Afghanistan Times

KABUL – The Central Bank of Afghanistan, operating under Taliban administration, has announced plans to auction $27 million in an effort to stabilize the Afghan currency amid a sharp rise in the value of the U.S. dollar. In a press release on Tuesday, January 28, the bank stated that the …

KABUL – In a landmark development, the Taliban and the United States have executed a prisoner exchange, fueling speculation about the potential for improved relations between Washington and Afghanistan’s de facto government. On January 21, two American citizens, Ryan Corbett and William McKenty, were released in exchange for Khan Mohammad, …

KABUL – The already strained relationship between Afghanistan and Pakistan is worsening, with the Taliban officially accusing Islamabad of backing ISIS militants. This accusation coincides with a surge in armed clashes along the Afghan-Pakistani border. At the heart of the tension lies the contentious Durand Line, the de facto border, …

KABUL – The United Nations’ World Food Program (WFP) has issued a stark warning about the impact of reduced humanitarian aid on Afghanistan, leaving millions of people in dire need during the harsh winter months. According to Hsiao-Wei Lee, WFP’s Afghanistan Country Director, nearly one-third of the country’s population—approximately 15 …

KABUL – The Taliban administration in Afghanistan has conditionally allowed Afghan women to pursue higher education in Pakistan, provided their male guardians, or mahrams, are granted visas to accompany them. This development aligns with entrance exams held on Saturday, where hundreds of Afghan students competed for opportunities to enroll in …

KABUL – The Taliban’s ambassador to Qatar, Suhail Shaheen, has issued a stern warning to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio after Rubio suggested imposing bounties on Afghanistan’s leadership over the detention of American citizens. Shaheen, speaking Monday, emphasized that Afghanistan’s government seeks to address disputes through dialogue and urged …

KABUL – More American hostages are being held in Afghanistan than previously disclosed by Afghan authorities, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio suggested on Saturday. In a post on social media platform X, Rubio stated, “Just hearing the Taliban is holding more American hostages than has been reported,” raising fresh …

KABUL – Thousands of Afghan refugees, who risked their lives aiding U.S. forces during the 20-year war in Afghanistan, now face an uncertain future as former President Donald Trump’s executive order suspends refugee admissions to the United States. The policy, which came into effect on January 27, halts the relocation …

KABUL – In a significant diplomatic development, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi met with top Taliban officials in Kabul on Sunday. This marked the first visit by an Iranian foreign minister to the Afghan capital since 2017. Discussions centered on border tensions, the treatment of Afghan refugees in Iran, and …

KABUL – Beijing has lodged a formal protest with the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) following the fatal shooting of a Chinese mine worker in Takhar Province earlier this week. China’s foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning confirmed on Thursday that “solemn representations” had been made to the Afghan authorities. “The …