Afghanistan Times

KABUL – Matthew Miller, spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, reaffirmed that Afghanistan continues to be a central focus of U.S. foreign policy. Speaking at a press conference, Miller stressed that despite the complexities of recent years, the U.S. remains actively engaged with Afghanistan. “Afghanistan remains an enduring priority,” Miller …

KABUL – The U.S. has reassigned its special representative for Afghanistan, leaving a critical diplomatic post vacant amid ongoing efforts to engage with the Taliban-ruled country. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced Tuesday that Tom West, the envoy since 2021, will assume a new role as the acting head …

KABUL – Afghan journalists have reported a surge in abuses, including torture, arbitrary detention, and increasing censorship, since the Taliban’s return to power. Journalists covering attacks by militant groups or issues related to women’s rights are often detained, with some reporting being held in the same cells as Islamic State …

KABUL – The Taliban’s oppressive governance in Afghanistan has placed its unrecognized regime on the global stage as a pariah due to widespread human rights abuses. Despite this, the militant group has been pushing to promote foreign tourism in an effort to reshape its international image, attracting visitors to Afghanistan’s …

KABUL – Trade between Pakistan and Afghanistan through the Torkham border has gradually resumed over recent days, with truck drivers navigating the challenging Shalman-Malagori route to transport goods to Peshawar or cross into Afghanistan. Bilateral trade was abruptly halted on August 21 when hundreds of Kukikhel tribesmen blocked the main …

New York – In a pivotal address at the United Nations General Assembly on Saturday, Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, emphasized the urgent need for the international community to support Afghanistan, underscoring the escalating threat of terrorism. Prince Faisal stated that Afghanistan “cannot be left …

KABUL – A stark report released by the World Food Programme (WFP) reveals that one in three Afghan girls are unable to complete their primary education, primarily due to widespread poverty. The findings underscore the devastating impact of economic hardship on education in Afghanistan, particularly for young girls. The WFP …

KABUL – The Taliban are invalidating court-granted divorces for child brides in Afghanistan, forcing them to return to their former adult husbands, according to a report by the BBC. This comes as part of the regime’s strict interpretation of Sharia law, which nullifies divorces previously granted by the Afghan courts. …

AT Kabul: Taliban leaders have pushed back against escalating accusations of gender-based discrimination against women and girls during the recent U.N. General Assembly. Maulavi Abdul Kabir, the Taliban’s deputy prime minister for political affairs, claimed in an interview that “the situation is not as it is portrayed” internationally. His remarks …

KABUL: The Afghan-Pakistan border is erupting into chaos as militant groups, emboldened by the Taliban’s rule, pose increasing threats to both nations. Three years after the Taliban’s takeover, Pakistan grapples with internal strife, highlighted by the court martial of former intelligence chief General Faiz Hameed amid allegations of corruption. Violence …