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<p>The Taliban administration in Afghanistan said on Saturday (Jan 13) that Pakistan had effectively closed a key northwestern border crossing with Afghanistan to truck drivers. According to a report by the news agency Associated Press, Noor Mohammad Hanif, director of the information and culture department in Nangarhar province, said that officials at the Torkham crossing began asking Afghan truck drivers for passports and visas.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-taliban-detain-and-lash-young-girls-for-violating-hijab-rules-678674">Taliban detain and lash young girls for violating hijab rules</a></strong></p>

<p>Hanif said that in response, Kabul was now asking Pakistani drivers for passports and visas. In a separate statement, the Nangarhar governor’s office said that officials from both sides were in talks to solve the problem and a decision would be made soon.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Torkham crossing closed many times recently</strong></h2>

<p>The Torkham border crossing had been closed many times in recent months, including in Sept 2023 when it was shut for nine days due to clashes between border forces.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The report said that on Saturday, dozens of trucks carrying perishable items, including vegetables and fruits, waited on each side of the border for the reopening of the crossing.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan are continuing over multiple issues.</p>

<p>Islamabad has expressed concerns about the presence of Tehreek-e-Taliban-e-Pakistan (TTP) in Afghanistan. The TTP has carried out several attacks on Pakistani soil. Islamabad has said many leaders and fighters of the terrorist group have found sanctuary in Afghanistan and have been emboldened to carry out more attacks on security forces in Pakistan.</p>

<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-violence-linked-deaths-in-2023-at-a-six-year-high-shows-data-675496">Pakistan: Violence-related deaths in 2023 at a six-year high, shows data</a></strong></p>

<p>The Afghan Taliban government insists it does not allow the TTP to use its soil to launch attacks in Pakistan.</p>

<p>Tensions also exist between the two countries around Pakistan’s ongoing expulsion of Afghans. In recent months, Pakistan has deported over a half million Afghans without valid papers.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Taliban administration in Afghanistan said on Saturday (Jan 13) that Pakistan had effectively closed a key northwestern border crossing with Afghanistan to truck drivers.

The Taliban administration in Afghanistan said on Saturday (Jan 13) that Pakistan had effectively closed a key northwestern border crossing with Afghanistan to truck drivers. According to a report by the news agency Associated Press, Noor Mohammad Hanif, director of the information and culture department in Nangarhar province, said that officials at the Torkham crossing began asking Afghan truck drivers for passports and visas. Also read: Taliban detain and lash young girls for violating hijab rules Hanif said that in response, Kabul was now asking Pakistani drivers for passports and visas. In a separate statement, the Nangarhar governor’s office said that officials from both sides were in talks to solve the problem and a decision would be made soon. Torkham crossing closed many times recently The Torkham border crossing had been closed many times in recent months, including in Sept 2023 when it was shut for nine days due to clashes between border forces. The report said that on Saturday, dozens of trucks carrying perishable items, including vegetables and fruits, waited on each side of the border for the reopening of the crossing. Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan are continuing over multiple issues. Islamabad has expressed concerns about the presence of Tehreek-e-Taliban-e-Pakistan (TTP) in Afghanistan. The TTP has carried out several attacks on Pakistani soil. Islamabad has said many leaders and fighters of the terrorist group have found sanctuary in Afghanistan and have been emboldened to carry out more attacks on security forces in Pakistan. Also read: Pakistan: Violence-related deaths in 2023 at a six-year high, shows data The Afghan Taliban government insists it does not allow the TTP to use its soil to launch attacks in Pakistan. Tensions also exist between the two countries around Pakistan’s ongoing expulsion of Afghans. In recent months, Pakistan has deported over a half million Afghans without valid papers. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan closes key crossing into Afghanistan to truck drivers. They will have to show documents

Thousands of Afghans waiting to get travel documents cleared, desperate Afghans seeking alternatives. Taliban suspends online applications. Watch to know more!

Afghans seeking to escape Taliban's rule, rush for passports breaks out in Kabul

<p>Two people were killed in an explosion in Kabul on Thursday (Jan 11), the third such incident in less than a week. Twelve others were also injured in the&nbsp;grenade blast in PD 18 of Kabul, a spokesman for the Kabul security department, Khalid Zadran said.</p>

<p>He added that an investigation is underway to arrest the perpetrator.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;At least 32 killed in Kabul suicide blast in Afghanistan; no group has claimed responsibility yet</strong></p>

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<p>The grenade was detonated outside a commercial centre in the Dasht-e-Barchi area, an enclave of the historically oppressed Shiite Hazara community.</p>

<p>"The initial information shows that unfortunately two civilian compatriots were martyred and 12 others were wounded," Zadran said in a statement.</p>

<p>The blast is the second deadly explosion in the area in less than a week.</p>

<h2><strong>Earlier attacks in Kabul</strong></h2>

<p>On Saturday, a bomb planted on a bus killed at least five people and wounded 15 others. The responsibility for these attacks&nbsp;was claimed by the Islamic State (IS) group, which considers Shiites heretics.</p>

<p>IS claimed responsibility for another blast days later in eastern Kabul, in which police said three people were killed and four wounded by a bomb hidden in a cart near a minivan.</p>

<p>The recent attacks in Kabul mark an exit from a patter when the&nbsp;number of bomb blasts and suicide attacks in Afghanistan had declined after Taliban seized&nbsp;power in August 2021.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/explained-taliban-have-put-afghan-clock-back-to-1990s-autocracy-un-report-603152">Explained | Taliban have put Afghan clock back to 1990s’ autocracy: UN report</a></strong></p>

<p>However, a&nbsp;number of armed groups -- including IS (Khorasan)&nbsp; -- remain a security&nbsp;threat for the country.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Two people were killed in an explosion in Kabul on Thursday (Jan 11), the third such incident in less than a week. Twelve others were also injured in the grenade blast in PD 18 of Kabul, a spokesman for the Kabul security department, Khalid Zadran said.

Two people were killed in an explosion in Kabul on Thursday (Jan 11), the third such incident in less than a week. Twelve others were also injured in the grenade blast in PD 18 of Kabul, a spokesman for the Kabul security department, Khalid Zadran said. He added that an investigation is underway to arrest the perpetrator. Also watch | At least 32 killed in Kabul suicide blast in Afghanistan; no group has claimed responsibility yet × The grenade was detonated outside a commercial centre in the Dasht-e-Barchi area, an enclave of the historically oppressed Shiite Hazara community. "The initial information shows that unfortunately two civilian compatriots were martyred and 12 others were wounded," Zadran said in a statement. The blast is the second deadly explosion in the area in less than a week. Earlier attacks in Kabul On Saturday, a bomb planted on a bus killed at least five people and wounded 15 others. The responsibility for these attacks was claimed by the Islamic State (IS) group, which considers Shiites heretics. IS claimed responsibility for another blast days later in eastern Kabul, in which police said three people were killed and four wounded by a bomb hidden in a cart near a minivan. The recent attacks in Kabul mark an exit from a patter when the number of bomb blasts and suicide attacks in Afghanistan had declined after Taliban seized power in August 2021. Also read | Explained | Taliban have put Afghan clock back to 1990s’ autocracy: UN report However, a number of armed groups -- including IS (Khorasan) -- remain a security threat for the country. (With inputs from agencies)

Kabul: Two killed as Afghanistan capital rocked by deadly explosion

<p>An earthquake measuring 6.1 on the Richter scale hit Afghanistan on Thursday (Jan 11). The tremors of the quake, which had its epicentre in the Hindu Kush region of Afghanistan were also felt in India and neighbouring Pakistan. The effect in India was, however, milder compared to the other two countries.</p>

<p>According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) the earthquake with magnitude&nbsp;6.0 jolted parts of the country.&nbsp;There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage.</p>

<h2>Effect in Pakistan</h2>

<p>According to DawnNewsTV,&nbsp;tremors were felt in the Pakistani cities of&nbsp;Islamabad&nbsp;Lahore and its surrounding areas, and parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The epicentre of the earthquake was said to be Afghanistan's Hindu Kush Region and it took place around 14:20 (PST), said the PMD.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">An earthquake originated on 11-01-2024 at 14:20 PST<br />
Mag: 6.0<br />
Depth: 213 km<br />
Lat: 36.16 N<br />
Long: 70.63 E<br />
Epicenter: Hindu Kush Region Afghanistan <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Earthquakes?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Earthquakes</a></p>
— Pak Met Department محکمہ موسمیات (@pmdgov) <a href="https://twitter.com/pmdgov/status/1745377779334672759?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>The recent tremor&nbsp;came around a week after Pakistan's&nbsp;Quetta district and&nbsp;adjoining areas were hit by a 4.6 magnitude earthquake, prompting residents to evacuate their homes around 11:10 am (local time).</p>

<p>Notably, the&nbsp;epicentre of that quake was also&nbsp;Afghanistan's Hindu Kush Region, according to the PMD.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-taliban-detain-and-lash-young-girls-for-violating-hijab-rules-678674">&nbsp;Afghanistan: Taliban detain and lash young girls for violating hijab rules</a></strong></p>

<p>Pakistan emergency services spokesperson&nbsp;Bilal Ahmad Faizi said its control room had not received any distress calls or reports about any loss of lives or property&nbsp;after the quake on Thursday, so far, reported Dawn.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Quake in Afghanistan jolts northern India</strong></h2>

<p>"Earthquake of Magnitude:6.1, Occurred on 11-01-2024, 14:50:24 IST, Lat: 36.48 &amp; Long: 70.45, Depth: 220 Km ,Location: &nbsp;Afghanistan," said India's National Center for Seismology, in a post on X.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Earthquake of Magnitude:6.1, Occurred on 11-01-2024, 14:50:24 IST, Lat: 36.48 &amp; Long: 70.45, Depth: 220 Km ,Location: Afghanistan for more information Download the BhooKamp App <a href="https://t.co/fN2hpmK3jO">https://t.co/fN2hpmK3jO</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/KirenRijiju?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KirenRijiju</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Ravi_MoES?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Ravi_MoES</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Dr_Mishra1966?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Dr_Mishra1966</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ndmaindia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ndmaindia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Indiametdept?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Indiametdept</a> <a href="https://t.co/q5pkBVscsW">pic.twitter.com/q5pkBVscsW</a></p>
— National Center for Seismology (@NCS_Earthquake) <a href="https://twitter.com/NCS_Earthquake/status/1745379055191654625?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>The tremor&nbsp;caused panic among people, with many in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR)&nbsp;reported shaking of furniture.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Earthquake of magnitude 6.1 on Richter scale hits Afghanistan, tremors felt in North India.<br />
<br />
(Visuals from Poonch, J&amp;K) <a href="https://t.co/kMTT2XxYQ7">pic.twitter.com/kMTT2XxYQ7</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1745385726014074889?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Images and videos show people in&nbsp;New Delhi&nbsp;and its surrounding areas like&nbsp;Noida, Ghaziabad, and Gurgaon rushing out of their homes and offices after the tremors around 2:50 pm (local time).&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Afghanistan earthquakes</strong></h2>

<p>The recent earthquakes in Afghanistan come&nbsp;months after the country was shaken by its&nbsp;deadliest quake.&nbsp;In October 2023, an earthquake&nbsp;struck the country's Herat province, which led to the death of around 1,000 people and injured thousands of others, according to&nbsp;Afghanistan's disaster management ministry.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-afghanistan-hit-by-the-deadliest-earthquake-in-years-644683">Afghanistan hit by the deadliest earthquake in years</a></strong></p>

<p>A spokesperson from the&nbsp;Taliban administration had also said that the&nbsp;6.3 magnitude earthquake destroyed around&nbsp;1,320 houses.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


An earthquake measuring 6.1 on the Richter scale hit Afghanistan on Thursday (Jan 11). The tremors of the quake, which had its epicentre in the Hindu Kush region of Afghanistan were also felt in India and neighbouring Pakistan.

An earthquake measuring 6.1 on the Richter scale hit Afghanistan on Thursday (Jan 11). The tremors of the quake, which had its epicentre in the Hindu Kush region of Afghanistan were also felt in India and neighbouring Pakistan. The effect in India was, however, milder compared to the other two countries. According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) the earthquake with magnitude 6.0 jolted parts of the country. There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage. Effect in Pakistan According to DawnNewsTV, tremors were felt in the Pakistani cities of Islamabad Lahore and its surrounding areas, and parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The epicentre of the earthquake was said to be Afghanistan's Hindu Kush Region and it took place around 14:20 (PST), said the PMD. An earthquake originated on 11-01-2024 at 14:20 PST Mag: 6.0 Depth: 213 km Lat: 36.16 N Long: 70.63 E Epicenter: Hindu Kush Region Afghanistan #Earthquakes — Pak Met Department محکمہ موسمیات (@pmdgov) January 11, 2024 × The recent tremor came around a week after Pakistan's Quetta district and adjoining areas were hit by a 4.6 magnitude earthquake, prompting residents to evacuate their homes around 11:10 am (local time). Notably, the epicentre of that quake was also Afghanistan's Hindu Kush Region, according to the PMD. ALSO READ | Afghanistan: Taliban detain and lash young girls for violating hijab rules Pakistan emergency services spokesperson Bilal Ahmad Faizi said its control room had not received any distress calls or reports about any loss of lives or property after the quake on Thursday, so far, reported Dawn. Quake in Afghanistan jolts northern India "Earthquake of Magnitude:6.1, Occurred on 11-01-2024, 14:50:24 IST, Lat: 36.48 & Long: 70.45, Depth: 220 Km ,Location: Afghanistan," said India's National Center for Seismology, in a post on X. Earthquake of Magnitude:6.1, Occurred on 11-01-2024, 14:50:24 IST, Lat: 36.48 & Long: 70.45, Depth: 220 Km ,Location: Afghanistan for more information Download the BhooKamp App https://t.co/fN2hpmK3jO @KirenRijiju @Ravi_MoES @Dr_Mishra1966 @ndmaindia @Indiametdept pic.twitter.com/q5pkBVscsW — National Center for Seismology (@NCS_Earthquake) January 11, 2024 × The tremor caused panic among people, with many in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) reported shaking of furniture. #WATCH | Earthquake of magnitude 6.1 on Richter scale hits Afghanistan, tremors felt in North India. (Visuals from Poonch, J&K) pic.twitter.com/kMTT2XxYQ7 — ANI (@ANI) January 11, 2024 × Images and videos show people in New Delhi and its surrounding areas like Noida, Ghaziabad, and Gurgaon rushing out of their homes and offices after the tremors around 2:50 pm (local time). Afghanistan earthquakes The recent earthquakes in Afghanistan come months after the country was shaken by its deadliest quake. In October 2023, an earthquake struck the country's Herat province, which led to the death of around 1,000 people and injured thousands of others, according to Afghanistan's disaster management ministry. ALSO READ | Afghanistan hit by the deadliest earthquake in years A spokesperson from the Taliban administration had also said that the 6.3 magnitude earthquake destroyed around 1,320 houses. (With inputs from agencies)

Earthquake of magnitude 6.1 hits Afghanistan; tremors felt in northern India, parts of Pakistan

<p>Taliban regime in Afghanistan reportedly detained and lashed girls as young as 16 for violating hijab rules. The arrests have reportedly been made across the Afghan capital, Kabul, in the past week. A senior Taliban spokesperson told CBS News on Monday about the arrests.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Khaama Press reported Tuesday that after the girls were detained by the authorities of the Ministry of Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice on charges of "ban hijab", a recent announcement was issued based on the observance of the hijab guidelines in the eighteenth district of Kabul.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/terrorist-hafiz-saeed-is-serving-78-year-prison-sentence-in-pakistan-un-678406">Terrorist Hafiz Saeed is serving 78-year prison sentence in Pakistan: UN</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>The announcement by the officials of the ministry was released after a meeting with the school principals in the eighteenth district of Kabul.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The report mentioned that the ministry detains girls who do not consider what is called by the Taliban as an Islamic dress code.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The announcement noted that the unacceptable clothing items are: 1) Skirts that are too short and above the knee, 2) Very small headscarves that do not cover the hair, and 3) Tight and prominent pants worn with short skirts.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/muizzu-asks-china-to-send-more-tourists-signs-50-million-project-to-develop-tourism-zone-678396">Amid India-Maldives row, President Muizzu seeks China's support to boost tourism</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>As quoted by Khaama Press, Zabihullah Mujahid, who is the spokesperson for the Taliban administration, told the media that some girls who were commuting in the cities for "modelling" were detained. He added that they were released after a few hours.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While speaking to CBS News, Mujahid told reiterated on Monday that "a group of women who were involved in modelling to promote clothes were detained, advised in front of their family members, and released within hours. No woman was subject to imprisonment during this process."&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


Taliban regime in Afghanistan reportedly detained and lashed girls as young as 16 for violating hijab rules. The arrests have reportedly been made across the Afghan capital, Kabul, in the past week.

Taliban regime in Afghanistan reportedly detained and lashed girls as young as 16 for violating hijab rules. The arrests have reportedly been made across the Afghan capital, Kabul, in the past week. A senior Taliban spokesperson told CBS News on Monday about the arrests. Khaama Press reported Tuesday that after the girls were detained by the authorities of the Ministry of Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice on charges of "ban hijab", a recent announcement was issued based on the observance of the hijab guidelines in the eighteenth district of Kabul. Also read: Terrorist Hafiz Saeed is serving 78-year prison sentence in Pakistan: UN The announcement by the officials of the ministry was released after a meeting with the school principals in the eighteenth district of Kabul. The report mentioned that the ministry detains girls who do not consider what is called by the Taliban as an Islamic dress code. The announcement noted that the unacceptable clothing items are: 1) Skirts that are too short and above the knee, 2) Very small headscarves that do not cover the hair, and 3) Tight and prominent pants worn with short skirts. Also read: Amid India-Maldives row, President Muizzu seeks China's support to boost tourism As quoted by Khaama Press, Zabihullah Mujahid, who is the spokesperson for the Taliban administration, told the media that some girls who were commuting in the cities for "modelling" were detained. He added that they were released after a few hours. While speaking to CBS News, Mujahid told reiterated on Monday that "a group of women who were involved in modelling to promote clothes were detained, advised in front of their family members, and released within hours. No woman was subject to imprisonment during this process." (With inputs from agencies)

Afghanistan: Taliban detain and lash young girls for violating hijab rules

<p>Afghanistan's designated T20I skipper Rashid Khan has been ruled of the upcoming three-match series against India. The spinner was initially included in the squad, however, he was anyway not expected to play before the confirmation on his absence from the series. Rashid is still recovering from the lower-back surgery done after the ODI World Cup which concluded in November 2023. The surgery also ruled him out of Australia's Big Bash League (BBL) and South Africa's SA20 tournament as well.</p>

<p>Afghanistan had named Ibrahim Zadran as Rashid's replacement as the skipper for the series at the time of squad announcement. Zadran had also led the Afghans in the recently-concluded UAE series as well. Speaking on Rashid's absence, Zadran said: "He is not totally fit, but is travelling with the team."</p>

<p>"We hope that he gets fit as soon as we expect him to. He's doing his rehab with the doctor, and we will miss him in the series."</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/shocking-says-former-australia-player-tom-moody-on-overlooking-cameron-bancroft-for-west-indies-tests-678608">‘Shocking,’ says former Australia player Tom Moody on overlooking Cameron Bancroft for West Indies Tests</a></p>

<p>"Without Rashid, we will struggle but not that much because his experience is very important for all of us, but this is cricket and you should be ready for any kind of situation, " added the stand-in skipper.</p>

<p>The T20Is will be played on January 11, 14 and 17 in Mohali, Indore and Bengaluru, respectively.</p>

<p>Afghanistan have also recalled spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman for the upcoming series. Mujeeb was not part of Afghanistan's last T20I series in UAE as he was playing in BBL for Melbourne Renegades. His trip, however, was cut short after the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) revoked his No Objection Certificate (NoC) along with Naveen-ul-Haq and Fazalhaq Farooqi.</p>

<p>The board since has relaxed its position and has allowed the trio limited NOCs to play in different leagues although with a pay cut.</p>

<p><strong>Afghanistan squad:</strong> Ibrahim Zadran (capt), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ikram Alikhil (wk), Hazratullah Zazai, Rahmat Shah, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Karim Janat, Azmaullah Omarzai, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazal Haq Farooqi, Fareed Ahmad, Naveen-ul-Haq, Noor Ahmad, Mohammad Saleem, Qais Ahmad, Gulbadin Naib and Rashid Khan.</p>


Afghanistan's designated T20I skipper Rashid Khan has been ruled of the upcoming three-match series against India. The spinner was initially included in the squad, however, he was anyway not expected to play before the confirmation on his absence from the series.

Afghanistan's designated T20I skipper Rashid Khan has been ruled of the upcoming three-match series against India. The spinner was initially included in the squad, however, he was anyway not expected to play before the confirmation on his absence from the series. Rashid is still recovering from the lower-back surgery done after the ODI World Cup which concluded in November 2023. The surgery also ruled him out of Australia's Big Bash League (BBL) and South Africa's SA20 tournament as well. Afghanistan had named Ibrahim Zadran as Rashid's replacement as the skipper for the series at the time of squad announcement. Zadran had also led the Afghans in the recently-concluded UAE series as well. Speaking on Rashid's absence, Zadran said: "He is not totally fit, but is travelling with the team." "We hope that he gets fit as soon as we expect him to. He's doing his rehab with the doctor, and we will miss him in the series." Also Read: ‘Shocking,’ says former Australia player Tom Moody on overlooking Cameron Bancroft for West Indies Tests "Without Rashid, we will struggle but not that much because his experience is very important for all of us, but this is cricket and you should be ready for any kind of situation, " added the stand-in skipper. The T20Is will be played on January 11, 14 and 17 in Mohali, Indore and Bengaluru, respectively. Afghanistan have also recalled spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman for the upcoming series. Mujeeb was not part of Afghanistan's last T20I series in UAE as he was playing in BBL for Melbourne Renegades. His trip, however, was cut short after the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) revoked his No Objection Certificate (NoC) along with Naveen-ul-Haq and Fazalhaq Farooqi. The board since has relaxed its position and has allowed the trio limited NOCs to play in different leagues although with a pay cut. Afghanistan squad: Ibrahim Zadran (capt), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ikram Alikhil (wk), Hazratullah Zazai, Rahmat Shah, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Karim Janat, Azmaullah Omarzai, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazal Haq Farooqi, Fareed Ahmad, Naveen-ul-Haq, Noor Ahmad, Mohammad Saleem, Qais Ahmad, Gulbadin Naib and Rashid Khan.

Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan ruled out of T20Is against India

<p>Communications intercepts collected by the United States confirmed that Islamic State’s (ISIS) Afghanistan-based branch carried out twin bombings in Iran that killed nearly 100 people, two sources familiar with the intelligence told Reuters on Friday.</p>

<p>"The intelligence is clear-cut and indisputable," one source said.</p>

<p>That source and a second, both of whom requested anonymity to discuss the sensitive issue, said the intelligence comprised communications intercepts, without providing further details. The collection of the intercepts has not been previously reported.</p>

<p>Wednesday's bombings, the deadliest of their kind in Iran since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, added to regional tensions over the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza and attacks by Yemen's Tehran-aligned Houthi group on commercial shipping in the Red Sea.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pentagon-chief-lloyd-austin-was-hospitalised-defence-department-gives-update-677030">Pentagon Chief Lloyd Austin was hospitalised, defence department gives update&nbsp;</a></p>

<p>ISIS on Thursday claimed responsibility for the bombings, saying two operatives wearing explosive suicide belts staged the attack during a memorial service for Qassem Soleimani, a senior military commander assassinated in Iraq in a 2020 U.S. drone strike.</p>

<p>The Sunni Muslim militant group, however, did not specify that its Afghanistan-based affiliate, known as ISIS-Khorasan (ISIS-K), was responsible for the bombings in the southeastern Iranian city of Kerman.</p>

<p>“The U.S. has pretty clear intel” that ISIS-K conducted the attack, the first source said.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sixth-grader-killed-in-iowa-school-shooting-identified-injured-principal-in-critical-condition-677048">Sixth-grader killed in Iowa school shooting identified, injured principal in critical condition</a></p>

<p>The Central Intelligence Agency declined to comment.</p>

<p>ISIS harbors a virulent hatred for Shi'ites -- Iran's dominant sect and targets of its affiliate's attacks in Afghanistan -- who it views as apostates.</p>

<p>ISIS claimed responsibility for a 2022 attack on a Shi'ite shrine in Iran that killed 15 people and 2017 bombings that hit the parliament and the tomb of the Islamic Republic's founder, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/japan-earthquake-rescuers-race-against-time-to-find-survivors-death-toll-rises-to-94-677049">Japan Earthquake: Rescuers race against time to find survivors, death toll rises to 94</a></strong></p>

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<p>Iran on Friday said security forces had arrested 11 people suspected of involvement in Wednesday's attack and had seized explosive devices and vests.</p>

<p>While Taliban crackdowns have weakened ISIS-K and prompted some members to leave Afghanistan for neighboring countries, the affiliate has continued focusing on plotting foreign operations, U.S. officials say.</p>


Communications intercepts collected by the United States confirmed that Islamic State’s (ISIS) Afghanistan-based branch carried out twin bombings in Iran that killed nearly 100 people, two sources familiar with the intelligence told Reuters on Friday.

Communications intercepts collected by the United States confirmed that Islamic State’s (ISIS) Afghanistan-based branch carried out twin bombings in Iran that killed nearly 100 people, two sources familiar with the intelligence told Reuters on Friday. "The intelligence is clear-cut and indisputable," one source said. That source and a second, both of whom requested anonymity to discuss the sensitive issue, said the intelligence comprised communications intercepts, without providing further details. The collection of the intercepts has not been previously reported. Wednesday's bombings, the deadliest of their kind in Iran since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, added to regional tensions over the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza and attacks by Yemen's Tehran-aligned Houthi group on commercial shipping in the Red Sea. Also Read | Pentagon Chief Lloyd Austin was hospitalised, defence department gives update ISIS on Thursday claimed responsibility for the bombings, saying two operatives wearing explosive suicide belts staged the attack during a memorial service for Qassem Soleimani, a senior military commander assassinated in Iraq in a 2020 U.S. drone strike. The Sunni Muslim militant group, however, did not specify that its Afghanistan-based affiliate, known as ISIS-Khorasan (ISIS-K), was responsible for the bombings in the southeastern Iranian city of Kerman. “The U.S. has pretty clear intel” that ISIS-K conducted the attack, the first source said. Also Read | Sixth-grader killed in Iowa school shooting identified, injured principal in critical condition The Central Intelligence Agency declined to comment. ISIS harbors a virulent hatred for Shi'ites -- Iran's dominant sect and targets of its affiliate's attacks in Afghanistan -- who it views as apostates. ISIS claimed responsibility for a 2022 attack on a Shi'ite shrine in Iran that killed 15 people and 2017 bombings that hit the parliament and the tomb of the Islamic Republic's founder, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. Watch | Japan Earthquake: Rescuers race against time to find survivors, death toll rises to 94 × Iran on Friday said security forces had arrested 11 people suspected of involvement in Wednesday's attack and had seized explosive devices and vests. While Taliban crackdowns have weakened ISIS-K and prompted some members to leave Afghanistan for neighboring countries, the affiliate has continued focusing on plotting foreign operations, U.S. officials say.

US intel confirms Islamic State's Afghanistan branch behind Iran blasts: Report

<p>More than 20 Pakistani nationals were killed "in operations by security forces" between January and December of last year, a senior Taliban official in Kabul claimed on Sunday (Dec 31, 2023). Taliban's appointed defence minister Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid also claimed that scores of Tajik nationals and "hundreds of Pakistanis" were also&nbsp;arrested for their alleged roles in attacks against religious clerics, the public, and mosques during that period.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Mujahid, who is also the second deputy leader in the Taliban's administration in Kabul and the "military chief" of the extremist group since 2016, &nbsp;called upon the neighbouring countries to strictly monitor their international boundaries.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/exclusive-afghan-women-fear-for-life-as-taliban-ban-male-doctors-from-treating-them-551218">Exclusive | Afghan women fear for life as Taliban ban male doctors from treating them</a></strong></p>

<p>The tensions between Kabul and Islamabad have spiked after hundreds of thousands of Afghans left Pakistan after the country ordered "illegal" migrants to leave the country. The&nbsp;crackdown in this relation&nbsp;involved door-to-door checks for the documentation of migrants starting October 31, 2023.</p>

<p>Mujahid claimed that there has been a 90 per cent decrease in attacks by an Islamic State group affiliate in the past year.</p>

<p>The Islamic State (Khorasan) has carried out major assaults on schools, hospitals, and mosques. It has mostly targeted Shiite areas across Afghanistan.&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>The IS(K) has been a major rival of the Taliban since the latter took control of Afghanistan's corridors of power in August 2021. The IS considers the Shiites as apostates. They have struck in Kabul and northern provinces but not much in the south, which is considered the Taliban's stronghold.</p>

<p>The Taliban, since taking over&nbsp;have barred women from&nbsp;public life and work. The extremist rulers have stopped girls from going to schools officially beyond the sixth grade. But on the ground, the girls&nbsp;— grade notwithstanding&nbsp;— are&nbsp;dissuaded from attending schools as soon as they turn 10 years of age. WION has found that at least in Nangarhar province, Afghan girls were unable to attend school beyond <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-now-bans-girl-students-from-attending-school-beyond-third-grade-622562">third</a> grade.&nbsp;</p>


More than 20 Pakistani nationals were killed "in operations by security forces" between January and December of last year, a senior Taliban official in Kabul claimed on Sunday (Dec 31, 2023).

More than 20 Pakistani nationals were killed "in operations by security forces" between January and December of last year, a senior Taliban official in Kabul claimed on Sunday (Dec 31, 2023). Taliban's appointed defence minister Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid also claimed that scores of Tajik nationals and "hundreds of Pakistanis" were also arrested for their alleged roles in attacks against religious clerics, the public, and mosques during that period. Mujahid, who is also the second deputy leader in the Taliban's administration in Kabul and the "military chief" of the extremist group since 2016, called upon the neighbouring countries to strictly monitor their international boundaries. Also read | Exclusive | Afghan women fear for life as Taliban ban male doctors from treating them The tensions between Kabul and Islamabad have spiked after hundreds of thousands of Afghans left Pakistan after the country ordered "illegal" migrants to leave the country. The crackdown in this relation involved door-to-door checks for the documentation of migrants starting October 31, 2023. Mujahid claimed that there has been a 90 per cent decrease in attacks by an Islamic State group affiliate in the past year. The Islamic State (Khorasan) has carried out major assaults on schools, hospitals, and mosques. It has mostly targeted Shiite areas across Afghanistan. Also watch | Afghan women speak to WION from the ground: 'We want our freedoms back' | WION Originals × The IS(K) has been a major rival of the Taliban since the latter took control of Afghanistan's corridors of power in August 2021. The IS considers the Shiites as apostates. They have struck in Kabul and northern provinces but not much in the south, which is considered the Taliban's stronghold. The Taliban, since taking over have barred women from public life and work. The extremist rulers have stopped girls from going to schools officially beyond the sixth grade. But on the ground, the girls — grade notwithstanding — are dissuaded from attending schools as soon as they turn 10 years of age. WION has found that at least in Nangarhar province, Afghan girls were unable to attend school beyond third grade.

Taliban claims it killed dozens of Pakistanis involved in attacks inside Afghanistan

The Taliban authorities have voiced their disapproval of the United Nations Security Council's decision to appoint a special Envoy to advocate for gender and human rights in Afghanistan. Watch to know more.

Afghanistan: Taliban baulk at UNSC plan for special envoy

With its new anti-immigration policy Pakistan has so far deported thousands of Afghans to Taliban-ruled Afghanistan. Unfortunately, it has uh repatriated scores of Afghans awaiting resettlement in the US under this drive quoting sources from advocacy groups.

Report: Afghans awaiting US resettlement deported by Pakistan

<p>A mass ceremony bound fifty Afghan couples in wedlock in Afghanistan's capital Kabul on Monday (Dec 25). Such ceremonies are becoming a common practice in one of the world's poorest countries as couples seek to reduce cost of independent wedding ceremonies.</p>

<p>AFP reported that Monday's event took place in a glitzy wedding hall in the city but the ceremony did not have fanfare as seen before since dancing and music have been banned by Taliban regime which deems them un-Islamic.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/security-nightmare-in-pakistan-country-reports-highest-instances-of-suicide-attacks-since-2014-673296">Security nightmare in Pakistan? Country reports highest instances of suicide attacks since 2014</a></strong></p>

<p>The City Star wedding hall, in which the ceremony took place is near the airport. As per the report, cars decorated with green ribbons and plastic roses arranged in shape of hearts were seen at the venue. The couples were to leave in these cars after the ceremony.</p>

<p>"A traditional wedding would have cost us at least 200,000 to 250,000 Afghanis ($2,800 to $3,600), but this time it will be between 10,000 and 15,000 Afghanis," said Roohullah Rezayi (18) as quoted by AFP. Rezayi barely earns 350 Afghanis per day.</p>

<p>"We invited 35 people from our two families, otherwise it would have been 300 to 400," said Rezayi, who was wearing a plastic flower in the breast pocket of his waistcoat worn over a white tunic.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Afghanistan-Pakistan water sharing dispute: Taliban's dam project in Kunar River</strong></p>

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<p>A group named Selab Foundation organised the ceremony and helped each couple with amount equivalent to USD 1600. This is a huge amount for common Afghans.</p>

<p>Couples who were to get married were to leave with a cake, carpet, blanket and few household appliances which would help them set up their household. A kit containing toothpaste, shampoo and moisturiser was also to be given to the newlyweds.</p>

<h2><strong>Taliban presence</strong></h2>

<p>An official from the Taliban&nbsp;ministry for the promotion of virtue and prevention of vice was present at the ceremony. He made a speech. Recitations from Quran took place.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-in-2023-imran-khans-arrest-return-of-nawaz-sharif-and-baloch-uprising-672947">Imran Khan's arrest to Nawaz Sharif's return and Baloch uprising, events that shook Pakistan in 2023</a></strong></p>

<p>The news report said that although grooms were in the hall, brides were kept out of sight and media wasn't given access. They appeared only after lunch and were fully veiled.</p>

<p>"I've been waiting for this day for three years," said Samiullah Zamani, a 23-year-old farmer from Kabul province.</p>

<p>"I can't wait to see her," he said of his fiancee.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A mass ceremony bound fifty Afghan couples in wedlock in Afghanistan's capital Kabul on Monday (Dec 25). Such ceremonies are becoming a common practice in one of the world's poorest countries as couples seek to reduce cost of independent wedding ceremonies.

A mass ceremony bound fifty Afghan couples in wedlock in Afghanistan's capital Kabul on Monday (Dec 25). Such ceremonies are becoming a common practice in one of the world's poorest countries as couples seek to reduce cost of independent wedding ceremonies. AFP reported that Monday's event took place in a glitzy wedding hall in the city but the ceremony did not have fanfare as seen before since dancing and music have been banned by Taliban regime which deems them un-Islamic. Also Read | Security nightmare in Pakistan? Country reports highest instances of suicide attacks since 2014 The City Star wedding hall, in which the ceremony took place is near the airport. As per the report, cars decorated with green ribbons and plastic roses arranged in shape of hearts were seen at the venue. The couples were to leave in these cars after the ceremony. "A traditional wedding would have cost us at least 200,000 to 250,000 Afghanis ($2,800 to $3,600), but this time it will be between 10,000 and 15,000 Afghanis," said Roohullah Rezayi (18) as quoted by AFP. Rezayi barely earns 350 Afghanis per day. "We invited 35 people from our two families, otherwise it would have been 300 to 400," said Rezayi, who was wearing a plastic flower in the breast pocket of his waistcoat worn over a white tunic. Watch | Afghanistan-Pakistan water sharing dispute: Taliban's dam project in Kunar River × A group named Selab Foundation organised the ceremony and helped each couple with amount equivalent to USD 1600. This is a huge amount for common Afghans. Couples who were to get married were to leave with a cake, carpet, blanket and few household appliances which would help them set up their household. A kit containing toothpaste, shampoo and moisturiser was also to be given to the newlyweds. Taliban presence An official from the Taliban ministry for the promotion of virtue and prevention of vice was present at the ceremony. He made a speech. Recitations from Quran took place. Also Read | Imran Khan's arrest to Nawaz Sharif's return and Baloch uprising, events that shook Pakistan in 2023 The news report said that although grooms were in the hall, brides were kept out of sight and media wasn't given access. They appeared only after lunch and were fully veiled. "I've been waiting for this day for three years," said Samiullah Zamani, a 23-year-old farmer from Kabul province. "I can't wait to see her," he said of his fiancee. (With inputs from agencies)

Afghan couples marry in mass ceremony to save money

<p>With the winter season approaching, it is estimated that about one in three children in Afghanistan will be affected by crisis-level hunger as the United Kingdom cut down on its aid for the Taliban-ruled country by approximately 60 per cent this year.</p>

<p>As per the latest figures released by the global hunger monitoring system Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), almost eight million children in the war-torn country will step into the new year without sufficient food and will have to live without ample winter clothing in freezing conditions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The families are worried about the survival of their kids as last year the cold winter claimed the lives of at least 160 people in the country where the temperatures dropped to minus 37 degrees Celsius.</p>

<p>“Our homes are not usable, and we don’t know how we can survive this winter. The winter is approaching and it is too cold in these places. It will be covered with snow for weeks, the ways to travel will be blocked and these areas will be freezing,” the Independent quoted resident Aslam, who is the father of three currently living in a tent, as saying.</p>

<p>“Sometimes we don’t have bread to eat, and we sleep hungry. Seeing my child getting weak day by day and crying for food is devastating,” said Salma, a mother of a seven-month-old infant who had to rush her child to a clinic run by the UK-based humanitarian organisation according to the Independent.</p>

<p>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/are-chinas-secret-aircraft-sending-signals-to-hidden-station-in-us-satellite-tracker-says-maybe-672169">Satellite tracker hints at China's secret aircraft sending signals to US</a></p>

<p>Hundreds of Afghans who have been forced to flee Pakistan since October this year, are at present surviving in makeshift camps and are being taken care of by humanitarian aid workers.</p>

<p>The health workers are also making efforts to keep respiratory diseases at bay.</p>

<p>“Our physicians reported that it gets cold at night, and it is difficult to ensure the well-being of children inside the tents,” said Arshad Malik, the country director of Save the Children, heading operations in Afghanistan, as per the Independent.</p>

<p>“This problem can negatively affect the health of both the child and the mother. We are afraid that the severe respiratory infections are highly likely due to prolonged exposure to dust storms, enclosed smoky shelters, other sick people, and extremely cold weather, as many families have travelled to Afghanistan in open, overcrowded trucks,” the Independent quotes him as saying.</p>

<p>The United Kingdom had slashed the aid for Afghanistan in the month of May this year by more than half, directly hitting the Afghans who were benefitting from the international funding.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


With the winter season approaching, it is estimated that about one in three children in Afghanistan will be affected by crisis-level hunger as the United Kingdom cut down on its aid for the Taliban-ruled country by approximately 60 per cent this year.

With the winter season approaching, it is estimated that about one in three children in Afghanistan will be affected by crisis-level hunger as the United Kingdom cut down on its aid for the Taliban-ruled country by approximately 60 per cent this year. As per the latest figures released by the global hunger monitoring system Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), almost eight million children in the war-torn country will step into the new year without sufficient food and will have to live without ample winter clothing in freezing conditions. The families are worried about the survival of their kids as last year the cold winter claimed the lives of at least 160 people in the country where the temperatures dropped to minus 37 degrees Celsius. “Our homes are not usable, and we don’t know how we can survive this winter. The winter is approaching and it is too cold in these places. It will be covered with snow for weeks, the ways to travel will be blocked and these areas will be freezing,” the Independent quoted resident Aslam, who is the father of three currently living in a tent, as saying. “Sometimes we don’t have bread to eat, and we sleep hungry. Seeing my child getting weak day by day and crying for food is devastating,” said Salma, a mother of a seven-month-old infant who had to rush her child to a clinic run by the UK-based humanitarian organisation according to the Independent. Also read: Satellite tracker hints at China's secret aircraft sending signals to US Hundreds of Afghans who have been forced to flee Pakistan since October this year, are at present surviving in makeshift camps and are being taken care of by humanitarian aid workers. The health workers are also making efforts to keep respiratory diseases at bay. “Our physicians reported that it gets cold at night, and it is difficult to ensure the well-being of children inside the tents,” said Arshad Malik, the country director of Save the Children, heading operations in Afghanistan, as per the Independent. “This problem can negatively affect the health of both the child and the mother. We are afraid that the severe respiratory infections are highly likely due to prolonged exposure to dust storms, enclosed smoky shelters, other sick people, and extremely cold weather, as many families have travelled to Afghanistan in open, overcrowded trucks,” the Independent quotes him as saying. The United Kingdom had slashed the aid for Afghanistan in the month of May this year by more than half, directly hitting the Afghans who were benefitting from the international funding. (With inputs from agencies)

Afghanistan to face crisis-level hunger this winter as UK slashes aid by more than half

What is the Rwanda migrant Deportation bill? Will the UK send asylum seekers back to Africa? What's next for Afghan migrants forced out of Pakistan? 2023 also witnessed migrants crossing the US-Mexico border in record numbers. December 18: On International Migrants Day, we look at the challenges faced by millions of people on the move. Watch WION Wideangle.

International Migrants Day: Chasing Hope, Home, Honour

The Taliban have introduced a new policy of sending women to prison. Why? The Taliban says it's doing so to keep women safe. Hem Saroya brings you a report.

Gravitas | Taliban sending women to prison 'to keep them safe'

The Taliban is sending women to jail to protect them from gender-based violence. The Taliban has limited the access of women to almost everything in the country and according to a UN report, a woman with no male relative is considered unsafe.

Afghanistan: Taliban jailing 'unprotected' women to keep them safe

Afghanistan: Taliban sending women to jail to save them from gender-based violence | WION

Pakistan is struggling to contain the inflow of American weapons left behind in Afghanistan after the 20-year war. A day after at least 23 Pakistani soldiers were killed in a terror attack, the authorities said that they foiled a bid to smuggle U.S.-made weapons from Afghanistan. TTP using American weapons to target Pak forces? Arms left behind in Afghanistan come to the fore

Gravitas | Taliban-aligned terrorists using American weapons to target Pak?

<p>The British Ministry of Defence (MoD) has been fined $440,000 for revealing the personal details of interpreters fleeing Taiban-ruled Afghanistan. The details of as many as 265 people who may have been eligible to come to the UK under the&nbsp;Afghan Relocation and Assistance Policy (ARAP), were mistakenly copied into an email.&nbsp;</p>

<p>UK Information Commissioner, John Edwards said the error had let those down to whom the country owed so much.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This was a particularly egregious breach of the obligation of security owed to these people, thus warranting the financial penalty my office imposes today," he added.</p>

<p>The error saw the addresses of hundreds of people, including the Afghan interpreters openly included in the "to" field of the email, rather than the blind carbon copy (Bcc) field. As a result, everyone who received the mail, sent by ARAP, was able to view the emails of others.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Further information about those trying to leave Afghanistan, including one person's location, was then exposed when two people responded to the email by selecting "reply all".</p>

<p>An interpreter, whose identity was exposed, told BBC during an interview that the mistake "could cost the&nbsp;life of interpreters", some of those who were still living in Afghanistan.</p>

<p>"Some of the interpreters didn't notice the mistake and they replied to all the emails already and they explained their situation which is very dangerous. The email contains their profile pictures and contact details."<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/microsoft-ai-team-accidentally-leaks-38tb-of-private-company-data-637749"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Microsoft AI team accidentally leaks 38TB of private company data</strong></a></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Blunder comes to light</strong></h2>

<p>The blunder first came to light in September 2021, a month after the Taliban took over Afghanistan as Britain engaged in a chaotic and heavily criticised evacuation of its assets from the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The then defence minister Ben Wallace told the parliament he was apologetic for the breach.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I apologise to those Afghans affected by this data breach and with whom we are now working...to provide security advice," said Wallace.&nbsp;</p>

<p>At the time, the authorities advised the concerned people to change their addresses and relocate while informing their team about the new place of operation via a secure form.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-rishi-sunaks-old-mobile-number-voicemail-recording-leaked-online-650378"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;UK: PM Rishi Sunak's old mobile number, voicemail recording leaked online</strong></a></p>

<p>The investigation found that the MoD failed to comply with the data protection requirements for technical processes to safeguard data.</p>

<p>Edwards' office said it had reduced an initial fine of $1.25 million to $877,000 before slashing it down to&nbsp;$440,000. It said the extensive cooperation by the MoD was the reason for reducing the penalty.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The British Ministry of Defence (MoD) has been fined $440,000 for revealing the personal details of interpreters fleeing Taiban-ruled Afghanistan. The details of as many as 265 people who may have been eligible to come to the UK under the Afghan Relocation and Assistance Policy (ARAP), were mistakenly copied into an email.

The British Ministry of Defence (MoD) has been fined $440,000 for revealing the personal details of interpreters fleeing Taiban-ruled Afghanistan. The details of as many as 265 people who may have been eligible to come to the UK under the Afghan Relocation and Assistance Policy (ARAP), were mistakenly copied into an email. UK Information Commissioner, John Edwards said the error had let those down to whom the country owed so much. "This was a particularly egregious breach of the obligation of security owed to these people, thus warranting the financial penalty my office imposes today," he added. The error saw the addresses of hundreds of people, including the Afghan interpreters openly included in the "to" field of the email, rather than the blind carbon copy (Bcc) field. As a result, everyone who received the mail, sent by ARAP, was able to view the emails of others. Further information about those trying to leave Afghanistan, including one person's location, was then exposed when two people responded to the email by selecting "reply all". An interpreter, whose identity was exposed, told BBC during an interview that the mistake "could cost the life of interpreters", some of those who were still living in Afghanistan. "Some of the interpreters didn't notice the mistake and they replied to all the emails already and they explained their situation which is very dangerous. The email contains their profile pictures and contact details." Watch | Microsoft AI team accidentally leaks 38TB of private company data × Blunder comes to light The blunder first came to light in September 2021, a month after the Taliban took over Afghanistan as Britain engaged in a chaotic and heavily criticised evacuation of its assets from the country. The then defence minister Ben Wallace told the parliament he was apologetic for the breach. "I apologise to those Afghans affected by this data breach and with whom we are now working...to provide security advice," said Wallace. At the time, the authorities advised the concerned people to change their addresses and relocate while informing their team about the new place of operation via a secure form. Also read | UK: PM Rishi Sunak's old mobile number, voicemail recording leaked online The investigation found that the MoD failed to comply with the data protection requirements for technical processes to safeguard data. Edwards' office said it had reduced an initial fine of $1.25 million to $877,000 before slashing it down to $440,000. It said the extensive cooperation by the MoD was the reason for reducing the penalty. (With inputs from agencies)

UK's Ministry of Defence fined $440,000 for email blunder revealing details of Afghan interpreters

<p>Myanmar has risen to become the world’s largest producer of opium in 2023, surpassing the Taliban-ruled Afghanistan which had launched a crackdown on poppy cultivation in 2021 after the civilian government collapsed.</p>

<p>Myanmar produced an estimated 1,080 metric tonnes of opium this year, as per the data released by the United Nations Office for Drugs and Crime (UNODC). Meanwhile, Afghanistan saw a massive drop in opium production by 95 per cent to just 330 tonnes.</p>

<p>The production saw a drastic fall after the Islamist rulers imposed a blanket ban on&nbsp;opium trade in April last year.</p>

<h2><strong>Myanmar’s “opiate economy”</strong></h2>

<p>Thanks to the rising instability in Myanmar, the country’s illegal economy has expanded over the past few years, with the opiate economy rising to the estimated value of between $1bn and $2.4bn – the equivalent of 1.7% to 4.1% of the country’s 2022 GDP.</p>

<p>Last year, an estimated 790 metric tonnes of opium was produced in Myanmar, the UN said.</p>

<p>According to the report, high inflation and poor access to markets and state infrastructure are believed to have driven more and more farmers to shift to opium cultivation.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Myanmar military meets rebel groups with China's help - junta spokesperson</strong></p>

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<p>The UNODC said poppy cultivation in Myanmar was becoming more sophisticated, with increased investment and better practices – including improved irrigation and possible use of fertilisers – pushing up crop yields.</p>

<h2><strong>Opium cultivation: Afghanistan vs Myanmar</strong></h2>

<p>After the Taliban's commitment to eradicating illegal drug production, Afghanistan witnessed a drastic decline in poppy cultivation between 2022 and 2023. Poppy crops, constituting nearly a third of the country's agricultural value last year, saw the cultivation area diminish from 233,000 hectares in late 2022 to a mere 10,800 in 2023.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, in Myanmar, Shan state, primarily responsible for cultivation, experienced heightened conflict as ethnic minority armed groups launched an offensive against the junta and its allies.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-lawyer-makes-shocking-claim-says-state-of-assam-originally-part-of-myanmar-not-india-667886"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Indian lawyer makes shocking claim, says state of Assam originally `part of Myanmar, not India`</strong></a></p>

<p>Covering nearly a quarter of Myanmar's land mass, Shan State is characterised by ravines and jungle-clad hills. This region, controlled by various ethnic armed organizations boasting substantial forces, is identified by the UN as the primary source of methamphetamine in Southeast Asia.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Myanmar has risen to become the world’s largest producer of opium in 2023, surpassing the Taliban-ruled Afghanistan which had launched a crackdown on poppy cultivation in 2021 after the civilian government collapsed.

Myanmar has risen to become the world’s largest producer of opium in 2023, surpassing the Taliban-ruled Afghanistan which had launched a crackdown on poppy cultivation in 2021 after the civilian government collapsed. Myanmar produced an estimated 1,080 metric tonnes of opium this year, as per the data released by the United Nations Office for Drugs and Crime (UNODC). Meanwhile, Afghanistan saw a massive drop in opium production by 95 per cent to just 330 tonnes. The production saw a drastic fall after the Islamist rulers imposed a blanket ban on opium trade in April last year. Myanmar’s “opiate economy” Thanks to the rising instability in Myanmar, the country’s illegal economy has expanded over the past few years, with the opiate economy rising to the estimated value of between $1bn and $2.4bn – the equivalent of 1.7% to 4.1% of the country’s 2022 GDP. Last year, an estimated 790 metric tonnes of opium was produced in Myanmar, the UN said. According to the report, high inflation and poor access to markets and state infrastructure are believed to have driven more and more farmers to shift to opium cultivation. Watch: Myanmar military meets rebel groups with China's help - junta spokesperson × The UNODC said poppy cultivation in Myanmar was becoming more sophisticated, with increased investment and better practices – including improved irrigation and possible use of fertilisers – pushing up crop yields. Opium cultivation: Afghanistan vs Myanmar After the Taliban's commitment to eradicating illegal drug production, Afghanistan witnessed a drastic decline in poppy cultivation between 2022 and 2023. Poppy crops, constituting nearly a third of the country's agricultural value last year, saw the cultivation area diminish from 233,000 hectares in late 2022 to a mere 10,800 in 2023. Meanwhile, in Myanmar, Shan state, primarily responsible for cultivation, experienced heightened conflict as ethnic minority armed groups launched an offensive against the junta and its allies. Also read: Indian lawyer makes shocking claim, says state of Assam originally `part of Myanmar, not India` Covering nearly a quarter of Myanmar's land mass, Shan State is characterised by ravines and jungle-clad hills. This region, controlled by various ethnic armed organizations boasting substantial forces, is identified by the UN as the primary source of methamphetamine in Southeast Asia. (With inputs from agencies)

Myanmar surpasses Afghanistan to become world’s largest opium producer following Taliban’s crackdown

<p>Some 200 members of Afghan special forces, who were trained and funded by the UK, are facing imminent deportation to their Taliban-controlled homeland.</p>

<p>Citing information gathered by a network of Afghan veterans, BBC News reports that when the Taliban took over, these soldiers sought refuge in Pakistan. However, now they face expulsion as Pakistan intends to deport Afghan refugees.</p>

<h2><strong>A betrayal</strong></h2>

<p>Calling the United Kingdom's failure&nbsp;to relocate these special forces personnel a "betrayal" and a "disgrace," General Sir Richard Barrons&nbsp;told BBC Newsnight that it "is a disgrace because it reflects that either we're duplicitous as a nation or incompetent".</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-army-chief-says-countrys-afghan-deportation-drive-is-humane-dignified-667222">Pakistan Army chief says country's Afghan deportation drive is 'humane, dignified'</a></strong></p>

<p>The General, who served the British Army in Afghanistan for over 12 years, said "Neither are acceptable."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It is a betrayal, and the cost of that betrayal will be people who served with us will die or spend their lives in prison," he added.</p>

<h2><strong>Words vs Actions</strong></h2>

<p>Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson had previously acknowledged the importance of the service provided by these Afghan special forces, pledging to do "whatever we can" to ensure their "safe passage."&nbsp;However, the current situation paints a startlingly different picture.</p>

<p>As per the report, it was recently revealed that the UK government has rejected calls from British diplomatic and military figures to offer asylum to key figures of the Afghan civilian movement.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/love-triumphs-borders-pakistani-woman-granted-visa-crosses-into-india-for-marriage-666753">Love triumphs over borders: Pakistani woman granted visa, crosses into India for marriage</a></strong></p>

<p>The BBC reported that it has obtained a private letter, sent in March 2022 to the Foreign Office. The letter urged urgent assistance for a group of 32 former governors, prosecutors, and officials who worked with the UK and US in Helmand Province between 2006 and 2014.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Despite applying through the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Programme (ARAP), which was meant&nbsp;for those closely associated with the UK government, many of these officials were rejected or are still awaiting decisions after more than a year.</p>

<p>Gen Sir Richard Barrons said: "I'm personally ashamed because I feel very deeply that we made an obligation to them and we have not fulfilled it."</p>

<p>"It's beyond absurd to say they don't qualify and that they should be left behind to a fate at the hands of the Taliban."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Some 200 members of Afghan special forces, who were trained and funded by the UK, are facing imminent deportation to their Taliban-controlled homeland. Citing information gathered by a network of Afghan veterans, BBC News reports that when the Taliban took over, these soldiers sought refuge in Pakistan.

Some 200 members of Afghan special forces, who were trained and funded by the UK, are facing imminent deportation to their Taliban-controlled homeland. Citing information gathered by a network of Afghan veterans, BBC News reports that when the Taliban took over, these soldiers sought refuge in Pakistan. However, now they face expulsion as Pakistan intends to deport Afghan refugees. A betrayal Calling the United Kingdom's failure to relocate these special forces personnel a "betrayal" and a "disgrace," General Sir Richard Barrons told BBC Newsnight that it "is a disgrace because it reflects that either we're duplicitous as a nation or incompetent". Also read | Pakistan Army chief says country's Afghan deportation drive is 'humane, dignified' The General, who served the British Army in Afghanistan for over 12 years, said "Neither are acceptable." "It is a betrayal, and the cost of that betrayal will be people who served with us will die or spend their lives in prison," he added. Words vs Actions Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson had previously acknowledged the importance of the service provided by these Afghan special forces, pledging to do "whatever we can" to ensure their "safe passage." However, the current situation paints a startlingly different picture. As per the report, it was recently revealed that the UK government has rejected calls from British diplomatic and military figures to offer asylum to key figures of the Afghan civilian movement. Also read | Love triumphs over borders: Pakistani woman granted visa, crosses into India for marriage The BBC reported that it has obtained a private letter, sent in March 2022 to the Foreign Office. The letter urged urgent assistance for a group of 32 former governors, prosecutors, and officials who worked with the UK and US in Helmand Province between 2006 and 2014. Despite applying through the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Programme (ARAP), which was meant for those closely associated with the UK government, many of these officials were rejected or are still awaiting decisions after more than a year. Gen Sir Richard Barrons said: "I'm personally ashamed because I feel very deeply that we made an obligation to them and we have not fulfilled it." "It's beyond absurd to say they don't qualify and that they should be left behind to a fate at the hands of the Taliban." (With inputs from agencies)

UK's broken promises: Afghan Special Forces left in limbo, face threat of return to Taliban

<p>In the midst of the Taliban's claims to take control of the Afghan embassy in Delhi, Afghan diplomat Zakia Wardak has staunchly asserted her allegiance to the Afghan republic.</p>

<p>Wardak, who has been serving as the consul general of Afghanistan in Mumbai for several years, emphasised, "We are working under the flag of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan."</p>

<p>In an interview with WION, she clarified the purpose of their efforts, stating, "Firstly, to support Afghans residing in India, and secondly, to seize every opportunity beneficial to the people of Afghanistan during these challenging times."</p>

<p>The Afghan Republic's flag, a tricolor featuring vertical black, red, and green stripes with the national emblem in white at the centre, serves as a symbolic representation of Wardak's alignment.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-launches-first-ever-auction-for-critical-minerals-to-boost-economy-transition-towards-clean-energy-664393">India launches first-ever auction for critical minerals to boost economy, transition towards clean energy</a></p>

<p>This flag is distinctly different from the Taliban's, which bears a white field with a black Shahada inscription.</p>

<p>The development comes at a time when Taliban's Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai declared in an interview with Afghanistan's state broadcaster RTA that "the embassy of Afghanistan in India will soon start operations."</p>

<p>Stanikzai also mentioned ongoing communication between the Taliban-run foreign ministry and Afghan consulates in Mumbai and Hyderabad.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/railways-minister-ashwini-vaishnaw-drops-major-update-on-indias-bullet-train-project-664365">Railways minister Ashwini Vaishnaw drops major update on India’s bullet train project</a></p>

<p>Earlier in the month, the then-Afghan ambassador Farid Mamundzay, who is no longer in India, had announced the permanent closure of the embassy in New Delhi, citing "persistent challenges from the Indian government."</p>

<p>This was disputed and in response to Mamundzay's statement, a joint communication from Afghan Consul General Zakia Wardak in Mumbai and Consul General in Hyderabad, Sayed Mohammad Ibrahimkhil, highlighted their efforts to address the challenging situation.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-and-australias-bid-to-boost-strategic-cooperation-662556">India and Australia's bid to boost strategic cooperation</a></strong></p>

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<p>They stated, "We are in constant touch with the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, and trying to address the current difficult situation wherein most of our former Embassy colleagues have received asylum and left India, therefore, we are facing a shortage of diplomatic and official staff."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Despite India's non-recognition of the Taliban regime in Kabul, the country had sent a "technical team" in June of the last year, consisting of diplomats and officials focused on delivering humanitarian assistance amid the unfolding crisis.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><br />
&nbsp;</p>


In the midst of the Taliban's claims to take control of the Afghan embassy in Delhi, Afghan diplomat Zakia Wardak has staunchly asserted her allegiance to the Afghan republic.

In the midst of the Taliban's claims to take control of the Afghan embassy in Delhi, Afghan diplomat Zakia Wardak has staunchly asserted her allegiance to the Afghan republic. Wardak, who has been serving as the consul general of Afghanistan in Mumbai for several years, emphasised, "We are working under the flag of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan." In an interview with WION, she clarified the purpose of their efforts, stating, "Firstly, to support Afghans residing in India, and secondly, to seize every opportunity beneficial to the people of Afghanistan during these challenging times." The Afghan Republic's flag, a tricolor featuring vertical black, red, and green stripes with the national emblem in white at the centre, serves as a symbolic representation of Wardak's alignment. Also Read | India launches first-ever auction for critical minerals to boost economy, transition towards clean energy This flag is distinctly different from the Taliban's, which bears a white field with a black Shahada inscription. The development comes at a time when Taliban's Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai declared in an interview with Afghanistan's state broadcaster RTA that "the embassy of Afghanistan in India will soon start operations." Stanikzai also mentioned ongoing communication between the Taliban-run foreign ministry and Afghan consulates in Mumbai and Hyderabad. Also Read | Railways minister Ashwini Vaishnaw drops major update on India’s bullet train project Earlier in the month, the then-Afghan ambassador Farid Mamundzay, who is no longer in India, had announced the permanent closure of the embassy in New Delhi, citing "persistent challenges from the Indian government." This was disputed and in response to Mamundzay's statement, a joint communication from Afghan Consul General Zakia Wardak in Mumbai and Consul General in Hyderabad, Sayed Mohammad Ibrahimkhil, highlighted their efforts to address the challenging situation. Watch | India and Australia's bid to boost strategic cooperation × They stated, "We are in constant touch with the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, and trying to address the current difficult situation wherein most of our former Embassy colleagues have received asylum and left India, therefore, we are facing a shortage of diplomatic and official staff." Despite India's non-recognition of the Taliban regime in Kabul, the country had sent a "technical team" in June of the last year, consisting of diplomats and officials focused on delivering humanitarian assistance amid the unfolding crisis.

Afghan diplomat in India asserts allegiance to Republic amid Taliban claims

Pakistan has taken a contentious decision to deport millions of Afghan refugees as the deadline to voluntarily leave has expired. What's behind Pakistan's expulsion of the 'undocumented' migrants? In this report, we delve into Islamabad's justifications for its move and the potential human rights concerns it raises.

Pakistan: Afghan migrants involved in 2024 Pakistan election to be deported

Pakistan top court to hear Afghan refugee case

Pakistan's Supreme Court to decide on 'illegal migrants' plea on December 1

<p>The Afghanistan embassy in New Delhi announced its permanent closure, nearly two months after it announced that the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/afghan-embassy-in-india-announces-decision-to-cease-operations-from-oct-1-641365">operations of the embassy were being stopped</a>. The ceasing of the operations of the embassy wouldn't have meant a permanent closure in particular but now the embassy has moved forward by announcing a permanent closure altogether.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The embassy released an official statement and said: "Effective from November 23, 2023, owing to persistent challenges from the Indian government. The decision follows the embassy's earlier cessation of operations on September 30, a move made in the hope that the Indian government stance will favourably change to let the mission operate normally."</p>

<p>The closure of Afghanistan's embassy in New Delhi comes over two years after the Taliban took over Kabul following the conclusive American military withdrawal from the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;New Delhi: Power tussle at Afghan embassy</strong></p>

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<p>Afghanistan's&nbsp;embassy said&nbsp;"that this decision is a result of broader changes in policy and interests".</p>

<p>"To the Afghan citizens in India, the Embassy extends its sincere gratitude for their understanding and support throughout our mission's tenure," it added.</p>

<p>Despite "limitations in resources and power", the Afghan embassy said it has worked "tirelessly for their betterment and in the absence of a legitimate government in Kabul".</p>

<p>The diplomats in Afghanistan's New Delhi embassy were employed by previously democratically elected and the US-backed Ashraf Ghani government.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As the Taliban neared Kabul on August 13, 2021, Ghani along with a few aides fled the country, concluding a dramatic collapse of Afghan forces and civilian administrative set-up.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Afghan community in India has left the nation: Embassy</strong></h2>

<p>The embassy noted that during the course of the past two years and three months, the Afghan community in India has witnessed a significant decline, with Afghan refugees, students, and traders leaving the country.</p>

<p>Very limited new visas were issued during this period.</p>

<p>"We assure the Afghan community that the mission operated with transparency, accountability, and a commitment to fair treatment based on the goodwill and interests of Afghanistan considering historic ties and bilateral relations with India," it added.</p>

<p>"Unfortunately, efforts have been made to tarnish our image and hinder diplomatic efforts in order to justify the presence and work of Taliban-appointed and affiliated diplomats. In the face of these challenges, our committed team worked diligently in the most difficult circumstances, prioritising the interests of the 40 million Afghans in every possible sphere from securing humanitarian aid and online education scholarships to facilitating ease in trade and advocating for the formation of a broad-based government," the Afghan embassy stated further in its statement.</p>

<h2><strong>Spotlight on Taliban's denial of women's education</strong></h2>

<p>It added that the Afghan embassy "exerted diplomatic pressure in its power on those who defy the will of the Afghan people by failing to form an inclusive government and denying millions of girls the right to attend school".</p>

<p>In September 2021, the Taliban banned young girls beyond primary grades from attending schools.</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>&nbsp;</p>

<p>In December 2022, the Taliban banned women from attending universities. WION exclusively reached out to Afghan girls who lost their right to education under Taliban rule as they broke down the details of the moments when the Taliban shut the doors of their institutes on their faces.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Up to Indian government to consider alternatives: Afghan embassy</strong></h2>

<p>Afghanistan's embassy said that it is now up to New Delhi whether to&nbsp;maintain the closure of the embassy or consider alternatives.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The diplomats of the Afghan Republic have handed over the mission solely to the Indian government. It now rests upon the Indian government to decide the fate of the mission, whether to maintain its closure or consider alternatives, including the possibility of handing it over to Taliban diplomats. The responsibility of diplomats appointed by the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan has officially come to an end. The unfortunate end of the Republic mission marks the conclusion of the Afghan Republic in India," it added.</p>

<p>"We have considered the historic events and current circumstances carefully in arriving at this conclusion. We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to the people of India for their support and assistance to Afghanistan over the past 22 years. We reiterate our commitment to serving the people of Afghanistan and will continue to explore avenues to support our nation in these challenging times," the statement concluded.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Prior to the Taliban's takeover of Kabul, Afghanistan's embassy in New Delhi hosted conferences, and friendly cricket matches between institutes affiliated with the Afghan community in India, and was one of the most vibrant spots in New Delhi's closeted diplomatic enclave.&nbsp;<img alt="Students break into traditional Afghan dance in October 2019 | Mukul Sharma/WION" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7a9c8a46-d00a-4c5b-a9d9-ebef772f99fb" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-11-24T114205.180.png" /></p>

<p><em>Students inside Afghanistan's embassy in New Delhi break into traditional Afghan dance in October 2019 | Mukul Sharma/WION</em><br />
<br />
Friendly Cricket matches often concluded with traditional Afghan Attan dance amid hopeful expressions towards prosperity in Afghanistan, then mostly ruled by President Ashraf Ghani.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


The Afghanistan embassy in New Delhi announced its permanent closure, nearly two months after it announced that the operations of the embassy were being stopped.

The Afghanistan embassy in New Delhi announced its permanent closure, nearly two months after it announced that the operations of the embassy were being stopped. The ceasing of the operations of the embassy wouldn't have meant a permanent closure in particular but now the embassy has moved forward by announcing a permanent closure altogether. The embassy released an official statement and said: "Effective from November 23, 2023, owing to persistent challenges from the Indian government. The decision follows the embassy's earlier cessation of operations on September 30, a move made in the hope that the Indian government stance will favourably change to let the mission operate normally." The closure of Afghanistan's embassy in New Delhi comes over two years after the Taliban took over Kabul following the conclusive American military withdrawal from the country. Also watch | New Delhi: Power tussle at Afghan embassy × Afghanistan's embassy said "that this decision is a result of broader changes in policy and interests". "To the Afghan citizens in India, the Embassy extends its sincere gratitude for their understanding and support throughout our mission's tenure," it added. Despite "limitations in resources and power", the Afghan embassy said it has worked "tirelessly for their betterment and in the absence of a legitimate government in Kabul". The diplomats in Afghanistan's New Delhi embassy were employed by previously democratically elected and the US-backed Ashraf Ghani government. As the Taliban neared Kabul on August 13, 2021, Ghani along with a few aides fled the country, concluding a dramatic collapse of Afghan forces and civilian administrative set-up. Afghan community in India has left the nation: Embassy The embassy noted that during the course of the past two years and three months, the Afghan community in India has witnessed a significant decline, with Afghan refugees, students, and traders leaving the country. Very limited new visas were issued during this period. "We assure the Afghan community that the mission operated with transparency, accountability, and a commitment to fair treatment based on the goodwill and interests of Afghanistan considering historic ties and bilateral relations with India," it added. "Unfortunately, efforts have been made to tarnish our image and hinder diplomatic efforts in order to justify the presence and work of Taliban-appointed and affiliated diplomats. In the face of these challenges, our committed team worked diligently in the most difficult circumstances, prioritising the interests of the 40 million Afghans in every possible sphere from securing humanitarian aid and online education scholarships to facilitating ease in trade and advocating for the formation of a broad-based government," the Afghan embassy stated further in its statement. Spotlight on Taliban's denial of women's education It added that the Afghan embassy "exerted diplomatic pressure in its power on those who defy the will of the Afghan people by failing to form an inclusive government and denying millions of girls the right to attend school". In September 2021, the Taliban banned young girls beyond primary grades from attending schools. Also read | Afghan women speak to WION as Taliban dismantle their right to education, campus after campus In December 2022, the Taliban banned women from attending universities. WION exclusively reached out to Afghan girls who lost their right to education under Taliban rule as they broke down the details of the moments when the Taliban shut the doors of their institutes on their faces. Up to Indian government to consider alternatives: Afghan embassy Afghanistan's embassy said that it is now up to New Delhi whether to maintain the closure of the embassy or consider alternatives. "The diplomats of the Afghan Republic have handed over the mission solely to the Indian government. It now rests upon the Indian government to decide the fate of the mission, whether to maintain its closure or consider alternatives, including the possibility of handing it over to Taliban diplomats. The responsibility of diplomats appointed by the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan has officially come to an end. The unfortunate end of the Republic mission marks the conclusion of the Afghan Republic in India," it added. "We have considered the historic events and current circumstances carefully in arriving at this conclusion. We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to the people of India for their support and assistance to Afghanistan over the past 22 years. We reiterate our commitment to serving the people of Afghanistan and will continue to explore avenues to support our nation in these challenging times," the statement concluded. Prior to the Taliban's takeover of Kabul, Afghanistan's embassy in New Delhi hosted conferences, and friendly cricket matches between institutes affiliated with the Afghan community in India, and was one of the most vibrant spots in New Delhi's closeted diplomatic enclave. Students inside Afghanistan's embassy in New Delhi break into traditional Afghan dance in October 2019 | Mukul Sharma/WION Friendly Cricket matches often concluded with traditional Afghan Attan dance amid hopeful expressions towards prosperity in Afghanistan, then mostly ruled by President Ashraf Ghani.

Afghanistan's embassy puts onus on New Delhi to 'consider alternatives' against its closure

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidzQjMezX59Yog" /><meta charset="utf-8" /></p>

<p>Online abuse targeting politically active women in Afghanistan has significantly increased since the Taliban took over the country in August 2021. According to a report by the <strong><a href="https://www.afghanwitness.org/reports/violence-behind-a-screen%3A-rising-online-abuse-silences-afghan-women--">Afghan Witness on Monday</a></strong> (Nov 20), amid the increasing restrictions on women under the Taliban rule, social media platforms such as X emerged increasing vital spaces for women to express their views, establish communities, and campaign for their rights.</p>

<p>"Crucially, these platforms have enabled activists and members of civil society to communicate causes to an international audience," the report said. "But these digital spaces are not risk-free: this rise in women's online advocacy is accompanied by an increase in online abuse and harassment which is impacting women's online participation and – even worse – their lives," the report added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Afghan Witness collected and analysed more than 78,000 posts that politically targeted women between June 1, 2021 – December 31, 2021, and in the same period in 2022. The project also carried out interviews with Afghan women to gain deeper insight into the nature of the online abuse they experienced and how their lives were being impacted.</p>

<h2><strong>What are the findings?</strong></h2>

<p>As per the report,<strong>&nbsp;</strong>there was a 217 per cent increase in posts containing gendered hate speech and abuse terms and the names of prominent Afghan women from June-December 2021 and the same period in 2022.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The report pointed out that the abuse was overwhelmingly sexualised. More than 60 per cent of the posts last year contained sexualised terms used to target Afghan women, with an 11.09% increase in such terms from 2021 to 2022. Women told investigators "how they received direct messages including pornographic content, sexually explicit photos and threats of sexual assault, rape, and death," the report added.</p>

<h2><strong>An impact on mental health</strong></h2>

<p>Women were also targeted with narratives of prostitution and promiscuity. The abuse was not just sexualised. The report also revealed that politically engaged Afghan women were targeted with religious, political, and ethnic abuse.</p>

<p>"When Afghan women took to the streets to protest for their rights, investigators detected a surge in abuse online, with female protesters and campaigners often the main targets," the report added.</p>

<p>Some of the women targeted said that their online and offline worlds were intertwined, adding they avoided real-life interactions as they feared their physical safety was at risk.</p>

<p>The abuse also impacted mental health, with women saying they felt fear, anxiety, stress, and low self-esteem. Their family relationships were also impacted, with concerns that online abuse could lead to “inter-familial violence”.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><br />
&nbsp;</p>


Online abuse targeting politically active women in Afghanistan has significantly increased since the Taliban took over the country in August 2021. According to a report by the Afghan Witness on Monday (Nov 20), amid the increasing restrictions on women under the Taliban rule, social media platforms such as X emerged increasing vital spaces for women to express their views, establish communities, and campaign for their rights.

Online abuse targeting politically active women in Afghanistan has significantly increased since the Taliban took over the country in August 2021. According to a report by the Afghan Witness on Monday (Nov 20), amid the increasing restrictions on women under the Taliban rule, social media platforms such as X emerged increasing vital spaces for women to express their views, establish communities, and campaign for their rights. "Crucially, these platforms have enabled activists and members of civil society to communicate causes to an international audience," the report said. "But these digital spaces are not risk-free: this rise in women's online advocacy is accompanied by an increase in online abuse and harassment which is impacting women's online participation and – even worse – their lives," the report added. The Afghan Witness collected and analysed more than 78,000 posts that politically targeted women between June 1, 2021 – December 31, 2021, and in the same period in 2022. The project also carried out interviews with Afghan women to gain deeper insight into the nature of the online abuse they experienced and how their lives were being impacted. What are the findings? As per the report, there was a 217 per cent increase in posts containing gendered hate speech and abuse terms and the names of prominent Afghan women from June-December 2021 and the same period in 2022. The report pointed out that the abuse was overwhelmingly sexualised. More than 60 per cent of the posts last year contained sexualised terms used to target Afghan women, with an 11.09% increase in such terms from 2021 to 2022. Women told investigators "how they received direct messages including pornographic content, sexually explicit photos and threats of sexual assault, rape, and death," the report added. An impact on mental health Women were also targeted with narratives of prostitution and promiscuity. The abuse was not just sexualised. The report also revealed that politically engaged Afghan women were targeted with religious, political, and ethnic abuse. "When Afghan women took to the streets to protest for their rights, investigators detected a surge in abuse online, with female protesters and campaigners often the main targets," the report added. Some of the women targeted said that their online and offline worlds were intertwined, adding they avoided real-life interactions as they feared their physical safety was at risk. The abuse also impacted mental health, with women saying they felt fear, anxiety, stress, and low self-esteem. Their family relationships were also impacted, with concerns that online abuse could lead to “inter-familial violence”. (With inputs from agencies)

Online abuse targeting Afghan women increased since Taliban takeover, says report

<p>American actress and human rights activist Angelina Jolie has expressed concern and sadness over the mass expulsion of Afghan refugees from Pakistan. Jolie took to Instagram to call out Pakistan for its decision to send back scores of Afghans.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Jolie emphasised that Pakistan's long history of supporting Afghan refugee families and its sudden decision to oust the Afghans from their land has led to problems for women who are being denied basic rights.<br />
<br />
"Pakistan has been a supporter of many Afghan refugee families for decades. I am saddened they would so abruptly push back refugees who face the impossible realities of trying to survive in today's Afghanistan, where women have again been deprived of all rights and the possibility of education, many are being imprisoned, and there is a deep humanitarian crisis," she wrote.</p>

<p>"It is yet another example of the backsliding in human rights globally, and is a new tragedy in the long history of the suffering of Afghan people - who have experienced nothing but war and conflict and displacement for over forty years, and are being abandoned by the world after all the promises that were made of a better future for the Afghan people," she continued, adding, "Please, if you can, try to stay aware and informed. See the link in my bio for Afghan reporting. #Afghanistan #Pakistan."</p>

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<p>Jolie's post comes after Pakistan announced that it would expel over 1.73 million undocumented Afghan refugees after November 1 while the spokesman for the Taliban-led Kabul security department said that they have made preparations to help settle those who were deported from Pakistan.&nbsp;</p>


American actress and human rights activist Angelina Jolie has expressed concern and sadness over the mass expulsion of Afghan refugees from Pakistan. Jolie took to Instagram to call out Pakistan for its decision to send back scores of Afghans.

American actress and human rights activist Angelina Jolie has expressed concern and sadness over the mass expulsion of Afghan refugees from Pakistan. Jolie took to Instagram to call out Pakistan for its decision to send back scores of Afghans. Jolie emphasised that Pakistan's long history of supporting Afghan refugee families and its sudden decision to oust the Afghans from their land has led to problems for women who are being denied basic rights. "Pakistan has been a supporter of many Afghan refugee families for decades. I am saddened they would so abruptly push back refugees who face the impossible realities of trying to survive in today's Afghanistan, where women have again been deprived of all rights and the possibility of education, many are being imprisoned, and there is a deep humanitarian crisis," she wrote. "It is yet another example of the backsliding in human rights globally, and is a new tragedy in the long history of the suffering of Afghan people - who have experienced nothing but war and conflict and displacement for over forty years, and are being abandoned by the world after all the promises that were made of a better future for the Afghan people," she continued, adding, "Please, if you can, try to stay aware and informed. See the link in my bio for Afghan reporting. #Afghanistan #Pakistan." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Angelina Jolie (@angelinajolie) × Jolie's post comes after Pakistan announced that it would expel over 1.73 million undocumented Afghan refugees after November 1 while the spokesman for the Taliban-led Kabul security department said that they have made preparations to help settle those who were deported from Pakistan.

Angelina Jolie calls out Pakistan as it deports Afghan refugees

<p>When journalists watch sports, they are not safe from 'homerism', a journalism term used to define the practice of projecting a larger-than-life image of a home team during news coverage. One of the principles of sports journalism, we were told back at the University of Delhi, is to stay away from homerism as much as possible.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Honest admission: Unlike my colleagues who cover sports, I cannot stay away from homerism. But then I do not cover sports. So there comes the liberty to be absolutely emotional and be personally invested in a game of cricket.</p>

<p>But the current Cricket World Cup season is different.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India is not the only team whose games are being watched with towering joy and optimism for their fiercely dominant wins. It has been Afghanistan's games as well that Indians have cheered on with as much enthusiasm as their home team this World Cup.</p>

<p><img alt="Delhi Arun Jaitley Stadium spectators during Afg Vs Eng match | AFP" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b45d79f6-f1ee-4bd9-a1e7-f7a85268400e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-11-13T175532.201.png" /></p>

<p><em>A kid holds Afghanistan's flag now banned by Taliban alongside another kid wearing Indian cricket team's blue jersey at New Delhi's Arun Jaitley Stadium during Afghanistan's match against England on Oct 15, 2023 | AFP</em></p>

<p>This is not just because India is 'home' to Afghan cricket due to country's cricket board's&nbsp;definitive support. But also because as the World Cup hosts, Indians saw Afghans as friends who matter especially against a shared foe such as Pakistan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Add to this the fact that Indian veteran cricketer Ajay Jadeja is the mentor of the Afghan side, and you get the picture.<img alt="Ajay Jadeja being given handcrafted Afghan Carpet and Authentic Afghan Saffron by Afghanistan | X/@ACBOfficials" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="55b064c9-4e1c-4a49-a722-d89bee32da77" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-11-13T174103.061.png" /><em>Indian cricket veteran Ajay Jadeja being conferred with&nbsp;handcrafted Afghan carpet and authentic Afghan Saffron alongside Sachin Tendulkar prior to Afghanistan's clash with Australia in Mumbai on Nov 7, 2023&nbsp;| X/@ACBOfficials</em></p>

<h2><strong>Afghan Cricket's rise from the ashes</strong></h2>

<p>Afghanistan's wicketkeeper Rahmanullah Gurbaz used to be a cattle farmer till as recently as five years ago. Fazalhaq Farooqi, the left arm fast bowler, laboured building mud walls to buy his first professional cricket bat.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Both Rashid Khan — the right arm leg spinner and Afghanistan cricket team's captain in T20I format — and the all-rounder Mohammad Nabi were once refugees in Pakistan.</p>

<p>Having risen from the ashes of the hardships of their homeland, captain Hashmatullah Shahidi's men managed to bring tearful joy to millions of their fellow Afghans living inside a nation ruled by repressive Taliban regime, as well as refugees, migrants and asylum seekers in foreign shores.</p>

<h2><strong>Cricket's joy amid Taliban's repression</strong></h2>

<p>During the course of last year, while reporting on discourse related to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/exclusive-no-more-taxis-for-afghan-women-without-burqa-and-male-companion-620784">Afghan women's rights</a> under Taliban rule, I came in touch with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/exclusive-no-more-taxis-for-afghan-women-without-burqa-and-male-companion-620784">a number of brave Afghan women</a> who continue to defy the regime in different ways.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Every now and then, I reach out to them to report on Taliban's regressive decrees.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But this World Cup season, we discussed cricket. Not during all the matches. But a flow of mutual congratulations remained constant every time India or Afghanistan won a match. A lot of times, while glued to TV screens and smartphones, we updated each other on unfavourable turns of the game for the team of the day. Throughout, we cheered for each other.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Every time Afghanistan played a game under the flag now banned by Taliban, the mood inside Afghan drawing rooms was festive, they told me. Even Taliban officials blocked their calendars for the duration of Afghanistan's cricket contests. Contrast this with the worries expressed by the cricketers themselves as soon as Taliban took over Kabul two years ago, about the future of the game and the team.</p>

<p>When Afghanistan beat England by 69 runs on October 15, fireworks erupted in the skies of Afghan capital Kabul. &nbsp;</p>

<p>A week later on October 23, when Afghanistan beat Pakistan by eight wickets, Kabul was euphoric.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This time, more fireworks rose in the air.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="Kabul's skyline on the night on October 23 when Afghanistan beat Pakistan by 8 wickets | WION" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="28135807-3592-4747-b142-f5ce24434903" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-11-13T172556.254.png" /></p>

<p><em>Kabul's skyline on the night on October 23 when Afghanistan beat Pakistan by 8 wickets | WION</em></p>

<p>"It was like Eid for us," Samim, 27, an Afghan studying Sociology in Austria, said while reflecting on the scenes of celebration back home in Jalalabad.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"There were celebrations, there were parties. It was one of the rarest moments in our history when the whole nation was happy," Samim added.<img alt="Afghanistan cricket team greets spectators at Chennai's MA Chidambaram Stadium on Oct 23, 2023" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b0a0524e-ff7b-41f6-989c-f1088e9830ed" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-11-13T173020.483.png" /></p>

<p><em>Afghanistan's players greet spectators after their 8-wicket win against Pakistan&nbsp;during 2023 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup one-day international (ODI) match at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on October 23, 2023 | AFP</em></p>

<p>Admittedly, there were premature celebrations when Australia was 92-7 while chasing the massive target of 292 runs set by Afghanistan on November 7 in Mumbai's Wankhede stadium. That evening, the world witnessed one of the greatest batting performances of all time as Glenn Maxwell scored an unbeaten 201 runs off just 128 balls, and single-handedly guided Australia to an improbable victory.<img alt="Australia's Glenn Maxwell scored an unbeaten 201 run-innings against Afghanistan on November 7 | AFP" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="94ac7895-91d7-4faf-92d5-effbd0c5a4fd" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-11-13T173639.264.png" /> <em>Australia's Glenn Maxwell scored an unbeaten 201 run-innings against Afghanistan on November 7 | AFP</em></p>

<p>That same evening, like millions of her fellow citizens, Zareena (name changed), <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-women-speak-to-wion-as-taliban-dismantles-their-right-to-education-campus-after-campus-545841">a former law student</a> forced to take a nursing course near Kabul — the only education women are allowed to have in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan — shed a few tears.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But hardened by Taliban's regime that has turned her life upside down because she is born female, this was not a loss that could break her heart.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Even in that loss, Afghanistan established their rise on the cricketing stage.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The deserving consolation is their qualification in the Champions Trophy 2025.</p>

<p><em><strong>(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)</strong></em></p>


When journalists watch sports, they are not safe from 'homerism', a journalism term used to define the practice of projecting a larger-than-life image of a home team during news coverage.

When journalists watch sports, they are not safe from 'homerism', a journalism term used to define the practice of projecting a larger-than-life image of a home team during news coverage. One of the principles of sports journalism, we were told back at the University of Delhi, is to stay away from homerism as much as possible. Honest admission: Unlike my colleagues who cover sports, I cannot stay away from homerism. But then I do not cover sports. So there comes the liberty to be absolutely emotional and be personally invested in a game of cricket. But the current Cricket World Cup season is different. India is not the only team whose games are being watched with towering joy and optimism for their fiercely dominant wins. It has been Afghanistan's games as well that Indians have cheered on with as much enthusiasm as their home team this World Cup. A kid holds Afghanistan's flag now banned by Taliban alongside another kid wearing Indian cricket team's blue jersey at New Delhi's Arun Jaitley Stadium during Afghanistan's match against England on Oct 15, 2023 | AFP This is not just because India is 'home' to Afghan cricket due to country's cricket board's definitive support. But also because as the World Cup hosts, Indians saw Afghans as friends who matter especially against a shared foe such as Pakistan. Add to this the fact that Indian veteran cricketer Ajay Jadeja is the mentor of the Afghan side, and you get the picture.Indian cricket veteran Ajay Jadeja being conferred with handcrafted Afghan carpet and authentic Afghan Saffron alongside Sachin Tendulkar prior to Afghanistan's clash with Australia in Mumbai on Nov 7, 2023 | X/@ACBOfficials Afghan Cricket's rise from the ashes Afghanistan's wicketkeeper Rahmanullah Gurbaz used to be a cattle farmer till as recently as five years ago. Fazalhaq Farooqi, the left arm fast bowler, laboured building mud walls to buy his first professional cricket bat. Both Rashid Khan — the right arm leg spinner and Afghanistan cricket team's captain in T20I format — and the all-rounder Mohammad Nabi were once refugees in Pakistan. Having risen from the ashes of the hardships of their homeland, captain Hashmatullah Shahidi's men managed to bring tearful joy to millions of their fellow Afghans living inside a nation ruled by repressive Taliban regime, as well as refugees, migrants and asylum seekers in foreign shores. Cricket's joy amid Taliban's repression During the course of last year, while reporting on discourse related to Afghan women's rights under Taliban rule, I came in touch with a number of brave Afghan women who continue to defy the regime in different ways. Every now and then, I reach out to them to report on Taliban's regressive decrees. But this World Cup season, we discussed cricket. Not during all the matches. But a flow of mutual congratulations remained constant every time India or Afghanistan won a match. A lot of times, while glued to TV screens and smartphones, we updated each other on unfavourable turns of the game for the team of the day. Throughout, we cheered for each other. Every time Afghanistan played a game under the flag now banned by Taliban, the mood inside Afghan drawing rooms was festive, they told me. Even Taliban officials blocked their calendars for the duration of Afghanistan's cricket contests. Contrast this with the worries expressed by the cricketers themselves as soon as Taliban took over Kabul two years ago, about the future of the game and the team. When Afghanistan beat England by 69 runs on October 15, fireworks erupted in the skies of Afghan capital Kabul. A week later on October 23, when Afghanistan beat Pakistan by eight wickets, Kabul was euphoric. This time, more fireworks rose in the air. Kabul's skyline on the night on October 23 when Afghanistan beat Pakistan by 8 wickets | WION "It was like Eid for us," Samim, 27, an Afghan studying Sociology in Austria, said while reflecting on the scenes of celebration back home in Jalalabad. "There were celebrations, there were parties. It was one of the rarest moments in our history when the whole nation was happy," Samim added. Afghanistan's players greet spectators after their 8-wicket win against Pakistan during 2023 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup one-day international (ODI) match at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on October 23, 2023 | AFP Admittedly, there were premature celebrations when Australia was 92-7 while chasing the massive target of 292 runs set by Afghanistan on November 7 in Mumbai's Wankhede stadium. That evening, the world witnessed one of the greatest batting performances of all time as Glenn Maxwell scored an unbeaten 201 runs off just 128 balls, and single-handedly guided Australia to an improbable victory. Australia's Glenn Maxwell scored an unbeaten 201 run-innings against Afghanistan on November 7 | AFP That same evening, like millions of her fellow citizens, Zareena (name changed), a former law student forced to take a nursing course near Kabul — the only education women are allowed to have in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan — shed a few tears. But hardened by Taliban's regime that has turned her life upside down because she is born female, this was not a loss that could break her heart. Even in that loss, Afghanistan established their rise on the cricketing stage. The deserving consolation is their qualification in the Champions Trophy 2025. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

How 2023 Cricket World Cup became an Eid-like festival in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan

<p>Pakistan extended the legal residence of nearly 1.4 million Afghan refugees until the end of 2023 but said it would not stop deporting the Afghans it says are "undocumented".&nbsp;</p>

<p>The development comes amid relentless international pressure calling for the relief to the refugee community living in Pakistan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"[The] government of Pakistan is pleased to extend the validity of the Proof of Registration, or PoR, cards issued to the registered Afghan refugees … till [31st] December 2023," according to an official announcement.</p>

<h2><strong>What does it mean?</strong></h2>

<p>The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees spokesperson in Pakistan has welcomed&nbsp;the decision.</p>

<p>The Proof of Registration or the PoR cards of the Afghan refugees, comprising those who fled conflict and persecution in late 1970s, had expired on June 30, 2023. The extension of the validity of PoR cards was denied by Islamabad without any&nbsp;explanation for the subsequent delay.</p>

<p>Now, Afghan refugees will be able to get their PoR cards extended.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What had happened?</strong></h2>

<p>In early October, Islamabad asked all foreigners lacking legal documents to voluntarily leave within a month.</p>

<p>Failure to comply by the November 1 deadline would result in arrest and deportation for violating immigration laws.</p>

<p>The caretaker Prime Minister Anwar ul-Haq Kakar reported over 250,000 Afghan individuals having voluntarily returned to Afghanistan since the deportation plan's announcement, a move criticised by Afghanistan's Taliban government and international rights groups.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/explained-why-is-pakistan-asking-17-million-afghan-nationals-to-leave-its-territory-654025">Explained | Why is Pakistan asking 1.7 million Afghan nationals to leave its territory?</a></strong></p>

<p>Over 600,000 Afghans, including those who fled the Taliban's takeover in Kabul, face eviction due to expired visas or lack of legal documents.</p>

<h2><strong>The Washington factor</strong></h2>

<p>The US aims to prevent the forced expulsion of approximately 25,000 eligible for relocation or resettlement as part of its policy to house individuals who assisted US troops during its military operations in Afghanistan after 9/11 attacks.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-claims-60-pc-rise-in-terror-after-investing-in-afghanistans-taliban-regime-656479">After backing Taliban for years, Pakistan now claims 60 pc rise in terror from Afghanistan</a></strong></p>

<p>During a news conference, the Pakistani caretaker PM assured that individuals listed by the US would not be forcibly removed.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Pakistan refugee crisis: Bulldozer razes homes of Afghan refugees in Pakistan</strong></p>

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<p>The US and western troops withdrew from Afghanistan in August 2021, allowing the Taliban to reclaim power after two decades to pave the way for a repressive regime that has curtailed rights of women and any semblance of democracy in the South Asian country located&nbsp;at the crossroads of Central and West Asia.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Pakistan extended the legal residence of nearly 1.4 million Afghan refugees until the end of 2023 but said it would not stop deporting the Afghans it says are "undocumented".

Pakistan extended the legal residence of nearly 1.4 million Afghan refugees until the end of 2023 but said it would not stop deporting the Afghans it says are "undocumented". The development comes amid relentless international pressure calling for the relief to the refugee community living in Pakistan. "[The] government of Pakistan is pleased to extend the validity of the Proof of Registration, or PoR, cards issued to the registered Afghan refugees … till [31st] December 2023," according to an official announcement. What does it mean? The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees spokesperson in Pakistan has welcomed the decision. The Proof of Registration or the PoR cards of the Afghan refugees, comprising those who fled conflict and persecution in late 1970s, had expired on June 30, 2023. The extension of the validity of PoR cards was denied by Islamabad without any explanation for the subsequent delay. Now, Afghan refugees will be able to get their PoR cards extended. What had happened? In early October, Islamabad asked all foreigners lacking legal documents to voluntarily leave within a month. Failure to comply by the November 1 deadline would result in arrest and deportation for violating immigration laws. The caretaker Prime Minister Anwar ul-Haq Kakar reported over 250,000 Afghan individuals having voluntarily returned to Afghanistan since the deportation plan's announcement, a move criticised by Afghanistan's Taliban government and international rights groups. Also read | Explained | Why is Pakistan asking 1.7 million Afghan nationals to leave its territory? Over 600,000 Afghans, including those who fled the Taliban's takeover in Kabul, face eviction due to expired visas or lack of legal documents. The Washington factor The US aims to prevent the forced expulsion of approximately 25,000 eligible for relocation or resettlement as part of its policy to house individuals who assisted US troops during its military operations in Afghanistan after 9/11 attacks. Also read | After backing Taliban for years, Pakistan now claims 60 pc rise in terror from Afghanistan During a news conference, the Pakistani caretaker PM assured that individuals listed by the US would not be forcibly removed. Also watch | Pakistan refugee crisis: Bulldozer razes homes of Afghan refugees in Pakistan × The US and western troops withdrew from Afghanistan in August 2021, allowing the Taliban to reclaim power after two decades to pave the way for a repressive regime that has curtailed rights of women and any semblance of democracy in the South Asian country located at the crossroads of Central and West Asia. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan says it is extending stay of nearly 1.4 million Afghan refugees till the end of 2023

No one gave Afghanistan a chance heading into the ODI World Cup but Hashmatullah Shahidi's team have lifted their embattled nation with fantastic performances. The Afghans did not win a single match at the 2019 World Cup but beat former World Champions England, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka this time and also gave Australia and South Africa an almighty fright. 1996 World Cup-winning coach Dav Whatmore believes they are poised to go up a level in the global game and need more matches against the big teams to reach their true potential.

ODI WC: Afghanistan bow out with their heads held high

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