KABUL – In Istanbul, the two-day “National Dialogue Process” meeting of Afghan political leaders and influencers concluded on Friday. Supported by Turkey, the high-profile gathering brought together former Afghan government officials and figures associated with the Taliban to discuss Afghanistan’s tumultuous political landscape. Despite intense discussions behind closed doors, the …
Read More »Taliban Detains Afghan Political Commentator Amid Crackdown on Free Speech
KABUL — The unrecognized Taliban government in Afghanistan has detained prominent political commentator and former university lecturer Jawed Mohmand, escalating concerns over an intensified crackdown on dissent. Mohmand was reportedly taken by Taliban intelligence agents outside his Kabul residence on October 19, according to his family. A relative, speaking under …
Read More »Deadly Bombing Targets Polio Vaccination Drive in Pakistan, Killing 7
KABUL – In a tragic attack targeting a polio vaccination team in Pakistan’s western city of Mastung, a bombing near a girls’ school has killed seven people, including five children and a police officer. The blast occurred in Balochistan’s main market area on Friday, as police provided security for health …
Read More »Taliban’s New Decree Silences Afghan Women’s Prayers
KABUL – In a sweeping move that further restricts the rights of Afghan women, the Taliban regime has issued a decree prohibiting women from praying aloud in the presence of one another. Announced by Mohammad Khalid Hanafi, Taliban minister for the Propagation of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice, the …
Read More »Two Taliban Border Forces Injured in Intense Clash with Iranian Forces
KABUL – At least two Taliban border forces were reportedly injured in a fierce exchange of gunfire with Iranian border forces early Wednesday, Afghan media sources confirm. The altercation erupted when Iranian forces allegedly opened fire on Afghan smugglers attempting to cross the border into Iran. No official statements have …
Read More »Taliban Threaten Jail for Herat Professors Over Beard Length
KABUL – The Taliban have allegedly “threatened” Herat University faculty members with imprisonment for failing to maintain a beard of a specific length, sources close to the matter report. During a meeting held on October 29, a representative from the Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice …
Read More »Afghanistan-Iran Trade Exceeds $4 Billion Annually
KABUL – In a significant economic development, Iranian officials have announced that the annual trade volume between Afghanistan and Iran has surpassed the $4 billion mark. During a visit to Taybad on Monday, Alireza Marhamati, Iran’s Consul General in Herat, emphasized Afghanistan’s pivotal role as Iran’s most important economic partner. …
Read More »Iranian Private Airline Launches Direct Flights to Kabul
KABUL – Iran Airtour, a private Iranian airline, inaugurated its first direct flights to Kabul, Afghanistan, on Monday, marking a significant step in regional air connectivity. This move positions Iran Airtour as the fifth Iranian airline to begin operations in Afghanistan since the Taliban’s return to power. Taliban officials from …
Read More »UN Report Exposes Sexual Abuse of Women in Taliban Custody
KABUL – The United Nations Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Afghanistan, Richard Bennett, has released a harrowing report that details extensive abuses under Taliban rule, including allegations of sexual violence against detained women. The report draws on credible testimonies, describing how women accused of wearing “inappropriate” hijab were detained …
Read More »Taliban Urges UK to Bolster Afghanistan’s Healthcare Amid Mounting Crisis
KABUL – The Taliban’s Health Minister, Noor Jalal Jalali, has called on Britain to extend crucial support to Afghanistan’s healthcare sector, deeming it essential during a recent meeting with Robert Dickson, the U.K. chargé d’affaires for Afghanistan, according to a statement from the Taliban-run Ministry of Public Health. During the …
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