Pakistan continues to use Afghan Taliban as a hedge against India, a top American commander has told lawmakers, as he expressed the US frustration over Islamabad's failure to take concrete steps to deny safe havens to terrorist groups.&nbsp;

Marine Corps Lt Genenral Kenneth McKenzie's remarks came days after US President Donald Trump sought Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's help in the Afghan peace process.&nbsp;

The Trump administration, in the recent months, has intensified its efforts to seek a negotiated settlement of America's longest war in Afghanistan where the US has lost over 2,400 soldiers since late 2001, when it invaded the country after the 9/11 terror attacks.

The Taliban are fighting to flush out US-led international forces and re-establish their regime in Afghanistan after their ouster in 2001.&nbsp;

"Pakistan is an essential element in long-term stability in Afghanistan," McKenzie told members of the Senate Armed Services Committee Tuesday during his confirmation hearing for commander of the US Central Command (CENTCOM).

Pakistan could play a key role in facilitating talks between the Taliban and government of Afghanistan, he said.

"Pakistan does not appear to be using the full extent of its influence to encourage the Taliban to come to the table," he said.

"We continue to see the Taliban being utilised as a hedge against India rather than as part of a stable, reconciled Afghanistan," McKenzie said.

His answers to the Senate Armed Services Committee come after it became public that Trump has written a letter to Imran Khan, seeking his help in the Afghan peace process.

"President Trump sent a letter to Prime Minister Khan, requesting Pakistan's full support to the US-led Afghan peace process and Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad's upcoming trip to the region," a spokesperson of the National Security Council, White House, told PTI.

"In the letter, the President recognises that Pakistan has the ability to deny the Taliban sanctuary on its territory," the spokesperson said.&nbsp;

"The letter also makes it clear that Pakistan's assistance with the Afghan peace process is fundamental to building an enduring US-Pakistan partnership," the spokesperson said.

McKenzie told lawmakers that he did not see much of a change in Pakistan's behaviour towards Afghanistan or its stand against terrorist groups. 
Despite Pakistan's positive rhetoric in support of the US' South Asia Strategy, violent extremist organisations (VEOs) operate along its border with Afghanistan, he said.

"While Pakistan has conducted some operations against VEOs in the country, they must continue to expand these operations and remain aggressively engaged," McKenzie said.

"Taking concrete steps that deny VEO safe havens in Pakistan, as well as VEO freedom of movement from Pakistan to Afghanistan, remains an important task that Pakistan needs to fulfil. Pakistan must leverage their influence over the Taliban leadership to help compel them to come to the table for reconciliation negotiations," he added.&nbsp;

McKenzie said the US CENTCOM would continue to support the State Department as it works towards a diplomatic solution to the conflict in Afghanistan which includes ensuring that Islamabad's equities are acknowledged in any future agreement.

"Pakistan's action or inaction, as it relates to stability in Afghanistan, has often led to US's frustration," he said, adding that stability in the South Asia region remains the most important mutual strategic interest for both the US and Pakistan.

"We must continue to engage with the Pakistani leadership to realise how we can achieve this mutual interest," McKenzie said.&nbsp;

"I do believe that any solution in Afghanistan is going to require the assistance of Pakistan. It has to be a regional solution, not just a solution centred in Afghanistan," he said.&nbsp;

It is in Pakistan's long-term interest to have a government in Afghanistan that is stable, and that that they can do business with, he said.&nbsp;

"So I think Pakistan has not shown indications, by and large over the last few years, of being a serious partner in this regard," McKenzie said.&nbsp;

US Special Representative for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad on Tuesday met Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi in Islamabad. McKenzie said that the meeting was to see if the US can find some way forward. It will be hard to reach a settlement without some form of assistance or Pakistan.&nbsp;

"Probably Pakistan knows very clearly that their assistance will be required to reach an end-state in Afghanistan. I think the task that we have is to make it attractive to them so that they see that it is in their best interest to do that,"McKenzie said.

Pakistan continues to use Afghan Taliban as a hedge against India, a top American commander has told lawmakers, as he expressed the US frustration over Islamabad's failure to take concrete steps to deny safe havens to terrorist groups.

Pakistan continues to use Afghan Taliban as a hedge against India, a top American commander has told lawmakers, as he expressed the US frustration over Islamabad's failure to take concrete steps to deny safe havens to terrorist groups. Marine Corps Lt Genenral Kenneth McKenzie's remarks came days after US President Donald Trump sought Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's help in the Afghan peace process. The Trump administration, in the recent months, has intensified its efforts to seek a negotiated settlement of America's longest war in Afghanistan where the US has lost over 2,400 soldiers since late 2001, when it invaded the country after the 9/11 terror attacks. The Taliban are fighting to flush out US-led international forces and re-establish their regime in Afghanistan after their ouster in 2001. "Pakistan is an essential element in long-term stability in Afghanistan," McKenzie told members of the Senate Armed Services Committee Tuesday during his confirmation hearing for commander of the US Central Command (CENTCOM). Pakistan could play a key role in facilitating talks between the Taliban and government of Afghanistan, he said. "Pakistan does not appear to be using the full extent of its influence to encourage the Taliban to come to the table," he said. "We continue to see the Taliban being utilised as a hedge against India rather than as part of a stable, reconciled Afghanistan," McKenzie said. His answers to the Senate Armed Services Committee come after it became public that Trump has written a letter to Imran Khan, seeking his help in the Afghan peace process. "President Trump sent a letter to Prime Minister Khan, requesting Pakistan's full support to the US-led Afghan peace process and Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad's upcoming trip to the region," a spokesperson of the National Security Council, White House, told PTI. "In the letter, the President recognises that Pakistan has the ability to deny the Taliban sanctuary on its territory," the spokesperson said. "The letter also makes it clear that Pakistan's assistance with the Afghan peace process is fundamental to building an enduring US-Pakistan partnership," the spokesperson said. McKenzie told lawmakers that he did not see much of a change in Pakistan's behaviour towards Afghanistan or its stand against terrorist groups. Despite Pakistan's positive rhetoric in support of the US' South Asia Strategy, violent extremist organisations (VEOs) operate along its border with Afghanistan, he said. "While Pakistan has conducted some operations against VEOs in the country, they must continue to expand these operations and remain aggressively engaged," McKenzie said. "Taking concrete steps that deny VEO safe havens in Pakistan, as well as VEO freedom of movement from Pakistan to Afghanistan, remains an important task that Pakistan needs to fulfil. Pakistan must leverage their influence over the Taliban leadership to help compel them to come to the table for reconciliation negotiations," he added. McKenzie said the US CENTCOM would continue to support the State Department as it works towards a diplomatic solution to the conflict in Afghanistan which includes ensuring that Islamabad's equities are acknowledged in any future agreement. "Pakistan's action or inaction, as it relates to stability in Afghanistan, has often led to US's frustration," he said, adding that stability in the South Asia region remains the most important mutual strategic interest for both the US and Pakistan. "We must continue to engage with the Pakistani leadership to realise how we can achieve this mutual interest," McKenzie said. "I do believe that any solution in Afghanistan is going to require the assistance of Pakistan. It has to be a regional solution, not just a solution centred in Afghanistan," he said. It is in Pakistan's long-term interest to have a government in Afghanistan that is stable, and that that they can do business with, he said. "So I think Pakistan has not shown indications, by and large over the last few years, of being a serious partner in this regard," McKenzie said. US Special Representative for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad on Tuesday met Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi in Islamabad. McKenzie said that the meeting was to see if the US can find some way forward. It will be hard to reach a settlement without some form of assistance or Pakistan. "Probably Pakistan knows very clearly that their assistance will be required to reach an end-state in Afghanistan. I think the task that we have is to make it attractive to them so that they see that it is in their best interest to do that,"McKenzie said.

Pakistan continues to use Afghan Taliban as hedge against India: US commander

A United Nations investigation has found that at least 23 Afghan civilians, most of them women and children, were killed in a US airstrike in the southern province of Helmand this week, the latest in a growing toll of casualties from air operations.

The US military says it is investigating the incident on Tuesday in which a helicopter hit a compound during a joint operation with US and Afghan forces in Garmsir district in Helmand.

Local residents said at least 30 people were killed in the strike ,which came amid a surge in air operations as the US military takes a more aggressive approach to force the Taliban towards peace negotiations.

The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan noted a sharp increase in civilian casualties from air strikes and said it was particularly concerned that children have been hit.

"Initial findings indicate that the vast majority of the victims were women and children," it said in a statement on the latest incident in Helmand.

"The Mission is actively working to verify information indicating up to 10 children were killed along with eight women, and three children were injured, including an eight-year-old boy."

According to UN figures, there were 649 civilian casualties from air strikes in the first nine months of the year, more than in any entire year since at least 2009, when UNAMA began systematic documentation of casualty figures.

In the first nine months of the year, US aircraft released 5,213 weapons, more than in any other year since 2011 when there were more than 100,000 US troops in Afghanistan.

A United Nations investigation has found that at least 23 Afghan civilians, most of them women and children, were killed in a US airstrike in the southern province of Helmand this week, the latest in a growing toll of casualties from air operations.

A United Nations investigation has found that at least 23 Afghan civilians, most of them women and children, were killed in a US airstrike in the southern province of Helmand this week, the latest in a growing toll of casualties from air operations. The US military says it is investigating the incident on Tuesday in which a helicopter hit a compound during a joint operation with US and Afghan forces in Garmsir district in Helmand. Local residents said at least 30 people were killed in the strike ,which came amid a surge in air operations as the US military takes a more aggressive approach to force the Taliban towards peace negotiations. The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan noted a sharp increase in civilian casualties from air strikes and said it was particularly concerned that children have been hit. "Initial findings indicate that the vast majority of the victims were women and children," it said in a statement on the latest incident in Helmand. "The Mission is actively working to verify information indicating up to 10 children were killed along with eight women, and three children were injured, including an eight-year-old boy." According to UN figures, there were 649 civilian casualties from air strikes in the first nine months of the year, more than in any entire year since at least 2009, when UNAMA began systematic documentation of casualty figures. In the first nine months of the year, US aircraft released 5,213 weapons, more than in any other year since 2011 when there were more than 100,000 US troops in Afghanistan.

At least 23 Afghan civilians killed in US, Helmand air strike: United Nations

At least 22 police were killed in a Taliban ambush in western Afghanistan, a health official said Monday, in another blow to Afghan forces already suffering record casualties.&nbsp;

The attack on the police convoy in Farah province on Sunday also wounded at least two officers, said Shir Ahmad Weda, director of the public hospital in the provincial capital.

The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack in a WhatsApp message, saying 25 police were killed and four wounded.

"Four vehicles were destroyed and a large quantity of weapons were seized," Qari Yousuf Ahmadi, a spokesman for the militants, added.

The Taliban have stepped up attacks on Afghan security forces in recent months, inflicting record casualties even as efforts to engage the militants in peace talks intensify.&nbsp;

At least 22 police were killed in a Taliban ambush in western Afghanistan, a health official said Monday, in another blow to Afghan forces already suffering record casualties.

At least 22 police were killed in a Taliban ambush in western Afghanistan, a health official said Monday, in another blow to Afghan forces already suffering record casualties. The attack on the police convoy in Farah province on Sunday also wounded at least two officers, said Shir Ahmad Weda, director of the public hospital in the provincial capital. The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack in a WhatsApp message, saying 25 police were killed and four wounded. "Four vehicles were destroyed and a large quantity of weapons were seized," Qari Yousuf Ahmadi, a spokesman for the militants, added. The Taliban have stepped up attacks on Afghan security forces in recent months, inflicting record casualties even as efforts to engage the militants in peace talks intensify.

At least 22 Afghan police killed in Taliban ambush: Official

A leader of Afghanistan`s highest religious body was assassinated in Kabul on Saturday, a senior interior ministry official said, an attack that came four days after 55 religious scholars were killed in a suicide attack in the capital.

Mawlawi Abdul Basir Haqqani, the leader of Kabul Ulema Council was shot dead. His body was found near a residential area of Kabul, a senior police official said on conditions of anonymity.&nbsp;

Haqqani`s murder comes when members of the council are coping with the aftermath of a devastating suicide attack that killed 55 religious scholars and wounded over 90 men who had gathered in a banquet hall in Kabul to celebrate the birth anniversary of Prophet Mohammad.

Afghanistan`s Ulema Council is a government-funded, but autonomous body of religious clerics. It was set up after the fall of the Taliban in 2002 and has a presence across 34 provinces of Afghanistan. Haqqani was leading the Kabul chapter of the council.

As of 2018, the council had more than 2,500 members — religious scholars and clerics, both Sunni and Shi`ite.

Their role is mainly to perform religious ceremonies, advise the government on matters of Islamic jurisprudence. Members of the council have supported a peaceful solution to the Afghan war, but the Taliban views them as "religious puppets of the Western-backed government".&nbsp;

On Friday, 27 members of Afganistan`s army were killed when a suicide bomber detonated his explosives inside a mosque during Friday prayers in southeastern Khost province.

A leader of Afghanistan`s highest religious body was assassinated in Kabul on Saturday, a senior interior ministry official said, an attack that came four days after 55 religious scholars were killed in a suicide attack in the capital.

A leader of Afghanistan`s highest religious body was assassinated in Kabul on Saturday, a senior interior ministry official said, an attack that came four days after 55 religious scholars were killed in a suicide attack in the capital. Mawlawi Abdul Basir Haqqani, the leader of Kabul Ulema Council was shot dead. His body was found near a residential area of Kabul, a senior police official said on conditions of anonymity. Haqqani`s murder comes when members of the council are coping with the aftermath of a devastating suicide attack that killed 55 religious scholars and wounded over 90 men who had gathered in a banquet hall in Kabul to celebrate the birth anniversary of Prophet Mohammad. Afghanistan`s Ulema Council is a government-funded, but autonomous body of religious clerics. It was set up after the fall of the Taliban in 2002 and has a presence across 34 provinces of Afghanistan. Haqqani was leading the Kabul chapter of the council. As of 2018, the council had more than 2,500 members — religious scholars and clerics, both Sunni and Shi`ite. Their role is mainly to perform religious ceremonies, advise the government on matters of Islamic jurisprudence. Members of the council have supported a peaceful solution to the Afghan war, but the Taliban views them as "religious puppets of the Western-backed government". On Friday, 27 members of Afganistan`s army were killed when a suicide bomber detonated his explosives inside a mosque during Friday prayers in southeastern Khost province.

Senior cleric in Afghanistan's top religious body killed

Afghan opium producers were hit hard by the worst drought in living memory this year and excessive supply, with output and prices falling sharply as the area under poppy cultivation shrank, an annual survey said Monday.

In sharp contrast to a bumper 2017, the value of opium -- a key source of funding for the Taliban -- as it left poppy-growing farms fell 56 per cent to $604 million, the UN Office on Drugs and Crime said.

Potential opium production from this year's harvest dropped 29 per cent to 6,400 tons -- partially reversing last year's 87 per cent increase -- as cultivation shrank by 20 per cent and yields fell.

The sharp drop in area under cultivation to 263,000 hectares (650,000 acres) was still the second-highest level since systemic opium poppy monitoring began in 1994, according to the Afghanistan Opium Survey, jointly compiled by the UNODC and the Afghan counter-narcotics ministry.

Crops failed on a "major scale" across northern and western Afghanistan due to the dry spell, the report said. Nearly 70 per cent of poppy cultivation was in the militant stronghold of southern Afghanistan.

The Taliban has long profited from poppies by taxing farmers and traffickers, and running their own drug-making factories that turn raw opium into morphine or heroin for export.

Despite falling prices, which the report said was due to the high level of supply in the market, the lack of alternative cash crops has left many Afghan farmers hooked on growing opium poppies.

"Opium poppy has become a crucial component of the Afghan economy that secures the livelihoods of many Afghans who engage in cultivation, work on poppy fields or partake in the illicit drug trade," the report said.

Opium poppy weeding and harvesting alone provided up to 354,000 full-time jobs in 2017 in rural areas, it added.

Agricultural advances, including the use of solar-powered irrigation systems, fertilisers and pesticides, also may have made opium production viable even "under unfavourable natural conditions and falling prices".

Afghan-led efforts to eradicate opium poppies failed to make much of a dent in the illicit industry, with only 406 hectares cleared in four provinces, compared with 750 hectares in 14 provinces last year. Only 10 of Afghanistan's 34 provinces are considered poppy-free, unchanged from 2017.

International donors have spent billions of dollars on counter-narcotics efforts in Afghanistan over the past decade, including efforts to encourage farmers to switch to other cash crops such as saffron. But those efforts have shown little results.

Addiction levels have also risen sharply -- from almost nothing under the 1996-2001 Taliban regime -- giving rise to a new generation of addicts since the 2001 US-led invasion of Afghanistan.

Afghan opium producers were hit hard by the worst drought in living memory this year and excessive supply, with output and prices falling sharply as the area under poppy cultivation shrank, an annual survey said Monday.

Afghan opium producers were hit hard by the worst drought in living memory this year and excessive supply, with output and prices falling sharply as the area under poppy cultivation shrank, an annual survey said Monday. In sharp contrast to a bumper 2017, the value of opium -- a key source of funding for the Taliban -- as it left poppy-growing farms fell 56 per cent to $604 million, the UN Office on Drugs and Crime said. Potential opium production from this year's harvest dropped 29 per cent to 6,400 tons -- partially reversing last year's 87 per cent increase -- as cultivation shrank by 20 per cent and yields fell. The sharp drop in area under cultivation to 263,000 hectares (650,000 acres) was still the second-highest level since systemic opium poppy monitoring began in 1994, according to the Afghanistan Opium Survey, jointly compiled by the UNODC and the Afghan counter-narcotics ministry. Crops failed on a "major scale" across northern and western Afghanistan due to the dry spell, the report said. Nearly 70 per cent of poppy cultivation was in the militant stronghold of southern Afghanistan. The Taliban has long profited from poppies by taxing farmers and traffickers, and running their own drug-making factories that turn raw opium into morphine or heroin for export. Despite falling prices, which the report said was due to the high level of supply in the market, the lack of alternative cash crops has left many Afghan farmers hooked on growing opium poppies. "Opium poppy has become a crucial component of the Afghan economy that secures the livelihoods of many Afghans who engage in cultivation, work on poppy fields or partake in the illicit drug trade," the report said. Opium poppy weeding and harvesting alone provided up to 354,000 full-time jobs in 2017 in rural areas, it added. Agricultural advances, including the use of solar-powered irrigation systems, fertilisers and pesticides, also may have made opium production viable even "under unfavourable natural conditions and falling prices". Afghan-led efforts to eradicate opium poppies failed to make much of a dent in the illicit industry, with only 406 hectares cleared in four provinces, compared with 750 hectares in 14 provinces last year. Only 10 of Afghanistan's 34 provinces are considered poppy-free, unchanged from 2017. International donors have spent billions of dollars on counter-narcotics efforts in Afghanistan over the past decade, including efforts to encourage farmers to switch to other cash crops such as saffron. But those efforts have shown little results. Addiction levels have also risen sharply -- from almost nothing under the 1996-2001 Taliban regime -- giving rise to a new generation of addicts since the 2001 US-led invasion of Afghanistan.

Afghan opium producers hit hard by drought in 2018

The meeting in Moscow last week, which saw the participation of a Taliban delegation and officials from nearly a dozen countries, was the first and positive step towards ensuring a long-lasting peace in Afghanistan, former Afghan President Hamid Karzai said.

Karzai told Kazakhstan State TV on Friday that no representative from the Afghan government had participated in direct negotiations between the Taliban and US officials in Qatar. He also expressed hope that such meetings would break the ice in ending the decades-long war in the country, TOLOnews reported.

"In the peace talks in Moscow, which was the first time such a talk was taking place in a major regional capital of the world with the neighbours of Afghanistan all present there including from Kazakhstan and where delegations of the Taliban and delegations of the Afghan Peace Council sat together, the Afghan ambassador was there in that meeting, so, we see it as a positive step, a first step, that will definitely give us results and we hope it will continue to keep convening and keep looking for a solution eventually that suits all of us," Karzai elaborated in the interview.

Karzai's comments came as Zalmay Khalilzad, the US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Ambassador, who is on a four-nation visit to Afghanistan, Pakistan, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar from November 8 to 20, held the second round of talks pertaining to the Afghan peace process.

Khalizad is slated to visit Afghanistan later on Saturday after concluding the deliberations with Afghan, Emirati and Saudi officials in Abu Dhabi. The US envoy also met with Taliban representatives in Doha earlier this week.

During the meeting that was held in Moscow on November 9, the Taliban said that the withdrawal of foreign forces from Afghanistan is the only way for maintaining peace and security in the region. Quoting sources, Tolo News reported that the statement was passed by the Taliban representatives who attended the meeting.

A delegation of Afghanistan's High Peace Council (HPC) members, which also attended the summit, in addition, said that the Afghan government would not need the help of any foreign power after peace is established.

The meeting was inaugurated by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov who looked forward to establishing direct talks between Kabul and the Taliban.

He said that the meeting was aimed at removing the Islamic State (IS) terrorists entirely from Afghanistan that has almost become a permanent base point from where terrorist attacks are being carried out in Central Asia and further.

The Afghan foreign ministry said that the Ashraf Ghani administration would welcome efforts by any country that could help in establishing peace and stability in the war-torn country.

The meeting in Moscow last week, which saw the participation of a Taliban delegation and officials from nearly a dozen countries, was the first and positive step towards ensuring a long-lasting peace in Afghanistan, former Afghan President Hamid Karzai said.

The meeting in Moscow last week, which saw the participation of a Taliban delegation and officials from nearly a dozen countries, was the first and positive step towards ensuring a long-lasting peace in Afghanistan, former Afghan President Hamid Karzai said. Karzai told Kazakhstan State TV on Friday that no representative from the Afghan government had participated in direct negotiations between the Taliban and US officials in Qatar. He also expressed hope that such meetings would break the ice in ending the decades-long war in the country, TOLOnews reported. "In the peace talks in Moscow, which was the first time such a talk was taking place in a major regional capital of the world with the neighbours of Afghanistan all present there including from Kazakhstan and where delegations of the Taliban and delegations of the Afghan Peace Council sat together, the Afghan ambassador was there in that meeting, so, we see it as a positive step, a first step, that will definitely give us results and we hope it will continue to keep convening and keep looking for a solution eventually that suits all of us," Karzai elaborated in the interview. Karzai's comments came as Zalmay Khalilzad, the US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Ambassador, who is on a four-nation visit to Afghanistan, Pakistan, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar from November 8 to 20, held the second round of talks pertaining to the Afghan peace process. Khalizad is slated to visit Afghanistan later on Saturday after concluding the deliberations with Afghan, Emirati and Saudi officials in Abu Dhabi. The US envoy also met with Taliban representatives in Doha earlier this week. During the meeting that was held in Moscow on November 9, the Taliban said that the withdrawal of foreign forces from Afghanistan is the only way for maintaining peace and security in the region. Quoting sources, Tolo News reported that the statement was passed by the Taliban representatives who attended the meeting. A delegation of Afghanistan's High Peace Council (HPC) members, which also attended the summit, in addition, said that the Afghan government would not need the help of any foreign power after peace is established. The meeting was inaugurated by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov who looked forward to establishing direct talks between Kabul and the Taliban. He said that the meeting was aimed at removing the Islamic State (IS) terrorists entirely from Afghanistan that has almost become a permanent base point from where terrorist attacks are being carried out in Central Asia and further. The Afghan foreign ministry said that the Ashraf Ghani administration would welcome efforts by any country that could help in establishing peace and stability in the war-torn country.

'Moscow summit first step towards peace in Afghanistan', says former president

The US special envoy for Afghanistan is trying to reassure the US-backed government in Kabul that it will not be shut out of a peace process with the Taliban, after it complained of being side-lined from talks, officials said on Friday.

The US envoy, Zalmay Khalilzad, wants representatives of Afghan society to join talks aimed at ending the 17-year war between the Western-backed government and the Islamist Taliban, who were ousted from power by US-led forces in 2001.

Khalilzad, an Afghan-born US diplomat, met Taliban leaders in Qatar last month to try to push talks forward but the Taliban have long rejected direct talks with the elected government, led by President Ashraf Ghani.

"Ghani and many Afghan politicians felt that the US was shutting them out of the peace talks," said a close aide to Ghani.

"Khalilzad cleared the differences by meeting top Afghan politicians, civil society members and women to prove that US will not isolate Afghans during next round of peace talks," he said.

Ghani`s office declined to comment.

The Taliban are fighting to expel foreign forces and defeat the Western-backed government.

The United States has for years resisted getting involved in direct talks with the militants, saying the process must be "Afghan-owned and Afghan-led".

The Taliban last month presented demands to Khalilzad that included a timeline for the withdrawal of US troops and the release of senior Taliban from jails in Afghanistan and Pakistan.&nbsp;

In October, Pakistan released one of the co-founders of the Taliban and another high-ranking commander.

No date has been announced for another round of talks but the Taliban have stepped up their attacks on government forces, inflicting hundreds of casualties over recent weeks in assaults in different parts of the country.

A senior government official in Kabul said Khalilzad wanted Afghan society represented in talks.

"Ambassador Khalilzad met men and women from all walks of the Afghan society to bring them together as a stakeholder in talks with the Taliban," the government official said.

The emphasis on "Afghan society" appeared aimed at persuading the Taliban to accept an Afghan delegation that does not officially represent the government.

Two Taliban officials in Afghanistan said they would continue engagement with Khalilzad, but would not say if their leaders would accept an Afghan delegation.

"We`re watching every diplomatic move of the US officials. We`ll continue our fight until the US accepts our demands," said Zabiullah Mujahid, a Taliban spokesman.

The US special envoy for Afghanistan is trying to reassure the US-backed government in Kabul that it will not be shut out of a peace process with the Taliban, after it complained of being side-lined from talks, officials said on Friday.

The US special envoy for Afghanistan is trying to reassure the US-backed government in Kabul that it will not be shut out of a peace process with the Taliban, after it complained of being side-lined from talks, officials said on Friday. The US envoy, Zalmay Khalilzad, wants representatives of Afghan society to join talks aimed at ending the 17-year war between the Western-backed government and the Islamist Taliban, who were ousted from power by US-led forces in 2001. Khalilzad, an Afghan-born US diplomat, met Taliban leaders in Qatar last month to try to push talks forward but the Taliban have long rejected direct talks with the elected government, led by President Ashraf Ghani. "Ghani and many Afghan politicians felt that the US was shutting them out of the peace talks," said a close aide to Ghani. "Khalilzad cleared the differences by meeting top Afghan politicians, civil society members and women to prove that US will not isolate Afghans during next round of peace talks," he said. Ghani`s office declined to comment. The Taliban are fighting to expel foreign forces and defeat the Western-backed government. The United States has for years resisted getting involved in direct talks with the militants, saying the process must be "Afghan-owned and Afghan-led". The Taliban last month presented demands to Khalilzad that included a timeline for the withdrawal of US troops and the release of senior Taliban from jails in Afghanistan and Pakistan. In October, Pakistan released one of the co-founders of the Taliban and another high-ranking commander. No date has been announced for another round of talks but the Taliban have stepped up their attacks on government forces, inflicting hundreds of casualties over recent weeks in assaults in different parts of the country. A senior government official in Kabul said Khalilzad wanted Afghan society represented in talks. "Ambassador Khalilzad met men and women from all walks of the Afghan society to bring them together as a stakeholder in talks with the Taliban," the government official said. The emphasis on "Afghan society" appeared aimed at persuading the Taliban to accept an Afghan delegation that does not officially represent the government. Two Taliban officials in Afghanistan said they would continue engagement with Khalilzad, but would not say if their leaders would accept an Afghan delegation. "We`re watching every diplomatic move of the US officials. We`ll continue our fight until the US accepts our demands," said Zabiullah Mujahid, a Taliban spokesman.

US peace envoy seeks to reassure Kabul it won't be blocked from talks

India participated in the Taliban and Afghan delegations&nbsp;at "non-official" level held in Moscow on Friday.

India had said earlier that it supports all efforts at peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan that will preserve unity and plurality, and bring security, stability and prosperity to the country.

"India's consistent policy has been that such efforts should be Afghan-led, Afghan-owned, and Afghan-controlled and with participation of the government of Afghanistan," MEA Raveesh Kumar asserted.

According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, invitations to take part in the event had been sent to Afghanistan, India, Iran, China, Pakistan, the US and some other countries.

India's attendance in the summit has followed after Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The talks between the Afghanistan government and Taliban were earlier postponed after the Afghan government backed out.

The first such meeting, proposed for September 4 of this year, was called off after the Afghan government pulled out describing its involvement in the Moscow meeting as "unnecessary".

India participated in the Taliban and Afghan delegations at "non-official" level held in Moscow on Friday. India had said earlier that it supports all efforts at peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan that will preserve unity and plurality, and bring security, stability and prosperity to the country.

India participated in the Taliban and Afghan delegations at "non-official" level held in Moscow on Friday. India had said earlier that it supports all efforts at peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan that will preserve unity and plurality, and bring security, stability and prosperity to the country. "India's consistent policy has been that such efforts should be Afghan-led, Afghan-owned, and Afghan-controlled and with participation of the government of Afghanistan," MEA Raveesh Kumar asserted. According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, invitations to take part in the event had been sent to Afghanistan, India, Iran, China, Pakistan, the US and some other countries. India's attendance in the summit has followed after Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The talks between the Afghanistan government and Taliban were earlier postponed after the Afghan government backed out. The first such meeting, proposed for September 4 of this year, was called off after the Afghan government pulled out describing its involvement in the Moscow meeting as "unnecessary".

India participates in Taliban-Afghan delegation at 'non-official' level

On a good day, it takes Mohammad less than three hours to drive from Ghazni to Kabul. But preparations for the hair-raising journey through Taliban-infested areas can take weeks.

Road trips are a dangerous, and often deadly, activity in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

Travellers run the gauntlet of Taliban checkpoints, fighting, robberies, kidnappings, and pressure-plate bombs targeting government officials and security forces.&nbsp;

The stretch of Highway 1 between the Afghan capital and the southeastern city of Ghazni -- which the Taliban stormed in August and still threaten -- is one of the most treacherous.&nbsp;

Spontaneous trips are out of the question, said Mohammad, who is in his 20s and a regular visitor to Kabul.

Mohammad, not his real name, asked AFP to use a pseudonym to avoid being identified by the Taliban.&nbsp;

He begins preparing for the journey at least two weeks before his planned departure, starting with growing out his beard, which he normally keeps short, to create a scruffier appearance.

He then starts working his contacts, calling trusted relatives and neighbours who ply the busy route for information about Taliban activity along the main artery connecting Kabul to the insurgent strongholds in the south.

"You have to be careful who you call because you could be sold out to the Taliban" by someone working for the militant group, he told AFP.&nbsp;

'Many reasons to worry'&nbsp;

On the day of his departure, Mohammad swaps his clean, well-ironed clothes for a dirty pyjama-like shalwar kameez to make himself look more like a villager and clears the call history on his mobile in case a phone number raises suspicion.

"You can't just jump into a car and come (to Kabul), not if you want to be on the safe side," he said.

Mohammad's most recent trip to Kabul was delayed for three days after he received warnings of Taliban disguised as Afghan soldiers manning checkpoints along the road.&nbsp;

The first thing Taliban militants check is a person's tazkira, or national identification document.&nbsp;

"If the tazkira is from Ghazni then you may be fine. If not, they might think that you are a member of the security forces from another province coming to Ghazni to fight," Mohammad said.&nbsp;

After registering to vote in the October 20 parliamentary election -- which the Taliban had vowed to attack and which was finally cancelled in Ghazni due to protests -- Mohammad carries a second tazkira that does not have a sticker identifying him as a voter.&nbsp;

"There are many reasons to be worried and anxious," Mohammad explained.

"Even if they don't kill you, they may keep you as a hostage and ask for a ransom. If they kept me for one night, my mother would not survive."&nbsp;

A one-way trip between Kabul and Ghazni costs Mohammad 250 afghanis (around $3) in a Toyota Corolla taxi, a ubiquitous model in Afghanistan that is often used as public transport. He tries to travel with drivers he knows.

He avoids travelling on Mondays and Wednesdays. Those are the days the Afghan army delivers supplies to its troops in the provinces and attacks along the highway are more likely, Mohammad said.

Thursday, the last day of the Afghan working week, is also a bad day to venture out of the city. Militants lie in wait for government employees as they leave Ghazni for the weekend.&nbsp;

Fear of death&nbsp;

Whenever possible, Mohammad said he travels with women wearing burqas, but not because he prefers their company.&nbsp;

In the deeply conservative society where physical contact between men and women in public is prohibited, female passengers can hide mobile phones and other sensitive items under their head-to-toe coverings without fear of the Taliban searching them.&nbsp;

Once on the open road, Mohammad remains vigilant.

He listens carefully to the phone conversations of the driver and other occupants for signs they are planning to give him, or someone else in the vehicle, up to the Taliban.

"Taliban spies use codes like 'I have brought the rooster that you asked for' or 'we found the yoghurt that you asked for'," he said.&nbsp;

An oncoming vehicle with lights blinking, a line of cars stopped on the highway, or no traffic at all are warning signs that something has happened up ahead. &nbsp;

"Fighting and ambushes are common. You have to accept that you might face it," Mohammad said.&nbsp;

Despite the risks, Kabul's alluring cafes and shopping malls make the nail-biting trip worthwhile, Mohammad said.

Even a few days in the heavily militarised and overcrowded city is "refreshing" and a relief from Ghazni, where he feels his "heart can burst from boredom".

But Mohammad does what he can to stay safe on his journey, even paying a few cents to a street beggar as he leaves the city in the hope the good deed will protect him.

"I still fear death," he said. "But I try to stay calm."

On a good day, it takes Mohammad less than three hours to drive from Ghazni to Kabul. But preparations for the hair-raising journey through Taliban-infested areas can take weeks.

On a good day, it takes Mohammad less than three hours to drive from Ghazni to Kabul. But preparations for the hair-raising journey through Taliban-infested areas can take weeks. Road trips are a dangerous, and often deadly, activity in Afghanistan. Travellers run the gauntlet of Taliban checkpoints, fighting, robberies, kidnappings, and pressure-plate bombs targeting government officials and security forces. The stretch of Highway 1 between the Afghan capital and the southeastern city of Ghazni -- which the Taliban stormed in August and still threaten -- is one of the most treacherous. Spontaneous trips are out of the question, said Mohammad, who is in his 20s and a regular visitor to Kabul. Mohammad, not his real name, asked AFP to use a pseudonym to avoid being identified by the Taliban. He begins preparing for the journey at least two weeks before his planned departure, starting with growing out his beard, which he normally keeps short, to create a scruffier appearance. He then starts working his contacts, calling trusted relatives and neighbours who ply the busy route for information about Taliban activity along the main artery connecting Kabul to the insurgent strongholds in the south. "You have to be careful who you call because you could be sold out to the Taliban" by someone working for the militant group, he told AFP. 'Many reasons to worry' On the day of his departure, Mohammad swaps his clean, well-ironed clothes for a dirty pyjama-like shalwar kameez to make himself look more like a villager and clears the call history on his mobile in case a phone number raises suspicion. "You can't just jump into a car and come (to Kabul), not if you want to be on the safe side," he said. Mohammad's most recent trip to Kabul was delayed for three days after he received warnings of Taliban disguised as Afghan soldiers manning checkpoints along the road. The first thing Taliban militants check is a person's tazkira, or national identification document. "If the tazkira is from Ghazni then you may be fine. If not, they might think that you are a member of the security forces from another province coming to Ghazni to fight," Mohammad said. After registering to vote in the October 20 parliamentary election -- which the Taliban had vowed to attack and which was finally cancelled in Ghazni due to protests -- Mohammad carries a second tazkira that does not have a sticker identifying him as a voter. "There are many reasons to be worried and anxious," Mohammad explained. "Even if they don't kill you, they may keep you as a hostage and ask for a ransom. If they kept me for one night, my mother would not survive." A one-way trip between Kabul and Ghazni costs Mohammad 250 afghanis (around $3) in a Toyota Corolla taxi, a ubiquitous model in Afghanistan that is often used as public transport. He tries to travel with drivers he knows. He avoids travelling on Mondays and Wednesdays. Those are the days the Afghan army delivers supplies to its troops in the provinces and attacks along the highway are more likely, Mohammad said. Thursday, the last day of the Afghan working week, is also a bad day to venture out of the city. Militants lie in wait for government employees as they leave Ghazni for the weekend. Fear of death Whenever possible, Mohammad said he travels with women wearing burqas, but not because he prefers their company. In the deeply conservative society where physical contact between men and women in public is prohibited, female passengers can hide mobile phones and other sensitive items under their head-to-toe coverings without fear of the Taliban searching them. Once on the open road, Mohammad remains vigilant. He listens carefully to the phone conversations of the driver and other occupants for signs they are planning to give him, or someone else in the vehicle, up to the Taliban. "Taliban spies use codes like 'I have brought the rooster that you asked for' or 'we found the yoghurt that you asked for'," he said. An oncoming vehicle with lights blinking, a line of cars stopped on the highway, or no traffic at all are warning signs that something has happened up ahead. "Fighting and ambushes are common. You have to accept that you might face it," Mohammad said. Despite the risks, Kabul's alluring cafes and shopping malls make the nail-biting trip worthwhile, Mohammad said. Even a few days in the heavily militarised and overcrowded city is "refreshing" and a relief from Ghazni, where he feels his "heart can burst from boredom". But Mohammad does what he can to stay safe on his journey, even paying a few cents to a street beggar as he leaves the city in the hope the good deed will protect him. "I still fear death," he said. "But I try to stay calm."

Highway to hell: Afghan travellers run gauntlet of Taliban violence

Over two thousand candidates, including 417 women, are contesting Saturday's parliamentary election in Afghanistan. Voters will be able to cast ballots at more than 19 thousand polling stations in all but one province. The election has been postponed in the restive Ghazni province. The Taliban has threatened to disrupt the polls.

On Thursday, the Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack on a high-level meeting inside the Kandahar governor's compound, wiping out the top political leadership of the province. Voting in Kandahar has also been postponed by a week. Here's a look at how Afghans are gearing up to brave the bullets to cast their ballot on Saturday.

Afghanistan is going ahead with the parliamentary election on Saturday in spite of security concerns and ongoing fighting in as many as 20 out of the country's 34 provinces.&nbsp;

The election will be held amid a particularly vicious campaign by the Taliban and the so-called Islamic State terror group, which have been staging near-daily attacks.&nbsp;

Besides the security challenges, there have also been concerns over the transparency of the vote. For the first time, the election commission has equipped polling stations with a biometric identification system.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/why-afghanistan-election-matters-to-india-172402">Also read: Why Afghanistan election matters to India?</a>

The deputy chair of the Election Commission said that while security remains a challenge, the commission is hopeful for a peaceful polling day.&nbsp;

"We think that we will have some challenges on the polling day because of the security situation of Afghanistan but we had very good meetings with security people in different organisations and they are prepared for the polling day, and we hope to not have kind of attack in that day," Wasima Badghisi, Deputy Chair of Election Commission noted.&nbsp;

More than 50 thousand members of Afghan security forces will be deployed to secure the polling stations. Afghan defence ministry spokesperson believes that the Taliban will attempt to disrupt the election process.

"They (Taliban) will try to create problems because if democracy and people's rights are established there will be no place for terrorism, killing of people and mafia but we assure you that we will ensure the security of elections with full force," Ghafoor Ahmad Jawed, Afghan defence ministry spokesperson stated.&nbsp;

But Jawed says that Afghan security forces have taken all necessary measures to ensure a peaceful polling day. Afghan officials announced three levels of security belts at each polling centre.

There have been deadly attacks against candidates and campaign rallies, both by the Taliban and the Islamic State terrorists. The Taliban, who have been fighting the Afghans and the NATO forces for more than 17 years, have condemned the election and warned candidates and Afghan security forces they would be targeted.

They have also warned teachers and students not to participate in the election and not to allow schools to be used as polling centres.

Over two thousand candidates, including 417 women, are contesting Saturday's parliamentary election in Afghanistan. Voters will be able to cast ballots at more than 19 thousand polling stations in all but one province.

Over two thousand candidates, including 417 women, are contesting Saturday's parliamentary election in Afghanistan. Voters will be able to cast ballots at more than 19 thousand polling stations in all but one province. The election has been postponed in the restive Ghazni province. The Taliban has threatened to disrupt the polls. On Thursday, the Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack on a high-level meeting inside the Kandahar governor's compound, wiping out the top political leadership of the province. Voting in Kandahar has also been postponed by a week. Here's a look at how Afghans are gearing up to brave the bullets to cast their ballot on Saturday. Afghanistan is going ahead with the parliamentary election on Saturday in spite of security concerns and ongoing fighting in as many as 20 out of the country's 34 provinces. The election will be held amid a particularly vicious campaign by the Taliban and the so-called Islamic State terror group, which have been staging near-daily attacks. Besides the security challenges, there have also been concerns over the transparency of the vote. For the first time, the election commission has equipped polling stations with a biometric identification system. Also read: Why Afghanistan election matters to India? The deputy chair of the Election Commission said that while security remains a challenge, the commission is hopeful for a peaceful polling day. "We think that we will have some challenges on the polling day because of the security situation of Afghanistan but we had very good meetings with security people in different organisations and they are prepared for the polling day, and we hope to not have kind of attack in that day," Wasima Badghisi, Deputy Chair of Election Commission noted. More than 50 thousand members of Afghan security forces will be deployed to secure the polling stations. Afghan defence ministry spokesperson believes that the Taliban will attempt to disrupt the election process. "They (Taliban) will try to create problems because if democracy and people's rights are established there will be no place for terrorism, killing of people and mafia but we assure you that we will ensure the security of elections with full force," Ghafoor Ahmad Jawed, Afghan defence ministry spokesperson stated. But Jawed says that Afghan security forces have taken all necessary measures to ensure a peaceful polling day. Afghan officials announced three levels of security belts at each polling centre. There have been deadly attacks against candidates and campaign rallies, both by the Taliban and the Islamic State terrorists. The Taliban, who have been fighting the Afghans and the NATO forces for more than 17 years, have condemned the election and warned candidates and Afghan security forces they would be targeted. They have also warned teachers and students not to participate in the election and not to allow schools to be used as polling centres.

Afghans gear to vote despite ongoing crisis in as many as 20 out of 34 provinces

It is too soon to say if a major attack in Afghanistan that killed a top security commander will hurt voter turnout in Saturday's elections, US&nbsp;Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said, but added that the US&nbsp;military's mission was unaltered.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-general-who-escaped-unhurt-condemns-loss-of-afghan-general-taliban-claims-responsibility-of-attack-172213">Thursday's attack</a> underlined how precarious the situation remains in Afghanistan after more than 17 years of war and even after Taliban and US&nbsp;officials have opened preliminary contacts aimed at establishing the basis for future peace talks.

Mattis, who had known General Abdul Razeq, the police commander in southern Kandahar, on Friday described his death as "the loss of a patriot."

But he predicted that the brazen attack would not have a long-term impact on security in Kandahar, one of Afghanistan's most strategically important and contested provinces in America's longest war.

"We need to find who's done this," Mattis told reporters traveling with him in the southeast Asian city-state of Singapore. "But right now, we are going toward the election and we will continue to defend the Afghan people."

General Scott Miller, the top US&nbsp;commander in Afghanistan, had been at a meeting with Razeq only moments before the attack but was not injured, although it wounded two Americans and a coalition contractor.

US&nbsp;officials in Afghanistan say Miller was not the target but have offered no evidence. The Taliban say they were targeting Miller.

Mattis said he had yet spoken to Miller and could not confirm the Taliban's claim of responsibility. Still, Mattis said he believed the attack would not affect Miller's security arrangements or the movement of the US&nbsp;military in Afghanistan.

Security officials in Afghanistan had warned of attacks ahead of the election but Razeq's death triggered deep shock that officials fear may keep voters away, particularly after Taliban warnings not to participate in what the militants consider a foreign-imposed ballot.

Asked how the attack would affect voter turnout in Saturday's parliamentary elections, Mattis was cautious.

"Terrorism can have a short-term effect. I think it's too early to say if it will have any real effect on the election," Mattis said.

"I'm not willing to say that right now. And obviously (insurgents) are not good at ballots. They are good at bombs."

Mattis renewed U.S. hopes of finding a negotiated, Afghan-led political solution to the conflict.

"We remain absolutely committed to an Afghan-led Afghan reconciliation," he said.

It is too soon to say if a major attack in Afghanistan that killed a top security commander will hurt voter turnout in Saturday's elections, US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said, but added that the US military's mission was unaltered.

It is too soon to say if a major attack in Afghanistan that killed a top security commander will hurt voter turnout in Saturday's elections, US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said, but added that the US military's mission was unaltered. Thursday's attack underlined how precarious the situation remains in Afghanistan after more than 17 years of war and even after Taliban and US officials have opened preliminary contacts aimed at establishing the basis for future peace talks. Mattis, who had known General Abdul Razeq, the police commander in southern Kandahar, on Friday described his death as "the loss of a patriot." But he predicted that the brazen attack would not have a long-term impact on security in Kandahar, one of Afghanistan's most strategically important and contested provinces in America's longest war. "We need to find who's done this," Mattis told reporters traveling with him in the southeast Asian city-state of Singapore. "But right now, we are going toward the election and we will continue to defend the Afghan people." General Scott Miller, the top US commander in Afghanistan, had been at a meeting with Razeq only moments before the attack but was not injured, although it wounded two Americans and a coalition contractor. US officials in Afghanistan say Miller was not the target but have offered no evidence. The Taliban say they were targeting Miller. Mattis said he had yet spoken to Miller and could not confirm the Taliban's claim of responsibility. Still, Mattis said he believed the attack would not affect Miller's security arrangements or the movement of the US military in Afghanistan. Security officials in Afghanistan had warned of attacks ahead of the election but Razeq's death triggered deep shock that officials fear may keep voters away, particularly after Taliban warnings not to participate in what the militants consider a foreign-imposed ballot. Asked how the attack would affect voter turnout in Saturday's parliamentary elections, Mattis was cautious. "Terrorism can have a short-term effect. I think it's too early to say if it will have any real effect on the election," Mattis said. "I'm not willing to say that right now. And obviously (insurgents) are not good at ballots. They are good at bombs." Mattis renewed U.S. hopes of finding a negotiated, Afghan-led political solution to the conflict. "We remain absolutely committed to an Afghan-led Afghan reconciliation," he said.

Mattis says too soon to say if Afghan attack will affect ballot

The parliamentary <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/the-importance-of-afghan-elections-possible-withdrawal-of-foreign-troops-172166">elections in Afghanistan</a> will be held on October 20th and this year would be unique because a majority of the candidates are less than 40-years-old.&nbsp;

Most of these young candidates - nearly 60 per cent - are entrepreneurs, journalists, teachers or former government employees.&nbsp;

As polling is set to take place under the shadow of gun and terror, the Taliban has asked the candidates and voters to boycott the elections but still, over 2,000 candidates, including over 400 women, have braved the violence for a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/understanding-the-afghanistan-parliamentary-elections-171961">democratic Afghanistan</a>.&nbsp;

Here are some of the&nbsp;candidates and their stories:&nbsp;

Twenty-six-year-old Javid Faisal was until recently a deputy spokesperson for Abdullah Abdullah, chief executive of Afghanistan.&nbsp;

Faisal is running for parliament from Kandahar which is the second largest city of Afghanistan but Taliban remains active in the province. It is feared that voting may be disrupted in Kandahar with the Taliban striking in the city with a deadly attack which&nbsp;killed the Abdul Razeq on Thursday.&nbsp;

Faisal's campaign centres around issues such as education, employment and basic amenities such as water.&nbsp;

Bilal Sarwary is another candidate from Kunar in north-eastern Afghanistan who worked as a journalist for BBC and other media organisations.&nbsp;

Next is 38-year-old Narinder Singh, a Sikh-Afghan. Singh is the only Sikh candidate in the election. He decided to contest the election after his father - Avtar Singh Khalsa - was killed in a suicide attack carried out by the Islamic State terror group in the eastern city of Jalalabad.&nbsp;

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/islamic-state-claims-responsibility-for-attack-on-sikhs-hindus-in-jalalabad-148598">attack also killed</a> 19 other Sikh- Afghans. At the time, Khalsa was running for the Afghan parliament.&nbsp;

Now, Khalsa's son is contesting in the only seat reserved for Sikh and Hindu candidates. Narinder Singh laments that the Sikh community continues to live in fear and without adequate security in spite of the deadly attack.&nbsp;

Zaika Wardak, is an independent candidate contesting from Kabul. Zaika's father - General Abdul Ali Wardak - was killed during the communist take-over in 1978.&nbsp;

Her brother, a former army general Zalmay Wardak, who was a candidate in the election, was killed in August this year. She also lost her husband in a car accident in 2011.&nbsp;

She is an engineer by training and heads an association for female engineers in the Afghan capital.&nbsp;

The parliamentary election is widely seen as a dry run or a semi-final for the 2019 presidential elections in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

The parliamentary elections in Afghanistan will be held on October 20th and this year would be unique because a majority of the candidates are less than 40-years-old.

The parliamentary elections in Afghanistan will be held on October 20th and this year would be unique because a majority of the candidates are less than 40-years-old. Most of these young candidates - nearly 60 per cent - are entrepreneurs, journalists, teachers or former government employees. As polling is set to take place under the shadow of gun and terror, the Taliban has asked the candidates and voters to boycott the elections but still, over 2,000 candidates, including over 400 women, have braved the violence for a democratic Afghanistan. Here are some of the candidates and their stories: Twenty-six-year-old Javid Faisal was until recently a deputy spokesperson for Abdullah Abdullah, chief executive of Afghanistan. Faisal is running for parliament from Kandahar which is the second largest city of Afghanistan but Taliban remains active in the province. It is feared that voting may be disrupted in Kandahar with the Taliban striking in the city with a deadly attack which killed the Abdul Razeq on Thursday. Faisal's campaign centres around issues such as education, employment and basic amenities such as water. Bilal Sarwary is another candidate from Kunar in north-eastern Afghanistan who worked as a journalist for BBC and other media organisations. Next is 38-year-old Narinder Singh, a Sikh-Afghan. Singh is the only Sikh candidate in the election. He decided to contest the election after his father - Avtar Singh Khalsa - was killed in a suicide attack carried out by the Islamic State terror group in the eastern city of Jalalabad. The attack also killed 19 other Sikh- Afghans. At the time, Khalsa was running for the Afghan parliament. Now, Khalsa's son is contesting in the only seat reserved for Sikh and Hindu candidates. Narinder Singh laments that the Sikh community continues to live in fear and without adequate security in spite of the deadly attack. Zaika Wardak, is an independent candidate contesting from Kabul. Zaika's father - General Abdul Ali Wardak - was killed during the communist take-over in 1978. Her brother, a former army general Zalmay Wardak, who was a candidate in the election, was killed in August this year. She also lost her husband in a car accident in 2011. She is an engineer by training and heads an association for female engineers in the Afghan capital. The parliamentary election is widely seen as a dry run or a semi-final for the 2019 presidential elections in Afghanistan.

Young candidates in Afghan ballot battleground amid turmoil

Afghanistan is set to hold parliamentary elections on October 20th to elect members of the House of the People after about three years of delay amid massive violence <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-election-candidate-killed-by-bomb-under-office-chair-171942">killing and wounding</a> several candidates.

The elections were scheduled to be held on October 15, 2016, but were postponed to&nbsp;July 7, 2018, and then to October 20. The previous parliamentary elections were held in 2010.

All the previous elections in 2004, 2009, 2010 and 2014 were marred by violence and the results bitterly contested. The disagreement over the results of the presidential election in 2014 produced two heads of state—Ashraf Ghani&nbsp;as the president and Abdullah Abdullah (half Tazik) as the Chief Executive.&nbsp;

The Parliment of Afghanistan has two houses: 249-seat Wolesi Jirga (House of the People) and the 102-seat Meshrano Jirga (House of Elders).&nbsp;

The Independent Election Commission of Afghanistan (IEC) has already disqualified 35 candidates as they have links with armed groups.

More than 2,500 candidates are running for 249 seats in Afghanistan’s parliament in Saturday’s election.

This year's elections also include 400 women running for the seats, despite being threatened or attacked. The number include teachers, doctors as well as activists.

&nbsp;<img alt="Afghanistan" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9d036b20-2b46-48da-bc50-9cfc6ea6f262" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%285%29.jpg" />

Female Afghan parliamentary election candidate, Dewa Niazai

Nearly nine million people have registered to vote, but far fewer are expected to turn out on polling day due to threats of violence and expectations for massive fraud.

On October 20, Afghan voters will be able to cast ballots at more than 21,000 polling stations across the country except in Ghazni - which reportedly won’t be having polls at all. According to news reports, 54,000 members of Afghanistan’s security forces will be responsible for protecting polling centers on election day.

Elections marred by <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-blast-kills-election-candidate-in-southern-province-171871">fraud and violence</a> could threaten to divide or even collapse the current government.

<img alt="Afghanistan" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5a060c06-706a-4359-aefc-c0ed8dd26468" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%287%29.jpg" />

Afghan security forces members carry an injured policeman

Security officials predict that far worse attacks could come from the foreign-based Islamic State militia, which has killed scores of civilians in bombings in Kabul this year, including an attack on a voter ID center that resulted in the deaths of more than 60 people.&nbsp;

Another worry is the potential for massive fraud, especially the misuse of ballots and voter ID cards. Large quantities of false or extra ID cards have reportedly been distributed, and a costly last-minute effort to install biometric technology at polling stations may not succeed in catching problems.

At the same time, the Taliban and other groups have deliberately targeted previous rounds of voting. For opponents of the government, they see undermining elections as a useful means of proving the weakness of the government and its waning international support. There have been attacks on both individual candidates and campaign gatherings. 
&nbsp;

Afghanistan is set to hold parliamentary elections on October 20th to elect members of the House of the People after about three years of delay amid massive violence killing and wounding several candidates.

Afghanistan is set to hold parliamentary elections on October 20th to elect members of the House of the People after about three years of delay amid massive violence killing and wounding several candidates. The elections were scheduled to be held on October 15, 2016, but were postponed to July 7, 2018, and then to October 20. The previous parliamentary elections were held in 2010. All the previous elections in 2004, 2009, 2010 and 2014 were marred by violence and the results bitterly contested. The disagreement over the results of the presidential election in 2014 produced two heads of state—Ashraf Ghani as the president and Abdullah Abdullah (half Tazik) as the Chief Executive. The Parliment of Afghanistan has two houses: 249-seat Wolesi Jirga (House of the People) and the 102-seat Meshrano Jirga (House of Elders). The Independent Election Commission of Afghanistan (IEC) has already disqualified 35 candidates as they have links with armed groups. More than 2,500 candidates are running for 249 seats in Afghanistan’s parliament in Saturday’s election. This year's elections also include 400 women running for the seats, despite being threatened or attacked. The number include teachers, doctors as well as activists. Female Afghan parliamentary election candidate, Dewa Niazai Nearly nine million people have registered to vote, but far fewer are expected to turn out on polling day due to threats of violence and expectations for massive fraud. On October 20, Afghan voters will be able to cast ballots at more than 21,000 polling stations across the country except in Ghazni - which reportedly won’t be having polls at all. According to news reports, 54,000 members of Afghanistan’s security forces will be responsible for protecting polling centers on election day. Elections marred by fraud and violence could threaten to divide or even collapse the current government. Afghan security forces members carry an injured policeman Security officials predict that far worse attacks could come from the foreign-based Islamic State militia, which has killed scores of civilians in bombings in Kabul this year, including an attack on a voter ID center that resulted in the deaths of more than 60 people. Another worry is the potential for massive fraud, especially the misuse of ballots and voter ID cards. Large quantities of false or extra ID cards have reportedly been distributed, and a costly last-minute effort to install biometric technology at polling stations may not succeed in catching problems. At the same time, the Taliban and other groups have deliberately targeted previous rounds of voting. For opponents of the government, they see undermining elections as a useful means of proving the weakness of the government and its waning international support. There have been attacks on both individual candidates and campaign gatherings.

Understanding the Afghanistan parliamentary elections

&nbsp;More female candidates than ever are set to contest Afghanistan's upcoming parliamentary election, braving violence and opposition from social conservatives in a campaign seen as a test of the war-torn nation's democratic institutions.

"Elections in my country are not just about victory or defeat," said Dewa Niazai, a 26 year-old candidate from the eastern province of Nangarhar, who holds a degree in computer science from India. "It is about launching a small-scale war. I can get killed, injured or abducted."

Niazai is one of the 417 women candidates contesting seats across the country, despite deadly suicide attacks on election rallies and offices apparently aimed at forcing voters to boycott the vote scheduled for October 20.

She says she wants to be a voice for uneducated women who are not represented in parliament and to defend girls' rights to education - Islamic State has blown up several girls' schools in her Nangarhar constituency.

The growing involvement of women has been welcomed by the United Nations and other international bodies, which see the elections as a vital step in building trust in democratic processes.

Campaigning is fraught with risks regardless of gender. Nine candidates, including one woman, have been killed in separate attacks. Another two have been abducted, and four others have been wounded by hardline Islamist militants, election officials said.

Last week a blast at an election rally of a woman candidate in the northeastern province of Takhar killed 22 people and wounded 35.

Nazifa Yousuf Bek, the female candidate, was standing about 10 metres away when the explosion occurred.

"My supporters were waiting to listen to my speech but in a few seconds I was surrounded by their bodies," the 32-year-old teacher told Reuters. "I am shaken but I am also determined to continue the election campaign. This is my responsibility."

For women, there are additional challenges, said Maria Bashir, Afghanistan's first female prosecutor from Herat province, who like other women candidates interviewed by Reuters had until recently never seriously contemplated entering politics.

"In comparison with male candidates, women have more problems in the election race ... insecurity and harassment inhibit women's mobility and justify family restrictions," she said.

Echoing other women candidates who spoke to Reuters, Bashir says she is standing for election after growing dismayed with the direction of the country, starting with the failure of the government to improve security or safeguard women's rights.

Unable to hold open rallies because of security concerns, Bashir invites voters to attend political discussions at her home, and travels around the city at night to distribute publicity pamphlets and encourage voters to cast their ballot.

Sabri Andar, the only female candidate with disabilities, is contesting a seat in Kabul. She said her main focus would be on ensuring rights legislation was not ignored.

"Laws about equality exist on paper but they are yet to implemented," she said. "As a lawmaker I want to ensure we practice what is written in our constitution."

Women's rights advocates say that, despite the heavy emphasis placed on promoting equality by international donors, age-old scourges such as child marriage or the murder of women by family members in so-called "honour killings" remain rife. Afghan girls still routinely receive less schooling than boys.

Under the constitution written after the austere rule of the Taliban was ended by U.S.-backed Afghan forces in 2001, at least 68 of the 250 seats in the lower house of parliament are reserved for women. The quota means that Afghanistan fares better in a simple measure of female representation in the legislature than some Western nations - 28 per cent of seats in the lower house are currently held by women, 8 points higher than the U.S. Congress.

But female candidates campaigning in their constituencies say Afghanistan's patriarchal culture means they face a battle to be heard even if they win.

"We are trained to dress in a way that is acceptable to men, we talk in a way that does not anger men and, in politics, we are expected to appease them to stay relevant," said Masooda Jalal, a former minister of women's affairs.

As well as facing sexual harassment, a regular problem that is rarely discussed openly because of strict social taboos, many women MPs complain they are not taken seriously by their male counterparts.

Women in positions of authority said they were often perceived as puppets who can procure funds from international aid groups committed to promoting gender equality.

Rights group activists in Kabul said more than three dozen bills drafted to strengthen the existing laws to safeguard the rights of millions of Afghan women were pending before the parliament but have not been allotted time for debate.

Nasrullah Stanekzai, a political science professor at Kabul University and a former legal advisor to President Ashraf Ghani said ethnic, religious, political and financial loyalties of female candidate limit their role.

"Females candidates win elections with the help of powerful male politicians who in turn expects them to work as stooges in the parliament, rarely allowing them to have an independent opinion," said Stanekzai.

More female candidates than ever are set to contest Afghanistan's upcoming parliamentary election, braving violence and opposition from social conservatives in a campaign seen as a test of the war-torn nation's democratic institutions.

More female candidates than ever are set to contest Afghanistan's upcoming parliamentary election, braving violence and opposition from social conservatives in a campaign seen as a test of the war-torn nation's democratic institutions. "Elections in my country are not just about victory or defeat," said Dewa Niazai, a 26 year-old candidate from the eastern province of Nangarhar, who holds a degree in computer science from India. "It is about launching a small-scale war. I can get killed, injured or abducted." Niazai is one of the 417 women candidates contesting seats across the country, despite deadly suicide attacks on election rallies and offices apparently aimed at forcing voters to boycott the vote scheduled for October 20. She says she wants to be a voice for uneducated women who are not represented in parliament and to defend girls' rights to education - Islamic State has blown up several girls' schools in her Nangarhar constituency. The growing involvement of women has been welcomed by the United Nations and other international bodies, which see the elections as a vital step in building trust in democratic processes. Campaigning is fraught with risks regardless of gender. Nine candidates, including one woman, have been killed in separate attacks. Another two have been abducted, and four others have been wounded by hardline Islamist militants, election officials said. Last week a blast at an election rally of a woman candidate in the northeastern province of Takhar killed 22 people and wounded 35. Nazifa Yousuf Bek, the female candidate, was standing about 10 metres away when the explosion occurred. "My supporters were waiting to listen to my speech but in a few seconds I was surrounded by their bodies," the 32-year-old teacher told Reuters. "I am shaken but I am also determined to continue the election campaign. This is my responsibility." For women, there are additional challenges, said Maria Bashir, Afghanistan's first female prosecutor from Herat province, who like other women candidates interviewed by Reuters had until recently never seriously contemplated entering politics. "In comparison with male candidates, women have more problems in the election race ... insecurity and harassment inhibit women's mobility and justify family restrictions," she said. Echoing other women candidates who spoke to Reuters, Bashir says she is standing for election after growing dismayed with the direction of the country, starting with the failure of the government to improve security or safeguard women's rights. Unable to hold open rallies because of security concerns, Bashir invites voters to attend political discussions at her home, and travels around the city at night to distribute publicity pamphlets and encourage voters to cast their ballot. Sabri Andar, the only female candidate with disabilities, is contesting a seat in Kabul. She said her main focus would be on ensuring rights legislation was not ignored. "Laws about equality exist on paper but they are yet to implemented," she said. "As a lawmaker I want to ensure we practice what is written in our constitution." Women's rights advocates say that, despite the heavy emphasis placed on promoting equality by international donors, age-old scourges such as child marriage or the murder of women by family members in so-called "honour killings" remain rife. Afghan girls still routinely receive less schooling than boys. Under the constitution written after the austere rule of the Taliban was ended by U.S.-backed Afghan forces in 2001, at least 68 of the 250 seats in the lower house of parliament are reserved for women. The quota means that Afghanistan fares better in a simple measure of female representation in the legislature than some Western nations - 28 per cent of seats in the lower house are currently held by women, 8 points higher than the U.S. Congress. But female candidates campaigning in their constituencies say Afghanistan's patriarchal culture means they face a battle to be heard even if they win. "We are trained to dress in a way that is acceptable to men, we talk in a way that does not anger men and, in politics, we are expected to appease them to stay relevant," said Masooda Jalal, a former minister of women's affairs. As well as facing sexual harassment, a regular problem that is rarely discussed openly because of strict social taboos, many women MPs complain they are not taken seriously by their male counterparts. Women in positions of authority said they were often perceived as puppets who can procure funds from international aid groups committed to promoting gender equality. Rights group activists in Kabul said more than three dozen bills drafted to strengthen the existing laws to safeguard the rights of millions of Afghan women were pending before the parliament but have not been allotted time for debate. Nasrullah Stanekzai, a political science professor at Kabul University and a former legal advisor to President Ashraf Ghani said ethnic, religious, political and financial loyalties of female candidate limit their role. "Females candidates win elections with the help of powerful male politicians who in turn expects them to work as stooges in the parliament, rarely allowing them to have an independent opinion," said Stanekzai.

Women candidates face 'small-scale war' in Afghan election

Dozens of Afghan police were killed or wounded in heavy fighting in northern and central provinces overnight, officials said on Tuesday, just days before parliamentary elections which the insurgents have promised to disrupt.

The latest fighting came despite increasing signs of moves towards possible peace talks and followed a meeting in Qatar last week between Taliban officials and Zalmay Khalilzad, the new U.S. special envoy for peace in Afghanistan.

In the northern province of Samangan, 11 police, including the province’s deputy police chief, were killed and 30 wounded when Taliban fighters attacked security checkpoints in Dara-e Sof Payeen district, said Naqibullah Tataar, a member of the provincial council.

Another 15 police were captured along with a large quantity of weapons, vehicles and equipment. The Taliban also suffered heavy casualties, he said but had no exact details.

Munir Ahmad Rahimi, spokesman for Samangan police, confirmed the attack and the death of deputy provincial police chief Khawani Taheri but said seven members of the security forces had been killed.

In the central province of Daikundi, hundreds of Taliban fighters equipped with heavy weapons attacked checkpoints in Kajran district and fought an hours-long battle in which eight Afghan soldiers and five police were killed, Ali Akbar Nateqi, the provincial governor’s spokesman said.

The Taliban’s main spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, claimed responsibility for both attacks, saying 30 police were killed in Samangan province and 19 killed in Daikundi, with large quantities of weapons and equipment and captured.

Although the latest attacks had no apparent direct link with Saturday’s elections, they underlined the strength of the Taliban who control large areas of the countryside and earlier this year overran the major city of Ghazni.

Security officials see the increased attacks as part of a broad strategy by the insurgents to establish a strong position to impose their demands if formal peace talks begin. The Taliban have also suffered heavy casualties and say they are willing to keep talking about finding a solution to the conflict.

The United States has said it is willing to take part in talks but insists that the process must be led by the internationally recognised Afghan government, which the Taliban regard as an illegitimate regime imposed by foreign powers.

In the meanwhile, thousands of civilians have continued to be killed and wounded in the fighting, with more than 8,000 casualties in the first nine months of the year, according to United Nations figures.

Dozens of Afghan police were killed or wounded in heavy fighting in northern and central provinces overnight, officials said on Tuesday, just days before parliamentary elections which the insurgents have promised to disrupt.

Dozens of Afghan police were killed or wounded in heavy fighting in northern and central provinces overnight, officials said on Tuesday, just days before parliamentary elections which the insurgents have promised to disrupt. The latest fighting came despite increasing signs of moves towards possible peace talks and followed a meeting in Qatar last week between Taliban officials and Zalmay Khalilzad, the new U.S. special envoy for peace in Afghanistan. In the northern province of Samangan, 11 police, including the province’s deputy police chief, were killed and 30 wounded when Taliban fighters attacked security checkpoints in Dara-e Sof Payeen district, said Naqibullah Tataar, a member of the provincial council. Another 15 police were captured along with a large quantity of weapons, vehicles and equipment. The Taliban also suffered heavy casualties, he said but had no exact details. Munir Ahmad Rahimi, spokesman for Samangan police, confirmed the attack and the death of deputy provincial police chief Khawani Taheri but said seven members of the security forces had been killed. In the central province of Daikundi, hundreds of Taliban fighters equipped with heavy weapons attacked checkpoints in Kajran district and fought an hours-long battle in which eight Afghan soldiers and five police were killed, Ali Akbar Nateqi, the provincial governor’s spokesman said. The Taliban’s main spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, claimed responsibility for both attacks, saying 30 police were killed in Samangan province and 19 killed in Daikundi, with large quantities of weapons and equipment and captured. Although the latest attacks had no apparent direct link with Saturday’s elections, they underlined the strength of the Taliban who control large areas of the countryside and earlier this year overran the major city of Ghazni. Security officials see the increased attacks as part of a broad strategy by the insurgents to establish a strong position to impose their demands if formal peace talks begin. The Taliban have also suffered heavy casualties and say they are willing to keep talking about finding a solution to the conflict. The United States has said it is willing to take part in talks but insists that the process must be led by the internationally recognised Afghan government, which the Taliban regard as an illegitimate regime imposed by foreign powers. In the meanwhile, thousands of civilians have continued to be killed and wounded in the fighting, with more than 8,000 casualties in the first nine months of the year, according to United Nations figures.

Dozens of Afghan police killed or wounded as election nears

In a move that could upset Pakistan, India and China have launched their first joint programme for Afghanistan to train its diplomats.

An understanding to launch a joint programme in Afghanistan was reached during an informal summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping held in April at China's Wuhan city.&nbsp;

As per the understanding, officials of both sides had been asked to identify the project. Training Afghanistan's diplomats have been agreed as the first joint project agreed by both the countries.

"First joint programme by India and China for Afghanistan begins," according to a tweet put out by the Indian Embassy in Beijing on Saturday.&nbsp;

Indian Ambassador to Afghanistan (Vinay Kumar) "hosted 10 Afghan Diplomats who will be travelling to India for the 1st India-China joint training programme for Afghan diplomats under the aegis of the Trilateral Cooperation between India, China and Afghanistan," the tweet said.&nbsp;

This will be a first such project in the war-torn country where China while trying to expand its influence has tacitly backed Pakistan, which has been accused by Afghanistan and the US of backing the Taliban and its most violent attacks in the country destabilising any attempts to restore peace.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

In a move that could upset Pakistan, India and China have launched their first joint programme for Afghanistan to train its diplomats. An understanding to launch a joint programme in Afghanistan was reached during an informal summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping held in April at China's Wuhan city.

In a move that could upset Pakistan, India and China have launched their first joint programme for Afghanistan to train its diplomats. An understanding to launch a joint programme in Afghanistan was reached during an informal summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping held in April at China's Wuhan city. As per the understanding, officials of both sides had been asked to identify the project. Training Afghanistan's diplomats have been agreed as the first joint project agreed by both the countries. "First joint programme by India and China for Afghanistan begins," according to a tweet put out by the Indian Embassy in Beijing on Saturday. Indian Ambassador to Afghanistan (Vinay Kumar) "hosted 10 Afghan Diplomats who will be travelling to India for the 1st India-China joint training programme for Afghan diplomats under the aegis of the Trilateral Cooperation between India, China and Afghanistan," the tweet said. This will be a first such project in the war-torn country where China while trying to expand its influence has tacitly backed Pakistan, which has been accused by Afghanistan and the US of backing the Taliban and its most violent attacks in the country destabilising any attempts to restore peace.

India, China launch joint programme to train Afghan diplomats

A motorcycle carrying explosives blew up among supporters of an Afghan election candidate on Saturday, killing at least 14 people, officials said, in the latest attack on a political rally.

Violence related to the parliamentary vote has killed or wounded hundreds of people in recent months and more militant attacks are expected ahead of Afghanistan's October 20 poll.

More than 30 people were wounded in the explosion in the northeastern province of Takhar where candidate Nazifa Yousefibek had been campaigning, provincial governor spokesman Mohammad Jawad Hejri told AFP.

Interior ministry deputy spokesman Nasrat Rahimi said most of the 14 killed were civilians.&nbsp;

"The explosives were placed in a motorcycle and detonated behind a tent where Nazifa Yousefibek was campaigning," Rahimi said.&nbsp;

Yousefibek was not hurt in the blast. No group has claimed responsibility.&nbsp;

Ambulances have been sent to the remote district of Rustaq where the attack happened, but officials also are seeking to airlift the wounded to hospitals, Hejri said.&nbsp;

Khan Jan, who told AFP he saw the explosion, said there had been a powerful blast and "a lot of people" had been killed.

More than 2,500 candidates are contesting the long-delayed legislative elections.&nbsp;

At least nine candidates have died so far, most of them in targeted killings, according to the Independent Election Commission.&nbsp;

A candidate was among eight people killed in a suicide attack in the southern province of Helmand -- a Taliban stronghold -- on October 9. No group has claimed responsibility.&nbsp;

That incident came a day after the Taliban warned candidates to pull out of the "bogus" election, describing it as a "malicious American conspiracy".

The group vowed to attack the ballot and those involved in it.

An attack on a rally in the eastern province of Nangarhar on October 2 killed 13 people and wounded more than 40. The Islamic State group claimed the attack, which the candidate survived.

Violence had been expected to escalate ahead of the poll.

Preparations for the ballot, which is a test run for next year's presidential vote, have been in turmoil for months and there has been debate about whether the vote should go ahead.

Bureaucratic inefficiency, allegations of industrial-scale fraud and an eleventh-hour pledge for biometric verification of voters threaten to derail the process, which is three years late.

Some 54,000 members of Afghanistan's beleaguered security forces will be responsible for protecting more than 5,000 polling centres on election day.

But there are concerns over how they will manage as the Taliban and the Islamic State group step up attacks across the country.

A motorcycle carrying explosives blew up among supporters of an Afghan election candidate on Saturday, killing at least 14 people, officials said, in the latest attack on a political rally.

A motorcycle carrying explosives blew up among supporters of an Afghan election candidate on Saturday, killing at least 14 people, officials said, in the latest attack on a political rally. Violence related to the parliamentary vote has killed or wounded hundreds of people in recent months and more militant attacks are expected ahead of Afghanistan's October 20 poll. More than 30 people were wounded in the explosion in the northeastern province of Takhar where candidate Nazifa Yousefibek had been campaigning, provincial governor spokesman Mohammad Jawad Hejri told AFP. Interior ministry deputy spokesman Nasrat Rahimi said most of the 14 killed were civilians. "The explosives were placed in a motorcycle and detonated behind a tent where Nazifa Yousefibek was campaigning," Rahimi said. Yousefibek was not hurt in the blast. No group has claimed responsibility. Ambulances have been sent to the remote district of Rustaq where the attack happened, but officials also are seeking to airlift the wounded to hospitals, Hejri said. Khan Jan, who told AFP he saw the explosion, said there had been a powerful blast and "a lot of people" had been killed. More than 2,500 candidates are contesting the long-delayed legislative elections. At least nine candidates have died so far, most of them in targeted killings, according to the Independent Election Commission. A candidate was among eight people killed in a suicide attack in the southern province of Helmand -- a Taliban stronghold -- on October 9. No group has claimed responsibility. That incident came a day after the Taliban warned candidates to pull out of the "bogus" election, describing it as a "malicious American conspiracy". The group vowed to attack the ballot and those involved in it. An attack on a rally in the eastern province of Nangarhar on October 2 killed 13 people and wounded more than 40. The Islamic State group claimed the attack, which the candidate survived. Violence had been expected to escalate ahead of the poll. Preparations for the ballot, which is a test run for next year's presidential vote, have been in turmoil for months and there has been debate about whether the vote should go ahead. Bureaucratic inefficiency, allegations of industrial-scale fraud and an eleventh-hour pledge for biometric verification of voters threaten to derail the process, which is three years late. Some 54,000 members of Afghanistan's beleaguered security forces will be responsible for protecting more than 5,000 polling centres on election day. But there are concerns over how they will manage as the Taliban and the Islamic State group step up attacks across the country.

At least 14 killed in bomb attack on Afghan election rally

Two Afghan military officials were jailed for 20 years after a two-year trial for sharing state secrets with Pakistan, a prosecutor said on Wednesday.

The sentence highlights a long-standing belief between Afghanistan and neighbouring Pakistan that the other country does not adequately prevent cross-border militant attacks.

Shah Mohammad and Nazirullah were arrested in 2016 after travelling to Pakistan to hand over information to Pakistan`s Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) agency. They pleaded not guilty but eventually "confessed to their crime" before the military court in the eastern city of Jalalabad, officials said.

"Each of them has been sentenced to 20 years in prison by the primary court," said Najiburrahman Nadim, a military prosecutor.

Nadim said the accused had shared secret information about attacks and bomb blasts.

Afghanistan’s Western-backed government has long accused Pakistan of harbouring Afghan Taliban insurgents, a charge that Islamabad denies.

Islamabad, in turn, accuses Afghanistan of not doing enough to eradicate Pakistani Taliban militants, many of whom are based in Afghanistan and mostly carry out attacks inside Pakistan.

A defence lawyer representing the two army officials rejected the court`s verdict, which was delivered on Tuesday.&nbsp;

"My clients were beaten during the investigations and they were forced to confess. We don`t accept the decision and we will appeal," said Toryalai Muqanen.&nbsp;

Two Afghan military officials were jailed for 20 years after a two-year trial for sharing state secrets with Pakistan, a prosecutor said on Wednesday. The sentence highlights a long-standing belief between Afghanistan and neighbouring Pakistan that the other country does not adequately prevent cross-border militant attacks.

Two Afghan military officials were jailed for 20 years after a two-year trial for sharing state secrets with Pakistan, a prosecutor said on Wednesday. The sentence highlights a long-standing belief between Afghanistan and neighbouring Pakistan that the other country does not adequately prevent cross-border militant attacks. Shah Mohammad and Nazirullah were arrested in 2016 after travelling to Pakistan to hand over information to Pakistan`s Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) agency. They pleaded not guilty but eventually "confessed to their crime" before the military court in the eastern city of Jalalabad, officials said. "Each of them has been sentenced to 20 years in prison by the primary court," said Najiburrahman Nadim, a military prosecutor. Nadim said the accused had shared secret information about attacks and bomb blasts. Afghanistan’s Western-backed government has long accused Pakistan of harbouring Afghan Taliban insurgents, a charge that Islamabad denies. Islamabad, in turn, accuses Afghanistan of not doing enough to eradicate Pakistani Taliban militants, many of whom are based in Afghanistan and mostly carry out attacks inside Pakistan. A defence lawyer representing the two army officials rejected the court`s verdict, which was delivered on Tuesday. "My clients were beaten during the investigations and they were forced to confess. We don`t accept the decision and we will appeal," said Toryalai Muqanen.

Afghan officials get 20 years for handing secrets to Pakistan

Afghan Taliban recently mounted an attack on a number of security check posts in the Jawzjan province, resulting in the death of at least 15 security personnel.

The attack, which took place in Qosh Tepa district of the northern Afghanistan province on Sunday night, also resulted in a further 26 security force personnel being injured, TOLO News cited sources as saying.

Authorities have issued warnings that unless air support is provided to aid the forces, the district will be claimed by the Taliban militants.

"Clashes are still ongoing in the district," officials were also quoted by TOLO News as saying.

However, a security policeman, Kamaluddin Yawar stated that "four security forces were killed in the attack and four others were wounded."

"At least 30 Taliban were killed and 19 others including their shadow district governor were wounded in the attack. Two security check posts were also fallen to the Taliban," Yawar added.

The Taliban have also confirmed the attack.

Afghan Taliban recently mounted an attack on a number of security check posts in the Jawzjan province, resulting in the death of at least 15 security personnel. The attack, which took place in Qosh Tepa district of the northern Afghanistan province on Sunday night, also resulted in a further 26 security force personnel being injured, TOLO News cited sources as saying.

Afghan Taliban recently mounted an attack on a number of security check posts in the Jawzjan province, resulting in the death of at least 15 security personnel. The attack, which took place in Qosh Tepa district of the northern Afghanistan province on Sunday night, also resulted in a further 26 security force personnel being injured, TOLO News cited sources as saying. Authorities have issued warnings that unless air support is provided to aid the forces, the district will be claimed by the Taliban militants. "Clashes are still ongoing in the district," officials were also quoted by TOLO News as saying. However, a security policeman, Kamaluddin Yawar stated that "four security forces were killed in the attack and four others were wounded." "At least 30 Taliban were killed and 19 others including their shadow district governor were wounded in the attack. Two security check posts were also fallen to the Taliban," Yawar added. The Taliban have also confirmed the attack.

Afghanistan: At least 15 security personnel die in Taliban attacks

The number of Afghans killed or wounded in suicide attacks soared 46 per cent in the first nine months of 2018, the United Nations said Sunday, as militants increasingly target civilians.

Suicide bombs caused 2,343 civilian casualties, more than any other tactic, including ground fighting, the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan said in a special report on the use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in the Afghan conflict.

Civilian casualties from all types of IEDs, including suicide bombs and pressure-plate mines, rose 21 per cent from a year earlier to 3,634.

UNAMA warned the increasing number of "deliberate and indiscriminate attacks" against civilians constituted "serious violations of international humanitarian law" that could amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity.

"The unpredictable nature of these types of attacks, often away from the fighting and in civilian populated areas, has caused ordinary Afghans to live in fear of the next explosion, severely curtailing their ability to carry out normal lives," UNAMA said.

More than half of the civilian causalities caused by IEDs were attributed to the Islamic State group, while the Taliban, Afghanistan's largest militant group, accounted for 40 per cent.

Many of the attacks "appeared to be directed specifically" at the minority Shiite community, UNAMA said.

Sunni extremists, like IS, consider Shiites apostates and have carried out deadly attacks on the sect across the region, massacring hundreds.

Other targets included sports stadiums, mosques, health clinics and voter registration centres.

The last major suicide attack was on October 2 at an election rally in the eastern province of Nangarhar that killed 13 people and wounded more than 40. IS claimed responsibility.

UNAMA is expected to release its overall civilian casualty report for the January-September period later this month.&nbsp;

Its first-half report released in July showed the number of civilians killed in the conflict at a record high of 1,692.

Another 3,430 people were wounded.

The number of Afghans killed or wounded in suicide attacks soared 46 per cent in the first nine months of 2018, the United Nations said Sunday, as militants increasingly target civilians.

The number of Afghans killed or wounded in suicide attacks soared 46 per cent in the first nine months of 2018, the United Nations said Sunday, as militants increasingly target civilians. Suicide bombs caused 2,343 civilian casualties, more than any other tactic, including ground fighting, the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan said in a special report on the use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in the Afghan conflict. Civilian casualties from all types of IEDs, including suicide bombs and pressure-plate mines, rose 21 per cent from a year earlier to 3,634. UNAMA warned the increasing number of "deliberate and indiscriminate attacks" against civilians constituted "serious violations of international humanitarian law" that could amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity. "The unpredictable nature of these types of attacks, often away from the fighting and in civilian populated areas, has caused ordinary Afghans to live in fear of the next explosion, severely curtailing their ability to carry out normal lives," UNAMA said. More than half of the civilian causalities caused by IEDs were attributed to the Islamic State group, while the Taliban, Afghanistan's largest militant group, accounted for 40 per cent. Many of the attacks "appeared to be directed specifically" at the minority Shiite community, UNAMA said. Sunni extremists, like IS, consider Shiites apostates and have carried out deadly attacks on the sect across the region, massacring hundreds. Other targets included sports stadiums, mosques, health clinics and voter registration centres. The last major suicide attack was on October 2 at an election rally in the eastern province of Nangarhar that killed 13 people and wounded more than 40. IS claimed responsibility. UNAMA is expected to release its overall civilian casualty report for the January-September period later this month. Its first-half report released in July showed the number of civilians killed in the conflict at a record high of 1,692. Another 3,430 people were wounded.

Afghan civilian casualties from suicide attacks soar: United Nations 

An air strike appears to have killed 12 members of an Afghan family, most of them children, the United Nations said, citing preliminary findings, as US and Afghan forces ramp up aerial bombardments against militants.

The latest incident brings to at least 21 -- including 14 children -- the number of civilians killed in air strikes in recent days, according to the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA). &nbsp;

Sunday night's air strike destroyed a house in Wardak province near Kabul, killing 12 members of a family, UNAMA said in a statement late Tuesday.

The victims included 10 children aged six to 15 and two women.&nbsp;

The findings support earlier comments from provincial council member Ahmad Jahfari, who told AFP that 12 members of a family had been killed in an air strike targeting Taliban fighters.&nbsp;

A villager called Abdullah told AFP that two of his sisters died in the attack that he said claimed the lives of more than 12 civilians.&nbsp;

"Three other houses were also destroyed," Abdullah said.

"They wanted to bomb a Taliban prison about 100 metres (330 feet) from our house."

UNAMA is also reviewing reports of civilian casualties from "a number of alleged air strikes in other parts of the country", its statement said.

That includes "credible reports" that nine members of a family, including four children, were killed in an air strike on Saturday in the eastern province of Kapisa.&nbsp;

US Forces confirmed it had carried out an air strike in support of Afghan ground troops in Kapisa, but killed "only militants", spokesman David Butler said earlier.&nbsp;

It is not clear if the air strike in Wardak was carried out by US or Afghan forces.&nbsp;

Afghanistan's defence ministry is investigating both incidents, spokesman Ghafor Ahmad Jawed told AFP.

US Forces said it was reviewing "relevant and credible information" relating to its operations in Wardak.

"It isn't uncommon for insurgents to use these accusations to drive a wedge between the military and the population," US Forces spokesman Commander Grant Neeley added.&nbsp;

UNAMA expressed its "strong concern" at the rising number of civilian casualties from air strikes this year.

Air strikes killed or wounded 353 civilians in the first half, up 52 per cent from the same period in 2017.&nbsp;

The figure accounted for roughly seven per cent of total civilian casualties for the six-month period.&nbsp;

One of the worst incidents was in the northern province of Kunduz in April, when an Afghan air strike on an outdoor religious gathering in Dashte Archi killed or wounded 107 people, mostly children, a previous UNAMA report found.

The government and military said the strike had targeted a Taliban base where senior members of the group were planning attacks.

US and Afghan forces have dramatically increased air offensives against Taliban and Islamic State insurgents in the past year as they try to get the upper hand in the 17-year war. &nbsp;

US forces employed 746 weapons in July, which was the highest monthly total since November 2010, the most recent US Air Forces Central Command data shows.&nbsp;

That is more than double the 350 munitions used in July 2017, a month before US President Donald Trump announced his new strategy for Afghanistan that gave American forces greater leeway to go after militants.&nbsp;

Afghanistan's fledgling air force has also accelerated bombardments as the United States beefs up the country's aerial capability with more aircraft and better weapons.&nbsp;

An air strike appears to have killed 12 members of an Afghan family, most of them children, the United Nations said, citing preliminary findings, as US and Afghan forces ramp up aerial bombardments against militants.

An air strike appears to have killed 12 members of an Afghan family, most of them children, the United Nations said, citing preliminary findings, as US and Afghan forces ramp up aerial bombardments against militants. The latest incident brings to at least 21 -- including 14 children -- the number of civilians killed in air strikes in recent days, according to the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA). Sunday night's air strike destroyed a house in Wardak province near Kabul, killing 12 members of a family, UNAMA said in a statement late Tuesday. The victims included 10 children aged six to 15 and two women. The findings support earlier comments from provincial council member Ahmad Jahfari, who told AFP that 12 members of a family had been killed in an air strike targeting Taliban fighters. A villager called Abdullah told AFP that two of his sisters died in the attack that he said claimed the lives of more than 12 civilians. "Three other houses were also destroyed," Abdullah said. "They wanted to bomb a Taliban prison about 100 metres (330 feet) from our house." UNAMA is also reviewing reports of civilian casualties from "a number of alleged air strikes in other parts of the country", its statement said. That includes "credible reports" that nine members of a family, including four children, were killed in an air strike on Saturday in the eastern province of Kapisa. US Forces confirmed it had carried out an air strike in support of Afghan ground troops in Kapisa, but killed "only militants", spokesman David Butler said earlier. It is not clear if the air strike in Wardak was carried out by US or Afghan forces. Afghanistan's defence ministry is investigating both incidents, spokesman Ghafor Ahmad Jawed told AFP. US Forces said it was reviewing "relevant and credible information" relating to its operations in Wardak. "It isn't uncommon for insurgents to use these accusations to drive a wedge between the military and the population," US Forces spokesman Commander Grant Neeley added. UNAMA expressed its "strong concern" at the rising number of civilian casualties from air strikes this year. Air strikes killed or wounded 353 civilians in the first half, up 52 per cent from the same period in 2017. The figure accounted for roughly seven per cent of total civilian casualties for the six-month period. One of the worst incidents was in the northern province of Kunduz in April, when an Afghan air strike on an outdoor religious gathering in Dashte Archi killed or wounded 107 people, mostly children, a previous UNAMA report found. The government and military said the strike had targeted a Taliban base where senior members of the group were planning attacks. US and Afghan forces have dramatically increased air offensives against Taliban and Islamic State insurgents in the past year as they try to get the upper hand in the 17-year war. US forces employed 746 weapons in July, which was the highest monthly total since November 2010, the most recent US Air Forces Central Command data shows. That is more than double the 350 munitions used in July 2017, a month before US President Donald Trump announced his new strategy for Afghanistan that gave American forces greater leeway to go after militants. Afghanistan's fledgling air force has also accelerated bombardments as the United States beefs up the country's aerial capability with more aircraft and better weapons.

10 Afghan children, 2 women dead in air strike: UN initial report

Moments after Afghan journalist Samim Faramarz wrapped up his live report on the latest suicide attack in Kabul, a car bomb exploded just metres away, killing him and his cameraman Ramiz Ahmadi.

Their colleagues at Tolo News choked back tears as they reported the deaths live on air -- cracking open a divisive debate on how Afghan journalists should operate in such a dangerous environment.&nbsp;

The deaths of Faramarz and Ahmadi on September 5 took the number of journalists and media workers killed in Afghanistan this year to 14, making the country the deadliest in the world for the media.&nbsp;

Among the dead were 13 journalists -- the highest number killed in Afghanistan in a single year since the start of the war.

The losses have devastated the tight-knit community that faces the real prospect of tragedy every time they go to work.&nbsp;

"When we leave our homes we don't know whether we will go back alive," said 1TV reporter Hamid Haidary, who keeps a photo shrine of fallen journalists on a shelf above his desk. &nbsp;

Haidary had gone to the scene of the explosion that killed Faramarz and Ahmadi, but returned to his office minutes before the second bomb detonated.

"It is already too much for us," agreed Lotfullah Najafizada, director of Tolo, which is Afghanistan's largest private broadcaster.&nbsp;

As security in Afghanistan continues to deteriorate, the fear and anxiety is ever-present, he added.

"It is not just about the blast site, it is going to a province, it is coming to the office or being in the office -- they all are attached to risks and it is difficult sometimes to minimise all of them to zero."

Sixty journalists and media workers have been killed in Afghanistan since the US-led invasion in 2001 that toppled the Taliban regime and enabled independent media to blossom in its wake -- an average of around three a year, according to Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

Afghan media support group NAI gave an even higher toll of 95.&nbsp;

But the departure of NATO combat troops at the end of 2014 marked a turning point, RSF figures show: 39 journalists and media workers -- over half of the total -- have been killed since then as a resurgent Taliban and the newly-emerged Islamic State group terrorise the country.

Media outlets have already scaled back coverage on the battlefield. But until this year, suicide attacks in urban centres remained a staple for newsrooms.&nbsp;

A double bomb attack in the Afghan capital on April 30 changed that. &nbsp;

Nine journalists, including Agence France-Presse chief photographer Shah Marai, were killed in the twin blasts -- the most lethal attack on the media since the fall of the Taliban.&nbsp;

Less than three months later AFP driver Mohammad Akhtar was killed in another suicide attack on his way to work, followed in September by Faramarz and Ahmadi.

The deaths are forcing outlets to ask themselves hard questions about how they work, especially as the country braces for more violence ahead of parliamentary elections in October.

Much of the blame for the journalist deaths has been heaped on the Afghan government and its beleaguered security forces for failing to protect them.&nbsp;

But media outlets also have been criticised for repeatedly putting their staff in danger.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Losing journalists in similar events one after another and not learning from the mistakes is bad management both on the part of the media organisations and the government," said Sayed Ikram Afzali, executive director of Afghan advocacy group Integrity Watch.

Militants make headlines for killing civilians, security forces and first responders, including journalists.

But a total ban on covering suicide attacks "would be disrespecting the fallen", said BBC bureau chief Shoaib Sharifi.

The British broadcaster goes to great lengths to minimise the risks. "We literally evaluate and monitor every step outside the office," he said.

For now Afghan broadcaster 1TV, which has had several people killed or wounded in this year's bombings, will continue to go to the scene of suicide attacks, said head of news and current affairs Abdullah Khenjani.

"I think people deserve to know what is happening in their country," he added.

But they no longer rush to be the first at the scene, and wearing flak jackets and helmets is mandatory.&nbsp;

The New York Times' "default position is 'don't go' unless ... we agree there is some exceptional reason why you should," bureau chief Rod Nordland said.

"In most cases we're saying there is no exceptional reason."

The newspaper instead goes to hospitals or the homes of victims' families to show the human suffering caused by such attacks, as it continues to seek ways of telling the story even without going to the scene.

Agence France-Presse has adopted a similar policy.&nbsp;

"The risk now of going to a bomb site, of getting hit by a second bomb... outweighs the journalistic value in doing that," Nordland said.&nbsp;

Moments after Afghan journalist Samim Faramarz wrapped up his live report on the latest suicide attack in Kabul, a car bomb exploded just metres away, killing him and his cameraman Ramiz Ahmadi.

Moments after Afghan journalist Samim Faramarz wrapped up his live report on the latest suicide attack in Kabul, a car bomb exploded just metres away, killing him and his cameraman Ramiz Ahmadi. Their colleagues at Tolo News choked back tears as they reported the deaths live on air -- cracking open a divisive debate on how Afghan journalists should operate in such a dangerous environment. The deaths of Faramarz and Ahmadi on September 5 took the number of journalists and media workers killed in Afghanistan this year to 14, making the country the deadliest in the world for the media. Among the dead were 13 journalists -- the highest number killed in Afghanistan in a single year since the start of the war. The losses have devastated the tight-knit community that faces the real prospect of tragedy every time they go to work. "When we leave our homes we don't know whether we will go back alive," said 1TV reporter Hamid Haidary, who keeps a photo shrine of fallen journalists on a shelf above his desk. Haidary had gone to the scene of the explosion that killed Faramarz and Ahmadi, but returned to his office minutes before the second bomb detonated. "It is already too much for us," agreed Lotfullah Najafizada, director of Tolo, which is Afghanistan's largest private broadcaster. As security in Afghanistan continues to deteriorate, the fear and anxiety is ever-present, he added. "It is not just about the blast site, it is going to a province, it is coming to the office or being in the office -- they all are attached to risks and it is difficult sometimes to minimise all of them to zero." Sixty journalists and media workers have been killed in Afghanistan since the US-led invasion in 2001 that toppled the Taliban regime and enabled independent media to blossom in its wake -- an average of around three a year, according to Reporters Without Borders (RSF). Afghan media support group NAI gave an even higher toll of 95. But the departure of NATO combat troops at the end of 2014 marked a turning point, RSF figures show: 39 journalists and media workers -- over half of the total -- have been killed since then as a resurgent Taliban and the newly-emerged Islamic State group terrorise the country. Media outlets have already scaled back coverage on the battlefield. But until this year, suicide attacks in urban centres remained a staple for newsrooms. A double bomb attack in the Afghan capital on April 30 changed that. Nine journalists, including Agence France-Presse chief photographer Shah Marai, were killed in the twin blasts -- the most lethal attack on the media since the fall of the Taliban. Less than three months later AFP driver Mohammad Akhtar was killed in another suicide attack on his way to work, followed in September by Faramarz and Ahmadi. The deaths are forcing outlets to ask themselves hard questions about how they work, especially as the country braces for more violence ahead of parliamentary elections in October. Much of the blame for the journalist deaths has been heaped on the Afghan government and its beleaguered security forces for failing to protect them. But media outlets also have been criticised for repeatedly putting their staff in danger. "Losing journalists in similar events one after another and not learning from the mistakes is bad management both on the part of the media organisations and the government," said Sayed Ikram Afzali, executive director of Afghan advocacy group Integrity Watch. Militants make headlines for killing civilians, security forces and first responders, including journalists. But a total ban on covering suicide attacks "would be disrespecting the fallen", said BBC bureau chief Shoaib Sharifi. The British broadcaster goes to great lengths to minimise the risks. "We literally evaluate and monitor every step outside the office," he said. For now Afghan broadcaster 1TV, which has had several people killed or wounded in this year's bombings, will continue to go to the scene of suicide attacks, said head of news and current affairs Abdullah Khenjani. "I think people deserve to know what is happening in their country," he added. But they no longer rush to be the first at the scene, and wearing flak jackets and helmets is mandatory. The New York Times' "default position is 'don't go' unless ... we agree there is some exceptional reason why you should," bureau chief Rod Nordland said. "In most cases we're saying there is no exceptional reason." The newspaper instead goes to hospitals or the homes of victims' families to show the human suffering caused by such attacks, as it continues to seek ways of telling the story even without going to the scene. Agence France-Presse has adopted a similar policy. "The risk now of going to a bomb site, of getting hit by a second bomb... outweighs the journalistic value in doing that," Nordland said.

Afghan journalists dying in record numbers to report the war

Senior Taliban officials have been secretly negotiating with Afghan officials on a possible ceasefire, the Pentagon said Wednesday, even as US forces killed over 50 Taliban leaders in a series of strikes.

"A lot of the diplomatic activity and dialogue is occurring off the stage, and it's occurring at multiple levels," General John Nicholson said in a teleconference with reporters at the Pentagon.

He would not identify the figures involved in the negotiations, except to say that they included mid- and senior-level Taliban officials.

"I should point out they met in secret. This is how they were able to advance the talks," he said, adding that the success of the effort depends in part on the "confidentiality of the process."

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani in late February proposed peace talks with the Taliban, saying they could be recognized as a political party if they accepted a ceasefire and recognized the country's 2004 constitution.

The Taliban have not officially responded, but deadly attacks have proliferated since then, particularly in Kabul, which has become the most dangerous place in the country for civilians.

On Wednesday, militants launched a gun and bomb attack on the Interior Ministry in Kabul, killing a policeman in another demonstration of their ability to strike at the heart of the Afghan capital.

The Taliban also claimed responsibility for a predawn attack on a police station in the capital of Logar province, about 70 kilometers (45 miles) southeast of Kabul.

Six police officers were killed and eight civilians were wounded, provincial police spokesman Shapoor Ahmadzai said.

But Nicholson, who has sought to drive the Taliban to the negotiating table by bringing to bear increased US military pressure, maintained that violence and progress can coexist.

He likened the situation in Afghanistan to that of Colombia where the fighting continued up until the FARC guerrilla group and the government signed a peace accord in 2016.

In a statement Wednesday, the US command in Afghanistan said the strikes against those behind a recent attack in the Helmand provincial capital of Farah resulted in "more than 50 casualties."

After pushing out fighters in Farah, Afghan and US forces continued to pursue them, Nicholson told reporters at the Pentagon via video link.

Under surveillance by the Marines, the Taliban fighters returned to their Helmand stronghold, a center for poppy cultivation.

On May 24, they were spotted in a known Taliban command center in Musa Qala.

Among the dead was the number two Taliban leader in Helmand, Abdul Manan, and several district governors and local leaders in Kandahar, Kunduz, Herat, Farah, Uruzgan and Helmand provinces.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani in late February proposed peace talks with the Taliban

Senior Taliban officials have been secretly negotiating with Afghan officials on a possible ceasefire, the Pentagon said Wednesday, even as US forces killed over 50 Taliban leaders in a series of strikes. "A lot of the diplomatic activity and dialogue is occurring off the stage, and it's occurring at multiple levels," General John Nicholson said in a teleconference with reporters at the Pentagon. He would not identify the figures involved in the negotiations, except to say that they included mid- and senior-level Taliban officials. "I should point out they met in secret. This is how they were able to advance the talks," he said, adding that the success of the effort depends in part on the "confidentiality of the process." Afghan President Ashraf Ghani in late February proposed peace talks with the Taliban, saying they could be recognized as a political party if they accepted a ceasefire and recognized the country's 2004 constitution. The Taliban have not officially responded, but deadly attacks have proliferated since then, particularly in Kabul, which has become the most dangerous place in the country for civilians. On Wednesday, militants launched a gun and bomb attack on the Interior Ministry in Kabul, killing a policeman in another demonstration of their ability to strike at the heart of the Afghan capital. The Taliban also claimed responsibility for a predawn attack on a police station in the capital of Logar province, about 70 kilometers (45 miles) southeast of Kabul. Six police officers were killed and eight civilians were wounded, provincial police spokesman Shapoor Ahmadzai said. But Nicholson, who has sought to drive the Taliban to the negotiating table by bringing to bear increased US military pressure, maintained that violence and progress can coexist. He likened the situation in Afghanistan to that of Colombia where the fighting continued up until the FARC guerrilla group and the government signed a peace accord in 2016. In a statement Wednesday, the US command in Afghanistan said the strikes against those behind a recent attack in the Helmand provincial capital of Farah resulted in "more than 50 casualties." After pushing out fighters in Farah, Afghan and US forces continued to pursue them, Nicholson told reporters at the Pentagon via video link. Under surveillance by the Marines, the Taliban fighters returned to their Helmand stronghold, a center for poppy cultivation. On May 24, they were spotted in a known Taliban command center in Musa Qala. Among the dead was the number two Taliban leader in Helmand, Abdul Manan, and several district governors and local leaders in Kandahar, Kunduz, Herat, Farah, Uruzgan and Helmand provinces.

Taliban, Afghan officials in ceasefire talks: US general

More than 3.4 million people across Afghanistan have registered their names to vote ahead of the October elections, confirmed officials of the Independent Election Commission of Afghanistan (IEC).

Kabul remains at the top of the list in terms of voter turnout, with 956,820 voters.

The IEC has also extended the voter registration process for another ten days.

However, elections monitoring groups and former heads of the IEC have alleged that the election commission does not have credible documents to substantiate as to how many people have genuinely registered.

"The election commission so far has not created a system to show how many people have registered, still there is the database and there is no proper system, what the election commission says is information gathered over the telephone which is not credible," the report quoted former IEC chief Fazel Ahmad Manavi, as saying.

Meanwhile, it has been reported that Afghan CEO Abdullah Abdullah`s office has asked the IEC to step up the process of creating the voter database.

"The commission has enough time to enter all those names who registered into the database," said the CEO`s deputy spokesman Jawed Faisal.

Kabul remains at the top of the list in terms of voter turnout, with 956,820 voters

More than 3.4 million people across Afghanistan have registered their names to vote ahead of the October elections, confirmed officials of the Independent Election Commission of Afghanistan (IEC). Kabul remains at the top of the list in terms of voter turnout, with 956,820 voters. The IEC has also extended the voter registration process for another ten days. However, elections monitoring groups and former heads of the IEC have alleged that the election commission does not have credible documents to substantiate as to how many people have genuinely registered. "The election commission so far has not created a system to show how many people have registered, still there is the database and there is no proper system, what the election commission says is information gathered over the telephone which is not credible," the report quoted former IEC chief Fazel Ahmad Manavi, as saying. Meanwhile, it has been reported that Afghan CEO Abdullah Abdullah`s office has asked the IEC to step up the process of creating the voter database. "The commission has enough time to enter all those names who registered into the database," said the CEO`s deputy spokesman Jawed Faisal.

Over 3.4 million Afghans register to vote: Report

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani launched new electronic ID cards on Thursday and faced immediate opposition in his own government towards a system that has fuelled bitter rows over ethnic politics only months before parliamentary elections are due.

The much delayed "e-tezkera" system, named after the local term for identity cards, is intended to reduce fraud, streamline public administration and give a clearer picture of the population by centralizing data on one digitized card.

"E-tezkera will help security in the country," Ghani said at a ceremony at which he received the first card to be issued.

"The problem with the traditional ID card was that the foreign terrorists could easily make fake national Afghan IDs and challenge our security."

But the inclusion of a national identity denomination that is rejected by some groups in Afghanistan has laid bare the persistent ethnic divisions that have widened sharply over the past year.

The new system has been the subject of furious argument because it designates a holder's nationality as "Afghan", a term used in the past to denote Pashtuns, traditionally the most politically powerful ethnic group.

Some members of other groups, notably Persian-speaking ethnic Tajiks, say that use of the term on the cards is intended to entrench the power of the Pashtuns by suggesting that their identity is equivalent with that of the nation as a whole.

Like almost all kings and presidents of Afghanistan, Ghani is an ethnic Pashtun and he has faced increasing opposition from Tajiks as presidential elections next year approach.

Shortly after the ceremony, Ghani's partner in government, Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah, whose Jamiat party mainly represents ethnic Tajiks from northern Afghanistan, rejected the new cards.

"Large national processes need more work and strategy that can achieve people's satisfaction," he told a news conference. "There are far important priorities.

"I am not against electronic ID cards, but this was not the time for it, because there are disagreements among the people about the e-ID cards."

The new cards have faced long delays for both technical and political reasons and Ghani's original intention of using them to register voters and reduce fraud in parliamentary elections scheduled for October has been abandoned.

Registration will be based on the old paper ID cards, although as many Afghans do not even have one of these, millions will have to be issued by October for sufficient numbers of voters to be included, a process already behind schedule.

The term 'Afghan' was used in the past to denote Pashtuns, traditionally the most politically powerful ethnic group

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani launched new electronic ID cards on Thursday and faced immediate opposition in his own government towards a system that has fuelled bitter rows over ethnic politics only months before parliamentary elections are due. The much delayed "e-tezkera" system, named after the local term for identity cards, is intended to reduce fraud, streamline public administration and give a clearer picture of the population by centralizing data on one digitized card. "E-tezkera will help security in the country," Ghani said at a ceremony at which he received the first card to be issued. "The problem with the traditional ID card was that the foreign terrorists could easily make fake national Afghan IDs and challenge our security." But the inclusion of a national identity denomination that is rejected by some groups in Afghanistan has laid bare the persistent ethnic divisions that have widened sharply over the past year. The new system has been the subject of furious argument because it designates a holder's nationality as "Afghan", a term used in the past to denote Pashtuns, traditionally the most politically powerful ethnic group. Some members of other groups, notably Persian-speaking ethnic Tajiks, say that use of the term on the cards is intended to entrench the power of the Pashtuns by suggesting that their identity is equivalent with that of the nation as a whole. Like almost all kings and presidents of Afghanistan, Ghani is an ethnic Pashtun and he has faced increasing opposition from Tajiks as presidential elections next year approach. Shortly after the ceremony, Ghani's partner in government, Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah, whose Jamiat party mainly represents ethnic Tajiks from northern Afghanistan, rejected the new cards. "Large national processes need more work and strategy that can achieve people's satisfaction," he told a news conference. "There are far important priorities. "I am not against electronic ID cards, but this was not the time for it, because there are disagreements among the people about the e-ID cards." The new cards have faced long delays for both technical and political reasons and Ghani's original intention of using them to register voters and reduce fraud in parliamentary elections scheduled for October has been abandoned. Registration will be based on the old paper ID cards, although as many Afghans do not even have one of these, millions will have to be issued by October for sufficient numbers of voters to be included, a process already behind schedule.

Afghanistan President launches ID cards terming everyone 'Afghan', but citizens dissent

Up to two dozen militants have been killed and three dozen others injured as government forces from ground and air began targeting Taliban positions in Charbolak district of the northern Balkh province on Thursday, an army spokesman in the province Mohammad Hanif Rezai said.

"The government forces from the ground and air began attacking Taliban hideouts and positions in Koshka area of Charbolak district at 01:30 a.m. local time today (Thursday) and have killed 24 insurgents and injured 36 others," Rezai said.

Without hinting at possible casualties of the security personnel, the official stressed that the government forces would continue to target militants elsewhere in Balkh province and adjoining areas.

Taliban militants launched their so-called spring offensive on Wednesday and since then they are engaged with government forces in parts of the insurgency-battered country including the restive Charbolak district.

Without hinting at possible casualties of the security personnel, the official stressed that the government forces would continue to target militants elsewhere in Balkh province and adjoining areas.

Up to two dozen militants have been killed and three dozen others injured as government forces from ground and air began targeting Taliban positions in Charbolak district of the northern Balkh province on Thursday, an army spokesman in the province Mohammad Hanif Rezai said. "The government forces from the ground and air began attacking Taliban hideouts and positions in Koshka area of Charbolak district at 01:30 a.m. local time today (Thursday) and have killed 24 insurgents and injured 36 others," Rezai said. Without hinting at possible casualties of the security personnel, the official stressed that the government forces would continue to target militants elsewhere in Balkh province and adjoining areas. Taliban militants launched their so-called spring offensive on Wednesday and since then they are engaged with government forces in parts of the insurgency-battered country including the restive Charbolak district.

24 Taliban terrorists killed as Afghan forces storm Taliban positions

Taliban militants attacked Afghan security posts in the western province of Herat on Thursday, killing nine soldiers and one police officer, a district governor said on Friday.

The attack occurred in Herat`s Shindand district, said the district`s governor, Shukrullah Shaker. Four people were wounded, he said.

The Taliban, seeking to restore strict Islamic rule after their 2001 defeat by US-led troops, did not immediately comment.

The attack happened just days after a blast in Shindand killed at least six people, including four children.

Earlier on Thursday, Taliban militants stormed a district in Ghazni province, killing more than a dozen people including the district`s governor before retreating.&nbsp;

Fighting in Afghanistan traditionally increases in the spring when warmer weather melts snow blocking mountain passes, increasing the mobility of the insurgents.&nbsp;

Taliban militants attacked Afghan security posts in the western province of Herat on Thursday, killing nine soldiers and one police officer, a district governor said on Friday

Taliban militants attacked Afghan security posts in the western province of Herat on Thursday, killing nine soldiers and one police officer, a district governor said on Friday. The attack occurred in Herat`s Shindand district, said the district`s governor, Shukrullah Shaker. Four people were wounded, he said. The Taliban, seeking to restore strict Islamic rule after their 2001 defeat by US-led troops, did not immediately comment. The attack happened just days after a blast in Shindand killed at least six people, including four children. Earlier on Thursday, Taliban militants stormed a district in Ghazni province, killing more than a dozen people including the district`s governor before retreating. Fighting in Afghanistan traditionally increases in the spring when warmer weather melts snow blocking mountain passes, increasing the mobility of the insurgents.

Taliban kills 10 security forces in Afghan province of Herat

Taliban fighters have captured a district centre in Afghanistan&#39;s western province of Farah bordering Iran, where they have battled government security forces fiercely in recent months, officials said on Monday.

Naser Mehri, a spokesman for the provincial governor, said a large group of fighters had captured the centre of Anar Dara district on Sunday night after hours of fighting, though police and intelligence service forces were still holding out in their headquarters.

The Taliban released pictures that appeared to show fighters in the town, where skirmishes were taking place on Monday. Taliban spokesman Qari Yousuf Ahmadi said 15 policemen had been killed and several military vehicles seized, along with a large quantity of ammunition.

The announcement came days after local officials said the Taliban had inflicted heavy losses on Afghan special forces in another district of Farah, a poor and isolated region where the government has long struggled to impose control.&nbsp;

The pressure on Farah has grown as US air strikes and Afghan army operations have inflicted heavy casualties on Taliban fighters in neighbouring Helmand province, the main opium region in Afghanistan and a heartland of the insurgency.

Afghan and US commanders have been relatively upbeat about the course of the war since US President Donald Trump announced a new and more robust military strategy last year, with more air strikes and greater support for Afghan forces.

But the fighting in Farah underlines the continuing strength of the movement, which controls or contests almost half the country and has so far rejected peace overtures from Afghan President Ashraf Ghani.

In January, the Farah provincial governor resigned, blaming political interference and corruption. Residents of Farah city have complained bitterly about security in the province, where some police units are alleged to collude with Taliban fighters, selling them weapons and ammunition.&nbsp;

Although they have failed so far to take any major provincial cities, the insurgents have several times seized district centres, even if they have often been driven off soon after by government reinforcements.

With the approach of milder spring weather, security officials have said they expect to see fighting surge across the country as the Taliban, fighting to drive out international forces and reimpose their version of strict Islamic law, step up the pressure.&nbsp;

The US military`s latest estimates from December show the Afghan government controls or has influenced over 56 per cent of districts, with insurgents controlling or contesting the rest.

The Taliban released pictures that appeared to show fighters in the town

Taliban fighters have captured a district centre in Afghanistan's western province of Farah bordering Iran, where they have battled government security forces fiercely in recent months, officials said on Monday. Naser Mehri, a spokesman for the provincial governor, said a large group of fighters had captured the centre of Anar Dara district on Sunday night after hours of fighting, though police and intelligence service forces were still holding out in their headquarters. The Taliban released pictures that appeared to show fighters in the town, where skirmishes were taking place on Monday. Taliban spokesman Qari Yousuf Ahmadi said 15 policemen had been killed and several military vehicles seized, along with a large quantity of ammunition. The announcement came days after local officials said the Taliban had inflicted heavy losses on Afghan special forces in another district of Farah, a poor and isolated region where the government has long struggled to impose control. The pressure on Farah has grown as US air strikes and Afghan army operations have inflicted heavy casualties on Taliban fighters in neighbouring Helmand province, the main opium region in Afghanistan and a heartland of the insurgency. Afghan and US commanders have been relatively upbeat about the course of the war since US President Donald Trump announced a new and more robust military strategy last year, with more air strikes and greater support for Afghan forces. But the fighting in Farah underlines the continuing strength of the movement, which controls or contests almost half the country and has so far rejected peace overtures from Afghan President Ashraf Ghani. In January, the Farah provincial governor resigned, blaming political interference and corruption. Residents of Farah city have complained bitterly about security in the province, where some police units are alleged to collude with Taliban fighters, selling them weapons and ammunition. Although they have failed so far to take any major provincial cities, the insurgents have several times seized district centres, even if they have often been driven off soon after by government reinforcements. With the approach of milder spring weather, security officials have said they expect to see fighting surge across the country as the Taliban, fighting to drive out international forces and reimpose their version of strict Islamic law, step up the pressure. The US military`s latest estimates from December show the Afghan government controls or has influenced over 56 per cent of districts, with insurgents controlling or contesting the rest.

Taliban capture district centre in western Afghan province

Pakistan has extended by two months the deadline for repatriation of Afghan refugees, giving a temporary relief to them amid a spike in violence in Afghanistan.

About 3 million Afghans have been living in Pakistan for decades. Nearly half of them are unregistered and staying in the country illegally.

The decision to extend the deadline for their return was taken by federal cabinet yesterday.

&quot;The cabinet approved grant of 60 days extension in the Proof of Registration (PoR) cards for Afghan refugees,&quot; said the statement.

The validity of legal refugee status for many Afghan refugees expired on January 31. This threw into doubt the future of these refugees.

Pakistan has extended the validity of PoR for the refugees at least six times in the past.

The Pakistani government says the country&#39;s economy &quot;has carried the burden of hosting Afghan refugees since long and in the present circumstances cannot sustain it further.&quot;

The 60-day extension came as Afghan Interior Minister Wais Ahmad Barmak and National Directorate of Security chief Mohamed Masoom Stanekzai visited Pakistan to discuss bilateral ties.

The security situation in Afghanistan, where US-led coalition forces and the Afghan army continue to battle the Afghan Taliban for control of areas of the country, has been deteriorating in recent weeks.

On Sunday, at least 103 people were killed in a suicide attack in the heart of the capital Kabul.

A day later, at least 11 soldiers were killed when gunmen attacked a military academy, also in Kabul.

Afghanistan and the US have blamed Pakistan for allegedly providing safe havens to elements of the Afghan Taliban and Haqqani Network. Pakistan denies the charge, alleging that it is Afghan forces that offer sanctuary to elements of the Pakistani Taliban.&nbsp;

Pakistan has extended the validity of PoR for the refugees at least six times in the past.

Pakistan has extended by two months the deadline for repatriation of Afghan refugees, giving a temporary relief to them amid a spike in violence in Afghanistan. About 3 million Afghans have been living in Pakistan for decades. Nearly half of them are unregistered and staying in the country illegally. The decision to extend the deadline for their return was taken by federal cabinet yesterday. "The cabinet approved grant of 60 days extension in the Proof of Registration (PoR) cards for Afghan refugees," said the statement. The validity of legal refugee status for many Afghan refugees expired on January 31. This threw into doubt the future of these refugees. Pakistan has extended the validity of PoR for the refugees at least six times in the past. The Pakistani government says the country's economy "has carried the burden of hosting Afghan refugees since long and in the present circumstances cannot sustain it further." The 60-day extension came as Afghan Interior Minister Wais Ahmad Barmak and National Directorate of Security chief Mohamed Masoom Stanekzai visited Pakistan to discuss bilateral ties. The security situation in Afghanistan, where US-led coalition forces and the Afghan army continue to battle the Afghan Taliban for control of areas of the country, has been deteriorating in recent weeks. On Sunday, at least 103 people were killed in a suicide attack in the heart of the capital Kabul. A day later, at least 11 soldiers were killed when gunmen attacked a military academy, also in Kabul. Afghanistan and the US have blamed Pakistan for allegedly providing safe havens to elements of the Afghan Taliban and Haqqani Network. Pakistan denies the charge, alleging that it is Afghan forces that offer sanctuary to elements of the Pakistani Taliban.

Pakistan extends Afghan refugees' repatriation deadline

Checkpoints in Southern Helmand province were attacked by Taliban insurgents on Sunday, killing 11 Afghan police officials, media reports said.&nbsp;

Afghan forces later repelled the attack in Lashkar Gah, the provincial capital - the insurgents were reported injured. Although the number has not yet been disclosed, media reports said.&nbsp;

The attack was claimed by the Taliban who have been spreading all across in Helmand.&nbsp;

It has been reported that these insurgents have been attacking the country, mainly the security forces, on a daily basis.&nbsp;

Earlier, a suicide car bomber attacked foreign forces in the southern Kandahar province, killing a woman and injuring around five other civilians, reports said.&nbsp;

Afghan forces later repelled the attack in Lashkar Gah, the provincial capital - who were reported injured. Although, the number has not yet been disclosed

Checkpoints in Southern Helmand province were attacked by Taliban insurgents on Sunday, killing 11 Afghan police officials, media reports said. Afghan forces later repelled the attack in Lashkar Gah, the provincial capital - the insurgents were reported injured. Although the number has not yet been disclosed, media reports said. The attack was claimed by the Taliban who have been spreading all across in Helmand. It has been reported that these insurgents have been attacking the country, mainly the security forces, on a daily basis. Earlier, a suicide car bomber attacked foreign forces in the southern Kandahar province, killing a woman and injuring around five other civilians, reports said.

Taliban insurgents kill 11 Afghan police officials in Helmand province: Reports

Afghan opium producers have had a bumper year with output soaring 87 per cent as the area under poppy cultivation hit a record high, the latest annual survey said&nbsp;Wednesday.&nbsp;

The price of opium as it left farms in war-torn Afghanistan this year soared by 55 per cent to almost $1.4 billion, the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) said, helping to fuel the bloody insurgency.

Rising insecurity, lack of government control and corruption were among the key drivers along with unemployment and lack of education, according to the Afghanistan Opium Survey, jointly compiled by the UNODC and Afghanistan&#39;s counter-narcotics ministry.

Potential opium production from this year&#39;s harvest is estimated at 9,000 tons, up 87 per cent from the 4,800 tons produced last year, boosted by increased cultivation and better yields.

Over the same period the area under poppy cultivation expanded by 63 per cent to a record 328,000 hectares (810,500 acres) -- topping the previous record of 224,000 hectares in 2014 -- with the number of poppy-growing provinces jumping to 24.

Only 10 Afghan provinces are now considered poppy-free.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&quot;The significant levels of opium poppy cultivation and illicit trafficking of opiates will probably further fuel instability, insurgency and increase funding to terrorist groups in Afghanistan,&quot; the report warned.&nbsp;

&quot;More high quality, low-cost heroin will reach consumer markets across the world, with increased consumption and related harms as a likely consequence.&quot;

Strong increases in cultivation were recorded in almost all major poppy-producing provinces, with restive Helmand in the south seeing the biggest rise of 79 per cent.&nbsp;

Around 60 per cent of the opium poppy cultivation took place in the southern provinces where the Taliban has a strong presence and virtually no eradication took place.&nbsp;

Helmand remained the top poppy-cultivating province, accounting for 44 per cent of the total, followed by Kandahar, Badghis, Faryab, Uruzgan, and Nangarhar -- all hotbeds for Taliban or Islamic State activity.&nbsp;

Poppy eradication nearly doubled to 750 hectares in 14 provinces, compared with 355 hectares in seven provinces the previous year.&nbsp;

Yet those efforts were dwarfed by the sheer increase in cultivation.

International donors have spent billions of dollars on counter-narcotics efforts in Afghanistan over the past decade, including efforts to encourage farmers to switch to other cash crops such as saffron. But those efforts have shown little results.

Addiction levels have also risen sharply -- from almost nothing under the 1996-2001 Taliban regime -- giving rise to a new generation of addicts since the 2001 US-led invasion of Afghanistan.

The price of opium as it left farms in war-torn Afghanistan this year soared by 55% to almost $1.4 billion', said the UN Office on Drugs and Crime

Afghan opium producers have had a bumper year with output soaring 87 per cent as the area under poppy cultivation hit a record high, the latest annual survey said Wednesday. The price of opium as it left farms in war-torn Afghanistan this year soared by 55 per cent to almost $1.4 billion, the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) said, helping to fuel the bloody insurgency. Rising insecurity, lack of government control and corruption were among the key drivers along with unemployment and lack of education, according to the Afghanistan Opium Survey, jointly compiled by the UNODC and Afghanistan's counter-narcotics ministry. Potential opium production from this year's harvest is estimated at 9,000 tons, up 87 per cent from the 4,800 tons produced last year, boosted by increased cultivation and better yields. Over the same period the area under poppy cultivation expanded by 63 per cent to a record 328,000 hectares (810,500 acres) -- topping the previous record of 224,000 hectares in 2014 -- with the number of poppy-growing provinces jumping to 24. Only 10 Afghan provinces are now considered poppy-free. "The significant levels of opium poppy cultivation and illicit trafficking of opiates will probably further fuel instability, insurgency and increase funding to terrorist groups in Afghanistan," the report warned. "More high quality, low-cost heroin will reach consumer markets across the world, with increased consumption and related harms as a likely consequence." Strong increases in cultivation were recorded in almost all major poppy-producing provinces, with restive Helmand in the south seeing the biggest rise of 79 per cent. Around 60 per cent of the opium poppy cultivation took place in the southern provinces where the Taliban has a strong presence and virtually no eradication took place. Helmand remained the top poppy-cultivating province, accounting for 44 per cent of the total, followed by Kandahar, Badghis, Faryab, Uruzgan, and Nangarhar -- all hotbeds for Taliban or Islamic State activity. Poppy eradication nearly doubled to 750 hectares in 14 provinces, compared with 355 hectares in seven provinces the previous year. Yet those efforts were dwarfed by the sheer increase in cultivation. International donors have spent billions of dollars on counter-narcotics efforts in Afghanistan over the past decade, including efforts to encourage farmers to switch to other cash crops such as saffron. But those efforts have shown little results. Addiction levels have also risen sharply -- from almost nothing under the 1996-2001 Taliban regime -- giving rise to a new generation of addicts since the 2001 US-led invasion of Afghanistan.

Afghan opium output soars as cultivation hits record high

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