end of the Soviet Union’s military presence — the day when the last
Defense Minister: Doors to Engagement with World Open Under Mutual Respect
Bibi Amina Hakimi TOLOnews’ Reporter 15 Feb 2026 Abdul Salam Hanafi, Administrative Deputy of the Prime Minister, also said at the event that all available means must be used to preserve the Islamic system. Mawlawi Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid, Minister of Defense of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, during the ceremony marking the 26th of Dalwa
British couple held by Taliban describe ‘culture shock’ returning to UK
BBC News February 14, 2026 ‘It’s a huge culture shock’ say British couple after release by Taliban A British couple detained by the Taliban in Afghanistan for seven-and-a-half months have described a “huge culture shock” after returning to the UK. Peter, 80, and his wife Barbie Reynolds, 76, said they were never told why they
British Couple Freed from Kabul Detention Describe Harsh Conditions
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press February 14, 2026 A British couple held in Bamyan, Afghanistan, for seven-and-a-half months returned home, describing severe detention conditions and experiencing a profound cultural shock. Peter, 80, and his wife Barbie Reynolds, 76, ran a charitable program in Afghanistan for nearly two decades. They were arrested on February 1,
Trump Slams Biden Over “Humiliating” Afghanistan Withdrawal
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press February 14, 2026 Trump criticizes US withdrawal from Afghanistan, calling it humiliating, pledging stronger military leadership and vowing similar exits will never happen again. Speaking to military families at Fort Bragg, Trump said the Biden administration handled the withdrawal from Afghanistan poorly, describing it as a damaging moment for America’s
The return of millions of Afghans from Pakistan and Iran pushes Afghanistan to the brink, UN warns
By ELENA BECATOROS and JAMEY KEATEN Associated Press February 13, 2026 GENEVA (AP) — The return of millions of Afghans from neighboring Pakistan and Iran is pushing Afghanistan to the brink, the U.N. refugee agency said on Friday, describing an unprecedented scale of returns. A total of 5.4 million people have returned to Afghanistan since October 2023, mostly from
His family fled Afghanistan facing threats for supporting US troops. Now he sits in ICE custody at risk of being sent back
Haley Britzky CNN February 13, 2026 Lal Mohammad Noorwali (far right) with brothers Bakhtullah (left) and Naqibullah (middle) at a Veteran’s Day celebration, November 11, 2021. The family arrived in the US in September 2021. When Said Noor, a US Army veteran, picked up a phone call on December 2, he immediately knew something was
Pakistan Defense Minister Signals Possible Military Action Before Ramadan
Bibi Amina Hakimi TOLOnews’ Reporter 12 Feb 2026 The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has not yet commented on the defense minister’s recent remarks. Amid heightened tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan in recent months, new remarks by Pakistan’s defense minister have once again cast a shadow over the region’s political and security landscape. Khawaja Asif, Pakistan’s
Security Council Renews Mandate of Afghanistan Sanctions Monitoring Team
TOLOnews TV Network 12 Feb 2026 The U.S. representative called on the Islamic Emirate to end what Washington described as a “hostage-taking” policy. On February 12, the United Nations Security Council voted to renew the mandate of the Monitoring Team supporting the 1988 Afghanistan Sanctions Committee for another 12 months. The United States, the penholder
U.S. Drafting New Afghanistan Policy, Official Says
Bibi Amina Hakimi TOLOnews’ Reporter 12 Feb 2026 Following the political changes of August 2021 and the return of the Islamic Emirate to power, U.S. policy toward Afghanistan entered a new phase. More than four years after Afghanistan’s political transformation, Washington is once again redefining its policy toward the country. The U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary
UK envoy says freedom of expression vital for Afghanistan’s future
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press February 12, 2026 UK Special Representative for Afghanistan Richard Lindsay said independent Afghan media play a crucial role in bringing citizens’ voices to the international community. Lindsay said on X that he met representatives of independent Afghan media to discuss their work and the importance of protecting freedom of expression.
U.S. begins paying Afghan refugees in Qatar to return home, veterans and advocates call move a betrayal
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press February 12, 2026 The U.S. State Department has started paying Afghans stranded in Qatar to return home, prompting warnings from veterans and advocates about betrayal. According to Reuters, more than 1,100 Afghans have been stranded at Camp As Sayliyah, a former U.S. Army base in Qatar, since early 2025 after
Fazlur Rehman Questions Pakistan’s Afghanistan Policy Amid Rising Tensions
Bibi Amina Hakimi TOLOnews’ Reporter 9 Feb 2026 He said it is strange that not even a single pomegranate can be imported from Afghanistan into Pakistan, yet claims are made that terrorists are coming from there. While tensions between Kabul and Islamabad continue, Maulana Fazlur Rehman, leader of Pakistan’s Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam, has questioned his government’s
Russian Envoy Says No Alternative of Islamic Emirate, Urges Cooperation
Hayatullah Rahimi Journalist & Digital Editor Tolo News 9 Feb 2026 Albert P. Khorev said that Russia and other countries in the region are concerned about the security situation in Afghanistan. The Russian Ambassador to Pakistan has expressed concern over recent tensions between Kabul and Islamabad, saying they are fueling instability in the region. Albert
Over 4 Million People of Afghanistan Will Need Shelter in 2026, UN Warns
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press February 9, 2026 The UN warns that 4.2 million people of Afghanistan will need shelter in 2026, amid natural disasters and increasing returnee pressures. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported on Sunday, Febraury 8 that 4.2 million people of Afghanistan will require shelter in 2026.
Pakistan to Deport Nearly 20,000 Afghan Refugees Awaiting U.S. Resettlement
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press February 9, 2026 Pakistan plans to return nearly 20,000 Afghan refugees awaiting relocation to the United States, sharing their information with authorities for immediate deportation. According to The Nation newspaper, Pakistan has decided to deport thousands of Afghan refugees who have been waiting for resettlement in the U.S. The federal
New Penal Code Introduces Prison Terms for Drug Use and Trafficking in Afghanistan
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press February 9, 2026 New penalties for drug use and trafficking have been introduced under a new penal code, imposing prison terms as drug consumption in Afghanistan shifts toward synthetic substances. Under the Taliban’s new penal code, individuals using narcotic substances can face up to six months in prison depending on
Afghanistan Halts Medicine Imports from Pakistan
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press February 9, 2026 Finance authorities announced medicine imports from Pakistan have been halted nationwide, urging traders to secure alternative supply routes to maintain domestic availability. A spokesperson for the Finance Ministry said the ban on Pakistani medicines has been enforced across all customs points, with officials confirming immediate nationwide implementation.
Pakistan says Afghanistan has created conditions ‘similar to or worse than’ pre-9/11 attacks
By MUNIR AHMED Associated Press February 9, 2026 Pakistan’s president warns that the Taliban’s government in Afghanistan has created conditions “similar to or worse than” those before the 9/11 attacks in 2001 ISLAMABAD — Pakistan’s president has warned that the Taliban’s government in Afghanistan has created conditions “similar to or worse than” those before the Sept.
Baradar: Afghanistan ‘Not Sweet Morsel for Enemies’
TOLOnews TV Network 8 Feb 2026 The senior official of the Islamic Emirate also assured the security and inviolability of Afghanistan’s territory in another part of his remarks. The Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, speaking at the graduation ceremony of the 17th round of the National Defense University “Abu Ubayda ibn al-Jarrah” in Kabul,
UNAMA Reports Killings, Arrests, Public Punishments in Afghanistan
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press February 8, 2026 A new UNAMA quarterly report covering October to December 2025 highlights ongoing human rights concerns across Afghanistan, including killings, detentions and civilian protection issues. UNAMA reports killings, arbitrary arrests, media restrictions and public punishments in Afghanistan during late 2025, raising concerns over human rights conditions nationwide. UNAMA’s
613 civilians killed and wounded in Pakistan’s attacks on Afghanistan
Sohrab Sarwari Pajhwok News 8 Feb 2026 KABUL (Pajhwok): The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has announced that during the past Gregorian year, 613 Afghan civilians were killed or wounded as a result of attacks by the Pakistani army. In a report released today (Sunday), UNAMA stated that in the past Gregorian year, 613
Islamic Emirate, China Discuss Expanding Political, Economic Cooperation
TOLOnews TV Network 6 Feb 2026 According to the statement, both sides also stressed the need to expand diplomatic relations between Kabul and Beijing. Gul Hassan Hassan, the ambassador of the Islamic Emirate in Moscow, met with Zhang Hanhui, the Chinese ambassador in Russia to discuss political and economic cooperation and emphasized joint efforts to
Uzbekistan Power Cut Again Hits Kabul and 12 Provinces of Afghanistan
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press February 6, 2026 Power outages spread across Kabul and 12 Afghanistan provinces after Uzbekistan’s imported electricity line failed due to technical problems and severe weather conditions. Afghanistan’s power company, Breshna, announced that electricity imported from Uzbekistan was cut again after a technical failure on the 220-kilovolt transmission line in the
Economy Ministry: Afghanistan Not Dependent on Foreign Aid
Hadia Ziaei Tolo News 5 Feb 2026 However, some economic experts believe that significant foundational work has been carried out in recent years compared to the past. The Ministry of Economy of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, responding to a report by The New York Times, says that national revenue and economic stability in the
Pakistani forces kill 177 Baloch militants in 48 hours, the highest toll in decades
By ABDUL SATTAR and MUNIR AHMED Associated Press February 2, 2026 QUETTA, Pakistan (AP) — Pakistani security forces killed about two dozen militants overnight in multiple raids in the insurgency-hit southwest bordering Afghanistan, raising the militant death toll to 177 in the past 48 hours, officials said Monday. The announcement follows a wave of coordinated insurgent attacks that
4th Doha Process Counter-Narcotics Meeting Held in Kabul
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press February 4, 2026 Officials and international representatives met in Kabul under the Doha Process to strengthen cooperation against narcotics production and trafficking across Afghanistan and the region. The fourth counter-narcotics working group meeting under the Doha Process was held Wednesday in Kabul with participation of Taliban officials, UN representatives, diplomats,
UN Warns ISIS in Iraq and Afghanistan Remains Global Security Threat
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press February 5, 2026 The United Nations has warned that Islamic State (ISIS) and its Khorasan branch in Afghanistan continue to pose a serious threat to regional and global security. Alexander Zuev, UN Assistant Secretary-General for Counter-Terrorism, told the Security Council that ISIS-K remains one of the most dangerous terror threats
Congress Nixes Visas for Afghan Partners, Closing Off a Key Path
By Megan Mineiro The New York Times Feb. 5, 2026 President Trump froze a program to allow Afghans who had worked with American troops to come to the United States. Now Congress has quietly scrapped the visas, leaving little hope of reviving them. Zia Ghafoori stood in the East Room of the White House in
In Afghanistan, a Trail of Hunger and Death Behind U.S. Aid Cuts
By Elian Peltier, Yaqoob Akbary and Safiullah Padshah The New York Times Feb. 5, 2026 Afghanistan has plunged deeper into a crisis marked by levels of child hunger unseen in 25 years and the closure of almost 450 health centers. The U.S. aid cuts in Afghanistan were as sudden as they were brutal. Even after the U.S. withdrawal
Pakistan says it has killed 145 ‘Indian-backed terrorists’ in Balochistan after deadly attacks
By ABDUL SATTAR and MUNIR AHMED Associated Press February 1, 2026 QUETTA, Pakistan (AP) — Pakistani police and military forces killed over a 100 “Indian-backed terrorists ” in counterterrorism operations across the restive southwestern province of Balochistan over the past 40 hours, government officials said on Sunday, a day after coordinated suicide and gun attacks killed 33 people, mostly
Mujahid: ‘Inclusive Government’ Failed to Bring Stability to Afghanistan
Bibi Amina Hakimi TOLOnews’ Reporter 1 Feb 2026 According to him, the new code is more comprehensive and practical than before, enabling judicial processes to be carried out with greater clarity. Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, told TOLOnews that over the past four decades the people of Afghanistan have experienced various
Higher Education Minister: Conditions Now in Place for Implementing Sharia
TOLOnews TV Network 1 Feb 2026 The senior official of the Islamic Emirate accused critics of the current laws of being unaware of Islamic law. The Minister of Higher Education of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, speaking in Paktia province, emphasized the role of religious scholars in reforming society, promoting Islamic values, and defending the
Drug Smuggling Persists Along Afghanistan–Tajikistan Border After Deadly Clash, Official Confirms
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press February 1, 2026 Officials say drug traffickers continue exploiting the long Afghanistan–Tajikistan border as clashes erupt, underscoring persistent regional challenges to counter narcotics smuggling efforts. Zabihullah Mujahid, a spokesperson for Kabul administration acknowledged that narcotics smuggling into Tajikistan continues despite ongoing counter-drug efforts along the shared border. Tajik border forces
Islamic Emirate Says It Is Coordinating With Tajikistan on Border Issues
TOLOnews TV Network 31 Jan 2026 The incident, according to authorities in Dushanbe, resulted in the deaths of three individuals. According to reports by Tajik media citing officials from the country’s security forces, an armed clash has occurred along the border between Tajikistan and Afghanistan. The incident, according to authorities in Dushanbe, resulted in the
Afghanistan’s Embassy in Japan Officially Ceases Operations
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press January 31, 2026 Afghanistan’s embassy in Japan has officially ceased operations, marking another diplomatic closure following political changes that disrupted overseas missions since the takeover. Shida Mohammad Abdali, Afghanistan’s ambassador to Japan, has announced that the operations of Afghanistan’s embassy in Tokyo have been officially suspended as of today, Saturday.
More than 120 dead after multiple suicide and gun attacks in Pakistan, officials say
The Guardian Associated Press Sat 31 Jan 2026 Military says ‘terrorists’ carried out attacks in Balochistan province in what analysts described it as the deadliest day for militants in decades Pakistan’s military said on Saturday that multiple suicide and gun attacks by “terrorists” across the restive south-western province of Balochistan killed 33 people, including civilians,
How the blockade between Afghanistan and Pakistan is affecting people on both sides
Betsy Joles Heard on All Things Considered National Public Radio January 30, 2026 Borders between Pakistan and Afghanistan have been closed since October, disrupting trade around the region. It’s part of a broader dispute over how to handle increasingly active militant groups. AILSA CHANG, HOST: In October, Pakistani and Afghan forces traded fire across their
Islamic Emirate Urges UN Neutrality in Afghanistan’s Internal Affairs
Bibi Amina Hakimi TOLOnews’ Reporter 31 Jan 2026 According to Mujahid, Afghanistan’s internal issues are solely the concern of its people. Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, has emphasized the need for the United Nations to maintain neutrality toward Afghanistan, stating that assessments of the country’s situation should be fair and free
UK Envoy Says a Peaceful Afghanistan Requires Respect for All Rights
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press January 31, 2026 Britain’s envoy for Afghanistan warned that new court rules threaten justice and peace by discriminating against women, ethnics and dissenting citizens. Richard Lindsay, the UK’s representative for Afghanistan, said a just and peaceful Afghanistan requires respect for the rights of all citizens. He said the Taliban’s newly
Qatar Reaffirms Key Role in UN-Led Efforts on Afghanistan
TOLOnews TV Network 30Jan 2026 The two sides discussed cooperation between the United Nations and Qatar, particularly in the humanitarian and development sectors related to Afghanistan. Qatar has once again reaffirmed its pivotal role in hosting dialogues and supporting international efforts to address the situation in Afghanistan. In this context, Mariam bint Ali bin Nasser
UN Chief Highlights Women’s Rights, Security and Inclusion in Afghanistan
Bibi Amina Hakimi TOLOnews’ Reporter 30 Jan 2026 António Guterres added that engagement with the Islamic Emirate in some areas has had positive effects. António Guterres, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, said at a press conference in New York that the organization is pursuing four objectives in Afghanistan. He said a fundamental condition for
Australia to Suspend Afghanistan Embassy Operations
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press January 30, 2026 Australia’s Foreign Ministry announced the Afghanistan embassy in Canberra will be suspended after June 30, 2026, following an agreement on an orderly and dignified transition process. The ministry and Afghanistan embassy issued a joint statement Friday saying the transition will occur without compromising either party’s principled positions on
US Senate Committee Approves Bill to Block Access to American Aid in Afghanistan
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press January 30, 2026 The US Senate Foreign Relations Committee has approved a bill aimed at cutting off Taliban access to US financial assistance to Afghanistan, according to a committee statement. Committee Chairman Jim Risch said the legislation was passed on Thursday and is designed to ensure that not a single
Missing in Kabul: The U.S. Citizen Witnesses Say Was Held by the Taliban
By Elian Peltier and Adam Goldman Them New York Times Jan. 28, 2026 Taliban officials deny holding a U.S.-Afghan citizen, who witnesses and U.S. officials say was detained by Afghanistan’s intelligence services in 2022. On a summer morning in 2022, Afghan men blindfolded a U.S.-Afghan citizen on a street of Kabul, the country’s capital, and drove him away
Russia and Islamic Emirate Deepen Defense Cooperation Talks
TOLOnews TV Network 29 Jan 2026 The report added that both sides agreed to establish structured and ongoing defense cooperation. Mohammad Qasim Farid, Deputy Minister for Strategy and Policy at the Ministry of Defense of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, held official talks in Russia with his Russian counterpart, discussing regional security, bilateral cooperation, and
SIGAR to End Mission in Afghanistan After 17 Years of Oversight
Liluma Qadiry Tolo News 29 Jan 2026 The Islamic Emirate stated that SIGAR was created during the U.S. presence to monitor American spending and had nothing to do with Afghans. The Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) has announced that it will formally end operations on January 31, 2026. With the conclusion of SIGAR’s
Over 14 Million People in Afghanistan to Need Health Services in 2026: UN Report
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press January 29, 2026 The UN predicts 14.4 million people in Afghanistan will require health services in 2026, highlighting the country’s ongoing humanitarian crisis. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has forecast that 14.4 million people in Afghanistan will need health services in 2026. According to a
Taliban birth control ban: women ‘broken’ by lethal pregnancies and untreated miscarriages
Sana Atef, Mahtab Safi and Mahsa Elham for Zan Times The Guardian Thu 29 Jan 2026 Women across Afghanistan describe the traumatic impact of disappearing clinics and contraception Parwana* no longer recognises her own children. Once known for her beauty in her village in Kandahar province, the 36-year-old sits on the floor of her mother’s
Uzbekistan Eyes Military Cooperation with Afghanistan
TOLOnews TV Network 28 Jan 2026 According to the report, this issue is highlighted in the draft presidential decree of Uzbekistan and aligns with the implementation of the 2030 strategy. Uzbek media outlets reported that Uzbekistan is seriously considering potential military-technical cooperation with Afghanistan as part of efforts to strengthen military-political dialogue in the region.
Amnesty Condemns Shutdown of Media Support Organizations in Afghanistan
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press January 28, 2026 Amnesty International says cancellation of independent media support organizations’ licenses is part of an ongoing campaign to suppress and eliminate press freedom in Afghanistan. The Taliban’s Information and Culture Ministry announced Monday it was revoking licenses of all media support organizations except three, claiming these groups were
Justice Ministry Warns Critics of Laws Will Face Prosecution in Afghanistan
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press January 28, 2026 The Ministry of Justice has warned that criticism of its legal code constitutes objection to Islamic law and critics will face prosecution in Afghanistan. The ministry stated Wednesday that its legislative documents are drafted using “the book of God and the Sunnah of the Prophet” in response
Tens of thousands flee northwest Pakistan over fears of military operation
By RIAZ KHAN Associated Press January 27, 2026 BARA, Pakistan (AP) — More than 70,000 people, mostly women and children, have fled a remote region in northwestern Pakistan bordering Afghanistan over uncertainty of a military operation against the Pakistani Taliban, residents and officials said Tuesday. Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Mohammad Asif has denied the claim by residents
Afghanistan’s Population Surges by 12% After Return of 4.8 Million Migrants
TOLOnews TV Network 27 Jan 2026 He also noted that 30% of returning families are female-headed, and more than half of the returnees are women and children. The UNHCR representative told TOLOnews that since December 2023, over 4.8 million Afghan migrants have returned to the country an influx that has increased Afghanistan’s population by 12%.
US–Kabul Talks on US Detainees Stall Amid Guantanamo Dispute, NYT Reports
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press January 27, 2026 Secret talks between the United States and Kabul over freeing American detainees have stalled after disputes over releasing a Guantanamo prisoner, the New York Times reported. Negotiations between US officials and the Taliban have reached an impasse after months of quiet discussions aimed at securing the release
Over 90% of 10-Year-Olds in Afghanistan Cannot Read, UNICEF Warns
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press January 27, 2026 UNICEF warns that more than 90 percent of 10-year-old children in Afghanistan cannot read a simple text, highlighting a deep educational crisis. UNICEF said on Tuesday, January 27, that Afghanistan’s education system is at a critical point, with widespread illiteracy undermining basic learning for children. The agency
Taliban bring varna system in Afghanistan, make mullahs untouchable
Sushim Mukul India Today. 27 Jan 2026 Afghanistan’s Taliban’s newly issued Criminal Procedure Code has triggered alarm among rights groups about dividing Afghan society into rigid classes, where religious elites (mullahs) will enjoy near-immunity from punishment for crimes. Critics say the Taliban have revived slavery-like legal categories and given legal sanctity to violence. The Taliban
American Dennis Coyle marks 1 year of detention in Afghanistan
By Olivia Gazis, Camilla Schick, Sami Yousafzai CBS News January 26, 2026 Monday marks one year since Dennis Coyle, a 64-year-old academic from Colorado, was taken by force from his Kabul apartment by the Taliban. His abduction came just six days after another American, Ryan Corbett, was released at the start of President Trump’s second term. Coyle, who spent
The Taliban Say They’re Ready to Release U.S. Prisoners. But Which Ones?
By Elian Peltier and Adam Goldman The New York Times Jan. 26, 2026 For months, U.S. and Afghan officials have secretly negotiated the release of U.S. detainees — a priority for President Trump and a nonnegotiable prerequisite for any further diplomatic engagement with the Taliban. Yet even as at least five U.S. prisoners have been freed from
Islamic Emirate Seeks Release of Mohammad Rahim for Two Americans
TOLOnews TV Network 26 Jan 2026 Mohammad Rahim has been held at Guantanamo Bay since 2008 and, according to reports, is the last Afghan prisoner in U.S. custody. The New York Times reported that the Islamic Emirate called for the release of the last Afghan detainee at Guantanamo Bay in exchange for the release of
Licenses of several media organizations revoked in Afghanistan
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press January 26, 2026 Ministry of Information and Culture said it has revoked the operating licenses of all journalist support organizations except three. In a statement released on Monday, January 26, the ministry said only three organizations were permitted to continue operating, without naming them. The ministry claimed the decision followed
Over 80% in Afghanistan Lack Access to Reliable Electricity: UNDP
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press January 26, 2026 The United Nations Development Programme says Afghanistan is facing a severe and persistent energy crisis, with most citizens still lacking access to reliable and sustainable electricity services. In a report published on Monday, January 26, UNDP stated that more than 80 percent of Afghanistan’s population does not
Aimal Wali Khan Criticizes Pakistan for Blocking Trade with Afghanistan
TOLOnews TV Network 25 Jan 2026 This comes amid repeated criticism from religious scholars and politicians over the government’s treatment of Afghanistan and tribal populations. Pakistani politicians are increasingly voicing criticism of the central government’s policies. Recently, Aimal Wali Khan, leader of the Awami National Party (ANP), accused the Pakistani government of using terrorism as
Petraeus: No Chance of Reconciliation Between Kabul and Washington
TOLOnews TV Network 25 Jan 2026 He also described the agreement with the current government as one of Washington’s weakest diplomatic deals. David Petraeus, former Director of the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and former commander of U.S. forces in Afghanistan, has recently stated that, under current circumstances, the prospect of reconciliation and constructive engagement
At Pakistan’s Afghan border, a trade shutdown empties markets
By Haq Nawaz Khan and Rick Noack The Washington Post January 25, 2026 PESHAWAR, Pakistan — In the sprawling fruit market in this northwestern Pakistani city, Imran has spent the past several months waiting for shipments that aren’t arriving. The crates of Afghan walnuts, apricots and pomegranates he once hauled through the stalls have disappeared, casualties
UN Deputy Chief Meets in Kabul to Discuss Humanitarian Aid and Doha Process
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press January 25, 2026 United Nations Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo visited Kabul to advance UN-led talks on humanitarian aid, counter-narcotics, and the Doha process framework. Rosemary DiCarlo, the United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, arrived in Kabul on Saturday to advance key UN-led consultations. The visit focused on the ongoing
Uzbek Power Supply Drop Leaves Kabul With Hours of Daily Outages
TOLOnews TV Network 24 Jan 2026 Citizens are calling on authorities to urgently resolve the issue. A technical issue with the 220-kilovolt electricity line imported from Uzbekistan has led to power shortages in Kabul, causing serious problems for residents. Citizens are calling on authorities to urgently resolve the issue. Abdul Rahman, a Kabul resident, said:
UNICEF, UNESCO warn of deep learning crisis in Afghanistan
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press January 24, 2026 UN agencies UNICEF and UNESCO warned on World Education Day that Afghanistan faces a severe learning crisis affecting millions of children nationwide. UNICEF and UNESCO said in a joint statement on Saturday, January 24, that 93% of children in Afghanistan cannot read adequately by the end
UN Deputy Chief and Muttaqi Hold Talks on the Doha Process in Kabul
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press January 24, 2026 Rosemary DiCarlo, the United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, held talks in Kabul on Saturday with Amir Khan Muttaqi on the Doha process. Rosemary DiCarlo, the United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, met Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi on Saturday during her
UN Women: Girls’ Education a Fundamental Right, Not a Privilege
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press January 24, 2026 UN Women stresses that education is a fundamental right for every girl and woman, urging immediate global action to ensure access and opportunity. UN Women has emphasized that education is not a privilege but a fundamental right for all women and girls, ensuring equal access and opportunities.
UN Deputy Chief and Muttaqi Hold Talks on the Doha Process in Kabul
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press January 24, 2026 Rosemary DiCarlo, the United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, held talks in Kabul on Saturday with Amir Khan Muttaqi on the Doha process. Rosemary DiCarlo, the United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, met Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi on Saturday during her
Heavy snow and rainfall kill 61, injure 110 over 3 days in Afghanistan, authorities say
By ABDUL QAHAR AFGHAN Associated Press January 24, 2026 KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — Heavy snow and rainfall over the past three days have killed more than 60 people and injured over 100 across Afghanistan, the country’s disaster management authority said Saturday, as authorities in the impoverished country struggled to open roads and gain access to
An Unlikely Source of Crypto Innovation: Afghanistan
By Aryn Baker The New York Times Jan. 24, 2026 The repressive Taliban government is suspicious of the internet. But a start-up in the country is building blockchain-based tools to transform humanitarian aid. At a bustling money changer in northwestern Syria, a 46-year-old farmer gripped a plastic card like a lifeline. She had never heard
Donald Trump walks back comments about UK soldiers in Afghanistan
The Guardian Saturday, January 24, 2026 After anger at claim that Nato troops ‘stayed off frontlines’, US president says UK forces were ‘great and very brave’ Donald Trump has said UK soldiers who fought in Afghanistan were “among the greatest of all warriors” after previously drawing criticism for his claims that Nato troops stayed away
Afghanistan Skips ECO Disaster Risk Meeting in Pakistan
Mitra Majeedy Journalist Tolo News 21 Jan 2026 Pakistan is hosting a regional gathering today and tomorrow, bringing together senior officials from ECO member countries ECO Meeting Focuses on Reducing Risks of Natural Disasters Pakistan is hosting a regional gathering today and tomorrow, bringing together senior officials from ECO member countries, as well as representatives
Ban on Medicine Imports From Pakistan to Take Effect in 20 Days
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press January 21, 2026 Authorities say medicine imports from Pakistan will be banned after February 9, triggering price spikes and concerns over drug supplies nationwide. The Taliban finance ministry said on Wednesday that a ban on importing medicines from Pakistan will take effect after February 9, ending customs clearance at all
221,000 Earthquake Survivors in Eastern Afghanistan Still Need Urgent Aid
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press January 21, 2026 The UN says 221,000 survivors of eastern Afghanistan’s recent earthquake remain in urgent need of humanitarian assistance amid funding and logistical challenges. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported on Wednesday that 221,000 people affected by the eastern Afghanistan earthquake still require immediate
Trump criticizes Afghanistan exit, says leaving Bagram was a mistake
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press January 21, 2026 US President Donald Trump renewed criticism of the Afghanistan withdrawal, calling it America’s weakest moment and blaming Biden for deadly Kabul airport chaos. Donald Trump said the withdrawal from Afghanistan represented the weakest point in US history, citing the killing of 13 American soldiers in the Kabul
UN Rapporteur Urges Recognition of Gender Apartheid in Afghanistan
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press January 21, 2026 UN special rapporteur Richard Bennett called for global backing to recognize gender apartheid in Afghanistan as a crime under international law. Richard Bennett, the UN Human Rights Council’s special rapporteur for Afghanistan, on Wednesday urged the international community to support formal recognition of gender apartheid in the
Deportations of Afghans from Iran Surge as Protests Subside
Nasir Ahmad Salehi TOLOnews Reporter 20 Jan 2026 According to them, between 1,000 to 2,000 individuals are returning daily through the Islam Qala border crossing.Local o fficials in Herat say that with the decline of protests in Iran, the deportation of Afghan migrants from the country has increased. According to them, between 1,000 to 2,000
Islamic State Claims Deadly Attack on Chinese Restaurant in Afghanistan
By Elian Peltier and Yaqoob Akbary Reporting from Kabul, Afghanistan The New York Times Jan. 21, 2026 A bombing claimed by the Islamic State wing in Afghanistan killed at least seven people and wounded more than a dozen in a Chinese restaurant in Kabul on Monday, officials said, in a sign of the group’s persistent threat despite
China Calls for Protection of Its Citizens Following Kabul Explosion
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press January 20, 2026 China urged authorities to protect its citizens in Afghanistan after a deadly explosion struck a Chinese-run hotel in central Kabul city. China’s foreign ministry said on Tuesday it had formally asked Taliban authorities to take serious measures to ensure the safety of all Chinese citizens, projects, and
The Unseen Drought: How Widespread Female Illiteracy Threatens Water Conservation
Numan Rahim Khaama Press January 20, 2026 Female illiteracy in Afghanistan undermines water conservation, leaving millions at risk as households struggle with scarcity, poor hygiene, and inefficient water use practices. While global water crises are often framed around infrastructure, climate, and technology, one of the most overlooked drivers is female illiteracy. Millions of Afghan women
‘Content to die’: Afghanistan’s hunger crisis worsened by winter, aid cuts
By Mohammad Yunus Yawar and Sayed Hassib Reuters January 20, 2026 KABUL, Jan 20 (Reuters) – In the dull glow of a single bulb lighting their tent on the outskirts of Kabul, Samiullah and his wife Bibi Rehana sit down to dry bread and tea, their only meal of the day, accompanied by their five children and
Islamic State group claims blast on Chinese restaurant in Kabul that killed 7
By ABDUL QAHAR AFGHAN Associated Press January 20, 2026 The Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for an explosion at a Chinese restaurant in Afghanistan’s capital that killed at least seven people, including a Chinese national, and wounded more than a dozen others KABUL, Afghanistan — The Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for an explosion at
Mujahid: Investigation Underway into Afghanistan-Tajikistan Border Clash
TOLOnews TV Network 19 Jan 2026 Tajikistan’s State Committee for National Security (SCNS) said the case is under criminal investigation. The spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, Zabihullah Mujahid, says investigations are ongoing into a clash that occurred between a group of individuals and Tajik border forces along the Afghanistan-Tajikistan border. According to Mujahid,
Is Islamic State behind Kabul explosion? Know about similar incidents in Afghanistan
Vaishali Shastri India Jan 19, 2026, A massive explosion rocked Afghanistan’s capital Kabul on Monday. Though authorities and police did not immediately reveal the cause of the explosion, they said that the investigation was underway. Islamic State – Khorasan Province (ISKP), IS affiliate, has taken responsibility for major bombings. ISKP, an Islamic State affiliated group
Blast kills seven people at hotel restaurant in Afghanistan’s capital Kabul
By Al Jazeera Staff and News Agencies Published On 19 Jan 2026 Explosion occurs in downtown Shahr-e-Naw neighbourhood, thought to be one of the most secure areas of Kabul. An explosion has torn through a Chinese-run restaurant in a hotel in a heavily guarded part of Afghanistan’s capital, killing a Chinese national and six Afghans and
U.S. Senate to Draft Bill Blocking Aid to Islamic Emirate
TOLOnews TV Network 19 January 2026 According to Risch, the meeting is scheduled for January 29, and the main focus will be ensuring that no U.S. financial aid goes to the Taliban. Republican Senator James Risch says the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Working Group is drafting a bill in its first session of 2026 to
UN report shows sharp decline in Afghan opium cultivation; warns of synthetic drug threat
Ariana News January 18, 2026 A new United Nations report reveals that opium poppy cultivation and opium production in Afghanistan fell significantly in 2025, continuing the steep contraction of Afghanistan’s traditional opiate economy — but shifts in drug markets and economic pressures pose new challenges for the country and the region. According to the Afghanistan
Deputy Minister of Borders: Islamic Emirate ‘Not Dependent on East or West’
TOLOnews TV Network 18 January 2026 Hamdullah Fitrat added that coercion and the division of people into parties and sects have now ended in the country. A public gathering titled “National Unity, Survival of the Islamic System, and Public Welfare” was held in Kabul by the Ministry of Borders and Tribal Affairs. During the event,
UN Warns 17.4 Million Afghans Could Face Severe Food Insecurity in 2026
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press January 18, 2026 The UN warns that 17.4 million Afghans, over one-third of the population, may face acute food insecurity in 2026 amid worsening crises. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has warned that approximately 17.4 million people in Afghanistan, over a third of the
Islamic Emirate Recalls 13 Diplomats from Germany, Plans New Appointments
TOLOnews TV Network 17 Jan 2026 The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has not yet issued an official response to these reports. German media outlets reported that the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has, since November 2024, recalled 13 diplomats who were sent to Germany before the political changes of 2021.
Shelter Crisis Deepens as Afghan Returnees Increase
Bibi Amina Hakimi TOLOnews’ Reporter 17 Jan 2026 Officials from the Islamic Emirate say efforts are underway to address this issue, with land distribution continuing in several provinces. With the growing number of Afghan refugees returning to the country, securing shelter has become a serious challenge for many of them. Officials from the Islamic Emirate
Pakistan Detains Over 130,000 Afghans in Five Months, UN Finds
TOLOnews TV Network 17 Jan 2026 Migrants residing in the country have also complained about how migrants are being treated. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), in a joint report with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), has reported the detention of over 130,000 Afghan migrants in less than the past five months.
A Refuge for Afghan Music Is at Risk of Falling Silent
By Elian Peltier Reporting from Peshawar, Pakistan The New York Times Jan. 17, 2026 Peshawar is a haven for Afghan artists who fled from the Taliban, which has banned music. A new policy of deportations by Pakistan threatens this community of exiles. The Pakistani city of Peshawar once offered refuge to generations of Afghans, including
Afghanistan Faces Triple Crisis of Drought, Mass Returns and Funding Shortfalls, UN Says
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press January 17, 2026 The United Nations said Afghanistan is facing a triple crisis driven by drought, returning migrants and funding shortfalls, worsening food insecurity and limiting access to health and basic services. Afghanistan is facing a convergence of three major crises, drought, mass migrant returns and shrinking global aid, that
UN Rights Envoy Urges Release of Detained Journalist and Female Sports Coach in Afghanistan
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press January 17, 2026 The UN human rights rapporteur for Afghanistan called for the immediate release of a journalist and a female sports coach detained by authorities. The United Nations special rapporteur on human rights in Afghanistan, Richard Bennett, has called for the immediate release of two women detained in separate
Putin Reaffirms Afghanistan’s Regional Role, Highlights Ties with Kabul
TOLOnews TV Network 16 Jan 2026 He made these remarks during a credential ceremony for ambassadors from 30 countries, including Afghanistan, at the Kremlin. As the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan expands its diplomatic engagement with the region, Russian President Vladimir Putin has once again emphasized Afghanistan’s role in regional dynamics in his latest remarks. Putin
Afghanistan’s Mineral Resources Seen as Key to Economic Self-Sufficiency
Liluma Qadiry Tolo News 16 Jan 2026 The Ministry of Mines and Petroleum also emphasizes that the process of extraction and utilization of mines is time-consuming. Afghanistan is among the countries with vast and diverse mineral resources; assets that can play a vital role in industrial growth, job creation, and achieving economic self-sufficiency. Officials at
UN Says Hunger in Afghanistan Forcing Families to Sell Girls Into Early Marriage
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press January 16, 2026 The United Nations warned that worsening hunger in Afghanistan is driving desperate coping measures, as unemployment, poverty and funding cuts deepen the humanitarian crisis. The head of the World Food Programme (WFP) in Afghanistan warned that worsening malnutrition is pushing families into desperate measures, including selling young
Over 5.2 Million Return to Afghanistan from Iran and Pakistan in 2025, Aid Groups Warn
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press January 16, 2026 More than 5.2 million people returned to Afghanistan from Iran and Pakistan in 2025, worsening humanitarian pressures, aid agencies said, urging increased international support. More than 5.2 million people returned to Afghanistan from Iran and Pakistan between January and November 2025, sharply worsening the country’s already fragile
Hunger Threatens Nearly 5 Million in Afghanistan
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press January 15, 2026 The International Committee of the Red Cross says 4.7 million people in Afghanistan are facing hunger, with assessments revealing the depth of the crisis. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said in a new report that 4.7 million people in Afghanistan are facing hunger, with recent
Afghanistan passport ranked weakest worldwide again
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press January 15, 2026 The Afghanistan passport has again been ranked the world’s weakest, allowing visa-free travel to only 24 destinations, according to Henley’s latest index. Afghanistan has once again been ranked as holding the world’s weakest passport, according to the latest assessment by Henley & Partners, extending a decade-long position
Trump plans to shut Afghan evacuee camp in Qatar, U.S. lawmaker says
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press January 15, 2026 A U.S. lawmaker said President Donald Trump plans to close a Qatar-based transit camp for Afghan evacuees, raising concerns about stalled resettlement efforts. U.S. Representative Gregory Meeks said President Donald Trump has informed Congress of plans to close Camp Al Sayliyah in Qatar, a temporary housing facility
Rift at top of the Taliban: BBC reveals clash of wills behind internet shutdown
BBC Afghan 15 January 2026 It was a piece of audio obtained by the BBC that revealed what worries the Taliban’s leader most. Not an external danger, but one from within Afghanistan, which the Taliban seized control of as the previous government collapsed and the US withdrew in 2021. He warned of “insiders in the
Russia Rejects Direct Talks with US Over Afghanistan
TOLOnews TV Network 14 January 2026 Kabulov cited the U.S.’s hostile approach and imposition of sanctions on Afghanistan as the reason for this stance. The special envoy of the Russian President for Afghanistan has said that Moscow and Washington have not had any direct contact or dialogue regarding Afghanistan so far. Zamir Kabulov told the
Afghan Families Return from Tajikistan Amid Regional Migrant Influx
TOLOnews TV Network 14 January 2026 The Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation says that over the past nine months, 108 Afghan families have returned to the country from Tajikistan. Amid the large-scale return of Afghan migrants from Iran and Pakistan, a number of Afghan migrants have also returned to Afghanistan from Tajikistan. The Ministry of
Over 492,000 Afghans Returned via Spin Boldak from Pakistan in 2025
TOLOnews TV Network 13 JANUARY 2026 According to them, the returnees received initial aid, and land has also been allocated to eligible families for shelter. Officials at the Kandahar Directorate of Refugees and Repatriation say that during the past year (2025), a total of 492,028 individuals, including 32,829 prisoners, returned to Afghanistan via Spin Boldak.
Pakistan allows over 6,000 stranded Karachi port containers to be exported to Afghanistan
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press January 14, 2026 Pakistan has allowed over 6,000 Afghan trade containers stranded at Karachi port to be exported, easing financial burdens on traders amid ongoing border closures. Pakistani authorities have approved the export of more than 6,000 transit containers belonging to Afghan traders from the port of Karachi, according to
UNICEF Seeks $950 Million To Support 12 Million People In Afghanistan
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press January 14, 2026 UNICEF said it needs $950 million to support 12 million people in Afghanistan, including 6.5 million children, amid worsening humanitarian conditions. UNICEF said it urgently needs $950 million to meet the basic humanitarian needs of 12 million people in Afghanistan, including 6.5 million children, warning the funding
Hawley expects ‘Trojan Horse’ hearing to reveal dozens of terror-linked Afghan parolees in US
By Leo Briceno Fox News January 14, 2026 Senate hearing Wednesday will examine vetting failures after November terrorist attack by Afghan national in DC Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., said a Senate hearing Wednesday will expose how the Biden administration’s Afghan refugee program allowed scores of individuals with alleged terrorist ties to enter the United States —
Afghan Women Face Hardship Amid Forced Returns from Pakistan, Iran
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press January 13, 2026 Thousands of Afghan women and families returned from Pakistan and Iran struggle with poverty, lack of shelter, and growing human rights concerns. Afghanistan is witnessing a growing humanitarian crisis as thousands of women and families are forcibly deported from neighboring countries, particularly Pakistan and Iran. Returnees report
In a rare interview, the Taliban’s chief spokesman exposes the gap between narrative and reality
By South Asia bureau chief Meghna Bali in Kabul Australian Broadcast Company/ABC Sunday 11 January 2026 ABC granted rare interview with the senior Taliban figure. (ABC) Zabihullah Mujahid, the Taliban’s chief spokesman, is rarely seen sitting across from a woman, let alone agreeing to a long, unscripted interview. But on a recent cold morning in Afghanistan’s capital, Kabul,
Afghanistan reiterates it will not allow foreign military presence
Source: Xinhua January 13, 2026 KABUL, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) — Afghan government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said on Monday in an interview that Afghanistan does not accept any form of foreign military presence and will never hand over Bagram Air Base to the United States. U.S. President Donald Trump had threatened last year to reoccupy Bagram
One in Four Afghan Returnees Lacks Shelter: IOM
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press January 11, 2026 Around 2.4 million Afghan migrants returning from neighboring countries struggle with unemployment, inadequate shelter, and limited access to essential services, IOM says. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported that only 11 percent of returning Afghan migrants have jobs, leaving the majority without income. The organization stated
After fleeing the Taliban, they felt safe in America. A shooting in D.C. changed everything.
Robert Samuels The Washington Post January 11, 2026 MANHATTAN, Kan. — Inside a small beige room in a modest beige house, three Afghan refugees gathered around a long table where a lifelong Kansan had prepared for them a lesson about the Constitution. “When the U.S. fought for freedom, they needed to create new rules,” she
‘I can’t walk anymore’: Afghans freeze to death on route to Iran
Agence France-Presse 5 Jan 2026 Ghunjan (Afghanistan) (AFP) – Habibullah set off from his home in western Afghanistan determined to find work in Iran, only for the 15-year-old to freeze to death while walking across the mountainous frontier. “He was forced to go, to bring food for the family,” his mother, Mah Jan, told AFP at
Pakistan–Afghanistan Trade Falls 53% as Border Closures Persist
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press January 9, 2026 Trade between Pakistan and Afghanistan has dropped 53 percent amid prolonged border closures, with exporters suffering heavy losses, Pakistani officials and media reports say. Trade between Pakistan and Afghanistan has dropped by 53 percent, largely due to prolonged border closures, Pakistan’s The Nation newspaper reported, citing official
AfghanEvac Says U.S. Offering Cash to Afghan Refugees to Return to Afghanistan
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press January 9, 2026 AfghanEvac says the U.S. government is offering cash to Afghan refugees to abandon resettlement, warning many face serious threats if they return home. Shawn VanDiver, head of the Afghan refugee advocacy group AfghanEvac, said reports indicate the U.S. government is offering cash to Afghan refugees at the
MSF Warns Afghan Refugee Expulsions from Pakistan Spark Winter Humanitarian Crisis
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press January 8, 2026 Doctors Without Borders warns that mass Afghan refugee expulsions from Pakistan are creating a severe winter humanitarian crisis, putting children, women, and families at risk. Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has warned that the large-scale expulsion of Afghan refugees from Pakistan is creating a serious humanitarian crisis, particularly
EU to Hold Special Meeting on Afghanistan’s Worsening Water Crisis
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press January 8, 2026 The European Union will hold a special meeting this month to assess Afghanistan’s deepening water crisis and explore practical solutions to growing shortages. The European Union delegation in Afghanistan announced that it will hold a special meeting on January 21 to examine the country’s worsening
UK MP Says Turning Back on Women in Afghanistan Betrays Women Worldwide
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press January 7, 2026 A UK MP warned that turning back on women in Afghanistan would betray women and undermine women’s rights globally. Alice McDonald, a member of the UK Parliament, said in a statement that the government cannot turn its back on the crisis in Afghanistan. She emphasized that failing
Pakistan warns that Afghanistan is becoming ‘hub for terrorists’ and poses regional threat
By MUNIR AHMED Associated Press January 6, 2026 Pakistan’s military is warning that Afghanistan is becoming a “hub for terrorists.” ISLAMABAD — ISLAMABAD (AP) — Pakistan ’s military on Tuesday warned that Afghanistan is becoming a “hub for terrorists and non-state actors,” widening its allegations to assert that its Taliban government is patronizing al-Qaida, the Islamic State group and the Pakistani
3 Killed, 6 Injured in Takhar Protests Over Unregulated Gold Mining
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press January 6, 2026 Three people were killed and six injured during protests in Chah Ab, Takhar, as residents demonstrated against unregulated gold mining and environmental destruction. Residents of Chah Ab district in Takhar province clashed with local forces during protests over unregulated gold mining and water resource damage, sources said.
Pakistan and China call for ‘visible and verifiable’ steps against Afghan-based terror groups
By MUNIR AHMED Associated Press January 5, 2026 ISLAMABAD (AP) — Pakistan and China called for more “visible and verifiable” steps to eliminate terrorist organizations based in Afghanistan and to prevent Afghan territory from being used for militancy against any country, according to a joint statement. The statement issued Monday followed talks between Pakistan’s Foreign
Taliban spokesman accuses Pakistan of seeking to destabilise Afghanistan
by Bais Hayat AMU TV January 2, 2026 Taliban chief spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid has accused Pakistan of seeking to destabilise Afghanistan in coordination with major powers, including the United States, as relations between the two sides remain strained despite multiple rounds of talks. Mujahid said some elements within Pakistan’s military were acting at the behest of
Pakistan deports more than 2,000 migrants in a day
by Habib Mohammadi AMU TV January 2, 2026 Returning migrants from Pakistan. Archive photo. Pakistan deported more than 2,000 Afghan migrants on Thursday, Jan. 1, the Taliban’s commission for refugee said, as Islamabad presses ahead with a campaign to expel immigrants without valid documents. The commission said the returnees crossed into Afghanistan via the Torkham, Spin
Afghanistan economy remains unstable in 2025
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press January 2, 2026 Afghanistan’s economy remained fragile in 2025, with soaring unemployment, widespread poverty, disrupted trade, and declining incomes deepening hardship for millions of households nationwide. Afghanistan’s economy remained deeply fragile throughout 2025, with the United Nations reporting unemployment at 75 percent and more than 90 percent of the population
Afghanistan Faces Severe Gender Restrictions as Women Denied Education and Employment in 2025
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press January 2, 2026 In 2025, Afghanistan women and girls faced widespread exclusion from education and work, worsening poverty, limiting economic growth, and threatening long-term social development. Recent reports by the United Nations and international organisations show that in 2025, women and girls in Afghanistan continued to face sweeping restrictions on
Flash flooding in Afghanistan leaves at least 17 dead and around 1,800 families affected
Associated Press Thursday 01 January 2026 Another 11 people have been injured as the flooding swept across several regions of the country since Monday. Devastating flash floods have claimed the lives of at least 17 people in Afghanistan, following the season’s first heavy rain and snow which brought an end to a prolonged dry spell. Among the victims
3 Years After a Toddler’s Parents Fled Kabul, a Reunion Is Still on Hold
By Anna Griffin Reporting from Beaverton, Ore. The New York Times Dec. 31, 2025 The twisting saga that separated the Hashemis in Oregon from their infant son has reached a new dead end: President Trump’s hold on all visas to the United States. Husna Hashemi keeps photos on her phone from the day more than
Over 10,000 Afghanistan and Pakistan Traders’ Shipments Stalled at Karachi Port
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press December 30, 2025 More than 10,000 Afghanistan and Pakistan traders face mounting losses as transit shipments and containers remain stuck at Karachi port due to border closures. The Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry has warned that over 10,000 Afghan and Pakistani traders are facing severe losses as their transit
UN Requests $1.71 Billion for Afghanistan Humanitarian Aid in 2026
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press December 31, 2025 The United Nations has requested $1.71 billion for 2026 to support humanitarian programs in Afghanistan, citing widespread poverty, unemployment, and urgent relief needs. The United Nations has requested $1.71 billion in funding for humanitarian programs in Afghanistan for 2026, warning that the country remains one of
Pakistan-Afghanistan Fued Freezes $3 Billion in Annual Bilateral Trade
By RFE/RL staff Dec 30, 2025, 2:00 PM CST The border closure, triggered by cross-border clashes and accusations of sheltering the TTP rebel group, has trapped approximately 8,000 truckers and halted bilateral trade, which previously amounted to $2 billion to $3 billion annually. The trade halt is inflicting severe economic damage, causing irreparable losses to traders,
U.S. Allocates $2 Billion to UN, Afghanistan Excluded from Aid
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press December 30, 2025 The United States announced $2 billion in humanitarian aid for the United Nations, but Afghanistan will not be included due to political interference concerns. The United States has announced $2 billion in humanitarian aid for the United Nations, though Afghanistan and Yemen will not be included in
Afghanistan to remain major crisis in 2026, UN, partners warn
Humanitarian resources to support women and their children are diminishing in Afghanistan. United Nations press office December 30, 2025 025 © UNICEF/Mark Naftalin Afghanistan is expected to remain one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises in 2026, UN agencies and humanitarian partners warned on Tuesday, launching a $1.7 billion appeal to assist nearly 18 million
‘That video saved our lives’: how women are defying the Taliban’s brutal crackdown on protest
Zahra Nader and Sayed Abdali for Zan Times The Guardian Monday 29 December 2025 The activist Zarmina Paryani speaks from exile in Germany about how Afghanistan has tried to silence the voices of women and girls since the 2021 takeover It was nearly dark on 19 January 2022 when the knocking began. At first soft,
UN Reports Northern Afghanistan Farmers Struggle to Replace Opium Income
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press December 29, 2025 A United Nations report on Monday, December 29, revealed that farmers in northern Afghanistan are struggling to replace income lost from opium cultivation, highlighting urgent economic and livelihood challenges. A new United Nations report reveals that opium farmers in northern Afghanistan are struggling to replace lost income
Afghanistan Ranked Among Six Most Insecure Countries Globally Amid Rising Poverty, Migration, and Humanitarian Crisis
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press December 28, 2025 Afghanistan is ranked among the world’s most insecure countries, with political instability, economic hardship, humanitarian crises, and restricted opportunities for women driving widespread migration and insecurity. An international research institute has named Afghanistan as one of the six most insecure countries in the world. Following Afghanistan, Yemen,
UNICEF Warns Funding Cuts Could Push Six Million Children Out of School by 2026
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press December 28, 2025 UNICEF warned that continued cuts to global education funding could deny schooling and essential services to six million children worldwide by 2026. The UN children’s agency UNICEF has warned that continued cuts to global education funding could force up to six million children out of school by
Millions of Afghans face hunger as aid cuts deepen a humanitarian crisis
By ABDUL KAHAR AFGHAN Associated Press December 27, 2025 KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — For 10 hours a day, Rahimullah sells socks from his cart in eastern Kabul, earning about $4.5 to $6 per day. It’s a pittance, but it’s all he has to feed his family of five. Rahimullah, who like many Afghans goes by
Republicans Who Backed Afghan Visas Are Mum as Trump Halts Them
By Megan Mineiro and Adam Sella Reporting from the Capitol The New York Times Dec. 25, 2025 Back in 2021, as Kabul fell to the Taliban following the chaotic U.S. military withdrawal from Afghanistan, Republicans in Congress were among the loudest voices in Washington arguing that the United States had to throw open its doors to those
‘International community has lost interest’: Afghanistan’s first female vice-president sees history repeating
Ben Doherty The Guardian 25 Dec 2025 Sima Samar has spent a lifetime working for the ideals of a country that no longer exists, but even in exile she dreams of rebuilding for a second time The peace of the graveyard has descended upon Afghanistan. “Afghanistan might seem safe now, there are not a lot of
Bloomberg: Afghans in U.S. Summoned to Present Documents During Holidays
Bibi Amina Hakimi TOLOnews’ Reporter 26 Dec 205 According to the report, this move has drawn sharp criticism from immigrant rights organizations. Bloomberg reported that the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has summoned Afghan migrants residing in the United States to present their documents during the official Christmas and New Year holidays. According to
Afghanistan embassy in Japan to suspend operations from January 2026
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press December 26, 2025 Afghanistan’s embassy in Japan said it will suspend all operations from January 31, 2026, following consultations with Japanese authorities amid ongoing diplomatic uncertainty. The Afghanistan embassy in Japan has announced it will suspend operations after the end of January next year, marking another diplomatic closure following
Severe Drinking Water Shortage in Kabul’s District 7 Raises Public Alarm
Khaama Press December 24, 2025 Some of them say they have been struggling with a water crisis for months, a problem that has severely affected their daily lives. In District 7 of Kabul city, the shortage of drinking water has become one of the most serious daily challenges for residents. Some of them say they
Taliban minister says Afghanistan relied on Pakistan for 70% of medicines
by Milad Sayar AMU TV News December 23, 2025 Taliban public health minister Noor Jalal Jalali. Archive photo. Noor Jalal Jalali, the Taliban health minister, said on Tuesday that the country is seeking to reduce its reliance on medicines imported from Pakistan, which he said previously supplied up to 70% of Afghanistan’s pharmaceutical market. Jalali, speaking
Mujahid: Intelligence Shared by Afghanistan Led to ISIS Arrests in Pakistan
TOLOnews TV Network 24 Dec 2025 According to Mujahid, the Islamic Emirate not only raised these concerns in meetings but also called for the destruction of these hideouts. After Mohammad Goran, an ISIS-K member, was arrested by Turkish intelligence, Zabihullah Mujahid, the spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, stated that the arrest of ISIS
Kabul Governor Denies Internal Divisions in Islamic Emirate
TOLOnews TV Network 23 Dec 2025 Speaking at a community gathering in Kabul, Obaid stressed the importance of unity and maintaining the current system. The Governor of Kabul, Aminullah Obaid, has emphasized that there are no internal disagreements among Islamic Emirate officials and urged the public not to believe rumors suggesting otherwise. Speaking at a
U.S. Afghan Allies Fear Deportation Amid Immigration Freeze, Afghan Pilot Voices Concern
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press December 24, 2025 Afghan refugees evacuated for aiding U.S. forces face detention or deportation under strict immigration policies, leaving thousands uncertain about their safety and future. Afghan allies who assisted U.S. forces in Afghanistan now fear deportation as Trump-era immigration policies halt visas, Green Cards, and Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs),
Afghan Refugees in U.S. Face Christmas ICE Reporting Orders, Raising Legal and Humanitarian Concerns
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press December 24, 2025 Afghan refugees in the United States have received ICE notices to report on Christmas Day, sparking concerns over legal access, stress, and enforcement during the holidays. Afghan refugees in the United States have been asked to report to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) offices on Christmas
Pakistani Clerics Say Banning Girls’ Education Has No Religious Justification
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press December 23, 2025 Pakistani religious scholars declared that banning girls’ education in Afghanistan has no religious basis, urging the Kabul administration to immediately reopen schools for female students. A group of Pakistani religious scholars under the “Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam” umbrella criticized the Kabul administration on Monday for denying girls access to
Red Cross Says Nearly Half of Afghanistan’s Population Is Needing Aid in 2025
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press December 22, 2025 Nearly half of Afghanistan’s population will need humanitarian assistance in 2025, the Red Cross said, warning that conflict, poverty, climate shocks and mass returns are worsening conditions. Afghanistan remains gripped by one of the world’s gravest humanitarian crises, with nearly half of its population expected to depend
Pakistani Opposition Parties Urge Improved Ties with Afghanistan
TOLOnews TV Network 22 Dec 2025 The Pakistan Awami Workers Party, during the meeting, called for the reopening of trade routes and the resumption of commerce with Afghanistan. A two-day meeting of opposition parties in Pakistan and several political figures was held in Islamabad from December 20 to 21. In a 13-point resolution issued at
Japan Backs Doha Process as Key Path for Afghanistan’s Global Reintegration
TOLOnews TV Network 22 Dec 2025 In remarks to TOLOnews, the Japanese diplomat emphasized that Japan supports the Doha process and actively participates in it. The Japanese ambassador in Kabul stated the Doha process is effective in addressing Afghanistan’s issues due to its inclusivity. In remarks to TOLOnews, the Japanese diplomat emphasized that Japan supports
Economic Crisis in Iran Forces Thousands of Afghans to Return Home
TOLOnews TV Network 22 Dec 25 Others who were residing in Iran illegally reported being detained and deported. The worsening economic crisis in Iran has led to a rise in the number of Afghan migrants leaving the country. In recent months, thousands of Afghan migrants have departed Iran, citing rising prices and the devaluation of
Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar Urges World to Expand Economic Ties Instead of Sanctions
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press December 20, 2025 Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar urged the world to expand economic ties instead of imposing sanctions, as Afghanistan faces a deepening economic crisis, high unemployment, widespread poverty, and restrictions on women’s education. Taliban deputy prime minister for economic affairs Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar on Saturday urged regional and
Karzai urges reopening of schools and universities for girls in Afghanistan
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press- December 20, 2025 Former Afghanistan president Hamid Karzai urged authorities to reopen schools and universities to girls, saying education beyond sixth grade is essential for Afghanistan’s future. Hamid Karzai urged Afghanistan’s rulers to reopen schools and universities to girls, saying education was essential for the country’s future and long-term self-reliance. In
Republicans drop support for Afghan wartime allies after National Guard shooting
By Eric Bazail-Eimil Politico 12/18/2025 Once-stalwart GOP backers of programs for Afghans who helped the war effort are hedging their support after the Nov. 26 National Guard shooting. Democrats and Republicans on Capitol Hill have long come together around supporting Afghans who worked with U.S. forces during the war in Afghanistan. Not anymore. The November
Republicans are divided on Afghan immigrant policy after the National Guard shooting
Ximena Bustillo, Anusha Mathur National Public Radio December 16, 2025 Some Republicans in Congress are splitting from the Trump administration over its crackdown on legal immigration from Afghanistan, especially for those migrants who helped U.S. war efforts there. Over the past year, the U.S. has paused visa and other programs for Afghan nationals, among others. Those
Over 17 Million in Afghanistan Face Severe Hunger as Winter Approaches, Warns WFP
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press December 16, 2025 Over 17 million people in Afghanistan face severe food insecurity this winter, with malnutrition rising sharply, as WFP warns urgent humanitarian assistance is critically needed. The World Food Programme has warned that more than 17 million Afghans are facing severe food insecurity as winter approaches, marking a
Land Distribution for Returnee Refugees Begins in Several Provinces
TOLOnews TV Network 16 Dec 2025 Meanwhile, some deportees from Pakistan have called on the government to provide shelter and land in their home provinces, highlighting their dire conditions. As part of ongoing efforts to address the challenges faced by Afghan refugees returning from neighboring countries, the Ministry of Urban Development and Housing has announced
Siraj-ul-Haq: Tensions Between Kabul and Islamabad Serve U.S. Objectives
TOLOnews TV Network 16 Dec 2025 He warned Pakistani officials that a conflict with Afghanistan would serve the interests and desires of the United States. The former leader of Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan, Siraj-ul-Haq, has said that the people of Pakistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa do not want a war between Kabul and Islamabad. He warned Pakistani officials
Hanafi: Defending Islamic System ‘Obligation for Every Afghan’
TOLOnews TV Network 15 Dec 2025 The head of Pakistan’s Ulema Council also emphasized that Pakistani soil must not be used against Afghanistan. The Minister of Vice and Virtue of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, referring to a recent fatwa by religious scholars in Kabul, has emphasized that in the event of any aggression against
UK Advises Citizens Against Travel to Afghanistan Over Security Risks
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press December 15, 2025 Britain has warned its citizens against travelling to Afghanistan, citing severe security risks, closed borders, rising violence and limited consular assistance. Britain’s Foreign Office on Monday issued a strong warning advising its citizens not to travel to Afghanistan, describing conditions across the country as extremely dangerous. In
Biden officials go silent when asked about Afghan refugee program after guardsmen shooting
By Charles Creitz Fox News December 15, 2025 Harris, Blinken, Austin silent on Operation Allies Welcome Former top Biden administration decision makers were silent on whether they stand by the vetting procedures deployed for “Operation Allies Welcome,” the Afghan resettlement program that was utilized by the alleged National Guard attacker to get to the U.S.
No Leadership Disputes Within Islamic Emirate, Deputy Minister Asserts
Farid Ahmad Atiqi Tolo News 14 Dec 2025 Rahmatullah Najib said that groups opposing the Islamic system with foreign support will never achieve their goals. The Deputy Administrative Minister of the Ministry of Interior says Afghanistan’s enemies are trying to create instability in the country by inciting conflict and insecurity at the behest of foreign
Transfer of Afghanistan’s Black Hawk Helicopters from Uzbekistan to Peru
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press December 15, 2025 The United States has transferred Afghanistan’s Black Hawk helicopters from Uzbekistan to Peru, marking a significant move in the redistribution of the country’s military assets. The United States has transferred UH-60A+ Black Hawk helicopters, previously supplied to Afghanistan’s air force before 2021, to Peru, according to a
Germany to Expedite Transfer of Afghan Refugees from Pakistan by Year-End
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press December 15, 2025 Germany is accelerating the transfer of Afghan refugees from Pakistan, aiming to complete flights before year-end to protect vulnerable individuals awaiting relocation. Germany has announced accelerated efforts to relocate Afghan refugees from Pakistan, prioritizing their transfer before year-end amid mounting humanitarian concerns. German Foreign Minister Johann Waddel
Iran hosts regional talks on Afghanistan but Kabul stays away
By AMIR VAHDAT Associated Press December 15, 2025 TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — Afghanistan’s neighbors met in Iran and agreed to deepen regional coordination to address political, economic and security challenges, as well as calling for sanctions on Afghanistan to be lifted. The only absent party? Afghanistan itself. China, Pakistan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan all
Severe Job Shortage Worsens in Afghanistan’s Cities, Youth Most Affected
Liluma Qadiry Tolo News 14 Dec 2025 Meanwhile, the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs says it is developing a mechanism to create more employment opportunities, especially for the youth. The severe lack of job opportunities is one of the most pressing concerns today, particularly in major Afghan cities, with young people being the most
Restricting Education in Afghanistan Amounts to Cultural Genocide, Say Rights Activists
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press December 14, 2025 Human rights activists warn that restrictions on schools, universities, and female teachers in Afghanistan amount to cultural genocide, threatening the nation’s future generations. The Human Rights Activists Union has warned that Afghanistan is facing a dire situation, describing the Taliban’s restrictions on education as a form
Over 21 Million People in Afghanistan Lack Access to Safe Drinking Water, EU Warns
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press December 14, 2025 The EU warns that more than 21 million people in Afghanistan lack safe drinking water, prompting emergency aid including wells and water pumps. The European Union’s humanitarian arm in Asia and the Pacific has warned that more than 21 million people across Afghanistan do not have access
Haqqani Admits Kabul Rulers Use Violence and Fear to Maintain Control
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press December 13, 2025 Acting Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani acknowledged that the rulers in Kabul have relied on violence, intimidation, and fear to maintain control over the people. Taliban Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani said on Friday in Khost province that a government ruling through “fear and force” cannot be considered legitimate,
Tehran to Host Fourth Regional Meeting on Afghanistan Tomorrow
Mitra Majeedy Tolo News 13 Dec 2025 The main focus of the meeting will be on Afghanistan, and discussions are also expected to address tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Sources have informed TOLOnews that a regional meeting on Afghanistan will be held tomorrow in Tehran. The main focus of the meeting will be on Afghanistan,
Trump wants Bagram back. Satellite images show how the Taliban are using it.
By Rick Noack and Amaya Verde The Washington Post December 13, 2025 For two decades, Bagram Airfield was the nerve center of the U.S.-led counterterrorism campaign across Afghanistan and the main hub for Special Operations troops. But as U.S. forces were withdrawing from Afghanistan in August 2021, the Afghan military that they had armed and trained collapsed.
Tehran to Host Fourth Regional Meeting on Afghanistan
Mitra Majeedy Journalist Tolo News 11 Dec 2025 According to the spokesperson of Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the aim of the meeting is to hold discussions on various issues related to Afghanistan. Tehran is set to host the fourth regional meeting on Afghanistan in the coming week. According to the spokesperson of Iran’s Ministry
U.S. Lawmakers Vow to Cut Aid Flowing to Islamic Emirate via NGOs
TOLOnews TV Network 11 Dec 2025 In response, the Ministry of Economy in Afghanistan emphasized that humanitarian aid should not be politicized. Amid ongoing efforts by U.S. officials to restrict financial assistance to Afghanistan, two Republican members of the U.S. House of Representatives, who recently met with the Secretary of State, say Senator Marco Rubio
Afghan Dual Nationals Can Enter Afghanistan Without Visa, Ministry Confirms
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press December 12, 2025 Afghan dual nationals can now enter Afghanistan without a visa, the Foreign Ministry confirmed, clarifying travel rules for citizens holding multiple nationalities. The Taliban’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has clarified that Afghan citizens holding dual nationality do not require a visa to enter the country. This
Sharif Calls for International Pressure on Kabul Amid Afghanistan Terror Threats
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press December 12, 2025 Pakistan Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has urged the international community to pressure Kabul, warning of escalating terrorism threats originating from Afghanistan. Pakistan Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has urged the international community to pressure the Taliban to fulfill their commitments on counterterrorism, warning of a growing terrorism threat
US Says 2,000 Afghan Evacuees Flagged for Suspected Extremist Links
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press December 12, 2025 A senior U.S. official told Congress that about 2,000 Afghan evacuees were allegedly flagged for possible extremist links, though no confirmed ties were established. A senior U.S. counterterrorism official has informed Congress that thousands of individuals flagged for potential extremist links have entered the United States in
Afghan polio survivor’s sock factory provides hope by employing disabled workers
By OMID HAQJOO Associated Press December 12, 2025 HERAT, Afghanistan (AP) — In a tiny room in the center of Herat, Afghanistan’s westernmost city, Shahabuddin uses his hands to propel himself along the floor to a freshly-made pile of socks waiting to be sorted and packaged. A double amputee since a roadside bomb took both his
US agents increasingly arresting Afghan asylum seekers, lawyers say: ‘A huge chilling effect’
Maanvi Singh The Guardian Fri 12 Dec 2025 Lawyers say people ‘don’t feel safe to leave their home’ as officials target recent arrivals and those awaiting hearings Immigration agents appear to be increasingly arresting and detaining Afghan asylum seekers, especially men, who have arrived in the US recently and are awaiting court hearings to decide
ICE arrests of Afghans are on the rise in the wake of National Guard attack, immigration lawyers say
By SAHAR AKBARZAI, MARTHA BELLISLE, REBECCA SANTANA and JULIE WATSON Associated Press December 9, 2025 SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — On a recent afternoon, Giselle Garcia, a volunteer who has been helping an Afghan family resettle, drove the father to a check-in with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. She warned him and his family to prepare for the worst. The
Germany drops promise to resettle hundreds of Afghans
Deborah Cole Berlin correspondentThe Guardian Thu 11 Dec 205 Interior ministry will tell 640 people awaiting sanctuary ‘there is no longer any political interest in their being admitted’ Hundreds of Afghans previously promised sanctuary in Germany have been told they are no longer welcome, in a stark U-turn by the conservative chancellor, Friedrich Merz. The
Iran Warns UN That Lack of Inclusive Government Could Ignite New Conflict in Afghanistan
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press December 11, 2025 Iran told the UN Security Council that Afghanistan risks renewed instability and conflict unless a genuinely inclusive government is formed to bridge deepening political divisions. Iran has warned that rising tensions in Afghanistan are linked to the absence of an inclusive government, cautioning that renewed conflict could
1.7 Million Children at Risk of Death in Afghanistan: Tom Fletcher
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press December 11, 2025 UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher warns that 1.7 million children in Afghanistan face deadly malnutrition amid severe winter conditions, funding shortfalls, and stalled aid deliveries. The UN has warned of a growing humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, where 1.7 million children are at risk of death due
Moscow Warns of Deepening Rift Between Islamabad and Kabul
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press December 11, 2025 Russia has expressed serious concern over escalating tensions between Islamabad and Kabul, urging both sides to resolve differences diplomatically to prevent further regional instability and conflict. Russia has voiced deep concern over rising tensions between Pakistan and the Taliban, urging both sides to settle their differences
Center for Freedom of Expression: Journalists’ Situation in Afghanistan Remains Alarming
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press December 11, 2025 The Freedom of Expression Center warns that journalists in Afghanistan face increasing threats, censorship, and harassment, putting press freedom and independent reporting at serious risk. On Human Rights Day, the Center for Freedom of Expression warned that journalists and media defenders in Afghanistan face worsening repression and
Herat Elders Call on Politicians to Return, Resolve Disputes Peacefully
TOLOnews TV Network 11 Dec 2025 Some participants also called on the Islamic Emirate to facilitate the return and dialogue of political groups. Dozens of tribal elders and religious scholars gathered in Herat, calling on Afghan politicians and opponents of the Islamic Emirate to return to the country and resolve their differences through dialogue. They
Islamic Emirate Welcomes Positive Signals from UN Security Council Session
Bibi Amina Hakimi TOLOnews’ Reporter 11 December 2025 She said that with the Security Council’s support, the UN can continue building and strengthening engagement with the Islamic Emirate. The United Nations Security Council held a session late last night to discuss Afghanistan. In the meeting, the acting head of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan
Between Pakistan and Afghanistan, a Trade War With No End in Sight
By Elian Peltier and Zia ur-Rehman Reporting from Peshawar, in western Pakistan, and near the busiest border crossing with Afghanistan The New York Times Dec. 9, 2025 One of Peshawar’s largest markets in western Pakistan once bustled with thousands of Afghan-owned shops and carts, selling everything from deep-fried khajoor pastries to kitchen items and cricket gear. But
Saudi Delegation to Visit Afghanistan, Pakistan for Further Talks
TOLOnews TV Network After the failure of previous talks between Afghanistan and Pakistan in Istanbul, regional efforts to ease tensions between the two sides have intensified. BBC, citing its sources, has reported that during recent negotiations between Afghanistan and Pakistan in Riyadh, both sides agreed to uphold a ceasefire. According to the report, although no
UNAMA: Mission Serves as Bridge Between Int’l Community, Islamic Emirate
TOLOnews 8 Dec 2025 The UN official added that human rights, particularly the situation of women and girls, is a key part of the mission’s responsibilities. Georgette Gagnon, the Acting Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) stated the organization functions as a bridge between the international community and the current government
UN Warns Up to 30% of Staff in Afghanistan Women-Led Organisations Could Be Laid Off
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press December 8, 2025 The United Nations warned that up to 30% of staff in Afghanistan’s women-led organisations could be laid off due to severe funding shortages. UN Women has warned that women-led organisations in Afghanistan may be forced to lay off up to 30 percent of their female employees due
Pakistan’s army chief has warned Kabul to choose between maintaining relations with Islamabad or continuing alleged support for the Pakistani Taliban, amid rising tensions.
Khaama Press December 9, 2025 Pakistan has issued a sharp warning to Afghanistan’s Taliban authorities, urging them to choose between maintaining relations with Islamabad or continuing support for the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). The Associated Press reported on Monday, December 8, that Pakistan’s army chief, General Asim Munir, made the remarks during a meeting with military
India Condemns Pakistan’s Attacks On Afghanistan That Killed Civilians
Press Trust of India India News Dec 09, 2025 Fresh clashes between the two sides erupted less than two months after both sealed a ceasefire pact to end weeks of fighting. New Delhi: India on Monday condemned Pakistan’s fresh attacks on Afghanistan that killed several civilians. Fresh clashes between the two sides erupted less than
CM Afridi: Torkham Closure Deepens Migrant, Driver Hardship
TOLOnews TV Network 7 Dec 2025 Sohail Afridi added that this situation has also worsened the plight of Afghan migrants stranded near the hypothetical Durand Line.The Ch ief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has stated that the continued closure of the Torkham crossing has caused serious challenges for truck drivers on the other side of the
UN Security Council to Hold Meeting on Afghanistan Amid Growing Rights Concerns
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press December 7, 2025 The UN Security Council will meet this week to review Afghanistan’s worsening rights situation and humanitarian crisis, amid growing international concern. The United Nations Security Council will convene a new session on Afghanistan this week as international concern mounts over human rights restrictions and worsening humanitarian
Pakistan Claims 23 Killed in Afghanistan Chaman Border Strikes
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press December 7, 2025 Geo News reported on Sunday, December 7, that Pakistani forces targeted three Taliban bases along the Chaman border on Friday and Saturday, killing at least 23 fighters. Pakistani forces launched strikes on three Taliban bases near the Chaman border over Friday and Saturday, killing at least 23
Afghanistan says 5 killed in heavy fire exchanges with Pakistani forces
Al Jazeera Published On 6 Dec 2025 Relations have soured between former allies Afghanistan and Pakistan since the Taliban returned to power in 2021. Afghanistan authorities say five people have been killed after an exchange of heavy fire with Pakistan’s forces along their shared border, as tensions between the South Asian neighbours escalate after peace
Afghan, Pakistani forces exchange heavy fire as tensions flare
Al Jazeera 6 Dec 2025 Relations have soured between former allies Afghanistan and Pakistan since the Taliban returned to power in 2021. Afghanistan and Pakistan’s forces have exchanged heavy fire along their border as tensions between the South Asian neighbours escalate after peace talks in Saudi Arabia failed to produce a breakthrough. Officials from both
I’m an Immigration Lawyer. Trump Is Shattering My Clients’ Lives.
By Elora Mukherjee The New York Times December 4, 2025 I have spent the last week telling clients that their asylum cases are indefinitely on hold. All of them have suffered persecution or fear persecution in their home countries. None has a criminal record, here or elsewhere. I have seen the photos of their torture
Putin: ‘Taliban’ Has Control Over Situation in Afghanistan
TOLOnews TV Network 5 Dec 2025 Russia is the first country to have recognized the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan and has maintained its relations with Kabul. Vladimir Putin made an official visit to India, during which he stated that the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan “clearly” has control over the situation and is actively working in
Pakistan Intensifies Arrests of Afghan Refugees in Islamabad
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press December 5, 2025 Pakistani authorities have intensified arrests of Afghan refugees in Islamabad, detaining women activists and vulnerable groups amid growing fears of forced deportation and rights violations. Pakistani police have intensified a sweeping crackdown on Afghan refugees in Islamabad, arresting dozens of individuals, including women’s rights activists, according to
Pakistan Keeps Borders with Afghanistan Closed Until Security Guarantees Provided
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press December 5, 2025 Pakistan has kept its borders with Afghanistan closed for trade and transit, allowing only humanitarian aid until firm security guarantees are provided. Pakistani Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tahir Andarabi has announced that the border crossings with Afghanistan will remain closed for trade and transit until Kabul provides clear
U.S. Veterans Urge Fair Treatment of Afghan Allies After Deadly Washington Shooting
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press December 4, 2025 A deadly shooting near the White House involving an Afghan evacuee has intensified political scrutiny as U.S. veterans urge fair treatment of former allies. Former intelligence and defense officials interviewed by NBC News stressed that Afghan partners played a critical role in counterterrorism operations over the past
Pakistan, Afghanistan exchange heavy fire along border, officials say
By Reuters December 5, 2025 Dec 5 (Reuters) – Pakistan and Afghanistan exchanged heavy fire along their border late on Friday, officials from both countries said, amid heightened tensions following failed peace talks earlier this week. There were no immediate reports of casualties. Afghan Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said Pakistani forces launched attacks in Spin
From Welcome to Worry: Afghans in the U.S. Face Uncertainty, Backlash
By Miriam Jordan The New York Times December 3, 2025 In the frenzied American exit from Afghanistan, Obaidullah Durani, a fighter pilot who had been trained by U.S. forces, was scrambling to get his family out, too. His daughter, Hela, was hoisted over the fence by a Marine at the Kabul airport as the family
How were Afghan evacuees vetted under Biden?
Lucy Gilder BBC Verify Washington DC December 3, 2025 The shooting of two National Guard members, one of whom later died, in Washington DC has led to major immigration policy changes by the Trump administration. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has said the suspect – from Afghanistan – had entered the United States under an
Pentagon Says Afghanistan Withdrawal Review Will Be Completed by Next Summer
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press December 3, 2025 The Pentagon says its investigation into the U.S. military withdrawal from Afghanistan remains ongoing and is expected to be completed by next summer. A Pentagon spokesperson says the U.S. Defense Department’s investigation into the chaotic withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan is still ongoing and is expected
Russian Official Warns of Rising Terror Threats Linked to Afghanistan and Middle East
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press December 3, 2025 Terrorism risks linked to Afghanistan and the Middle East are evolving and intensifying, Russia’s deputy foreign minister said on Wednesday, warning that extremist groups are adopting new methods and technology to expand operations. At the two-day BRICS+ Counterterrorism Conference in Moscow, Dmitry Lyubinsky said Islamic State and
Afghanistan occupation dogged by corruption, wasted billions – report
Cybele Mayes-Osterman USA TODAY Dec. 3, 2025 The United States’ 20-year attempt to stand up democracy in Afghanistan descended into a cesspool of corruption and squandered as much as $29.2 billion in waste, fraud and abuse in pursuit of unrealistic goals, according to a government watchdog report released on Dec. 3. The scathing report is the culmination of
Russia Strengthening Ties with Afghanistan, Says Kremlin Spokesperson
TOLOnews TV Network 3 Dec 2025 Russia was the first country to recognize the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan on July 3, 2025. The Kremlin spokesperson, during a press conference in India, stated that Russia is strengthening its relations with Afghanistan. Dmitry Peskov added that Russia shares regional interests with Afghanistan and that the Kremlin has
UN Security Council Mulls Resolution on Kabul-Islamabad Tensions
TOLOnews TV Network 1 Dec 2025 According to a UN report, the Security Council may consider issuing a resolution addressing the recent strains between Afghanistan and Pakistan. The ongoing tensions between Kabul and Islamabad have raised concerns among members of the United Nations Security Council. According to a UN report, the Security Council may consider
Intelligence Consortium Claims Hamza bin Laden Presence in Afghanistan
By Fidel Rahmat Khaama Press December 2, 2025 A security research consortium claims new footage may show Hamza bin Laden in Afghanistan. A transatlantic intelligence consortium monitoring al Qaeda activities has released a video it claims shows Hamza bin Laden inside Afghanistan. The group says the footage was recorded several months ago and digital identifiers
Iran Border Guards Fatally Shoot 10 Afghan Migrants at Frontier
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press December 2, 2025 Ten Afghan migrants attempting an illegal border crossing were shot dead by Iranian guards near Farah province, the Taliban police spokesman said Tuesday. At least ten Afghan migrants attempting to cross into Iran were shot dead by Iranian border guards near the Sheikh Abu Nasr Farahi crossing,
U.S. Orders Screening Review for Afghans Admitted After August 2021
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press December 2, 2025 The United States has ordered a comprehensive screening review for Afghans admitted after August 2021, following renewed security concerns and calls for stricter vetting measures. The White House has announced a sweeping review of Afghanistan’s nationals who entered the United States after the 2021 withdrawal, following a
Afghanistan’s Taliban rulers carry out public execution in sports stadium in eastern city
Associated Press December 2, 2025 KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — Afghanistan’s Taliban authorities carried out a public execution at a stadium in the eastern city of Khost on Tuesday, putting to death a man who the country’s Supreme Court said had killed 13 members of a family, including several children, earlier this year. Tens of thousands
US to Deport Six Afghan Nationals Accused of Terror and Violent Crimes
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press December 1, 2025 The United States has announced plans to deport six Afghan nationals accused of terrorism-related activity and serious criminal offences, citing public-safety concerns and tightened immigration scrutiny. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has published photographs and case details of several Afghan nationals accused of terrorism-related activities
Durrani Warns Kabul Against Allowing India to Expand Footprint Through Afghanistan
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press December 1, 2025 Former envoy Asif Durrani warned that India’s deepening engagement with Kabul could undermine Pakistan’s security interests and threaten Afghanistan’s political stability. Former Pakistani envoy for Afghanistan Asif Durrani has cautioned that India’s growing engagement with the Taliban could open a new front of strategic pressure on Pakistan,
UN Warns Afghanistan’s Internet Restrictions Cutting Women Off From Life-Saving Services
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press December 1, 2025 The UN has warned that Afghanistan’s recurring internet shutdowns are depriving women of vital, life-saving services and worsening an already severe digital gender gap. The UN Population Fund (UNFPA) has warned that Afghanistan’s nationwide internet disruptions are cutting women off from essential and life-saving services, deepening
Islamabad–Kabul Peace Talks Launched Under Saudi Mediation; Reports Say the Effort Failed Again
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press December 1, 2025 Islamabad and Kabul resumed Saudi-hosted talks in Riyadh to ease border tensions, but sources say the effort failed again, with both sides yet to comment. A senior Kabul delegation, comprising Anas Haqqani, Deputy Interior Minister Rahmatullah Najib, and Foreign Ministry spokesman Abdul Qahar Balkhi, travelled to
Afghan suspect in D.C. National Guard attack appeared to suffer personal crisis
Brian Mann National Public Radio December 1, 2025 When Rahmanullah Lakanwal came to the U.S. from Afghanistan, he appeared lively and full of hope, but over the course of years, he slipped into isolation and was prone to taking cross-country drives without telling his family, according to a volunteer who worked closely with his family.
UK special forces chiefs covered up Afghanistan war crimes, inquiry told
Al Jazeera Published On 1 Dec 2025 Senior military leaders suppressed reports of potential war crimes by elite troops, whistleblower testifies. Senior United Kingdom special forces leaders covered up potential war crimes in Afghanistan, a former senior officer has told a public inquiry. The former high-ranking officer alleged that two former directors of Britain’s special
Diplomatic Efforts Grow Amid Uncertainty in Kabul-Islamabad Relations
Mitra Majeedy Tolo News 30 Nov 2025 Fidan stated that they discussed tensions between Kabul and Islamabad but did not provide further details. As uncertainty looms over relations between Kabul and Islamabad, regional diplomatic efforts have intensified. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, who was expected to lead a delegation to Islamabad to help ease tensions
Afghan Refugees in U.S. Worry Over Uncertain Future Amid New Restrictions
TOLOnews TV Network 30 Nov 2025 Reuters reported that the U.S. President has informed the country’s consulates around the world that scheduled appointments for SIV applicants will not be canceled. A number of Afghan citizens in the United States have expressed concern over recent decisions by the U.S. government regarding Afghan refugees, emphasizing that the
UN Warns Services for Women in Afghanistan at Risk as Funding Dries Up
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press November 30, 2025 The UN says organisations supporting women in Afghanistan have lost major funding this year, leaving essential protection services strained as restrictions and violence intensify. UN Women warned that Afghanistan women’s organisations are facing a sharp funding shortfall even as gender-based violence rises under Taliban restrictions. The warning
UN Rights Envoy Richard Bennett Travels to Doha for Talks on Afghanistan’s Human Rights Crisis
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press November 30, 2025 UN special rapporteur Richard Bennett will travel to Doha for meetings with Afghanistan representatives and regional officials as part of efforts to address Afghanistan’s worsening human rights situation. The UN has announced that Richard Bennett, the Human Rights Council’s special rapporteur on Afghanistan, will travel to Doha
Fed Up With the Taliban, Pakistan Expels Masses of Afghans
By Elian Peltier and Zia ur-Rehman The New York Times Nov. 30, 2025 As Pakistan and Afghanistan have escalated military clashes and closed their borders, the Pakistani authorities have intensified mass expulsions of Afghans, saying they can no longer accommodate the decades-old refugee community. So far this year, about one million of the three million Afghans living
Indian outreach to Taliban is ratcheting up Afghan-Pakistani tensions
By Rick Noack The Washington Post November 30, 2025 Afghanistan and Pakistan appear headed toward a new military escalation. Afghanistan and Pakistan appear headed toward a new military escalation amid deadly attacks on both sides of the border and mounting frustration in Islamabad over Indian outreach to the Taliban. Kabul accused Pakistan of launching airstrikes
Kabul Says It Is Ready to Respond to Any Violation of Afghanistan’s Territory
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press November 29, 2025 Kabul says its forces stand fully prepared to respond to any violation of Afghanistan’s territory, warning neighbours that recent cross-border tensions will be met with decisive action. Taliban authorities showcased hundreds of newly graduated commandos this week as tensions with Pakistan rose sharply along the border. At
Pakistan Doubts Ceasefire with Afghanistan Amid Ongoing Tensions
TOLOnews TV Network 29 Nov 2025 The ceasefire was first agreed upon during the initial round of defense ministerial talks between the two countries. Pakistan has expressed pessimism about the continuation of the ceasefire agreement with Afghanistan. The ceasefire was first agreed upon during the initial round of defense ministerial talks between the two countries,
U.S. Suspends Visas for Afghan Citizens, Thousands Left in Limbo
Bibi Amina Hakimi TOLOnews’ Reporter 29 Nov 2025 Migrant rights activists say that this visa suspension has left thousands of immigration cases in limbo in Pakistan, the UAE, and Qatar. Following a new U.S. decision to permanently halt immigration from all third-world countries, many Afghan families in Pakistan who were awaiting processing of their immigration
Afghans Who Assisted U.S. During the War Underwent Rigorous Vetting
By Julian E. Barnes and Hamed Aleaziz The New York Times Reporting from Washington Nov. 29, 2025 Former officials said the C.I.A. diligently assessed those who partnered with its forces, like the man accused of shooting two National Guard members in Washington. The C.I.A. diligently helped Afghans who had served in agency-sponsored units, like the man accused
Taliban used discarded UK kit to track down Afghans who worked with west, inquiry hears
Eleni Courea Political correspondent The Guardian Fri 28 Nov 2025 Whistleblower tells Afghan leak inquiry those affected were told to move and change phone numbers to protect themselves The UK left behind sensitive technology allowing the Taliban to track down Afghans who worked with western forces, a whistleblower has told the Afghan leak inquiry. The woman, known
US pauses visas for all Afghan passport holders, halts asylum requests
By Alastair McCready and News Agencies Al Jazeera Published On 29 Nov 2025 The US State Department has announced it is “immediately” pausing issuing visas for individuals travelling on Afghan passports to protect “public safety”, as President Donald Trump administration’s immigration crackdown intensifies in the wake of a deadly attack on two National Guard members. The announcement
Trump’s Response to Shooting Shows Intensified Anti-Migrant Stance
By Shawn McCreesh The New York Times Nov. 28, 2025 The president is furiously demanding limits on migration and attacking ethnic groups as he steps up his efforts to equate immigration with crime and economic distress. The shooting of two National Guard members by a gunman identified by the authorities as an Afghan national has
Counterterrorism officials vetted Guard shooting suspect before he entered U.S.
By Mariana Alfaro, Karen DeYoung, Arelis R. Hernández, Jeremy Roebuck and Warren P. Strobel The Washington Post November 28, 2025 Individuals with knowledge of the process that Rahmanullah Lakanwal went through contradicted senior Trump officials’ claim that he was not scrutinized. The Afghan national accused of shooting two National Guard members near the White House this week underwent
UN’s Bennett Urges U.S. Not to Penalize Afghan Community After Washington Shooting
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press November 27, 2025 UN rapporteur Richard Bennett urged the United States to avoid broad punitive measures against Afghans after an Afghan suspect was linked to the Washington shooting. A shooting outside the White House that left two U.S. National Guard members critically injured has sparked sharp reactions after the suspect
Trump Vows Permanent Ban on Immigration from “Third-World” Nations
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press November 28, 2025 U.S. President Donald Trump says he will permanently stop immigration from “third-world” countries, unveiling plans for a sweeping overhaul of America’s current migration system. U.S. President Donald Trump says he intends to permanently block immigration from what he calls “third-world countries,” outlining a plan for a fundamental
Iran Voices Concern Over Afghanistan–Pakistan Tensions, Offers Mediation
Mitra Majeedy Tolo News 28 Nov 2025 Ali Larijani said that Afghanistan and Pakistan are “two Muslim countries” that have both suffered from prolonged wars. The Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council expressed concern over ongoing tensions between Kabul and Islamabad. Ali Larijani, in an interview with Pakistani media, said that Afghanistan and Pakistan
Baradar Warns Against Any Violation of Afghan Territory
Bibi Amina Hakimi TOLOnews’ Reporter 28 Nov 2025 Baradar emphasized that countries should not cast an evil eye on Afghanistan’s land and sovereignty or test the patience of the Afghan people. Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, warned during a graduation ceremony for special commando forces that no country is allowed
Afghans in US issue plea to Trump after Washington DC shooting
James FitzGeraldand Mahfouz Zubaide BBC News November 28, 2025 Afghans living in the US have condemned Wednesday’s “deeply tragic” deadly shooting attack in Washington DC, while stressing that the suspect – who moved to the US from Afghanistan four years ago – does not represent them. The alleged gunman, 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, entered America under
For Shooting Suspect, a Long Path of Conflict From Afghanistan to America
Campbell Robertson, Hamed Aleaziz and Jack Healy The New York Times Nov. 27, 2025 Rahmanullah Lakanwal’s path from a village in Afghanistan to the corner in Washington, D.C., where authorities say he opened fire on two National Guard troops was forged by America’s longest war. He was 5 years old when the U.S. military invaded after the
Recent Afghan Arrivals Fear Their Futures in the U.S. Are Now in Jeopardy
Allison McCann and Pooja Salhotra The New York Times Nov. 27, 2025 Many are anxious after the Trump administration vowed to undertake sweeping reviews of immigrants after the shooting of two National Guard troops. Tens of thousands of Afghans who resettled in the United States over the past four years could see their immigration statuses in jeopardy
Afghan national charged in Guard ambush shooting drove across US to carry out attack, officials say
By ALANNA DURKIN RICHER, GARY FIELDS, ANTHONY IZAGUIRRE and BEN FINLEY Associated Press November 27, 2025 WASHINGTON (AP) — An Afghan national who worked with the CIA in his native country and immigrated to the U.S. in 2021 drove from Washington state to shoot two West Virginia National Guard members deployed in Washington, D.C., just blocks from the White House, U.S.
WFP Warns Afghanistan’s Hunger Crisis Is Worsening Ahead of Winter
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press November 25, 2025 Afghanistan is facing one of the world’s worst hunger emergencies, the World Food Programme warns, with shortages and child malnutrition expected to intensify as winter approaches. Afghanistan is facing one of the world’s most severe hunger emergencies and conditions are expected to worsen during winter, the World
Afghanistan says Pakistan bombed Khost, killing nine children and a woman
By Al Jazeera Staff and News Agencies 25 Nov 2025 Pakistan’s military denies Afghan government’s claim as regional tensions rise. At least nine children and a woman have been killed after Pakistani forces bombed a house in the country’s southeastern Khost province, according to Afghan authorities – a claim dismissed by Pakistan’s military. Zabihullah Mujahid, the spokesman
Pakistan denies Afghanistan’s claims of airstrikes killing 10 people, mostly children
By ABDUL QAHAR AFGHAN and MUNIR AHMED Associated Press November 25, 2025 KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — Afghanistan’s Taliban government on Tuesday accused Pakistan of launching deadly overnight strikes in three eastern provinces, but Pakistan’s military dismissed the claim and said no such strikes were carried out. The Pakistani denial came hours after Zabihullah Mujahid, the chief spokesperson for the
Regional Powers Mediate to Ease Afghanistan–Pakistan Tensions
TOLOnews TV Network 23 Nov 2025 According to the Turkish ambassador to Pakistan, the delegation will include the head of Turkish intelligence and several ministers. The spokesperson for Iran’s Foreign Ministry has said that Tehran is engaged in consultations with regional countries, including Russia, Qatar, Turkey, and other involved parties, to help reduce tensions between
Iran’s Trade with Kabul Surpasses European Nations, Says Foreign Minister
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press November 23, 2025 Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi revealed that trade with Kabul now exceeds Iran’s trade with all European countries combined. Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi announced that trade with Taliban-ruled Afghanistan has surpassed Iran’s trade with all European countries combined. Araghchi noted that Iran’s border provinces with
Afghanistan economy under pressure as Pakistan shocks reshape trade flows
Ariana News November 23, 2025 Afghanistan’s economy continued to face strong headwinds in late 2025 as concurrent shocks — including mass refugee returns, drought, earthquakes, and shifting regional dynamics — strained growth and weakened investment momentum, according to the latest Afghanistan Economic Monitor released by the World Bank. The report says that while low inflation
Pakistan Plotting Kabul Power Shift? New Report Says Islamabad Is Exploring Regime Change Options
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press November 21, 2025 Pakistan is exploring political options for a potential power shift in Kabul, reviving contacts with Afghan opposition groups amid tensions with the current leadership. Pakistan is reassessing its long-standing approach to Afghanistan amid deepening tensions with the Taliban government, U.S.-based publication New Lines reported, citing sources who
Spain to Host Third Conference on Afghanistan’s Women’s Rights in December
By Khaama Press November 21, 2025 Written By: Najeebullah Rahmati, Phd Scholar, EFL University Spain will host the third “Hear Our Voice” conference on Afghanistan’s women’s rights in Madrid on December, focusing on justice and accountability. The third conference on Afghan women, titled “Hear Our Voices,” will be held on December 12 in Madrid. Hosted by the
Former Afghanistan President Ghani Calls for National Dialogue to Break Political Deadlock
ByFidel Rahmati Khaama Press November 21, 2025 Former Afghanistan president Ashraf Ghani has called for national dialogue to confront the country’s crisis, saying unity depends on protecting national interests. Ashraf Ghani has called for a national dialogue to address what he described as Afghanistan’s “deep crisis,” saying only shared national interests and values can unite
Azizi Urges Expanded Trade with India, Slams U.S. Sanctions
Liluma Qadiry Tolo News 21 Nov 2025 He also criticized Pakistan’s policy toward Afghanistan’s trade. Nooruddin Azizi, Minister of Industry and Commerce of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, during a meeting in New Delhi, emphasized expanding trade between Afghanistan and India and criticized what he called the “restrictive approach of the United States toward Afghanistan’s
Pakistani forces step up raids near the Afghan border, killing 23 militants
Associated Press November 20, 2025 ISLAMABAD (AP) — Pakistani security forces raided two Pakistani Taliban hideouts in the country’s northwest near the Afghan border, triggering intense shootouts that left 23 militants dead, the military said Thursday. There were no details on any casualties among the military. The raids took place on Wednesday in Kurram, a district in
UK Hosts Summit on Afghanistan Food Security Amid Rising Child Malnutrition
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press November 20, 2025 The United Kingdom hosted a two-day summit in London to address Afghanistan’s food security crisis, highlighting urgent support needs for vulnerable populations and malnourished children. The United Kingdom held a two-day summit in London last week to explore ways to improve access to food and basic nutrition
Afghan Children Face Dire Challenges on World Children’s Day
Bibi Amina Hakimi TOLOnews’ Reporter 20 Nov 2025 Meanwhile, the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs stated that it has tried to support over 10,000 children. November 20 marks World Children’s Day, a global occasion dedicated to safeguarding children’s rights and securing a better future. However, in Afghanistan, many children still face harsh living conditions and
Pakistani forces kill 23 fighters in wave of Afghan border raids
By Al Jazeera Staff and News Agencies Published On 20 Nov 2025 The border raids are the latest in a series amid escalating tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Pakistani security forces have killed 23 fighters in two separate raids near the Afghan border as tensions simmer between Pakistan and neighbouring Afghanistan and India. Forces launched a “targeted
Pakistan Army kills 30 militants near Afghan border days after Islamabad court blast
Edited By Ajaypal Choudhary WION NEWS Published: Nov 20, 2025 These operations were carried out less than a week after a deadly suicide bombing outside Islamabad’s G-11 district court, killing at least 12 people and injuring over 30. Pakistan security forces killed 30 militants in several operations near its border with Afghanistan in the last
At a Shared Symbol of Jihad, the Taliban Defy Their Old Ties With Pakistan
By Mujib Mashal The New York Times 18 Nov 2025 Afghan officials are lashing out against their former allies in the Pakistani military as hostilities between the two countries intensify. The Afghan Taliban foreign minister arrived at the Islamic seminary to a rock star’s welcome. Students and teachers swarmed around his limo. Crowds of people
UK Urges Collective Action as 15 Million People in Afghanistan Face Food Insecurity
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press November 15, 2025 Britain’s special envoy warned that 15 million people in Afghanistan face food insecurity, urging immediate international action to prevent worsening hunger and widespread malnutrition. Britain’s special envoy to Afghanistan has warned that 15 million people in the country are experiencing food shortages, calling for immediate and coordinated
Australia to End the Diplomatic Status of Afghan Envoy
TOLOnews TV Network 15 Nov 2025 Australian media have reported that the country will not extend the diplomatic credentials of the Afghan ambassador in Canberra, the capital of Australia. According to these reports, the Australian federal government informed Wahidullah Waissi, the ambassador appointed by the former Afghan government, in a letter in late September of
Pakistan arrests 4 from an Afghan cell over deadly Islamabad bombing
Reuters Published On 14 Nov 2025 The men arrested are linked to a faction of the Pakistani Taliban, known as the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, who claimed responsibility for the bombing. Pakistan has arrested four members of an Afghan cell over their alleged involvement in a deadly suicide bombing in its capital Islamabad earlier this week, as tensions heighten
Afghanistan economic recovery buckles as nine in 10 families go hungry or into debt, UNDP says
By Ariba Shahid Reuters November 12, 2025 Summary Nine in 10 Afghan families skip meals, take on debt: UNDP 4.5 million returnees since 2023 strain collapsing economy Women’s workforce share falls to 6% UNDP warns of worsening hunger, migration KARACHI, Nov 12 (Reuters) – Afghanistan’s economic recovery is buckling as nine in 10 households are
Inside the CIA’s secret mission to sabotage Afghanistan’s opium
By Warren P. Strobel The Washington Post November 13, 2025 In a decade-long covert operation, the U.S. spy agency dropped modified poppy seeds in an attempt to degrade the potency of Afghanistan’s billion-dollar opium crop. In 20 years of grinding war in Afghanistan, the United States dropped a multitude of weapons from the skies: Millions
Pakistan ‘in a State of War’ After Explosion Kills 12 in Capital
By Elian Peltier and Zia ur-Rehman Reporting from Islamabad, Pakistan The New York Times Nov. 11, 2025 An attack on a courthouse in Islamabad was the first major assault to hit Islamabad in more than a decade. At least 12 people were killed and 27 others wounded on Tuesday in an attack on Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad, according
Shehbaz Sharif: Cooperation with Afghanistan Depends on Action Against TTP
TOLOnews TV Network 11 Nov 2025 Meanwhile, criticism of Pakistan’s policies is growing within the country. A few days after the third round of talks between Kabul and Islamabad ended without results, officials from both countries continue to present proposals to resolve the issue. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated that his country is ready
Bomber targets Islamabad court, killing 12 people, as Pakistan condemns “cowardly suicide attack”
CBS News November 11, 2025 Islamabad, Pakistan — A suicide bombing outside district court buildings in a residential area of the Pakistani capital killed at least a dozen people on Tuesday, Pakistan’s interior minister said. “At 12:39 p.m. (0239 Eastern), a suicide attack was carried out at the Kachehri (district courts) … so far 12 people
Pak Taliban group claims Islamabad bombing, Sharif blames India & Afghanistan
By HT News Desk Nov 11, 2025 Attack on Tuesday killed 12 at Pak capital’s G-11 judicial complex. Sharif said such attacks “cannot not shake Pakistan’s resolve to root out terrorism” Even after the terror group Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) claimed responsibility for a suicide bombing that 12 people in Islamabad on Tuesday, Pak PM Shehbaz
Afghans call for Taliban government to help repair Blue Mosque after quake
By Sayed Hassib Reuters November 5, 2025 Summary Powerful earthquake killed at least 27 people Quake also damaged historic Blue Mosque in Mazar-i-Sharif Tiles have been broken off and minarets cracked MAZAR-I-SHARIF, Afghanistan, Nov 5 (Reuters) – Some residents in northern Afghanistan called on Wednesday for the Taliban government to help rebuild and restore a
Kabul Determined to Continue Confrontation, Says Former Pakistani Envoy after Istanbul Talks Collapse
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press November 8, 2025 Former Pakistani envoy Asif Durrani said the Istanbul talks collapsed, warning Kabul appears intent on prolonging confrontation and diplomatic deadlock with Islamabad. Islamabad’s former envoy on Afghanistan affairs, Asif Durrani, has said the deadlock in negotiations in Istanbul suggests that the Taliban regime is determined to continue
UNAMA Head: Afghanistan Must Honor Its International Obligations
TOLOnews TV Network 7 Nov 2025 In an online meeting with journalists in Kabul, Georgette Gagnon emphasized that Afghanistan must uphold its international commitments. The acting head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has said the mission focuses on political engagement, coordination of humanitarian aid, support for governance, and development initiatives. In
Istanbul Talks Enter Second Day Behind Closed Doors
TOLOnews TV Network 7 Nov 2025 The spokesperson for Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry also stated that their delegation has presented its demands to the Turkish and Qatari mediators. The ongoing negotiations in Istanbul have entered their second day behind closed doors. Sources told TOLOnews that on the first day of talks, both sides shared their demands
Pakistan says Afghanistan talks deadlocked after deadly border clashes
Al Jazeera Published On 7 Nov 2025 Afghan official says four Afghan civilians were killed and five others wounded in border clashes. Talks in Istanbul between Pakistan and Afghanistan are at a deadlock, Islamabad said, a day after both sides accused each other of mounting border clashes that risked breaching a ceasefire brokered by Qatar.
Afghan opium crop plummets after Taliban ban – UN report
Bethany Bell Role, Yogita Limaye Role BBC News 6 November 2025 Opium farming in Afghanistan has dropped significantly following a ban imposed by the Taliban government in 2022, the United Nations said. The total area of land for growing opium poppy shrank 20% since last year, while the amount of opium has fallen by 32%
Afghanistan earthquake survivors spend the night in the open; the quake damaged historical sites
By ABDUL QAHAR AFGHAN Associated Press Updated 10:59 AM EST, November 4, 2025 KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — Survivors of a powerful earthquake in northern Afghanistan that killed more than 25 people and injured nearly 1,000 were digging through the rubble of their homes Tuesday, trying to salvage what belongings they could after spending the night outside in
Pakistan Army Says Ongoing Tensions With Afghanistan Stem From Absence of Representative Govt in Kabul
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press November 4, 2025 Pakistan’s military said ongoing tensions with Afghanistan are linked to the absence of a representative government in Kabul, urging stronger action against cross-border militancy. The military’s remarks reflect Islamabad’s mounting frustration with Kabul’s failure to rein in the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and other militant groups, even as
Pakistani Army Denies Secret Deal with U.S. Amid Rising Tensions with Kabul
TOLOnews TV Network 4 Nov 2025 Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said that Islamabad does not allow any country, including the United States, to do such a thing. The spokesperson of the Pakistani army, in a press conference, rejected the remarks made by the spokesperson of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan regarding the use of Pakistan’s airspace
Afghanistan earthquake death toll mounts and Taliban officials say almost 1,000 people injured
CBS News November 4, 2025 The death toll from a powerful earthquake that struck northern Afghanistan early on Monday climbed to 27 on Tuesday, with almost 1,000 others confirmed injured by the temblor, according to national health officials. The U.S Geological Survey said the 6.3 magnitude quake was centered near Kholm, in the northern Samangan
WHO Deploys Emergency Teams After Powerful Earthquake Hits Northern Afghanistan
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press November 3, 2025 The World Health Organization has deployed emergency teams and medical supplies to northern Afghanistan after a 6.3-magnitude earthquake killed dozens and injured hundreds across several provinces. The World Health Organization (WHO) has dispatched emergency response teams and medical supplies to the quake-affected provinces of Balkh, Samangan, and
Returnees Fear Winter Without Shelter or Heating Supplies
TOLOnews TV Network 3 Nov 2025 According to the agency, from September 1 to October 18 of this year, 404,431 individuals were returned to Afghanistan from Iran and Pakistan. The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has announced the provision of winter assistance for returnees as well. According to the agency, from September 1 to
Another Deadly Quake, and a Cascade of Calamities for Afghanistan
By Safiullah PadshahYaqoob, AkbaryElian Peltier and Mike Ives The New York Times Published Nov. 2, 2025 Ghulam Mahmoodi was sleeping with his six relatives in their house’s single bedroom when a powerful tremor jolted him from bed early Monday. He grabbed two of his daughters and they rushed outside into the thick of northern Afghanistan’s night. Then,
Powerful 6.3 quake kills at least 20 in Afghanistan, hundreds injured
By Mohammad Yunus Yawar Reuters November 3, 2025 Summary 6.3 magnitude quake strikes near Mazar-e Sharif in northern Afghanistan At least 20 killed and over 600 injured, officials say UN, India pledge support Power impacted across country Part of Mazar’s historic Blue Mosque damaged KABUL, Nov 3 (Reuters) – A powerful 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck
Afghanistan, Pakistan have been hit by a spate of quakes in recent years
By Reuters November 2, 2025 Nov 3 (Reuters) – A 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck near the northern Afghan city of Mazar-e Sharif early on Monday, killing at least seven people and injuring about 150, just months after a quake and strong aftershocks killed more than 2,200 people at the end of August. Here are some recent quakes in
Mujahid: U.S. Drones Violating Afghan Airspace via Pakistan
Bibi Amina Hakimi TOLOnews’ Reporter 2 Nov 2025 He emphasized that the only unresolved issue in talks between Afghanistan and Pakistan is the matter of Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, confirmed in an interview with TOLOnews that U.S. drones are entering Afghan airspace by passing through Pakistani territory.
Afghanistan Approves Five-Year Plan to Replace Poppy Cultivation
Liluma Qadiry Tolo News 2 Nov 2025 Meanwhile, several farmers stated that due to poverty and lack of livelihood opportunities, they had previously turned to poppy cultivation. The Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has announced the approval of a five-year alternative livelihood plan aimed at providing lawful and
Mujahid: Civilian-Military Divide in Pakistan Harming Bilateral Relations
Hayatullah Rahimi Journalist & Digital Editor Tolo News 1 Nov 2025 In an interview with Khyber TV, Mujahid said that elements within Pakistan’s military are deliberately working to damage relations between the two countries. Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, says that Pakistan’s civilian government is interested in establishing relations with Afghanistan
At least 49 relatives and colleagues of Afghans in data leak have been killed, study suggests
Diane Taylor The Guardian Mon 27 Oct 2025 At least 49 family members and colleagues of Afghans affected by the MoD’s mass data breach have been killed, according to research submitted to a parliamentary committee. The first on-the-ground research into 350 affected people in Afghanistan, the UK or elsewhere has found that, of the 231 respondents
Khawaja Asif: TTP Must Cease Activity for Normal Ties with Afghanistan
TOLOnews TV Network 1 Nov 2025 The second round of talks between Kabul and Islamabad concluded with an agreement to continue the ceasefire. Pakistan’s Defense Minister has described the agreement between Kabul and Islamabad as temporary. Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Pakistan’s Minister of Defense, told a Pakistani media outlet that relations between Kabul and Islamabad will
Mujahid Confirms End of Afghanistan-Pakistan Talks in Istanbul
By Mursaleen Muwahed Multilingual Journalist & Social Media Editor Tolo News 31 OCTOBER 2025 Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, announced in a statement that the negotiations with Pakistan held in Turkey have concluded. In the statement, Mujahid emphasized the Islamic Emirate’s consistent and principled position of resolving disputes through diplomacy and
Peace talks hosted by Turkey between Pakistan and Afghanistan hit impasse in Istanbul
By SUZAN FRASER and MUNIR AHMED The Associated Press October 28, 2025 ANKARA, Turkey (AP) — Peace talks between Pakistan and Afghanistan have hit an impasse in Istanbul after three days of negotiations, with state media in both countries Tuesday blaming each other for the failure to reach a deal while efforts by Turkey were still underway to
Line drawn by 19th-century Britain stokes Pakistan-Taliban tension
Haq Nawaz Khan and Shaiq Hussain The Washington Post October 26, 2025 The Durand Line, a legacy of the British Empire from 1893, is dividing the neighbors today. To Pakistan, it’s a fixed border. To Afghanistan, it’s merely hypothetical. It’s the Durand Line: a legacy of the British Empire that’s dividing the neighbors today. For
Afghanistan and Pakistan head to Turkey for second round of crisis talks
Associated Press October 24, 2025 ISLAMABAD (AP) — Afghanistan and Pakistan are heading to Turkey for a second round of crisis talks, officials said Friday, after recent fighting between them killed dozens of people and injured hundreds more. The neighbors are embroiled in a bitter security row that has become increasingly violent, with each side saying they were responding to aggression
Pakistan defence minister warns of ‘open war’ with Afghanistan if peace talks fail
By Ariba Shahid Reuters October 25, 2025 KARACHI, Oct 25 (Reuters) – Pakistan’s defence minister said on Saturday he believes Afghanistan wants peace but that failure to reach an agreement during talks in Istanbul would mean “open war,” days after both sides agreed to a ceasefire following deadly border clashes. The talks in Istanbul, which
Germany to End Afghan Refugee Program Citing Bureaucratic Delays
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press October 21, 2025 Germany plans to cancel its special Afghan refugee admission program, citing lengthy procedures and bureaucratic hurdles that left thousands stranded in Pakistan awaiting relocation. Germany is preparing to cancel its special admission programs for Afghan refugees due to prolonged processing times and complex bureaucratic hurdles, according to
UK Backs Afghanistan–Pakistan Ceasefire, Calls It Key Step Toward Regional Stability
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press October 21, 2025 The UK expressed support for the Afghanistan–Pakistan ceasefire, calling it a vital step toward reducing border tensions and promoting regional stability. The United Kingdom has voiced support for the ceasefire agreement between Afghanistan and Pakistan, calling it an important step toward easing border tensions and strengthening regional
Mujahid: We Seek Good Relations with All Countries, Including U.S.
TOLOnews TV Network 21 Oct 2025 According to the spokesperson, there have also been communications between the United States and the Islamic Emirate on this matter. The spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan stated that Afghanistan seeks good relations with all countries, including the United States. Zabihullah Mujahid, speaking to TOLOnews, emphasized that in
Pakistan Demolishes Afghan Refugee Settlement in Karachi Amid Deportation Drive
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press October 20, 2025 Pakistan has demolished over 1,200 homes in a long-standing Afghan refugee settlement in Karachi amid an ongoing nationwide deportation drive targeting undocumented Afghans. Authorities in Pakistan said Monday that demolition operations targeting Afghan refugee settlements in Karachi have entered their fifth consecutive day, as part of a
Zaeef: Dialogue ‘Only Solution’ to Disputes with Pakistan
Bibi Amina Hakimi TOLOnews’ Reporter 20 Oct 2025 Zaeef added that dialogue is the best way to resolve long-standing disputes between the two countries. While the signing of a ceasefire agreement between Afghanistan and Pakistan in Doha has opened a new window of hope for reducing military tensions between the two countries, Abdul Salam Zaeef,
Pakistan says ceasefire hinges on Afghanistan curbing armed groups
By Lorraine Mallinder Reuters Published On 20 Oct 2025 Pakistani Defence Minister Asif says Pakistan Taliban operates ‘in connivance’ with Afghanistan’s ruling Taliban. Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif has said that his country’s fragile ceasefire agreement with Afghanistan depends on whether the latter reins in armed groups attacking across their shared border. “Everything hinges on this
What we know about Pakistan-Afghanistan ceasefire, will it hold?
By Al Jazeera Staff Published On 19 Oct 2025 Islamabad and Kabul commit to ceasefire mediated by Qatar and Turkiye, but will it hold amid mutual distrust? Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to an “immediate ceasefire” after a week of deadly clashes along their border, as the ties between the two South Asian neighbours plunged
Taliban and Pakistan agree to ceasefire after days of deadly clashes
Rachel Hagan The Guardian 19 Oct 2025 Pakistan and Afghanistan’s Taliban government have agreed to an “immediate ceasefire” after more than a week of deadly fighting. The foreign ministry of Qatar, which mediated talks alongside Turkey, said both sides had agreed to establish “mechanisms to consolidate lasting peace and stability”. Zabihullah Mujahid, a spokesman for
Undocumented Afghan Migrants Fear Expulsion After Pakistan’s New Decision
TOLOnews 19 Oct 2025 Following a new decision by Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to accelerate the process of returning undocumented Afghan migrants, concerns have grown among Afghans residing in Pakistan. Some Afghan migrants say that this decision has placed thousands of families at risk of forced expulsion. According to them, the government announced yesterday through
Pakistan confronts a new reality: It may have lost the Taliban
By Rick Noack, Haq Nawaz Khan and Shaiq Hussain The New York Times October 18, 2025 Clashes between the Afghan Taliban and Pakistan, their former protector, are threatening to open a lasting rift that could spark more turmoil in the region. The now-uneasy neighbors exchanged fire again on Friday, according to Taliban-controlled media, days after
A Fragile Cease-fire Between Afghanistan and Pakistan Ends Violence, for Now
By Elian Peltier The New York Times Oct. 19, 2025 The two committed to stop attacking each other after the worst outbreak of hostilities in years. But the underlying causes remain, analysts warn. A cease-fire announced by Afghanistan and Pakistan on Sunday has brought respite from the worst flare-up of tensions between the neighboring countries
Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan spike as truce is extended
By Al Jazeera Staff and News Agencies 17 Oct 2025 Tensions are mounting between Pakistan and Afghanistan amid reports of separate attacks along the border, as a fragile truce between the neighbours, and once allies, is extended for another 48 hours. An initial 48-hour ceasefire between the two sides came into effect this week after days of bloody cross-border
Pakistan reports a new clash with Afghan forces along border
By RIAZ KHAN Associated Press Updated 9:40 PM EDT, October 14, 2025 PESHAWAR, Pakistan (AP) — Clashes erupted Tuesday between Pakistani and Afghan forces in a remote northwestern border region, with state-run media in Pakistan accusing Afghan troops of opening “unprovoked fire” that was repulsed. Pakistani forces responded, damaging Afghan tanks and military posts, according to
The Turbaned Traders: The Taliban take over the urban economy
Sharif Akram Afghanistan Analysts Network 14 Oct 2025 After the Taliban seized power in 2021, many of the movement’s fighters and supporters migrated from their rural strongholds into Afghanistan’s urban centres to assume control of the government and the cities. This marked a major shift following two decades of insurgency, when the Taliban and many
‘An environment of terror’: deadly resurgence of Pakistan Taliban gathers pace
Hannah Ellis-Petersen South Asia correspondent, and Shah Meer Baloch in Peshawar The Guardian Mon 13 Oct 2025 Surge in militancy in region bordering Afghanistan is now one of greatest security threats facing Islamabad Tariq Ahmed never lets his pistol out of his sight these days. Sitting cross-legged on a woven charpai, his face concealed with a scarf, the 26-year-old looks
Trade Concerns Mount as Afghanistan-Pakistan Crossings Remain Closed
Liluma Qadiry Tolo News 14 Oct 2025 The Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment has described Pakistan’s move as a violation of accepted international trade norms. As four days have passed since the closure of key trade crossings between Afghanistan and Pakistan, concerns are growing over the serious impact on trade and economic activities between
Suhail Afridi Urges Rethink of Pakistan’s Afghanistan Strategy
TOLOnews TV Network 14 Oct 2025 Speaking during a provincial assembly session, Afridi stressed the importance of maintaining good relations with Afghanistan. Suhail Afridi, the newly appointed Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, has urged Pakistan’s central government to review its policy toward Afghanistan. Speaking during a provincial assembly session, Afridi stressed the importance of maintaining
Afghanistan Denies Visa for Pakistani Officials Amid Airspace Dispute
TOLOnews TV Network 13 Oct 2025 However, Kabul has repeatedly rejected their requests to visit Afghanistan. Reliable sources within the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan have confirmed to TOLOnews that over the past three days, Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Pakistan’s Defense Minister; Asim Malik, the head of intelligence; and two other generals each submitted separate requests for
Afghan earthquake triggers contradictory Taliban tactics on rescuing women
Diaa Hadid and Fariba Akbari National Public Radio October 14, 2025 As earthquakes devastated parts of Afghanistan in late August, Taliban officials asked aid agencies to send more female health workers to assist female survivors. They also briefly barred female U.N. staffers from reaching earthquake-devastated areas. The flurry of contradictions in the wake of the earthquake
The U.S. saved him from the Taliban, but now it wants to send him back
By John Woodrow Cox The Washington Post 15 Oct 2025 He supported America’s war, escaped Afghanistan and started a family in the U.S. Then ICE arrested him. If he is deported, he expects the Taliban to kill him. In his cell, the light glows all night, so he pulls a blanket over his head and
Afghans Rally Behind Islamic Emirate Forces After Clashes with Pakistan
TOLOnews TV Network 12 Oct 2025 Some citizens stated that they stand firmly with the country’s security forces and will support them under any circumstances. Following recent clashes between the forces of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan and the Pakistani military, a number of Afghan citizens expressed strong support for the Islamic Emirate’s forces and
Muttaqi: Girls’ Education Not Banned in Afghanistan, Only Partially Suspend
Mursaleen Muwahed Multilingual Journalist & Social Media Editor Tolo News 12 Oct 2025 He clarified that certain areas of girls’ education have been temporarily suspended until further notice. The Foreign Minister of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has stated that Kabul is not opposed to education and that girls’ education has not been declared forbidden
Afghanistan says it has killed 58 Pakistani soldiers in overnight border operations
By RIAZ KHAN Associated Press October 12, 2025 KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — Afghanistan said Sunday it killed 58 Pakistani soldiers in overnight border operations, in response to what it called repeated violations of its territory and airspace. Pakistan’s army gave far lower casualty figures, saying 23 troops were killed. Earlier in the week, Afghan authorities
Border Clash Between Afghanistan and Pakistan Threatens a Wider Conflict
By Zia ur-Rehman, Yaqoob Akbary, Safiullah Padshah and Elian Peltier The New York Times Oct. 12, 2025 Isolated confrontations have intensified over the past week into the sharpest escalation of violence between the two countries in years. Tensions along the border of Afghanistan and Pakistan surged on Sunday after a deadly overnight clash between the countries’ militaries,
Social Media Restrictions and 2-Day Internet Shutdown Rattle Afghanistan
By Elian Peltier The New York Times Oct. 12, 2025 Airports and banks were forced to shut down. Government employees idled aimlessly in the corridors of their ministries. Teenage girls, barred from attending school, lost much of their access to the outside world. In shutting down the internet and cellphone services across Afghanistan last month,
Khalilzad Warns Pakistan’s Airstrike on Kabul Could Spark Broader Regional Conflict
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press October 11, 2025 Former U.S. envoy Zalmay Khalilzad warned that Pakistan’s airstrike on Kabul could ignite broader conflict and increase instability across the region. Former U.S. Special Envoy for Afghanistan Peace Zalmay Khalilzad warned that Pakistan’s airstrikes on Kabul risk triggering a broader conflict, describing the operation as a failure
Etihad Airways to Resume Direct Flights Between Abu Dhabi and Kabul
Bibi Amina Hakimi TOLOnews’ Reporter 11 Oct 2025 Continuing the resumption of international flights between Kabul and various countries, Etihad Airways of the United Arab Emirates has announced that it will begin direct flights between Abu Dhabi and Kabul starting December 18, 2025. According to the airline, flights will operate on Saturdays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays,
Putin Warns Afghanistan Still Faces Serious Security and Stability Challenges
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press October 10, 2025 President Vladimir Putin warned that Afghanistan continues to face serious security and stability challenges, urging stronger regional cooperation to prevent extremist threats from spreading. Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Friday that the Taliban is attempting to stabilize Afghanistan but acknowledged that significant problems continue to
Pakistan Defence Minister Says Afghan Refugees Must Leave Immediately
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press October 10, 2025 Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif said millions of Afghan refugees must leave, warning Islamabad can no longer bear the economic and security costs of hosting them. Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif said late Thursday that millions of Afghan refugees must return home, warning that the
Key Takeaways from Afghanistan–India Foreign Ministers’ Press Conference
Mursaleen Muwahed Multilingual Journalist & Social Media Editor Tolo News 10 Oct 2025 Dr. S. Jaishankar stated that India is fully committed to the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence of Afghanistan. India’s Minister of External Affairs, in a joint press conference with Amir Khan Muttaqi, the Foreign Minister of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, announced
Taliban blame Pakistan after explosions in Kabul, amid outreach to India
By Abid Hussain Al Jazeera Published On 10 Oct 2025 The attacks come amid rising tensions with Islamabad, which accuses the Taliban of sheltering anti-Pakistan armed groups. |Islamabad, Pakistan – The Taliban have blamed Pakistan for an explosion in Kabul and another in the eastern Afghanistan province of Paktika on Thursday, amid mounting tensions between the neighbours
Taliban Expands Ties with India, While Accusing Pakistan of Bombing Afghanistan
By Mujib Mashal Reporting from New Delhi The New York Times Oct. 10, 2025 India and the Taliban government in Afghanistan announced expanded diplomatic ties on Friday, after the sides held their most high-powered talks in the four years since Taliban forces overran the U.S.-backed republic in Kabul, which New Delhi had supported. India said
Deported Afghans Face Hardship After Returning Empty-Handed from Iran
Naseer Ahmad Salehi Tolo News 9 Oct 2025 According to them, all their belongings remain in Iran, and they have returned to the country empty-handed. A number of Afghan migrants recently deported from Iran have expressed concerns over extreme poverty and severe economic challenges. Abdul Ahad, one of these migrants, was deported from Iran along
Russia and Tajikistan Discuss Afghanistan’s Future in Key Bilateral Talks
TOLOnews TV Network 9 Oct 2025 It is worth noting that Russia is the first country to have officially recognized the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. The presidents of Russia and Tajikistan held talks on Afghanistan during their recent meeting. According to a report by RIA Novosti, Russian President Vladimir Putin emphasized the need for an
Russia Issues Afghanistan Warning After Trump Says US Wants Bagram Air Base
By Gabe Whisnant Breaking News Editor Newsweek October 7, 2025 Russia warned Tuesday that it would consider any new foreign military presence in Afghanistan or nearby countries “categorically unacceptable,” delivering the message during a high-level meeting in Moscow that included Afghanistan’s Taliban government. Why It Matters The statement came weeks after President Donald Trump said the
UN to investigate suspected abuses in Afghanistan
By Emma Farge Reuters October 6, 2025 Summary Investigation’s scope includes the Taliban and foreign troops Trump opposed to ‘unlawful jurisdiction’ over US forces China voices doubts over the investigation GENEVA, Oct 6 (Reuters) – The United Nations Human Rights Council is to investigate abuses in Afghanistan, which could eventually enable criminal investigations into suspected
World Bank Says Afghanistan’s Modest Economic Growth Overshadowed by Rising Poverty and Fragility
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press October 8, 2025 World Bank on glass building. The World Bank says Afghanistan’s economy shows modest growth, but rising poverty, weak governance, and declining aid continue to threaten long-term stability and recovery. The World Bank has reported that Afghanistan’s economy shows modest signs of recovery, but deep poverty, displacement, and
Consequences of the United States’ 20-Year Presence in Afghanistan
TOLOnews TV Network 7 Oct 2025 After 20 years, the threat of terrorism did not end; instead, the emergence of the ISIS-Khorasan group after 2010 created a new wave of violence in the country. On October 7, 2001, the United States and its NATO allies entered Afghanistan with three main goals: fighting terrorism, combating narcotics,
Moscow Format Discusses Afghanistan’s Political and Economic Future
Bibi Amina Hakimi TOLOnews’ Reporter 7 Oct 2025 Representatives from Afghanistan, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan attended the meeting. The 7th consultative meeting of the Moscow Format on Afghanistan, focusing on national reconciliation and regional cooperation in political and economic fields, was hosted by Russia today (Tuesday). Representatives from Afghanistan,
Regional powers signal objection to US reclaiming Afghanistan’s Bagram base
By Stephen Quillen and Reuters Al Jazeera 8 Oct 2025 Afghanistan’s regional neighbours, including India, have voiced a rare unified front by opposing foreign attempts to deploy “military infrastructure” in the country, as United States President Donald Trump presses to regain control of the Bagram airbase. In a joint statement on Tuesday, members of the Moscow Format
Social media content restricted in Afghanistan, Taliban sources confirm
Hafizullah Maroof and Doug Faulkner BBC News 8 Oct 2025 Restrictions have been placed on content on some social media platforms in Afghanistan, Taliban government sources told BBC Afghan. Filters have been applied to restrict certain types of content on sites including Facebook, Instagram and X, the sources at the Ministry of Communications and Information
Russia hosts Taliban delegation and warns against foreign military presence in Afghanistan
By VLADIMIR ISACHENKOV Associated Press October 7, 2025 MOSCOW (AP) — Russia hosted a delegation of Afghanistan’s ruling Taliban government Tuesday and issued a strong warning against a foreign military presence in the country. Speaking at the start of an international meeting on Afghanistan in Moscow, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov praised the Taliban government for efforts
After finding refuge in Australia, a trailblazing judge fears the Taliban will take revenge on her family
Adeshola Ore Community affairs reporter The Guardian Sat 4 Oct 2025 The Taliban commander, armed with a machine gun, hopped out of a tan Ford ranger the US troops had left behind. Flanked by fighters, he knocked on the door of the female judge who had put him behind bars. It was 17 August 2021 – two days
Muttaqi Leaves for Russia to Attend Moscow Format Meeting
Bibi Amina Hakimi TOLOnews’ Reporter 6 Oct 2025 This is the first time he is participating as an official member of the format, and he will discuss the expansion of Afghanistan’s relations with regional countries. Amir Khan Muttaqi, the Foreign Minister of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, has traveled to Russia to attend the “Moscow
UN rights body orders probe into human rights in Afghanistan, with a focus on women and girls
Associated Press October 6, 2025 GENEVA (AP) — The U.N.’s top human rights body agreed Monday to set up an ongoing probe of human rights violations in Afghanistan under the Taliban, including against women and girls, in a measure pushed for by the European Union. With no opposition and only China opting out of the
Afghans awaited U.S. resettlement. Pakistan sent them back to the Taliban.
By Rick Noack The Washington Post 6 Oct 2025 More than 1 million Afghans have been pressured to leave or deported by Pakistan. Many were former U.S. contractors approved for U.S. resettlement, now on hold under Trump. For Mursal, the nightmares began in late January. That’s when the 28-year-old Afghan woman learned that President Donald
Iran may release hundreds of thousands of Afghan refugees into Iraq and Turkey
Patrick Wintour Diplomatic editor The Guardian Thu 2 Oct 2025 Iran is considering releasing hundreds of thousands of Afghan refugees across its western borders with Iraq and Turkey. It would be part of what officials describe as a necessarily more offensive and unpredictable strategy in the wake of the bombing of its nuclear sites and
U.S. Officials Deny Rumors of Returning to Bagram Airbase, Say No Troops in Afghanistan
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press October 4, 2025 Two senior U.S. officials dismissed rumors of American troops returning to Afghanistan, confirming that the United States has no military presence or plans to reoccupy Bagram airbase. Two senior U.S. officials have categorically dismissed claims that American troops have returned to Afghanistan or regained control of the
Recognition of the Islamic Emirate Tops Agenda of Muttaqi’s Visit to India
TOLOnews TV Network 4 Oct 2025 According to Indian media reports, Amir Khan Muttaqi will arrive in New Delhi on October 9 after attending the Moscow Format meeting. During Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi’s visit to India, the issue of recognizing the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has been identified as one of the main
UN: Nine Million in Afghanistan Face Severe Food Insecurity
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press October 2, 2025 The United Nations warns that more than nine million people in Afghanistan face severe food insecurity, with worsening malnutrition threatening children and vulnerable families nationwide. The World Food Programme (WFP) has warned that recent earthquakes in Afghanistan have worsened an already dire food security and nutrition crisis
Global Reactions Positive as Afghanistan Restores Internet
TOLOnews TV Network 2 Oct 2025 Zabihullah Mujahid added that he himself did not have internet access during the past 48 hours. The resumption of telecommunications and internet services in Afghanistan has been met with a global welcome. The spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, in a press briefing, welcomed the restoration of internet services in
UNSC Grants Travel Exemption for Amir Khan Muttaqi to Visit India
TOLOnews TV Network 2 Oct 2025 According to a statement issued by the UN Security Council Sanctions Committee, Muttaqi is allowed to travel to New Delhi from October 9 to 16, 2025. The United Nations Security Council has granted permission for Amir Khan Muttaqi, the Foreign Minister of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, to travel
Afghans rejoice as internet returns after Taliban blackout
Dearbail Jordan, Hafizullah Maroof and Caroline Davies BBC News 1 Oct 2025 Afghans have taken to the streets to rejoice in the restoration of internet and telecom services after the Taliban government shut them down, provoking widespread condemnation. Local reporters said communications were resuming, while internet monitor Netblocks said network data showed a “partial restoration” of
New York Times Exposes Double Standards in U.S. War Crimes in Afghanistan
TOLOnews TV Network 1 Oct 2025 According to the report, cases related to alleged war crimes by American soldiers in Afghanistan have been handled with double standards. The New York Times, in a recently published investigative report, has revealed the culture of immunity granted to some U.S. forces accused of committing war crimes in Afghanistan.
New EU Envoy Pledges Strong Support for Afghanistan’s Women and Girls
By Fidel Rahmati Khaama Press October 1, 2025 Gilles Bertrand, the new EU Special Envoy for Afghanistan, pledged strong support for Afghan women and girls, prioritizing rights protection and humanitarian engagement amid ongoing restrictions. Gilles Bertrand, the newly appointed European Union Special Envoy for Afghanistan, has declared that supporting Afghan women and girls facing unprecedented
How Pakistan misread the Taliban and lost peace on the frontier
By Abid Hussain Al Jazeera Published On 1 Oct 2025 As Kabul resists action against the Pakistan Taliban in wake of Quetta suicide bomb, Islamabad is left to weigh military strikes and expulsions. Islamabad, Pakistan – When Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived at the military hospital in Bannu in the northwestern province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan,
Flights in Afghanistan grounded after internet shutdown
Mahfouz Zubaide,Hafizullah Maroof and Anbarasan Ethirajan, Global Affairs Reporter BBC News 30 September 2025 Afghanistan’s main airport is at a standstill as the country grapples with the fallout of a nationwide internet shutdown imposed by the Taliban government. The Taliban has yet to give an official reason for the decision, which took effect on Monday, but