<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-at-the-cusp-of-achieving-peace-general-bajwa-229637">Pakistan</a>'s Foreign Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-qureshi-briefs-pompeo-about-addressing-fatf-concerns-foreign-office-228266">Shah Mahmood Qureshi</a> on Saturday called for trust to be rebuilt between Islamabad and Kabul as Pakistan began a new initiative to bolster a faltering peace process aiming to end Afghanistan's lengthy civil war.

Pakistan on Saturday hosted a conference to bring together more than 50 Afghan leaders, including politicians and tribal elders, but there were no representatives of the Afghan Taliban militants, who have been fighting for years to expel foreign forces and defeat the US-backed government in Kabul.

Relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan have been strained in recent years amid long-standing allegations by Kabul and Washington that Pakistan has been sheltering the Taliban militants since US-led forces removed them from power in 2001, something Islamabad denies. Pakistan says its influence over the Taliban has waned over the years.

The United States has been pushing Pakistan to use its influence with the Taliban to open direct negotiations with the Kabul government, which the Taliban regard as an illegitimate foreign-imposed regime.

Qureshi, speaking in the Pakistani town of Bhurban in the Punjab province, said Islamabad wants a negotiated peace settlement between all sides as he said Pakistan continues to suffer security problems due to instability in Afghanistan.

"For far too long, the vicious circle of mistrust, often fed into by our common enemies, has affected our relationship. The blame-game has not helped either of us," Qureshi said, according to his speech notes released by the foreign ministry.

"It is indispensable to move away from this negative paradigm. It is incumbent upon the leadership of the two countries to take practical steps to build mutual trust and confidence."

Among the delegates was former Afghan warlord Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, who earlier this year announced plans to contest the delayed presidential elections. Senators and members of Afghanistan's parliament were also there, according to Pakistani English-language Dawn newspaper.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani is due to visit Pakistan next week, where he is expected to meet top Pakistani civilian and military leaders in talks set to focus on the Afghanistan peace process.

China on Thursday said that it had recently played host to a Taliban delegation as part of efforts to promote peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan.

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Saturday called for trust to be rebuilt between Islamabad and Kabul as Pakistan began a new initiative to bolster a faltering peace process aiming to end Afghanistan's lengthy civil war.

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Saturday called for trust to be rebuilt between Islamabad and Kabul as Pakistan began a new initiative to bolster a faltering peace process aiming to end Afghanistan's lengthy civil war. Pakistan on Saturday hosted a conference to bring together more than 50 Afghan leaders, including politicians and tribal elders, but there were no representatives of the Afghan Taliban militants, who have been fighting for years to expel foreign forces and defeat the US-backed government in Kabul. Relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan have been strained in recent years amid long-standing allegations by Kabul and Washington that Pakistan has been sheltering the Taliban militants since US-led forces removed them from power in 2001, something Islamabad denies. Pakistan says its influence over the Taliban has waned over the years. The United States has been pushing Pakistan to use its influence with the Taliban to open direct negotiations with the Kabul government, which the Taliban regard as an illegitimate foreign-imposed regime. Qureshi, speaking in the Pakistani town of Bhurban in the Punjab province, said Islamabad wants a negotiated peace settlement between all sides as he said Pakistan continues to suffer security problems due to instability in Afghanistan. "For far too long, the vicious circle of mistrust, often fed into by our common enemies, has affected our relationship. The blame-game has not helped either of us," Qureshi said, according to his speech notes released by the foreign ministry. "It is indispensable to move away from this negative paradigm. It is incumbent upon the leadership of the two countries to take practical steps to build mutual trust and confidence." Among the delegates was former Afghan warlord Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, who earlier this year announced plans to contest the delayed presidential elections. Senators and members of Afghanistan's parliament were also there, according to Pakistani English-language Dawn newspaper. Afghan President Ashraf Ghani is due to visit Pakistan next week, where he is expected to meet top Pakistani civilian and military leaders in talks set to focus on the Afghanistan peace process. China on Thursday said that it had recently played host to a Taliban delegation as part of efforts to promote peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan.

Pakistan foreign minister says trust must be rebuilt with Afghanistan

A Pakistan think-tank organises the conference. Gulbuddin Hekmatayar and other afghan leaders will attend this conference in Pakistan. This meet comes ahead of Afghanistan President's visit.

Afghan President To Visit Pakistan

The inaugural edition of the Afghan Peace Conference titled “Lahore Process” is being held in Bhurban today. Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi will address the inaugural session of the conference, which will be attended by heads of political parties and political stalwarts from Afghanistan. Gulbadin Hikmatyar, Ustad Atta Noor, Chairman Afghan High Peace Council and former vice-president Karim Khalili, Second Deputy Chief Executive Officer Mohammad Mohaqiq as well as Uzbek leader and current vice-president Rashid Dostum will attend the peace conference.

Afghan Peace Conference 'Lahore Process' in Bhurban

India has said terror groups can not negotiate from a place of advantage, a remark directed towards groups such as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/india-cant-avoid-talking-to-taliban-in-current-scenario-206413">Taliban </a>based in Pakistani territory.&nbsp;

Speaking on the situation in Afghanistan at the United Nations Security Council, India's Permanent Representative <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/india-supports-afghan-led-inclusive-peace-process-syed-akbaruddin-228915">Syed Akbaruddin</a> said, " We cannot ignore that groups enjoying the support and safe havens carry out violent and terrorist activities from across borders", adding, "They cannot be allowed to negotiate from a place of advantage. "

He said, terrorist activities of the "Taliban, Haqqani Network, Da'esh, as well as Al Qaeda" and its proscribed affiliates such as "Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e Mohammed" need to end.

Explaining further he said, sanctuaries and safe havens provided to terror networks have to be addressed for "genuine and sustainable peace."

Giving an example of Hizb-e-Islami, he said, "peace settlement within the rubric of the current constitution is possible both politically and socially."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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The Afghan people have for long been victims of transnational terrorism - <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiaUNNewYork?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IndiaUNNewYork</a> 
 
For full statement c <a href="https://t.co/GjfDgfc6uZ">https://t.co/GjfDgfc6uZ</a> <a href="https://t.co/Cwi8OmaxtE">pic.twitter.com/Cwi8OmaxtE</a>
— Syed Akbaruddin (@AkbaruddinIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/AkbaruddinIndia/status/1141529448191352833?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 20, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Reiterating India's policy on Afghan peace process which should be "Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled", Akbaruddin said, "All of us need to be mindful of the gains that the Afghan people have made in the last 18 years."

India has been engaging with Russia, US, China, Iran and central Asia on the Afghan peace process.

Backing the communique of the Loya Jirga, convened by President Ghani on April 29, 2019, New Delhi said talks with Taliban should be "without pre-conditions" and a "Taliban office to be opened in Afghanistan" while "formation of an inclusive negotiating team".

Last week PM Modi met Afghan president Ashraf Ghani on the sidelines of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit in Bishkek during which New Delhi assured that it will fulfil all the expectations of Afghanistan and the Afghan government.

New Delhi has been Afghanistan's biggest backer in the region. India through its community development scheme since 2005 has supported over 550 projects throughout Afghanistan. Of these, around 345 projects have been completed while the remaining are in various stages of completion.&nbsp;

India is the largest donor to Afghanistan in the region and since 2001 after the fall of Taliban undertaken projects and programmes over $2 billion.

India has said terror groups can not negotiate from a place of advantage, a remark directed towards groups such as Taliban based in Pakistani territory. Speaking on the situation in Afghanistan at the United Nations Security Council, India's Permanent Representative Syed Akbaruddin said, " We cannot ignore that groups enjoying the support and safe havens carry out violent and terrorist activities from across borders", adding, "They cannot be allowed to negotiate from a place of advantage.

India has said terror groups can not negotiate from a place of advantage, a remark directed towards groups such as Taliban based in Pakistani territory. Speaking on the situation in Afghanistan at the United Nations Security Council, India's Permanent Representative Syed Akbaruddin said, " We cannot ignore that groups enjoying the support and safe havens carry out violent and terrorist activities from across borders", adding, "They cannot be allowed to negotiate from a place of advantage. " He said, terrorist activities of the "Taliban, Haqqani Network, Da'esh, as well as Al Qaeda" and its proscribed affiliates such as "Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e Mohammed" need to end. Explaining further he said, sanctuaries and safe havens provided to terror networks have to be addressed for "genuine and sustainable peace." Giving an example of Hizb-e-Islami, he said, "peace settlement within the rubric of the current constitution is possible both politically and socially." The Afghan people have for long been victims of transnational terrorism - @IndiaUNNewYork For full statement c https://t.co/GjfDgfc6uZ pic.twitter.com/Cwi8OmaxtE — Syed Akbaruddin (@AkbaruddinIndia) June 20, 2019 × Reiterating India's policy on Afghan peace process which should be "Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled", Akbaruddin said, "All of us need to be mindful of the gains that the Afghan people have made in the last 18 years." India has been engaging with Russia, US, China, Iran and central Asia on the Afghan peace process. Backing the communique of the Loya Jirga, convened by President Ghani on April 29, 2019, New Delhi said talks with Taliban should be "without pre-conditions" and a "Taliban office to be opened in Afghanistan" while "formation of an inclusive negotiating team". Last week PM Modi met Afghan president Ashraf Ghani on the sidelines of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit in Bishkek during which New Delhi assured that it will fulfil all the expectations of Afghanistan and the Afghan government. New Delhi has been Afghanistan's biggest backer in the region. India through its community development scheme since 2005 has supported over 550 projects throughout Afghanistan. Of these, around 345 projects have been completed while the remaining are in various stages of completion. India is the largest donor to Afghanistan in the region and since 2001 after the fall of Taliban undertaken projects and programmes over $2 billion.

Taliban cannot negotiate from place of advantage: India to UN

While Afghanistan gears up to have its fourth Presidential elections in September this year, India has reiterated its support for an "Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled" inclusive peace and reconciliation process in the war-torn country.

India`s Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indias-envoy-to-un-syed-akbaruddin-speaks-exclusively-to-wion-215115">Syed Akbaruddin</a> speaking at an open debate on the situation in Afghanistan at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/syria-requests-un-security-council-meeting-on-golan-205899">United Nations Security Council</a> said on Wednesday that India stands committed to support the peace process, which promotes and protects unity, sovereignty, democracy, inclusiveness and prosperity of the country.&nbsp;

Akbaruddin said that while the country may be perceived as a "threat of transnational terrorism," it is the people of Afghanistan who have long been its victims.

"While there may be perceptions of threats of transnational terrorism from Afghanistan, in reality, it is the Afghan people who have been, for long, victims of transnational terrorism," said Akbaruddin.&nbsp;

Afghanistan is suffering from an unstable political, social, and security situation due to the activities of the various terrorist organisation, including the Taliban and the Islamic State (IS).&nbsp;

In his address, Akbaruddin stressed that the "sanctuaries and safe havens provided to" these terror networks need to be addressed for genuine and sustainable peace in the region.

"As the way forward is chalked out, we cannot ignore those groups enjoying the support and safe havens carry out violent and terrorist activities from across borders.&nbsp;

They cannot be allowed to negotiate from a place of advantage," said Akbaruddin"The sanctuaries and safe havens provided to terror networks have to be addressed for genuine and sustainable peace.

&nbsp;The terrorist activities of the Taliban, Haqqani Network, Da`esh, as well as Al Qaeda and its proscribed affiliates, including the Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed, need to end," he added.&nbsp;

The war-torn nation is scheduled to undergo three elections--presidential, the provincial councils and the Ghazni parliamentary elections, simultaneously on September 28."By all accounts, this is a crucial year for Afghanistan.

&nbsp;While Afghanistan gears up to have its fourth Presidential elections later this year, all of us need to be mindful of the gains that the Afghan people have made in the last 18 years.

"They have strengthened democracy in their country; established a constitutional order; uplifted the status of women; protected the status of minorities and youth; built a strong army and sturdy security forces, and created stronger regional links.&nbsp;

The Ambassador stressed that India will continue to assist the people of Afghanistan in "fulfilling their desire for a peaceful country, which can focus on development and build on the gains in their journey towards greater prosperity and higher achievements" The conduct of transparent, credible and timely Presidential elections during the year will assist in this endeavour," he said.&nbsp;

Akbaruddin referred to the concluding communique of the Loya Jirga, convened by President Ghani on April 29, which called amongst other things for a ceasefire, talks without pre-conditions, a Taliban office to be opened in Afghanistan, a responsible withdrawal of international forces, the formation of an inclusive negotiating team, continued support from the international community, and the preservation of human rights, particularly women`s rights.

"These provisions, agreed to by the Afghan people, have been long-standing and are supported strongly by several countries in the region," he said.&nbsp;

While Afghanistan gears up to have its fourth Presidential elections in September this year, India has reiterated its support for an "Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled" inclusive peace and reconciliation process in the war-torn country.

While Afghanistan gears up to have its fourth Presidential elections in September this year, India has reiterated its support for an "Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled" inclusive peace and reconciliation process in the war-torn country. India`s Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin speaking at an open debate on the situation in Afghanistan at United Nations Security Council said on Wednesday that India stands committed to support the peace process, which promotes and protects unity, sovereignty, democracy, inclusiveness and prosperity of the country. Akbaruddin said that while the country may be perceived as a "threat of transnational terrorism," it is the people of Afghanistan who have long been its victims. "While there may be perceptions of threats of transnational terrorism from Afghanistan, in reality, it is the Afghan people who have been, for long, victims of transnational terrorism," said Akbaruddin. Afghanistan is suffering from an unstable political, social, and security situation due to the activities of the various terrorist organisation, including the Taliban and the Islamic State (IS). In his address, Akbaruddin stressed that the "sanctuaries and safe havens provided to" these terror networks need to be addressed for genuine and sustainable peace in the region. "As the way forward is chalked out, we cannot ignore those groups enjoying the support and safe havens carry out violent and terrorist activities from across borders. They cannot be allowed to negotiate from a place of advantage," said Akbaruddin"The sanctuaries and safe havens provided to terror networks have to be addressed for genuine and sustainable peace. The terrorist activities of the Taliban, Haqqani Network, Da`esh, as well as Al Qaeda and its proscribed affiliates, including the Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed, need to end," he added. The war-torn nation is scheduled to undergo three elections--presidential, the provincial councils and the Ghazni parliamentary elections, simultaneously on September 28."By all accounts, this is a crucial year for Afghanistan. While Afghanistan gears up to have its fourth Presidential elections later this year, all of us need to be mindful of the gains that the Afghan people have made in the last 18 years. "They have strengthened democracy in their country; established a constitutional order; uplifted the status of women; protected the status of minorities and youth; built a strong army and sturdy security forces, and created stronger regional links. The Ambassador stressed that India will continue to assist the people of Afghanistan in "fulfilling their desire for a peaceful country, which can focus on development and build on the gains in their journey towards greater prosperity and higher achievements" The conduct of transparent, credible and timely Presidential elections during the year will assist in this endeavour," he said. Akbaruddin referred to the concluding communique of the Loya Jirga, convened by President Ghani on April 29, which called amongst other things for a ceasefire, talks without pre-conditions, a Taliban office to be opened in Afghanistan, a responsible withdrawal of international forces, the formation of an inclusive negotiating team, continued support from the international community, and the preservation of human rights, particularly women`s rights. "These provisions, agreed to by the Afghan people, have been long-standing and are supported strongly by several countries in the region," he said.

India supports Afghan-led inclusive peace process: Syed Akbaruddin

An ancient tower dating back 2,000 years in the historic Afghan city of Ghazni collapsed this week, local officials said, raising concerns about the vulnerability of the country`s cultural heritage and the government`s ability to protect them.

The old citadel known as Ghaznain Fort originally had 36 towers, but 14 of the towers had collapsed in recent years due to decades of war, heavy rain and neglect.

The fort is one of dozens of unique historic sites in Afghanistan - ranging from the pre-Islamic Buddhist centre in the Bamyan valley to the 12th century minaret of Jam in a remote area of Ghor province - in urgent need of protection.

Officials in Ghazni, which nearly fell to the Taliban last year in some of the heaviest fighting seen in the war, said the tower collapsed on Tuesday following heavy rain. A short video posted on social media shows it crumbling but local residents say negligence also contributed to its collapse.&nbsp;

"The government paid no attention to the sites and didn`t build canals to divert flood water," said Ghulam Sakhi, who lives near the citadel. 
"We have warned the government about the dire condition of the citadel but no one visited," Sakhi said.

Mahbubullah Rahmani, acting director of culture and information in Ghazni, said heavy rain and recent fighting had contributed to the tower`s collapse but said the government was working on a plan to protect the site from complete destruction.

He said a German archaeologist had worked at the site as recently as 2013. 
Ghazni, a strategically vital centre on the main highway between Kabul and southern Afghanistan and two hour drive from the capital, is home to a range of cultural and archeological artefacts, some of which date back to pre-Islamic period.

The province and its cultural heritage was officially declared as Asian Capital of Islamic Culture in 2013 by the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, a Morocco-based body created in 1981, supported by UNESCO.

The collapse of the tower in Ghazni follows concern over the condition of the 900-year-old Minaret of Jam, in Ghor, which has been on the UNESCO List of World Heritage Properties in Danger since 2002.

The Taliban during their austere regime from 1996-2001, before they were toppled by the US and coalition force in late 2001, blew up two giant Buddha statues in central Bamiyan province, calling them idols.

An ancient tower dating back 2,000 years in the historic Afghan city of Ghazni collapsed this week, local officials said, raising concerns about the vulnerability of the country`s cultural heritage and the government`s ability to protect them.

An ancient tower dating back 2,000 years in the historic Afghan city of Ghazni collapsed this week, local officials said, raising concerns about the vulnerability of the country`s cultural heritage and the government`s ability to protect them. The old citadel known as Ghaznain Fort originally had 36 towers, but 14 of the towers had collapsed in recent years due to decades of war, heavy rain and neglect. The fort is one of dozens of unique historic sites in Afghanistan - ranging from the pre-Islamic Buddhist centre in the Bamyan valley to the 12th century minaret of Jam in a remote area of Ghor province - in urgent need of protection. Officials in Ghazni, which nearly fell to the Taliban last year in some of the heaviest fighting seen in the war, said the tower collapsed on Tuesday following heavy rain. A short video posted on social media shows it crumbling but local residents say negligence also contributed to its collapse. "The government paid no attention to the sites and didn`t build canals to divert flood water," said Ghulam Sakhi, who lives near the citadel. "We have warned the government about the dire condition of the citadel but no one visited," Sakhi said. Mahbubullah Rahmani, acting director of culture and information in Ghazni, said heavy rain and recent fighting had contributed to the tower`s collapse but said the government was working on a plan to protect the site from complete destruction. He said a German archaeologist had worked at the site as recently as 2013. Ghazni, a strategically vital centre on the main highway between Kabul and southern Afghanistan and two hour drive from the capital, is home to a range of cultural and archeological artefacts, some of which date back to pre-Islamic period. The province and its cultural heritage was officially declared as Asian Capital of Islamic Culture in 2013 by the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, a Morocco-based body created in 1981, supported by UNESCO. The collapse of the tower in Ghazni follows concern over the condition of the 900-year-old Minaret of Jam, in Ghor, which has been on the UNESCO List of World Heritage Properties in Danger since 2002. The Taliban during their austere regime from 1996-2001, before they were toppled by the US and coalition force in late 2001, blew up two giant Buddha statues in central Bamiyan province, calling them idols.

Ancient Afghan citadel collapses, cultural heritage sites at risk

&nbsp;A roadside bombing on Tuesday left at least six people dead in southern Afghanistan`s Kandahar province, according to local officials.

The explosion took place at around 9 am (local time) in Dand district when a civilian vehicle was targetted by a roadside bomb, TOLO news reported.

Security officials said that two men, two women and two children -- all of them belonging to a family -- were killed in the blast.No terror group has claimed responsibility for the attack so far.

A roadside bombing on Tuesday left at least six people dead in southern Afghanistan`s Kandahar province, according to local officials. The explosion took place at around 9 am (local time) in Dand district when a civilian vehicle was targetted by a roadside bomb, TOLO news reported.

A roadside bombing on Tuesday left at least six people dead in southern Afghanistan`s Kandahar province, according to local officials. The explosion took place at around 9 am (local time) in Dand district when a civilian vehicle was targetted by a roadside bomb, TOLO news reported. Security officials said that two men, two women and two children -- all of them belonging to a family -- were killed in the blast.No terror group has claimed responsibility for the attack so far.

6 dead in roadside bomb blast in Afghanistan

Mohammad Ahmadi, a young opium farmer in the southern Afghan province of Kandahar has the kind of confidence that underlines how meagre the results have been of years of effort and billions of dollars spent fighting narcotics.

"I`m not afraid of anyone. No one can harm me and the others while we`re harvesting poppy," he said as he took a break from working his field.

As pressure grows for a political settlement to end 18 years of war in Afghanistan, the drug trade remains a major threat, leaving the country at the risk of becoming a "narco-state", the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR), a US&nbsp;Congressional watchdog, said in recent report.

Growing opium is theoretically a crime in Afghanistan but it is a way of life for tens of thousands of farmers like Ahmadi, who feeds a family of 14 with the money he makes from selling the sticky, brown sap from the poppies in his fields to be refined into heroin.

Efforts to develop alternative crops like saffron for poor farmers have had some success, but overall, they have hardly put a dent in the drugs trade. 
"I want to continue my studies but economic issues force me to do this," Ahmadi said, blaming the government for not creating the conditions for other jobs.

For years, Afghanistan has been the global leader in opium production, despite some $8.9 billion spent since 2002 by the US government to stop production and trafficking in narcotics.

With compelling economic incentives and politically protected networks - from cultivators to producers and distributors - deeply entrenched, officials say there is little they can do to stop it.

"We don`t have the ability to annihilate poppy cultivation in all of the country," said Gul Mohammad Shukran, head of counter-narcotics in Kandahar.

The UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in 2018 estimated that 263,000 hectares of land produced 6,400 metric tonnes of opium in 24 of Afghanistan`s 34 provinces.&nbsp;

In a bad year for drought, that represented a 20 per cent decline in the area under cultivation from the record year in 2017, but it was still the second highest in recent years.

By contrast, efforts to wipe out the crop have been meagre and just 406 hectares were cleared last year, according to the UNODC, hampered in part by expanding Taliban control over larger parts of the country.&nbsp;

BOMBING, BAN

About half of Afghanistan`s opium is produced in areas of high insurgent activity, according to SIGAR.

"It is increasingly getting very difficult to destroy standing crops due to the fighting and the increased Taliban control in poppy-yielding provinces," said Mohammad Hashim Aurtaq, the deputy interior minister in Kabul who oversees opium eradication.&nbsp;

Air strikes are the only way to dent drug production, he said.

Since late 2017, US forces have attacked sites believed to be used for processing drugs as part of efforts to cut off funds to the Taliban, who profit greatly from narcotics.&nbsp;

However, results have been modest, according to SIGAR.

Between November 2017 and May 2018, US air and ground strikes against drug processing sites cost the Taliban some $86 million in lost revenues, raw materials and equipment, SIGAR said.

That compares with an estimated $600 million generated for Afghan farmers in 2018 from a trade that is reckoned to be the equivalent to as much as 30% of Afghanistan`s entire legitimate economic output.

For their part, the Taliban, who famously banned opium growing in 2000, when they held power across most of the country, have suggested they will once again eliminate the poppies if peace talks succeed.

For the moment, however, drugs provide them with a stream of revenue from levies on farmers and traffickers, and they say they are reluctant to disrupt the lives of farmers like Ahmadi.

"We have neither banned nor promoted poppy cultivation," said the chief Taliban spokesman, Zabiullah Mujahid.

"We don`t ban poppy cultivation because banning the crops means going against poor local people and it is not the right time for us go against our people."

Mohammad Ahmadi, a young opium farmer in the southern Afghan province of Kandahar has the kind of confidence that underlines how meagre the results have been of years of effort and billions of dollars spent fighting narcotics.

Mohammad Ahmadi, a young opium farmer in the southern Afghan province of Kandahar has the kind of confidence that underlines how meagre the results have been of years of effort and billions of dollars spent fighting narcotics. "I`m not afraid of anyone. No one can harm me and the others while we`re harvesting poppy," he said as he took a break from working his field. As pressure grows for a political settlement to end 18 years of war in Afghanistan, the drug trade remains a major threat, leaving the country at the risk of becoming a "narco-state", the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR), a US Congressional watchdog, said in recent report. Growing opium is theoretically a crime in Afghanistan but it is a way of life for tens of thousands of farmers like Ahmadi, who feeds a family of 14 with the money he makes from selling the sticky, brown sap from the poppies in his fields to be refined into heroin. Efforts to develop alternative crops like saffron for poor farmers have had some success, but overall, they have hardly put a dent in the drugs trade. "I want to continue my studies but economic issues force me to do this," Ahmadi said, blaming the government for not creating the conditions for other jobs. For years, Afghanistan has been the global leader in opium production, despite some $8.9 billion spent since 2002 by the US government to stop production and trafficking in narcotics. With compelling economic incentives and politically protected networks - from cultivators to producers and distributors - deeply entrenched, officials say there is little they can do to stop it. "We don`t have the ability to annihilate poppy cultivation in all of the country," said Gul Mohammad Shukran, head of counter-narcotics in Kandahar. The UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in 2018 estimated that 263,000 hectares of land produced 6,400 metric tonnes of opium in 24 of Afghanistan`s 34 provinces. In a bad year for drought, that represented a 20 per cent decline in the area under cultivation from the record year in 2017, but it was still the second highest in recent years. By contrast, efforts to wipe out the crop have been meagre and just 406 hectares were cleared last year, according to the UNODC, hampered in part by expanding Taliban control over larger parts of the country. BOMBING, BAN About half of Afghanistan`s opium is produced in areas of high insurgent activity, according to SIGAR. "It is increasingly getting very difficult to destroy standing crops due to the fighting and the increased Taliban control in poppy-yielding provinces," said Mohammad Hashim Aurtaq, the deputy interior minister in Kabul who oversees opium eradication. Air strikes are the only way to dent drug production, he said. Since late 2017, US forces have attacked sites believed to be used for processing drugs as part of efforts to cut off funds to the Taliban, who profit greatly from narcotics. However, results have been modest, according to SIGAR. Between November 2017 and May 2018, US air and ground strikes against drug processing sites cost the Taliban some $86 million in lost revenues, raw materials and equipment, SIGAR said. That compares with an estimated $600 million generated for Afghan farmers in 2018 from a trade that is reckoned to be the equivalent to as much as 30% of Afghanistan`s entire legitimate economic output. For their part, the Taliban, who famously banned opium growing in 2000, when they held power across most of the country, have suggested they will once again eliminate the poppies if peace talks succeed. For the moment, however, drugs provide them with a stream of revenue from levies on farmers and traffickers, and they say they are reluctant to disrupt the lives of farmers like Ahmadi. "We have neither banned nor promoted poppy cultivation," said the chief Taliban spokesman, Zabiullah Mujahid. "We don`t ban poppy cultivation because banning the crops means going against poor local people and it is not the right time for us go against our people."

As pressure for Afghan peace grows, drug threat remains

Zalmay Khalilzad, the United States` Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation, arrived in Islamabad&nbsp;on Sunday to facilitate a peace process that ends the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-taliban-leader-pledges-to-keep-fighting-until-goals-met-223710">19 years of war in Afghanistan</a>.

Samaa News agency reported that the US envoy will also attend a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/will-continue-to-play-mediatory-role-for-peace-in-afghanistan-and-region-pakistan-tells-us-223706">Pakistan-US advisory meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs</a> on Sunday in the presence of Pakistan government officials and military leaders.

Prior to his arrival, Khalilzad also held meetings with Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani on the sidelines of OIC (Organisation of Islamic Cooperation) summit in Makkah, last week.

In a tweet, he said the meeting will "improve relations between the two countries and help to implement and capitalise opportunities for regional connectivity, integration, and development."

Khalilzad has long been trying to reach a peace deal with the Taliban to end the war in Afghanistan that has entered its 19th year.&nbsp;

The envoy also held a series of meetings with the Pakistani leadership as a part of Washington`s renewed push to bring the Afghan Taliban to the negotiating table.

The latest push for peace comes after President Donald Trump wrote a letter to Prime Minister Khan, seeking Pakistan`s help for the negotiated settlement of the Afghan conflict, Express Tribune reported.

Meanwhile, in response to the Taliban leader Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada`s annual message on Eid, Khalilzad also said that the statement provides "a desire to participate in dialogue with other Afghans and in a final political settlement that will require power sharing. "All good things," he added.

On Saturday, the Taliban leader stressed on his previous stance about an end to the presence of the US military in Afghanistan and said the group is open for talks but they expect "honesty" from the United States.

The leader said that "the Islamic emirate is not seeking to monopolize power but it wants all Afghans to have their real role in `government."

Khalilzad continued to say in a tweet that the Taliban leader`s statement suggests the US seeks violence.&nbsp;

"We do not. The level of violence in Afghanistan is unacceptable and we have no desire to perpetuate it," he said.

"Let us find ways to work together to reduce or to immediately end the violence, as we continue negotiations to end the war. The killing of the Afghans must stop," the envoy added.

According to a press statement from the US Department of State, Khalilzad will travel to Afghanistan, Belgium, Germany, Pakistan, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates from May 31 to June 16, 2019.

The statement read, "He will work to build international support for the Afghan peace process and endeavour to ensure that any peace settlement reached will be sustainable."&nbsp;

Zalmay Khalilzad, the United States` Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation, arrived in Islamabad on Sunday to facilitate a peace process that ends the 19 years of war in Afghanistan.

Zalmay Khalilzad, the United States` Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation, arrived in Islamabad on Sunday to facilitate a peace process that ends the 19 years of war in Afghanistan. Samaa News agency reported that the US envoy will also attend a Pakistan-US advisory meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday in the presence of Pakistan government officials and military leaders. Prior to his arrival, Khalilzad also held meetings with Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani on the sidelines of OIC (Organisation of Islamic Cooperation) summit in Makkah, last week. In a tweet, he said the meeting will "improve relations between the two countries and help to implement and capitalise opportunities for regional connectivity, integration, and development." Khalilzad has long been trying to reach a peace deal with the Taliban to end the war in Afghanistan that has entered its 19th year. The envoy also held a series of meetings with the Pakistani leadership as a part of Washington`s renewed push to bring the Afghan Taliban to the negotiating table. The latest push for peace comes after President Donald Trump wrote a letter to Prime Minister Khan, seeking Pakistan`s help for the negotiated settlement of the Afghan conflict, Express Tribune reported. Meanwhile, in response to the Taliban leader Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada`s annual message on Eid, Khalilzad also said that the statement provides "a desire to participate in dialogue with other Afghans and in a final political settlement that will require power sharing. "All good things," he added. On Saturday, the Taliban leader stressed on his previous stance about an end to the presence of the US military in Afghanistan and said the group is open for talks but they expect "honesty" from the United States. The leader said that "the Islamic emirate is not seeking to monopolize power but it wants all Afghans to have their real role in `government." Khalilzad continued to say in a tweet that the Taliban leader`s statement suggests the US seeks violence. "We do not. The level of violence in Afghanistan is unacceptable and we have no desire to perpetuate it," he said. "Let us find ways to work together to reduce or to immediately end the violence, as we continue negotiations to end the war. The killing of the Afghans must stop," the envoy added. According to a press statement from the US Department of State, Khalilzad will travel to Afghanistan, Belgium, Germany, Pakistan, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates from May 31 to June 16, 2019. The statement read, "He will work to build international support for the Afghan peace process and endeavour to ensure that any peace settlement reached will be sustainable."

US Representative arrives in Pakistan to discuss Afghan peace process

The head of the Afghan Taliban pledged on Saturday to continue fighting until the movement's objectives were reached and indicated it was still not ready to open talks with the Western-backed government in Kabul.

In his annual message ahead of next week's Eid al-Fitr holiday, Mullah Haibatullah Akhundzada sought to reassure Afghans that the Taliban wanted an end to decades of conflict and a government that represented all Afghans.

But he offered little sign of agreeing to a ceasefire or of opening direct negotiations with the Kabul government, which the Taliban regard as an illegitimate foreign-imposed regime.

He also gave no sign the Taliban would repeat last year's truce over the three-day Eid holiday that ends the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which led to unprecedented scenes of Taliban fighters and government soldiers mingling and even embracing in the streets of Kabul.

"No one should expect us to pour cold water on the heated battlefronts of Jihad or forget our 40-year sacrifices before reaching our objectives," he said in the message, adding that the Taliban aimed for "an end to the occupation and establishment of an Islamic system".

Taliban representatives have been talking with US&nbsp;diplomats for months about withdrawing more than 20,000 US&nbsp;and NATO coalition troops in exchange for guarantees that Afghanistan will not be used as a base for militant attacks.

They have also met senior Afghan politicians and civil society representatives, most recently in Moscow this week, as part of a so-called intra-Afghan dialogue to discuss the country's future.

But they have shown no sign of agreeing to demands for a ceasefire and formal negotiations with President Ashraf Ghani's government, which Mullah Haibatullah accused of trying to sabotage dialogue between the Islamic Emirate and Afghan political figures.

"The Islamic Emirate shall pay no heed to such futile efforts and diplomatic obstructions being created for the intra-Afghan dialogue," he said.

Afghan officials have been deeply suspicious of the talks, which they see as a means of reinforcing the Taliban and powerful regional politicians while sidelining the legitimate government.

The Eid message offered assurances that the Taliban did not seek a monopoly over power and would respect all the rights of male and female Afghans and develop education, commerce, employment and welfare.

But it did not tackle one of the key concerns in Kabul - whether the Taliban would accept the current constitutional framework of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan or insist on an Islamic Emirate, the name given to their own system.

"The Islamic Emirate seeks the establishment of a sovereign, Islamic and inclusive government acceptable to all Afghans in our beloved homeland," the message said.

The head of the Afghan Taliban pledged on Saturday to continue fighting until the movement's objectives were reached and indicated it was still not ready to open talks with the Western-backed government in Kabul.

The head of the Afghan Taliban pledged on Saturday to continue fighting until the movement's objectives were reached and indicated it was still not ready to open talks with the Western-backed government in Kabul. In his annual message ahead of next week's Eid al-Fitr holiday, Mullah Haibatullah Akhundzada sought to reassure Afghans that the Taliban wanted an end to decades of conflict and a government that represented all Afghans. But he offered little sign of agreeing to a ceasefire or of opening direct negotiations with the Kabul government, which the Taliban regard as an illegitimate foreign-imposed regime. He also gave no sign the Taliban would repeat last year's truce over the three-day Eid holiday that ends the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which led to unprecedented scenes of Taliban fighters and government soldiers mingling and even embracing in the streets of Kabul. "No one should expect us to pour cold water on the heated battlefronts of Jihad or forget our 40-year sacrifices before reaching our objectives," he said in the message, adding that the Taliban aimed for "an end to the occupation and establishment of an Islamic system". Taliban representatives have been talking with US diplomats for months about withdrawing more than 20,000 US and NATO coalition troops in exchange for guarantees that Afghanistan will not be used as a base for militant attacks. They have also met senior Afghan politicians and civil society representatives, most recently in Moscow this week, as part of a so-called intra-Afghan dialogue to discuss the country's future. But they have shown no sign of agreeing to demands for a ceasefire and formal negotiations with President Ashraf Ghani's government, which Mullah Haibatullah accused of trying to sabotage dialogue between the Islamic Emirate and Afghan political figures. "The Islamic Emirate shall pay no heed to such futile efforts and diplomatic obstructions being created for the intra-Afghan dialogue," he said. Afghan officials have been deeply suspicious of the talks, which they see as a means of reinforcing the Taliban and powerful regional politicians while sidelining the legitimate government. The Eid message offered assurances that the Taliban did not seek a monopoly over power and would respect all the rights of male and female Afghans and develop education, commerce, employment and welfare. But it did not tackle one of the key concerns in Kabul - whether the Taliban would accept the current constitutional framework of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan or insist on an Islamic Emirate, the name given to their own system. "The Islamic Emirate seeks the establishment of a sovereign, Islamic and inclusive government acceptable to all Afghans in our beloved homeland," the message said.

Afghan Taliban leader pledges to keep fighting until goals met

&nbsp;A Taliban official said on Thursday that decent progress had been made at talks with a group of senior Afghan politicians in Moscow but that there had been no breakthrough and that further talks would be needed, Russian news agencies reported.

The delegation, led by chief Taliban negotiator Mullah Baradar Akhund, met politicians, including senior regional leaders and candidates challenging President Ashraf Ghani in this year`s presidential election amid gathering diplomatic efforts to end the 18-year war.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-afghan-officials-to-meet-in-moscow-for-peace-talks-222143">delegation that met a group of senior Afghan politicians&nbsp;</a>in Moscow on Tuesday, insisted&nbsp;that international forces must leave Afghanistan for peace to be agreed.

The&nbsp;Taliban, ousted by US-backed forces weeks after September&nbsp;11, 2001, attacks on the United States, refer to themselves as the Islamic Emirate.

Mohammad Karim Khalili, head of the High Peace Council, the main body charged with pursuing peace efforts, said dozens of people were being killed in fighting every day and it was time for a "dignified and just mechanism" to end the bloodshed.

Taliban&nbsp;officials have been talking to US&nbsp;diplomats for months about the terms of withdrawal of more than 23,000 US and NATO coalition troops from Afghanistan and have reached a draft agreement on some issues but no new date for the next round of talks has been set and many obstacles remain.

A Taliban official said on Thursday that decent progress had been made at talks with a group of senior Afghan politicians in Moscow but that there had been no breakthrough and that further talks would be needed, Russian news agencies reported.

A Taliban official said on Thursday that decent progress had been made at talks with a group of senior Afghan politicians in Moscow but that there had been no breakthrough and that further talks would be needed, Russian news agencies reported. The delegation, led by chief Taliban negotiator Mullah Baradar Akhund, met politicians, including senior regional leaders and candidates challenging President Ashraf Ghani in this year`s presidential election amid gathering diplomatic efforts to end the 18-year war. The delegation that met a group of senior Afghan politicians in Moscow on Tuesday, insisted that international forces must leave Afghanistan for peace to be agreed. The Taliban, ousted by US-backed forces weeks after September 11, 2001, attacks on the United States, refer to themselves as the Islamic Emirate. Mohammad Karim Khalili, head of the High Peace Council, the main body charged with pursuing peace efforts, said dozens of people were being killed in fighting every day and it was time for a "dignified and just mechanism" to end the bloodshed. Taliban officials have been talking to US diplomats for months about the terms of withdrawal of more than 23,000 US and NATO coalition troops from Afghanistan and have reached a draft agreement on some issues but no new date for the next round of talks has been set and many obstacles remain.

Taliban says progress made at Afghan talks in Moscow but no breakthrough

Attacks on schools in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-opens-probe-into-sexual-favour-allegations-222376">Afghanistan </a>tripled in 2018, surging from 68 in 2017 to 192, the United Nations agency for children said in a report, as the Taliban and other extremist groups in the war-torn country continue to wage a campaign of violence against softer targets.

The UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) on Tuesday said in a report that it was the first time since 2015 that a rise in attacks had been recorded.

"Education is under fire in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-constructed-with-pakistans-assistance-hospital-with-200-bed-inaugurated-in-kabul-212122">Afghanistan</a>," said UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore.

"The senseless attacks on schools; the killing, injury and abduction of teachers; and the threats against education are destroying the hopes and dreams of an entire generation of children."&nbsp;

More than 1,000 schools across the country remain closed because of security threats from groups such as the Taliban and Islamic State, which have sought soft targets for attacks aimed at extending and consolidating their influence through intimidation. Half a million children were denied their right to education as result.

Although the Taliban have shifted from their previous opposition to all forms of girls' education, they have faced regular accusations of shutting down schools run in a way they do not approve.

The UNICEF said the use of schools as voter registration and polling centers for the parliamentary elections in 2018 may have been a reason for the increase in the attacks.

An estimated 3.7 million children between the ages of 7 and 17&nbsp;nearly half of all school-aged children in the country are&nbsp;out of school in Afghanistan.

Worsening insecurity, high rates of poverty and persistent discrimination against girls caused the rate of out-of-school children to increase last year for the first time since 2002. Girls account for 60 per cent of children not in education.&nbsp;

The UNICEF is working with the government and other partners to provide informal and accelerated community-based education. This includes running classes in community buildings and homes, helping to reduce the risk of insecurity on the way to school.

On Monday, the third International Conference on Safe Schools opened in Spain for decision-makers to discuss the implementation of the Safe School Declaration endorsed by 87 nations&nbsp;its challenges and lessons learned, at the national, regional, and international levels. The conference is an occasion to encourage cooperation and stronger gender-responsive practices.

As the International Conference opened, UNICEF calls for an end to all attacks on schools and urges all warring parties to protect education during armed conflict.

Attacks on schools in Afghanistan tripled in 2018, surging from 68 in 2017 to 192, the United Nations agency for children said in a report, as the Taliban and other extremist groups in the war-torn country continue to wage a campaign of violence against softer targets.

Attacks on schools in Afghanistan tripled in 2018, surging from 68 in 2017 to 192, the United Nations agency for children said in a report, as the Taliban and other extremist groups in the war-torn country continue to wage a campaign of violence against softer targets. The UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) on Tuesday said in a report that it was the first time since 2015 that a rise in attacks had been recorded. "Education is under fire in Afghanistan," said UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore. "The senseless attacks on schools; the killing, injury and abduction of teachers; and the threats against education are destroying the hopes and dreams of an entire generation of children." More than 1,000 schools across the country remain closed because of security threats from groups such as the Taliban and Islamic State, which have sought soft targets for attacks aimed at extending and consolidating their influence through intimidation. Half a million children were denied their right to education as result. Although the Taliban have shifted from their previous opposition to all forms of girls' education, they have faced regular accusations of shutting down schools run in a way they do not approve. The UNICEF said the use of schools as voter registration and polling centers for the parliamentary elections in 2018 may have been a reason for the increase in the attacks. An estimated 3.7 million children between the ages of 7 and 17 nearly half of all school-aged children in the country are out of school in Afghanistan. Worsening insecurity, high rates of poverty and persistent discrimination against girls caused the rate of out-of-school children to increase last year for the first time since 2002. Girls account for 60 per cent of children not in education. The UNICEF is working with the government and other partners to provide informal and accelerated community-based education. This includes running classes in community buildings and homes, helping to reduce the risk of insecurity on the way to school. On Monday, the third International Conference on Safe Schools opened in Spain for decision-makers to discuss the implementation of the Safe School Declaration endorsed by 87 nations its challenges and lessons learned, at the national, regional, and international levels. The conference is an occasion to encourage cooperation and stronger gender-responsive practices. As the International Conference opened, UNICEF calls for an end to all attacks on schools and urges all warring parties to protect education during armed conflict.

Attacks by extremists on Afghan schools triple: UNICEF

This segment of WION brings to you top stories of the morning from across the globe. Watch this video to get updated with the latest information.

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning, May 29th 2019

Afghanistan's attorney general opened an investigation Tuesday into allegations that some members of President Ashraf Ghani's administration are trading government positions for sexual favours.

The accusations made last week by General Habibullah Ahmadzai, a former security advisor to Ghani, have sparked an outcry in Kabul. Many have taken to social media to demand a probe.&nbsp;

In a statement, the attorney general's office vowed to investigate allegations "in a serious, fair, neutral and independent way".

Investigators have already asked Ahmadzai to deliver by Thursday any evidence he may have to support his claims, which he first made in a televised interview last week.

Watch: Major Controversy In Afghanistan; Sex Scandal Hits Government

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Without providing any evidence, he levelled several corruption claims and said "circles" inside the Afghan presidential palace were asking women for sexual favours -- offering coveted government seats in return.

"People were working systematically to promote adultery in the palace," he claimed.

The allegations from Ahmadzai, who unsuccessfully ran for parliament in October elections, were initially backed by Mariam Wardak, a former advisor to Afghanistan's national security council.

She told an Indian news channel that "the issues he brought up and highlighted reflect reality."

However, critics said Wardak's comments could have serious repercussions for thousands of women working in government offices. She later said her words had been "distorted".

On Sunday, Ghani's spokesman rejected Ahmadzai's claims as "completely false and baseless."

"This issue will be seriously investigated and the results will be shared with the people of Afghanistan," he said.

Afghan women today often enjoy far greater freedom than they did under the brutally repressive Taliban regime, including the right to an education and the ability to work for the government.

However, Afghanistan remains a deeply conservative country and varying levels of abuse against women can still seem like the norm.

Last year, the head of the Afghanistan Football Federation along with five other officials were suspended by FIFA and put on a travel ban after graphic details emerged of alleged sexual and physical abuse against members of the women's national team.

Ghani has ordered an investigation into those claims.&nbsp;

Afghanistan's attorney general opened an investigation Tuesday into allegations that some members of President Ashraf Ghani's administration are trading government positions for sexual favours.

Afghanistan's attorney general opened an investigation Tuesday into allegations that some members of President Ashraf Ghani's administration are trading government positions for sexual favours. The accusations made last week by General Habibullah Ahmadzai, a former security advisor to Ghani, have sparked an outcry in Kabul. Many have taken to social media to demand a probe. In a statement, the attorney general's office vowed to investigate allegations "in a serious, fair, neutral and independent way". Investigators have already asked Ahmadzai to deliver by Thursday any evidence he may have to support his claims, which he first made in a televised interview last week. Watch: Major Controversy In Afghanistan; Sex Scandal Hits Government × Without providing any evidence, he levelled several corruption claims and said "circles" inside the Afghan presidential palace were asking women for sexual favours -- offering coveted government seats in return. "People were working systematically to promote adultery in the palace," he claimed. The allegations from Ahmadzai, who unsuccessfully ran for parliament in October elections, were initially backed by Mariam Wardak, a former advisor to Afghanistan's national security council. She told an Indian news channel that "the issues he brought up and highlighted reflect reality." However, critics said Wardak's comments could have serious repercussions for thousands of women working in government offices. She later said her words had been "distorted". On Sunday, Ghani's spokesman rejected Ahmadzai's claims as "completely false and baseless." "This issue will be seriously investigated and the results will be shared with the people of Afghanistan," he said. Afghan women today often enjoy far greater freedom than they did under the brutally repressive Taliban regime, including the right to an education and the ability to work for the government. However, Afghanistan remains a deeply conservative country and varying levels of abuse against women can still seem like the norm. Last year, the head of the Afghanistan Football Federation along with five other officials were suspended by FIFA and put on a travel ban after graphic details emerged of alleged sexual and physical abuse against members of the women's national team. Ghani has ordered an investigation into those claims.

Afghanistan opens probe into sexual favour allegations

An Afghan court Sunday sentenced two teenage boys to 30 years in prison for the abduction and killing of a young girl whose brutal murder provoked a national outcry.

Six-year-old Mahsa Ahmadi has snatched off a Kabul street in March and was killed after her parents were unable to pay a ransom of $300,000.

Police eventually arrested two boys and released a video clip showing them confessing. They said they had picked up Mahsa, driven her away on a motorcycle, taking her to a house and then strangled her after the ransom wasn't paid.

In a televised court hearing, a judge sentenced the two youths to 30 years each in prison. Their ages were not released, but the judge said they were under 18.

For Mahsa's father, the sentence was too lenient. "I want the severest punishment for them, they should be hanged," he said. "They should feel what we are feeling."

But the judge said since they were minors they could not be executed. They have the right to appeal the sentence.

Even in war-torn Afghanistan, where crime and violence are common, Mahsa's death drew broad condemnation and angry Afghans took to social media demanding justice.&nbsp;

Kidnappings for ransom are increasing in Kabul, as are a host of other crimes, adding yet more worries for an already stressed-out population.&nbsp;

Overwhelmed police are already pushed to their limits attempting to prevent insurgent attacks by the Taliban and other groups.

Crime in Kabul came under scrutiny again this month when former journalist Mena Mangal was murdered in broad daylight on a busy street.

Her killing appears tied to a domestic dispute, but many observers viewed the brutal and public slaying as a bellwether demonstrating just how cheap life has become in Afghanistan.

An Afghan court Sunday sentenced two teenage boys to 30 years in prison for the abduction and killing of a young girl whose brutal murder provoked a national outcry.

An Afghan court Sunday sentenced two teenage boys to 30 years in prison for the abduction and killing of a young girl whose brutal murder provoked a national outcry. Six-year-old Mahsa Ahmadi has snatched off a Kabul street in March and was killed after her parents were unable to pay a ransom of $300,000. Police eventually arrested two boys and released a video clip showing them confessing. They said they had picked up Mahsa, driven her away on a motorcycle, taking her to a house and then strangled her after the ransom wasn't paid. In a televised court hearing, a judge sentenced the two youths to 30 years each in prison. Their ages were not released, but the judge said they were under 18. For Mahsa's father, the sentence was too lenient. "I want the severest punishment for them, they should be hanged," he said. "They should feel what we are feeling." But the judge said since they were minors they could not be executed. They have the right to appeal the sentence. Even in war-torn Afghanistan, where crime and violence are common, Mahsa's death drew broad condemnation and angry Afghans took to social media demanding justice. Kidnappings for ransom are increasing in Kabul, as are a host of other crimes, adding yet more worries for an already stressed-out population. Overwhelmed police are already pushed to their limits attempting to prevent insurgent attacks by the Taliban and other groups. Crime in Kabul came under scrutiny again this month when former journalist Mena Mangal was murdered in broad daylight on a busy street. Her killing appears tied to a domestic dispute, but many observers viewed the brutal and public slaying as a bellwether demonstrating just how cheap life has become in Afghanistan.

Two Afghan youths get 30 years jail for killing of young girl

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/nda-lawmakers-meet-in-delhi-to-formally-elect-narendra-modi-as-prime-minister-221557">Modi unanimously elected leader of NDA coalition, to stake claim to form government today</a>

The parliamentary board of the&nbsp;BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA)&nbsp;unanimously elected Prime Minister Narendra Modi as leader of NDA coalition&nbsp;at a meeting in Parliament's Central Hall in New Delhi&nbsp;on Saturday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-troop-boost-threat-to-international-peace-iran-foreign-minister-mohammad-javad-zarif-221514">US troop boost 'threat to international peace': Iran Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif</a>

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Saturday a US decision to deploy 1,500 additional troops to the Middle East is a "threat to international peace," state media reported.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/what-happened-at-the-cwc-meeting-the-inside-story-221561">What happened at the CWC meeting: The inside story</a>

At the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting on Saturday, party president&nbsp;Rahul Gandhi offered to resign&nbsp;in the wake of&nbsp;humiliating defeat&nbsp;at the hands of the BJP in Lok Sabha elections. The proposal was, however, rejected but not without drama.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-pm-imran-khan-warns-against-war-in-region-amid-iran-tensions-with-us-saudi-221530">Pakistan PM Imran Khan warns against war in region amid Iran tensions with US, Saudi</a>

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan warned against the risk of conflict in the region, following a visit to Islamabad by Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif as tensions between Washington and Tehran escalated.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/sexual-favours-charge-hits-afghan-government-221580">'Sexual favours' charge hits Afghan government</a>

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Modi unanimously elected leader of NDA coalition, to stake claim to form government today The parliamentary board of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) unanimously elected Prime Minister Narendra Modi as leader of NDA coalition at a meeting in Parliament's Central Hall in New Delhi on Saturday.

Modi unanimously elected leader of NDA coalition, to stake claim to form government today The parliamentary board of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) unanimously elected Prime Minister Narendra Modi as leader of NDA coalition at a meeting in Parliament's Central Hall in New Delhi on Saturday. US troop boost 'threat to international peace': Iran Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Saturday a US decision to deploy 1,500 additional troops to the Middle East is a "threat to international peace," state media reported. What happened at the CWC meeting: The inside story At the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting on Saturday, party president Rahul Gandhi offered to resign in the wake of humiliating defeat at the hands of the BJP in Lok Sabha elections. The proposal was, however, rejected but not without drama. Pakistan PM Imran Khan warns against war in region amid Iran tensions with US, Saudi Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan warned against the risk of conflict in the region, following a visit to Islamabad by Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif as tensions between Washington and Tehran escalated. 'Sexual favours' charge hits Afghan government

News brief: Big stories of the day

A bomb killed a senior Islamic preacher and wounded at least 16 devotees inside a mosque in the Afghan capital during Friday prayers, interior ministry officials said.

The preacher, Mawlawi Rayhan, was a supporter of the Western-backed Afghan government which Taliban militants are trying to bring down.

No militant group has so far claimed responsibility for the attack.

The explosion hit the Al-Taqwa mosque at a time when dozens of men had gathered for prayers. At least 16 men, all civilians, were injured.

The death toll could rise, said a second official.

"We have rushed ambulances to the blast site," said a senior official in Kabul.

A bomb killed a senior Islamic preacher and wounded at least 16 devotees inside a mosque in the Afghan capital during Friday prayers, interior ministry officials said.

A bomb killed a senior Islamic preacher and wounded at least 16 devotees inside a mosque in the Afghan capital during Friday prayers, interior ministry officials said. The preacher, Mawlawi Rayhan, was a supporter of the Western-backed Afghan government which Taliban militants are trying to bring down. No militant group has so far claimed responsibility for the attack. The explosion hit the Al-Taqwa mosque at a time when dozens of men had gathered for prayers. At least 16 men, all civilians, were injured. The death toll could rise, said a second official. "We have rushed ambulances to the blast site," said a senior official in Kabul.

Bomb kills senior cleric during Friday prayers at Afghan mosque

Republican and Democratic US lawmakers on Wednesday revived an effort to provide visas to move to the United States for Afghans who worked for Americans during the long war in their country and are now stranded, their lives at risk due to that work.

The bill would provide 4,000 Special Immigrant Visas (SIV) for the rest of the federal fiscal year ending on September&nbsp;30, and also try to address obstacles that have prevented Afghans from getting visas under previously passed legislation.

National Public Radio (NPR) reported on May 1 that President Donald Trump`s administration had cut by 60 per cent the number of US visas provided to Afghans who risked their lives assisting American forces. About 1,650 were approved in 2018, down from more than 4,000 in fiscal year 2017.

Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen sponsored the bill with Republicans Thom Tillis, Roger Wicker and Cory Gardner and Democrats Jack Reed, Richard Blumenthal and Tim Kaine.

Backers of the plan said Washington needs to protect Afghans who worked for US forces in order to ensure local support.

Army General Austin Miller, commander of the US&nbsp;mission in Afghanistan, sent a letter to Shaheen backing the bill, calling the SIV program critical to success in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

"If the program is not fully resourced, our credibility and the sacrifices made by thousands of Afghans in support of Americans and our Coalition partners could be undermined," Miller wrote.&nbsp;

Shaheen was a lead sponsor of similar legislation passed in previous years, along with late Republican Senator John McCain, who was chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee.

His widow, Cindy McCain, backed the bill, saying McCain would be pleased to know that the bipartisan measure continued his legacy.

Backers said they felt the measure stood a good chance of passing, possibly as a provision of one of the larger must-pass spending bills Congress will consider later this year, despite Trump`s efforts to tighten immigration, particularly from Muslim-majority countries.

Republican and Democratic US lawmakers on Wednesday revived an effort to provide visas to move to the United States for Afghans who worked for Americans during the long war in their country and are now stranded, their lives at risk due to that work.

Republican and Democratic US lawmakers on Wednesday revived an effort to provide visas to move to the United States for Afghans who worked for Americans during the long war in their country and are now stranded, their lives at risk due to that work. The bill would provide 4,000 Special Immigrant Visas (SIV) for the rest of the federal fiscal year ending on September 30, and also try to address obstacles that have prevented Afghans from getting visas under previously passed legislation. National Public Radio (NPR) reported on May 1 that President Donald Trump`s administration had cut by 60 per cent the number of US visas provided to Afghans who risked their lives assisting American forces. About 1,650 were approved in 2018, down from more than 4,000 in fiscal year 2017. Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen sponsored the bill with Republicans Thom Tillis, Roger Wicker and Cory Gardner and Democrats Jack Reed, Richard Blumenthal and Tim Kaine. Backers of the plan said Washington needs to protect Afghans who worked for US forces in order to ensure local support. Army General Austin Miller, commander of the US mission in Afghanistan, sent a letter to Shaheen backing the bill, calling the SIV program critical to success in Afghanistan. "If the program is not fully resourced, our credibility and the sacrifices made by thousands of Afghans in support of Americans and our Coalition partners could be undermined," Miller wrote. Shaheen was a lead sponsor of similar legislation passed in previous years, along with late Republican Senator John McCain, who was chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee. His widow, Cindy McCain, backed the bill, saying McCain would be pleased to know that the bipartisan measure continued his legacy. Backers said they felt the measure stood a good chance of passing, possibly as a provision of one of the larger must-pass spending bills Congress will consider later this year, despite Trump`s efforts to tighten immigration, particularly from Muslim-majority countries.

Senators want visas for Afghans now stranded after helping US forces

Four inmates lost their lives while 33 others, including 20 police officers, were injured after riots broke out at the Pul-e-Charkhi prison in Kabul&nbsp;on Tuesday (local time).

The clash began after the police started searching some cells at the prison, according to Afghanistan`s Ministry of Interior Affairs.

"Attorney General Office and Ministry of Interior Affairs had ordered a search of Special Narcotics Blocks of Pul-e-Charkhi Prison. Four buildings were searched in the morning. But later violence broke out at midday during the search of remaining buildings after a group of prisoners attacked police, injuring 10 police officers," Nasrat Rahimi, a spokesman from the ministry, told Xinhua.

The police personnel fired in the air during the face-off, which saw the inmates trying to grab the police forces` weapons. The situation was later brought under control.

Investigations have been launched into the incident.

Four inmates lost their lives while 33 others, including 20 police officers, were injured after riots broke out at the Pul-e-Charkhi prison in Kabul on Tuesday (local time).

Four inmates lost their lives while 33 others, including 20 police officers, were injured after riots broke out at the Pul-e-Charkhi prison in Kabul on Tuesday (local time). The clash began after the police started searching some cells at the prison, according to Afghanistan`s Ministry of Interior Affairs. "Attorney General Office and Ministry of Interior Affairs had ordered a search of Special Narcotics Blocks of Pul-e-Charkhi Prison. Four buildings were searched in the morning. But later violence broke out at midday during the search of remaining buildings after a group of prisoners attacked police, injuring 10 police officers," Nasrat Rahimi, a spokesman from the ministry, told Xinhua. The police personnel fired in the air during the face-off, which saw the inmates trying to grab the police forces` weapons. The situation was later brought under control. Investigations have been launched into the incident.

Afghanistan: Prison riot kills 4 inmates, 33 injured including police

An&nbsp;explosion occurred&nbsp;in Afghanistan's capital&nbsp;Kabul&nbsp;on Wednesday.

The blast occurred near the Attorney General's office in Shahr-e Naw.

Police have confirmed the explosion, however, there were no reports of any casualties.

"I can confirm an explosion in the Shar-e-Naw area of Kabul. We are checking the details," Ferdaws Framurz, a spokesman for the city's police force, told AFP.

The blast comes as the US and Taliban representatives continue negotiations in Qatar aimed at bringing an end to the nearly 18-year-old conflict. &nbsp;

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An explosion occurred in Afghanistan's capital Kabul on Wednesday. The blast occurred near the Attorney General's office in Shahr-e Naw. Police have confirmed the explosion, however, there were no reports of any casualties.

An explosion occurred in Afghanistan's capital Kabul on Wednesday. The blast occurred near the Attorney General's office in Shahr-e Naw. Police have confirmed the explosion, however, there were no reports of any casualties. "I can confirm an explosion in the Shar-e-Naw area of Kabul. We are checking the details," Ferdaws Framurz, a spokesman for the city's police force, told AFP. The blast comes as the US and Taliban representatives continue negotiations in Qatar aimed at bringing an end to the nearly 18-year-old conflict.

Afghanistan: Bomb blast near Attorney General's office in Kabul

The 17th legislative term of the Wolesi Jirga, or the Afghan Parliament, was inaugurated on Friday by President Ashraf Ghani, even though the final results of five provinces is awaited.

As per the law, the parliament was supposed to be inaugurated earlier but was delayed due to "controversies", according to TOLO news.

The parliament inauguration was attended by senior government officials and new lawmakers.

Addressing the ceremony, the Afghan President highlighted that the majority of the new parliament members are from a younger generation who will protect women`s rights, human rights and other rights of Afghans.

He added that the Afghan government had no role to play in the delay of the parliament inauguration.

Ghani, during his address, said that the current challenges in Afghanistan are because of the "imposed war" which has been fueled by "direct foreign support" of the Taliban.

He reinforced that he would remain President of Afghanistan until the next Presidential elections, slated for September 28.

The Afghan leader highlighted that the key to peace lies in unity among Afghans and in women`s participation, adding that the republic system would continue

The 17th legislative term of the Wolesi Jirga, or the Afghan Parliament, was inaugurated on Friday by President Ashraf Ghani, even though the final results of five provinces is awaited.

The 17th legislative term of the Wolesi Jirga, or the Afghan Parliament, was inaugurated on Friday by President Ashraf Ghani, even though the final results of five provinces is awaited. As per the law, the parliament was supposed to be inaugurated earlier but was delayed due to "controversies", according to TOLO news. The parliament inauguration was attended by senior government officials and new lawmakers. Addressing the ceremony, the Afghan President highlighted that the majority of the new parliament members are from a younger generation who will protect women`s rights, human rights and other rights of Afghans. He added that the Afghan government had no role to play in the delay of the parliament inauguration. Ghani, during his address, said that the current challenges in Afghanistan are because of the "imposed war" which has been fueled by "direct foreign support" of the Taliban. He reinforced that he would remain President of Afghanistan until the next Presidential elections, slated for September 28. The Afghan leader highlighted that the key to peace lies in unity among Afghans and in women`s participation, adding that the republic system would continue

17th legislative term of Afghan Parliament inaugurated

Afghan Taliban insurgents are battling fighters loyal to Islamic State over control of territory in eastern Afghanistan in some of the heaviest clashes over the past year between the rival militants, officials said on Wednesday.

The fighting erupted on Monday in two districts of the eastern Afghan border province of Nangarhar, when Islamic State fighters attacked villages under Taliban control.&nbsp;

"Islamic State fighters have captured six villages in Khogyani and Shirzad districts but the fighting has not stopped," said Sohrab Qaderi, a member Nangarhar`s the provincial council.

About 500 families had fled from the fighting, he said.

Casualty figures were not available.

A spokesman for the Taliban, who control more territory than at any point since they were ousted from power nearly 18 years ago, was not available for comment.

Islamic State fighters first appeared in eastern Afghanistan in around 2014 and have battled the Taliban as well as government and foreign forces.

The Afghan affiliate of Islamic State, sometimes known as Islamic State Khorasan (ISIS-K), after an old name for the region that includes Afghanistan, has made some inroads into other areas, in the north in particular.

It has also established a reputation for unusual cruelty, even by the standards of the Afghan conflict, and has been behind some of the deadliest attacks in urban centres.

While Nangarhar, on the border with Pakistan, has been an Islamic State stronghold, some villages in Khogyani and Shirzad districts have been controlled by the Taliban.

Fleeing villagers said they had to run for their lives.

"I could only rescue my family. We had to leave everything," said Shawkat, 36, a resident of Markikhel village in Shirzad district who sought safety in a neighbouring village.

Attaullah Khogyani, a spokesman for the provincial governor said, authorities would help the displaced villagers with food and medicine.

In August, more than 150 Islamic State fighters surrendered to the Afghan security forces after they were defeated by the Taliban in the northwestern province of Jawzjan.

The US military estimates there are about 2,000 Islamic State fighters in Afghanistan.

Many are former Taliban. There is scant evidence of direct links with Islamic State in the Middle East, where the group has lost territory it once held in Syria and Iraq to Western-backed forces.

Afghan Taliban insurgents are battling fighters loyal to Islamic State over control of territory in eastern Afghanistan in some of the heaviest clashes over the past year between the rival militants, officials said on Wednesday.

Afghan Taliban insurgents are battling fighters loyal to Islamic State over control of territory in eastern Afghanistan in some of the heaviest clashes over the past year between the rival militants, officials said on Wednesday. The fighting erupted on Monday in two districts of the eastern Afghan border province of Nangarhar, when Islamic State fighters attacked villages under Taliban control. "Islamic State fighters have captured six villages in Khogyani and Shirzad districts but the fighting has not stopped," said Sohrab Qaderi, a member Nangarhar`s the provincial council. About 500 families had fled from the fighting, he said. Casualty figures were not available. A spokesman for the Taliban, who control more territory than at any point since they were ousted from power nearly 18 years ago, was not available for comment. Islamic State fighters first appeared in eastern Afghanistan in around 2014 and have battled the Taliban as well as government and foreign forces. The Afghan affiliate of Islamic State, sometimes known as Islamic State Khorasan (ISIS-K), after an old name for the region that includes Afghanistan, has made some inroads into other areas, in the north in particular. It has also established a reputation for unusual cruelty, even by the standards of the Afghan conflict, and has been behind some of the deadliest attacks in urban centres. While Nangarhar, on the border with Pakistan, has been an Islamic State stronghold, some villages in Khogyani and Shirzad districts have been controlled by the Taliban. Fleeing villagers said they had to run for their lives. "I could only rescue my family. We had to leave everything," said Shawkat, 36, a resident of Markikhel village in Shirzad district who sought safety in a neighbouring village. Attaullah Khogyani, a spokesman for the provincial governor said, authorities would help the displaced villagers with food and medicine. In August, more than 150 Islamic State fighters surrendered to the Afghan security forces after they were defeated by the Taliban in the northwestern province of Jawzjan. The US military estimates there are about 2,000 Islamic State fighters in Afghanistan. Many are former Taliban. There is scant evidence of direct links with Islamic State in the Middle East, where the group has lost territory it once held in Syria and Iraq to Western-backed forces.

Heavy fighting flares between Taliban, Islamic State in Afghanistan

An upcoming conference between Afghan representatives and the Taliban appeared to be in trouble Wednesday even before it begins, with the militants deriding Kabul's plan to send 250 delegates -- several of whom have already dropped out.

President Ashraf Ghani's administration had announced Tuesday a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/hundreds-of-afghan-delegates-to-meet-with-taliban-in-doha-211107">list of people from all walks of Afghan life</a>, including some from the government, that it wants to send to the so-called intra-Afghan dialogue in Doha this weekend.

But the Taliban poured scorn on the lengthy list, saying it was not "normal" and that they had "no plans" to meet with so many people.

"The creators of (the) Kabul list must realise that this is an orderly and prearranged conference in a far-away Khaleeji (Gulf) country and not an invitation to some wedding or other party at a hotel in Kabul," Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said in a statement.

The Taliban -- who see Ghani as a US stooge and his government as a puppet regime -- also continue to insist they will not be negotiating with Kabul at the conference, and any administration officials are involved merely in a "personal capacity".

Further doubts were cast when some of those Ghani said would attend the conference announced they would not go.

Ghani's own running mate Amrullah Saleh, the former head of Afghan intelligence and a longtime Taliban critic, was among them.

The Taliban "should agree to direct &amp; focused negotiations with the Afghan government", he tweeted.

Atta Mohammad Noor, a key opposition figure and former governor of Balkh province, had also been included on the list, which was meant as an inclusive representation of Afghan society.

But Noor slammed the delegation as politically biased toward Ghani.

"We won't be attending the talks with this running order," Noor tweeted Wednesday, adding he viewed the list as Ghani's "intentional act to sabotage the peace efforts".

A senior Taliban commander based in Pakistan told AFP that the mammoth delegation showed the "Americans and their puppet Afghan government are not serious about the peaceful settlement of the issue".

Ghani met with the delegates Wednesday, giving no indication of any trouble, saying, "We and the Afghan nation expect you to return home successfully and proudly from meeting with the Taliban in Qatar." The US has been holding separate bilateral peace negotiations with the Taliban in Doha as part of a months-long peace push led by Washington.

The intra-Afghan dialogue comes as part of the effort, but the US is not believed to be attending.

Taliban expert Rahimullah Yusufzai told AFP that while the Afghan government needs to be inclusive in who it sends to Doha, "this is not realistic".

"I have seen in the list people who have no influence. You have to pick and choose, 250 is not manageable," Yusufzai said.

"The Afghan government is under pressure. With the elections coming, they don't want to make anyone angry. There are alliances to keep in mind," he added, referring to presidential elections set for September.

Yusufzai predicted the conference would be postponed, and that finding a new date might be tough before Ramadan begins next month.

The developments come as fresh violence rips across Afghanistan with the Taliban launching their so-called spring offensive.

The militants now control or influence about half the country, and last year was the deadliest yet for civilians.&nbsp;

An upcoming conference between Afghan representatives and the Taliban appeared to be in trouble Wednesday even before it begins, with the militants deriding Kabul's plan to send 250 delegates -- several of whom have already dropped out.

An upcoming conference between Afghan representatives and the Taliban appeared to be in trouble Wednesday even before it begins, with the militants deriding Kabul's plan to send 250 delegates -- several of whom have already dropped out. President Ashraf Ghani's administration had announced Tuesday a list of people from all walks of Afghan life, including some from the government, that it wants to send to the so-called intra-Afghan dialogue in Doha this weekend. But the Taliban poured scorn on the lengthy list, saying it was not "normal" and that they had "no plans" to meet with so many people. "The creators of (the) Kabul list must realise that this is an orderly and prearranged conference in a far-away Khaleeji (Gulf) country and not an invitation to some wedding or other party at a hotel in Kabul," Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said in a statement. The Taliban -- who see Ghani as a US stooge and his government as a puppet regime -- also continue to insist they will not be negotiating with Kabul at the conference, and any administration officials are involved merely in a "personal capacity". Further doubts were cast when some of those Ghani said would attend the conference announced they would not go. Ghani's own running mate Amrullah Saleh, the former head of Afghan intelligence and a longtime Taliban critic, was among them. The Taliban "should agree to direct & focused negotiations with the Afghan government", he tweeted. Atta Mohammad Noor, a key opposition figure and former governor of Balkh province, had also been included on the list, which was meant as an inclusive representation of Afghan society. But Noor slammed the delegation as politically biased toward Ghani. "We won't be attending the talks with this running order," Noor tweeted Wednesday, adding he viewed the list as Ghani's "intentional act to sabotage the peace efforts". A senior Taliban commander based in Pakistan told AFP that the mammoth delegation showed the "Americans and their puppet Afghan government are not serious about the peaceful settlement of the issue". Ghani met with the delegates Wednesday, giving no indication of any trouble, saying, "We and the Afghan nation expect you to return home successfully and proudly from meeting with the Taliban in Qatar." The US has been holding separate bilateral peace negotiations with the Taliban in Doha as part of a months-long peace push led by Washington. The intra-Afghan dialogue comes as part of the effort, but the US is not believed to be attending. Taliban expert Rahimullah Yusufzai told AFP that while the Afghan government needs to be inclusive in who it sends to Doha, "this is not realistic". "I have seen in the list people who have no influence. You have to pick and choose, 250 is not manageable," Yusufzai said. "The Afghan government is under pressure. With the elections coming, they don't want to make anyone angry. There are alliances to keep in mind," he added, referring to presidential elections set for September. Yusufzai predicted the conference would be postponed, and that finding a new date might be tough before Ramadan begins next month. The developments come as fresh violence rips across Afghanistan with the Taliban launching their so-called spring offensive. The militants now control or influence about half the country, and last year was the deadliest yet for civilians.

Peace talks in trouble as Taliban slam Afghan guest list

Three American soldiers and a US contractor were killed when their convoy hit a roadside bomb on Monday near the main US base in Afghanistan. The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack.

4 Americans die in roadside Afghanistan blast, Taliban claims responsiblity

Villagers in western Afghanistan began cleaning up Sunday after the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/flash-floods-kill-at-least-35-in-afghanistan-officials-206798">worst floods in a decade</a> swept away houses and forced many families -- already displaced by drought -- to abandon damaged homes.

Heavy rains that started early Friday and continued for two days caused flash floods in at least five provinces in western and northern parts of Afghanistan, killing at least 35 people.&nbsp;

Aside from washing away houses, the floods destroyed some internally displaced people's shelters and cut off access to remote villages across several parts of the country.

In Herat province in the west, at least 10 districts and some parts of Herat city were affected.

Video footage from Herat province showed crumpled cars buried deep in mud, collapsed walls, mud houses strewn with debris, fallen trees and people trying to rescue whatever was left of their property from the mud.

"We have lost everything here and have nothing left to survive on," Bibi Gul, a resident of Herat who had lost her house, told AFP.

Fazel Ahmad, another resident, described a similar sense of loss.

"Cows, sheep and even our pigeons are under the debris," Ahmad said.&nbsp;

Mohammad Hanif Arbabzada said about 80 per cent of the houses in his village were destroyed.

In all, more than 3,000 houses were either partially or completely destroyed, according to Hashmat Bahaduri, a spokesman for Afghanistan's National Disaster Management Authority.

Heavy snowfall across large swathes of Afghanistan this winter raised fears of severe flooding as spring approaches, following years of devastating drought.

Earlier this month, at least 20 people were killed by flash floods caused by heavy rains that swept away thousands of homes and vehicles in southern Kandahar province.

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Villagers in western Afghanistan began cleaning up Sunday after the worst floods in a decade swept away houses and forced many families -- already displaced by drought -- to abandon damaged homes.

Villagers in western Afghanistan began cleaning up Sunday after the worst floods in a decade swept away houses and forced many families -- already displaced by drought -- to abandon damaged homes. Heavy rains that started early Friday and continued for two days caused flash floods in at least five provinces in western and northern parts of Afghanistan, killing at least 35 people. Aside from washing away houses, the floods destroyed some internally displaced people's shelters and cut off access to remote villages across several parts of the country. In Herat province in the west, at least 10 districts and some parts of Herat city were affected. Video footage from Herat province showed crumpled cars buried deep in mud, collapsed walls, mud houses strewn with debris, fallen trees and people trying to rescue whatever was left of their property from the mud. "We have lost everything here and have nothing left to survive on," Bibi Gul, a resident of Herat who had lost her house, told AFP. Fazel Ahmad, another resident, described a similar sense of loss. "Cows, sheep and even our pigeons are under the debris," Ahmad said. Mohammad Hanif Arbabzada said about 80 per cent of the houses in his village were destroyed. In all, more than 3,000 houses were either partially or completely destroyed, according to Hashmat Bahaduri, a spokesman for Afghanistan's National Disaster Management Authority. Heavy snowfall across large swathes of Afghanistan this winter raised fears of severe flooding as spring approaches, following years of devastating drought. Earlier this month, at least 20 people were killed by flash floods caused by heavy rains that swept away thousands of homes and vehicles in southern Kandahar province.

'We have lost everything': Afghans describe deadly floods

The first woman to win the Afghan version of American Idol says she will fight the Taliban with her music, embracing a victory rich in symbolism as her country faces an uncertain future.

Zahra Elham won the 14th edition of Afghan Star last week, after male contestants took the prize in the hugely popular televised singing competition 13 years in a row.

Elham, from Afghanistan's ethnic Hazara minority, enchanted audiences with her high-pitched, raspy voice, performing Hazara and Persian folk music in traditional loose, colourful Afghan dresses and heels.

The result made international headlines at a time when many women in the deeply patriarchal country fear their hard-won rights may come under threat as Washington, seeking a way out of the war, holds talks with the Taliban.

Elham, who spoke to AFP in an interview at private television channel Tolo, which produces Afghan Star, appeared taken aback by her new fame more than a week on -- but determined to use it to inspire other girls.

"I was very proud of myself but at the same time shocked to be the first woman to win the contest," the young woman in her early 20s said, her hair elegantly covered with an olive green scarf, visibly still uncomfortable with a camera.&nbsp;

No one sings in her family, she said. She was inspired to compete after watching YouTube videos of idols such as Aryana Sayeed, an Afghan pop singer and social media star often likened to Kim Kardashian -- a characterisation that in conservative Afghanistan is a bold, deeply political one.

When asked if she, like Sayeed, is now a role model for Afghanistan's young women, Elham's response underscored the importance of her new platform in a country where women are largely absent from public spaces.

"Yes, my voice is important for the women of Afghanistan," she replied bluntly.

"Other girls will get courage and sing, like I have been following Aryana Sayeed ... when I saw a girl like Aryana Sayeed I thought to myself, 'If she can, so can I. She has two hands and two legs, as do I'."

'Make my future bright'

Despite her passion, Elham, who is also a Justin Bieber and Maher Zain fan, says she has no intention of going in to politics.

But if the Taliban return to some semblance of power in Afghanistan, she says, "I will fight with my music, because I want to make my life music and singing".

The Taliban used their strict interpretation of Islam to ban music and force women behind closed doors and beneath burkas during their austere rule of Afghanistan from 1996 until they were ousted in 2001.

Since then they have waged an increasingly bloody insurgency against the Afghan government and US-led international troops.

Now, as talks with the US progress, fears are sharp in Kabul that Washington may rush to exit, paving the way for the Taliban to return to some semblance of power in Afghanistan.

Young women, keenly aware of how their gender were suppressed under Taliban rule -- and still facing steep restrictions in Afghanistan today -- are among the most vocal in warning they will not compromise their rights if the insurgents return.

For now, however, Elham says her victory is a matter of pride -- and that she remains focused on her music, with plans to learn the guitar and make more video clips of herself performing.

"I see my future in music, and I can make my future bright with singing," she says.

The first woman to win the Afghan version of American Idol says she will fight the Taliban with her music, embracing a victory rich in symbolism as her country faces an uncertain future.

The first woman to win the Afghan version of American Idol says she will fight the Taliban with her music, embracing a victory rich in symbolism as her country faces an uncertain future. Zahra Elham won the 14th edition of Afghan Star last week, after male contestants took the prize in the hugely popular televised singing competition 13 years in a row. Elham, from Afghanistan's ethnic Hazara minority, enchanted audiences with her high-pitched, raspy voice, performing Hazara and Persian folk music in traditional loose, colourful Afghan dresses and heels. The result made international headlines at a time when many women in the deeply patriarchal country fear their hard-won rights may come under threat as Washington, seeking a way out of the war, holds talks with the Taliban. Elham, who spoke to AFP in an interview at private television channel Tolo, which produces Afghan Star, appeared taken aback by her new fame more than a week on -- but determined to use it to inspire other girls. "I was very proud of myself but at the same time shocked to be the first woman to win the contest," the young woman in her early 20s said, her hair elegantly covered with an olive green scarf, visibly still uncomfortable with a camera. No one sings in her family, she said. She was inspired to compete after watching YouTube videos of idols such as Aryana Sayeed, an Afghan pop singer and social media star often likened to Kim Kardashian -- a characterisation that in conservative Afghanistan is a bold, deeply political one. When asked if she, like Sayeed, is now a role model for Afghanistan's young women, Elham's response underscored the importance of her new platform in a country where women are largely absent from public spaces. "Yes, my voice is important for the women of Afghanistan," she replied bluntly. "Other girls will get courage and sing, like I have been following Aryana Sayeed ... when I saw a girl like Aryana Sayeed I thought to myself, 'If she can, so can I. She has two hands and two legs, as do I'." 'Make my future bright' Despite her passion, Elham, who is also a Justin Bieber and Maher Zain fan, says she has no intention of going in to politics. But if the Taliban return to some semblance of power in Afghanistan, she says, "I will fight with my music, because I want to make my life music and singing". The Taliban used their strict interpretation of Islam to ban music and force women behind closed doors and beneath burkas during their austere rule of Afghanistan from 1996 until they were ousted in 2001. Since then they have waged an increasingly bloody insurgency against the Afghan government and US-led international troops. Now, as talks with the US progress, fears are sharp in Kabul that Washington may rush to exit, paving the way for the Taliban to return to some semblance of power in Afghanistan. Young women, keenly aware of how their gender were suppressed under Taliban rule -- and still facing steep restrictions in Afghanistan today -- are among the most vocal in warning they will not compromise their rights if the insurgents return. For now, however, Elham says her victory is a matter of pride -- and that she remains focused on her music, with plans to learn the guitar and make more video clips of herself performing. "I see my future in music, and I can make my future bright with singing," she says.

First woman to win 'Afghan Star' TV show to fight Taliban with music

Afghanistan's vice president, Abdul Rashid Dostum, escaped unhurt from an attack that killed one of his bodyguards on Saturday, dodging death for the second time since returning from exile last year.

Attackers ambushed Dostum's convoy on the way from Mazar-i-Sharif, a city in Balkh province, to Jawzjan province in northern Afghanistan, said Bashir Ahmad Tayenj, spokesman for Dostum's Junbish Party. Two other bodyguards were wounded.

Dostum was aware of a planned attack but decided to travel anyway, the spokesman added.

No group took immediate responsibility for the apparent assassination attempt, which comes eight months after Dostum avoided injury in a suicide bombing at Kabul airport.

The attack, which was claimed by Islamic State, took place as he returned home from more than a year in exile in Turkey over allegations of torturing and abusing a political rival.

Dostum had left Afghanistan after heavy pressure from Western donors including the United States.

Less than a year since his return, the general remains a significant, if polarizing, political figure. His Junbish Party is supported mainly by his fellow ethnic Uzbeks.

Dostum has joined the election team of Afghan Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah, one of several contenders in a presidential election scheduled for September 28.

Afghanistan's vice president, Abdul Rashid Dostum, escaped unhurt from an attack that killed one of his bodyguards on Saturday, dodging death for the second time since returning from exile last year.

Afghanistan's vice president, Abdul Rashid Dostum, escaped unhurt from an attack that killed one of his bodyguards on Saturday, dodging death for the second time since returning from exile last year. Attackers ambushed Dostum's convoy on the way from Mazar-i-Sharif, a city in Balkh province, to Jawzjan province in northern Afghanistan, said Bashir Ahmad Tayenj, spokesman for Dostum's Junbish Party. Two other bodyguards were wounded. Dostum was aware of a planned attack but decided to travel anyway, the spokesman added. No group took immediate responsibility for the apparent assassination attempt, which comes eight months after Dostum avoided injury in a suicide bombing at Kabul airport. The attack, which was claimed by Islamic State, took place as he returned home from more than a year in exile in Turkey over allegations of torturing and abusing a political rival. Dostum had left Afghanistan after heavy pressure from Western donors including the United States. Less than a year since his return, the general remains a significant, if polarizing, political figure. His Junbish Party is supported mainly by his fellow ethnic Uzbeks. Dostum has joined the election team of Afghan Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah, one of several contenders in a presidential election scheduled for September 28.

Afghan vice president narrowly escapes death for a second time

Flash floods caused by heavy rains have killed at least 35 people in Afghanistan, washing away houses and cutting off access to remote villages across parts of the country, officials said Saturday.

Heavy flooding that started early Friday killed at least 12 people in the northern province of Faryab and 10 people in the western province of Herat, said Hashmat Bahaduri, a spokesman for Afghanistan's National Disaster Management Authority (ANDMA).

Eight people were killed in Badghis province in the west and five in Balkh province in the north, Bahaduri told AFP, adding that more than 3,000 houses had been destroyed.

In Herat, 10 districts and some parts of Herat city were impacted, said Jailani Farhad, spokesman for the province's governor.

"Hundreds of houses have been destroyed and thousands displaced," he said.

Mir Gulabuddin Miri, director of the Afghan Red Crescent in Herat, said access to some areas had been cut off, preventing teams from reaching affected people.

"The destruction is huge. Over 12 areas in the province have been badly hit, people have lost their houses. We've only been able to provide them with some food and blankets so far," he said.

Aid workers in the northern provinces of Faryab and Balkh have also been struggling to deliver humanitarian assistance to affected families.

"We have dispatched our food and non-food assistance for the affected families, but the scale of the disaster is massive. We need more humanitarian assistance," an ANDMA spokesman in northern Afghanistan told AFP.

Rescue and aid delivery efforts after disasters such as avalanches and flash floods -- which often hit as snow melts in the spring -- are frequently hampered by a lack of equipment in Afghanistan.

Poor infrastructure also makes it difficult for aid workers to reach isolated areas.

Earlier this month, at least 20 people were killed by flash floods caused by heavy rains that swept away thousands of homes and vehicles in southern Kandahar province.

Flash floods caused by heavy rains have killed at least 35 people in Afghanistan, washing away houses and cutting off access to remote villages across parts of the country, officials said Saturday.

Flash floods caused by heavy rains have killed at least 35 people in Afghanistan, washing away houses and cutting off access to remote villages across parts of the country, officials said Saturday. Heavy flooding that started early Friday killed at least 12 people in the northern province of Faryab and 10 people in the western province of Herat, said Hashmat Bahaduri, a spokesman for Afghanistan's National Disaster Management Authority (ANDMA). Eight people were killed in Badghis province in the west and five in Balkh province in the north, Bahaduri told AFP, adding that more than 3,000 houses had been destroyed. In Herat, 10 districts and some parts of Herat city were impacted, said Jailani Farhad, spokesman for the province's governor. "Hundreds of houses have been destroyed and thousands displaced," he said. Mir Gulabuddin Miri, director of the Afghan Red Crescent in Herat, said access to some areas had been cut off, preventing teams from reaching affected people. "The destruction is huge. Over 12 areas in the province have been badly hit, people have lost their houses. We've only been able to provide them with some food and blankets so far," he said. Aid workers in the northern provinces of Faryab and Balkh have also been struggling to deliver humanitarian assistance to affected families. "We have dispatched our food and non-food assistance for the affected families, but the scale of the disaster is massive. We need more humanitarian assistance," an ANDMA spokesman in northern Afghanistan told AFP. Rescue and aid delivery efforts after disasters such as avalanches and flash floods -- which often hit as snow melts in the spring -- are frequently hampered by a lack of equipment in Afghanistan. Poor infrastructure also makes it difficult for aid workers to reach isolated areas. Earlier this month, at least 20 people were killed by flash floods caused by heavy rains that swept away thousands of homes and vehicles in southern Kandahar province.

Flash floods kill at least 35 in Afghanistan: Officials

Afghanistan will return its ambassador to Islamabad after Pakistan clarified Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-slams-pakistan-over-imran-khans-remarks-summons-pak-diplomat-recalls-its-envoy-205858">Imran Khan`s remarks</a> that Kabul had deemed to be political interference, the Afghan foreign ministry said on Thursday.

Khan told Pakistani journalists on Monday that forming an interim Afghan government would smooth peace talks between US and Taliban officials, according to published comments.

The Afghan government recalled ambassador Atif Mashal from Islamabad the next day and demanded an explanation for remarks that it called "irresponsible."&nbsp;

The US ambassador to Afghanistan, John Bass, also rebuked Pakistan. In a tweet on Wednesday addressed to Khan, Bass told the reknowned former cricketer not to "ball-tamper" with Afghan affairs.

But after clarifications from Khan and Pakistan`s foreign ministry, Mashal will return to Islamabad, Afghan foreign ministry spokesman Sibghatullah Ahmadi said in a tweet.

The Pakistani foreign ministry said on Wednesday Khan`s comments, reported by Pakistani media outlets and picked up in Afghanistan, had been taken out of context.

Kabul has demanded an explanation from Islamabad three times in just over a month for comments related to peace talks aimed at ending 17 years of war in Afghanistan.

US and Taliban officials have held several rounds of talks but the Taliban have refused to talk directly to the Afghan government, which they consider an illegitimate "puppet" regime.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani`s mandate officially expires in May and he faces a re-election battle. But the date for the vote has been postponed twice and is now set for September 28.

Ghani has been shut out from the peace talks and is under pressure from rivals to step aside and allow a caretaker government to take over, a suggestion he has rejected.

Afghanistan will return its ambassador to Islamabad after Pakistan clarified Prime Minister Imran Khan`s remarks that Kabul had deemed to be political interference, the Afghan foreign ministry said on Thursday.

Afghanistan will return its ambassador to Islamabad after Pakistan clarified Prime Minister Imran Khan`s remarks that Kabul had deemed to be political interference, the Afghan foreign ministry said on Thursday. Khan told Pakistani journalists on Monday that forming an interim Afghan government would smooth peace talks between US and Taliban officials, according to published comments. The Afghan government recalled ambassador Atif Mashal from Islamabad the next day and demanded an explanation for remarks that it called "irresponsible." The US ambassador to Afghanistan, John Bass, also rebuked Pakistan. In a tweet on Wednesday addressed to Khan, Bass told the reknowned former cricketer not to "ball-tamper" with Afghan affairs. But after clarifications from Khan and Pakistan`s foreign ministry, Mashal will return to Islamabad, Afghan foreign ministry spokesman Sibghatullah Ahmadi said in a tweet. The Pakistani foreign ministry said on Wednesday Khan`s comments, reported by Pakistani media outlets and picked up in Afghanistan, had been taken out of context. Kabul has demanded an explanation from Islamabad three times in just over a month for comments related to peace talks aimed at ending 17 years of war in Afghanistan. US and Taliban officials have held several rounds of talks but the Taliban have refused to talk directly to the Afghan government, which they consider an illegitimate "puppet" regime. Afghan President Ashraf Ghani`s mandate officially expires in May and he faces a re-election battle. But the date for the vote has been postponed twice and is now set for September 28. Ghani has been shut out from the peace talks and is under pressure from rivals to step aside and allow a caretaker government to take over, a suggestion he has rejected.

Afghan ambassador to return to Pakistan after PM Imran Khan clarifies remark

After fighting forced Mohammad Khan, a villager from the northern Afghanistan province of Sar-e Pul, to move his family to the more secure province of Balkh last year, they quickly fell on harder times.

Khan's wife grew gravely ill, he could not find work, and struggled to feed their seven children. So in January, Khan sold their baby, just 40 days old, to a neighbour.

"I sold him for 70,000 afghanis ($929) so that my other children would not die of hunger," he said.

In a country where half the population is younger than 15, Afghanistan's 17-year war has arguably hit children the hardest. Some 927 children were killed last year, the most since records have been kept, according to a UN report released in February.

Aid workers say they are seeing a growing number of children orphaned or forced to work in the streets.

"I think the hope that used to exist, doesn't anymore," said Adele Khodr, the representative for UNICEF, the United Nations' children's agency, in Afghanistan.

Aschiana, a charity that provides school half a day for children who beg and sell in Kabul's streets, has seen the number of Afghan children at risk rise sharply in recent years as the Taliban seized more territory across the country.

It has been forced to reduce the number of children it helps, however, as its funding from donors declined, said Engineer Mohammad Yousef, Aschiana's director.

"Children do not belong to political groups, for this reason they are ignored in Afghanistan," he said, walking through dark hallways and classrooms where lights are turned off to save money. "They don't have power."

Zabiullah Mujahed, 12, is learning to draw at Aschiana and hopes to become a painter. He spends the balance of his day polishing shoes on Kabul's streets to earn up to 100 Afghanis per day ($1.32).

The money is critical to support himself, his mother and six siblings, after his father was killed in a Taliban suicide attack four years ago.

"I'm worried about when peace will come and what will happen to my future," he said. "If I don't work, my mother, brothers, and sisters will remain hungry."

LONG ROAD

Girls were banned from attending school under the Taliban government's five-year rule that ended when the Islamists were ousted by U.S.-backed forces in 2001. Enabling girls' education has been a key goal of Afghanistan's Western-backed government and its foreign allies.

But some 3.7 million school-age children are still not in school, according to a first-of-its-kind UNICEF report in June 2018.

Worsening security, poverty and migration have all made educating children more difficult in recent years, Khodr said.

Sexual abuse and trafficking of boys, a practise that exploded during Afghanistan's civil war in the 1990s, has also worsened, said Yasin Mohammadi, project manager for the non-governmental organisation Youth Health and Development Organization (YHDO).

Boys from rural areas have flocked to cities such as Kabul and Herat to find work to support families, leaving them vulnerable to those employers who take them in and molest them before circulating them to other abusers, he said.

The practice of men sexually abusing boys, known by the Dari slang term "bacha bazi" for "boy play", has been illegal in Afghanistan for only a year, and so far there are few known examples of perpetrators being sentenced.

The Afghanistan government's director of children's issues, Najib Akhlaqi, acknowledges that the situation for children is eroding. Progress is slow, but underway, he said, including drafting a national, long-term plan to help children.

"I am only one person. We can't solve all these problems," he told Reuters in an interview. "It takes a long time."

PERILS OF PEACE

Aid groups welcome the prospect of peace, but worry that the inclusion of the Taliban in any post-settlement government could see a slide back towards the hardline Islamist rule it imposed between 1996 and 2001.

The Taliban's possible role in any new Afghanistan government has not been defined as the latest round of talks with the United States wrapped up.

"The Taliban never supported children, never supported people. I think we would see a worse situation than today," said Pashtana Rasol, executive director of the Afghan Child Education and Care Organization orphanage.

Rasol, who was orphaned herself at age eight after she says the Taliban killed her father, doubts that the orphanages she runs would remain open under a Taliban-led government.

"We are raising very powerful women here," Rasol said in a Kabul orphanage where smiling girls practiced a dance routine, twirling in brightly coloured dresses. "We want the girls to be improved, to be teachers, doctors, but of course the Taliban and the fundamentalist people do not want it."

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said the fault for the war's devastating impact on Afghan children lies with "foreign invaders", adding that it has an organisation that helps orphans in areas that it controls.

If a peace accord is struck, the Taliban would encourage non-governmental organizations to continue their work in the country, but they would be under close scrutiny to ensure their activities adjust to cultural and religious values, he said.

Yousef, director of Aschiana, worries that women may not be able to work in a society with greater Taliban influence, putting more children at risk.

"Peace is very important to children," he said. "But we are looking for real peace."

After fighting forced Mohammad Khan, a villager from the northern Afghanistan province of Sar-e Pul, to move his family to the more secure province of Balkh last year, they quickly fell on harder times.

After fighting forced Mohammad Khan, a villager from the northern Afghanistan province of Sar-e Pul, to move his family to the more secure province of Balkh last year, they quickly fell on harder times. Khan's wife grew gravely ill, he could not find work, and struggled to feed their seven children. So in January, Khan sold their baby, just 40 days old, to a neighbour. "I sold him for 70,000 afghanis ($929) so that my other children would not die of hunger," he said. In a country where half the population is younger than 15, Afghanistan's 17-year war has arguably hit children the hardest. Some 927 children were killed last year, the most since records have been kept, according to a UN report released in February. Aid workers say they are seeing a growing number of children orphaned or forced to work in the streets. "I think the hope that used to exist, doesn't anymore," said Adele Khodr, the representative for UNICEF, the United Nations' children's agency, in Afghanistan. Aschiana, a charity that provides school half a day for children who beg and sell in Kabul's streets, has seen the number of Afghan children at risk rise sharply in recent years as the Taliban seized more territory across the country. It has been forced to reduce the number of children it helps, however, as its funding from donors declined, said Engineer Mohammad Yousef, Aschiana's director. "Children do not belong to political groups, for this reason they are ignored in Afghanistan," he said, walking through dark hallways and classrooms where lights are turned off to save money. "They don't have power." Zabiullah Mujahed, 12, is learning to draw at Aschiana and hopes to become a painter. He spends the balance of his day polishing shoes on Kabul's streets to earn up to 100 Afghanis per day ($1.32). The money is critical to support himself, his mother and six siblings, after his father was killed in a Taliban suicide attack four years ago. "I'm worried about when peace will come and what will happen to my future," he said. "If I don't work, my mother, brothers, and sisters will remain hungry." LONG ROAD Girls were banned from attending school under the Taliban government's five-year rule that ended when the Islamists were ousted by U.S.-backed forces in 2001. Enabling girls' education has been a key goal of Afghanistan's Western-backed government and its foreign allies. But some 3.7 million school-age children are still not in school, according to a first-of-its-kind UNICEF report in June 2018. Worsening security, poverty and migration have all made educating children more difficult in recent years, Khodr said. Sexual abuse and trafficking of boys, a practise that exploded during Afghanistan's civil war in the 1990s, has also worsened, said Yasin Mohammadi, project manager for the non-governmental organisation Youth Health and Development Organization (YHDO). Boys from rural areas have flocked to cities such as Kabul and Herat to find work to support families, leaving them vulnerable to those employers who take them in and molest them before circulating them to other abusers, he said. The practice of men sexually abusing boys, known by the Dari slang term "bacha bazi" for "boy play", has been illegal in Afghanistan for only a year, and so far there are few known examples of perpetrators being sentenced. The Afghanistan government's director of children's issues, Najib Akhlaqi, acknowledges that the situation for children is eroding. Progress is slow, but underway, he said, including drafting a national, long-term plan to help children. "I am only one person. We can't solve all these problems," he told Reuters in an interview. "It takes a long time." PERILS OF PEACE Aid groups welcome the prospect of peace, but worry that the inclusion of the Taliban in any post-settlement government could see a slide back towards the hardline Islamist rule it imposed between 1996 and 2001. The Taliban's possible role in any new Afghanistan government has not been defined as the latest round of talks with the United States wrapped up. "The Taliban never supported children, never supported people. I think we would see a worse situation than today," said Pashtana Rasol, executive director of the Afghan Child Education and Care Organization orphanage. Rasol, who was orphaned herself at age eight after she says the Taliban killed her father, doubts that the orphanages she runs would remain open under a Taliban-led government. "We are raising very powerful women here," Rasol said in a Kabul orphanage where smiling girls practiced a dance routine, twirling in brightly coloured dresses. "We want the girls to be improved, to be teachers, doctors, but of course the Taliban and the fundamentalist people do not want it." Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said the fault for the war's devastating impact on Afghan children lies with "foreign invaders", adding that it has an organisation that helps orphans in areas that it controls. If a peace accord is struck, the Taliban would encourage non-governmental organizations to continue their work in the country, but they would be under close scrutiny to ensure their activities adjust to cultural and religious values, he said. Yousef, director of Aschiana, worries that women may not be able to work in a society with greater Taliban influence, putting more children at risk. "Peace is very important to children," he said. "But we are looking for real peace."

Killed, orphaned, sold: Afghan war takes brutal toll on children

Each time Aryana Sayeed, one of Afghanistan`s most famous singers, returns to the country of her birth, she braves threats and endures scrutiny right down to her choice of clothes.

Still, she returns often, as much to encourage women in a restrictive country as to share her music, a mix of pop and traditional songs.

"It`s really hard for me as a female singer to carry on with my work in Afghanistan with the type of pressure that I have on my mind, the threats that I get on a regular basis, the attacks on social media," she said in an interview in Kabul.

"I get messages, scary ones actually."&nbsp;

Aryana, as she is usually known, had just finished performing last week on Afghan Star, a televised singing competition.

In 2017, Aryana enraged conservative Afghans when she was photographed wearing a self-coloured dress at a Paris concert. Clerics threatened that she would be killed if she returned to perform a scheduled concert in Kabul.

She performed anyway.

"People love to hear her voice. But they don`t love her," said filmmaker Sadam Wahidi, who is working on a documentary about Aryana, who is often compared to Hollywood reality star Kim Kardashian.

Aryana`s success in Afghanistan and among Afghans living abroad illustrates how much the treatment of women has changed since the 2001 ouster of the Taliban by US-led forces. But the vitriol she draws shows how intractable some attitudes remain.&nbsp;

Born in Kabul, she fled Afghanistan`s civil war at age 8 with her family, stopping in Pakistan, then Switzerland. After the family`s asylum case was rejected, they hired a smuggler to get to London and settled down.&nbsp;

Aryana, 34, now splits her time between Kabul and Istanbul.

'SO SCARY'

In her home city, Aryana travels by armoured vehicle, but more often she lives in isolation.&nbsp;

"I’m basically a prisoner in my own room," she said. "All I do is go to my room and back to the set and record the show.”

Women have gained the right to work and girls can attend school since the Taliban government fell.

It is a stark contrast to life under the hardline Islamists, when women were banned even from appearing in public without a male relative or with faces uncovered. Playing musical instruments was also forbidden.

Still, rural Afghanistan remains more conservative than the cities, and many people object to Aryana`s clothing and her promotion of women`s rights.&nbsp;

"Aryana Sayeed`s concerts are not in accordance with our society and Islam," said Layeq Khan Wahdat, 26, a resident of Paktika province. "Dress-up like this can promote prostitution and seduction."

Aryana`s latest return to Afghanistan came as the United States discusses peace with the Taliban to end the 17-year war. The prospect of re-integration of the Taliban is chilling to the singer.

"That’s so scary even to think about it," she said. "I don’t want to accept that this is my last concert. If they come with the same mindset, I’m afraid the rights of women will be taken away from them again.”

The Taliban have said their return to Afghan society would be less harsh and that they do not oppose women`s education or employment; however they are against women wearing "alien culture clothes."

At her Afghan Star performance, Aryana wore a tight-fitting white jumpsuit and cape, with no headscarf.&nbsp;

TOLO TV, Afghanistan`s largest private station that airs the singing show, closely cropped images of her in the outfit to display her only from the chest up.

Several hundred young women wearing headscarves watched in the studio audience admiringly and dozens mobbed her afterwards for photos.

"The Taliban are always trying to cut off the voices of women," said a teenage girl, 17. "But it was Aryana Sayeed who taught us that `you are not weak`."

Each time Aryana Sayeed, one of Afghanistan`s most famous singers, returns to the country of her birth, she braves threats and endures scrutiny right down to her choice of clothes.

Each time Aryana Sayeed, one of Afghanistan`s most famous singers, returns to the country of her birth, she braves threats and endures scrutiny right down to her choice of clothes. Still, she returns often, as much to encourage women in a restrictive country as to share her music, a mix of pop and traditional songs. "It`s really hard for me as a female singer to carry on with my work in Afghanistan with the type of pressure that I have on my mind, the threats that I get on a regular basis, the attacks on social media," she said in an interview in Kabul. "I get messages, scary ones actually." Aryana, as she is usually known, had just finished performing last week on Afghan Star, a televised singing competition. In 2017, Aryana enraged conservative Afghans when she was photographed wearing a self-coloured dress at a Paris concert. Clerics threatened that she would be killed if she returned to perform a scheduled concert in Kabul. She performed anyway. "People love to hear her voice. But they don`t love her," said filmmaker Sadam Wahidi, who is working on a documentary about Aryana, who is often compared to Hollywood reality star Kim Kardashian. Aryana`s success in Afghanistan and among Afghans living abroad illustrates how much the treatment of women has changed since the 2001 ouster of the Taliban by US-led forces. But the vitriol she draws shows how intractable some attitudes remain. Born in Kabul, she fled Afghanistan`s civil war at age 8 with her family, stopping in Pakistan, then Switzerland. After the family`s asylum case was rejected, they hired a smuggler to get to London and settled down. Aryana, 34, now splits her time between Kabul and Istanbul. 'SO SCARY' In her home city, Aryana travels by armoured vehicle, but more often she lives in isolation. "I’m basically a prisoner in my own room," she said. "All I do is go to my room and back to the set and record the show.” Women have gained the right to work and girls can attend school since the Taliban government fell. It is a stark contrast to life under the hardline Islamists, when women were banned even from appearing in public without a male relative or with faces uncovered. Playing musical instruments was also forbidden. Still, rural Afghanistan remains more conservative than the cities, and many people object to Aryana`s clothing and her promotion of women`s rights. "Aryana Sayeed`s concerts are not in accordance with our society and Islam," said Layeq Khan Wahdat, 26, a resident of Paktika province. "Dress-up like this can promote prostitution and seduction." Aryana`s latest return to Afghanistan came as the United States discusses peace with the Taliban to end the 17-year war. The prospect of re-integration of the Taliban is chilling to the singer. "That’s so scary even to think about it," she said. "I don’t want to accept that this is my last concert. If they come with the same mindset, I’m afraid the rights of women will be taken away from them again.” The Taliban have said their return to Afghan society would be less harsh and that they do not oppose women`s education or employment; however they are against women wearing "alien culture clothes." At her Afghan Star performance, Aryana wore a tight-fitting white jumpsuit and cape, with no headscarf. TOLO TV, Afghanistan`s largest private station that airs the singing show, closely cropped images of her in the outfit to display her only from the chest up. Several hundred young women wearing headscarves watched in the studio audience admiringly and dozens mobbed her afterwards for photos. "The Taliban are always trying to cut off the voices of women," said a teenage girl, 17. "But it was Aryana Sayeed who taught us that `you are not weak`."

Defying threats, Afghan singer Aryana comes home for women

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