Pakistan's military chief warned the Afghan Taliban on Friday of an "effective response" by his forces if they fail to stop harbouring militants who plot cross-border attacks from Afghanistan.

Pakistan officials blame Afghan, Taliban of harbouring TTP militants

The Taliban are banning women’s beauty salons in Afghanistan as the regime continues to snatch away basic rights of Afghan women. Molly Gambhir tells you more

Gravitas: Taliban ban women’s beauty salons in Afghanistan

US President Joe Biden said that Washington is getting help from Afghanistan's Taliban government to 'end' Al-Qaeda threat. Biden's seemingly off-the-cuff remark contradicts a UN report released last month that said the Taliban maintains "strong and symbiotic" ties with Al-Qaeda, and that Osama bin Laden's terror group "is rebuilding operational capability" on Afghan soil.

Afghan Taliban say US President Biden 'acknowledged reality' about al-Qaeda

Lawyers representing the bereaved families tell a public inquiry that 80 Afghans may have been killed by British forces operating in Afghanistan between 2010 and 2013. Molly Gambhir tells you more.

Gravitas: 80 Afghans killed by British forces?

In 2021, millions of Afghans fled the country, fearing retribution from the Taliban following the U.S. withdrawal. Abdul Wasi Safi, a former Afghan soldier was one of them, but he is still struggling to find a place in the United States. Why is the U.S. not helping the person who helped them during the war in Afghanistan? How many Afghan refugees are still looking for asylum? Watch this report

US Continues to deny Afghan soldier asylum who helped them | Inside South Asia

<p>An explosion at the funeral service of an Afghan provincial governor, who was assassinated earlier this week, claimed the lives of at least 15 people on Thursday, TOLOnews reported citing a local official.</p>

<p>The explosion at the funeral of the acting governor of northeastern Badakhshan province also wounded more than 50 people that had gathered for a mosque service honouring Nisar Ahmad Ahmadi.</p>

<p>The explosion hit the Nabawi mosque in the Hesa-e-Awal area of Faizabad.</p>

<p>Former Afghan President Hamid Karzai took to Twitter and strongly condemned the attack that struck the Nabawi mosque in the Hesa-e Awal neighbourhood of Faizabad, the capital of Badakhshan province.</p>

<p>He labelled the attack an act of “terrorism”, “against human and Islamic standards”, while conveying his condolences to the families affected.</p>

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<p dir="rtl" lang="ps">د <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%D8%A7%D9%81%D8%BA%D8%A7%D9%86%D8%B3%D8%AA%D8%A7%D9%86?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#افغانستان</a> پخوانی جمهور رئیس حامد کرزی د <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%D8%A8%D8%AF%D8%AE%D8%B4%D8%A7%D9%86?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#بدخشان</a> مرکز <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%D9%81%DB%8C%D8%B6_%D8%A2%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%AF?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#فیض_آباد</a> ښار له نبوي مسجد سره نژدې د نن ورځې چاودنه، چې یې له امله گڼ شمېر هیوادول شهیدان او ټپیان شوي، په کلکو ټکو غندي.<br />
حامد کرزی دغه پیښه یو تروریستي او د ټولو انساني او اسلامي موازینو خلاف عمل بولي او د لوی خدای(ج) له…</p>
— Hamid Karzai (@KarzaiH) <a href="https://twitter.com/KarzaiH/status/1666751542551101441?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 8, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>The interior ministry released a statement condemning the attack. "The Ministry of Interior of the IEA condemns this brutality of the disgraced enemies," a statement said of the blast in the provincial capital of Faizabad.</p>

<p>"I was standing outside the mosque to receive the guests coming, suddenly a terrible sound shook the mosque," said witness Naseer Ahmad.</p>

<p>"When I entered the mosque, I saw bloodied dead bodies laying on the ground," AFP quoted the 37-year-old as saying.</p>

<p>As per AFP reports, the Taliban government security forces had set up checkpoints around the funeral site in the morning.</p>

<p>The blast led to panic, forcing the people to flee to nearby streets and shops to close as security forces sealed the area.</p>

<h2><strong>IS claims responsibility for Ahmadi's killing</strong></h2>

<p>On Tuesday, Nisar Ahmad Ahmadi, the deputy governor of Afghanistan’s Badakhshan province, was killed along with his driver in a vehicle bombing.</p>

<p>The responsibility for the assassination was claimed by the Islamic State.</p>

<p>An IS suicide bomber rammed his car filled with explosives into Ahmadi's vehicle in Faizabad. Six others were also injured in the attack.</p>

<p>The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) took to Twitter and said it "unequivocally condemns this and a recent spate of appalling and indiscriminate attacks that have shown a total disregard for civilian lives".</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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An explosion at the funeral service of an Afghan provincial governor, who was assassinated earlier this week, claimed the lives of at least 15 people on Thursday, TOLOnews reported citing a local official.

An explosion at the funeral service of an Afghan provincial governor, who was assassinated earlier this week, claimed the lives of at least 15 people on Thursday, TOLOnews reported citing a local official. The explosion at the funeral of the acting governor of northeastern Badakhshan province also wounded more than 50 people that had gathered for a mosque service honouring Nisar Ahmad Ahmadi. The explosion hit the Nabawi mosque in the Hesa-e-Awal area of Faizabad. Former Afghan President Hamid Karzai took to Twitter and strongly condemned the attack that struck the Nabawi mosque in the Hesa-e Awal neighbourhood of Faizabad, the capital of Badakhshan province. He labelled the attack an act of “terrorism”, “against human and Islamic standards”, while conveying his condolences to the families affected. د #افغانستان پخوانی جمهور رئیس حامد کرزی د #بدخشان مرکز #فیض_آباد ښار له نبوي مسجد سره نژدې د نن ورځې چاودنه، چې یې له امله گڼ شمېر هیوادول شهیدان او ټپیان شوي، په کلکو ټکو غندي. حامد کرزی دغه پیښه یو تروریستي او د ټولو انساني او اسلامي موازینو خلاف عمل بولي او د لوی خدای(ج) له… — Hamid Karzai (@KarzaiH) June 8, 2023 × The interior ministry released a statement condemning the attack. "The Ministry of Interior of the IEA condemns this brutality of the disgraced enemies," a statement said of the blast in the provincial capital of Faizabad. "I was standing outside the mosque to receive the guests coming, suddenly a terrible sound shook the mosque," said witness Naseer Ahmad. "When I entered the mosque, I saw bloodied dead bodies laying on the ground," AFP quoted the 37-year-old as saying. As per AFP reports, the Taliban government security forces had set up checkpoints around the funeral site in the morning. The blast led to panic, forcing the people to flee to nearby streets and shops to close as security forces sealed the area. IS claims responsibility for Ahmadi's killing On Tuesday, Nisar Ahmad Ahmadi, the deputy governor of Afghanistan’s Badakhshan province, was killed along with his driver in a vehicle bombing. The responsibility for the assassination was claimed by the Islamic State. An IS suicide bomber rammed his car filled with explosives into Ahmadi's vehicle in Faizabad. Six others were also injured in the attack. The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) took to Twitter and said it "unequivocally condemns this and a recent spate of appalling and indiscriminate attacks that have shown a total disregard for civilian lives". (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Blast near Afghan deputy governor's funeral kills at least 15, injures 50

A large-scale locust outbreak has hit Afghanistan, threatening the country's food security. The outbreak has happened across eight provinces in north and northeast Afghanistan. The food and agriculture organisation of the united nations has issued a warning against the locust outbreak.

Afghan locust outbreak threatens food security

In the Afghan province of Herat's northwest, the Taliban have made it illegal for families and women to enter restaurants with gardens or other outdoor areas. The organization, which took control in August 2021, is still restricting the rights of women while in power.

Taliban ban women from restaurants and green spaces in Afghanistan

There are up to 9,000 Afghan refugees staying in hotels in the United Kingdom after fleeing from Kabul following the Taliban takeover in 2021 and under the British government’s new plans, humanitarian groups have warned that they are at risk of becoming homeless.

UK: Thousands of Afghan refugees may become homeless under govt’s new plans

<p>Matiullah Wesa, a prominent flagbearer of women's right to study in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan, was arrested by country's hardliner administration on Monday in Kabul when he came out of a mosque.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Wesa is the founder-president of Pen Path, a non-profit which with its extensive pan-Afghanistan network of volunteers, continues to provide education to young Afghans including country's women who have been barred from attending high schools and universities by Taliban.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-women-speak-to-wion-as-taliban-dismantles-their-right-to-education-campus-after-campus-545841">Afghan women speak to WION as Taliban dismantle their right to education, campus after campus</a></strong></p>

<p>Wesa has been advocating for girls' right to study by establishing public outreach campaigns among ordinary Afghans since several years, and often received threats from Taliban. The PenPath network that he founded, help set up local classrooms, find teachers and distribute books and stationery deep into Afghan hinterland.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Penpath mobile school and library through plasma screen<br />
Is teaching children from villages<br />
Encourages young people to read books<br />
Delivers a message about importance of education to locals<br />
Teaches girls at home<br />
Everyday many young people and children benefit from the mobile… <a href="https://t.co/1v2h2JhzB3">pic.twitter.com/1v2h2JhzB3</a></p>
— Matiullah Wesa مطيع الله ويسا (@matiullahwesa) <a href="https://twitter.com/matiullahwesa/status/1539318645729349632?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 21, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>WION tried to reach Matiullah's family members on evolving sequence of developments related to women's rights activist's arrest this morning. The story will be updated if and when they respond.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, in a video shared on Twitter, Attaullah Wesa, Matiullah's brother, said that their home is "under seige since 10 AM (5:30 AM, GMT)."</p>

<p>It was revealed that Matiullah was taken in by Taliban hardliners, along with two of his brothers: Samiullah and Wali Mohammad. "They used abusive language for us and ladies at home; for my mother. They took all mobile phones from home by force," Ataullah Wesa said in a video shared on Twitter in Pashto.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"They are now searching for me," Atuallah said, adding, that he has fled to a safer place and that he is sharing the message to the outside world.</p>

<p>"This is a barbaric act. This is not governance," Ataullah said of Taliban.</p>

<p>"We are people of pen and working towards education in our country. Even if they kill us we will not divert from our goal and path," Ataullah vowed.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Afghan women speak to WION from the ground: 'We want our freedoms back' | WION Originals</strong></p>

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<p>Women's rights have deteriorated since Taliban stormed into power in Afghanistan in August 2021. The Taliban have banned women from attending high schools and universities. The restrictions have continued despite international condemnation and protests by ordinary women.</p>

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Matiullah Wesa, a prominent flagbearer of women's right to study in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan, was arrested by country's hardliner administration on Monday in Kabul when he came out of a mosque.

Matiullah Wesa, a prominent flagbearer of women's right to study in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan, was arrested by country's hardliner administration on Monday in Kabul when he came out of a mosque. Wesa is the founder-president of Pen Path, a non-profit which with its extensive pan-Afghanistan network of volunteers, continues to provide education to young Afghans including country's women who have been barred from attending high schools and universities by Taliban. ALSO READ | Afghan women speak to WION as Taliban dismantle their right to education, campus after campus Wesa has been advocating for girls' right to study by establishing public outreach campaigns among ordinary Afghans since several years, and often received threats from Taliban. The PenPath network that he founded, help set up local classrooms, find teachers and distribute books and stationery deep into Afghan hinterland. Penpath mobile school and library through plasma screen Is teaching children from villages Encourages young people to read books Delivers a message about importance of education to locals Teaches girls at home Everyday many young people and children benefit from the mobile… pic.twitter.com/1v2h2JhzB3 — Matiullah Wesa مطيع الله ويسا (@matiullahwesa) June 21, 2022 × WION tried to reach Matiullah's family members on evolving sequence of developments related to women's rights activist's arrest this morning. The story will be updated if and when they respond. Meanwhile, in a video shared on Twitter, Attaullah Wesa, Matiullah's brother, said that their home is "under seige since 10 AM (5:30 AM, GMT)." It was revealed that Matiullah was taken in by Taliban hardliners, along with two of his brothers: Samiullah and Wali Mohammad. "They used abusive language for us and ladies at home; for my mother. They took all mobile phones from home by force," Ataullah Wesa said in a video shared on Twitter in Pashto. "They are now searching for me," Atuallah said, adding, that he has fled to a safer place and that he is sharing the message to the outside world. "This is a barbaric act. This is not governance," Ataullah said of Taliban. "We are people of pen and working towards education in our country. Even if they kill us we will not divert from our goal and path," Ataullah vowed. ALSO WATCH | Afghan women speak to WION from the ground: 'We want our freedoms back' | WION Originals × Women's rights have deteriorated since Taliban stormed into power in Afghanistan in August 2021. The Taliban have banned women from attending high schools and universities. The restrictions have continued despite international condemnation and protests by ordinary women. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Taliban arrest Afghanistan's prominent women's education activist

An Afghan toddler who was bundled onto an evacuation flight from Kabul in 2021 after her parents died in a bomb blast has been reunited with relatives at an orphanage in Qatar.

Orphaned Afghan Toddler's emotional meet with family in Qatar

<p>A number of women who were not top-tier football players in Afghanistan, as it was claimed, were evacuated to England along with genuine players, reported BBC. The high-profile evacuation took place in November 2021 from Pakistan to England. Women footballers were seen to be at risk after Taliban's rise to power and their strict interpretation of Islam prompting them to oppose women's participation in sports.</p>

<p>In November 2021, Thirty-five women and their family members (130 people in all) were flown to England. They&nbsp;were granted UK visas by the country's Home Office.</p>

<p>A BBC report now says that though names and other details of the evacuees were genuine, it was found that their claims of being part of national or regional football teams in Afghanistan were, in some cases, false. After speaking to former Afghan players, coaches and others related to the sport, it was found that 13 of those evacuated were identified as not being part of the teams that were listed.</p>

<p>"I have seen people in the list who have not even worn a football strip in Herat," said Najibullah Nowroozi, former coach of Herat Youth Team. Herat is a province in Afghanistan.</p>

<p>Some genuine players have been left back in Afghanistan, says the report.</p>

<p>"The Taliban have banned sports for women and girls... we are left behind in Afghanistan with no future. It just makes me feel very neglected and very sad because we are the real players and not some of those that got evacuated," BBC quotes one of such individuals who, it said wished to remain anonymous.</p>

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A number of women who were not top-tier football players in Afghanistan, as it was claimed, were evacuated to England along with genuine players, reported BBC. The high-profile evacuation took place in November 2021 from Pakistan to England.

A number of women who were not top-tier football players in Afghanistan, as it was claimed, were evacuated to England along with genuine players, reported BBC. The high-profile evacuation took place in November 2021 from Pakistan to England. Women footballers were seen to be at risk after Taliban's rise to power and their strict interpretation of Islam prompting them to oppose women's participation in sports. In November 2021, Thirty-five women and their family members (130 people in all) were flown to England. They were granted UK visas by the country's Home Office. A BBC report now says that though names and other details of the evacuees were genuine, it was found that their claims of being part of national or regional football teams in Afghanistan were, in some cases, false. After speaking to former Afghan players, coaches and others related to the sport, it was found that 13 of those evacuated were identified as not being part of the teams that were listed. "I have seen people in the list who have not even worn a football strip in Herat," said Najibullah Nowroozi, former coach of Herat Youth Team. Herat is a province in Afghanistan. Some genuine players have been left back in Afghanistan, says the report. "The Taliban have banned sports for women and girls... we are left behind in Afghanistan with no future. It just makes me feel very neglected and very sad because we are the real players and not some of those that got evacuated," BBC quotes one of such individuals who, it said wished to remain anonymous. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

'False' footballers evacuated with Afghan women players to UK: Report

Afghan universities reopened on Monday after a winter break, but only men returned to class with a ban by the Taliban authorities on women in higher education still in force.

Afghan colleges reopen, only men allowed!

The Taliban administration in Afghanistan continues to mistreat women, and now hundreds of them risk prosecution for adultery after the government deemed their divorces invalid, which also renders their second marriage illegitimate. The announcement, which comes after the regime deprived Afghan women of their work and educational opportunities, is yet another blow to their rights.

After education and employment, Taliban target private life

An uptick in terror attacks in Pakistan, especially near the Afghan border, is causing alarm and fears of increased regional instability. Watch the video to know more.

Emergence of a new terror group in Pakistan

<p>The Group of Seven (G7) on Thursday (December 29) told the Taliban to 'urgently reverse' the ban on women aid workers in Afghanistan. Issuing a joint statement, the G7 foreign ministers said they are gravely concerned that the Taliban's reckless and dangerous order barring female employees of national and international NGOs from the workplace puts at risk millions of Afghans who depend on humanitarian assistance for their survival, news agency AFP reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The G7 pointed out that women are absolutely central to humanitarian and basic needs operations.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-un-halts-time-critical-programmes-due-to-talibans-ban-on-female-aid-workers-547529">Afghanistan:&nbsp;UN halts 'time critical' programmes due to Taliban's ban on female aid workers</a></strong></p>

<p>"Unless they participate in aid delivery in Afghanistan, NGOs will be unable to reach the country’s most vulnerable people to provide food, medicine, winterization, and other materials and services they need to live," Thursday's statement added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The group also said that the Taliban continued to demonstrate their contempt for the rights, freedoms and welfare of the people of Afghanistan, particularly women and girls.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH | UNSC denounces Taliban government's restrictions on women</strong></p>

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<p>The ban on women aid workers in Afghanistan comes days after the Taliban barred women from attending universities in the country. The Taliban said the move to ban women aid workers was justified because some of them had not adhered to the group's interpretation of the Islamic dress code for women.</p>

<p>The above decisions of the Taliban on women have been condemned globally.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-nations-urges-taliban-government-to-end-terrible-restrictions-on-women-547139">United Nations urges Taliban government to end 'terrible' restrictions on women</a></strong></p>

<p>Before the G7, the United Nations had urged the Taliban to reverse the ban on women aid workers. "Millions of Afghans need humanitarian assistance and removing barriers is vital," the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said on Monday, news agency Reuters reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Wednesday, the UN said that some "time-critical" programmes in Afghanistan were temporarily stopped due to a lack of female staff. "Banning women from humanitarian work has immediate life-threatening consequences for all Afghans. Already, some time-critical programmes have had to stop temporarily due to lack of female staff," a joint statement read.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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The Group of Seven (G7) on Thursday (December 29) told the Taliban to 'urgently reverse' the ban on women aid workers in Afghanistan. Issuing a joint statement, the G7 foreign ministers said they are gravely concerned that the Taliban's reckless and dangerous order barring female employees of national and international NGOs from the workplace puts at risk millions of Afghans who depend on humanitarian assistance for their survival, news agency AFP reported.

The Group of Seven (G7) on Thursday (December 29) told the Taliban to 'urgently reverse' the ban on women aid workers in Afghanistan. Issuing a joint statement, the G7 foreign ministers said they are gravely concerned that the Taliban's reckless and dangerous order barring female employees of national and international NGOs from the workplace puts at risk millions of Afghans who depend on humanitarian assistance for their survival, news agency AFP reported. The G7 pointed out that women are absolutely central to humanitarian and basic needs operations. ALSO READ | Afghanistan: UN halts 'time critical' programmes due to Taliban's ban on female aid workers "Unless they participate in aid delivery in Afghanistan, NGOs will be unable to reach the country’s most vulnerable people to provide food, medicine, winterization, and other materials and services they need to live," Thursday's statement added. The group also said that the Taliban continued to demonstrate their contempt for the rights, freedoms and welfare of the people of Afghanistan, particularly women and girls. ALSO WATCH | UNSC denounces Taliban government's restrictions on women × The ban on women aid workers in Afghanistan comes days after the Taliban barred women from attending universities in the country. The Taliban said the move to ban women aid workers was justified because some of them had not adhered to the group's interpretation of the Islamic dress code for women. The above decisions of the Taliban on women have been condemned globally. ALSO READ | United Nations urges Taliban government to end 'terrible' restrictions on women Before the G7, the United Nations had urged the Taliban to reverse the ban on women aid workers. "Millions of Afghans need humanitarian assistance and removing barriers is vital," the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said on Monday, news agency Reuters reported. On Wednesday, the UN said that some "time-critical" programmes in Afghanistan were temporarily stopped due to a lack of female staff. "Banning women from humanitarian work has immediate life-threatening consequences for all Afghans. Already, some time-critical programmes have had to stop temporarily due to lack of female staff," a joint statement read. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

'Urgently reverse' ban on Afghan women aid workers: G7 tells Taliban

<p>A video of Afghan women using a lane as a shield to protect themselves from a water cannon has gone viral on social media. The Taliban have started to opt for different ways to stop women from protesting against the university education ban in Afghanistan for females.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The heroic women of Afghanistan out on the streets of Herat today to protest against the Taliban’s BAN on female students going to university. They scream “cowards” at the Taliban.<br />
<br />
The Taliban fire water canons at the protesters. <a href="https://t.co/9O34xFFbf6">pic.twitter.com/9O34xFFbf6</a></p>
— Shabnam Nasimi (@NasimiShabnam) <a href="https://twitter.com/NasimiShabnam/status/1606626868567937024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 24, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>Hundreds of Afghan women have taken to the streets to protest against the Taliban's decision. Protest marches in Afghanistan echoed with slogans like 'education is our right' and 'The Taliban are cowards.'&nbsp;</p>

<p>A few days after the Taliban banned women from pursuing higher education, they have recently also shut the doors for them to work in non-governmental organisations (NGOs).</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/watch-male-students-walk-out-of-exam-halls-as-taliban-bans-university-education-for-afghan-women-546234">Male students walk out of exam halls as Taliban ban university education for Afghan women</a></strong></p>

<p>Abdel Rahman Habib, ministry of economy spokesperson, declared that women are no more allowed to work for any international or national NGO. He mentioned that the Taliban sent a letter to the NGOs assessing a prohibition 'until further notice.' According to him, women not wearing a hijab and disobeying the Sharia law are&nbsp;the prime reason behind the action.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Taliban's decision to ban female students from universities triggered a global uproar. The Taliban&nbsp;however reason&nbsp;that women conversate with male peers in colleges and do not follow the appropriate Islamic dress code. Higher education minister Neda Mohammad Nadeem implemented the ban with 'immediate effect' on Tuesday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Nadeem said, "they dress like they were going to a wedding."</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Pakistan Suicide Blast: 1 policeman dead, 4 injured in attack; TTP claims responsibility</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pakistan-suicide-blast-1-policeman-dead-4-injured-in-attack-ttp-claims-responsibility-546116/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Amid the protests, the Taliban has arrested five women in Kabul, Afghanistan's capital. They have also arrested three journalists. A day after the ban, guards barred hundreds of women from entering educational institutions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Taliban has already banned women from most secondary schools. United Nations and many&nbsp;countries have condemned the Taliban's decision to deprive women of their educational rights.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Male students in Afghanistan universities have also protested in solidarity with their female counterparts. Many professors resigned after the decision, and male students walked out of exam halls as a sign of protest.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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A video of Afghan women using a lane as a shield to protect themselves from a water cannon has gone viral on social media. The Taliban have started to opt for different ways to stop women from protesting against the university education ban in Afghanistan for females.

A video of Afghan women using a lane as a shield to protect themselves from a water cannon has gone viral on social media. The Taliban have started to opt for different ways to stop women from protesting against the university education ban in Afghanistan for females. The heroic women of Afghanistan out on the streets of Herat today to protest against the Taliban’s BAN on female students going to university. They scream “cowards” at the Taliban. The Taliban fire water canons at the protesters. pic.twitter.com/9O34xFFbf6 — Shabnam Nasimi (@NasimiShabnam) December 24, 2022 × Hundreds of Afghan women have taken to the streets to protest against the Taliban's decision. Protest marches in Afghanistan echoed with slogans like 'education is our right' and 'The Taliban are cowards.' A few days after the Taliban banned women from pursuing higher education, they have recently also shut the doors for them to work in non-governmental organisations (NGOs). Also read | Male students walk out of exam halls as Taliban ban university education for Afghan women Abdel Rahman Habib, ministry of economy spokesperson, declared that women are no more allowed to work for any international or national NGO. He mentioned that the Taliban sent a letter to the NGOs assessing a prohibition 'until further notice.' According to him, women not wearing a hijab and disobeying the Sharia law are the prime reason behind the action. Taliban's decision to ban female students from universities triggered a global uproar. The Taliban however reason that women conversate with male peers in colleges and do not follow the appropriate Islamic dress code. Higher education minister Neda Mohammad Nadeem implemented the ban with 'immediate effect' on Tuesday. Nadeem said, "they dress like they were going to a wedding." Watch | Pakistan Suicide Blast: 1 policeman dead, 4 injured in attack; TTP claims responsibility Amid the protests, the Taliban has arrested five women in Kabul, Afghanistan's capital. They have also arrested three journalists. A day after the ban, guards barred hundreds of women from entering educational institutions. Taliban has already banned women from most secondary schools. United Nations and many countries have condemned the Taliban's decision to deprive women of their educational rights. Male students in Afghanistan universities have also protested in solidarity with their female counterparts. Many professors resigned after the decision, and male students walked out of exam halls as a sign of protest. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Watch | Taliban use water cannon on Afghan women opposing prohibition on university education

<p>The world's focus has shifted to the war in Ukraine, but two major new documentaries aim to throw the spotlight back on Afghanistan, and the people left behind by the United States' rapid withdrawal last year.</p>

<p>National Geographic's 'Retrograde'&nbsp;follows an Afghan general who tried in vain to hold back the Taliban advance in 2021, while Netflix's 'In Her Hands'&nbsp;tells the story of the country's youngest woman mayor, who had to flee as the Islamists took over.</p>

<p>"We've forgotten about this story -- when was the last time we discussed the war in Afghanistan, or read an article about it?" said "Retrograde" director Matthew Heineman.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Obviously there's still some coverage of it, but... not that many people are talking about this country that we left behind."</p>

<p>Zarifa Ghafari, the former mayor spotlighted by "In Her Hands," told AFP that back under the Taliban, Afghanistan is "the only country around the world nowadays where a woman can sell their body, their children, anything else, but are not able to go to school."</p>

<p>But at international political meetings, "Afghanistan is out of those discussions."</p>

<p>Both movies begin in the months before the US withdrawal, as their subjects tried to build a safer and more egalitarian future for their country.</p>

<p>The two films end with their central characters forced to watch from abroad as the Taliban rapidly erases all their work.</p>

<p>"Retrograde" began as a documentary with rare inside access to US special forces.</p>

<p>In one early scene, US troops are shown having to destroy -- or retrograde -- their equipment and wastefully fire off excess ammunition that was sorely needed by their Afghan allies.</p>

<p>After the Americans left their base in Helmand, Afghan general Sami Sadat agreed to let Heineman's cameras stay and follow him, as he took charge of the ultimately doomed effort to stave off Taliban advances.</p>

<p>In one scene, Sadat -- stubbornly determined to rally his men to fight on as the situation crumbles around them -- chides his aide for bringing to his war office persistent reports of nearby Afghan troops downing their weapons.</p>

<p>"Every neon sign was saying 'stop, give up, this is over,' and he had this blind faith that maybe, just maybe, if he held on to Lashkar Gah or Helmand, that they could beat back the Taliban," recalled Heineman.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sadat eventually had to flee, and the filmmakers shifted their lens again, to desperate scenes at Kabul airport as Afghans fought for spaces on the last American planes out.</p>

<p>"It was one of the most difficult things I've ever witnessed in my career," added Heineman, who was nominated for an Oscar for 2015's "Cartel Land."</p>

<p>"Discussions around wars in public policy and foreign policy, they're often talked about and discussed without the human element," said the director.</p>

<p>"One of the things I've tried to do throughout my career is take these large, amorphous subjects and put a human face to them."</p>

<p>- 'Murder' -</p>

<p>Former mayor Ghafari had survived assassination attempts and seen her father gunned down by the Taliban before she too left Afghanistan as the Islamists moved in.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Talking about that moment, I'm still not able to stop crying... it was something that I really never wanted to do," said Ghafari, who drew the Taliban's ire by campaigning for girls' education after being appointed mayor of Maidan Shahr aged 24.</p>

<p>"I had some personal responsibilities, especially after the murder of my dad... to help secure my family."</p>

<p>The directors of "In Her Hands," which counts Hillary Clinton among its executive producers, returned to Afghanistan and filmed Ghafari's former driver Massoum, now unemployed and living under the Taliban.</p>

<p>In unsettling scenes, he is seen bonding with the same fighters who once attacked the car in which he was driving Ghafari.</p>

<p>"The story of Massoum represents the story of all Afghanistan's crisis... why people are feeling betrayed," said Ghafari.</p>

<p>- 'Share their pain' -</p>

<p>Though the conflicts in Afghanistan and Ukraine are vastly different in nature, both films offer a cautionary tale about what can happen once the West's focus shifts.</p>

<p>"Obviously, that's happened throughout history, and will continue to happen long into the future. And so what can we learn from this experience?" said Heineman.</p>

<p>Ghafari said: "Whatever happens in Ukraine and happened in Ukraine, it's the same thing that we have been going through for like 60 years.</p>

<p>"The same thing, again and again. So we share their pain."</p>


The world's focus has shifted to the war in Ukraine, but two major new documentaries aim to throw the spotlight back on Afghanistan, and the people left behind by the United States' rapid withdrawal last year.

The world's focus has shifted to the war in Ukraine, but two major new documentaries aim to throw the spotlight back on Afghanistan, and the people left behind by the United States' rapid withdrawal last year. National Geographic's 'Retrograde' follows an Afghan general who tried in vain to hold back the Taliban advance in 2021, while Netflix's 'In Her Hands' tells the story of the country's youngest woman mayor, who had to flee as the Islamists took over. "We've forgotten about this story -- when was the last time we discussed the war in Afghanistan, or read an article about it?" said "Retrograde" director Matthew Heineman. "Obviously there's still some coverage of it, but... not that many people are talking about this country that we left behind." Zarifa Ghafari, the former mayor spotlighted by "In Her Hands," told AFP that back under the Taliban, Afghanistan is "the only country around the world nowadays where a woman can sell their body, their children, anything else, but are not able to go to school." But at international political meetings, "Afghanistan is out of those discussions." Both movies begin in the months before the US withdrawal, as their subjects tried to build a safer and more egalitarian future for their country. The two films end with their central characters forced to watch from abroad as the Taliban rapidly erases all their work. "Retrograde" began as a documentary with rare inside access to US special forces. In one early scene, US troops are shown having to destroy -- or retrograde -- their equipment and wastefully fire off excess ammunition that was sorely needed by their Afghan allies. After the Americans left their base in Helmand, Afghan general Sami Sadat agreed to let Heineman's cameras stay and follow him, as he took charge of the ultimately doomed effort to stave off Taliban advances. In one scene, Sadat -- stubbornly determined to rally his men to fight on as the situation crumbles around them -- chides his aide for bringing to his war office persistent reports of nearby Afghan troops downing their weapons. "Every neon sign was saying 'stop, give up, this is over,' and he had this blind faith that maybe, just maybe, if he held on to Lashkar Gah or Helmand, that they could beat back the Taliban," recalled Heineman. Sadat eventually had to flee, and the filmmakers shifted their lens again, to desperate scenes at Kabul airport as Afghans fought for spaces on the last American planes out. "It was one of the most difficult things I've ever witnessed in my career," added Heineman, who was nominated for an Oscar for 2015's "Cartel Land." "Discussions around wars in public policy and foreign policy, they're often talked about and discussed without the human element," said the director. "One of the things I've tried to do throughout my career is take these large, amorphous subjects and put a human face to them." - 'Murder' - Former mayor Ghafari had survived assassination attempts and seen her father gunned down by the Taliban before she too left Afghanistan as the Islamists moved in. "Talking about that moment, I'm still not able to stop crying... it was something that I really never wanted to do," said Ghafari, who drew the Taliban's ire by campaigning for girls' education after being appointed mayor of Maidan Shahr aged 24. "I had some personal responsibilities, especially after the murder of my dad... to help secure my family." The directors of "In Her Hands," which counts Hillary Clinton among its executive producers, returned to Afghanistan and filmed Ghafari's former driver Massoum, now unemployed and living under the Taliban. In unsettling scenes, he is seen bonding with the same fighters who once attacked the car in which he was driving Ghafari. "The story of Massoum represents the story of all Afghanistan's crisis... why people are feeling betrayed," said Ghafari. - 'Share their pain' - Though the conflicts in Afghanistan and Ukraine are vastly different in nature, both films offer a cautionary tale about what can happen once the West's focus shifts. "Obviously, that's happened throughout history, and will continue to happen long into the future. And so what can we learn from this experience?" said Heineman. Ghafari said: "Whatever happens in Ukraine and happened in Ukraine, it's the same thing that we have been going through for like 60 years. "The same thing, again and again. So we share their pain."

'Forgotten' Afghan stories highlighted in two new films from Netflix, Nat Geo

There has been a rise in border clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan ever since the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan. Now, the Taliban hands over the killer of a Pak officer.

Afghan-Pak border to reopen as Taliban hands over killer of Pak officer

The Spin Boldak-Chaman port, a major border crossing between Afghanistan and Pakistan has closed for trade and Transit. This happened after a clash between security force personnel from both sides.

Reports: 8 Pak soldiers, 3 Taliban soldiers killed in clashes

Taliban, Pak forces clash: Key Afghan-Pak border closed after clash

Many Afghan schoolgirls are resorting to working in the country's saffron fields in the western province of Herat since the Taliban shut their schools for more than a year now.

South Asia Diary: Afghan school girls turn to saffron fields

Russian President Putin has now warned about the development of terrorist groups along the Afghan border and also their infiltration into the Commonwealth independent states.

Russian President Vladimir Putin warns of terror cells at Afghan border

Afghan teenagers are being forced to work in dangerous coal mines amid falling household income in the country. Reports say there are at least 1 million child labourers in Afghanistan.

South Asia Diary: Afghan teens working in coal mines

<p>The homesick Afghan shepherd prepares his baaing flock for a good shear, in the Turkish mountains so high the silver clouds almost touch the top of his head. The pebbly valley around him was once full of Kurds, who staged a violently suppressed rebellion in Tunceli in the early years of the modern Turkish state.</p>

<p>But the Kurds in the eastern Mercan Valley have been gradually replaced by Afghans, who fled here by foot and truck across Iran from the poverty and bloodshed back home. Now, with two decades of conflict behind them, some are thinking of going back, no matter the resurgent Taliban's hardline rule, as reported by AFP.</p>

<p>Hafiz Hasimi Meymene, a 20-year-old with a fiancee impatiently waiting for him in Afghanistan said, "Nobody would leave their country unless they had to."</p>

<p>"We come here, make money through shepherding, and send it to our families," he adds.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">VIDEO: Driven from their country by war, Afghan shepherds are eking out a living high in the mountains of Turkey, sending money home to the families they dream of returning to.<a href="https://t.co/J9eHZK2Hd6">https://t.co/J9eHZK2Hd6</a> <a href="https://t.co/rY1V8VNAhv">pic.twitter.com/rY1V8VNAhv</a></p>
— AFP News Agency (@AFP) <a href="https://twitter.com/AFP/status/1543104101814128641?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 2, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>A handful of nylon tents are tied down to the hard ground around him, the Afghan families' new homes. A few men crouch in a shed, milking their sheep and goats. Their friend ushers the flock into a pen with a whack of a slender stick.</p>

<p>As reported by AFP, Meymene said, "Next year, I will return to Afghanistan. The war is over."</p>

<p>"When the (Afghan) state was fighting the Taliban, the economy was hit hard. But now we are planning to return," he adds.</p>

<p>Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-protest-photos-that-will-leave-you-speechless-493911">&nbsp;In Pics: Protest photos that will leave you speechless</a></p>

<p>President Recep Tayyip Erdogan estimates that 300,000 Afghans now live in Turkey, which also hosts 3.7 million people from war-ravaged Syria.</p>

<p>Tunceli native Mustafa Acun says the locals have grown used to Afghans taking care of their herds. The 67-year-old works alongside them, making cheese and yoghurt from sheep's milk.</p>

<p>"I mean, our children either cannot or do not want to do this job," he says looking up from his stool, tending to some steaming pots over an open flame. It is surprisingly dangerous work.</p>

<p><em>(with inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


The homesick Afghan shepherd prepares his baaing flock for a good shear, in the Turkish mountains so high the silver clouds almost touch the top of his head. The pebbly valley around him was once full of Kurds, who staged a violently suppressed rebellion in Tunceli in the early years of the modern Turkish state.

The homesick Afghan shepherd prepares his baaing flock for a good shear, in the Turkish mountains so high the silver clouds almost touch the top of his head. The pebbly valley around him was once full of Kurds, who staged a violently suppressed rebellion in Tunceli in the early years of the modern Turkish state. But the Kurds in the eastern Mercan Valley have been gradually replaced by Afghans, who fled here by foot and truck across Iran from the poverty and bloodshed back home. Now, with two decades of conflict behind them, some are thinking of going back, no matter the resurgent Taliban's hardline rule, as reported by AFP. Hafiz Hasimi Meymene, a 20-year-old with a fiancee impatiently waiting for him in Afghanistan said, "Nobody would leave their country unless they had to." "We come here, make money through shepherding, and send it to our families," he adds. VIDEO: Driven from their country by war, Afghan shepherds are eking out a living high in the mountains of Turkey, sending money home to the families they dream of returning to.https://t.co/J9eHZK2Hd6 pic.twitter.com/rY1V8VNAhv — AFP News Agency (@AFP) July 2, 2022 × A handful of nylon tents are tied down to the hard ground around him, the Afghan families' new homes. A few men crouch in a shed, milking their sheep and goats. Their friend ushers the flock into a pen with a whack of a slender stick. As reported by AFP, Meymene said, "Next year, I will return to Afghanistan. The war is over." "When the (Afghan) state was fighting the Taliban, the economy was hit hard. But now we are planning to return," he adds. Also Read: In Pics: Protest photos that will leave you speechless President Recep Tayyip Erdogan estimates that 300,000 Afghans now live in Turkey, which also hosts 3.7 million people from war-ravaged Syria. Tunceli native Mustafa Acun says the locals have grown used to Afghans taking care of their herds. The 67-year-old works alongside them, making cheese and yoghurt from sheep's milk. "I mean, our children either cannot or do not want to do this job," he says looking up from his stool, tending to some steaming pots over an open flame. It is surprisingly dangerous work. (with inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Watch| Afghan refugee shepherds desperate to return home, even to resurgent Taliban's hardline rule

<p>Afghan refugees who crossed borders to escape Taliban atrocities and sought shelter in Turkey were deported back to Afghanistan on Friday under stringent measures. &nbsp;A total of 136 undocumented Afghan migrants were sent back to Afghanistan on charter planes, Khama Press reported, citing local media.</p>

<p>Turkey's northwest city named Kocaeli received 272 illegal migrants from Afghanistan on Friday under unlawful means, of whom 136 were sent back to their country of origin right away, local media added.</p>

<p>According to the state-run Anadolu Agency, more than 37,000 undocumented refugees have been deported back to their home countries since the start of this year, a rise of 89 per cent from the previous year. However, International refugee law clearly states that it is unlawful to deport asylum applicants without first hearing and deciding their case.</p>

<p>Citing sources, Khama Press reported that more than 20,000 of those who were deported came from Afghanistan and were flown back to the war-ravaged country. Turkey is home to 4 million refugees, including 3.6 million Syrians, according to official statistics.</p>

<p>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/french-parliament-voiced-support-for-bill-enshrining-right-to-abortion-in-constitution-491809">French parliament voiced support for bill enshrining right to abortion in constitution</a></p>

<p>Since the Taliban took over in mid-August last year, Afghanistan has not only seen a mass exodus but also the illegal crossings of Afghans into neighbouring countries like Iran via Nimroz province and Turkey. More than 653,000 Afghan refugees have returned or been deported to Afghanistan mainly from neighbouring countries since August 2021, according to official figures from the Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation.</p>

<p>Although the fighting in the country has ended, Afghanistan's situation has been deteriorating as serious human rights violations continue unabated. Earlier, UNHCR has asked the European Union to accept 42,500 Afghans over five years but the request was resisted by the countries.</p>

<p><em>(with inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

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Afghan refugees who crossed borders to escape Taliban atrocities and sought shelter in Turkey were deported back to Afghanistan on Friday under stringent measures.

Afghan refugees who crossed borders to escape Taliban atrocities and sought shelter in Turkey were deported back to Afghanistan on Friday under stringent measures. A total of 136 undocumented Afghan migrants were sent back to Afghanistan on charter planes, Khama Press reported, citing local media. Turkey's northwest city named Kocaeli received 272 illegal migrants from Afghanistan on Friday under unlawful means, of whom 136 were sent back to their country of origin right away, local media added. According to the state-run Anadolu Agency, more than 37,000 undocumented refugees have been deported back to their home countries since the start of this year, a rise of 89 per cent from the previous year. However, International refugee law clearly states that it is unlawful to deport asylum applicants without first hearing and deciding their case. Citing sources, Khama Press reported that more than 20,000 of those who were deported came from Afghanistan and were flown back to the war-ravaged country. Turkey is home to 4 million refugees, including 3.6 million Syrians, according to official statistics. Also Read: French parliament voiced support for bill enshrining right to abortion in constitution Since the Taliban took over in mid-August last year, Afghanistan has not only seen a mass exodus but also the illegal crossings of Afghans into neighbouring countries like Iran via Nimroz province and Turkey. More than 653,000 Afghan refugees have returned or been deported to Afghanistan mainly from neighbouring countries since August 2021, according to official figures from the Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation. Although the fighting in the country has ended, Afghanistan's situation has been deteriorating as serious human rights violations continue unabated. Earlier, UNHCR has asked the European Union to accept 42,500 Afghans over five years but the request was resisted by the countries. (with inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Illegal Afghan migrants deported to Afghanistan by Turkey

<p>An Afghan model-YouTuber, Ajmal Haqiqi, along with three of his colleagues, has been arrested by the Taliban, accusing them of disrespecting Islam and the Quran.<br />
<br />
According to Amnesty International, an NGO that focuses on human rights, the Kabul based social media influencer posted a video on his YouTube channel last week. In it, Quranic verses were allegedly used in a humorous manner by him and his three other colleagues. They were seen laughing as one of his colleagues, in a comical voice, recited verses of the Quran in Arabic.<br />
<br />
Later, on June 5, another video was posted by Haqiqi, in which he was seen apologizing for the previous one, the NGO stated. However, as per Amnesty International, he and three of his colleagues were arrested on charges of "insulting Islamic sacred values" by the Taliban`s General Directorate of Intelligence on June 7 and later that day a video `confession` of Haqiqi was released where he again apologized.<br />
<br />
A statement was released by Amnesty International on June 8 that partly read, "The Taliban must immediately and unconditionally release the YouTubers and end their continued censorship of those who wish to freely express their ideas."<br />
<br />
"Restrictions to the right to freedom of expression must be clearly provided by law and be strictly necessary and proportionate to a legitimate aim.<br />
International human rights law does not permit restrictions of freedom of expression simply on the grounds it has the potential to offend or insult nor for the protection of religious beliefs or the religious sensibilities of their adherents. This incident is a classic example of how the Taliban is creating a climate of fear in Afghanistan by using arbitrary arrests and coercion to force people into silence," it continued.</p>


An Afghan model-YouTuber, Ajmal Haqiqi, along with three of his colleagues, has been arrested by the Taliban, accusing them of disrespecting Islam and the Quran.

An Afghan model-YouTuber, Ajmal Haqiqi, along with three of his colleagues, has been arrested by the Taliban, accusing them of disrespecting Islam and the Quran. According to Amnesty International, an NGO that focuses on human rights, the Kabul based social media influencer posted a video on his YouTube channel last week. In it, Quranic verses were allegedly used in a humorous manner by him and his three other colleagues. They were seen laughing as one of his colleagues, in a comical voice, recited verses of the Quran in Arabic. Later, on June 5, another video was posted by Haqiqi, in which he was seen apologizing for the previous one, the NGO stated. However, as per Amnesty International, he and three of his colleagues were arrested on charges of "insulting Islamic sacred values" by the Taliban`s General Directorate of Intelligence on June 7 and later that day a video `confession` of Haqiqi was released where he again apologized. A statement was released by Amnesty International on June 8 that partly read, "The Taliban must immediately and unconditionally release the YouTubers and end their continued censorship of those who wish to freely express their ideas." "Restrictions to the right to freedom of expression must be clearly provided by law and be strictly necessary and proportionate to a legitimate aim. International human rights law does not permit restrictions of freedom of expression simply on the grounds it has the potential to offend or insult nor for the protection of religious beliefs or the religious sensibilities of their adherents. This incident is a classic example of how the Taliban is creating a climate of fear in Afghanistan by using arbitrary arrests and coercion to force people into silence," it continued.

Afghan model-YouTuber arrested by Taliban for 'insulting Islamic sacred values'

The UN has warned that more than 1 million children in Afghanistan are staring at some form of malnutrition. Last year, aid agencies were able to narrowly thwart a famine. Will they succeed this year? Mariam Wardak tells you.

1 million Afghan children face malnutrition

<p>Just a few days after Afghanistan's Taliban leaders issued a decree ordering women journalists to cover their faces on-air, their male colleagues have donned masks in solidarity.</p>

<p>On May 21, the Taliban's Ministry of Vice and Virtue ordered female presenters on all TV channels to cover their faces while presenting on-screen. The ministry called this a "final and non-negotiable verdict".</p>

<p>This follows a similar diktat that was issued on May 9, ordering women and older girls to cover themselves from head to toe, including their faces while in public. As per the decree, punishment for violation of this order will be inflicted on male family members.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Taliban brings back Blue Burkha in Afghanistan, new decree sparks concerns</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/taliban-brings-back-blue-burkha-in-afghanistan-new-decree-sparks-concerns-477244/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>As per Human Rights Watch, the rule blatantly ignores women's right to freedom of expression, personal autonomy and religious beliefs.</p>

<p>Not only that, but this step also poses a problem for the audience. For those who are hard of hearing or suffer from other hearing impediments, visual cues and lip-reading were one way of gaining information which will now be curtailed.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-female-tv-presenters-cover-faces-after-new-taliban-rule-481456">Afghan female TV presenters cover faces after new Taliban rule</a></strong></p>

<p>In response to this order, a social media campaign #FreeHerFace has also gained traction. It features not only male presenters, but also people from all walks of life submitting selfies/photos with the hashtag to show solidarity.</p>

<p>As one Twitter user wrote "Afghan men showing up for Afghan women is not just a gesture. It’s a turn in the story that will change everything. Brave brothers."</p>

<p><img alt="As per Human Rights Watch, the rule blatantly ignores women's right to freedom of expression, personal autonomy and religious beliefs." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="42c686a5-503c-433e-9f0c-d962f7a3d6be" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%284%29_130.jpg" /></p>

<p>When it took over the country in August of last year, the Taliban appeared to have softened its restrictions, establishing no clothing code for women.</p>

<p>However, in recent weeks, they have made a sudden, hard-line pivot, confirming rights groups' worst worries.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;​​​​​​​<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taliban-want-to-erase-women-from-public-life-in-afghanistan-malala-yousafzai-477746">Taliban want to erase women from public life in Afghanistan: Malala Yousafzai</a></strong></p>

<p>During the Taliban's first term in office, from 1996 to 2001, they imposed severe restrictions on women, including making them wear the burqa, which even covered their eyes with a mesh. They also prohibited them from participating in public life and receiving an education.</p>

<p>Take a look at some tweets from #FreeHerFace campaign:</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">In solidarity with Afghan women journalists, our male colleagues wore masks <a href="https://twitter.com/dwnews?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@dwnews</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Afghanistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Afghanistan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Freeherface?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Freeherface</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/UN_Women?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UN_Women</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hrw?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@hrw</a> <a href="https://t.co/51FZvypOBf">pic.twitter.com/51FZvypOBf</a></p>
— Shabnam Alokozay (@dwalokozai) <a href="https://twitter.com/dwalokozai/status/1528727475815079937?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A solidarity with Afghan journalist <a href="https://t.co/kYtL32Qu53">pic.twitter.com/kYtL32Qu53</a></p>
— Shahid Jan (@shahidjan612) <a href="https://twitter.com/shahidjan612/status/1528833156492967936?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Afghanistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Afghanistan</a> is at war and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Afghan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Afghan</a> women are on the frontline. Ordering <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Afghan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Afghan</a> female journalists to cover their faces on-air is yet another step towards making women invisible and unheard. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/freeherface?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#freeherface</a> <a href="https://t.co/CIFuoH7eeN">pic.twitter.com/CIFuoH7eeN</a></p>
— Nazifa Alizada (@AlizadaNazifa) <a href="https://twitter.com/AlizadaNazifa/status/1528825478508838912?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Since the Taliban have ordered female Afghan TV presenters to cover their faces while on air, members of DW Dari/Pashto service gathered today for a group photo in a show of solidarity, with male colleagues wearing masks as a statement. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FreeHerFace?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FreeHerFace</a> <a href="https://t.co/B0lneRpnyZ">pic.twitter.com/B0lneRpnyZ</a></p>
— DW Deutsche Welle (@DeutscheWelle) <a href="https://twitter.com/DeutscheWelle/status/1528748837728309252?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A small gesture of solidarity with <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/afghanwomen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#afghanwomen</a> and the brave Afghan journalists standing up for their rights <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/freeherface?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#freeherface</a> <a href="https://t.co/nOJer7x3Ms">https://t.co/nOJer7x3Ms</a> <a href="https://t.co/pEJHAv6TfF">pic.twitter.com/pEJHAv6TfF</a></p>
— Andrew North (@NorthAndrew) <a href="https://twitter.com/NorthAndrew/status/1528681790650601475?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Just a few days after Afghanistan's Taliban leaders issued a decree ordering women journalists to cover their faces on-air, their male colleagues have donned masks in solidarity.

Just a few days after Afghanistan's Taliban leaders issued a decree ordering women journalists to cover their faces on-air, their male colleagues have donned masks in solidarity. On May 21, the Taliban's Ministry of Vice and Virtue ordered female presenters on all TV channels to cover their faces while presenting on-screen. The ministry called this a "final and non-negotiable verdict". This follows a similar diktat that was issued on May 9, ordering women and older girls to cover themselves from head to toe, including their faces while in public. As per the decree, punishment for violation of this order will be inflicted on male family members. Watch | Taliban brings back Blue Burkha in Afghanistan, new decree sparks concerns As per Human Rights Watch, the rule blatantly ignores women's right to freedom of expression, personal autonomy and religious beliefs. Not only that, but this step also poses a problem for the audience. For those who are hard of hearing or suffer from other hearing impediments, visual cues and lip-reading were one way of gaining information which will now be curtailed. Also read | Afghan female TV presenters cover faces after new Taliban rule In response to this order, a social media campaign #FreeHerFace has also gained traction. It features not only male presenters, but also people from all walks of life submitting selfies/photos with the hashtag to show solidarity. As one Twitter user wrote "Afghan men showing up for Afghan women is not just a gesture. It’s a turn in the story that will change everything. Brave brothers." When it took over the country in August of last year, the Taliban appeared to have softened its restrictions, establishing no clothing code for women. However, in recent weeks, they have made a sudden, hard-line pivot, confirming rights groups' worst worries. Also read | Taliban want to erase women from public life in Afghanistan: Malala Yousafzai During the Taliban's first term in office, from 1996 to 2001, they imposed severe restrictions on women, including making them wear the burqa, which even covered their eyes with a mesh. They also prohibited them from participating in public life and receiving an education. Take a look at some tweets from #FreeHerFace campaign: In solidarity with Afghan women journalists, our male colleagues wore masks @dwnews #Afghanistan #Freeherface @UN_Women @hrw pic.twitter.com/51FZvypOBf — Shabnam Alokozay (@dwalokozai) May 23, 2022 × A solidarity with Afghan journalist pic.twitter.com/kYtL32Qu53 — Shahid Jan (@shahidjan612) May 23, 2022 × #Afghanistan is at war and #Afghan women are on the frontline. Ordering #Afghan female journalists to cover their faces on-air is yet another step towards making women invisible and unheard. #freeherface pic.twitter.com/CIFuoH7eeN — Nazifa Alizada (@AlizadaNazifa) May 23, 2022 × Since the Taliban have ordered female Afghan TV presenters to cover their faces while on air, members of DW Dari/Pashto service gathered today for a group photo in a show of solidarity, with male colleagues wearing masks as a statement. #FreeHerFace pic.twitter.com/B0lneRpnyZ — DW Deutsche Welle (@DeutscheWelle) May 23, 2022 × A small gesture of solidarity with #afghanwomen and the brave Afghan journalists standing up for their rights #freeherface https://t.co/nOJer7x3Ms pic.twitter.com/pEJHAv6TfF — Andrew North (@NorthAndrew) May 23, 2022 × (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION LIVE HERE: You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

#FreeHerFace: Afghan male journalists stand in solidarity with their female colleagues

<p>As per a report by an Afghanistan daily, the country’s rulers, the Taliban, have now fired fifty qualified professors at Balkh University in Mazar-i-Sharif, Afghanistan, and would be hiring people they deem fit.</p>

<p>Reportedly, these professors are to be replaced by members of the Taliban and clerics.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-blasts-inside-vans-take-9-lives-is-claims-responsibility-474804" hreflang="en">Afghanistan: Blasts inside vans take 9 lives, IS claims responsibility</a></strong></p>

<p>Hasht-e-Subh Daily, reports that one of the fired professors told them about the dismissal and mentioned a list of fifty staff.</p>

<p>Furthermore, according to the professor, they were fired due to their ethnicity. Among those dismissed are 27 Tajiks, 12 Hazaras, five Pashtuns, two Arabs, two Sadats, one Uzbek and one Bayat.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Taliban have expelled 50 professors of Balkh University's various disciplines &amp; want to appoint religious people with Madrasa degrees to teach students. <a href="https://t.co/V7ErnmPyTH">pic.twitter.com/V7ErnmPyTH</a></p>
— Hizbullah Khan (@HizbkKhan) <a href="https://twitter.com/HizbkKhan/status/1519565982485917696?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 28, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>Three of the fired academics had doctorates, 36 master's degrees, and ten bachelor's degrees, according to sources. They were reportedly segregated by Abdullah Safi, the Taliban representative at Balkh University.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Explosions rock Afghanistan: Two bomb blasts aboard minibuses kill 9</strong></p>

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<p>Abdullah Safi, the Taliban representative at Balkh University, is said to have separated them. As per an ANI report, Safi has already sacked eight staff from Balkh University's administrative and financial department and has appointed seven of his candidates thus far.</p>

<p>Sources say that Abdullah Safi has already fired eight employees of the administrative and financial department of Balkh University and has so far appointed seven of his targets.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-mosque-attack-mastermind-arrested-by-taliban-says-police-472993" hreflang="en">Afghan mosque attack 'mastermind' arrested by Taliban, says police</a></strong></p>

<p>The Taliban is retaliating against the Afghan intelligentsia, who have repeatedly attacked the Islamic Emirate administration.</p>

<p>According to the Afghan local media, the Taliban has also issued a decree to remove Persian from the Supreme Court bill and has removed the language from a number of other boards, including Balkh University.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


As per a report by an Afghanistan daily, the country’s rulers, the Taliban, have now fired fifty qualified professors at Balkh University in Mazar-i-Sharif, Afghanistan, and would be hiring people they deem fit.

As per a report by an Afghanistan daily, the country’s rulers, the Taliban, have now fired fifty qualified professors at Balkh University in Mazar-i-Sharif, Afghanistan, and would be hiring people they deem fit. Reportedly, these professors are to be replaced by members of the Taliban and clerics. Also read | Afghanistan: Blasts inside vans take 9 lives, IS claims responsibility Hasht-e-Subh Daily, reports that one of the fired professors told them about the dismissal and mentioned a list of fifty staff. Furthermore, according to the professor, they were fired due to their ethnicity. Among those dismissed are 27 Tajiks, 12 Hazaras, five Pashtuns, two Arabs, two Sadats, one Uzbek and one Bayat. Taliban have expelled 50 professors of Balkh University's various disciplines & want to appoint religious people with Madrasa degrees to teach students. pic.twitter.com/V7ErnmPyTH — Hizbullah Khan (@HizbkKhan) April 28, 2022 × Three of the fired academics had doctorates, 36 master's degrees, and ten bachelor's degrees, according to sources. They were reportedly segregated by Abdullah Safi, the Taliban representative at Balkh University. Watch | Explosions rock Afghanistan: Two bomb blasts aboard minibuses kill 9 Abdullah Safi, the Taliban representative at Balkh University, is said to have separated them. As per an ANI report, Safi has already sacked eight staff from Balkh University's administrative and financial department and has appointed seven of his candidates thus far. Sources say that Abdullah Safi has already fired eight employees of the administrative and financial department of Balkh University and has so far appointed seven of his targets. Also read | Afghan mosque attack 'mastermind' arrested by Taliban, says police The Taliban is retaliating against the Afghan intelligentsia, who have repeatedly attacked the Islamic Emirate administration. According to the Afghan local media, the Taliban has also issued a decree to remove Persian from the Supreme Court bill and has removed the language from a number of other boards, including Balkh University. (With inputs from agencies)

Taliban fire 50 qualified university professors, to replace them with clerics & own members

Germany is displacing Afghan refugees to accommodate those fleeing the war in Ukraine. Reports say Ukrainians are being given better housing and accommodation, while Afghans are being evicted from their homes. Molly Gambhir tells you more.

Gravitas: Germany displaces Afghan refugees to accommodate Ukrainians

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