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Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi warned Pakistan after strikes on Kabul that the courage of Afghans should not be tested. Muttaqi added that anyone thinking to play games with Afghanistan should ask the Soviet Union, America, and NATO about their experience. Addressing media, Muttaqi said, “There has been an attack near the border in remote areas. We consider this act of Pakistan wrong. Afghanistan has peace and progress after 40 years. The courage of Afghans should not be tested. If someone wants to do this, they should ask the Soviet Union, America, and NATO so that they can explain that it is not good to play games with Afghanistan.”Muttaqi’s statement comes after Islamabad launched cross-border strikes, targeting Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) camps in Kabul. Pakistan said its patience had “run out” over the continued use of Afghan territory by militants targeting Pakistan.Muttaqi also took a swipe at Pakistan for sponsoring terrorism by assuring India that Afghanistan’s soil would not be allowed to be used against any country.&nbsp;&nbsp;Over recent months, relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan have soured. The tense ties have given India an opportunity to improve relations with the Taliban.On Friday, Muttaqi held a high-level meeting with External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar at Hyderabad House in New Delhi. In a significant move, Jaishankar said India would reopen its embassy in Kabul.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Pleased to meet FM Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi of Afghanistan today in New Delhi. This visit marks an important step in advancing our ties and affirming the enduring India-Afghanistan friendship. Discussed India’s support for Afghanistan’s development, our bilateral trade,… <a href="https://t.co/OLBOiv3gZZ">pic.twitter.com/OLBOiv3gZZ</a>&mdash; Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1976579944663683076?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 10, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>Muttaqi promises Taliban cooperation on security&nbsp;</h2>&nbsp;Muttaqi also spoke about Afghanistan’s commitment to regional stability. “We had a detailed discussion on security cooperation. We will not allow Afghan territory to be used against any country. Both sides will remain in touch on this issue,” he said.He welcomed India’s decision to continue and expand its development projects and announced that a Joint Trade Committee would be formed to remove barriers to bilateral trade.&nbsp;At the meeting, Jaishankar spoke about the shared challenge of cross-border terrorism, sending a veiled message to Pakistan.“Excellency, we have a common commitment towards growth and prosperity; however, these are endangered by the shared threat of cross-border terrorism that both our nations face. We must coordinate efforts to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations,” he said. He appreciated Afghanistan’s sensitivity towards India’s security concerns.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Also handed over 5 Ambulances to FM Muttaqi. This is part of the larger gift of 20 ambulances, and other medical equipment reflecting our long standing support for Afghan people. 🔗: <a href="https://t.co/1tqdAoB4L5">https://t.co/1tqdAoB4L5</a> <a href="https://t.co/wX1QP5Ms6x">https://t.co/wX1QP5Ms6x</a> <a href="https://t.co/5C4OxWhtHp">pic.twitter.com/5C4OxWhtHp</a>&mdash; Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1976580872901136665?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 10, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;&nbsp;Jaishankar reaffirmed India’s support for Afghanistan’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence. “Closer cooperation between us contributes to your national development as well as regional stability and resilience. To enhance that, I am pleased to announce the upgrading of India's technical mission in Kabul to the status of Embassy of India,” he said.&nbsp;Jaishankar announced a fresh round of humanitarian and healthcare initiatives for Afghanistan and personally handed over five ambulances to Muttaqi as a symbolic gesture.&nbsp;WATCH: White House slams Nobel committee for placing politics over peace<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/white-house-slams-nobel-committee-for-placing-politics-over-peace-1760120423120/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/white-house-slams-nobel-committee-for-placing-politics-over-peace-1760120423120/embed</a>&nbsp;

Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi also spoke about Afghanistan’s commitment to regional stability and welcomed India’s decision to continue and expand its development projects and announced that a Joint Trade Committee would be formed to remove barriers to bilateral trade. 

Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi warned Pakistan after strikes on Kabul that the courage of Afghans should not be tested. Muttaqi added that anyone thinking to play games with Afghanistan should ask the Soviet Union, America, and NATO about their experience. Addressing media, Muttaqi said, “There has been an attack near the border in remote areas. We consider this act of Pakistan wrong. Afghanistan has peace and progress after 40 years. The courage of Afghans should not be tested. If someone wants to do this, they should ask the Soviet Union, America, and NATO so that they can explain that it is not good to play games with Afghanistan.” Muttaqi’s statement comes after Islamabad launched cross-border strikes, targeting Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) camps in Kabul. Pakistan said its patience had “run out” over the continued use of Afghan territory by militants targeting Pakistan. Muttaqi also took a swipe at Pakistan for sponsoring terrorism by assuring India that Afghanistan’s soil would not be allowed to be used against any country. Over recent months, relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan have soured. The tense ties have given India an opportunity to improve relations with the Taliban. On Friday, Muttaqi held a high-level meeting with External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar at Hyderabad House in New Delhi. In a significant move, Jaishankar said India would reopen its embassy in Kabul.

Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi also spoke about Afghanistan’s commitment to regional stability and welcomed India’s decision to continue and expand its development projects and announced that a Joint Trade Committee would be formed to remove barriers to bilateral trade.&nbsp;

‘Don’t test courage of Afghans, ask others’: Taliban minister warns Pakistan from India

New Delhi: India’s humanitarian assistance and infrastructure programmes will be among the key issues that will be discussed during the upcoming visit of Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi’s visit to New Delhi next week. The Afghan FM Muttaqi, who took charge after Taliban’s takeover of Kabul in August of 2021, travels to Delhi around October 9th. Since August 2021, India has supplied around 50,000 tonnes of wheat, over 330 tonnes of medicines and vaccines, 40,000 litres of pesticides and other essential social support items, for millions of Afghans in need of humanitarian assistance.&nbsp;Delhi was quick to rush support after an earthquake struck Afghanistan last month. India has in the past built mega infra projects in the neighbouring country, including, Afghan Parliament, and the India Afghanistan friendship dam, and the authorities in Kabul will be keen for this support to continue.&nbsp;The Afghan FM, during the visit, would be keen that Delhi recognises the government in Kabul. Russia, in July, recognised the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, becoming the first UNSC member to do so. It also accepted the credentials of a Taliban-appointed ambassador and updated the Afghan embassy flag in Moscow. While India doesn’t recognise the Taliban-led government in Kabul, but it had sent a “technical team” in June 2022 to coordinate effective delivery of humanitarian assistance.&nbsp;Diplomatic contacts have grown since, with the visits of key Indian diplomats to Kabul and the meetings between Indian foreign secretary Vikram Misri and Muttaqi in Dubai in December. In fact, the upcoming visit is the result of years of engagement between the two sides, mostly not in the public.&nbsp;Earlier on Friday, the spokesperson of the ministry of external affairs Randhir Jaiswal pointed to the UNSC go ahead for the visit. He said, in response to a question over the visit of Afghan FM, “All of you would have seen the exemption that has been granted by the UN Security Council Committee for the travel of Afghan Foreign Minister to New Delhi from 9th to 16th of October 2025. This particular information is there in the public domain. We shall keep you updated in this regard.”&nbsp;For visiting India or any international destination for that matter, Amir Khan Muttaqi, who took charge as the foreign minister of Afghanistan after Taliban’s takeover of the country in August 2021, needs to get a UNSC approval, since he is on the UNSC sanctions list. He was designated as a sanctioned individual under UNSC Resolution 1988 (2011). The committee which has all UNSC members as part of it imposes assets freeze, a travel ban and an arms embargo on individuals, groups, undertakings and entities associated with the Taliban.&nbsp;It is important here to remember that Pakistan is the chair of the grouping, but decisions in the grouping are based on consensus. The Afghan foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi reaches India from Russia. He will be in Russia for the Moscow format of talks, which has India, China, Iran, Pakistan among others as key members. It is for the first time that Afghanistan will be attending the meeting of the grouping as a full member.

The Afghan FM would be keen that Delhi recognises the government in Kabul. Russia, in July, recognised the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, becoming the first UNSC member to do so. It also accepted the credentials of Taliban-appointed ambassador and updated the Afghan embassy flag in Moscow.

New Delhi: India’s humanitarian assistance and infrastructure programmes will be among the key issues that will be discussed during the upcoming visit of Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi’s visit to New Delhi next week. The Afghan FM Muttaqi, who took charge after Taliban’s takeover of Kabul in August of 2021, travels to Delhi around October 9th. Since August 2021, India has supplied around 50,000 tonnes of wheat, over 330 tonnes of medicines and vaccines, 40,000 litres of pesticides and other essential social support items, for millions of Afghans in need of humanitarian assistance. Delhi was quick to rush support after an earthquake struck Afghanistan last month. India has in the past built mega infra projects in the neighbouring country, including, Afghan Parliament, and the India Afghanistan friendship dam, and the authorities in Kabul will be keen for this support to continue. The Afghan FM, during the visit, would be keen that Delhi recognises the government in Kabul. Russia, in July, recognised the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, becoming the first UNSC member to do so. It also accepted the credentials of a Taliban-appointed ambassador and updated the Afghan embassy flag in Moscow. While India doesn’t recognise the Taliban-led government in Kabul, but it had sent a “technical team” in June 2022 to coordinate effective delivery of humanitarian assistance. Diplomatic contacts have grown since, with the visits of key Indian diplomats to Kabul and the meetings between Indian foreign secretary Vikram Misri and Muttaqi in Dubai in December. In fact, the upcoming visit is the result of years of engagement between the two sides, mostly not in the public. Earlier on Friday, the spokesperson of the ministry of external affairs Randhir Jaiswal pointed to the UNSC go ahead for the visit. He said, in response to a question over the visit of Afghan FM, “All of you would have seen the exemption that has been granted by the UN Security Council Committee for the travel of Afghan Foreign Minister to New Delhi from 9th to 16th of October 2025. This particular information is there in the public domain. We shall keep you updated in this regard.” For visiting India or any international destination for that matter, Amir Khan Muttaqi, who took charge as the foreign minister of Afghanistan after Taliban’s takeover of the country in August 2021, needs to get a UNSC approval, since he is on the UNSC sanctions list. He was designated as a sanctioned individual under UNSC Resolution 1988 (2011). The committee which has all UNSC members as part of it imposes assets freeze, a travel ban and an arms embargo on individuals, groups, undertakings and entities associated with the Taliban. It is important here to remember that Pakistan is the chair of the grouping, but decisions in the grouping are based on consensus. The Afghan foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi reaches India from Russia. He will be in Russia for the Moscow format of talks, which has India, China, Iran, Pakistan among others as key members. It is for the first time that Afghanistan will be attending the meeting of the grouping as a full member.

The Afghan FM would be keen that Delhi recognises the government in Kabul. Russia, in July, recognised the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, becoming the first UNSC member to do so. It also accepted the credentials of Taliban-appointed ambassador and updated the Afghan embassy flag in Moscow.

India’s humanitarian assistance, request for recognition to be key focus during Afghan FM Muttaqi’s India visit

New Delhi: In a significant development, Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi is set to visit India next week, as Delhi and Kabul look to focus on development partnership. Muttaqi has been the Foreign Minister of Afghanistan since the Taliban took over control of Afghanistan in August 2021 and the collapse of the previous Afghan republic. His visit to India comes after he was granted travel exemption by the United Nations Security Council.&nbsp;To travel internationally, he required a waiver from the UN’s 1988 Sanctions Committee. He is expected to be in Delhi from 9th to 10th October, a visit that is also clubbed with his Russia visit for Moscow format talks on Afghanistan. India does not officially recognize the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan government or the Taliban government but has pragmatically engaged with Kabul since 2021, for humanitarian aid and trade facilitation, especially, via the Chabahar Port project and increased diplomatic contacts.&nbsp;Earlier this year, in January, India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met Muttaqi in Dubai, and held talks that focused on India’s humanitarian aid to Afghanistan’s health sector and for refugee rehabilitation. The government in Kabul has described India as a “significant regional and economic partner”. Indian diplomat Anand Prakash, who is the Joint secretary of the Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran division in the Ministry of External Affairs, met Muttaqi in Kabul in April of this year. In May, EAM Dr S Jaishankar spoke to FM Muttaqi, just days after India conducted Operation Sindoor after the Pahalgam terror attack by Pakistan-trained terrorists.&nbsp;&nbsp;Kabul had condemned the Pahalgam terror attack, with Foreign Ministry spokesman Abdul Qahar Balkhi saying in a statement that the “Ministry of foreign affairs of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan categorically condemns the recent attack on tourists in the Pahalgam region... such incidents undermine efforts to ensure regional security and stability.”&nbsp;India had suspended its diplomatic mission in Kabul after the Taliban takeover in August 2021, but reopened it in July 2022. It deployed a technical team, with the then joint secretary in the Pakistan Afghanistan Iran division of India’s foreign ministry, JP Singh travelling to Kabul and meeting with the top Taliban leadership. India’s focus since then has been on humanitarian support to Afghan people.&nbsp;In the aftermath of the earthquake in September, India was among the first countries to provide humanitarian assistance. It immediately delivered 1,000 family tents and 15 tonnes of food supplies to the affected provinces of Afghanistan. An additional 21 tonnes of relief materials, including essential medicines, hygiene kits, blankets and generators, were dispatched. Since August 2021, India has supplied around 50,000 tonnes of wheat, over 330 tonnes of medicines and vaccines, 40,000 litres of pesticides and other essential social support items, for millions of Afghans in dire need of humanitarian assistance.&nbsp;In partnership with the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, the Indian government has provided 84 MTs of assistance and medicines and 32 MTs of social support items for drug rehabilitation programmes, particularly those focused on women. Since 2023, India has provided scholarships for undergraduate and postgraduate courses to 2,000 Afghan students, including nearly 600 girls and women.

Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi required a waiver from the UN’s 1988 Sanctions Committee to travel internationally. He has been the Foreign Minister of Afghanistan since Taliban took over control in August 2021.

New Delhi: In a significant development, Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi is set to visit India next week, as Delhi and Kabul look to focus on development partnership. Muttaqi has been the Foreign Minister of Afghanistan since the Taliban took over control of Afghanistan in August 2021 and the collapse of the previous Afghan republic. His visit to India comes after he was granted travel exemption by the United Nations Security Council. To travel internationally, he required a waiver from the UN’s 1988 Sanctions Committee. He is expected to be in Delhi from 9th to 10th October, a visit that is also clubbed with his Russia visit for Moscow format talks on Afghanistan. India does not officially recognize the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan government or the Taliban government but has pragmatically engaged with Kabul since 2021, for humanitarian aid and trade facilitation, especially, via the Chabahar Port project and increased diplomatic contacts. Earlier this year, in January, India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met Muttaqi in Dubai, and held talks that focused on India’s humanitarian aid to Afghanistan’s health sector and for refugee rehabilitation. The government in Kabul has described India as a “significant regional and economic partner”. Indian diplomat Anand Prakash, who is the Joint secretary of the Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran division in the Ministry of External Affairs, met Muttaqi in Kabul in April of this year. In May, EAM Dr S Jaishankar spoke to FM Muttaqi, just days after India conducted Operation Sindoor after the Pahalgam terror attack by Pakistan-trained terrorists. Kabul had condemned the Pahalgam terror attack, with Foreign Ministry spokesman Abdul Qahar Balkhi saying in a statement that the “Ministry of foreign affairs of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan categorically condemns the recent attack on tourists in the Pahalgam region... such incidents undermine efforts to ensure regional security and stability.” India had suspended its diplomatic mission in Kabul after the Taliban takeover in August 2021, but reopened it in July 2022. It deployed a technical team, with the then joint secretary in the Pakistan Afghanistan Iran division of India’s foreign ministry, JP Singh travelling to Kabul and meeting with the top Taliban leadership. India’s focus since then has been on humanitarian support to Afghan people. In the aftermath of the earthquake in September, India was among the first countries to provide humanitarian assistance. It immediately delivered 1,000 family tents and 15 tonnes of food supplies to the affected provinces of Afghanistan. An additional 21 tonnes of relief materials, including essential medicines, hygiene kits, blankets and generators, were dispatched. Since August 2021, India has supplied around 50,000 tonnes of wheat, over 330 tonnes of medicines and vaccines, 40,000 litres of pesticides and other essential social support items, for millions of Afghans in dire need of humanitarian assistance. In partnership with the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, the Indian government has provided 84 MTs of assistance and medicines and 32 MTs of social support items for drug rehabilitation programmes, particularly those focused on women. Since 2023, India has provided scholarships for undergraduate and postgraduate courses to 2,000 Afghan students, including nearly 600 girls and women.

Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi required a waiver from the UN’s 1988 Sanctions Committee to travel internationally. He has been the Foreign Minister of Afghanistan since Taliban took over control in August 2021.

Afghanistan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi to visit India next week

US President Donald Trump on Saturday (Sep 20) warned the Taliban of unspecified consequences if the Afghan government refuses to hand back Bagram Airfield to the United States. In a post on Truth Social, Trump warned that unless Afghanistan give the Bagram Airbase "back to those that built it, the United States of America, BAD THINGS ARE GOING TO HAPPEN!!!". This was not the first time Trump has mentioned taking back the air base; he first floated the idea during his recent state visit to the United Kingdom.

<h2>Why does the Bagram air base matter?</h2>Bagram, once the largest US military base in Afghanistan, served as a hub for American and NATO operations for two decades. US and allied forces withdrew from the site in July 2021 as part of a broader pullout that preceded the Taliban's rapid takeover of the country. Human rights groups such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have previously criticised practices at Bagram during America's so-called "War on Terror", particularly the alleged harsh treatment of detainees.At a press conference with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer earlier this week, Trump said he was working to regain control of the facility. Lamenting the loss of the airbase and noting its proximity to China, Trump said, "We're trying to get it back, by the way, that could be a little breaking news. We're trying to get it back because they need things from us".Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-slams-us-media-calls-negative-coverage-illegal-after-jimmy-kimmel-show-suspension-stirs-free-speech-debate-1758343869435">Trump slams US media, calls negative coverage 'illegal' after Jimmy Kimmel show suspension stirs free speech debate</a><h2>Will the US take back the Bagram air base forcefully?</h2>Back in Washington on Saturday, Trump was asked by reporters whether the administration was considering a military operation to retake the base. Trump declined to be specific. "We won't talk about that, but we're talking now to Afghanistan, and we want it back and we want it back soon, right away. And if they don't do it, you're going out find out what I'm going to do," he said.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/trump-just-made-it-nearly-impossible-for-indians-to-work-in-the-us-here-s-how-us-hikes-h-1b-fee-to-100-000-or-90-lakh-1758336080621">Trump just made it nearly impossible for Indians to work in the US — Here's how</a>The president has frequently criticised the 2021 withdrawal and has linked the loss of Bagram to broader concerns about strategic competition in the region, including China's growing influence in Afghanistan. US officials have not provided details about what steps—diplomatic or otherwise—are being pursued, and offered no clarification on the nature of the "bad things" Trump warned of. &nbsp;&nbsp;

In a post on Truth Social, US President Donald Trump has issued a warning to the Taliban, demanding the return of the Bagram Airfield to the United States. He threatened that "BAD THINGS ARE GOING TO HAPPEN!!!" if Afghanistan does not comply. 

US President Donald Trump on Saturday (Sep 20) warned the Taliban of unspecified consequences if the Afghan government refuses to hand back Bagram Airfield to the United States. In a post on Truth Social, Trump warned that unless Afghanistan give the Bagram Airbase "back to those that built it, the United States of America, BAD THINGS ARE GOING TO HAPPEN!!!". This was not the first time Trump has mentioned taking back the air base; he first floated the idea during his recent state visit to the United Kingdom.

In a post on Truth Social, US President Donald Trump has issued a warning to the Taliban, demanding the return of the Bagram Airfield to the United States. He threatened that "BAD THINGS ARE GOING TO HAPPEN!!!" if Afghanistan does not comply.&nbsp;

Trump warns Taliban: Hand back Bagram airbase or 'BAD THINGS ARE GOING TO HAPPEN'

Afghanistan earthquake: The death toll from the 6.0 magnitude earthquake that struck Afghanistan overnight has risen alarmingly, with the country's Interior Ministry reporting that over 800 people have been confirmed dead. The death toll may rise further. Over a thousand others have been injured. "610 people were killed and 1,300 were injured in Kunar province, with numerous houses destroyed", spokesperson Abdul Mateen Qani said earlier, adding that in Nangarhar province 12 people were killed and another 255 injured.Previously, in a statement, the Kunar Disaster Management Authority said that at least 250 people were killed and 500 have been injured in Nur Gul, Soki, Watpur, Manogi, and Chapadare districts. The US Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the quake struck at 11:47 pm local time (1917 GMT), with its epicentre about 27 kilometres northeast of Jalalabad in Nangarhar Province. The tremors originated at a shallow depth of eight kilometres, amplifying their impact. Just 20 minutes later, a 4.5 magnitude earthquake hit the same region, according to USGS. It was then followed by another aftershock, this one of 5.2 magnitude. Both the aftershocks happened at a depth of 10&nbsp;km (6.21 miles).<h2>Orange ‘significant casualties’ alert in place&nbsp;</h2>In the aftermath of the earthquake, an orange alert was issued by the USGS PAGER system, which predicts economic and human loss after earthquakes. It said that "Significant casualties are likely, and the disaster is potentially widespread. Past events with this alert level have required a regional or national level response".Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/deadly-6-0-earthquake-rocks-afghanistan-at-least-9-killed-including-2-children-1756689621194">Deadly 6.0 earthquake rocks Afghanistan; At least 9 killed, including 2 children</a><h2>Taliban confirms human casualties</h2>On X, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said, "Sadly, tonight's earthquake has caused loss of life and property damage in some of our eastern provinces." He added that “Local officials and residents are currently engaged in rescue efforts for the affected people. Support teams from the center and nearby provinces are also on their way, and all available resources will be utilised to save lives.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Sadly, tonight&#39;s earthquake has caused loss of life and property damage in some of our eastern provinces. Local officials and residents are currently engaged in rescue efforts for the affected people. Support teams from the center and nearby provinces are also on their way,&mdash; Zabihullah (..ذبـــــیح الله م ) (@Zabehulah_M33) <a href="https://twitter.com/Zabehulah_M33/status/1962271404436369530?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 31, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The death toll from the powerful 6.0-magnitude earthquake that struck eastern Afghanistan on Sunday has risen to at least 622 people.

Afghanistan earthquake: The death toll from the 6.0 magnitude earthquake that struck Afghanistan overnight has risen alarmingly, with the country's Interior Ministry reporting that over 800 people have been confirmed dead. The death toll may rise further. Over a thousand others have been injured. "610 people were killed and 1,300 were injured in Kunar province, with numerous houses destroyed", spokesperson Abdul Mateen Qani said earlier, adding that in Nangarhar province 12 people were killed and another 255 injured. Previously, in a statement, the Kunar Disaster Management Authority said that at least 250 people were killed and 500 have been injured in Nur Gul, Soki, Watpur, Manogi, and Chapadare districts. The US Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the quake struck at 11:47 pm local time (1917 GMT), with its epicentre about 27 kilometres northeast of Jalalabad in Nangarhar Province. The tremors originated at a shallow depth of eight kilometres, amplifying their impact. Just 20 minutes later, a 4.5 magnitude earthquake hit the same region, according to USGS. It was then followed by another aftershock, this one of 5.2 magnitude. Both the aftershocks happened at a depth of 10 km (6.21 miles). Orange ‘significant casualties’ alert in place In the aftermath of the earthquake, an orange alert was issued by the USGS PAGER system, which predicts economic and human loss after earthquakes. It said that "Significant casualties are likely, and the disaster is potentially widespread. Past events with this alert level have required a regional or national level response". Also read | Deadly 6.0 earthquake rocks Afghanistan; At least 9 killed, including 2 children Taliban confirms human casualties On X, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said, "Sadly, tonight's earthquake has caused loss of life and property damage in some of our eastern provinces." He added that “Local officials and residents are currently engaged in rescue efforts for the affected people. Support teams from the center and nearby provinces are also on their way, and all available resources will be utilised to save lives.”

The death toll from the powerful 6.0-magnitude earthquake that struck eastern Afghanistan on Sunday has risen to at least 622 people.

Afghanistan earthquake: 6.0 magnitude quake killed over 800, confirms Taliban Interior Ministry

A powerful 6.0-magnitude earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan late Sunday (Aug 31), killing at least two children and injuring more than a dozen others, local officials said. The death toll may be higher, Reuters, citing Ajmal Darwaish, spokesperson for the Nangarhar province’s health department, reports that at least nine people were killed and 25 were injured.&nbsp;<h2>What happened?</h2>The US Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the quake struck at 11:47 pm local time (1917 GMT), with its epicentre about 27 kilometres northeast of Jalalabad in Nangarhar Province. The tremors originated at a shallow depth of eight kilometres, amplifying their impact. Just 20 minutes later, a 4.5 magnitude earthquake hit the same region, according to USGS. It was then followed by another aftershock, this one of 5.2 magnitude. Both the aftershocks happened at a depth of 10km (6.21 miles).&nbsp;Provincial authorities said the two children died when the roof of their home collapsed. At least 15 others were injured, with damage reported across several districts.&nbsp;The quake was felt hundreds of kilometres away, shaking buildings in Kabul and even Pakistan's capital, Islamabad, which is around 370 kilometres from the epicentre, according to AFP.<h2>Taliban confirms human casualties</h2>On X, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said, "Sadly, tonight's earthquake has caused loss of life and property damage in some of our eastern provinces." He added that "Local officials and residents are currently engaged in rescue efforts for the affected people. Support teams from the center and nearby provinces are also on their way, and all available resources will be utilised to save lives."

An orange alert has been issued by the USGS PAGER system, which predicts economic and human loss after earthquakes. It said that "Significant casualties are likely and the disaster is potentially widespread. Past events with this alert level have required a regional or national level response".&nbsp;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.&nbsp;The disaster came just a day after flash floods in Nangarhar killed five people and destroyed farmland and property, piling further strain on local communities.

A 6.0-magnitude earthquake has struck eastern Afghanistan near the Pakistan border, killing at least 9 people and injuring over 115. The shallow quake, which hit late Sunday, was centred near Jalalabad in Nangarhar province and was followed by multiple aftershocks.

A powerful 6.0-magnitude earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan late Sunday (Aug 31), killing at least two children and injuring more than a dozen others, local officials said. The death toll may be higher, Reuters, citing Ajmal Darwaish, spokesperson for the Nangarhar province’s health department, reports that at least nine people were killed and 25 were injured. What happened? The US Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the quake struck at 11:47 pm local time (1917 GMT), with its epicentre about 27 kilometres northeast of Jalalabad in Nangarhar Province. The tremors originated at a shallow depth of eight kilometres, amplifying their impact. Just 20 minutes later, a 4.5 magnitude earthquake hit the same region, according to USGS. It was then followed by another aftershock, this one of 5.2 magnitude. Both the aftershocks happened at a depth of 10km (6.21 miles). Provincial authorities said the two children died when the roof of their home collapsed. At least 15 others were injured, with damage reported across several districts. The quake was felt hundreds of kilometres away, shaking buildings in Kabul and even Pakistan's capital, Islamabad, which is around 370 kilometres from the epicentre, according to AFP. Taliban confirms human casualties On X, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said, "Sadly, tonight's earthquake has caused loss of life and property damage in some of our eastern provinces." He added that "Local officials and residents are currently engaged in rescue efforts for the affected people. Support teams from the center and nearby provinces are also on their way, and all available resources will be utilised to save lives."

A 6.0-magnitude earthquake has struck eastern Afghanistan near the Pakistan border, killing at least 9 people and injuring over 115. The shallow quake, which hit late Sunday, was centred near Jalalabad in Nangarhar province and was followed by multiple aftershocks.

Deadly 6.0 earthquake rocks Afghanistan; At least 9 killed, including 2 children

Taliban says it is "ready and willing" to work with, United Kingdom PM hopeful Nigel Farage. This comes after Farage and his fellow Reform UK politician Zia Yusuf unveiled a plan called "Operation Restoring Justice", under which they pledged the deportation of 600,000 asylum seekers if their party comes to power. Under the plan, they've proposed a £2 billion ($2.68 billion) reserve — of the total £10 billion ($13.4 billion) cost of the programme — to forge return agreements with foreign governments like Afghanistan and Eritrea.<h2>What did Farage's Reform UK propose?</h2>Under the £10 billion "Operation Restoring Justice" the party wants to deport 600,000 asylum seekers. Of this £2 billion ($2.68 billion) would be earmarked for return arrangements with foreign nations like Eritrea and Afghanistan. Yusuf noted that the plan was quite reasonable, given that the UK already pays Afghanistan £151 million (around $202 million) annually in foreign aid. "It's not a drop in the ocean for Afghanistan. It's certainly not a drop in the ocean for Eritrea. These are the two countries that are top of the list for boat crossings." He added that "the notion that Afghans top the list in terms of foreign nationals crossing the Channel illegally, while this country gives £151 million of aid to Afghanistan — we don’t think that’s fair."Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/california-governor-newsom-insinuates-trump-has-dementia-drags-musk-s-ai-grok-into-trolling-potus-1756275649900">California Governor Newsom insinuates Trump has dementia; drags Musk's AI Grok into trolling POTUS</a><h2>What did Taliban say?</h2>Talking to the Telegraph, a Kabul-based senior Taliban official said that the Afghan rulers were ready to work with Farage and accept deported Afghans. However, the group indicated that it would not accept payments directly in return to deal, but that it would accept aid to support the returned migrants."We are ready and willing to receive and embrace whoever he [Nigel Farage] sends us. We are prepared to work with anyone who can help end the struggles of Afghan refugees, as we know many of them do not have a good life abroad," said the official who chose was not named. The Talibani official insisted that they won't "take money to accept our own people," adding, "but we welcome aid to support newcomers, since there are challenges in accommodating and feeding those returning from Iran and Pakistan."Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-reveals-who-could-replace-fed-governor-lisa-cook-as-she-readies-to-battle-firing-in-court-1756262180423">Trump reveals who could replace Fed Governor Lisa Cook as she readies to battle&nbsp;firing&nbsp;in&nbsp;court</a>“Afghanistan is home to all Afghans, and the Islamic Emirate is determined to make this country a place where everyone – those already here, those returning, or those being sent back from the West by Mr Farage or anyone else – can live with dignity." The official as per the report also suggested that given Farage's "different views" it may be easier to negotiate with him if he became PM.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Taliban officials say they are "ready and willing" to work with Nigel Farage should he become the UK's prime minister, after his Reform UK party unveiled a plan to deport 600,000 asylum seekers.

Taliban says it is "ready and willing" to work with, United Kingdom PM hopeful Nigel Farage. This comes after Farage and his fellow Reform UK politician Zia Yusuf unveiled a plan called "Operation Restoring Justice", under which they pledged the deportation of 600,000 asylum seekers if their party comes to power. Under the plan, they've proposed a £2 billion ($2.68 billion) reserve — of the total £10 billion ($13.4 billion) cost of the programme — to forge return agreements with foreign governments like Afghanistan and Eritrea. What did Farage's Reform UK propose? Under the £10 billion "Operation Restoring Justice" the party wants to deport 600,000 asylum seekers. Of this £2 billion ($2.68 billion) would be earmarked for return arrangements with foreign nations like Eritrea and Afghanistan. Yusuf noted that the plan was quite reasonable, given that the UK already pays Afghanistan £151 million (around $202 million) annually in foreign aid. "It's not a drop in the ocean for Afghanistan. It's certainly not a drop in the ocean for Eritrea. These are the two countries that are top of the list for boat crossings." He added that "the notion that Afghans top the list in terms of foreign nationals crossing the Channel illegally, while this country gives £151 million of aid to Afghanistan — we don’t think that’s fair." Also read | California Governor Newsom insinuates Trump has dementia; drags Musk's AI Grok into trolling POTUS What did Taliban say? Talking to the Telegraph, a Kabul-based senior Taliban official said that the Afghan rulers were ready to work with Farage and accept deported Afghans. However, the group indicated that it would not accept payments directly in return to deal, but that it would accept aid to support the returned migrants. "We are ready and willing to receive and embrace whoever he [Nigel Farage] sends us. We are prepared to work with anyone who can help end the struggles of Afghan refugees, as we know many of them do not have a good life abroad," said the official who chose was not named. The Talibani official insisted that they won't "take money to accept our own people," adding, "but we welcome aid to support newcomers, since there are challenges in accommodating and feeding those returning from Iran and Pakistan." Also read | Trump reveals who could replace Fed Governor Lisa Cook as she readies to battle firing in court “Afghanistan is home to all Afghans, and the Islamic Emirate is determined to make this country a place where everyone – those already here, those returning, or those being sent back from the West by Mr Farage or anyone else – can live with dignity." The official as per the report also suggested that given Farage's "different views" it may be easier to negotiate with him if he became PM.

Taliban officials say they are "ready and willing" to work with Nigel Farage should he become the UK's prime minister, after his Reform UK party unveiled a plan to deport 600,000 asylum seekers.

Taliban says 'ready and willing' to work with UK Reform Party's Farage and accept deported Afghans

A six-year-old girl was allegedly sold by her father in Afghanistan and then married to the 45-year-old man, who had paid money for her. The man already has two other wives. The incident took place in the Marjah district of Helmand province in southern Afghanistan, according to US-based Afghan outlet Amu.tv. The sale of a girl and her marriage, which falls in the category of child marriage, reportedly ‘woke up’ the Taliban, which intervened and prevented the man from taking the child to his home, but shockingly said that the girl should be sent to her husband’s household only when she turns nine.&nbsp;Local Taliban authorities did not issue any statement but have blocked the girl from being taken to the man’s residence.&nbsp;The girl’s father and the groom were arrested, though no formal charges have been pressed.&nbsp;<h2>Marriage under the tradition of ‘walwar’</h2>&nbsp;According to Hasht-e Subh Daily, the marriage involved the tradition of ‘walwar’ where the bride price is set based on the girl’s physical appearance, education, and perceived value.The incident sparked outrage across social media, with users expressing shock, heartbreak, and condemnation of the situation. The ceremony photos showing the man alongside the child bride triggered a strong backlash online.&nbsp;<h2>ICC issued arrest warrants for Taliban’s top leaders over persecution of women and girls</h2>&nbsp;Ironically, the International Criminal Court (ICC) had on Tuesday announced that it has issued arrest warrants for the Taliban’s supreme leader, Hibatullah Akhundzada, and Afghanistan’s chief judge, Abdul Hakim Haqqani, on the charges of orchestrating persecution of women and girls since the Taliban seized back power nearly four years ago.The Taliban rejected the move, saying it does not recognise the ICC. It called the warrants “a clear act of hostility” and “an insult to the beliefs of Muslims around the world.”&nbsp;<h2>‘Families offering daughters as young as 20 days old for future marriage’</h2>&nbsp;As per Unicef, marriage before the age of 18 is considered child marriage and a fundamental violation of human rights, but it is a travesty that a girl who is one-third of the approved age has been married and told by the country’s ruling authorities to cohabitate when she turns nine.UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore had raised concerns about child marriage in Afghanistan and said in a statement in November 2021, “I am deeply concerned by reports that child marriage in Afghanistan is on the rise. We have received credible reports of families offering daughters as young as 20 days old up for future marriage in return for a dowry.”As per Unicef estimates, 28 per cent of Afghan women aged 15-49 years were married before the age of 18, Fore added.&nbsp;<h2>Child marriages on rise in Afghanistan under Taliban</h2>&nbsp;Since the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan in 2021, the country has witnessed a sharp rise in child and early marriages, primarily due to extreme poverty and stringent curbs on women, including the prohibition of female education.&nbsp;Moreover, Afghanistan does not have a legal minimum age for marriage under Taliban though the previous civil code had set 16 as the minimum age for girls. The Taliban-led regime has not reinstated the previous civil code and hence marriage is determined by interpretations of Islamic law.

According to Hasht-e Subh Daily, the marriage involved the tradition of ‘walwar’ where the bride price is set based on her physical appearance, education, and perceived value. The incident sparked outrage across social media, with users expressing shock, heartbreak, and condemnation.

A six-year-old girl was allegedly sold by her father in Afghanistan and then married to the 45-year-old man, who had paid money for her. The man already has two other wives. The incident took place in the Marjah district of Helmand province in southern Afghanistan, according to US-based Afghan outlet Amu.tv. The sale of a girl and her marriage, which falls in the category of child marriage, reportedly ‘woke up’ the Taliban, which intervened and prevented the man from taking the child to his home, but shockingly said that the girl should be sent to her husband’s household only when she turns nine. Local Taliban authorities did not issue any statement but have blocked the girl from being taken to the man’s residence. The girl’s father and the groom were arrested, though no formal charges have been pressed. Marriage under the tradition of ‘walwar’ According to Hasht-e Subh Daily, the marriage involved the tradition of ‘walwar’ where the bride price is set based on the girl’s physical appearance, education, and perceived value. The incident sparked outrage across social media, with users expressing shock, heartbreak, and condemnation of the situation. The ceremony photos showing the man alongside the child bride triggered a strong backlash online. ICC issued arrest warrants for Taliban’s top leaders over persecution of women and girls Ironically, the International Criminal Court (ICC) had on Tuesday announced that it has issued arrest warrants for the Taliban’s supreme leader, Hibatullah Akhundzada, and Afghanistan’s chief judge, Abdul Hakim Haqqani, on the charges of orchestrating persecution of women and girls since the Taliban seized back power nearly four years ago. The Taliban rejected the move, saying it does not recognise the ICC. It called the warrants “a clear act of hostility” and “an insult to the beliefs of Muslims around the world.” ‘Families offering daughters as young as 20 days old for future marriage’ As per Unicef, marriage before the age of 18 is considered child marriage and a fundamental violation of human rights, but it is a travesty that a girl who is one-third of the approved age has been married and told by the country’s ruling authorities to cohabitate when she turns nine. UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore had raised concerns about child marriage in Afghanistan and said in a statement in November 2021, “I am deeply concerned by reports that child marriage in Afghanistan is on the rise. We have received credible reports of families offering daughters as young as 20 days old up for future marriage in return for a dowry.” As per Unicef estimates, 28 per cent of Afghan women aged 15-49 years were married before the age of 18, Fore added. Child marriages on rise in Afghanistan under Taliban Since the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan in 2021, the country has witnessed a sharp rise in child and early marriages, primarily due to extreme poverty and stringent curbs on women, including the prohibition of female education. Moreover, Afghanistan does not have a legal minimum age for marriage under Taliban though the previous civil code had set 16 as the minimum age for girls. The Taliban-led regime has not reinstated the previous civil code and hence marriage is determined by interpretations of Islamic law.

According to Hasht-e Subh Daily, the marriage involved the tradition of ‘walwar’ where the bride price is set based on her physical appearance, education, and perceived value. The incident sparked outrage across social media, with users expressing shock, heartbreak, and condemnation.

6-year-old girl sold, married to 45-year-old man in Afghanistan, Taliban interject, say ‘wait until she’s nine’

The International Criminal Court (ICC) announced on Tuesday that it has issued arrest warrants for the Taliban’s supreme leader, Hibatullah Akhundzada, and Afghanistan’s chief judge, Abdul Hakim Haqqani, on the charges of orchestrating persecution of women and girls since the Taliban seized back power nearly four years ago. In a significant development, the ICC charged the two top Taliban leaders with crimes against humanity, alleging that their policies systematically stripped women and girls of their basic rights, education, and freedom of movement. The court also cited targeted persecution of individuals who defied Taliban’s policy on gender roles, gender identity or expression, as well as political repression of those perceived to be supporting women’s rights.&nbsp;This is the first time the ICC has taken direct legal action against the Taliban leaders for gender-based persecution, adding further international pressure on the regime in Kabul.&nbsp;<h2>‘Taliban systematically dismantled women’s rights’</h2>&nbsp;Since retaking control in August 2021, the Taliban have systematically dismantled women’s rights in Afghanistan, barring girls from education after sixth grade, ordering closure of beauty salons, excluding women from workplaces, and restricting their movement without a male guardian. Women must veil their bodies and wear a face covering at all times in public and are forbidden from looking at men they are not related to.“Specifically, the Taliban severely deprived, through decrees and edicts, girls and women of the rights to education, privacy, and family life and the freedoms of movement, expression, thought, conscience, and religion,” it continued.&nbsp;The ICC, based in The Hague, was set up to rule on the world’s worst crimes, such as war crimes and crimes against humanity. It has no police force of its own and relies on its member states to carry out its arrest warrants—with mixed results. In theory, this means that anyone subject to an ICC arrest warrant cannot travel to a member state for fear of being detained.&nbsp;The ICC is the only permanent international criminal tribunal in existence. The decision to issue the arrest warrants came some six months after the chief prosecutor applied for them.

Since retaking control in August 2021, the Taliban have systematically dismantled women’s rights in Afghanistan, barring girls from education after sixth grade, ordering closure of beauty salons, excluding women from workplaces, and restricting their movement without a male guardian.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) announced on Tuesday that it has issued arrest warrants for the Taliban’s supreme leader, Hibatullah Akhundzada, and Afghanistan’s chief judge, Abdul Hakim Haqqani, on the charges of orchestrating persecution of women and girls since the Taliban seized back power nearly four years ago. In a significant development, the ICC charged the two top Taliban leaders with crimes against humanity, alleging that their policies systematically stripped women and girls of their basic rights, education, and freedom of movement. The court also cited targeted persecution of individuals who defied Taliban’s policy on gender roles, gender identity or expression, as well as political repression of those perceived to be supporting women’s rights. This is the first time the ICC has taken direct legal action against the Taliban leaders for gender-based persecution, adding further international pressure on the regime in Kabul. ‘Taliban systematically dismantled women’s rights’ Since retaking control in August 2021, the Taliban have systematically dismantled women’s rights in Afghanistan, barring girls from education after sixth grade, ordering closure of beauty salons, excluding women from workplaces, and restricting their movement without a male guardian. Women must veil their bodies and wear a face covering at all times in public and are forbidden from looking at men they are not related to. “Specifically, the Taliban severely deprived, through decrees and edicts, girls and women of the rights to education, privacy, and family life and the freedoms of movement, expression, thought, conscience, and religion,” it continued. The ICC, based in The Hague, was set up to rule on the world’s worst crimes, such as war crimes and crimes against humanity. It has no police force of its own and relies on its member states to carry out its arrest warrants—with mixed results. In theory, this means that anyone subject to an ICC arrest warrant cannot travel to a member state for fear of being detained. The ICC is the only permanent international criminal tribunal in existence. The decision to issue the arrest warrants came some six months after the chief prosecutor applied for them.

Since retaking control in August 2021, the Taliban have systematically dismantled women’s rights in Afghanistan, barring girls from education after sixth grade, ordering closure of beauty salons, excluding women from workplaces, and restricting their movement without a male guardian.

ICC issues arrest warrants for top Taliban leaders over persecution of women in Afghanistan

In its latest move to suppress free speech, the Taliban has prohibited all political discussions in Afghanistan’s media, specifying in their crackdown that the rules apply to all types of political content in print, broadcast, digital, or social media. As per the new regulations that raise concerns about a return to the regime’s repressive past, Afghan media outlets now must get prior approval from the newly established Political Programme Oversight Committee before broadcasting or publishing any political material. “Analysis must be approved by the official oversight committee before airing or publication,” the new policy says.&nbsp;<h2>Committee to monitor political content</h2>&nbsp;According to the guidelines released by the Taliban’s Ministry of Information and Culture, the newly established committee will scrutinise all political content, conduct legal reviews, produce regular reports, and enforce sanctions against media outlets that fail to comply. The regulations, titled Management of Political Programmes in Afghanistan, cover all forms of political content across print, broadcast, digital, and social media platforms.&nbsp;“Recommendations or critiques directed at officials must be respectful, within legal frameworks, and free from defamation or distortion. Analysis must be evidence-based and not rely on unofficial sources,” read the latest guidelines.&nbsp;<h2>Analysts barred from expressing views that contradict Taliban policy</h2>&nbsp;The Taliban has warned analysts against presenting views that go against its official policies and said it will hold hosts and producers responsible for any content that does not align with their outlook.Moreover, the analysts must carry identification cards issued by the Taliban’s Directorate of Broadcast Affairs and are barred from expressing any views that contradict official Taliban policy. Guest speakers, even from a pre-approved list, require individual approval before every show. &nbsp;“All analysis must be in accordance with Sharia law, the principles of the Islamic Emirate, and applicable national laws. No content should be anti-Islamic Emirate,” the Taliban said, warning media outlets that they could lose their licences if they violate the new regulations.&nbsp;<h2>‘New policy leaves no room for free press’</h2>&nbsp;“Deeply concerned by the Taliban’s latest attempt to weaponise the media for political control,” said Lotfullah Najafizada, an Afghan journalist. “This detailed, five-chapter policy leaves virtually no room for free press.”The Taliban said the policy aims to improve the quality of political analysis, uphold sharia principles, promote national unity and prevent harmful propaganda. “It will serve as an effective system for managing political media content in Afghanistan,” it said.The Afghanistan Journalists Support Organisation (AJSO), a non-profit organisation that operates to promote, support and institutionalise freedom of speech in Afghanistan, has condemned the new regulations and termed them a blatant violation of freedom of expression, and professional rights of journalists.

As per the new regulations that raise concerns about a return to the regime’s repressive past, Afghan media outlets now must get prior approval from the newly established Political Programme Oversight Committee before broadcasting or publishing any political material.

In its latest move to suppress free speech, the Taliban has prohibited all political discussions in Afghanistan’s media, specifying in their crackdown that the rules apply to all types of political content in print, broadcast, digital, or social media. As per the new regulations that raise concerns about a return to the regime’s repressive past, Afghan media outlets now must get prior approval from the newly established Political Programme Oversight Committee before broadcasting or publishing any political material. “Analysis must be approved by the official oversight committee before airing or publication,” the new policy says. Committee to monitor political content According to the guidelines released by the Taliban’s Ministry of Information and Culture, the newly established committee will scrutinise all political content, conduct legal reviews, produce regular reports, and enforce sanctions against media outlets that fail to comply. The regulations, titled Management of Political Programmes in Afghanistan, cover all forms of political content across print, broadcast, digital, and social media platforms. “Recommendations or critiques directed at officials must be respectful, within legal frameworks, and free from defamation or distortion. Analysis must be evidence-based and not rely on unofficial sources,” read the latest guidelines. Analysts barred from expressing views that contradict Taliban policy The Taliban has warned analysts against presenting views that go against its official policies and said it will hold hosts and producers responsible for any content that does not align with their outlook. Moreover, the analysts must carry identification cards issued by the Taliban’s Directorate of Broadcast Affairs and are barred from expressing any views that contradict official Taliban policy. Guest speakers, even from a pre-approved list, require individual approval before every show. “All analysis must be in accordance with Sharia law, the principles of the Islamic Emirate, and applicable national laws. No content should be anti-Islamic Emirate,” the Taliban said, warning media outlets that they could lose their licences if they violate the new regulations. ‘New policy leaves no room for free press’ “Deeply concerned by the Taliban’s latest attempt to weaponise the media for political control,” said Lotfullah Najafizada, an Afghan journalist. “This detailed, five-chapter policy leaves virtually no room for free press.” The Taliban said the policy aims to improve the quality of political analysis, uphold sharia principles, promote national unity and prevent harmful propaganda. “It will serve as an effective system for managing political media content in Afghanistan,” it said. The Afghanistan Journalists Support Organisation (AJSO), a non-profit organisation that operates to promote, support and institutionalise freedom of speech in Afghanistan, has condemned the new regulations and termed them a blatant violation of freedom of expression, and professional rights of journalists.

As per the new regulations that raise concerns about a return to the regime’s repressive past, Afghan media outlets now must get prior approval from the newly established Political Programme Oversight Committee before broadcasting or publishing any political material.

Taliban bans political debate in Afghanistan media amid new crackdown on free speech

Afghanistan has welcomed the decision to upgrade diplomatic relations with Pakistan, where the Taliban government's foreign minister is due to travel in the coming days, his office said on Saturday.The move signals easing tensions between the neighbouring countries, as relations between the Taliban authorities and Pakistan – already rocky – have cooled in recent months, fuelled by security concerns and a campaign by Islamabad to expel tens of thousands of Afghans.Pakistan's top diplomat on Friday said the charge d'affaires stationed in Kabul would be elevated to the rank of ambassador, with Kabul later announcing its representative in Islamabad would also be upgraded."This elevation in diplomatic representation between Afghanistan &amp; Pakistan paves the way for enhanced bilateral cooperation in multiple domains," the Aghan foreign ministry said on X.Kabul's Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi is due to visit Pakistan "in the coming days", ministry spokesman Zia Ahmad Takal told AFP.Muttaqi met with Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar in May in Beijing as part of a trilateral meeting with their Chinese counterpart Wang Yi.Wang afterwards announced Kabul and Islamabad's intention to exchange ambassadors and expressed Beijing's willingness "to continue to assist with improving Afghanistan-Pakistan ties".Dar hailed the "positive trajectory" of Pakistan-Afghanistan relations on Friday, saying the upgrading of their representatives would "promote further exchanges between two fraternal countries".Only a handful of countries -- including China -- have agreed to host Taliban government ambassadors since their return to power in 2021, with no country yet formally recognising the administration.Russia last month said it would also accredit a Taliban government ambassador, days after removing the group's "terrorist" designation.&nbsp;

The move signals easing tensions between the neighbouring countries, as relations between the Taliban authorities and Pakistan – already rocky – have cooled in recent months, fuelled by security concerns and a campaign by Islamabad to expel tens of thousands of Afghans.

Afghanistan has welcomed the decision to upgrade diplomatic relations with Pakistan, where the Taliban government's foreign minister is due to travel in the coming days, his office said on Saturday. The move signals easing tensions between the neighbouring countries, as relations between the Taliban authorities and Pakistan – already rocky – have cooled in recent months, fuelled by security concerns and a campaign by Islamabad to expel tens of thousands of Afghans. Pakistan's top diplomat on Friday said the charge d'affaires stationed in Kabul would be elevated to the rank of ambassador, with Kabul later announcing its representative in Islamabad would also be upgraded. "This elevation in diplomatic representation between Afghanistan & Pakistan paves the way for enhanced bilateral cooperation in multiple domains," the Aghan foreign ministry said on X. Kabul's Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi is due to visit Pakistan "in the coming days", ministry spokesman Zia Ahmad Takal told AFP. Muttaqi met with Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar in May in Beijing as part of a trilateral meeting with their Chinese counterpart Wang Yi. Wang afterwards announced Kabul and Islamabad's intention to exchange ambassadors and expressed Beijing's willingness "to continue to assist with improving Afghanistan-Pakistan ties". Dar hailed the "positive trajectory" of Pakistan-Afghanistan relations on Friday, saying the upgrading of their representatives would "promote further exchanges between two fraternal countries". Only a handful of countries -- including China -- have agreed to host Taliban government ambassadors since their return to power in 2021, with no country yet formally recognising the administration. Russia last month said it would also accredit a Taliban government ambassador, days after removing the group's "terrorist" designation.

The move signals easing tensions between the neighbouring countries, as relations between the Taliban authorities and Pakistan – already rocky – have cooled in recent months, fuelled by security concerns and a campaign by Islamabad to expel tens of thousands of Afghans.

Afghanistan welcomes upgraded diplomatic ties with Pakistan

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A Sikh man was kidnapped from the Paktia province in Eastern Afghanistan four days ago, confirmed the Afghan Sikh community living in the United States.

The man identified as Nidhan Singh from Tsamkani district in the Paktia province and was employed as a Gurusewak (helper) at the local Gurudwara.

After his abduction, the Afghan Sikh community living in the United States has again urged the Government of India to help in the resettlement of the Sikhs living in Afghanistan.

They have appealed to India to make special arrangements under Vande Bharat Mission for over 600 Sikhs.

"I have spoken to Sikh Member of Parliament Narinder Singh and he confirmed that officials in the Afghan Government have promised to help and find Nidhan," Paramjit Singh Bedi, Chairman of the Afghan Sikh community in New Jersey told ANI.

"Narinder Singh has also reached out to the Taliban leaders and has been assured that all efforts will be made to ensure his release," Mr Bedi further said.

Mr Bedi and other community members will send written appeals to former diplomat and Union Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, the External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and the Indian envoy to the United States Taranjit Singh Sandhu.

Worried for the lives of the Sikh minorities living in Kabul, Jalalabad and Ghazni, the Sikh community, has been constantly seeking support from India.

Encouraged by the steps taken in the past by the Indian government, leaders of the Afghan Sikh community leaders have made several appeals to India to accommodate the Sikhs and Hindus from Afghanistan and grant them legal entry with long term residency multiple entry visas.

The community leaders living in the United States said it is imperative to alleviate the dire situation of religious minorities in Afghanistan who look to India as the only safe haven in the region.

In May, expressing concerns over the safety and security of religious minorities in Afghanistan, twenty-six US Congressmen urged Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, to take all available steps to facilitate the "safe and expeditious relocation" of members of the Sikh and Hindu communities trapped in the war-hit country.

In the letter dated May 4, Congressman John Garamendi, co-chair of Sikh Caucus, and twenty-five others stated that the Sikh community continues to be under "grave" threat from Islamic State terrorist attacks directed at Sikhs.&nbsp;

Once a thriving community of nearly 250,000 people, the Sikh and Hindu community in Afghanistan has endured years of discrimination and violence from extremists, and the community is now estimated to comprise fewer than 100 families across the country, the letter said.

A Sikh man was kidnapped from the Paktia province in Eastern Afghanistan four days ago, confirmed the Afghan Sikh community living in the United States. The man identified as Nidhan Singh from Tsamkani district in the Paktia province and was employed as a Gurusewak (helper) at the local Gurudwara.

A Sikh man was kidnapped from the Paktia province in Eastern Afghanistan four days ago, confirmed the Afghan Sikh community living in the United States. The man identified as Nidhan Singh from Tsamkani district in the Paktia province and was employed as a Gurusewak (helper) at the local Gurudwara. After his abduction, the Afghan Sikh community living in the United States has again urged the Government of India to help in the resettlement of the Sikhs living in Afghanistan. They have appealed to India to make special arrangements under Vande Bharat Mission for over 600 Sikhs. "I have spoken to Sikh Member of Parliament Narinder Singh and he confirmed that officials in the Afghan Government have promised to help and find Nidhan," Paramjit Singh Bedi, Chairman of the Afghan Sikh community in New Jersey told ANI. "Narinder Singh has also reached out to the Taliban leaders and has been assured that all efforts will be made to ensure his release," Mr Bedi further said. Mr Bedi and other community members will send written appeals to former diplomat and Union Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, the External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and the Indian envoy to the United States Taranjit Singh Sandhu. Worried for the lives of the Sikh minorities living in Kabul, Jalalabad and Ghazni, the Sikh community, has been constantly seeking support from India. Encouraged by the steps taken in the past by the Indian government, leaders of the Afghan Sikh community leaders have made several appeals to India to accommodate the Sikhs and Hindus from Afghanistan and grant them legal entry with long term residency multiple entry visas. The community leaders living in the United States said it is imperative to alleviate the dire situation of religious minorities in Afghanistan who look to India as the only safe haven in the region. In May, expressing concerns over the safety and security of religious minorities in Afghanistan, twenty-six US Congressmen urged Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, to take all available steps to facilitate the "safe and expeditious relocation" of members of the Sikh and Hindu communities trapped in the war-hit country. In the letter dated May 4, Congressman John Garamendi, co-chair of Sikh Caucus, and twenty-five others stated that the Sikh community continues to be under "grave" threat from Islamic State terrorist attacks directed at Sikhs. Once a thriving community of nearly 250,000 people, the Sikh and Hindu community in Afghanistan has endured years of discrimination and violence from extremists, and the community is now estimated to comprise fewer than 100 families across the country, the letter said.

Sikh abducted in Afghanistan, Afghan American Sikhs seek India's support

Coronavirus may not have been the only virus that China is responsible for. Carried through its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), China has successfully spread the virus of debt too.

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Touted as the greatest plan in modern history to revive global trade, the BRI has been the biggest vehicle for China's chequebook diplomacy.

The loans have crippled many poor economies and now, some of them are waking up to this fact -- for instance Afghanista and Myanmar..&nbsp;

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China claims to have signed agreements with 138 countries. Estimates say the BRI projects will cost over a trillion dollars.

China is running this lending operation for access and power.

While many countries are already drowning in Chinese debt without realizing it, Afghanistan and Myanmar have taken the first step by&nbsp;rejecting Chinese loans.

China's renewed push in Afghanistan is a curious case. At first, China wanted nothing to do with this country as ridden by violence, it made no business sense.

However, Beijing sensed an opportunity as soon as Trump said he wanted to exit Afghanistan. Ever since, China has been trying to take CPEC into Afghanistan.

But Kabul sees the pitfalls. Afghanistan's national debt stand at over 1.3 billion dollars, and China wants to give more loans to Kabul. President Ashraf Ghani has declined the loan.

In Myanmar, the auditor general has cautioned the government against Chinese loans.

Myanmar is already busy paying back loans taken during decades of misgovernance under the military junta. But, Myanmar is firmly in China's grip. So, saying no to chinese loans won't be easy...

China is Myanmar's largest lender, and its biggest trading partner.

Myanmar's current national debt stands at 10 billion dollars -- 40 percent of this debt is already owed to China.

From 1988 to 2010, China gave out massive loans to Myanmar. These loans have been coming due since 2018, and&nbsp;Myanmar is paying back around 500 million dollars per year, including principal and four percent interest rate.

This is a classic example of China's preadatory lending.

The auditor general has pointed out that loans from China come at higher interest rates compared to loans from financial institutions like the world bank or the IMF. He said, "I would like to remind government ministries to be more restrained in using Chinese loans."

However, will the government listen?

In January, Chinese President Xi&nbsp;Jinping and Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi agreed to speed up projects under the BRI. This resulted in 33 agreements, from mega power projects to railways.

Myanmar has already suffered once, it must not repeat the mistake again.

China's gameplan

Chinese financial institutions lend money for BRI projects. Construction contracts are awarded to mostly Chinese firms.

A Chinese company receives much of the proceeds of the loan and then projects tend to suffer delays or cancellations. There are corruption concerns, and the host country ends up with a massive pile of debt.

Coronavirus may not have been the only virus that China is responsible for. Carried through its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), China has successfully spread the virus of debt too.

Coronavirus may not have been the only virus that China is responsible for. Carried through its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), China has successfully spread the virus of debt too. Touted as the greatest plan in modern history to revive global trade, the BRI has been the biggest vehicle for China's chequebook diplomacy. The loans have crippled many poor economies and now, some of them are waking up to this fact -- for instance Afghanista and Myanmar.. Also read| Australian sentenced to death in China for smuggling meth in checked flight luggage China claims to have signed agreements with 138 countries. Estimates say the BRI projects will cost over a trillion dollars. China is running this lending operation for access and power. While many countries are already drowning in Chinese debt without realizing it, Afghanistan and Myanmar have taken the first step by rejecting Chinese loans. China's renewed push in Afghanistan is a curious case. At first, China wanted nothing to do with this country as ridden by violence, it made no business sense. However, Beijing sensed an opportunity as soon as Trump said he wanted to exit Afghanistan. Ever since, China has been trying to take CPEC into Afghanistan. But Kabul sees the pitfalls. Afghanistan's national debt stand at over 1.3 billion dollars, and China wants to give more loans to Kabul. President Ashraf Ghani has declined the loan. In Myanmar, the auditor general has cautioned the government against Chinese loans. Myanmar is already busy paying back loans taken during decades of misgovernance under the military junta. But, Myanmar is firmly in China's grip. So, saying no to chinese loans won't be easy... China is Myanmar's largest lender, and its biggest trading partner. Myanmar's current national debt stands at 10 billion dollars -- 40 percent of this debt is already owed to China. From 1988 to 2010, China gave out massive loans to Myanmar. These loans have been coming due since 2018, and Myanmar is paying back around 500 million dollars per year, including principal and four percent interest rate. This is a classic example of China's preadatory lending. The auditor general has pointed out that loans from China come at higher interest rates compared to loans from financial institutions like the world bank or the IMF. He said, "I would like to remind government ministries to be more restrained in using Chinese loans." However, will the government listen? In January, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi agreed to speed up projects under the BRI. This resulted in 33 agreements, from mega power projects to railways. Myanmar has already suffered once, it must not repeat the mistake again. China's gameplan Chinese financial institutions lend money for BRI projects. Construction contracts are awarded to mostly Chinese firms. A Chinese company receives much of the proceeds of the loan and then projects tend to suffer delays or cancellations. There are corruption concerns, and the host country ends up with a massive pile of debt.

Afghanistan and Myanmar drown in China's loans; Afghanistan rejects loan

Afghanistan`s government and the Islamist Taliban group have agreed that Doha will be the venue for the first meeting in their peace talks, both sides said on Sunday.

The talks, known as the intra-Afghan dialogue, will be the first high-level meeting between the two sides after years of fighting.

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No date has been announced for the meeting, but it is expected to take place after the two sides settle differences on the release by the Afghan government of 5,000 Taliban prisoners, which could be as soon as the end of next week.

"The first intra-Afghan meeting will happen in Doha," Taliban spokesman Suhail Shaheen told Reuters, adding that the Islamist group was ready to hold intra-Afghan talks within a week of the release of 5,000 prisoners.

The Afghan government has released 3,000 Taliban prisoners so far under an agreement signed between the United States and the insurgent group in February.

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That deal outlined a roadmap for withdrawing foreign forces from Afghanistan and peace talks to end the 19-year war.

The government wants talks to begin as soon as possible but has issues with the release of a few hundred high-profile Taliban prisoners, a senior government official told Reuters.

The official said the government had offered an alternative prisoner release list to the Taliban.

The spokesman for the Afghan Presidential Palace, Sediq Sediqqi, said on Twitter that Doha had been agreed as the venue for the first talks but said no permanent venue had been agreed.

The Qatari capital was the venue for signing the deal between the United States and Taliban. The insurgent group has had a political office in Doha since 2013.

Afghanistan`s government and the Islamist Taliban group have agreed that Doha will be the venue for the first meeting in their peace talks, both sides said on Sunday.

Afghanistan`s government and the Islamist Taliban group have agreed that Doha will be the venue for the first meeting in their peace talks, both sides said on Sunday. The talks, known as the intra-Afghan dialogue, will be the first high-level meeting between the two sides after years of fighting. Also read: Trump authorises sanctions over ICC Afghanistan war crimes case No date has been announced for the meeting, but it is expected to take place after the two sides settle differences on the release by the Afghan government of 5,000 Taliban prisoners, which could be as soon as the end of next week. "The first intra-Afghan meeting will happen in Doha," Taliban spokesman Suhail Shaheen told Reuters, adding that the Islamist group was ready to hold intra-Afghan talks within a week of the release of 5,000 prisoners. The Afghan government has released 3,000 Taliban prisoners so far under an agreement signed between the United States and the insurgent group in February. Also read: Attacks on checkpoint in various Afghan regions leave scores of terrorists dead, injured That deal outlined a roadmap for withdrawing foreign forces from Afghanistan and peace talks to end the 19-year war. The government wants talks to begin as soon as possible but has issues with the release of a few hundred high-profile Taliban prisoners, a senior government official told Reuters. The official said the government had offered an alternative prisoner release list to the Taliban. The spokesman for the Afghan Presidential Palace, Sediq Sediqqi, said on Twitter that Doha had been agreed as the venue for the first talks but said no permanent venue had been agreed. The Qatari capital was the venue for signing the deal between the United States and Taliban. The insurgent group has had a political office in Doha since 2013.

Afghan government, Taliban agree to Doha as venue for first peace talks

Two Democratic senators on Monday asked US Defense Secretary Mike Esper what happened to $1 billion in aid for Afghanistan the Trump administration said it would cut nearly three months ago, according to a letter reviewed by Reuters.

Senator Jack Reed, the top Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, and Robert Menendez, the top Democrat on the Foreign Relations Committee, demanded Esper explain whether the funds had been cut and if so from which accounts.

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"Will the execution of such funding cuts impact the US military presence on the ground in Afghanistan?" they asked in the letter, requesting a reply by June 26.

"If the administration has determined that this cut in security assistance does not diminish our ability to pursue our national security objectives, what conditions have changed to create such a sizeable surplus?" they added.

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Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced the reduction on March 23 to try to force Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and his political rival Abdullah Abdullah to end a feud that had helped stall US-led peace-making efforts in Afghanistan.

Ghani and Abdullah on May 17 signed a power-sharing deal, raising questions whether Washington would reduce the funding.

After nearly two decades of fighting the Taliban, the United States is looking to extricate itself and to achieve peace between the US-backed government and the militant group. But despite the pact between Ghani and Abdullah, peace talks between the government and the Taliban have yet to occur.

Reuters reported on April 5 the reduction would come from funds for Afghan security forces and, on May 20, that the Pentagon had not withheld the money despite Pompeo`s March 23 vow to cut it "immediately."

On June 1, US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad said he thought the money had been cut and referred questions to the Pentagon.

The Pentagon did not immediately respond to a request for comment about the letter.

Two Democratic senators on Monday asked US Defense Secretary Mike Esper what happened to $1 billion in aid for Afghanistan the Trump administration said it would cut nearly three months ago, according to a letter reviewed by Reuters.

Two Democratic senators on Monday asked US Defense Secretary Mike Esper what happened to $1 billion in aid for Afghanistan the Trump administration said it would cut nearly three months ago, according to a letter reviewed by Reuters. Senator Jack Reed, the top Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, and Robert Menendez, the top Democrat on the Foreign Relations Committee, demanded Esper explain whether the funds had been cut and if so from which accounts. Also watch: New Polio cases reported in Afghanistan | Balkh, Herat, Badakhshan "Will the execution of such funding cuts impact the US military presence on the ground in Afghanistan?" they asked in the letter, requesting a reply by June 26. "If the administration has determined that this cut in security assistance does not diminish our ability to pursue our national security objectives, what conditions have changed to create such a sizeable surplus?" they added. Also read: Eight killed in armed attack on clinic in Eastern Afghanistan, including political figure Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced the reduction on March 23 to try to force Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and his political rival Abdullah Abdullah to end a feud that had helped stall US-led peace-making efforts in Afghanistan. Ghani and Abdullah on May 17 signed a power-sharing deal, raising questions whether Washington would reduce the funding. After nearly two decades of fighting the Taliban, the United States is looking to extricate itself and to achieve peace between the US-backed government and the militant group. But despite the pact between Ghani and Abdullah, peace talks between the government and the Taliban have yet to occur. Reuters reported on April 5 the reduction would come from funds for Afghan security forces and, on May 20, that the Pentagon had not withheld the money despite Pompeo`s March 23 vow to cut it "immediately." On June 1, US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad said he thought the money had been cut and referred questions to the Pentagon. The Pentagon did not immediately respond to a request for comment about the letter.

US senators ask Pentagon if $1 billion in Afghan aid was cut

Eight people were killed in an attack on a clinic in Afghanistan's eastern Khost province, district police spokesman Adil Haidar said Saturday.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack so far, which took place in the Alisher district Friday night.

Among the victims was prominent Hizb-i-Islami member and former parliamentary candidate Abdul Wali Ikhlas.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/four-killed-in-kabul-mosque-blast-several-wounded-305428">Also read:&nbsp;Four killed in Kabul mosque blast; several wounded</a>

Hizb-i-Islami is a former militia that fought against the US invasion and the Afghan government but in 2016 laid down its weapons in a peace deal and began remoulding itself as a political party.

Separately, gunmen broke into a house in the Logar district and killed four members of one family, a mother and three daughters, Didar Lawang, a spokesman for the provincial governor, announced on Saturday.

The attack also left another man and a woman injured, according to Lawang.

Eight people were killed in an attack on a clinic in Afghanistan's eastern Khost province, district police spokesman Adil Haidar said Saturday. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack so far, which took place in the Alisher district Friday night.

Eight people were killed in an attack on a clinic in Afghanistan's eastern Khost province, district police spokesman Adil Haidar said Saturday. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack so far, which took place in the Alisher district Friday night. Among the victims was prominent Hizb-i-Islami member and former parliamentary candidate Abdul Wali Ikhlas. Also read: Four killed in Kabul mosque blast; several wounded Hizb-i-Islami is a former militia that fought against the US invasion and the Afghan government but in 2016 laid down its weapons in a peace deal and began remoulding itself as a political party. Separately, gunmen broke into a house in the Logar district and killed four members of one family, a mother and three daughters, Didar Lawang, a spokesman for the provincial governor, announced on Saturday. The attack also left another man and a woman injured, according to Lawang.

Eight killed in armed attack on clinic in Eastern Afghanistan, including political figure

A group of artists climbed ladders up one of the many blast walls snaking through the Afghan capital Kabul this week to paint a mural of George Floyd in solidarity with the anti-racism protests kindled by his death in police custody.

Floyd, an African American, died on May 25 after a white Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes while detaining him. Medical examiners ruled it a homicide and the officer was charged with second-degree murder.

"George Floyd is a global figure now and he was killed in the United States because of the blackness of his skin," said Afghan artist Mehr Aqa Sultani, a member of local arts activist group ArtLords that painted the mural. "We want to say 'no' to discrimination because discrimination has no benefit for us."

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A video of Floyd's death sparked protests around the United States and the world against racism and police brutality in support of the Black Lives Matter movement.

ArtLords have a high-profile presence in Kabul, painting messages of social justice and peace on the many blast walls that have been erected to protect buildings from militant bombs.

Next to its mural of Floyd, the group painted a man with arms outstretched against the Iranian flag in reference to alleged abuses by Iranian police and border guards against Afghan migrants and refugees in recent months.

After walking past the mural, Kabul resident Dost Muhammad Momand said it had been painful to watch the video of Floyd's death and that he identified with the constant fear of violence.

"When that helpless man wanted to escape death, the police did not release him and caused his death," he said. "I also live in a country that has witnessed war for 40 years, a war in which discrimination exists."

A group of artists climbed ladders up one of the many blast walls snaking through the Afghan capital Kabul this week to paint a mural of George Floyd in solidarity with the anti-racism protests kindled by his death in police custody.

A group of artists climbed ladders up one of the many blast walls snaking through the Afghan capital Kabul this week to paint a mural of George Floyd in solidarity with the anti-racism protests kindled by his death in police custody. Floyd, an African American, died on May 25 after a white Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes while detaining him. Medical examiners ruled it a homicide and the officer was charged with second-degree murder. "George Floyd is a global figure now and he was killed in the United States because of the blackness of his skin," said Afghan artist Mehr Aqa Sultani, a member of local arts activist group ArtLords that painted the mural. "We want to say 'no' to discrimination because discrimination has no benefit for us." Also read: 'Topple the Racists': A map showing all of the 'racist' statues in Britain A video of Floyd's death sparked protests around the United States and the world against racism and police brutality in support of the Black Lives Matter movement. ArtLords have a high-profile presence in Kabul, painting messages of social justice and peace on the many blast walls that have been erected to protect buildings from militant bombs. Next to its mural of Floyd, the group painted a man with arms outstretched against the Iranian flag in reference to alleged abuses by Iranian police and border guards against Afghan migrants and refugees in recent months. After walking past the mural, Kabul resident Dost Muhammad Momand said it had been painful to watch the video of Floyd's death and that he identified with the constant fear of violence. "When that helpless man wanted to escape death, the police did not release him and caused his death," he said. "I also live in a country that has witnessed war for 40 years, a war in which discrimination exists."

Afghan artists paint mural on blast wall in tribute to George Floyd

Two children died after a bomb exploded on a motorcycle in the southern Afghan city of Kandahar on Friday, Jamal Nasir, the spokesman for the local police, told Sputnik, adding that the blast also injured five civilians.

"Two children were killed and 5 other people were injured in the explosion," Nasir said, adding that the bomb exploded in the evening hours.

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According to the spokesman, the incident happened in the fifth district of the city.

No group has taken responsibility for the attack yet.

Two children died after a bomb exploded on a motorcycle in the southern Afghan city of Kandahar on Friday, Jamal Nasir, the spokesman for the local police, told Sputnik, adding that the blast also injured five civilians.

Two children died after a bomb exploded on a motorcycle in the southern Afghan city of Kandahar on Friday, Jamal Nasir, the spokesman for the local police, told Sputnik, adding that the blast also injured five civilians. "Two children were killed and 5 other people were injured in the explosion," Nasir said, adding that the bomb exploded in the evening hours. Also read| Afghanistan: Seven security personnel killed, govt blames Taliban According to the spokesman, the incident happened in the fifth district of the city. No group has taken responsibility for the attack yet.

Bomb blast in southern Afghanistan kills two children - police

Afghan transit trade through Pakistan's Gwadar port became operational on Friday. This is the first sea trade between the two countries.

The first cargo ship berthed at the port on Friday.&nbsp;Adviser to Prime Minister for Commerce and Investment Abdul Razak Dawood announced the development on social media.

The trade commenced under the Afghanistan-Pakistan Transit Trade Agreement-2010.

"The cargo ship SIBULK TRADITION has berthed at Gwadar, carrying 16,000 tonnes of urea for transit to Afghanistan. This is a first and marks the beginning of a new era in Pakistan's trade by sea," he tweeted.

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The cargo ship SIBULK TRADITION has berthed at Gwadar, carrying 16000 Tonnes of urea for Transit to Afghanistan. This is a first and marks the beginning of a new era in Pakistan’s trade by sea 1/2 
<a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ImranKhanPTI</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aliya_hamza?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@aliya_hamza</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PTIofficial?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PTIofficial</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PTVNewsOfficial?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PTVNewsOfficial</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/RadioPakistan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RadioPakistan</a> <a href="https://t.co/nNsCKP3QBr">pic.twitter.com/nNsCKP3QBr</a>
— Abdul Razak Dawood (@razak_dawood) <a href="https://twitter.com/razak_dawood/status/1266254601906384896?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 29, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The transhipment of goods to Afghanistan through Gwadar port is important as the port is located close to&nbsp;Chabahar, the Iranian port being developed by India, with Iran's cooperation,&nbsp;to ship its cargo to Afghanistan.

This also offers a much shorter overland link particularly to southern regions of the war-torn nation.&nbsp;Gwadar port is being developed by China as part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

The advisor said that "for the first time, bagging will be done locally instead of foreign ports. Urea will be bagged and shipped on trucks to Afghanistan at Gwadar, which will generate employment for the locals."

Dawood further said that "instructions have already been passed to allocate all labour jobs to local population" of Balochistan.

Afghanistan will be allowed trade of sugar and wheat through this route. However, all the sealed consignments will have to take the route of the neighboring country.

(With inputs from PTI)

Afghan transit trade through Pakistan's Gwadar port became operational on Friday. This is the first sea trade between the two countries. The first cargo ship berthed at the port on Friday.

Afghan transit trade through Pakistan's Gwadar port became operational on Friday. This is the first sea trade between the two countries. The first cargo ship berthed at the port on Friday. Adviser to Prime Minister for Commerce and Investment Abdul Razak Dawood announced the development on social media. The trade commenced under the Afghanistan-Pakistan Transit Trade Agreement-2010. "The cargo ship SIBULK TRADITION has berthed at Gwadar, carrying 16,000 tonnes of urea for transit to Afghanistan. This is a first and marks the beginning of a new era in Pakistan's trade by sea," he tweeted. The cargo ship SIBULK TRADITION has berthed at Gwadar, carrying 16000 Tonnes of urea for Transit to Afghanistan. This is a first and marks the beginning of a new era in Pakistan’s trade by sea 1/2 @ImranKhanPTI @aliya_hamza @PTIofficial @PTVNewsOfficial @RadioPakistan pic.twitter.com/nNsCKP3QBr — Abdul Razak Dawood (@razak_dawood) May 29, 2020 × The transhipment of goods to Afghanistan through Gwadar port is important as the port is located close to Chabahar, the Iranian port being developed by India, with Iran's cooperation, to ship its cargo to Afghanistan. This also offers a much shorter overland link particularly to southern regions of the war-torn nation. Gwadar port is being developed by China as part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The advisor said that "for the first time, bagging will be done locally instead of foreign ports. Urea will be bagged and shipped on trucks to Afghanistan at Gwadar, which will generate employment for the locals." Dawood further said that "instructions have already been passed to allocate all labour jobs to local population" of Balochistan. Afghanistan will be allowed trade of sugar and wheat through this route. However, all the sealed consignments will have to take the route of the neighboring country. (With inputs from PTI)

Afghanistan transit trade begins through Pakistan's Gwadar port

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