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New Delhi: Afghanistan’s Islamic Emirate celebrated the fifth anniversary of its return to power with its first public reception in India on Monday, as chargé d’affaires Noor Ahmed Noor stressed the value of deeper engagement with New Delhi.&nbsp;Speaking at the Afghan embassy in Delhi on Monday, Noor said stronger political trust, economic partnership and continued engagement between the two countries “will not only benefit both countries, but will also make an important contribution to regional stability, connectivity, and shared prosperity.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irgc-refutes-trump-s-claim-of-backchannel-talks-calls-it-result-of-his-delusion-1786980019117">IRGC refutes Trump’s claim of backchannel talks, calls it ‘result of his delusions’</a>&nbsp;He thanked Indian leadership and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar for their support “in protecting and respecting the international rights of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan” and for emphasising at international forums the need to ensure Afghanistan’s legitimate rights. “We hope that greater attention and practical efforts will be made in this regard,” he added.&nbsp;Noor highlighted centuries of connection through trade, transit, sports and cultural heritage. “The ancient cities of Afghanistan, such as Kabul, Herat, and Kandahar, welcomed Indian traders and caravans, while Indian cities such as Delhi and Lahore benefited from the influence of Afghan scholars, poets, and Sufis,” he said. In the political sphere, he noted, the two nations had influenced each other in their struggles for freedom from British colonial rule. “This is our shared past, from which we draw inspiration for a better future.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/supreme-court-rejects-trump-s-renewed-appeal-to-block-e-jean-carroll-award-1786975184644">Supreme Court rejects Trump’s renewed appeal to block E. Jean Carroll award</a>&nbsp;The event, hosted by Noor, who took up his post earlier this year, drew diplomats, Indian civil society figures and media. Joint Secretary Anand Prakash of the Ministry of External Affairs attended as chief guest. Representatives from Russia, China, Iraq, Qatar, the UAE, Palestine, Niger, Oman, Mongolia and Serbia were also present.&nbsp;Victory Day commemorates the Taliban’s entry into Kabul on 15 August 2021 following the withdrawal of US-led NATO forces and the collapse of the previous government. Celebrations inside Afghanistan this year included flag-decked convoys and official ceremonies.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-cannot-live-with-war-former-iran-president-warns-against-prolonged-conflict-urges-diplomacy-1786912223136">‘We cannot live with war’: Former Iran president warns against prolonged conflict, urges diplomacy</a>&nbsp;India has not formally recognised the Islamic Emirate, a stance shared by much of the international community. Engagement has nevertheless expanded. Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi visited New Delhi in October 2025, the first such high-level trip. India later upgraded its technical mission in Kabul to a full embassy and permitted Islamic Emirate diplomats to staff the Afghan embassy in Delhi and consulates in Mumbai and Hyderabad. Further ministerial visits covering industry, health and agriculture have followed. India allocated ₹150 crore for Afghanistan in its latest budget and continues humanitarian assistance.

Afghanistan’s chargé d’affaires Noor Ahmed Noor thanked Indian leadership and EAM S Jaishankar for their support in protecting and respecting the international rights of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan and emphasising at international forums the need to ensure Kabul’s legitimate rights.

New Delhi: Afghanistan’s Islamic Emirate celebrated the fifth anniversary of its return to power with its first public reception in India on Monday, as chargé d’affaires Noor Ahmed Noor stressed the value of deeper engagement with New Delhi. Speaking at the Afghan embassy in Delhi on Monday, Noor said stronger political trust, economic partnership and continued engagement between the two countries “will not only benefit both countries, but will also make an important contribution to regional stability, connectivity, and shared prosperity.” Also Read: IRGC refutes Trump’s claim of backchannel talks, calls it ‘result of his delusions’ He thanked Indian leadership and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar for their support “in protecting and respecting the international rights of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan” and for emphasising at international forums the need to ensure Afghanistan’s legitimate rights. “We hope that greater attention and practical efforts will be made in this regard,” he added. Noor highlighted centuries of connection through trade, transit, sports and cultural heritage. “The ancient cities of Afghanistan, such as Kabul, Herat, and Kandahar, welcomed Indian traders and caravans, while Indian cities such as Delhi and Lahore benefited from the influence of Afghan scholars, poets, and Sufis,” he said. In the political sphere, he noted, the two nations had influenced each other in their struggles for freedom from British colonial rule. “This is our shared past, from which we draw inspiration for a better future.” Also Read: Supreme Court rejects Trump’s renewed appeal to block E. Jean Carroll award The event, hosted by Noor, who took up his post earlier this year, drew diplomats, Indian civil society figures and media. Joint Secretary Anand Prakash of the Ministry of External Affairs attended as chief guest. Representatives from Russia, China, Iraq, Qatar, the UAE, Palestine, Niger, Oman, Mongolia and Serbia were also present. Victory Day commemorates the Taliban’s entry into Kabul on 15 August 2021 following the withdrawal of US-led NATO forces and the collapse of the previous government. Celebrations inside Afghanistan this year included flag-decked convoys and official ceremonies. Also Read: ‘We cannot live with war’: Former Iran president warns against prolonged conflict, urges diplomacy India has not formally recognised the Islamic Emirate, a stance shared by much of the international community. Engagement has nevertheless expanded. Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi visited New Delhi in October 2025, the first such high-level trip. India later upgraded its technical mission in Kabul to a full embassy and permitted Islamic Emirate diplomats to staff the Afghan embassy in Delhi and consulates in Mumbai and Hyderabad. Further ministerial visits covering industry, health and agriculture have followed. India allocated ₹150 crore for Afghanistan in its latest budget and continues humanitarian assistance.

Afghanistan’s chargé d’affaires Noor Ahmed Noor thanked Indian leadership and EAM S Jaishankar for their support in protecting and respecting the international rights of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan and emphasising at international forums the need to ensure Kabul’s legitimate rights.

Afghan chargé d’affaires Noor hails ‘shared past’ and stronger ties with India at first Victory Day event in Delhi

Amnesty International has called for Pakistan to be investigated for a possible war crime over an alleged missile strike on a drug rehabilitation centre in Afghanistan earlier this year, saying there is no evidence to support Islamabad's claim that it targeted a military facility. In a report released on Wednesday (Jul 22), the rights group said the Omid Rehabilitation and Treatment Centre was struck on March 16 during escalating tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan.According to Amnesty, the attack killed 269 people and injured hundreds more, with most of the victims being patients undergoing treatment for substance abuse.<h2>Pakistan rejects allegations</h2>Pakistan has denied targeting the rehabilitation centre, insisting its forces struck a militant facility. Following the incident, Pakistan's Information Ministry said the military had targeted a "military terrorist ammunition and equipment storage site" known as Camp Phoenix. However, Amnesty said its investigation found no evidence to support that claim.The organisation alleged that Pakistan failed to verify whether the target was a legitimate military objective and accused it of violating international humanitarian law, which provides special protection to medical facilities during armed conflict.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-first-visit-by-canadian-fm-in-20-years-pakistan-urges-anita-anand-s-support-on-indus-waters-treaty-1784608437594">Pakistan urges Canadian FM Anita Anand’s support on Indus Waters Treaty</a><h2>Amnesty cites satellite images, witness accounts</h2>The Omid Rehabilitation and Treatment Centre, described as a newly renovated 2,000-bed facility, formed part of the Taliban government's campaign to tackle drug addiction in Afghanistan. It was located next to the former NATO base Camp Phoenix, where US forces once trained members of the Afghan National Army.Amnesty said its investigation relied on satellite imagery, photographs, videos and witness testimonies gathered after the strike. According to the organisation's research, it verified more than 60 photographs and videos and interviewed current and former staff members of the rehabilitation centre as well as the neighbouring Ibn-e-Sina Hospital.The rights group said satellite images taken three days before the strike showed dozens of patients inside the facility, including in the main treatment area and administrative building.Witnesses living nearby also told Amnesty that the complex was functioning as a medical facility at the time of the attack.<h2>'Bodies everywhere'</h2>According to Amnesty's findings shared with The Independent, many of those killed were in the dining hall and kitchen when the strike occurred at around 9 pm, suggesting patients had gathered for dinner.One witness told investigators that one of the damaged buildings had been used to store wood and coal rather than military equipment.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nearly-3-in-10-pakistanis-now-live-below-poverty-line-amid-deepening-economic-crisis-1784579017211">Nearly 3 in 10 Pakistanis now live below poverty line</a>"When I visited, I saw remnants of wood and coal. There were many clothes. There were many shoes. These were not military shoes," the witness said.A staff member told Amnesty that more than 1,000 patients were inside the rehabilitation centre when it was struck. A healthcare worker describing the aftermath of the attack said, "I rushed to help anywhere I heard noise and calls for help. After a while I was no longer hearing any voices. Anywhere I stepped, there was a dead body."<h2>Amnesty calls for independent investigation</h2>Amnesty said signboards identifying the facility as a drug rehabilitation and treatment centre had been displayed outside the complex for years, arguing that Pakistan should have known it was a protected civilian site."This was a lethal failure by Pakistan to comply with its obligation to do everything feasible to verify whether the target was a military objective," said Isabelle Lassee, Amnesty International's acting regional director for South Asia.She said the attack constituted "a serious violation of international humanitarian law, possibly amounting to a war crime."Amnesty has urged Pakistan to conduct what it described as a transparent, thorough, independent and impartial investigation into the strike, publish its findings and prosecute anyone found criminally responsible, including under the doctrine of command responsibility. &nbsp;

Amnesty International has called for Pakistan to be investigated for a possible war crime, saying there is no evidence that the missile strike on Afghanistan's Omid Rehabilitation and Treatment Centre targeted a legitimate military facility, contrary to Islamabad's claims.

Amnesty International has called for Pakistan to be investigated for a possible war crime over an alleged missile strike on a drug rehabilitation centre in Afghanistan earlier this year, saying there is no evidence to support Islamabad's claim that it targeted a military facility. In a report released on Wednesday (Jul 22), the rights group said the Omid Rehabilitation and Treatment Centre was struck on March 16 during escalating tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan. According to Amnesty, the attack killed 269 people and injured hundreds more, with most of the victims being patients undergoing treatment for substance abuse. Pakistan rejects allegations Pakistan has denied targeting the rehabilitation centre, insisting its forces struck a militant facility. Following the incident, Pakistan's Information Ministry said the military had targeted a "military terrorist ammunition and equipment storage site" known as Camp Phoenix. However, Amnesty said its investigation found no evidence to support that claim. The organisation alleged that Pakistan failed to verify whether the target was a legitimate military objective and accused it of violating international humanitarian law, which provides special protection to medical facilities during armed conflict. Also read | Pakistan urges Canadian FM Anita Anand’s support on Indus Waters Treaty Amnesty cites satellite images, witness accounts The Omid Rehabilitation and Treatment Centre, described as a newly renovated 2,000-bed facility, formed part of the Taliban government's campaign to tackle drug addiction in Afghanistan. It was located next to the former NATO base Camp Phoenix, where US forces once trained members of the Afghan National Army. Amnesty said its investigation relied on satellite imagery, photographs, videos and witness testimonies gathered after the strike. According to the organisation's research, it verified more than 60 photographs and videos and interviewed current and former staff members of the rehabilitation centre as well as the neighbouring Ibn-e-Sina Hospital. The rights group said satellite images taken three days before the strike showed dozens of patients inside the facility, including in the main treatment area and administrative building. Witnesses living nearby also told Amnesty that the complex was functioning as a medical facility at the time of the attack. 'Bodies everywhere' According to Amnesty's findings shared with The Independent, many of those killed were in the dining hall and kitchen when the strike occurred at around 9 pm, suggesting patients had gathered for dinner. One witness told investigators that one of the damaged buildings had been used to store wood and coal rather than military equipment. Also read | Nearly 3 in 10 Pakistanis now live below poverty line "When I visited, I saw remnants of wood and coal. There were many clothes. There were many shoes. These were not military shoes," the witness said. A staff member told Amnesty that more than 1,000 patients were inside the rehabilitation centre when it was struck. A healthcare worker describing the aftermath of the attack said, "I rushed to help anywhere I heard noise and calls for help. After a while I was no longer hearing any voices. Anywhere I stepped, there was a dead body." Amnesty calls for independent investigation Amnesty said signboards identifying the facility as a drug rehabilitation and treatment centre had been displayed outside the complex for years, arguing that Pakistan should have known it was a protected civilian site. "This was a lethal failure by Pakistan to comply with its obligation to do everything feasible to verify whether the target was a military objective," said Isabelle Lassee, Amnesty International's acting regional director for South Asia. She said the attack constituted "a serious violation of international humanitarian law, possibly amounting to a war crime." Amnesty has urged Pakistan to conduct what it described as a transparent, thorough, independent and impartial investigation into the strike, publish its findings and prosecute anyone found criminally responsible, including under the doctrine of command responsibility.

Amnesty International has called for Pakistan to be investigated for a possible war crime, saying there is no evidence that the missile strike on Afghanistan's Omid Rehabilitation and Treatment Centre targeted a legitimate military facility, contrary to Islamabad's claims.

269 killed, no military target? Amnesty International accuses Pakistan of war crimes for THIS reason

New Delhi: Afghanistan’s Chargé d’Affaires in India, Mufti Noor Ahmad Noor, has emphasised the strengthening of bilateral relations with New Delhi, describing them as rooted in deep historic and cultural bonds.In remarks that signal Kabul’s push for greater economic engagement, CdA Noor said the relationship has grown significantly since the Islamic Emirate took power in 2021. “Our relations with India have not started tomorrow, these are historic ties. Our cultures, traditions are similar. India, Afghanistan are very close. This relationship has a strong people-to-people element, something that will remain like that,” he stated.&nbsp;Noor, who assumed charge at the Afghan embassy in New Delhi in January 2026, pointed to concrete steps in political engagement. Afghanistan maintains consulates in Mumbai and Hyderabad, and four Afghan ministers have visited India since October 2025. “Ever since Islamic Emirate took charge in Kabul, our political ties with India have strengthened. Steps have been taken... Political ties have strengthened with each passing day,” he added.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/11-killed-mostly-foreigners-19-missing-in-spain-s-devastating-wildfire-toll-may-go-up-1783684567807">Foreigners among 11 killed; 19 missing in Spain’s devastating wildfire; toll may go up</a>&nbsp;A key area of focus is practical cooperation in agriculture and water management. Afghanistan’s traditional farming sector faces challenges, including water scarcity in places like Kabul. Noor appealed for Indian expertise, saying, “India is not just a market for us, India has advanced agriculture, technology. India can help our agriculture sector... We want Indian help in water management and agriculture… We can work on that, so that water from Panjshir can come to Kabul.”&nbsp;Trade between the two countries is approaching $1 billion despite regional disruptions. Noor acknowledged the impact of the US-Iran conflict on connectivity routes, including the Chabahar port, but said traders have adapted.&nbsp;&nbsp;“The US-Iran war has caused global issues and impacted connectivity routes but our traders continue to work... If the land route is closed, air routes are open.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/want-death-to-come-on-my-own-soil-sheikh-hasina-party-leaders-to-return-surrender-in-december-1783679799431">‘Want death to come on my own soil’: Sheikh Hasina says will return, surrender in December</a>&nbsp;The top Afghan diplomat in Delhi also extended an invitation to Indian investors, stressing improved security. “Ever since Islamic Emirate govt has come, from Badakhshan to Kandahar to Herat to Nangarhar, peace has come....We have an anti-corruption process, mechanism. Afghanistan has a number of opportunities, especially in the agriculture sector.” He was speaking at PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) which was hosting a high-level delegation from Afghanistan led by Afghan Agriculture minister Ataullah Omari.&nbsp;India has substantially upped its engagement with the Afghan government, from sending a technical team in June 2022 to Foreign Minister Muttaqi visiting Delhi in October 2025. India has upgraded its Kabul mission to a full embassy status after the visit of Afghan FM Muttaqi. New Delhi continues to stress people-centric support, including discussions on agriculture, trade, and unfinished infrastructure projects.

Afghanistan’s Chargé d’Affaires in India, Mufti Noor Ahmad Noor acknowledged the impact of the US-Iran conflict on connectivity routes, including the Chabahar port, but said traders have adapted. Trade between the two countries is approaching $1 billion despite regional disruptions.

New Delhi: Afghanistan’s Chargé d’Affaires in India, Mufti Noor Ahmad Noor, has emphasised the strengthening of bilateral relations with New Delhi, describing them as rooted in deep historic and cultural bonds. In remarks that signal Kabul’s push for greater economic engagement, CdA Noor said the relationship has grown significantly since the Islamic Emirate took power in 2021. “Our relations with India have not started tomorrow, these are historic ties. Our cultures, traditions are similar. India, Afghanistan are very close. This relationship has a strong people-to-people element, something that will remain like that,” he stated. Noor, who assumed charge at the Afghan embassy in New Delhi in January 2026, pointed to concrete steps in political engagement. Afghanistan maintains consulates in Mumbai and Hyderabad, and four Afghan ministers have visited India since October 2025. “Ever since Islamic Emirate took charge in Kabul, our political ties with India have strengthened. Steps have been taken... Political ties have strengthened with each passing day,” he added. Also Read: Foreigners among 11 killed; 19 missing in Spain’s devastating wildfire; toll may go up A key area of focus is practical cooperation in agriculture and water management. Afghanistan’s traditional farming sector faces challenges, including water scarcity in places like Kabul. Noor appealed for Indian expertise, saying, “India is not just a market for us, India has advanced agriculture, technology. India can help our agriculture sector... We want Indian help in water management and agriculture… We can work on that, so that water from Panjshir can come to Kabul.” Trade between the two countries is approaching $1 billion despite regional disruptions. Noor acknowledged the impact of the US-Iran conflict on connectivity routes, including the Chabahar port, but said traders have adapted. “The US-Iran war has caused global issues and impacted connectivity routes but our traders continue to work... If the land route is closed, air routes are open.” Also Read: ‘Want death to come on my own soil’: Sheikh Hasina says will return, surrender in December The top Afghan diplomat in Delhi also extended an invitation to Indian investors, stressing improved security. “Ever since Islamic Emirate govt has come, from Badakhshan to Kandahar to Herat to Nangarhar, peace has come....We have an anti-corruption process, mechanism. Afghanistan has a number of opportunities, especially in the agriculture sector.” He was speaking at PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) which was hosting a high-level delegation from Afghanistan led by Afghan Agriculture minister Ataullah Omari. India has substantially upped its engagement with the Afghan government, from sending a technical team in June 2022 to Foreign Minister Muttaqi visiting Delhi in October 2025. India has upgraded its Kabul mission to a full embassy status after the visit of Afghan FM Muttaqi. New Delhi continues to stress people-centric support, including discussions on agriculture, trade, and unfinished infrastructure projects.

Afghanistan’s Chargé d’Affaires in India, Mufti Noor Ahmad Noor acknowledged the impact of the US-Iran conflict on connectivity routes, including the Chabahar port, but said traders have adapted. Trade between the two countries is approaching $1 billion despite regional disruptions.

Afghanistan’s top diplomat in Delhi seeks India’s help in water management, agriculture modernisation

South Asia recorded the world's sharpest decline in peacefulness in the Global Peace Index 2026. Here's how India, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan and Afghanistan ranked.

Global Peace Index 2026: How India and its neighbours ranked in South Asia

A rare public protest by Afghan men in support of women's rights was met with a forceful response from security personnel in the western city of Herat on Tuesday (Jun 9), according to witnesses. The gathering was in protest of a recent crackdown on women over dress code violations. Dozens of men had gathered in the city after reports emerged that Taliban morality police had detained women for failing to wear the chador or burqa, garments that cover the body and, in the case of the burqa, the face. The demonstration was unusual in a country where public protests have become increasingly rare since the Taliban returned to power in August 2021.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ex-taliban-commander-haji-najibullah-who-kidnapped-nyt-journalist-killed-us-troops-sentenced-to-42-years-in-prison-1781058434173">Ex-Taliban commander who kidnapped journalist, killed US troops sentenced to 42 years in prison</a><h2>What happened in Herat?</h2>Witnesses told AFP that Taliban security forces moved quickly to disperse the crowd. A 33-year-old protester alleged that officers "used sticks, whips and firearms to disperse the crowd. They even fired shots into the air." Another witness, a photographer who attended the rally, said he saw security personnel "striking protesters and firing weapons in the direction of the crowd". Both men requested anonymity due to fears of reprisals.The photographer said several people appeared to have been injured during the confrontation. WION was unable to independently verify the claims.Another protester said the atmosphere in the city had become tense following the incident, with many residents fearful of speaking publicly. Watch videos here:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Last weekend, the Taliban arrested between 20-60 fully covered women on the pretext of ‘hijab.’ Today people in Herat marched in protest. The response - open fire on the crowd. The Taliban are a terrorist regime. And must be stopped. <a href="https://t.co/opcnbHG60U">pic.twitter.com/opcnbHG60U</a>&mdash; Shabnam Nasimi (@NasimiShabnam) <a href="https://x.com/NasimiShabnam/status/2064286479451402465?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 9, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">The moment Taliban militants opened fire on protesters in Herat, who had gathered over the arbitrary arrests of women and girls by the Taliban. According to reports, several people, including 3 women, were killed and injured in the shooting.<a href="https://x.com/hrw?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@hrw</a> <a href="https://x.com/UN_Women?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UN_Women</a> <a href="https://t.co/fcaxWrQbuk">pic.twitter.com/fcaxWrQbuk</a>&mdash; Ahmad Sharifzad (@AhmadSharifzad) <a href="https://x.com/AhmadSharifzad/status/2064269864521626089?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 9, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Taliban rejects allegations of weapon use</h2>Herat police have rejected the allegations. Police spokesman Saeed Masoud Hussaini denied that weapons had been used and accused demonstrators of attempting to "gather and create tensions under the pretext of protesting issues related to the observance of the hijab" dress code.According to Hussaini, security forces intervened promptly and brought the situation under control before tensions could escalate further.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-trump-s-america-more-babies-behind-bars-than-ever-before-report-reveals-horrifying-10-fold-rise-in-ice-detentions-of-infants-1781070307893">More babies behind bars than ever before? Report reveals 10-fold surge in ICE detentions under Trump</a><h2>Defend the rights of our sisters</h2>The rally had been organised following a social media call urging residents to "defend the rights of our sisters." Witnesses said participants gathered in support of women affected by the recent morality police campaign.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Alarmed by excessive use of force against seemingly peaceful protesters in <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/Herat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Herat</a> today; it’s time to defuse the tension, respect citizens’ freedom of expression, especially women and girls, and avoid further harm. Those responsible for violence must be held accountable.&mdash; UN Special Rapporteur Richard Bennett (@SR_Afghanistan) <a href="https://x.com/SR_Afghanistan/status/2064254959617511641?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 9, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The incident also drew international attention. Richard Bennett, the UN special rapporteur on human rights in Afghanistan, said he was alarmed by reports of excessive force against what appeared to be peaceful protesters.Women in Afghanistan continue to face some of the world's strictest restrictions under Taliban rule. Current regulations require women to be almost fully covered when outside their homes, with morality police tasked with enforcing compliance across the country.

Dozens of Afghan men gathered in Herat to protest the Taliban's crackdown on women over dress-code violations. Witnesses alleged security forces used force to disperse the crowd.

A rare public protest by Afghan men in support of women's rights was met with a forceful response from security personnel in the western city of Herat on Tuesday (Jun 9), according to witnesses. The gathering was in protest of a recent crackdown on women over dress code violations. Dozens of men had gathered in the city after reports emerged that Taliban morality police had detained women for failing to wear the chador or burqa, garments that cover the body and, in the case of the burqa, the face. The demonstration was unusual in a country where public protests have become increasingly rare since the Taliban returned to power in August 2021. Also read | Ex-Taliban commander who kidnapped journalist, killed US troops sentenced to 42 years in prison What happened in Herat? Witnesses told AFP that Taliban security forces moved quickly to disperse the crowd. A 33-year-old protester alleged that officers "used sticks, whips and firearms to disperse the crowd. They even fired shots into the air." Another witness, a photographer who attended the rally, said he saw security personnel "striking protesters and firing weapons in the direction of the crowd". Both men requested anonymity due to fears of reprisals. The photographer said several people appeared to have been injured during the confrontation. WION was unable to independently verify the claims. Another protester said the atmosphere in the city had become tense following the incident, with many residents fearful of speaking publicly. Watch videos here:

In a rare act of public dissent under Taliban rule, dozens of Afghan men gathered in Herat to protest the detention of women over dress-code violations. Witnesses alleged security forces used sticks, whips and warning shots to disperse the crowd, claims authorities deny.

'Defend the rights of our sisters': Taliban violently disperses rare protest for women's right. What happened in Herat? WATCH

An overloaded truck carrying Afghan refugee families returning from neighbouring Pakistan overturned on a highway in eastern Afghanistan on Saturday, killing at least 22 people and injuring about 36 others, most of them women and children, said local Afghan officials.&nbsp;Emergency responders transported the wounded passengers to nearby medical facilities in Nangarhar Province, where several passengers remain in critical condition.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/five-storey-building-collapses-in-south-delhi-s-mehrauli-area-many-feared-trapped-1780156292174">Five-storey building collapses in South Delhi’s Mehrauli area, many feared trapped</a>&nbsp;The accident occurred near the Surkhakan intersection in the Qarghayi district of Laghman Province on the Kabul–Jalalabad highway, a key route linking the Afghan capital with the Torkham border crossing into Pakistan.The earlier death toll of 18 has risen to 22 after several victims succumbed to their injuries in hospital, said Nangarhar’s provincial public health director Mawlawi Aminullah Sharif.&nbsp;The passengers were among thousands of Afghans returning from Pakistan, which is pursuing a crackdown on migrants from across the border. The dead included 12 children and five women.&nbsp;The truck fell into a ditch after the driver fell asleep.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/locals-hurl-eggs-and-stones-at-abhishek-banerjee-manhandle-him-in-sonarpur-tmc-cries-foul-1780150286900">Locals hurl eggs and stones at Abhishek Banerjee, manhandle him in Sonarpur; TMC cries foul</a>&nbsp;The passengers were among thousands of Afghans who recently returned from Pakistan, which launched a crackdown on migrants in 2023 and has since deported or pressured many to leave.&nbsp;Iran also intensified expulsion of Afghan migrants around the same time. Since then, millions of Afghans have returned home from the two countries, including many who were born in Pakistan and had lived and worked there.&nbsp;In a separate accident, a car fell off the road into a river in the eastern province of Nuristan on Friday night, injuring the driver and leaving four passengers missing, the governor’s office said Saturday. Rescue crews were searching for the missing four passengers, the office said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/dk-shivakumar-elected-clp-leader-to-take-oath-as-karnataka-chief-minister-on-june-3-1780144118342">DK Shivakumar elected CLP leader, to take oath as Karnataka Chief Minister on June 3</a>&nbsp;Taliban government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said in a post on X that he was “deeply saddened” by the tragedy and offered prayers “for the swift recovery of the injured.”&nbsp;According to figures from the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) and the International Organization for Migration, more than 447,000 Afghans have returned from Pakistan since the start of 2026.The returning refugees often travel in overcrowded commercial trucks due to a lack of affordable transport options.

The passengers were among thousands of Afghans returning from Pakistan, which launched a crackdown on migrants in 2023 and has since deported or pressured many to leave. Iran also intensified expulsion of Afghans around the same time. Since then, millions of Afghans have returned home.

An overloaded truck carrying Afghan refugee families returning from neighbouring Pakistan overturned on a highway in eastern Afghanistan on Saturday, killing at least 22 people and injuring about 36 others, most of them women and children, said local Afghan officials. Emergency responders transported the wounded passengers to nearby medical facilities in Nangarhar Province, where several passengers remain in critical condition. Also Read: Five-storey building collapses in South Delhi’s Mehrauli area, many feared trapped The accident occurred near the Surkhakan intersection in the Qarghayi district of Laghman Province on the Kabul–Jalalabad highway, a key route linking the Afghan capital with the Torkham border crossing into Pakistan. The earlier death toll of 18 has risen to 22 after several victims succumbed to their injuries in hospital, said Nangarhar’s provincial public health director Mawlawi Aminullah Sharif. The passengers were among thousands of Afghans returning from Pakistan, which is pursuing a crackdown on migrants from across the border. The dead included 12 children and five women. The truck fell into a ditch after the driver fell asleep. Also Read: Locals hurl eggs and stones at Abhishek Banerjee, manhandle him in Sonarpur; TMC cries foul The passengers were among thousands of Afghans who recently returned from Pakistan, which launched a crackdown on migrants in 2023 and has since deported or pressured many to leave. Iran also intensified expulsion of Afghan migrants around the same time. Since then, millions of Afghans have returned home from the two countries, including many who were born in Pakistan and had lived and worked there. In a separate accident, a car fell off the road into a river in the eastern province of Nuristan on Friday night, injuring the driver and leaving four passengers missing, the governor’s office said Saturday. Rescue crews were searching for the missing four passengers, the office said. Also Read: DK Shivakumar elected CLP leader, to take oath as Karnataka Chief Minister on June 3 Taliban government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said in a post on X that he was “deeply saddened” by the tragedy and offered prayers “for the swift recovery of the injured.” According to figures from the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) and the International Organization for Migration, more than 447,000 Afghans have returned from Pakistan since the start of 2026. The returning refugees often travel in overcrowded commercial trucks due to a lack of affordable transport options.

The passengers were among thousands of Afghans returning from Pakistan, which launched a crackdown on migrants in 2023 and has since deported or pressured many to leave. Iran also intensified expulsion of Afghans around the same time. Since then, millions of Afghans have returned home.

22 Afghans killed, 36 injured as truck carrying refugees returning from Pakistan crashes in Afghanistan

The Taliban regime in Afghanistan has introduced a controversial new family law regulation governing marriages, divorce and child marriage, with one of the most debatable articles of the decree recognising the silence of a “virgin girl” as consent to marriage. However, the silence of a boy or a married woman cannot be taken to mean consent.&nbsp;The law has drawn widespread criticism from international observers. The 31-article regulation, titled “Principles of Separation Between Spouses,” was approved by Taliban supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada and published in the regime’s official gazette in mid-May, reported Afghan media outlet Amu TV.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-clock-is-ticking-for-iran-there-won-t-be-anything-left-of-them-says-trump-in-new-warning-1779038047114">‘Clock is ticking for Iran, there won’t be anything left of them,’ says Trump in new warning</a>&nbsp;The document outlines rules governing child marriage, missing husbands, forced separation, apostasy, accusations of adultery and other religious and legal matters.&nbsp;&nbsp;One of the most controversial provisions states that the silence of a “virgin girl” after reaching puberty may be interpreted as consent to marriage. The regulation then adds that the silence of a boy or a previously married woman, however, would not automatically count as consent.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-and-israel-trying-to-pit-muslim-nations-against-one-another-says-president-masoud-pezeshkian-1779035524085">US and Israel trying to pit Muslim nations against one another, says President Masoud Pezeshkian</a>&nbsp;The decree also addresses “khiyar al-bulugh” or the “option upon puberty”, a concept in Islamic jurisprudence under which a child married at a young age may seek annulment after reaching puberty. However, annulment requires the consent of the religious courts.&nbsp;According to Article 5 of the regulation, if relatives other than a child’s father or grandfather arrange the marriage of a minor, the marriage can still be considered legally valid if the spouse is deemed socially compatible and the dowry appropriate. The child may later seek annulment, but only through a Taliban court order.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistani-lashkar-terrorist-infiltrates-to-set-up-sleeper-cells-gets-hair-transplant-done-in-srinagar-1779029058588">Pakistani Lashkar terrorist infiltrates to set up sleeper cells, gets hair transplant done in Srinagar</a>&nbsp;Another provision says marriages involving a “non-compatible” spouse or an unfair dowry would not be considered valid. The regulation gives fathers and grandfathers broad authority over child marriages, although it says such marriages could be invalidated if guardians are found to be abusive, mentally unfit or morally corrupt.&nbsp;&nbsp;The document also authorises Taliban judges to intervene in disputes involving accusations of adultery, religious conversion, prolonged absence of husbands and “zihar”, a classical Islamic concept in which a husband compares his wife to a female relative with whom marriage would be forbidden.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-chief-who-replaced-mohd-sinwar-and-helped-plan-oct-7-attacks-killed-says-israel-1778933840744">Hamas chief who replaced Mohd Sinwar and helped plan Oct. 7 attacks killed, says Israel</a>&nbsp;Under those provisions, judges may order separation, imprisonment or punishment in certain cases. The latest decree comes amid growing international criticism of the Taliban’s restrictions on women and girls since returning to power in August 2021. Girls in Afghanistan cannot study beyond the sixth grade, women are banned from universities, and severe restrictions have been imposed on employment, travel and public participation.&nbsp;International organisations describe the Taliban’s policies as a system of “gender apartheid”.

One of the most controversial provisions states that the silence of a “virgin girl” after reaching puberty may be interpreted as consent to marriage. The regulation then adds that the silence of a boy or a previously married woman, however, would not automatically count as consent. 

The Taliban regime in Afghanistan has introduced a controversial new family law regulation governing marriages, divorce and child marriage, with one of the most debatable articles of the decree recognising the silence of a “virgin girl” as consent to marriage. However, the silence of a boy or a married woman cannot be taken to mean consent. The law has drawn widespread criticism from international observers. The 31-article regulation, titled “Principles of Separation Between Spouses,” was approved by Taliban supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada and published in the regime’s official gazette in mid-May, reported Afghan media outlet Amu TV. Also Read: ‘Clock is ticking for Iran, there won’t be anything left of them,’ says Trump in new warning The document outlines rules governing child marriage, missing husbands, forced separation, apostasy, accusations of adultery and other religious and legal matters. One of the most controversial provisions states that the silence of a “virgin girl” after reaching puberty may be interpreted as consent to marriage. The regulation then adds that the silence of a boy or a previously married woman, however, would not automatically count as consent. Also Read: US and Israel trying to pit Muslim nations against one another, says President Masoud Pezeshkian The decree also addresses “khiyar al-bulugh” or the “option upon puberty”, a concept in Islamic jurisprudence under which a child married at a young age may seek annulment after reaching puberty. However, annulment requires the consent of the religious courts. According to Article 5 of the regulation, if relatives other than a child’s father or grandfather arrange the marriage of a minor, the marriage can still be considered legally valid if the spouse is deemed socially compatible and the dowry appropriate. The child may later seek annulment, but only through a Taliban court order. Also Read: Pakistani Lashkar terrorist infiltrates to set up sleeper cells, gets hair transplant done in Srinagar Another provision says marriages involving a “non-compatible” spouse or an unfair dowry would not be considered valid. The regulation gives fathers and grandfathers broad authority over child marriages, although it says such marriages could be invalidated if guardians are found to be abusive, mentally unfit or morally corrupt. The document also authorises Taliban judges to intervene in disputes involving accusations of adultery, religious conversion, prolonged absence of husbands and “zihar”, a classical Islamic concept in which a husband compares his wife to a female relative with whom marriage would be forbidden. Also Read: Hamas chief who replaced Mohd Sinwar and helped plan Oct. 7 attacks killed, says Israel Under those provisions, judges may order separation, imprisonment or punishment in certain cases. The latest decree comes amid growing international criticism of the Taliban’s restrictions on women and girls since returning to power in August 2021. Girls in Afghanistan cannot study beyond the sixth grade, women are banned from universities, and severe restrictions have been imposed on employment, travel and public participation. International organisations describe the Taliban’s policies as a system of “gender apartheid”.

One of the most controversial provisions states that the silence of a “virgin girl” after reaching puberty may be interpreted as consent to marriage. The regulation then adds that the silence of a boy or a previously married woman, however, would not automatically count as consent.&nbsp;

‘Silence of virgin girl counts as consent’: Taliban formally recognises child marriage

Afghanistan struck a military camp in the Wana area, the center of South Waziristan, Pakistan, and claimed to have inflicted heavy casualties and material losses on Pakistani troops in retaliatory attacks carried out in response to the Pakistani military regime’s overnight airstrikes. The Ministry of Defence of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan announced on Sunday that in continuation of Operation ‘Red al-Zulm’, the country’s defence forces targeted a military camp in the Wana area, the centre of South Waziristan, Pakistan.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/conflict-will-certainly-end-in-next-few-weeks-us-energy-secretary-chris-wright-1773597992709">Conflict ‘will certainly’ end in next few weeks: US Energy Secretary Chris Wright</a>&nbsp;The ministry said in the statement that the retaliatory attacks were in response to the Pakistani military’s overnight strikes. It added that the commandos’ building of the Special Service Group (SSG) and other key facilities of the military camp were targeted, and a large portion of the command centre and facilities of the base were destroyed.Heavy casualties and material losses have been inflicted on Pakistani troops as well, the ministry said.“The Air Force of the Ministry of National Defence (MoND) carried out an attack on a special military camp in the Waneh area, the centre of South Waziristan, Pakistan, in retaliation for last night’s attacks in Kandahar,” it said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-they-say-i-m-what-netanyahu-mocks-rumours-of-his-death-posts-video-from-coffee-shop-1773591045235">‘They say I’m what?’ Netanyahu mocks rumours of his death, posts video from coffee shop</a>&nbsp;Earlier, Pakistan launched overnight air strikes in Afghanistan’s Kandahar province, targeting what it claimed to be ‘terrorist hideouts and military infrastructure’. Islamabad said the strikes were part of its ongoing cross-border operation against militant groups it accuses of staging attacks on Pakistani territory from Afghan soil.Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said the military carried out overnight strikes in Kandahar under Operation Ghazab lil-Haq, which was launched in late February.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-denies-reports-of-interceptor-shortages-plan-of-talks-with-lebanon-1773584504452">Israel’s FM Gideon Saar denies reports of interceptor shortages, plan of talks with Lebanon</a>&nbsp;Pakistan TV said the armed forces had successfully hit military installations, including terrorist hideouts of Afghan Taliban and Fitna al-Khawarij, a term Pakistan uses to refer to the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).The strikes destroyed technical support infrastructure and an equipment storage facility in Kandahar, it claimed. Another strike targeted a tunnel believed to house technical equipment used by militants.&nbsp;“Operations under Operation Ghazab lil Haq will continue until attainment of objectives,” Pakistan TV quoted security sources as saying.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-may-send-mine-hunting-drones-to-help-open-strait-of-hormuz-energy-secretary-ed-miliband-1773579187474">UK may send mine-hunting drones to help open Strait of Hormuz: Energy Secretary Ed Miliband</a>&nbsp;Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said the Pakistani strikes caused some damage to a drug rehabilitation centre and an empty container in Kandahar.“The places they are talking about are far away from these two places,” he said.

The defence ministry of Afghanistan said the retaliatory attacks were in response to the Pakistani military’s overnight strikes, and the building of Special Service Group commandos and other key facilities of the military camp were hit. A large part of the command centre was destroyed.

Afghanistan struck a military camp in the Wana area, the center of South Waziristan, Pakistan, and claimed to have inflicted heavy casualties and material losses on Pakistani troops in retaliatory attacks carried out in response to the Pakistani military regime’s overnight airstrikes. The Ministry of Defence of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan announced on Sunday that in continuation of Operation ‘Red al-Zulm’, the country’s defence forces targeted a military camp in the Wana area, the centre of South Waziristan, Pakistan. Also Read: Conflict ‘will certainly’ end in next few weeks: US Energy Secretary Chris Wright The ministry said in the statement that the retaliatory attacks were in response to the Pakistani military’s overnight strikes. It added that the commandos’ building of the Special Service Group (SSG) and other key facilities of the military camp were targeted, and a large portion of the command centre and facilities of the base were destroyed. Heavy casualties and material losses have been inflicted on Pakistani troops as well, the ministry said. “The Air Force of the Ministry of National Defence (MoND) carried out an attack on a special military camp in the Waneh area, the centre of South Waziristan, Pakistan, in retaliation for last night’s attacks in Kandahar,” it said. Also Read: ‘They say I’m what?’ Netanyahu mocks rumours of his death, posts video from coffee shop Earlier, Pakistan launched overnight air strikes in Afghanistan’s Kandahar province, targeting what it claimed to be ‘terrorist hideouts and military infrastructure’. Islamabad said the strikes were part of its ongoing cross-border operation against militant groups it accuses of staging attacks on Pakistani territory from Afghan soil. Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said the military carried out overnight strikes in Kandahar under Operation Ghazab lil-Haq, which was launched in late February. Also Read: Israel’s FM Gideon Saar denies reports of interceptor shortages, plan of talks with Lebanon Pakistan TV said the armed forces had successfully hit military installations, including terrorist hideouts of Afghan Taliban and Fitna al-Khawarij, a term Pakistan uses to refer to the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). The strikes destroyed technical support infrastructure and an equipment storage facility in Kandahar, it claimed. Another strike targeted a tunnel believed to house technical equipment used by militants. “Operations under Operation Ghazab lil Haq will continue until attainment of objectives,” Pakistan TV quoted security sources as saying. Also Read: UK may send mine-hunting drones to help open Strait of Hormuz: Energy Secretary Ed Miliband Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said the Pakistani strikes caused some damage to a drug rehabilitation centre and an empty container in Kandahar. “The places they are talking about are far away from these two places,” he said.

The defence ministry of Afghanistan said the retaliatory attacks were in response to the Pakistani military’s overnight strikes, and the building of Special Service Group commandos and other key facilities of the military camp were hit. A large part of the command centre was destroyed.

Afghanistan attacks military camp in Waziristan after Pakistan’s airstrikes on Kandahar

India on Saturday condemned the recent airstrikes by Pakistan in Afghanistan, terming the strikes yet another act of aggression by a Pakistani establishment that remains hostile to the idea of a sovereign Afghanistan, and reiterated India’s stance that Afghanistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity must be respected. The airstrikes by Pakistan had killed 16 civilians and injured 15 others besides damaging infrastructure in Afghanistan.Afghanistan’s ruling authorities condemned the Pakistani attacks as violations of their sovereignty. Hours after the Pakistani attacks, Afghan forces targeted Pakistani military centres.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iranian-leader-says-ukraine-now-a-legitimate-target-over-alleged-drone-support-for-israel-1773501266904">Iranian leader says Ukraine now a ‘legitimate target’ over alleged drone support for Israel</a>&nbsp;Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal shared a statement on Saturday that said, “India condemns the air strikes by Pakistan in Afghanistan’s territory, leading to the death of several civilians and destruction of civilian infrastructure. This is yet another act of aggression by a Pakistani establishment that remains hostile to the idea of a sovereign Afghanistan. India reiterates that Afghanistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity should be fully respected.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Our response to media queries on recent attacks by Pakistan on Afghanistan ⬇️ 🔗 <a href="https://t.co/jXBxyOlsfl">https://t.co/jXBxyOlsfl</a> <a href="https://t.co/mvVnVvaUZ9">pic.twitter.com/mvVnVvaUZ9</a>&mdash; Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/2032829343660126579?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The Afghan Taliban government on Friday accused Pakistan of carrying out airstrikes in Kabul and several areas in eastern Afghanistan. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/war-with-iran-entering-decisive-phase-says-israel-s-defence-minister-israel-katz-1773498890073">War with Iran entering ‘decisive phase,’ says Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz</a> Afghan government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said Pakistani aircraft also struck fuel depots belonging to the private airline Kam Air near Kandahar airport in southern Afghanistan.Islamabad denied deliberately targeting civilians and said that its operations were aimed at Pakistani Taliban militants and their support networks operating from across the border. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-hit-more-than-90-iranian-military-targets-on-kharg-island-centcom-1773491825641">US hit more than 90 Iranian military targets on Kharg Island: CENTCOM</a> Hours later, authorities in Kabul said Afghanistan’s air force had responded by targeting Pakistani military installations near Islamabad and in parts of northwestern Pakistan. Islamabad described the escalating conflict as an “open war” that raised concerns about regional stability even as the US-Israeli conflict with Iran continues. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-arrests-man-accuses-him-of-running-starlink-internet-network-report-1773427572506">Iran arrests man, accuses him of running Starlink internet network: Report</a> Pakistan accused Afghanistan’s Taliban-led government of harbouring militant groups, particularly the Pakistani Taliban (TTP), which it alleged carry out attacks inside Pakistan after crossing the porous border.

The Afghan Taliban government accused Pakistan of carrying out airstrikes in Kabul and several areas in eastern Afghanistan. Islamabad denied deliberately targeting civilians and said its operations were aimed at Pakistani Taliban militants and their support networks.

India on Saturday condemned the recent airstrikes by Pakistan in Afghanistan, terming the strikes yet another act of aggression by a Pakistani establishment that remains hostile to the idea of a sovereign Afghanistan, and reiterated India’s stance that Afghanistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity must be respected. The airstrikes by Pakistan had killed 16 civilians and injured 15 others besides damaging infrastructure in Afghanistan. Afghanistan’s ruling authorities condemned the Pakistani attacks as violations of their sovereignty. Hours after the Pakistani attacks, Afghan forces targeted Pakistani military centres. Also Read: Iranian leader says Ukraine now a ‘legitimate target’ over alleged drone support for Israel Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal shared a statement on Saturday that said, “India condemns the air strikes by Pakistan in Afghanistan’s territory, leading to the death of several civilians and destruction of civilian infrastructure. This is yet another act of aggression by a Pakistani establishment that remains hostile to the idea of a sovereign Afghanistan. India reiterates that Afghanistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity should be fully respected.”

The Afghan Taliban government accused Pakistan of carrying out airstrikes in Kabul and several areas in eastern Afghanistan. Islamabad denied deliberately targeting civilians and said its operations were aimed at Pakistani Taliban militants and their support networks.

‘Another act of aggression’: India condemns Pakistan’s airstrikes in Afghanistan

Afghanistan has captured a Pakistani pilot after a jet crashed in Jalalabad city on Saturday (Fev 28). Reports suggest that the pilot managed to escape the plane crash using a parachute but was captured alive by the Afghanistani military and police. This comes a day after Pakistani air strikes hit other Afghan cities.According to AFP, two loud explosions were heard in eastern Afghanistan. According to an AFP journalist present on the scene, the blasts were heard from the direction of the airport in Jalalabad, the capital of Nangarhar province, which sits on the road between Kabul and the Pakistani border.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-declares-open-war-against-afghanistan-taliban-says-patience-reached-its-limit-1772154130929">'Dama Dam Mast Qalandar': Pakistan declares 'open war' against Afghanistan, says 'patience has reached its limit'</a><h2>Afghanistan confirms Pakistani pilot captured alive</h2>"A Pakistani fighter jet was shot down in the sixth district of Jalalabad city, and its pilot was captured alive," said Afghan police spokesman Tayeb Hammad. Wahidullah Mohammadi, spokesman for the military in eastern Afghanistan, confirmed the Pakistani jet was downed by Afghan forces, "and the pilot was captured alive".<h2>Pakistan says Afghanistan's claims are “totally untrue”</h2>Islamabad's foreign ministry on Saturday said Afghanistan's military's claims of downing a Pakistani jet and capturing a pilot were "totally untrue". Talking to AFP, the Pakistan foreign ministry spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi said, "That's a false claim. Totally untrue".Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/are-afghanistan-and-pakistan-headed-for-a-war-here-s-what-we-know-1772176797373">Are Afghanistan and Pakistan headed for a war? Here's what we know</a>The US had previously expressed diplomatic backing for Pakistan's stance, following Islamabad's declaration that it would continue strikes aimed at pressuring the Afghan government, which Pakistan alleges supports militancy. The Taliban government has, however, denied the allegation, and its spokesperson had earlier called for "dialogue" to resolve a previously simmering conflict that Pakistan's defence minister said on Friday was now "open war".&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Afghanistan has captured a Pakistani pilot after a jet went down in Jalalabad. Explosions were reported near the airport and Afghan officials claim the pilot was taken alive.

What happened? Scroll down to read more.

Afghanistan has captured a Pakistani pilot after a jet crashed in Jalalabad city on Saturday (Fev 28). Reports suggest that the pilot managed to escape the plane crash using a parachute but was captured alive by the Afghanistani military and police. This comes a day after Pakistani air strikes hit other Afghan cities. According to AFP, two loud explosions were heard in eastern Afghanistan. According to an AFP journalist present on the scene, the blasts were heard from the direction of the airport in Jalalabad, the capital of Nangarhar province, which sits on the road between Kabul and the Pakistani border. Also read | 'Dama Dam Mast Qalandar': Pakistan declares 'open war' against Afghanistan, says 'patience has reached its limit' Afghanistan confirms Pakistani pilot captured alive "A Pakistani fighter jet was shot down in the sixth district of Jalalabad city, and its pilot was captured alive," said Afghan police spokesman Tayeb Hammad. Wahidullah Mohammadi, spokesman for the military in eastern Afghanistan, confirmed the Pakistani jet was downed by Afghan forces, "and the pilot was captured alive". Pakistan says Afghanistan's claims are “totally untrue” Islamabad's foreign ministry on Saturday said Afghanistan's military's claims of downing a Pakistani jet and capturing a pilot were "totally untrue". Talking to AFP, the Pakistan foreign ministry spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi said, "That's a false claim. Totally untrue". Also read | Are Afghanistan and Pakistan headed for a war? Here's what we know The US had previously expressed diplomatic backing for Pakistan's stance, following Islamabad's declaration that it would continue strikes aimed at pressuring the Afghan government, which Pakistan alleges supports militancy. The Taliban government has, however, denied the allegation, and its spokesperson had earlier called for "dialogue" to resolve a previously simmering conflict that Pakistan's defence minister said on Friday was now "open war".

Afghanistan has captured a Pakistani pilot after a jet went down in Jalalabad. Explosions were reported near the airport and Afghan officials claim the pilot was taken alive.What happened? Scroll down to read more.

Pakistani pilot 'captured alive' by Afghanistan after jet shot down in Jalalabad

Several countries have called for cessation of the hostilities between Pakistan and Afghanistan after Kabul announced attacks across the border in retaliation to the earlier airstrikes by Islamabad. China has called for a ceasefire between Pakistan and Afghanistan, adding it is talking to both sides to try to end violent clashes that have left Beijing “deeply concerned”.&nbsp;Foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said China was “deeply concerned about the escalation of the conflict”, after Pakistan bombed major cities in Afghanistan, including the capital Kabul, on Friday, and added that China has been mediating the conflict through its own channels.“China calls on both sides to remain calm and exercise restraint… achieve a ceasefire as soon as possible, and avoid further bloodshed,” she told a regular press briefing.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/afghanistan-warns-of-decisive-action-if-pakistan-continues-war-1772196518103">‘Our hand can reach their necks’: Afghanistan warns of ‘decisive’ action if Pakistan continues war</a>&nbsp;“China has consistently mediated the conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan through its own channels and is willing to continue playing a constructive role in easing tensions.”&nbsp;China’s embassies in Pakistan and Afghanistan were “working with relevant parties in both countries on this matter”, she said.&nbsp;The Russian foreign ministry also called on Afghanistan and Pakistan to immediately cease attacks and resolve disagreements, according to Russia’s News agency RIA.&nbsp;&nbsp;UN human rights chief Volker Türk also appealed for dialogue between Afghanistan and Pakistan amid border clashes and deadly airstrikes,&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/canadian-pm-mark-carney-lands-in-mumbai-begins-his-four-day-india-visit-1772190849004">Canadian PM Mark Carney lands in Mumbai, begins his four-day India visit</a><h2>Iran offers to mediate, urges ‘path of dialogue’</h2>&nbsp;Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi cited the ‘blessed month of Ramadan’ and said it is fitting that Afghanistan and Pakistan manage and resolve their existing differences within the framework of good neighbourliness and through the path of dialogue.The Islamic Republic of Iran is ready to provide any assistance in facilitating dialogue and strengthening understanding and cooperation between the two countries, he added.&nbsp;<h2>Maulana Fazlur Rehman urges peace-seeking nations to intervene</h2>&nbsp;Maulana Fazlur Rehman, the chief of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Pakistan, has called on peace-seeking countries in the region to diplomatically intervene to prevent a crisis between Pakistan and Afghanistan.&nbsp;He stated that diplomatic efforts can pave the way for a lasting solution to the problem, and according to him, military manoeuvres are not a path to resolution but rather exacerbate the issues.&nbsp;UN human rights chief Volker Türk also appealed for dialogue between Afghanistan and Pakistan amid border clashes and deadly airstrikes.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-15-outposts-captured-40-pak-soldiers-killed-says-afghan-22-taliban-personnel-slain-in-retaliatory-action-claims-islamabad-1772133592010">‘15 outposts captured, 40 Pak soldiers killed,’ says Afghan; 22 Taliban personnel slain in retaliatory action, claims Islamabad</a>&nbsp;Prime Minister of Malaysia, Anwar Ibrahim, also expressed grave concern over the escalation of hostilities between Pakistan and Afghanistan and open conflict between two neighbouring Muslim nations.&nbsp;“Malaysia calls on both Pakistan and Afghanistan to exercise maximum restraint and to cease all military operations immediately. The legitimate security concerns of Pakistan must be addressed. Equally, the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Afghanistan must be respected. These two imperatives are not in contradiction. They can only be reconciled at the negotiating table.”

Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said China was deeply concerned about the escalation of the conflict after Pakistan bombed major cities in Afghanistan on Friday. She added that China is mediating the conflict through its own channels.

Several countries have called for cessation of the hostilities between Pakistan and Afghanistan after Kabul announced attacks across the border in retaliation to the earlier airstrikes by Islamabad. China has called for a ceasefire between Pakistan and Afghanistan, adding it is talking to both sides to try to end violent clashes that have left Beijing “deeply concerned”. Foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said China was “deeply concerned about the escalation of the conflict”, after Pakistan bombed major cities in Afghanistan, including the capital Kabul, on Friday, and added that China has been mediating the conflict through its own channels. “China calls on both sides to remain calm and exercise restraint… achieve a ceasefire as soon as possible, and avoid further bloodshed,” she told a regular press briefing. Also Read: ‘Our hand can reach their necks’: Afghanistan warns of ‘decisive’ action if Pakistan continues war “China has consistently mediated the conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan through its own channels and is willing to continue playing a constructive role in easing tensions.” China’s embassies in Pakistan and Afghanistan were “working with relevant parties in both countries on this matter”, she said. The Russian foreign ministry also called on Afghanistan and Pakistan to immediately cease attacks and resolve disagreements, according to Russia’s News agency RIA. UN human rights chief Volker Türk also appealed for dialogue between Afghanistan and Pakistan amid border clashes and deadly airstrikes, Also Read: Canadian PM Mark Carney lands in Mumbai, begins his four-day India visit Iran offers to mediate, urges ‘path of dialogue’ Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi cited the ‘blessed month of Ramadan’ and said it is fitting that Afghanistan and Pakistan manage and resolve their existing differences within the framework of good neighbourliness and through the path of dialogue. The Islamic Republic of Iran is ready to provide any assistance in facilitating dialogue and strengthening understanding and cooperation between the two countries, he added. Maulana Fazlur Rehman urges peace-seeking nations to intervene Maulana Fazlur Rehman, the chief of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Pakistan, has called on peace-seeking countries in the region to diplomatically intervene to prevent a crisis between Pakistan and Afghanistan. He stated that diplomatic efforts can pave the way for a lasting solution to the problem, and according to him, military manoeuvres are not a path to resolution but rather exacerbate the issues. UN human rights chief Volker Türk also appealed for dialogue between Afghanistan and Pakistan amid border clashes and deadly airstrikes. Also Read: ‘15 outposts captured, 40 Pak soldiers killed,’ says Afghan; 22 Taliban personnel slain in retaliatory action, claims Islamabad Prime Minister of Malaysia, Anwar Ibrahim, also expressed grave concern over the escalation of hostilities between Pakistan and Afghanistan and open conflict between two neighbouring Muslim nations. “Malaysia calls on both Pakistan and Afghanistan to exercise maximum restraint and to cease all military operations immediately. The legitimate security concerns of Pakistan must be addressed. Equally, the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Afghanistan must be respected. These two imperatives are not in contradiction. They can only be reconciled at the negotiating table.”

Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said China was deeply concerned about the escalation of the conflict after Pakistan bombed major cities in Afghanistan on Friday. She added that China is mediating the conflict through its own channels.

Pak-Afghan war: China, Russia call for de-escalation; Iran offers help, Turkish FM holds talks

The Afghan government warned on Friday that Kabul will take “decisive action” if Pakistan continues the war it declared after Afghan forces launched attacks on Thursday night in retaliation to the killings of civilians in Pakistani airstrikes a few days ago. The Afghan government’s spokesperson, Zabihullah Mujahid, held a press conference on Friday regarding the ongoing operations of Afghan forces against the Pakistani military and said, “We have targeted important military targets in Pakistan, and this sends a message that our hand can reach their necks.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Mujahid added in the press conference broadcast by TOLOnews that reconnaissance aircraft are still flying over Afghan territory and called on the regional countries to “stop Pakistan’s atrocities and bullying.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/canadian-pm-mark-carney-lands-in-mumbai-begins-his-four-day-india-visit-1772190849004">Canadian PM Mark Carney lands in Mumbai, begins his four-day India visit</a><h2>‘Pakistani planes still flying over Afghanistan’</h2>&nbsp;The Taliban government said Pakistani surveillance aircraft were “right now” flying over Afghanistan, hours after Islamabad launched airstrikes on the key cities of Kabul and Kandahar.&nbsp;“Still, right now, Pakistani planes, reconnaissance aircraft, are flying over Afghanistan’s airspace,” government spokesman Mujahid said at a news conference in the southern city of Kandahar.&nbsp;“We have repeatedly emphasised a peaceful solution and still want the problem to be resolved through dialogue,” Mujahid said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-15-outposts-captured-40-pak-soldiers-killed-says-afghan-22-taliban-personnel-slain-in-retaliatory-action-claims-islamabad-1772133592010">‘15 outposts captured, 40 Pak soldiers killed,’ says Afghan; 22 Taliban personnel slain in retaliatory action, claims Islamabad</a><h2>‘Our good relations with India not against Pakistan’</h2>&nbsp;Mujahed also said that Afghanistan has good relations with India, but the Kabul-Delhi relations are not against Pakistan.“We have good relations with India, but these are never against Pakistan, and the Islamic Emirate is never in anyone’s power or hand,” he added.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">مجاهد: له هند سره ښې اړیکو لرو، خو دا هیڅکله د پاکستان پر ضد نه‌دي او اسلامي امارت هیڅکله د چا په واک او لاس کې نه و.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%D8%B7%D9%84%D9%88%D8%B9%E2%80%8C%D9%86%DB%8C%D9%88%D8%B2?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#طلوع‌نیوز</a> <a href="https://t.co/pExdSGljDw">pic.twitter.com/pExdSGljDw</a>&mdash; TOLOnews (@TOLOnews) <a href="https://twitter.com/TOLOnews/status/2027335878197362917?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 27, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-fruitful-discussions-to-expand-trade-ties-says-piyush-goyal-after-hosting-us-commerce-secretary-howard-lutnick-1772128131114">‘Fruitful discussions to expand trade ties’: US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick travels to India, meets Piyush Goyal</a><h2>‘We will respond to a finger with a fist’</h2><h2>&nbsp;</h2>Fasihuddin Fitrat, Chief of General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, warned the Pakistani military in another address that if Pakistan “violates” any part of Afghanistan’s territory, it will receive an even stronger and more decisive response.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">ویدیو: سخنان فصیح‌الدین فطرت، لوی‌درستیز قوای مسلح امارت اسلامی افغانستان، درباره حمله‌های انتقام‌جویانه علیه رژیم نظامی پاکستان!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%D8%B7%D9%84%D9%88%D8%B9%E2%80%8C%D9%86%DB%8C%D9%88%D8%B2?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#طلوع‌نیوز</a> <a href="https://t.co/fSbTYSG0Ee">pic.twitter.com/fSbTYSG0Ee</a>&mdash; TOLOnews (@TOLOnews) <a href="https://twitter.com/TOLOnews/status/2027335597992694227?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 27, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/danish-pm-mette-frederiksen-calls-snap-election-amid-popularity-surge-for-resisting-trump-s-bid-to-acquire-greenland-1772120220927">Danish PM Mette Frederiksen calls snap election amid popularity surge for resisting Trump’s bid to acquire Greenland</a>&nbsp;Speaking about the retaliatory attacks against Pakistan’s military, he assured that the Islamic Emirate would not leave any aggression unanswered and emphasized that “We will respond to a finger with a fist.”The Chief of Army Staff warned that if Pakistan’s military regime seeks to destabilise Afghanistan, they would not remain safe even in Islamabad or other major centres of that country.Fitrat stressed that the country’s defence forces have the capability to defend Afghanistan’s territorial integrity.

Chief of General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, Fasihuddin Fitrat, warned the Pakistani military in another address that if Pakistan “violates” any part of Afghanistan’s territory, it will receive an even stronger and more decisive response.

The Afghan government warned on Friday that Kabul will take “decisive action” if Pakistan continues the war it declared after Afghan forces launched attacks on Thursday night in retaliation to the killings of civilians in Pakistani airstrikes a few days ago. The Afghan government’s spokesperson, Zabihullah Mujahid, held a press conference on Friday regarding the ongoing operations of Afghan forces against the Pakistani military and said, “We have targeted important military targets in Pakistan, and this sends a message that our hand can reach their necks.” Mujahid added in the press conference broadcast by TOLOnews that reconnaissance aircraft are still flying over Afghan territory and called on the regional countries to “stop Pakistan’s atrocities and bullying.” Also Read: Canadian PM Mark Carney lands in Mumbai, begins his four-day India visit ‘Pakistani planes still flying over Afghanistan’ The Taliban government said Pakistani surveillance aircraft were “right now” flying over Afghanistan, hours after Islamabad launched airstrikes on the key cities of Kabul and Kandahar. “Still, right now, Pakistani planes, reconnaissance aircraft, are flying over Afghanistan’s airspace,” government spokesman Mujahid said at a news conference in the southern city of Kandahar. “We have repeatedly emphasised a peaceful solution and still want the problem to be resolved through dialogue,” Mujahid said. Also Read: ‘15 outposts captured, 40 Pak soldiers killed,’ says Afghan; 22 Taliban personnel slain in retaliatory action, claims Islamabad ‘Our good relations with India not against Pakistan’ Mujahed also said that Afghanistan has good relations with India, but the Kabul-Delhi relations are not against Pakistan. “We have good relations with India, but these are never against Pakistan, and the Islamic Emirate is never in anyone’s power or hand,” he added.

Chief of General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, Fasihuddin Fitrat, warned the Pakistani military in another address that if Pakistan “violates” any part of Afghanistan’s territory, it will receive an even stronger and more decisive response.

‘Our hand can reach their necks’: Afghanistan warns of ‘decisive’ action if Pakistan continues war

Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan on Friday (Feb 27) reached a boiling point with Islamabad carrying out airstrikes in parts of Kabul, Kandahar and Paktia. The Afghan Taliban, meanwhile, announced that they have renewed attacks against Pakistani troops along their shared border. Are the two nations headed towards a war? Here's what we know.<h2>Pakistan-Afghanistan headed towards a war?</h2>Pakistan has already declared "open war" against Afghanistan’s Taliban authorities. On Friday (Feb 27) Pakistan's defence minister Khawaja Asif, in a post on X, said that Islamabad's "patience has reached its limit."Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-declares-open-war-against-afghanistan-taliban-says-patience-reached-its-limit-1772154130929">Pakistan declares 'open war' against Afghanistan Taliban, says 'patience reached its limit'</a>He noted that after NATO forces withdrew, Pakistan expected that there would be peace in Afghanistan and that the Taliban would prioritise the well-being of the Afghan people and regional stability. However, he claimed that instead, Afghanistan has become “a colony of India."He added that while Islamabad "made every effort to keep the situation normal through direct means and through friendly countries," but "attempts are being made to target Pakistan with aggression"."Now it is open war between us and you," he said, adding, "Now it will be ‘Dama Dam Mast Qalandar’.”Asif also slammed the Taliban government for "depriving" its citizens of "basic human rights," he noted that the government "snatched away the rights that Islam grants to women."<h2>Pakistan can ‘crush’ Afghanistan</h2>Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in a statement on Friday, said that his country's armed forces can "crush" aggressors. "Our forces have the full capability to crush any aggressive ambitions," Sharif said, according to the Pakistani government's X page. "The entire nation stands shoulder to shoulder with the Pakistan armed forces," he said.<h2>Iran offers to help 'facilitate dialogue' between Afghanistan and Pakistan</h2>In light of the heightened tensions, Iran has offered to help "facilitate dialogue" to resolve the conflict between Afghanistan and Pakistan. "The Islamic Republic of Iran stands ready to provide any assistance necessary to facilitate dialogue and to enhance understanding and cooperation between the two countries," said Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in a post on X.

Are Afghanistan and Pakistan on the brink of war? After rising border clashes and sharp warnings from Khawaja Asif, tensions have surged between Islamabad and the Taliban.Is this escalation temporary or something bigger? Scroll down to read more.

Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan on Friday (Feb 27) reached a boiling point with Islamabad carrying out airstrikes in parts of Kabul, Kandahar and Paktia. The Afghan Taliban, meanwhile, announced that they have renewed attacks against Pakistani troops along their shared border. Are the two nations headed towards a war? Here's what we know. Pakistan-Afghanistan headed towards a war? Pakistan has already declared "open war" against Afghanistan’s Taliban authorities. On Friday (Feb 27) Pakistan's defence minister Khawaja Asif, in a post on X, said that Islamabad's "patience has reached its limit." Also read | Pakistan declares 'open war' against Afghanistan Taliban, says 'patience reached its limit' He noted that after NATO forces withdrew, Pakistan expected that there would be peace in Afghanistan and that the Taliban would prioritise the well-being of the Afghan people and regional stability. However, he claimed that instead, Afghanistan has become “a colony of India." He added that while Islamabad "made every effort to keep the situation normal through direct means and through friendly countries," but "attempts are being made to target Pakistan with aggression". "Now it is open war between us and you," he said, adding, "Now it will be ‘Dama Dam Mast Qalandar’.” Asif also slammed the Taliban government for "depriving" its citizens of "basic human rights," he noted that the government "snatched away the rights that Islam grants to women." Pakistan can ‘crush’ Afghanistan Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in a statement on Friday, said that his country's armed forces can "crush" aggressors. "Our forces have the full capability to crush any aggressive ambitions," Sharif said, according to the Pakistani government's X page. "The entire nation stands shoulder to shoulder with the Pakistan armed forces," he said. Iran offers to help 'facilitate dialogue' between Afghanistan and Pakistan In light of the heightened tensions, Iran has offered to help "facilitate dialogue" to resolve the conflict between Afghanistan and Pakistan. "The Islamic Republic of Iran stands ready to provide any assistance necessary to facilitate dialogue and to enhance understanding and cooperation between the two countries," said Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in a post on X.

Are Afghanistan and Pakistan on the brink of war? After rising border clashes and sharp warnings from Khawaja Asif, tensions have surged between Islamabad and the Taliban.Is this escalation temporary or something bigger? Scroll down to read more.

Are Afghanistan and Pakistan headed for a war? Here's what we know

Pakistan on Friday (Feb 27) declared "open war" against Afghanistan’s Taliban authorities. This comes after a sharp escalation in cross-border fighting. "Our patience has reached its limit," said Pakistan's defence minister Khawaja Asif in a post on X, as reports of blasts and gunfire emerged from Kabul and Kandahar.<h2>What did Khawaja Asif say?</h2>The Pakistani minister stated that after NATO forces withdrew, it was expected that there would be peace in Afghanistan and that the Taliban would prioritise the well-being of the Afghan people and regional stability. However, he claimed that instead, Afghanistan has become “a colony of India."&nbsp;Slamming the Taliban government for “depriving” its citizens of “basic human rights,” he noted that the government “snatched away the rights that Islam grants to women.”He added that while Islamabad “made every effort to keep the situation normal through direct means and through friendly countries,” but “attempts are being made to target Pakistan with aggression”.“Now it is open war between us and you,” he said, adding, "Now it will be ‘Dama Dam Mast Qalandar’.”<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2026/20260227/image-1772156665026.png"></figure><h2>Pakistan's 'befitting response'</h2>Earlier, Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said the country's latest military action was a "befitting response" to what he called Afghan aggression. His remarks came hours after Taliban officials said their forces had attacked Pakistani troops along the frontier in retaliation for earlier air strikes. "Pakistan's armed forces have given a befitting response to the Afghan Taliban's open aggression," he said.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/afghanistan-launches-retaliatory-strikes-on-pakistan-says-taliban-military-1772124455978">Afghanistan launches retaliatory strikes on Pakistan, says Taliban military</a><h2>Tit-for-tat attacks along the frontier</h2>According to Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid X post, Afghan forces launched "wide-ranging retaliatory operations" against Pakistani troop positions "in the directions of Kandahar and Helmand as well.""In response to repeated violations by the Pakistani military, large-scale offensive operations were launched against Pakistani military bases and military installations," said the Taliban government spokesperson. Afghan officials claimed dozens of Pakistani soldiers were killed and several captured in the clashes, which they said were triggered by strikes that caused civilian casualties days earlier.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/elon-musk-blasts-new-york-times-as-utterly-disgusting-over-paedophilia-not-a-crime-article-jeffrey-epstein-files-1772095271310">Elon Musk blasts New York Times as ‘utterly disgusting’ over 'paedophilia not a crime' article</a>Pakistan's information ministry, meanwhile, said Afghan Taliban forces had "opened unprovoked fire on multiple locations" in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, prompting what it described as an "immediate and effective" counter-response. Islamabad had earlier vowed an "immediate" response after Afghan fighters reportedly attacked its forces on Thursday.&nbsp;<h2>Months of tensions boiling over</h2>The latest fighting follows months of mounting strain between the neighbours. Pakistani air strikes last week on Nangarhar and Paktika provinces reportedly killed at least 13 civilians, according to the UN mission in Afghanistan, though Islamabad said militants were targeted.Border crossings have largely remained shut since deadly clashes in October left more than 70 people dead on both sides. Efforts at mediation, including talks brokered by Qatar and Turkey, have so far failed to hold.Islamabad has repeatedly accused Kabul of failing to curb militant groups operating from Afghan soil, an allegation the Taliban denies.

Is Pakistan now in “open war” with the Taliban? After fresh cross border clashes, Pak Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said patience had “reached its limit.” Blasts, retaliatory strikes and border seizures are being reported.

How did this escalate so fast? Scroll down to read

Pakistan on Friday (Feb 27) declared "open war" against Afghanistan’s Taliban authorities. This comes after a sharp escalation in cross-border fighting. "Our patience has reached its limit," said Pakistan's defence minister Khawaja Asif in a post on X, as reports of blasts and gunfire emerged from Kabul and Kandahar. What did Khawaja Asif say? The Pakistani minister stated that after NATO forces withdrew, it was expected that there would be peace in Afghanistan and that the Taliban would prioritise the well-being of the Afghan people and regional stability. However, he claimed that instead, Afghanistan has become “a colony of India." Slamming the Taliban government for “depriving” its citizens of “basic human rights,” he noted that the government “snatched away the rights that Islam grants to women.” He added that while Islamabad “made every effort to keep the situation normal through direct means and through friendly countries,” but “attempts are being made to target Pakistan with aggression”. “Now it is open war between us and you,” he said, adding, "Now it will be ‘Dama Dam Mast Qalandar’.” Pakistan's 'befitting response' Earlier, Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said the country's latest military action was a "befitting response" to what he called Afghan aggression. His remarks came hours after Taliban officials said their forces had attacked Pakistani troops along the frontier in retaliation for earlier air strikes. "Pakistan's armed forces have given a befitting response to the Afghan Taliban's open aggression," he said. Also read | Afghanistan launches retaliatory strikes on Pakistan, says Taliban military Tit-for-tat attacks along the frontier According to Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid X post, Afghan forces launched "wide-ranging retaliatory operations" against Pakistani troop positions "in the directions of Kandahar and Helmand as well." "In response to repeated violations by the Pakistani military, large-scale offensive operations were launched against Pakistani military bases and military installations," said the Taliban government spokesperson. Afghan officials claimed dozens of Pakistani soldiers were killed and several captured in the clashes, which they said were triggered by strikes that caused civilian casualties days earlier. Also read | Elon Musk blasts New York Times as ‘utterly disgusting’ over 'paedophilia not a crime' article Pakistan's information ministry, meanwhile, said Afghan Taliban forces had "opened unprovoked fire on multiple locations" in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, prompting what it described as an "immediate and effective" counter-response. Islamabad had earlier vowed an "immediate" response after Afghan fighters reportedly attacked its forces on Thursday. Months of tensions boiling over The latest fighting follows months of mounting strain between the neighbours. Pakistani air strikes last week on Nangarhar and Paktika provinces reportedly killed at least 13 civilians, according to the UN mission in Afghanistan, though Islamabad said militants were targeted. Border crossings have largely remained shut since deadly clashes in October left more than 70 people dead on both sides. Efforts at mediation, including talks brokered by Qatar and Turkey, have so far failed to hold. Islamabad has repeatedly accused Kabul of failing to curb militant groups operating from Afghan soil, an allegation the Taliban denies.

Is Pakistan now in “open war” with the Taliban? After fresh cross-border clashes, Pak Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said patience had “reached its limit.” Blasts, retaliatory strikes and border seizures are being reported.How did this escalate so fast? Scroll down to read

'Dama Dam Mast Qalandar': Pakistan declares 'open war' against Afghanistan, says 'patience has reached its limit'

The Afghanistan government said on Thursday night that it had captured 15 Pakistani military outposts and killed several soldiers in a large-scale border offensive, describing the operation as retaliation for recent Pakistani air strikes on Afghan territory. Taliban government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said on X that Afghan forces had inflicted significant losses in attacks across the disputed Durand Line. “Several soldiers have been killed, and a number of them have been caught alive,” he wrote on X.&nbsp;He added that “the number of posts captured from the enemy has reached 15.”&nbsp;Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate, said that around 40 members of Pakistan’s military regime forces have been killed in Kunar province as a result of operations carried out by the Islamic Emirate forces, reported TOLOnews.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-fruitful-discussions-to-expand-trade-ties-says-piyush-goyal-after-hosting-us-commerce-secretary-howard-lutnick-1772128131114">‘Fruitful discussions to expand trade ties’: US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick travels to India, meets Piyush Goyal</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">BREAKING: Afghanistan has announced large-scale operations against Pakistani military forces along the border. “In response to repeated border violations and aggressive actions by Pakistani forces, extensive offensive operations have begun against Pakistani military bases and… <a href="https://t.co/Kn2WLiSkJQ">pic.twitter.com/Kn2WLiSkJQ</a>&mdash; Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) <a href="https://twitter.com/visegrad24/status/2027075737258262864?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 26, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;&nbsp;Afghanistan’s military corps in the east reported that “heavy clashes” began on Thursday night in retaliation for Pakistani air strikes earlier in the week.A military spokesman said Afghan forces in Nangarhar and Kunar provinces had launched “heavy attacks on Pakistani outposts”.Wahidullah Mohammadi, spokesman for the military in eastern Afghanistan, said, “So far, there are no casualties on the Afghan side.”Hamdullah Fitrat, the Taliban government’s deputy spokesman, confirmed that “15 outposts have been captured” by Afghan forces.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/danish-pm-mette-frederiksen-calls-snap-election-amid-popularity-surge-for-resisting-trump-s-bid-to-acquire-greenland-1772120220927">Danish PM Mette Frederiksen calls snap election amid popularity surge for resisting Trump’s bid to acquire Greenland</a><h2>‘At least 22 personnel of the Afghan Taliban regime killed’</h2>&nbsp;Pakistan accused Afghanistan of initiating the confrontation and said Afghan forces had “opened unprovoked fire on multiple locations” across the border in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.&nbsp;“Afghan Taliban miscalculated and opened unprovoked fire on multiple locations across Pakistan Afghanistan border in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which is being met with immediate, and effective response by Pakistan’s security forces,” Pakistan’s information ministry said in a post on X.&nbsp;“The Taliban regime forces are being delivered punishment in Chitral, Khyber, Mohmand, Kurram and Bajaur sectors,” it added.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-economic-forum-chief-borge-brende-quits-over-his-links-with-epstein-1772107692150">World Economic Forum chief Borge Brende quits over his links with Epstein</a>&nbsp;Security forces in Pakistan said at least 22 personnel of the Afghan Taliban regime were killed in retaliatory fire.The security forces launched operation Ghazab-lil-haqq after the Taliban regime’s unprovoked action along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, reported Geo News, citing sources.&nbsp;“Afghan Taliban’s attempts to attack Pakistani security forces’ check posts using quadcopters failed, and all quadcopters were shot down by Pakistani forces in swift and timely action,” security sources claimed.Pakistani security forces are responding with light and heavy weapons and Afghan Taliban positions were being targeted by drones, said the sources, adding, “False claims and fake videos were also being circulated on social media by the Taliban regime.”&nbsp;The latest escalation follows Pakistani military strikes along the border with Afghanistan on Sunday. Pakistan’s military said it had killed at least 70 militants in the strikes. Kabul rejected the claim and insisted that the air raids had instead killed dozens of civilians, including women and children.

The Islamic Emirate's spokesperson, Zabihullah Mujahid, said that around 40 members of Pakistan’s military regime forces have been killed in Kunar province. He added that the number of posts captured from the enemy has reached 15.

The Afghanistan government said on Thursday night that it had captured 15 Pakistani military outposts and killed several soldiers in a large-scale border offensive, describing the operation as retaliation for recent Pakistani air strikes on Afghan territory. Taliban government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said on X that Afghan forces had inflicted significant losses in attacks across the disputed Durand Line. “Several soldiers have been killed, and a number of them have been caught alive,” he wrote on X. He added that “the number of posts captured from the enemy has reached 15.” Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate, said that around 40 members of Pakistan’s military regime forces have been killed in Kunar province as a result of operations carried out by the Islamic Emirate forces, reported TOLOnews. Also Read: ‘Fruitful discussions to expand trade ties’: US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick travels to India, meets Piyush Goyal

The Islamic Emirate's spokesperson, Zabihullah Mujahid, said that around 40 members of Pakistan’s military regime forces have been killed in Kunar province. He added that the number of posts captured from the enemy has reached 15.

‘15 outposts captured, 40 Pak soldiers killed,’ says Afghan; 22 Taliban personnel slain in retaliatory action, claims Islamabad

The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) on Friday (Feb 20) has released a video purportedly showing captured members of Pakistan’s security forces pleading for help, as it escalates its standoff with the Pakistani state. The video comes after the BLA earlier claimed it was holding seven members of the Pakistani security forces in custody, warning that if the Islamabad government does not agree to a prisoner exchange, the detainees could face execution.<h2>What does the BLA video show?</h2>In the footage circulated by the group’s media wing, several uniformed men identify themselves by name, unit and service number, pleading for mercy and assistance. "How can the army say that we are not their personnel?" asks a soldier displaying his army identification, saying, "They (the army) themselves issued it to us; we did not make it ourselves". Expressing distress over the military's alleged denial of their identity, stating, 'Fought for Mulk, disowned now.'Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-s-insurgency-takes-a-shocking-turn-as-bla-unveils-women-attackers-who-are-asifa-mengal-and-hawa-baloch-1770015894695">Pakistan's insurgency takes a shocking turn as BLA unveils women attackers; Who are Asifa Mengal and Hawa Baloch?</a> Another individual in the video identifies as Deedar Ullah s/o Nizarullah rom Peshawar, claims he was part of the 15 Frontier Force Regiment and was stationed in Khuzdar before being taken captive. The men appeal to their superiors, questioning why the army has allegedly not acknowledged their detention.Watch it here:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">BLA releases new video of Pakistani army personnel in custody One soldier breaks down on camera: &quot;I fight for Pakistan, and today the army does not own me&quot; He says he is the sole provider for his disabled father and family Source: BLA <a href="https://t.co/hhRDFuS5Zc">pic.twitter.com/hhRDFuS5Zc</a>&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/2024694522480115920?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The video appears designed to amplify pressure on the Pakistani military establishment. Reports suggest that the BLA is using the video to mock the Pakistan Army's refusal to acknowledge the captured personnel.<h2>Seven-day ultimatum</h2>Earlier this week, the BLA, as it claimed it was holding seven personnel from regular units of the Pakistan Army, had issued a seven-day deadline for a prisoner exchange. The group warned that failure to negotiate could result in the detainees being executed.The BLA said the men were captured during what it calls the second phase of "Operation Herof." According to its account, a total of 17 security personnel were detained across different areas, though 10 were later released after being identified as ethnic Baloch linked to local police forces.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-india-being-singled-out-us-congressman-brad-sherman-accuses-trump-of-using-russia-oil-as-excuse-to-hit-new-delhi-with-tariffs-1771469910743">India 'being singled out’? US Congressman accuses Trump of using Russian oil as excuse to hit New Delhi with tariffs</a>The remaining seven, the group claims, were tried before what it called a 'Baloch National Court' and faced accusations including involvement in enforced disappearances and actions against civilians. The BLA said confessional statements were recorded, though these claims have not been independently verified."Baloch Liberation Army believes that even in war situations, principles, rules and mutual responsibilities exist. Now the decision rests with occupying Pakistani state whether it takes serious steps to protect lives of its personnel or prefers death of its rented personnel by adopting silence and indifference as usual," said the separatist militant outfit.&nbsp; &nbsp;

The Baloch Liberation Army has released a video claiming to show seven captured Pakistani security personnel pleading for help, amid a standoff with the state. The group earlier issued a seven-day ultimatum for a prisoner exchange, warning the detainees could face execution.

The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) on Friday (Feb 20) has released a video purportedly showing captured members of Pakistan’s security forces pleading for help, as it escalates its standoff with the Pakistani state. The video comes after the BLA earlier claimed it was holding seven members of the Pakistani security forces in custody, warning that if the Islamabad government does not agree to a prisoner exchange, the detainees could face execution. What does the BLA video show? In the footage circulated by the group’s media wing, several uniformed men identify themselves by name, unit and service number, pleading for mercy and assistance. "How can the army say that we are not their personnel?" asks a soldier displaying his army identification, saying, "They (the army) themselves issued it to us; we did not make it ourselves". Expressing distress over the military's alleged denial of their identity, stating, 'Fought for Mulk, disowned now.' Also read | Pakistan's insurgency takes a shocking turn as BLA unveils women attackers; Who are Asifa Mengal and Hawa Baloch? Another individual in the video identifies as Deedar Ullah s/o Nizarullah rom Peshawar, claims he was part of the 15 Frontier Force Regiment and was stationed in Khuzdar before being taken captive. The men appeal to their superiors, questioning why the army has allegedly not acknowledged their detention. Watch it here:

The Baloch Liberation Army has released a video claiming to show seven captured Pakistani security personnel pleading for help, amid a standoff with the state. The group earlier issued a seven-day ultimatum for a prisoner exchange, warning the detainees could face execution.

BLA circulates video of captured Pakistani soldiers as seven-day deadline nears: 'Fought for mulk, disowned now' | Watch

Pakistan’s Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has slammed Pakistan’s handling of militancy and its Afghanistan policy, questioning how extremists continue to cross the border freely even as trade remains totally blocked. Addressing a gathering in Rawalpindi on Sunday, Rehman pointed out a glaring contradiction in Islamabad’s approach towards Afghanistan. “In all these decades, we never paused to ask why our Afghan policy failed so miserably. Not a single pomegranate or melon can enter Pakistan, yet terrorists keep crossing the border,” he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Maulana Fazlur Rehman: It’s unbelievable, not a single pomegranate can cross from Afghanistan into Pakistan, yet terrorists are coming in nonstop?! Does this sound like reason or logic to anyone? <a href="https://t.co/S5x35KB34r">pic.twitter.com/S5x35KB34r</a>&mdash; Open Source (@Open_Sourc3w) <a href="https://twitter.com/Open_Sourc3w/status/2020550286352540061?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 8, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-police-register-fir-over-leak-of-general-mm-naravane-s-unpublished-memoir-1770650121647">Delhi Police register FIR over leak of General MM Naravane’s unpublished, unapproved memoir</a><h2>‘If they are coming, stop them, eliminate them’</h2>&nbsp;Referring to frequent claims by Pakistani authorities that militants were entering from Afghanistan, Rehman said, “Authorities say terrorists are coming from there. If they are coming, stop them. If they are coming, eliminate them. The Afghan government has never objected to your actions.”&nbsp;The JUI-F leader also condemned Pakistan’s foreign and economic policies, and termed them “complete failures”.He said Islamabad’s diplomatic approach had left the country increasingly isolated.“India is our enemy, Afghanistan is our enemy, and even Iran and China are upset with us,” Rehman said.“A nation cannot survive when its policies produce only isolation, mistrust and insecurity.”He further said that Pakistan’s foreign policy was not being driven by elected governments but by the military establishment.“One general comes and says we will negotiate; another comes and says we will wage war,” he said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-very-very-balanced-supreme-court-upholds-madras-hc-order-on-deepam-row-backs-curbs-on-namaz-1770644306951">‘Very, very balanced’: Supreme Court upholds Madras HC order on Deepam row, backs curbs on namaz</a>&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s question to the Field Marshal and DG ISPR: If even fruits cannot cross from Afghanistan into Pakistan, how are terrorists entering? And why has Pakistan never been willing to cooperate with any Afghan government, from Zahir Shah’s era to the present? <a href="https://t.co/RZSdYIXblY">pic.twitter.com/RZSdYIXblY</a>&mdash; برهان الدین ‏| Burhan uddin (@burhan_uddin_0) <a href="https://twitter.com/burhan_uddin_0/status/2020559940751180141?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 8, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>‘CPEC has seen no real progress, China no longer trusts us’</h2>&nbsp;Rehman also took pot shots at the Shehbaz Sharif government’s handling of the China-Pakistan economic corridor (CPEC), claiming that the flagship infrastructure project had stalled due to declining Chinese confidence.“CPEC has seen no real progress during this tenure because China no longer trusts us,” he said, questioning whether “even a single brick” had moved under the current government.He claimed Beijing had expected the Pakistan democratic movement (PDM) government to stabilise relations and revive projects, but remained dissatisfied.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/first-year-law-student-kills-girl-in-class-shoots-self-in-punjab-s-tarn-taran-1770632612292">First-year law student kills girl in class, shoots self in Punjab’s Tarn Taran</a>&nbsp;Rehman’s remarks come amid heightened tensions following a suicide bombing at a mosque in Islamabad on Friday that killed 69 people and injured more than 170, according to local media reports citing hospital officials.The blast occurred at Imambargah Qasr-i-Khadijatul Kubra in the Tarlai area during Friday prayers.&nbsp;<h2>Afghanistan slams Pak defence minister</h2>&nbsp;After Pakistan’s defence minister Khawaja Asif suggested on X that preliminary findings pointed to the attacker having travelled to and from Afghanistan, Kabul rejected the allegation. Afghanistan’s ministry of national defence termed the claim “irresponsible and baseless” and urged Pakistani authorities to take responsibility for internal security lapses.The Afghan ministry said similar accusations had been made in the past following attacks in Balochistan and other parts of Pakistan, without conclusive evidence.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/unnao-rape-case-supreme-court-refuses-to-hear-kuldeep-sengar-s-appeal-against-conviction-1770637292043">Unnao rape case: Supreme Court refuses to hear Kuldeep Sengar’s appeal against conviction</a>

Jamiat chief Fazlur Rehman condemned Pakistan’s foreign and economic policies as complete failures. He said Islamabad’s diplomatic approach had left the country increasingly isolated. He added that Pakistan’s foreign policy was not being driven by elected government but by the military.

Pakistan’s Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has slammed Pakistan’s handling of militancy and its Afghanistan policy, questioning how extremists continue to cross the border freely even as trade remains totally blocked. Addressing a gathering in Rawalpindi on Sunday, Rehman pointed out a glaring contradiction in Islamabad’s approach towards Afghanistan. “In all these decades, we never paused to ask why our Afghan policy failed so miserably. Not a single pomegranate or melon can enter Pakistan, yet terrorists keep crossing the border,” he said.

Jamiat chief Fazlur Rehman condemned Pakistan’s foreign and economic policies as complete failures. He said Islamabad’s diplomatic approach had left the country increasingly isolated. He added that Pakistan’s foreign policy was not being driven by elected government but by the military.

‘Pomegranate can’t enter from Afghanistan, but terrorists keep coming’: Jamiat chief Fazlur Rehman slams Pak military

Afghanistan’s Minister of Public Health, Mawlawi Noor Jalal Jalali, has praised India’s long standing support for Afghan healthcare, highlighting medical visas as a “vital humanitarian channel” during a visit to New Delhi. Speaking exclusively to WION’s Sidhant Sibal, Jalali noted, “Afghans have been regularly traveling to India for medical treatment for a long time.”&nbsp;India has established a thalassaemia centre and a modern diagnostic centre and replaced the heating system at Kabul’s Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health. It will also construct a 30-bed hospital in Kabul’s Bagrami district, including an oncology centre, a trauma centre, and five maternity health clinics.Jalali welcomed India’s contributions to Afghan health infrastructure, describing the Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health in Kabul as “one of the major paediatric hospitals in Afghanistan.” He said Afghanistan had “previously requested [the] honourable Indian Chargé d'affaires... regarding strengthening the infrastructure,” and received promises of a CT scan machine and further support.&nbsp;Around 75 prosthetic limbs (Jaipur foot) have been fitted for Afghan nationals, with India continuing to provide medical assistance and treatment. During Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi’s visit, India gifted 20 ambulances to Afghanistan. Full interview:&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>India Ties</h2> Sidhant Sibal: How do you see India ties Mawlawi Noor Jalal Jalali: I would like to convey my regards to viewers and listeners of WION. I've travelled to India for health issues and discussions. Afghanistan values its long standing and constructive relationship with India. Our engagement with India has traditionally been people centric, particularly in health, education and humanitarian assistance. We see India as an important regional partner and our current interaction reflects a mutual interest in pragmatic cooperation based on respect, humanitarian consideration and shared responsibility.&nbsp;<h2>Meeting with Indian Health Minister &nbsp;</h2>Sidhant Sibal: Following your recent visit to India and meetings with Union Health Minister JP Nadda, what specific new areas of cooperation in healthcare infrastructure and medical supplies have been agreed upon between Afghanistan and India?Mawlawi Noor Jalal Jalali: First of all, I would like to state that this was my first visit to India since the establishment of the Islamic Emirates of Afghanistan, I was the first health minister to travel to India. The discussions with His Excellency, the Minister of Health and Family Welfare, were focused on strengthening cooperation and health infrastructure, medical equipment support, regulatory coordination and capacity building.&nbsp;Both sides explored collaboration in hospital development,&nbsp;medical supply, pharmaceutical regulation and training of health professionals in India. Additionally, I've received promises on supply of oncological and cancer treatment medicines, which will be supplied on the immediate basis.&nbsp;<h2>Medical visas</h2>&nbsp;Sidhant Sibal: India continues to facilitate medical visas for Afghan patients in Indian hospitals. What are your views on expanding this program, and how many Afghan patients have benefited from it in 2025?&nbsp;Mawlawi Noor Jalal Jalali: Afghans have been&nbsp;regularly traveling to India for medical treatment for a long time. Medical visas have been a vital humanitarian channel. We have recently seen many visas issued for Afghan nationals seeking medical treatment in India. While exact figures vary, thousands of&nbsp;Afghan patients have benefited from this channel in recent years.<h2> India's support to Afghan healthcare infra</h2> Sidhant Sibal: Projects like the Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health in Kabul, thalassemia centers, and diagnostic facilities have been supported by India. What further infrastructure projects would Afghanistan prioritize in collaboration with India?Mawlawi Noor Jalal Jalali: Indira Gandhi hospital is one of the major pediatric hospitals in Afghanistan. We have previously requested honorable Indian Chargé d'affaires to Afghanistan regarding strengthening the infrastructure. We have received a promise&nbsp;of CT scan machine and infrastructure strengthening support to Indira Gandhi pediatric hospital. When it comes to overall infrastructure cooperation with India, Afghanistan would prioritize tertiary health projects, including specialized hospital diagnostic centers, cancer treatment facilities and mother and child health care services with India.&nbsp;<h2>Capacity building</h2>&nbsp;Sidhant Sibal: Capacity-building initiatives, such as training Afghan doctors and organizing medical camps like the Jaipur Foot Camp, have been discussed. What plans are in place to send Indian medical teams to Afghanistan or train more Afghan health professionals in India? Mawlawi Noor Jalal Jalali: Afghanistan has been suffering in war and instability for 45 years. We have previously received medical support from India. The capacity building remains a top priority for Afghanistan, including training of conductors in India and travel of the Indian doctor delegation to Afghanistan to establish medical support camps and joint working groups.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>Ayurveda</h2> Sidhant Sibal: India and Afghanistan have explored cooperation in traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda and Unani. How do you envision integrating these with Afghanistan's health system? Mawlawi Noor Jalal Jalali: India has been engaged in multiple projects in Afghanistan. Some of these projects were incomplete projects from the past that India vowed to complete. When it comes to our cooperation with India in traditional medicine and Ayurveda, the cooperation with India can support research, regulation, safe integration of traditional medicine into our modern healthcare system. The meeting with India's counterpart, the Minister of Ayush, was very fruitful. We have received a lot of commitments from them. Some of them were establishing a Traditional Medicine Institute and Research Center in Afghanistan, also providing us technical support and the Indian curriculum to be replicated in our curriculum under the Minister of Public Health.<h2> Diversification</h2> Sidhant Sibal: Afghanistan has historically relied on multiple routes for medical imports. With recent disruptions in supplies from Pakistan, how has India stepped in to ensure uninterrupted access to essential pharmaceuticals? Mawlawi Noor Jalal Jalali: As you might be aware, Afghanistan is a landlocked country. Our market was controlled by six or seven countries, where Pakistan had a major market share. Due to the recent deterioration of our relationship, we were struggling with pharmaceutical supply to our market. India has helped to ensure continuity of essential supplies, alternatives routes, and solutions, and it has helped us to reduce dependency on a single corridor. During our visit to India, we have managed to meet several pharmaceutical production companies to work with them, filling the gap of pharmaceuticals and the Afghanistan market.&nbsp;<h2>Pakistan</h2> Sidhant Sibal: How is Afghanistan delinking itself from Pakistan on health care.Mawlawi Noor Jalal Jalali: Afghanistan has been through lots of hardship. However, we still do have good infrastructure in Afghanistan, we do have good doctors. But when it comes to the capacity building of our doctors and the supply of pharmaceuticals and equipment, we are trying to diversify our partnership with several countries. As we speak, my deputy minister for Food and Drug has traveled to another country. I have traveled here to India. So we are relying on India and other partners to fill in the gap that's there in our market.&nbsp;<h2>Fake Drug Issue</h2> Sidhant Sibal: Fake or low-quality pharmaceutical products entering Afghanistan, how big it is a worry Mawlawi Noor Jalal Jalali: It is a serious concern, indeed, trying to strengthen regulation, inspection and laboratory testing to tackle this problem. Additionally, my deputy minister has had a trip to India previously, where we have spoken about mutual cooperation and tackling the fake and low quality medicine supply to our market. Since I've taken over the stewardship of the Ministry of Public Health, we have given this issue serious attention, and we have established a comprehensive structure within our food and drug authority to tackle this problem.<h2> Women's health care</h2> Sidhant Sibal: What is your take on women's access to health services? Reports say restrictions are present on women health care workers? Mawlawi Noor Jalal Jalali: When it comes to&nbsp;women's reach to the health services, I want to state that the Afghan nation is made of both women and men. Women also fall sick and they need health service. In&nbsp;Afghanistan's health sector, we have recruited a huge number of female health workers, starting right from midwives to specialist doctors. We are working on expanding the health coverage or outreach to both women and children in remote areas of Afghanistan. We are also trying to adjust health services according to our necessity, Afghan culture and Islamic principles&nbsp;<h2>India-Afghanistan ties</h2>&nbsp;Sidhant Sibal: Lets hope, India, Afghanistan have strong ties in future, and firm it upMawlawi Noor Jalal Jalali: My&nbsp;visit to India, as I mentioned earlier, was the first visit of the Health Minister of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. I'm here to resolve the problems of my nation, and our relationship with India has resulted in outcomes beyond our expectations. I'm looking forward to expanding this partnership, because the relationship between India and Afghanistan is deep-rooted and people-centric, and it's based on humanitarian factors. I'm looking forward to expanding on this cooperation when it comes to pharmaceutical supplies to capacity building, and hospital infrastructure.

India has established a thalassaemia centre and a modern diagnostic centre at Kabul’s Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health. It will also construct a 30-bed hospital in Kabul’s Bagrami district, including an oncology centre, a trauma centre, and five maternity health clinics.

Afghanistan’s Minister of Public Health, Mawlawi Noor Jalal Jalali, has praised India’s long standing support for Afghan healthcare, highlighting medical visas as a “vital humanitarian channel” during a visit to New Delhi. Speaking exclusively to WION’s Sidhant Sibal, Jalali noted, “Afghans have been regularly traveling to India for medical treatment for a long time.” India has established a thalassaemia centre and a modern diagnostic centre and replaced the heating system at Kabul’s Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health. It will also construct a 30-bed hospital in Kabul’s Bagrami district, including an oncology centre, a trauma centre, and five maternity health clinics. Jalali welcomed India’s contributions to Afghan health infrastructure, describing the Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health in Kabul as “one of the major paediatric hospitals in Afghanistan.” He said Afghanistan had “previously requested [the] honourable Indian Chargé d'affaires... regarding strengthening the infrastructure,” and received promises of a CT scan machine and further support. Around 75 prosthetic limbs (Jaipur foot) have been fitted for Afghan nationals, with India continuing to provide medical assistance and treatment. During Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi’s visit, India gifted 20 ambulances to Afghanistan. Full interview: India Ties Sidhant Sibal: How do you see India ties Mawlawi Noor Jalal Jalali: I would like to convey my regards to viewers and listeners of WION. I've travelled to India for health issues and discussions. Afghanistan values its long standing and constructive relationship with India. Our engagement with India has traditionally been people centric, particularly in health, education and humanitarian assistance. We see India as an important regional partner and our current interaction reflects a mutual interest in pragmatic cooperation based on respect, humanitarian consideration and shared responsibility. Meeting with Indian Health Minister Sidhant Sibal: Following your recent visit to India and meetings with Union Health Minister JP Nadda, what specific new areas of cooperation in healthcare infrastructure and medical supplies have been agreed upon between Afghanistan and India? Mawlawi Noor Jalal Jalali: First of all, I would like to state that this was my first visit to India since the establishment of the Islamic Emirates of Afghanistan, I was the first health minister to travel to India. The discussions with His Excellency, the Minister of Health and Family Welfare, were focused on strengthening cooperation and health infrastructure, medical equipment support, regulatory coordination and capacity building. Both sides explored collaboration in hospital development, medical supply, pharmaceutical regulation and training of health professionals in India. Additionally, I've received promises on supply of oncological and cancer treatment medicines, which will be supplied on the immediate basis. Medical visas Sidhant Sibal: India continues to facilitate medical visas for Afghan patients in Indian hospitals. What are your views on expanding this program, and how many Afghan patients have benefited from it in 2025? Mawlawi Noor Jalal Jalali: Afghans have been regularly traveling to India for medical treatment for a long time. Medical visas have been a vital humanitarian channel. We have recently seen many visas issued for Afghan nationals seeking medical treatment in India. While exact figures vary, thousands of Afghan patients have benefited from this channel in recent years. India's support to Afghan healthcare infra Sidhant Sibal: Projects like the Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health in Kabul, thalassemia centers, and diagnostic facilities have been supported by India. What further infrastructure projects would Afghanistan prioritize in collaboration with India? Mawlawi Noor Jalal Jalali: Indira Gandhi hospital is one of the major pediatric hospitals in Afghanistan. We have previously requested honorable Indian Chargé d'affaires to Afghanistan regarding strengthening the infrastructure. We have received a promise of CT scan machine and infrastructure strengthening support to Indira Gandhi pediatric hospital. When it comes to overall infrastructure cooperation with India, Afghanistan would prioritize tertiary health projects, including specialized hospital diagnostic centers, cancer treatment facilities and mother and child health care services with India. Capacity building Sidhant Sibal: Capacity-building initiatives, such as training Afghan doctors and organizing medical camps like the Jaipur Foot Camp, have been discussed. What plans are in place to send Indian medical teams to Afghanistan or train more Afghan health professionals in India? Mawlawi Noor Jalal Jalali: Afghanistan has been suffering in war and instability for 45 years. We have previously received medical support from India. The capacity building remains a top priority for Afghanistan, including training of conductors in India and travel of the Indian doctor delegation to Afghanistan to establish medical support camps and joint working groups. Ayurveda Sidhant Sibal: India and Afghanistan have explored cooperation in traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda and Unani. How do you envision integrating these with Afghanistan's health system? Mawlawi Noor Jalal Jalali: India has been engaged in multiple projects in Afghanistan. Some of these projects were incomplete projects from the past that India vowed to complete. When it comes to our cooperation with India in traditional medicine and Ayurveda, the cooperation with India can support research, regulation, safe integration of traditional medicine into our modern healthcare system. The meeting with India's counterpart, the Minister of Ayush, was very fruitful. We have received a lot of commitments from them. Some of them were establishing a Traditional Medicine Institute and Research Center in Afghanistan, also providing us technical support and the Indian curriculum to be replicated in our curriculum under the Minister of Public Health. Diversification Sidhant Sibal: Afghanistan has historically relied on multiple routes for medical imports. With recent disruptions in supplies from Pakistan, how has India stepped in to ensure uninterrupted access to essential pharmaceuticals? Mawlawi Noor Jalal Jalali: As you might be aware, Afghanistan is a landlocked country. Our market was controlled by six or seven countries, where Pakistan had a major market share. Due to the recent deterioration of our relationship, we were struggling with pharmaceutical supply to our market. India has helped to ensure continuity of essential supplies, alternatives routes, and solutions, and it has helped us to reduce dependency on a single corridor. During our visit to India, we have managed to meet several pharmaceutical production companies to work with them, filling the gap of pharmaceuticals and the Afghanistan market. Pakistan Sidhant Sibal: How is Afghanistan delinking itself from Pakistan on health care. Mawlawi Noor Jalal Jalali: Afghanistan has been through lots of hardship. However, we still do have good infrastructure in Afghanistan, we do have good doctors. But when it comes to the capacity building of our doctors and the supply of pharmaceuticals and equipment, we are trying to diversify our partnership with several countries. As we speak, my deputy minister for Food and Drug has traveled to another country. I have traveled here to India. So we are relying on India and other partners to fill in the gap that's there in our market. Fake Drug Issue Sidhant Sibal: Fake or low-quality pharmaceutical products entering Afghanistan, how big it is a worry Mawlawi Noor Jalal Jalali: It is a serious concern, indeed, trying to strengthen regulation, inspection and laboratory testing to tackle this problem. Additionally, my deputy minister has had a trip to India previously, where we have spoken about mutual cooperation and tackling the fake and low quality medicine supply to our market. Since I've taken over the stewardship of the Ministry of Public Health, we have given this issue serious attention, and we have established a comprehensive structure within our food and drug authority to tackle this problem. Women's health care Sidhant Sibal: What is your take on women's access to health services? Reports say restrictions are present on women health care workers? Mawlawi Noor Jalal Jalali: When it comes to women's reach to the health services, I want to state that the Afghan nation is made of both women and men. Women also fall sick and they need health service. In Afghanistan's health sector, we have recruited a huge number of female health workers, starting right from midwives to specialist doctors. We are working on expanding the health coverage or outreach to both women and children in remote areas of Afghanistan. We are also trying to adjust health services according to our necessity, Afghan culture and Islamic principles India-Afghanistan ties Sidhant Sibal: Lets hope, India, Afghanistan have strong ties in future, and firm it up Mawlawi Noor Jalal Jalali: My visit to India, as I mentioned earlier, was the first visit of the Health Minister of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. I'm here to resolve the problems of my nation, and our relationship with India has resulted in outcomes beyond our expectations. I'm looking forward to expanding this partnership, because the relationship between India and Afghanistan is deep-rooted and people-centric, and it's based on humanitarian factors. I'm looking forward to expanding on this cooperation when it comes to pharmaceutical supplies to capacity building, and hospital infrastructure.

India has established a thalassaemia centre and a modern diagnostic centre at Kabul’s Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health. It will also construct a 30-bed hospital in Kabul’s Bagrami district, including an oncology centre, a trauma centre, and five maternity health clinics.

Afghan Health Minister Noor Jalal Jalali praises India’s ‘long-standing’ healthcare support

Border clashes erupted again between Pakistan and Afghanistan’s Taliban forces with each side accusing the other of launching “unprovoked” attacks early on Saturday. Afghan officials said 4 civilians were killed and 4 others were wounded in the clashes. Fighting erupted in Pakistan’s southwestern Chaman border sector. Footage from the area showed a large number of Afghans fleeing on foot and in vehicles. Ali Mohammed Haqmal, head of Kandahar’s information department, said Pakistan’s forces had attacked with “light and heavy artillery” and civilian homes had been hit by mortar fire. Residents on the Afghan side of the border said the exchange of fire began at around 10.30 pm (1800 GMT) and continued for around two hours.&nbsp;Each side accused the other of launching ‘unprovoked’ attacks at the crossing between Chaman and Spin Boldak.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Unfortunately, tonight, the Pakistani side started attacking Afghanistan in Kandahar, Spin Boldak district, and the forces of the Islamic Emirate were forced to respond,” said Taliban government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid in a post on social media platform X.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-india-a-critical-partner-says-trump-admin-in-new-national-security-strategy-document-1764955604501">‘India a critical partner,’ says Trump admin in new national security strategy document</a>&nbsp;On the other hand, Pakistan said Afghanistan had fired first. “A short while ago, the Afghan Taliban regime resorted to unprovoked firing along the border. An immediate, befitting and intense response has been given by our armed forces,” said Mosharraf Zaidi, a spokesman for Pakistan’s prime minister, in a post on X.&nbsp;Tensions remain high between the neighbours following deadly clashes despite several rounds of negotiations mediated by Qatar and Türkiye that resulted in a truce in October.Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have grown bitter since the Taliban seized power in Kabul after the withdrawal of international forces in August 2021.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-admin-says-europe-faces-civilizational-erasure-pledges-support-to-correct-trajectory-1764948151659">Trump admin says Europe faces ‘civilizational erasure’, pledges US support to ‘correct its trajectory’</a>&nbsp;Islamabad accuses the Taliban administration of sheltering anti-Pakistan militant groups such as the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which have carried out deadly attacks in its western provinces, targeting civilians and security forces.The Taliban deny the charge and say Pakistan’s internal security challenges are its own responsibility.&nbsp;A Pakistani security official said his country remained “committed to peaceful coexistence, but peace cannot be one-sided. The Chaman response has reaffirmed that message unmistakably.” Afghan authorities blame Pakistan for the hostilities.&nbsp;Border clashes that began in October have killed dozens of people on both sides.Last week delegations from both sides met in Saudi Arabia for a fourth round of negotiations on a wider peace settlement, but did not reach an agreement.

Residents on the Afghan side of the border said the exchange of fire began at around 10.30 pm (1800 GMT) and continued for around two hours. Each side accused the other of launching ‘unprovoked’ attacks at the crossing between Chaman and Spin Boldak. 

Border clashes erupted again between Pakistan and Afghanistan’s Taliban forces with each side accusing the other of launching “unprovoked” attacks early on Saturday. Afghan officials said 4 civilians were killed and 4 others were wounded in the clashes. Fighting erupted in Pakistan’s southwestern Chaman border sector. Footage from the area showed a large number of Afghans fleeing on foot and in vehicles. Ali Mohammed Haqmal, head of Kandahar’s information department, said Pakistan’s forces had attacked with “light and heavy artillery” and civilian homes had been hit by mortar fire. Residents on the Afghan side of the border said the exchange of fire began at around 10.30 pm (1800 GMT) and continued for around two hours. Each side accused the other of launching ‘unprovoked’ attacks at the crossing between Chaman and Spin Boldak. “Unfortunately, tonight, the Pakistani side started attacking Afghanistan in Kandahar, Spin Boldak district, and the forces of the Islamic Emirate were forced to respond,” said Taliban government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid in a post on social media platform X. Also Read: ‘India a critical partner,’ says Trump admin in new national security strategy document On the other hand, Pakistan said Afghanistan had fired first. “A short while ago, the Afghan Taliban regime resorted to unprovoked firing along the border. An immediate, befitting and intense response has been given by our armed forces,” said Mosharraf Zaidi, a spokesman for Pakistan’s prime minister, in a post on X. Tensions remain high between the neighbours following deadly clashes despite several rounds of negotiations mediated by Qatar and Türkiye that resulted in a truce in October. Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have grown bitter since the Taliban seized power in Kabul after the withdrawal of international forces in August 2021. Also Read: Trump admin says Europe faces ‘civilizational erasure’, pledges US support to ‘correct its trajectory’ Islamabad accuses the Taliban administration of sheltering anti-Pakistan militant groups such as the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which have carried out deadly attacks in its western provinces, targeting civilians and security forces. The Taliban deny the charge and say Pakistan’s internal security challenges are its own responsibility. A Pakistani security official said his country remained “committed to peaceful coexistence, but peace cannot be one-sided. The Chaman response has reaffirmed that message unmistakably.” Afghan authorities blame Pakistan for the hostilities. Border clashes that began in October have killed dozens of people on both sides. Last week delegations from both sides met in Saudi Arabia for a fourth round of negotiations on a wider peace settlement, but did not reach an agreement.

Residents on the Afghan side of the border said the exchange of fire began at around 10.30 pm (1800 GMT) and continued for around two hours. Each side accused the other of launching ‘unprovoked’ attacks at the crossing between Chaman and Spin Boldak.&nbsp;

Border clashes break out again between Pakistan and Afghanistan; 4 Afghans killed

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has said that Islamabad’s attempts to reset ties with the Taliban regime in Afghanistan have completely failed. Tensions between Islamabad and Kabul escalated on Tuesday after the Taliban vowed to “respond appropriately” to a series of overnight border strikes that left 10 people dead and blamed Pakistan for the deaths. The strikes were launched even when the ceasefire brokered by Qatar and Turkey was still in place. &nbsp;Asif dismissed the accusations of the Afghan Taliban that Pakistan had carried out strikes inside Afghanistan and targeted civilians. “As a state, we do retaliate when required, but we never target civilians,” he said, adding “One should hope for good and not write off another until limits are crossed. But now, we are completely writing them off, and we do not expect anything good from them.”&nbsp;Pakistan has witnessed a sharp rise in terrorism since 2021, the year that the Taliban took control of Afghanistan. The ties between the neighbours have strained further since October, when the two sides engaged in clashes.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/massive-fire-breaks-out-at-35-floor-apartment-building-in-hong-kong-residents-trapped-1764149239700">Massive fire breaks out at residential building in Hong Kong, residents trapped, 4 dead</a><h2>‘Taliban neither have a code of conduct nor religion nor traditions’</h2>&nbsp;&nbsp;Asif said, “It will be folly to trust them [Afghan Taliban]. We have tried to remain civil with them…but they’ve not repaid how one should to the soil that’s provided home to two of their generations”.Asif said that Pakistan had expected the Taliban to remain dependent on them, but “the entire equation has reversed.”&nbsp;“We do react and retaliate, but civilians are not our target at all. We have a disciplined force with traditions and a code of conduct. We are not a ragtag group like the Taliban, who neither have a code of conduct nor religion nor traditions,” Asif told Pakistan-based Geo News.&nbsp;Asif said he personally welcomed the Taliban after they seized Kabul and travelled to Afghanistan several times to stabilise ties, but “none of it brought any benefit or success.”“I don’t think we have gained any dividends, successes, or changes in their behaviour from these visits; there has been no change in their attitude.”Asif said Pakistan had long exercised restraint and hoped for constructive engagement, but those expectations had now diminished.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-announces-40-billion-defence-budget-to-counter-china-s-invasion-and-to-refuse-to-submit-to-being-china-s-taiwan-1764156268611">Taiwan announces $40 billion defence budget to counter China’s invasion</a><h2>Afghan condemns strikes as ‘direct assault’ on sovereignty</h2>&nbsp;Pakistani forces conducted overnight airstrikes inside Afghan territory, hitting civilian areas in Paktika, Khost, and Kunar provinces. The strikes killed at least 10 civilians, including nine children, prompting Afghan authorities to condemn the action as a “direct assault on sovereignty.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Afghan Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said in posts on X that Islamabad attacked several areas in Khost, Kunar and Paktika provinces near the border and said that Kabul will respond as needed.&nbsp;Mustaghfir Gurbuz, a spokesman for the governor of Khost, claimed the strikes were carried out by drones and aircraft.“The Islamic Emirate strongly condemns this violation and reiterates that defending its airspace, territory, and people is its legitimate right, and it will respond appropriately at the right time,” Mujahid said in a statement.

Pakistan has witnessed a sharp rise in terrorism since 2021, when the Taliban took control of Afghanistan. Asif said Pakistan had expected the Taliban to remain dependent on them, but “the entire equation has reversed.” The ties strained further when the two nations clashed in October.

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has said that Islamabad’s attempts to reset ties with the Taliban regime in Afghanistan have completely failed. Tensions between Islamabad and Kabul escalated on Tuesday after the Taliban vowed to “respond appropriately” to a series of overnight border strikes that left 10 people dead and blamed Pakistan for the deaths. The strikes were launched even when the ceasefire brokered by Qatar and Turkey was still in place. Asif dismissed the accusations of the Afghan Taliban that Pakistan had carried out strikes inside Afghanistan and targeted civilians. “As a state, we do retaliate when required, but we never target civilians,” he said, adding “One should hope for good and not write off another until limits are crossed. But now, we are completely writing them off, and we do not expect anything good from them.” Pakistan has witnessed a sharp rise in terrorism since 2021, the year that the Taliban took control of Afghanistan. The ties between the neighbours have strained further since October, when the two sides engaged in clashes. Also Read: Massive fire breaks out at residential building in Hong Kong, residents trapped, 4 dead ‘Taliban neither have a code of conduct nor religion nor traditions’ Asif said, “It will be folly to trust them [Afghan Taliban]. We have tried to remain civil with them…but they’ve not repaid how one should to the soil that’s provided home to two of their generations”. Asif said that Pakistan had expected the Taliban to remain dependent on them, but “the entire equation has reversed.” “We do react and retaliate, but civilians are not our target at all. We have a disciplined force with traditions and a code of conduct. We are not a ragtag group like the Taliban, who neither have a code of conduct nor religion nor traditions,” Asif told Pakistan-based Geo News. Asif said he personally welcomed the Taliban after they seized Kabul and travelled to Afghanistan several times to stabilise ties, but “none of it brought any benefit or success.” “I don’t think we have gained any dividends, successes, or changes in their behaviour from these visits; there has been no change in their attitude.” Asif said Pakistan had long exercised restraint and hoped for constructive engagement, but those expectations had now diminished. Also Read: Taiwan announces $40 billion defence budget to counter China’s invasion Afghan condemns strikes as ‘direct assault’ on sovereignty Pakistani forces conducted overnight airstrikes inside Afghan territory, hitting civilian areas in Paktika, Khost, and Kunar provinces. The strikes killed at least 10 civilians, including nine children, prompting Afghan authorities to condemn the action as a “direct assault on sovereignty.” Afghan Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said in posts on X that Islamabad attacked several areas in Khost, Kunar and Paktika provinces near the border and said that Kabul will respond as needed. Mustaghfir Gurbuz, a spokesman for the governor of Khost, claimed the strikes were carried out by drones and aircraft. “The Islamic Emirate strongly condemns this violation and reiterates that defending its airspace, territory, and people is its legitimate right, and it will respond appropriately at the right time,” Mujahid said in a statement.

Pakistan has witnessed a sharp rise in terrorism since 2021, when the Taliban took control of Afghanistan. Asif said Pakistan had expected the Taliban to remain dependent on them, but “the entire equation has reversed.” The ties strained further when the two nations clashed in October.&nbsp;

Pak’s efforts to reset ties with Kabul ‘failed completely’, says Khawaja Asif, calls Taliban a ‘ragtag’ group

New Delhi: The Torkham border crossing, once a throbbing artery of trade between Pakistan and Afghanistan, has become a symbol of fractured ties. The gates of the border remain closed, and with it trade. The closure was triggered by Pakistan's attack on Afghanistan, the 2nd with its neighbour in this year. Pakistan's economy, already reeling from inflation and debt, stands to lose. Afghanistan absorbs about $2 billion annually in Pakistani exports, cement, pharmaceuticals, food staples, and textiles, making it Islamabad's third-largest market after the U.S. and China. Transit fees, millions of dollars of windfall from Central Asian and European cargo funneled through Pakistan's ports such as Karachi to Kabul, are evaporating.&nbsp;Afghanistan is now accelerating a long-brewing pivot, rerouting commerce through Iran and India, and forging new economic lifelines that could reshape the region's trade dynamics. The decision marks a watershed. For decades, Pakistan dominated Afghanistan's trade, with imports through Karachi's port and crossings like Torkham, which it sought to use as leverage.&nbsp;&nbsp;Annual bilateral trade hovered around over a billion dollars, but as the political ties deteriorate amid Pakistan's belligerence, Kabul is running out of patience. Earlier this month, Afghanistan's Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Office announced, “After three months, medicines imported from Pakistan should not be cleared, and no one should be given permission to import them.”&nbsp;Over the past six months, Afghan-Iranian trade has surged to $1.626 billion, eclipsing the $1.108 billion with Pakistan, according to Afghanistan government data. Trade with Iran comes with linkages to the world as well, through the Chabahar Port. Developed with Indian support and investment, Chabahar offers a sanctions-resilient gateway to the Arabian Sea, bypassing Pakistan entirely. As India ties firm up, with its embassy in Kabul reopened and a fresh U.S. sanctions waiver for Chabahar in hand, New Delhi is ramping up exports of wheat and medicines, filling voids left by Pakistani suppliers.&nbsp;Ariana Afghan Airlines is sweetening the pot, slashing cargo rates to Delhi at $1 per kilogram for exports, and ferrying pine nuts and rugs to Indian markets. "National traders can take advantage of this important opportunity to transport their commercial goods to various countries worldwide via Ariana cargo at lower costs and actively contribute to increasing the country's exports", a statement from the Airlines said.&nbsp;Afghan businesses want more avenues of increasing trade. Jan Agha Nawid, spokesperson for the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment (ACCI) , as quoted in Tolo News, said, “We urge the government to sign long-term agreements with neighboring countries to create more trade opportunities for Afghans. Preferential tariffs and reduced transportation and transit costs can help pave the way for broader trade relations.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Last month, during a Delhi visit, Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi asked Indian investors to come to his country and announced the opening of cargo plane air connectivity between Delhi-Kabul, Amritsar-Kabul, and Amritsar-Kandahar that will help in the transfer of fresh fruits from Afghanistan to India. He backed the Chabahar port project, saying, "It is advantageous for us". This westward and eastward tilt extends to Central Asia-Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan &amp; beyond to Russia, China.&nbsp;The big trade shift by Afghanistan comes even as Pakistan's economy remains beleaguered, surviving on IMF bailouts despite being in a region of large economies. India, one of the world's largest economies, had long back cut trading ties with Pakistan over Rawalpindi's support to cross border terrorism. From 26/11 terror attacks to Pahalgam terror attack, the linkages to all major terror attacks in India are in Pakistan&nbsp;

Afghanistan is now accelerating a long-brewing pivot, rerouting commerce through Iran and India, and forging new economic lifelines. For decades, Pakistan dominated Afghanistan's trade, with imports through Karachi's port and crossings like Torkham, which it sought to use as leverage.

New Delhi: The Torkham border crossing, once a throbbing artery of trade between Pakistan and Afghanistan, has become a symbol of fractured ties. The gates of the border remain closed, and with it trade. The closure was triggered by Pakistan's attack on Afghanistan, the 2nd with its neighbour in this year. Pakistan's economy, already reeling from inflation and debt, stands to lose. Afghanistan absorbs about $2 billion annually in Pakistani exports, cement, pharmaceuticals, food staples, and textiles, making it Islamabad's third-largest market after the U.S. and China. Transit fees, millions of dollars of windfall from Central Asian and European cargo funneled through Pakistan's ports such as Karachi to Kabul, are evaporating. Afghanistan is now accelerating a long-brewing pivot, rerouting commerce through Iran and India, and forging new economic lifelines that could reshape the region's trade dynamics. The decision marks a watershed. For decades, Pakistan dominated Afghanistan's trade, with imports through Karachi's port and crossings like Torkham, which it sought to use as leverage. Annual bilateral trade hovered around over a billion dollars, but as the political ties deteriorate amid Pakistan's belligerence, Kabul is running out of patience. Earlier this month, Afghanistan's Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Office announced, “After three months, medicines imported from Pakistan should not be cleared, and no one should be given permission to import them.” Over the past six months, Afghan-Iranian trade has surged to $1.626 billion, eclipsing the $1.108 billion with Pakistan, according to Afghanistan government data. Trade with Iran comes with linkages to the world as well, through the Chabahar Port. Developed with Indian support and investment, Chabahar offers a sanctions-resilient gateway to the Arabian Sea, bypassing Pakistan entirely. As India ties firm up, with its embassy in Kabul reopened and a fresh U.S. sanctions waiver for Chabahar in hand, New Delhi is ramping up exports of wheat and medicines, filling voids left by Pakistani suppliers. Ariana Afghan Airlines is sweetening the pot, slashing cargo rates to Delhi at $1 per kilogram for exports, and ferrying pine nuts and rugs to Indian markets. "National traders can take advantage of this important opportunity to transport their commercial goods to various countries worldwide via Ariana cargo at lower costs and actively contribute to increasing the country's exports", a statement from the Airlines said. Afghan businesses want more avenues of increasing trade. Jan Agha Nawid, spokesperson for the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment (ACCI) , as quoted in Tolo News, said, “We urge the government to sign long-term agreements with neighboring countries to create more trade opportunities for Afghans. Preferential tariffs and reduced transportation and transit costs can help pave the way for broader trade relations.” Last month, during a Delhi visit, Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi asked Indian investors to come to his country and announced the opening of cargo plane air connectivity between Delhi-Kabul, Amritsar-Kabul, and Amritsar-Kandahar that will help in the transfer of fresh fruits from Afghanistan to India. He backed the Chabahar port project, saying, "It is advantageous for us". This westward and eastward tilt extends to Central Asia-Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan & beyond to Russia, China. The big trade shift by Afghanistan comes even as Pakistan's economy remains beleaguered, surviving on IMF bailouts despite being in a region of large economies. India, one of the world's largest economies, had long back cut trading ties with Pakistan over Rawalpindi's support to cross border terrorism. From 26/11 terror attacks to Pahalgam terror attack, the linkages to all major terror attacks in India are in Pakistan

Afghanistan is now accelerating a long-brewing pivot, rerouting commerce through Iran and India, and forging new economic lifelines. For decades, Pakistan dominated Afghanistan's trade, with imports through Karachi's port and crossings like Torkham, which it sought to use as leverage.

Afghanistan dumps Pakistan trade amid conflict, turns to Iran and India

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has said that peace talks with Afghanistan, held in Istanbul to prevent renewed border clashes, have collapsed. Asif told GEO News on Friday that the ceasefire would remain in place only as long as no attacks are launched from Afghan territory. Asif had earlier issued a stark warning that the collapse of negotiations would force them to get into a ‘war’ with the Taliban. Officials and security sources earlier confirmed there was no breakthrough. The minister’s blunt remarks came during an interview with Geo TV on the eve of the third round of dialogue, after two earlier rounds in Doha and Istanbul ended without a breakthrough.&nbsp;&nbsp;“If the negotiations fail, the situation will deteriorate further. We have our options. Considering how we are being targeted, we may respond in the same manner,” Asif said.The talks were being closely watched after a fragile ceasefire was brokered between the two neighbours following brief cross-border clashes earlier this month.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-hosts-orban-hints-at-exemption-for-hungary-from-russian-oil-and-gas-sanctions-1762543978700">Trump hosts Orban, hints at exemption for Hungary from Russian oil and gas sanctions</a>&nbsp;Turkey has been mediating in the process, which has stumbled over Pakistan's demands that Kabul act decisively against the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).&nbsp;The first round of talks took place in Doha on October 18-19, followed by a second round in Istanbul from October 25, which stretched for several days before concluding last week. Both sides agreed to maintain the ceasefire, but officials acknowledge that deep mistrust persisted.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tehran-faces-acute-water-scarcity-and-energy-crisis-mulls-rationing-evacuation-1762539231339">Tehran faces acute water scarcity and energy crisis; mulls rationing, evacuation</a>&nbsp;Meanwhile, Asif dismissed Kabul’s claim that TTP fighters were merely “Pakistani refugees” returning home.“How can refugees come back carrying heavy weapons and sneaking through mountain routes like thieves? This very argument exposes Afghanistan’s insincerity and ill intent,” he said.&nbsp;Asif further added that relations with Afghanistan “cannot return to normal” until the Taliban government takes firm steps to stop cross-border attacks.“I won’t blame the entire Afghan government, but many within its ranks are clearly supporting these groups,” he added.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/over-800-flights-cancelled-in-us-after-aviation-agency-s-directive-to-cut-air-traffic-1762518468183">Over 800 flights cancelled in US after aviation agency’s directive to cut air traffic</a>&nbsp;Hostilities between the two countries started last month after Islamabad targeted Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) camps in Kabul, even as the Afghan foreign minister of the Taliban regime, Amir Khan Muttaqi, was on his maiden visit to India.Afghans blamed Pakistan for the border conflict and repeated violation of Afghanistan;s airspace.&nbsp;At the heart of the dispute is the Durand Line, which colonial Britishers drew as a border between pre-Independent India and Afghanistan. The 2,611-kilometre line cuts through the homeland of the Pashtun people, Afghanistan’s largest ethnic group and the core base of the Afghan Taliban.

At the heart of the dispute is the Durand Line, which colonial Britishers drew as a border between pre-Independent India and Afghanistan. The 2,611-kilometre line cuts through the homeland of the Pashtun people, Afghanistan’s largest ethnic group and the core base of the Afghan Taliban.

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has said that peace talks with Afghanistan, held in Istanbul to prevent renewed border clashes, have collapsed. Asif told GEO News on Friday that the ceasefire would remain in place only as long as no attacks are launched from Afghan territory. Asif had earlier issued a stark warning that the collapse of negotiations would force them to get into a ‘war’ with the Taliban. Officials and security sources earlier confirmed there was no breakthrough. The minister’s blunt remarks came during an interview with Geo TV on the eve of the third round of dialogue, after two earlier rounds in Doha and Istanbul ended without a breakthrough. “If the negotiations fail, the situation will deteriorate further. We have our options. Considering how we are being targeted, we may respond in the same manner,” Asif said. The talks were being closely watched after a fragile ceasefire was brokered between the two neighbours following brief cross-border clashes earlier this month. Also Read: Trump hosts Orban, hints at exemption for Hungary from Russian oil and gas sanctions Turkey has been mediating in the process, which has stumbled over Pakistan's demands that Kabul act decisively against the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). The first round of talks took place in Doha on October 18-19, followed by a second round in Istanbul from October 25, which stretched for several days before concluding last week. Both sides agreed to maintain the ceasefire, but officials acknowledge that deep mistrust persisted. Also Read: Tehran faces acute water scarcity and energy crisis; mulls rationing, evacuation Meanwhile, Asif dismissed Kabul’s claim that TTP fighters were merely “Pakistani refugees” returning home. “How can refugees come back carrying heavy weapons and sneaking through mountain routes like thieves? This very argument exposes Afghanistan’s insincerity and ill intent,” he said. Asif further added that relations with Afghanistan “cannot return to normal” until the Taliban government takes firm steps to stop cross-border attacks. “I won’t blame the entire Afghan government, but many within its ranks are clearly supporting these groups,” he added. Also Read: Over 800 flights cancelled in US after aviation agency’s directive to cut air traffic Hostilities between the two countries started last month after Islamabad targeted Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) camps in Kabul, even as the Afghan foreign minister of the Taliban regime, Amir Khan Muttaqi, was on his maiden visit to India. Afghans blamed Pakistan for the border conflict and repeated violation of Afghanistan;s airspace. At the heart of the dispute is the Durand Line, which colonial Britishers drew as a border between pre-Independent India and Afghanistan. The 2,611-kilometre line cuts through the homeland of the Pashtun people, Afghanistan’s largest ethnic group and the core base of the Afghan Taliban.

At the heart of the dispute is the Durand Line, which colonial Britishers drew as a border between pre-Independent India and Afghanistan. The 2,611-kilometre line cuts through the homeland of the Pashtun people, Afghanistan’s largest ethnic group and the core base of the Afghan Taliban.

Pakistan-Afghan peace talks have collapsed, says Khawaja Asif; no surety on truce

The death toll of the powerful earthquake that struck northern Afghanistan overnight has risen to 20, the country’s health ministry announced on Monday (Nov 3). As rescue efforts continue, officials fear the death toll could rise once authorities reach remote villages cut off by damaged roads and landslides. In the Balkh and Samangan provinces, "around 320 countrymen have been injured and more than 20 have been killed," ministry spokesman Sharafat Zaman said in a video message shared with journalists, specifying that this was a preliminary toll. Previously, the ministry said that at least nine people were killed. The 6.3-magnitude quake hit near Mazar-i-Sharif, one of Afghanistan’s largest cities, at a depth of 28 kilometres (17 miles), according to the US Geological Survey.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/6-3-magnitude-earthquake-hits-afghanistan-no-injuries-reported-1762119168302">6.3 magnitude earthquake hits Afghanistan; at least 7 dead</a><h2>Death toll rises</h2>In Balkh province, where Mazar-i-Sharif is the capital, four people were killed and at least 120 others were injured, said Kamal Khan Zadran, a spokesperson for the provincial health department. Hospitals in the area were flooded with patients, though many have since been discharged after treatment.Neighbouring Samangan Province also reported casualties, with Mohammadullah Hamad, a spokesperson for the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), reporting that five people had been killed and 143 injured there. "Most of the injured have returned home after receiving treatment," said Hamad in a statement.Residents of Mazar-i-Sharif, one of Afghanistan's largest northern cities, rushed into the streets as buildings swayed, fearing their homes would collapse. Tremors were also felt in the capital Kabul, roughly 420 kilometres to the south. Videos from overnight show the intense vibrations as the buildings shook with the tremor. Watch here:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">A powerful earthquake struck northern Afghanistan last night, leaving many citizens martyred and injured. 😭 <a href="https://t.co/5ddgKMlVOa">pic.twitter.com/5ddgKMlVOa</a>&mdash; S.Haidar Hashmi (@HaidarHashmi0) <a href="https://twitter.com/HaidarHashmi0/status/1985202895139315834?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 3, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">CCTV footage shows the moment a strong M6.3 earthquake struck Mazar-e-Sharif, Afghanistan, a short while ago. <a href="https://t.co/NX0o04Ggi5">pic.twitter.com/NX0o04Ggi5</a>&mdash; Weather Monitor (@WeatherMonitors) <a href="https://twitter.com/WeatherMonitors/status/1985091586578170186?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 2, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Afghanistan and earthquakes</h2>The disaster adds to a growing list of devastating quakes that have hit Afghanistan in recent years. In August, a 6.0-magnitude earthquake in the east killed more than 2,200 people and levelled entire villages. In 2023, tremors in the western province of Herat left hundreds dead, while another in Nangarhar in 2022 destroyed thousands of homes.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-s-khawaja-asif-revives-anti-india-rant-claims-new-delhi-using-afghanistan-as-proxy-where-s-the-proof-1762049476737">Pakistan’s Khawaja Asif revives anti-India rant, claims New Delhi ‘using Afghanistan as proxy’. Where's the proof?</a>Poor communication infrastructure and difficult terrain have long hampered emergency response efforts in Afghanistan. Many affected areas are mountainous and remote, making it hard for rescue teams to assess damage or deliver aid quickly.Earthquakes are common in Afghanistan, particularly near the Hindu Kush mountains, where major tectonic plates converge. The country's vulnerability is worsened by poor infrastructure, which often leads to high casualties during strong tremors.

At least 20 people were killed and over 320 injured after a 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck northern Afghanistan near Mazar-i-Sharif late Sunday. The quake, felt as far as Kabul, caused landslides and road damage, hampering rescue efforts as officials warned the toll could rise.

The death toll of the powerful earthquake that struck northern Afghanistan overnight has risen to 20, the country’s health ministry announced on Monday (Nov 3). As rescue efforts continue, officials fear the death toll could rise once authorities reach remote villages cut off by damaged roads and landslides. In the Balkh and Samangan provinces, "around 320 countrymen have been injured and more than 20 have been killed," ministry spokesman Sharafat Zaman said in a video message shared with journalists, specifying that this was a preliminary toll. Previously, the ministry said that at least nine people were killed. The 6.3-magnitude quake hit near Mazar-i-Sharif, one of Afghanistan’s largest cities, at a depth of 28 kilometres (17 miles), according to the US Geological Survey. Also read | 6.3 magnitude earthquake hits Afghanistan; at least 7 dead Death toll rises In Balkh province, where Mazar-i-Sharif is the capital, four people were killed and at least 120 others were injured, said Kamal Khan Zadran, a spokesperson for the provincial health department. Hospitals in the area were flooded with patients, though many have since been discharged after treatment. Neighbouring Samangan Province also reported casualties, with Mohammadullah Hamad, a spokesperson for the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), reporting that five people had been killed and 143 injured there. "Most of the injured have returned home after receiving treatment," said Hamad in a statement. Residents of Mazar-i-Sharif, one of Afghanistan's largest northern cities, rushed into the streets as buildings swayed, fearing their homes would collapse. Tremors were also felt in the capital Kabul, roughly 420 kilometres to the south. Videos from overnight show the intense vibrations as the buildings shook with the tremor. Watch here:

At least 20 people were killed and over 320 injured after a 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck northern Afghanistan near Mazar-i-Sharif late Sunday. The quake, felt as far as Kabul, caused landslides and road damage, hampering rescue efforts as officials warned the toll could rise.

Afghanistan earthquake: Death toll from 6.3 magnitude quake rises to 20, over 320 injured

Pakistan’s defence minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif alleged on Saturday that India wants to keep Islamabad busy and engaged in conflict on the eastern and western fronts amid the ongoing tensions with Kabul and New Delhi. Asif was referring to the recent clashes with Afghanistan on the country’s western border and the May conflict with India on the eastern border during Operation Sindoor. Pakistan agreed to continue ceasefire with Afghanistan on Friday morning following a rapid deterioration of ties with Kabul. Asif has repeatedly accused Afghanistan of acting “proxy for India”.&nbsp;&nbsp;“India seeks to keep Pakistan preoccupied on two fronts: the eastern and western,” Asif said, and alleged that Delhi has been “waging a proxy war against Pakistan since the Ashraf Ghani era.” “If necessary, we will present proof,” he told Geo News.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/haryana-youth-headed-to-us-via-dunki-route-killed-in-guatemala-after-ransom-demands-by-traffickers-1762018565370">Haryana youth headed to US via ‘Dunki’ route, killed in Guatemala after ransom demands by traffickers</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>‘Afghanistan acting as a proxy for India’</h2>&nbsp;Earlier this week, Asif repeated his claim that Afghanistan was acting as a proxy for India and claimed that the Taliban leadership was being manipulated by India.“The people in Kabul pulling the strings and staging the puppet show are being controlled by Delhi,” he said, according to a report in the Dawn.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-why-not-reciprocate-and-engage-with-hinduism-too-hindu-american-foundation-asks-jd-vance-1762009614746">‘Why not reciprocate and engage with Hinduism too,’ Hindu American Foundation asks JD Vance</a>&nbsp;While speaking about the recent clashes with Kabul, he had also warned that India “could play dirty at the border” and went on to assert that Islamabad is even prepared for a “two-front war”.&nbsp;Violent clashes had erupted on the Afghan-Pakistan border at a time when Taliban foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi was on a visit to India.&nbsp;<h2>‘Terrorism from Afghan soil should completely stop’</h2>&nbsp;Pakistan launched airstrikes on Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan sanctuaries in Afghanistan on Oct 9, triggering border clashes that continued for days before a ceasefire was formalised in Doha on Oct 18-19.&nbsp;“Everyone is onboard—politicians, the establishment and the nation—that an immediate solution to the Afghanistan issue is very necessary, which is that terrorism from Afghan soil should be completely stopped,” Asif added.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tanzania-president-samia-wins-again-bags-98-votes-hundreds-feared-dead-in-election-unrest-1762002943059">Tanzania President Samia wins again, bags 98% votes; hundreds feared dead in election unrest</a>&nbsp;Asif also expressed optimism that the mediation efforts by Qatar and Turkey on the recent ceasefire with Afghanistan will yield positive results.&nbsp;A three-point understanding was reached at the second round of negotiations with Afghanistan, including, the continuation of the ceasefire, the establishment of a monitoring and verification mechanism to ensure peace, and penalties for violations.

Violent clashes had erupted on the Afghan-Pakistan border at a time when Taliban foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi was on a visit to India after Pakistan launched airstrikes on Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan sanctuaries in Afghanistan on Oct 9, triggering border clashes that continued for days.

Pakistan’s defence minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif alleged on Saturday that India wants to keep Islamabad busy and engaged in conflict on the eastern and western fronts amid the ongoing tensions with Kabul and New Delhi. Asif was referring to the recent clashes with Afghanistan on the country’s western border and the May conflict with India on the eastern border during Operation Sindoor. Pakistan agreed to continue ceasefire with Afghanistan on Friday morning following a rapid deterioration of ties with Kabul. Asif has repeatedly accused Afghanistan of acting “proxy for India”. “India seeks to keep Pakistan preoccupied on two fronts: the eastern and western,” Asif said, and alleged that Delhi has been “waging a proxy war against Pakistan since the Ashraf Ghani era.” “If necessary, we will present proof,” he told Geo News. Also Read: Haryana youth headed to US via ‘Dunki’ route, killed in Guatemala after ransom demands by traffickers ‘Afghanistan acting as a proxy for India’ Earlier this week, Asif repeated his claim that Afghanistan was acting as a proxy for India and claimed that the Taliban leadership was being manipulated by India. “The people in Kabul pulling the strings and staging the puppet show are being controlled by Delhi,” he said, according to a report in the Dawn. Also Read: ‘Why not reciprocate and engage with Hinduism too,’ Hindu American Foundation asks JD Vance While speaking about the recent clashes with Kabul, he had also warned that India “could play dirty at the border” and went on to assert that Islamabad is even prepared for a “two-front war”. Violent clashes had erupted on the Afghan-Pakistan border at a time when Taliban foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi was on a visit to India. ‘Terrorism from Afghan soil should completely stop’ Pakistan launched airstrikes on Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan sanctuaries in Afghanistan on Oct 9, triggering border clashes that continued for days before a ceasefire was formalised in Doha on Oct 18-19. “Everyone is onboard—politicians, the establishment and the nation—that an immediate solution to the Afghanistan issue is very necessary, which is that terrorism from Afghan soil should be completely stopped,” Asif added. Also Read: Tanzania President Samia wins again, bags 98% votes; hundreds feared dead in election unrest Asif also expressed optimism that the mediation efforts by Qatar and Turkey on the recent ceasefire with Afghanistan will yield positive results. A three-point understanding was reached at the second round of negotiations with Afghanistan, including, the continuation of the ceasefire, the establishment of a monitoring and verification mechanism to ensure peace, and penalties for violations.

Violent clashes had erupted on the Afghan-Pakistan border at a time when Taliban foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi was on a visit to India after Pakistan launched airstrikes on Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan sanctuaries in Afghanistan on Oct 9, triggering border clashes that continued for days.

‘India wants to keep Pakistan busy, engaged in conflict’: Defence Minister Khawaja Asif

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif boasted of his country’s military arsenal on Wednesday and said it would completely obliterate the Taliban regime in Afghanistan and push them back to the caves while reminding them of “their rout at Tora Bora with their tails between the legs”. In a post on X, Asif warned the Afghan Taliban that another attack on Pakistani soil would prompt Pakistan to “wipe them out” and force them “back into the caves.” Asif's warning after a four-day dialogue in Istanbul failed to produce any breakthrough on Pakistan’s key demand—that the Taliban take firm action against militants using Afghan territory to launch attacks in Pakistan.&nbsp;He said Pakistan had agreed to the talks at the request of “brotherly countries” to give peace a chance but added that “venomous statements by certain Afghan officials clearly reflect the devious and fractured mindset of the Taliban regime.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pak-defence-minister-khawaja-asif-admits-country-s-past-role-in-supporting-afghanistan-taliban-1761755033225">Pak Defence Minister Khawaja Asif admits country’s past role in supporting Afghanistan Taliban</a>&nbsp;“Let me assure them that Pakistan does not require to employ even a fraction of its full arsenal to completely obliterate the Taliban regime and push them back to the caves for hiding. If they wish so, the repeat of the scenes of their rout at Tora Bora with their tails between the legs would surely be a spectacle to watch for the people of the region,” Asif said in a derogatory remark.&nbsp;He said the warmongers amongst the Taliban regime have vested interests in continued instability, but they have probably misread Pakistan’s resolve and courage.&nbsp;<h2>‘Their threats are only performative circus!’</h2>&nbsp;Asif said if the Taliban regime wants to fight, “The world will INSHAALLAH (God willing) see that their threats are only performative circus!”“We have borne your treachery and mockery for too long, but no more. Any terrorist attack or any suicide bombing inside Pakistan shall give you the bitter taste of such misadventures. Be rest assured and test our resolve and capabilities, if you wish so, at your own peril and doom,” he said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nvidia-scripts-history-becomes-first-firm-to-reach-5-trillion-market-value-following-ai-boom-1761748694795">Riding on AI boom, Nvidia scripts history, becomes first firm to reach $5 trillion market value</a>&nbsp;Responding to the Afghan narrative that it has defeated several empires, Asif said, “As far as the narrative of ‘graveyard of empires’, Pakistan certainly doesn’t claim to be an empire, but Afghanistan is definitely a graveyard, surely for its own people. Never a graveyard of empires but certainly a playground of empires you have been throughout history,” he said.The Pakistan minister said that the Taliban regime is “blindly pushing Afghanistan into yet another conflict” just to retain its usurped rule and maintain the war economy that sustains them.”&nbsp;“If the Afghan Taliban regime is madly hell-bent upon ruining Afghanistan and its innocent people once again, then so be it,” he warned.&nbsp;WATCH: Pacific Anti-Drug Campaign: US Military Strikes Drug Vessels in Pacific, 14 Dead<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pacific-anti-drug-campaign-us-military-strikes-drug-vessels-in-pacific-14-dead-1761735192243/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/pacific-anti-drug-campaign-us-military-strikes-drug-vessels-in-pacific-14-dead-1761735192243/embed</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>Pak-Afghan peace talks collapse in Istanbul</h2>&nbsp;Asif’s remarks came hours after a pre-dawn announcement by Pakistan Information Minister Attaullah Tarar about the collapse of latest round of talks in Istanbul. He blamed the Taliban government in Kabul for refusing to take action against militants accused of carrying out deadly cross-border attacks.An earlier round in Doha had resulted in a temporary ceasefire on October 19. Pakistan accuses the Taliban of providing shelter to militants linked to a rise in attacks across its border, but Kabul denies that Afghan territory is being used to launch assaults against Pakistan.Kabul has blamed Pakistan for the failed peace talks in Turkey after Islamabad did not agree “to stop violating Afghan airspace and prevent US drone flights.”

Pakistan’s Minister Khawaja Asif said that the Taliban regime is “blindly pushing Afghanistan into yet another conflict” just to retain its usurped rule. He warned the Afghan Taliban that another attack on Pakistani soil would prompt Pakistan to “wipe them out”.

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif boasted of his country’s military arsenal on Wednesday and said it would completely obliterate the Taliban regime in Afghanistan and push them back to the caves while reminding them of “their rout at Tora Bora with their tails between the legs”. In a post on X, Asif warned the Afghan Taliban that another attack on Pakistani soil would prompt Pakistan to “wipe them out” and force them “back into the caves.” Asif's warning after a four-day dialogue in Istanbul failed to produce any breakthrough on Pakistan’s key demand—that the Taliban take firm action against militants using Afghan territory to launch attacks in Pakistan. He said Pakistan had agreed to the talks at the request of “brotherly countries” to give peace a chance but added that “venomous statements by certain Afghan officials clearly reflect the devious and fractured mindset of the Taliban regime.” Also Read: Pak Defence Minister Khawaja Asif admits country’s past role in supporting Afghanistan Taliban “Let me assure them that Pakistan does not require to employ even a fraction of its full arsenal to completely obliterate the Taliban regime and push them back to the caves for hiding. If they wish so, the repeat of the scenes of their rout at Tora Bora with their tails between the legs would surely be a spectacle to watch for the people of the region,” Asif said in a derogatory remark. He said the warmongers amongst the Taliban regime have vested interests in continued instability, but they have probably misread Pakistan’s resolve and courage. ‘Their threats are only performative circus!’ Asif said if the Taliban regime wants to fight, “The world will INSHAALLAH (God willing) see that their threats are only performative circus!” “We have borne your treachery and mockery for too long, but no more. Any terrorist attack or any suicide bombing inside Pakistan shall give you the bitter taste of such misadventures. Be rest assured and test our resolve and capabilities, if you wish so, at your own peril and doom,” he said. Also Read: Riding on AI boom, Nvidia scripts history, becomes first firm to reach $5 trillion market value Responding to the Afghan narrative that it has defeated several empires, Asif said, “As far as the narrative of ‘graveyard of empires’, Pakistan certainly doesn’t claim to be an empire, but Afghanistan is definitely a graveyard, surely for its own people. Never a graveyard of empires but certainly a playground of empires you have been throughout history,” he said. The Pakistan minister said that the Taliban regime is “blindly pushing Afghanistan into yet another conflict” just to retain its usurped rule and maintain the war economy that sustains them.” “If the Afghan Taliban regime is madly hell-bent upon ruining Afghanistan and its innocent people once again, then so be it,” he warned. WATCH: Pacific Anti-Drug Campaign: US Military Strikes Drug Vessels in Pacific, 14 Dead https://www.wionews.com/videos/pacific-anti-drug-campaign-us-military-strikes-drug-vessels-in-pacific-14-dead-1761735192243/embed Pak-Afghan peace talks collapse in Istanbul Asif’s remarks came hours after a pre-dawn announcement by Pakistan Information Minister Attaullah Tarar about the collapse of latest round of talks in Istanbul. He blamed the Taliban government in Kabul for refusing to take action against militants accused of carrying out deadly cross-border attacks. An earlier round in Doha had resulted in a temporary ceasefire on October 19. Pakistan accuses the Taliban of providing shelter to militants linked to a rise in attacks across its border, but Kabul denies that Afghan territory is being used to launch assaults against Pakistan. Kabul has blamed Pakistan for the failed peace talks in Turkey after Islamabad did not agree “to stop violating Afghan airspace and prevent US drone flights.”

Pakistan’s Minister Khawaja Asif said that the Taliban regime is “blindly pushing Afghanistan into yet another conflict” just to retain its usurped rule. He warned the Afghan Taliban that another attack on Pakistani soil would prompt Pakistan to “wipe them out”.

‘Will push them back into caves…tails between their legs’: Pak minister says will ‘obliterate’ Afghan Taliban

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Thursday that Islamabad is willing for a permanent ceasefire with Afghanistan but claimed “the ball is in the Taliban’s court”. Sharif said that if Afghanistan wants to resolve the issue and is willing to address Pakistan’s demands in 48 hours, “then we are ready for them.” He also reiterated that Pakistani Taliban militants should be eliminated and that Afghan territory should not be used to plot attacks. Tensions escalated between Afghanistan and Pakistan for the second time in a week on Wednesday when overnight clashes led to the death of dozens of civilians and troops, but a halt was announced soon after both agreed to a 48-hour ceasefire.&nbsp;The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan claimed that at least 17 people were killed and over 300 were injured in Pakistani strikes in the Spin Boldak region in Kandahar.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-it-s-china-vs-the-world-us-will-neither-be-commanded-nor-controlled-says-treasury-secretary-scott-bessent-1760543539998">‘It’s China vs. the world’: US will ‘neither be commanded nor controlled,’ says treasury secretary Scott Bessent</a><h2>Truce requested by Kabul, claims Pak; on insistence of Pakistani side, says Afghan</h2>&nbsp;However, after the temporary ceasefire for 48 hours came into force on Wednesday, the Pakistani foreign ministry said that the truce was requested by Kabul. In contrast, Afghan Taliban’s Zabihullah Mujahid said the ceasefire was due to the “insistence of the Pakistani side”.&nbsp;Addressing the federal cabinet on Thursday after the latest round of conflict, Shehbaz Sharif said that the Afghan side had requested a ceasefire and made a formal request. “Yesterday we decided the temporary 48-hour ceasefire [and] the message has been sent that if they want to fulfil our justified conditions through talks, then we are ready. The ball is in their court.”&nbsp;"If in 48 hours they want to resolve the issues and address our genuine demands, then we are ready for them," Sharif said, reiterating that the Pakistani Taliban should be eliminated and that Afghan territory not be used to plot attacks.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-peace-comes-through-strength-hegseth-warns-russia-of-costs-if-ukraine-war-does-not-end-1760552646712">‘Peace comes through strength’: Hegseth warns Russia of ‘costs’ if Ukraine war does not end</a><h2>Pakistan facing resurgence of attacks on its security forces</h2>&nbsp;Pakistan is facing a resurgence of attacks against its security forces on its western border with Afghanistan, led by the Tehreek-e-Taliban (TTP)—the Pakistani Taliban—and its affiliates.&nbsp;Pakistan alleges that Afghanistan is a safe haven for the terror outfit Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which plans attacks on Pakistani soil. Afghanistan denies the allegations.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-s-fight-against-terror-will-continue-with-full-force-says-netanyahu-at-oct-7-memorial-1760623627618">Israel’s fight against terror will ‘continue with full force,’ says Netanyahu at Oct. 7 memorial</a>&nbsp;On the other hand, the Taliban accuses the Pakistani military of spreading misinformation about Afghanistan, provoking border tensions, and sheltering ISIS-linked militants to undermine its stability and sovereignty.&nbsp;Tensions spiked last week when explosions rocked Afghan territory, including the capital, which Taliban officials blamed on Pakistan. &nbsp;The blasts occurred while Afghanistan’s foreign minister was on a diplomatic visit to India, Pakistan’s longtime rival.Afghan Taliban forces launched an offensive near the border in response.&nbsp;WATCH: Russia-Ukraine: Zelensky-Trump To Meet On Future Of War<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-zelensky-trump-to-meet-on-future-of-war-1760630004717/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-zelensky-trump-to-meet-on-future-of-war-1760630004717/embed</a>&nbsp;

While Islamabad says Afghan territory should not be used to plot attacks on its soil, Taliban accuses the Pakistani military of spreading misinformation about Afghanistan, provoking border tensions, and sheltering ISIS-linked militants to undermine its stability and sovereignty

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Thursday that Islamabad is willing for a permanent ceasefire with Afghanistan but claimed “the ball is in the Taliban’s court”. Sharif said that if Afghanistan wants to resolve the issue and is willing to address Pakistan’s demands in 48 hours, “then we are ready for them.” He also reiterated that Pakistani Taliban militants should be eliminated and that Afghan territory should not be used to plot attacks. Tensions escalated between Afghanistan and Pakistan for the second time in a week on Wednesday when overnight clashes led to the death of dozens of civilians and troops, but a halt was announced soon after both agreed to a 48-hour ceasefire. The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan claimed that at least 17 people were killed and over 300 were injured in Pakistani strikes in the Spin Boldak region in Kandahar. Also Read: ‘It’s China vs. the world’: US will ‘neither be commanded nor controlled,’ says treasury secretary Scott Bessent Truce requested by Kabul, claims Pak; on insistence of Pakistani side, says Afghan However, after the temporary ceasefire for 48 hours came into force on Wednesday, the Pakistani foreign ministry said that the truce was requested by Kabul. In contrast, Afghan Taliban’s Zabihullah Mujahid said the ceasefire was due to the “insistence of the Pakistani side”. Addressing the federal cabinet on Thursday after the latest round of conflict, Shehbaz Sharif said that the Afghan side had requested a ceasefire and made a formal request. “Yesterday we decided the temporary 48-hour ceasefire [and] the message has been sent that if they want to fulfil our justified conditions through talks, then we are ready. The ball is in their court.” "If in 48 hours they want to resolve the issues and address our genuine demands, then we are ready for them," Sharif said, reiterating that the Pakistani Taliban should be eliminated and that Afghan territory not be used to plot attacks. Also Read: ‘Peace comes through strength’: Hegseth warns Russia of ‘costs’ if Ukraine war does not end Pakistan facing resurgence of attacks on its security forces Pakistan is facing a resurgence of attacks against its security forces on its western border with Afghanistan, led by the Tehreek-e-Taliban (TTP)—the Pakistani Taliban—and its affiliates. Pakistan alleges that Afghanistan is a safe haven for the terror outfit Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which plans attacks on Pakistani soil. Afghanistan denies the allegations. Also Read: Israel’s fight against terror will ‘continue with full force,’ says Netanyahu at Oct. 7 memorial On the other hand, the Taliban accuses the Pakistani military of spreading misinformation about Afghanistan, provoking border tensions, and sheltering ISIS-linked militants to undermine its stability and sovereignty. Tensions spiked last week when explosions rocked Afghan territory, including the capital, which Taliban officials blamed on Pakistan. The blasts occurred while Afghanistan’s foreign minister was on a diplomatic visit to India, Pakistan’s longtime rival. Afghan Taliban forces launched an offensive near the border in response. WATCH: Russia-Ukraine: Zelensky-Trump To Meet On Future Of War https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-zelensky-trump-to-meet-on-future-of-war-1760630004717/embed

While Islamabad says Afghan territory should not be used to plot attacks on its soil, Taliban accuses the Pakistani military of spreading misinformation about Afghanistan, provoking border tensions, and sheltering ISIS-linked militants to undermine its stability and sovereignty

Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif says ‘ball in Taliban’s court’ for permanent Afghan truce

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‘Will push them back into caves…tails between their legs’: Asif warns Taliban

Pak PM Shehbaz Sharif says ‘ball in Taliban’s court’ for permanent Afghan truce