Afghanistan’s President Ashraf Ghani arrived in Doha on Monday, where peace talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban have stalled.

Afghanistan’s president Ashraf Ghani lands in Doha amid peace talks

Reports have emerged of the ISI`s involvement in the car bomb explosion in Nangarhar even as the Afghan govt accused the Taliban and other terrorist groups of continuing crimes against the people of Afghanistan.

"The Taliban and other terrorist groups in collusion with them continue their terrorist activities and, like today`s terrorist attack in Nangarhar, kill civilians every day and destroy public infrastructures," according to a Presidential Palace statement reported by Tolo News.

Ahmad Shuja, DG for international affairs &amp; regional cooperation, Office of the National Security Council of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan tweeted, "Images of dead and injured children in Taliban`s car bomb in Nangarhar are too gruesome to share, but the toll today is a stark reminder of the real cost of the Taliban`s daily acts of terrorism. The group is using the lives of civilians to bargain for more power.&nbsp;

"Unconscionable."He added, "Time for Taliban to admit that this is a morally bankrupt way to build a so-called Islamic government. You are using terrorism to reinstate tyranny. Where`s the jihad in that?"

In reply, one user said, "Only because of Pakistan we are facing these days."One user also said that Pakistan is playing a dangerous game in Afghanistan."&nbsp;

"Days after @DrabdullahCE visited #Pakistan &amp; was assured that Pak will use its influence over #Taliban to ensure reduction in violence, a car-bomb today in Nangarhar province killed at least 15 people &amp; wounded 34 others. Pakistan is playing a dangerous game in Afghanistan," the user wrote.

At least 15 people were killed and more than 30 wounded in a car bomb explosion near the district governor`s compound in Ghanikhil district in the eastern province of Nangarhar on Saturday afternoon, TOLO news reported.&nbsp; 
Abdullah Orakzai, the key leader of the Islamic State in Khorasan Province`s (ISKP), who was responsible for the recent Jalalabad prison attack, was killed in an operation by Afghan forces, the National Directorate of Security (NDS) announced in August.

Assadullah, a Pakistan-origin terrorist operating in Afghanistan as the head of intelligence for the ISIS Khorasan branch, was killed in an operation by Afghan security forces early this month. 
&nbsp;

Reports have emerged of the ISI`s involvement in the car bomb explosion in Nangarhar even as the Afghan govt accused the Taliban and other terrorist groups of continuing crimes against the people of Afghanistan.

Reports have emerged of the ISI`s involvement in the car bomb explosion in Nangarhar even as the Afghan govt accused the Taliban and other terrorist groups of continuing crimes against the people of Afghanistan. "The Taliban and other terrorist groups in collusion with them continue their terrorist activities and, like today`s terrorist attack in Nangarhar, kill civilians every day and destroy public infrastructures," according to a Presidential Palace statement reported by Tolo News. Ahmad Shuja, DG for international affairs & regional cooperation, Office of the National Security Council of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan tweeted, "Images of dead and injured children in Taliban`s car bomb in Nangarhar are too gruesome to share, but the toll today is a stark reminder of the real cost of the Taliban`s daily acts of terrorism. The group is using the lives of civilians to bargain for more power. "Unconscionable."He added, "Time for Taliban to admit that this is a morally bankrupt way to build a so-called Islamic government. You are using terrorism to reinstate tyranny. Where`s the jihad in that?" In reply, one user said, "Only because of Pakistan we are facing these days."One user also said that Pakistan is playing a dangerous game in Afghanistan." "Days after @DrabdullahCE visited #Pakistan & was assured that Pak will use its influence over #Taliban to ensure reduction in violence, a car-bomb today in Nangarhar province killed at least 15 people & wounded 34 others. Pakistan is playing a dangerous game in Afghanistan," the user wrote. At least 15 people were killed and more than 30 wounded in a car bomb explosion near the district governor`s compound in Ghanikhil district in the eastern province of Nangarhar on Saturday afternoon, TOLO news reported. Abdullah Orakzai, the key leader of the Islamic State in Khorasan Province`s (ISKP), who was responsible for the recent Jalalabad prison attack, was killed in an operation by Afghan forces, the National Directorate of Security (NDS) announced in August. Assadullah, a Pakistan-origin terrorist operating in Afghanistan as the head of intelligence for the ISIS Khorasan branch, was killed in an operation by Afghan security forces early this month.

Reports emerge of ISI's involvement in car bomb explosion in Afghanistan's Nangarhar

At least 15 people have been killed and more than 40 wounded in a suicide car bomb attack that targeted a government building in the eastern Afghan.

15 killed, over 40 people wounded in Afghanistan car bombing

Afghan government's top negotiator for intra-Afghan talks Dr Abdullah Abdullah will be visiting India from October 6 for four days. He, as the Chairman of the High Council for National Reconciliation represents the Afghan govt in talks with Taliban which started in September in Doha.

This is his first visit to New Delhi in the current position and he expected to meet top officials of the Indian government. Joint Secretary, PAI or Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran division of Ministry of External Affairs, JP Singh had met him on the sidelines of the beginning of intra-Afghan ceremony on September 12 September in Doha.

At the ceremony India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar had said, "Interests of minorities, women and vulnerable sections of society must be preserved and the issue of violence across the country and its neighbourhood has to be effectively addressed."&nbsp;

India was present along with around 30 countries at the ceremony.&nbsp;

India's policy towards the Afghan peace process is that it should be Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled and "respect the national sovereignty and territorial integrity of Afghanistan".

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-peace-official-sees-little-change-in-us-policy-regardless-of-election-result-331565">Afghan peace official sees little change in US policy regardless of election result</a>

Even as peace talks in Afghanistan has gained momentum, India has increased its reach out to a number of stakeholders in the country. September saw a visit by Afghan leader Marshal Abdul Rashid Dostum, during which he met External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla.

New Delhi is Afghanistan's major development partner and has built number of infrastructure projects in the country like India-Afghanistan friendship dam in the western province of Herat &amp; the Afghan Parliament in capital Kabul. &nbsp;

Afghan government's top negotiator for intra-Afghan talks Dr Abdullah Abdullah will be visiting India from October 6 for four days. He, as the Chairman of the High Council for National Reconciliation represents the Afghan govt in talks with Taliban which started in September in Doha.

Afghan government's top negotiator for intra-Afghan talks Dr Abdullah Abdullah will be visiting India from October 6 for four days. He, as the Chairman of the High Council for National Reconciliation represents the Afghan govt in talks with Taliban which started in September in Doha. This is his first visit to New Delhi in the current position and he expected to meet top officials of the Indian government. Joint Secretary, PAI or Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran division of Ministry of External Affairs, JP Singh had met him on the sidelines of the beginning of intra-Afghan ceremony on September 12 September in Doha. At the ceremony India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar had said, "Interests of minorities, women and vulnerable sections of society must be preserved and the issue of violence across the country and its neighbourhood has to be effectively addressed." India was present along with around 30 countries at the ceremony. India's policy towards the Afghan peace process is that it should be Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled and "respect the national sovereignty and territorial integrity of Afghanistan". Also Read | Afghan peace official sees little change in US policy regardless of election result Even as peace talks in Afghanistan has gained momentum, India has increased its reach out to a number of stakeholders in the country. September saw a visit by Afghan leader Marshal Abdul Rashid Dostum, during which he met External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla. New Delhi is Afghanistan's major development partner and has built number of infrastructure projects in the country like India-Afghanistan friendship dam in the western province of Herat & the Afghan Parliament in capital Kabul.

Afghan govt's top negotiator Abdullah Abdullah to visit India on October 6

Eighteen-year old Fatima Sultani gazes at the peak of a mountain near Afghanistan's capital Kabul after completing a morning climbing session, considering her next challenge.

Fatima Sultani along with her companions had climbed&nbsp;the summit of Noshakh in the Hindu Kush mountains, which is the highest peak in Afghanistan at 7,492 metres.&nbsp;The group claims to be the first all-Afghan team to reach the summit.

She and her team of nine young Afghan mountaineers, including three women, are hoping to climb Afghanistan's Mir Samir mountain and after that travel to Nepal to summit the world's highest peak, Mount Everest.

"My main goal is to show the world that Afghan women are strong and can do the most challenging work that men do," she told Reuters. "When I became aware that women from foreign countries come here to conquer high peaks I thought ... why can't we Afghan women conquer these peaks?"

Sultani has continued climbing throughout the coronavirus pandemic, in August making it to the summit of the 7,492 metre (24,580 feet) Noshakh Peak in the Hindu Kush mountain range in northern Afghanistan, becoming the youngest woman in the world to do so.

But as the Islamist Taliban hold peace talks with the Afghan government in Doha, many women in Afghanistan worry the militant group may exert its influence through formal political channels.

When the Taliban ruled the country between 1996 and 2001, they banned education for females and barred women from leaving the house without a male relative.

The group says it has changed but many women remain sceptical.

"When I got into sports, I knew that I would face some problems in the future, for example, one of the issues was that maybe the Taliban would hinder sport for women, but still I'm ready to face the challenge," Fatima said.

When she's not training in the mountains, Fatima lives in Kabul with her parents, younger sister and cat. Her father said he will continue to celebrate Fatima's achievements but has lingering concerns about her safety.

"I am worried about this, (the Taliban) oppose women's sports," Abdul Wahed Sultani said. "(But) I told Fatima that you are free to do whatever sport you want to, even mountaineering, and I will support her as much as I can."

Eighteen-year old Fatima Sultani gazes at the peak of a mountain near Afghanistan's capital Kabul after completing a morning climbing session, considering her next challenge.

Eighteen-year old Fatima Sultani gazes at the peak of a mountain near Afghanistan's capital Kabul after completing a morning climbing session, considering her next challenge. Fatima Sultani along with her companions had climbed the summit of Noshakh in the Hindu Kush mountains, which is the highest peak in Afghanistan at 7,492 metres. The group claims to be the first all-Afghan team to reach the summit. She and her team of nine young Afghan mountaineers, including three women, are hoping to climb Afghanistan's Mir Samir mountain and after that travel to Nepal to summit the world's highest peak, Mount Everest. "My main goal is to show the world that Afghan women are strong and can do the most challenging work that men do," she told Reuters. "When I became aware that women from foreign countries come here to conquer high peaks I thought ... why can't we Afghan women conquer these peaks?" Sultani has continued climbing throughout the coronavirus pandemic, in August making it to the summit of the 7,492 metre (24,580 feet) Noshakh Peak in the Hindu Kush mountain range in northern Afghanistan, becoming the youngest woman in the world to do so. But as the Islamist Taliban hold peace talks with the Afghan government in Doha, many women in Afghanistan worry the militant group may exert its influence through formal political channels. When the Taliban ruled the country between 1996 and 2001, they banned education for females and barred women from leaving the house without a male relative. The group says it has changed but many women remain sceptical. "When I got into sports, I knew that I would face some problems in the future, for example, one of the issues was that maybe the Taliban would hinder sport for women, but still I'm ready to face the challenge," Fatima said. When she's not training in the mountains, Fatima lives in Kabul with her parents, younger sister and cat. Her father said he will continue to celebrate Fatima's achievements but has lingering concerns about her safety. "I am worried about this, (the Taliban) oppose women's sports," Abdul Wahed Sultani said. "(But) I told Fatima that you are free to do whatever sport you want to, even mountaineering, and I will support her as much as I can."

After climbing Afghanistan's highest peak, Fatima Sultani plans next summit

18-year-old Fatima Sultani along with her companions had climbed the highest peak in Afghanistan. She is now hoping to climb Afghanistan's Mir Samir mountain and after that travel to Nepal to summit the world's highest peak, Mount Everest.

Fineprint: After climbing Afghanistan's highest peak, Fatima Sultani sets sights on Mount Everest

Eighteen-year-old Fatima Sultani gazes at the peak of a mountain near Afghanistan's capital Kabul after completing a morning climbing session, considering her next steps. Sultani has continued to climb throughout the coronavirus pandemic, in August making it to the summit of the 7,492 metres altitude Noshakh Peak, one of the hardest climbs in the world, in the Hindu Kush mountain range in northern Afghanistan.

Afghan woman scales mountain peaks in hope of bringing honour to country

Pakistan and Afghanistan should shun the suspicion and go beyond the usual "stale rhetoric" and "shadowy conspiracy theories" that have held them back, senior Afghan peace official Dr Abdullah Abdullah said on Tuesday.

Abdullah, who arrived in Pakistan on Monday on a three-day visit, also said that the time has come to put the past behind and build a new relationship.

"I am a firm believer that after many troubling years, we now need to go beyond the usual stale rhetoric and shadowy conspiracy theories that have held us back,? Abdullah, who heads the High Council for National Reconciliation of Afghanistan, said at an event organised by the Institute of Strategic Studies in Islamabad.

Abdullah highlighted the role played by Pakistan in facilitating the Afghan peace process and said that terror groups were still acting as "spoilers".

"We cannot afford to pursue business as usual. We need fresh approaches and our people demand it. It is more urgent than ever to look to our region as one region," he said.

He also said that Afghanistan would not allow any terror entity to pose a threat to any other nation.

Pakistan has come under international criticism for its support for some militant groups and opposition to others. While Pakistan's military and politicians say that policy has been relegated to the past, Islamabad's neighbours remain suspicious.

Afghanistan and the US have in the past blamed Pakistan for providing safe havens to elements of the terror network, a charge Islamabad denies.

In its 26th report, the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team concerning ISIS, al-Qaeda and associated individuals and entities earlier this year said that an estimated 6,000-6,500 Pakistani terrorists are in Afghanistan, most of them with the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan, posing a threat to both the countries.

Talking about the peace process, Abdullah said that it was an important opportunity to bring peace and rebuild the war-torn Afghanistan and his team of negotiators would be patient in talks with the Taliban.

Abdullah talked about common threats and challenges, including terrorism, extremism, intolerance and COVID-19 and urged to tap untapped potential for cooperation between his country and Pakistan. He also thanked Pakistan for hosting millions of Afghan refugees.

Addressing the gathering, Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi assured Afghanistan that his country had no "favourites" in the peace process as Islamabad followed the policy of "friends not masters".

"I want to give a clear message: We have no favourites [and] do not want to meddle in your internal affairs. We respect and want to respect your sovereignty, your independence and your territorial integrity," he said.

The foreign minister said that peace and security in Pakistan was linked with the stability in Afghanistan.

He said that the Afghan leaders should create a consensus through talks about the future of their country and "whatever consensus evolves through your dialogue and negotiations, we will accept it."

"There will always be spoilers but the overwhelming majority feels that this is the right way forward and that is a positive development,? he said.

He also warned of looming hurdles on the way to peace but said that it was the only way and would open avenues for trade and investment between the two countries.

It was Abdullah's first visit in 12 years. He will meet the president, prime minister and the army chief during his three-day stay in Pakistan.&nbsp;

Pakistan and Afghanistan should shun the suspicion and go beyond the usual "stale rhetoric" and "shadowy conspiracy theories" that have held them back, senior Afghan peace official Dr Abdullah Abdullah said on Tuesday.

Pakistan and Afghanistan should shun the suspicion and go beyond the usual "stale rhetoric" and "shadowy conspiracy theories" that have held them back, senior Afghan peace official Dr Abdullah Abdullah said on Tuesday. Abdullah, who arrived in Pakistan on Monday on a three-day visit, also said that the time has come to put the past behind and build a new relationship. "I am a firm believer that after many troubling years, we now need to go beyond the usual stale rhetoric and shadowy conspiracy theories that have held us back,? Abdullah, who heads the High Council for National Reconciliation of Afghanistan, said at an event organised by the Institute of Strategic Studies in Islamabad. Abdullah highlighted the role played by Pakistan in facilitating the Afghan peace process and said that terror groups were still acting as "spoilers". "We cannot afford to pursue business as usual. We need fresh approaches and our people demand it. It is more urgent than ever to look to our region as one region," he said. He also said that Afghanistan would not allow any terror entity to pose a threat to any other nation. Pakistan has come under international criticism for its support for some militant groups and opposition to others. While Pakistan's military and politicians say that policy has been relegated to the past, Islamabad's neighbours remain suspicious. Afghanistan and the US have in the past blamed Pakistan for providing safe havens to elements of the terror network, a charge Islamabad denies. In its 26th report, the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team concerning ISIS, al-Qaeda and associated individuals and entities earlier this year said that an estimated 6,000-6,500 Pakistani terrorists are in Afghanistan, most of them with the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan, posing a threat to both the countries. Talking about the peace process, Abdullah said that it was an important opportunity to bring peace and rebuild the war-torn Afghanistan and his team of negotiators would be patient in talks with the Taliban. Abdullah talked about common threats and challenges, including terrorism, extremism, intolerance and COVID-19 and urged to tap untapped potential for cooperation between his country and Pakistan. He also thanked Pakistan for hosting millions of Afghan refugees. Addressing the gathering, Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi assured Afghanistan that his country had no "favourites" in the peace process as Islamabad followed the policy of "friends not masters". "I want to give a clear message: We have no favourites [and] do not want to meddle in your internal affairs. We respect and want to respect your sovereignty, your independence and your territorial integrity," he said. The foreign minister said that peace and security in Pakistan was linked with the stability in Afghanistan. He said that the Afghan leaders should create a consensus through talks about the future of their country and "whatever consensus evolves through your dialogue and negotiations, we will accept it." "There will always be spoilers but the overwhelming majority feels that this is the right way forward and that is a positive development,? he said. He also warned of looming hurdles on the way to peace but said that it was the only way and would open avenues for trade and investment between the two countries. It was Abdullah's first visit in 12 years. He will meet the president, prime minister and the army chief during his three-day stay in Pakistan.

Pakistan, Afghanistan should shun suspicion to build new relationship: Afghan peace official

Once-flourishing and thriving in Afghanistan, Sikhs and Hindus, who are facing persecution by the Islamic State terrorists, are leaving the nation in pursuit of a safer and better livelihood.&nbsp;

The people belonging to these communities in Afghanistan are at its lowest levels as a population of 250,000 is now reduced to fewer than 700, reported news agency AP.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imran-khan-ashraf-ghani-discuss-afghan-peace-process-330500">Imran Khan, Ashraf Ghani discuss Afghan peace process</a>

"We are no longer able to stay here," said Hamdard, a member of this community who just wanted to be known by his last name fearing consequences if he revealed his complete identity.&nbsp;

He said his seven family members, including a sister, son-in-law, nephews in an attack by IS on a temple in March, which killed 25 Sikhs. &nbsp;

Several people like Hamdard, who are born in Afghanistan, now wants to flee the country, claiming that they face discrimination in the Muslim majority country and state failed to protect them thoroughly.&nbsp;

Hamdard belongs to a group of Sikhs and Hindus, who last month left for India, from where they will be sent to a third nation.&nbsp;

He said the discrimination they face is nothing new and over the last many years, they have been targetted by various groups.

In the late 1990s, Sikhs and Hindus were asked by the Taliban, who ruled that time, to wear yellow armbands, but following much outcry globally, it was not implemented.

Also, people from these groups are unable to get backs their homes which were illegally captured years ago.&nbsp;

Hindu temples were also demolished during brutal clashes from 1992-96.&nbsp;

"Suffering big fatalities for a small community is not tolerable," said Charan Singh Khalsa, a leader of the Sikh community, who lives abroad and refused to name the country where he currently stays over a threat to his safety.

Charan, who fled the country two years ago after his brother was kidnapped and killed, said the last three years have been the worst for Afghans, specifically for Sikhs and Hindus.&nbsp;

Once-flourishing and thriving in Afghanistan, Sikhs and Hindus, who are facing persecution by the Islamic State terrorists, are leaving the nation in pursuit of a safer and better livelihood.

Once-flourishing and thriving in Afghanistan, Sikhs and Hindus, who are facing persecution by the Islamic State terrorists, are leaving the nation in pursuit of a safer and better livelihood. The people belonging to these communities in Afghanistan are at its lowest levels as a population of 250,000 is now reduced to fewer than 700, reported news agency AP. Also read | Imran Khan, Ashraf Ghani discuss Afghan peace process "We are no longer able to stay here," said Hamdard, a member of this community who just wanted to be known by his last name fearing consequences if he revealed his complete identity. He said his seven family members, including a sister, son-in-law, nephews in an attack by IS on a temple in March, which killed 25 Sikhs. Several people like Hamdard, who are born in Afghanistan, now wants to flee the country, claiming that they face discrimination in the Muslim majority country and state failed to protect them thoroughly. Hamdard belongs to a group of Sikhs and Hindus, who last month left for India, from where they will be sent to a third nation. He said the discrimination they face is nothing new and over the last many years, they have been targetted by various groups. In the late 1990s, Sikhs and Hindus were asked by the Taliban, who ruled that time, to wear yellow armbands, but following much outcry globally, it was not implemented. Also, people from these groups are unable to get backs their homes which were illegally captured years ago. Hindu temples were also demolished during brutal clashes from 1992-96. "Suffering big fatalities for a small community is not tolerable," said Charan Singh Khalsa, a leader of the Sikh community, who lives abroad and refused to name the country where he currently stays over a threat to his safety. Charan, who fled the country two years ago after his brother was kidnapped and killed, said the last three years have been the worst for Afghans, specifically for Sikhs and Hindus.

Why Afghanistan is seeing exodus of Sikhs, Hindus

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani on Friday discussed the Afghan peace process and strengthening of bilateral engagement.

During a telephonic conversation with Ghani, Khan reaffirmed Pakistan's steadfast support to the Afghan peace process and noted the positive results of these efforts which culminated in the US-Taliban Peace Agreement and the commencement of Intra-Afghan Negotiations, according to an official statement.

He said that all stakeholders must work together to secure an inclusive and comprehensive political agreement through the Afghan-led and Afghan-owed process.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-responsible-for-miseries-genocide-of-afghan-pashtuns-ptm-leader-at-unhrc-330426">Pak responsible for miseries, genocide of Afghan-Pashtuns: PTM leader at UNHRC</a>

The prime minister also underlined the importance Pakistan attaches to constructive engagement with Afghanistan and to peace, stability and prosperity of the Afghan people.

Khan noted that the Chairman of Afghan High Council for National Reconciliation (HCNR), Dr Abdullah Abdullah, will be visiting Islamabad next week.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani on Friday discussed the Afghan peace process and strengthening of bilateral engagement.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani on Friday discussed the Afghan peace process and strengthening of bilateral engagement. During a telephonic conversation with Ghani, Khan reaffirmed Pakistan's steadfast support to the Afghan peace process and noted the positive results of these efforts which culminated in the US-Taliban Peace Agreement and the commencement of Intra-Afghan Negotiations, according to an official statement. He said that all stakeholders must work together to secure an inclusive and comprehensive political agreement through the Afghan-led and Afghan-owed process. Also Read: Pak responsible for miseries, genocide of Afghan-Pashtuns: PTM leader at UNHRC The prime minister also underlined the importance Pakistan attaches to constructive engagement with Afghanistan and to peace, stability and prosperity of the Afghan people. Khan noted that the Chairman of Afghan High Council for National Reconciliation (HCNR), Dr Abdullah Abdullah, will be visiting Islamabad next week.

Imran Khan, Ashraf Ghani discuss Afghan peace process

Kandahar has never seen anything like this. A gym only for women has opened in the Afghanistan capital. This is something first of its kind in the country. At least 50 women come here everyday. They exercise their right to life, their right to be healthy.

"Undoubtedly, (coming here) is not without fear and everyone knows that in such a situation, women are more afraid. But if we look at it from another angle, exercise is beneficial to our health and thus brings happiness, that is why we focus more on our goals and ignore our fears," says Fatima Hashimi

The gym has meant financial independence and security for Sana Jan, an instructor at the gym.

"I'm so delighted to work here because I can help women and get exercise for myself too. After all, exercise is good for my health. The money I earn from here is a great financial help to my family," she says.

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Talking about women's rights in Afghanistan is like talking about gun laws in USA.

Maryam Durani, founder of Gym Malika Suraya says the reaction from ladies was positive but men had reservations.

"The reaction of the ladies was very positive because they needed it, but unfortunately, what bothered me was the reaction of the men, especially the men who were educated and thought they were intellectuals. These men were the ones who reacted negatively to our club and even insulted me because they thought our club was in opposition to the Sharia," said Durani.

Maryam is used to such opposition. She has been a women's rights campaigner for a while now. Apart from this gym, Maryam runs a radio station for women. She has also served on the provincial council. It was last year that she started the gym. Fringe threats do not scare her.

"Not only sports but all sectors in which women work at are of concern. Our concern is that if the Taliban return and reunite with the government, what will be the restrictions they will impose? Because given what I have been following on the news, I think the Taliban's mindsets and ideas have not changed much," says Maryam.

Taliban banned women from even leaving their houses during their rule in Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001. Women could only step outside their homes if they were accompanied by a male family member. Education and sports too were out of bounds for women.

It took 19 years of bloody war for women of Afghanistan to fight for their rights.

Today, Afgh women power-lift. They also master jabs. Afghan women are finally chasing their dreams. They aren't confined only to kitchens.

But all this can take a U-turn if the Taliban returns. The terror group has already signed a deal with the US. Washington wants to withdraw their troops from Afghanistan. And the Taliban want to rule the country once again.

Kandahar has never seen anything like this. A gym only for women has opened in the Afghanistan capital. This is something first of its kind in the country. At least 50 women come here everyday.

Kandahar has never seen anything like this. A gym only for women has opened in the Afghanistan capital. This is something first of its kind in the country. At least 50 women come here everyday. They exercise their right to life, their right to be healthy. "Undoubtedly, (coming here) is not without fear and everyone knows that in such a situation, women are more afraid. But if we look at it from another angle, exercise is beneficial to our health and thus brings happiness, that is why we focus more on our goals and ignore our fears," says Fatima Hashimi The gym has meant financial independence and security for Sana Jan, an instructor at the gym. "I'm so delighted to work here because I can help women and get exercise for myself too. After all, exercise is good for my health. The money I earn from here is a great financial help to my family," she says. × Talking about women's rights in Afghanistan is like talking about gun laws in USA. Maryam Durani, founder of Gym Malika Suraya says the reaction from ladies was positive but men had reservations. "The reaction of the ladies was very positive because they needed it, but unfortunately, what bothered me was the reaction of the men, especially the men who were educated and thought they were intellectuals. These men were the ones who reacted negatively to our club and even insulted me because they thought our club was in opposition to the Sharia," said Durani. Maryam is used to such opposition. She has been a women's rights campaigner for a while now. Apart from this gym, Maryam runs a radio station for women. She has also served on the provincial council. It was last year that she started the gym. Fringe threats do not scare her. "Not only sports but all sectors in which women work at are of concern. Our concern is that if the Taliban return and reunite with the government, what will be the restrictions they will impose? Because given what I have been following on the news, I think the Taliban's mindsets and ideas have not changed much," says Maryam. Taliban banned women from even leaving their houses during their rule in Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001. Women could only step outside their homes if they were accompanied by a male family member. Education and sports too were out of bounds for women. It took 19 years of bloody war for women of Afghanistan to fight for their rights. Today, Afgh women power-lift. They also master jabs. Afghan women are finally chasing their dreams. They aren't confined only to kitchens. But all this can take a U-turn if the Taliban returns. The terror group has already signed a deal with the US. Washington wants to withdraw their troops from Afghanistan. And the Taliban want to rule the country once again.

In conservative Afghanistan, ladies are pursuing health goals in this women-only gym

In Afghanistan's Kandahar, women are exercising their right to a healthy life in the region's first all-female gym. They are working out in Burqas and without any fear. Palki Sharma Upadhyay has a report.

Gravitas: Gymming in a Burqa

Thirteen militants were killed as government forces struck terrorist hideout in Kharwar district of eastern Logar province in Afghanistan on Thursday, provincial government spokesman Shahpor Ahmadzai said.

The restive district, according to the official, was under Taliban attacks for the past couple of weeks, but the government forces including the army and police launched the operation on Wednesday and so far 13 terrorists have been killed.

No security personnel has been hurt, the official said. The ongoing operation will last until the area is cleared of the terrorists, he added.

The Taliban has not made a comment yet. 
 
(With inputs from ANI)

Thirteen militants were killed as government forces struck terrorist hideout in Kharwar district of eastern Logar province in Afghanistan on Thursday, provincial government spokesman Shahpor Ahmadzai said.

Thirteen militants were killed as government forces struck terrorist hideout in Kharwar district of eastern Logar province in Afghanistan on Thursday, provincial government spokesman Shahpor Ahmadzai said. The restive district, according to the official, was under Taliban attacks for the past couple of weeks, but the government forces including the army and police launched the operation on Wednesday and so far 13 terrorists have been killed. No security personnel has been hurt, the official said. The ongoing operation will last until the area is cleared of the terrorists, he added. The Taliban has not made a comment yet. (With inputs from ANI)

Forces kill 13 militants in Afghanistan's easter Logar province

Facing numerous terror threats, 357 members of the Afghan minority community have&nbsp;arrived in India with help of Indian mission in Kabul.

Ministry of external affairs spokesperson Anurag Shrivastava in response to a question said, "We have been receiving requests from Hindus and Sikhs in Afghanistan to grant permission to settle down in India. And the request has gone up after the attack in the Gurdwara in March 2020."

Explaining, “We see targeted persecution of minority community members by terrorist and their sponsors and this is a matter of serious concern. Now to ensure the safety and well-being, our mission in Kabul has been in contact with them and facilitated smooth arrival from Afghanistan despite COVID related restrictions. So far 357 members of the minority community have arrived from Afghanistan to India in the lockdown and Indian Sikh community here is assisting their stay comfortable in India."

The March 25 attack on Gurdwara Har Rai Sahib saw the death of 24 Afghan Sikhs and one Indian Sikh. 
 
This was one of the worst attack on Afghan Sikh community since the 2018 Jalalabad attack in which 19 people died, mostly Sikh.

Earlier this year the first batch of 11 Afghan Sikhs keen to come to India landed in Delhi in June. This included Delhi based Afghan Sikh Nidan Singh who was abducted but later released.10 of the 11 Afghan Sikhs were the family members of Sikhs killed in Kabul Gurudwara terror attack.

Facing numerous terror threats, 357 members of the Afghan minority community have arrived in India with help of Indian mission in Kabul. Ministry of external affairs spokesperson Anurag Shrivastava in response to a question said, "We have been receiving requests from Hindus and Sikhs in Afghanistan to grant permission to settle down in India.

Facing numerous terror threats, 357 members of the Afghan minority community have arrived in India with help of Indian mission in Kabul. Ministry of external affairs spokesperson Anurag Shrivastava in response to a question said, "We have been receiving requests from Hindus and Sikhs in Afghanistan to grant permission to settle down in India. And the request has gone up after the attack in the Gurdwara in March 2020." Explaining, “We see targeted persecution of minority community members by terrorist and their sponsors and this is a matter of serious concern. Now to ensure the safety and well-being, our mission in Kabul has been in contact with them and facilitated smooth arrival from Afghanistan despite COVID related restrictions. So far 357 members of the minority community have arrived from Afghanistan to India in the lockdown and Indian Sikh community here is assisting their stay comfortable in India." The March 25 attack on Gurdwara Har Rai Sahib saw the death of 24 Afghan Sikhs and one Indian Sikh. This was one of the worst attack on Afghan Sikh community since the 2018 Jalalabad attack in which 19 people died, mostly Sikh. Earlier this year the first batch of 11 Afghan Sikhs keen to come to India landed in Delhi in June. This included Delhi based Afghan Sikh Nidan Singh who was abducted but later released.10 of the 11 Afghan Sikhs were the family members of Sikhs killed in Kabul Gurudwara terror attack.

357 members of Afghanistan minority community have arrived in India: MEA  

A number of Taliban prisoners who were released by the Afghan government as a condition for peace talks have taken up arms again, top official Abdullah Abdullah said Tuesday. 
 
Abdullah, who chairs Afghanistan's High Council for National Reconciliation and is overseeing the government's peace efforts, said discussions with the Taliban in Qatar so far have been positive. 
 
However, he said some -- though not the majority -- of the 5,000 Taliban prisoners released by the government as a condition for talks had resumed the fight against Kabul. 
 
"I do know that some have returned to the battlefield, which is a violation of the agreement that they had made," Abdullah said during an online conference with the US Council on Foreign Relations. 
 
Abdullah said talks between the two sides had begun in Doha on a positive note, as the delegations build some familiarity with each other. 
 
Yet the level of violence inside Afghanistan has not fallen, and he called on the United States, which launched the peace process with its own deal with the Taliban, and Pakistan, which maintains ties to the insurgents, to pressure them to agree to a ceasefire. 
 
"Unfortunately, so far, the level of violence is very high and to a level that is not acceptable for the people," Abdullah said. 
 
"I repeat my call to the Taliban themselves and also to all partners who have any leverage over the Taliban to press on that point." 
 
Abdullah said he planned to visit Pakistan in the coming days for the first time since 2008. 
 
The persistent violence, and the Taliban's failure to completely cut relations with the Islamic State and Al-Qaeda jihadist groups, was singled out as a barrier to success by US officials testifying in Congress Tuesday. 
 
US chief negotiator Zalmay Khalilzad said a drawdown of US troops, under the US-Taliban agreement, would halt at around 4,500 remaining in Afghanistan in November while Washington assesses whether the insurgents were living up to their pledges. 
 
"Further withdrawals will be determined based on conditions on the ground and delivery by the Taliban on their commitments," Khalilzad told a hearing of the House oversight committee. 
 
The US has slashed troop numbers in Afghanistan by more than half from above 12,000. 
 
Under President Donald Trump's promise to end US involvement in wars abroad, Washington has pledged to withdraw all forces by May 2021, if the Taliban and the government can achieve a solid peace agreement. 
 
"By any measure, the current levels of violence are too high. We know that the reductions are possible," Khalilzad said, noting short ceasefires were respected by the Taliban in the past.

A number of Taliban prisoners who were released by the Afghan government as a condition for peace talks have taken up arms again, top official Abdullah Abdullah said Tuesday.

A number of Taliban prisoners who were released by the Afghan government as a condition for peace talks have taken up arms again, top official Abdullah Abdullah said Tuesday. Abdullah, who chairs Afghanistan's High Council for National Reconciliation and is overseeing the government's peace efforts, said discussions with the Taliban in Qatar so far have been positive. However, he said some -- though not the majority -- of the 5,000 Taliban prisoners released by the government as a condition for talks had resumed the fight against Kabul. "I do know that some have returned to the battlefield, which is a violation of the agreement that they had made," Abdullah said during an online conference with the US Council on Foreign Relations. Abdullah said talks between the two sides had begun in Doha on a positive note, as the delegations build some familiarity with each other. Yet the level of violence inside Afghanistan has not fallen, and he called on the United States, which launched the peace process with its own deal with the Taliban, and Pakistan, which maintains ties to the insurgents, to pressure them to agree to a ceasefire. "Unfortunately, so far, the level of violence is very high and to a level that is not acceptable for the people," Abdullah said. "I repeat my call to the Taliban themselves and also to all partners who have any leverage over the Taliban to press on that point." Abdullah said he planned to visit Pakistan in the coming days for the first time since 2008. The persistent violence, and the Taliban's failure to completely cut relations with the Islamic State and Al-Qaeda jihadist groups, was singled out as a barrier to success by US officials testifying in Congress Tuesday. US chief negotiator Zalmay Khalilzad said a drawdown of US troops, under the US-Taliban agreement, would halt at around 4,500 remaining in Afghanistan in November while Washington assesses whether the insurgents were living up to their pledges. "Further withdrawals will be determined based on conditions on the ground and delivery by the Taliban on their commitments," Khalilzad told a hearing of the House oversight committee. The US has slashed troop numbers in Afghanistan by more than half from above 12,000. Under President Donald Trump's promise to end US involvement in wars abroad, Washington has pledged to withdraw all forces by May 2021, if the Taliban and the government can achieve a solid peace agreement. "By any measure, the current levels of violence are too high. We know that the reductions are possible," Khalilzad said, noting short ceasefires were respected by the Taliban in the past.

Some freed Taliban prisoners ‘returned to battlefield’: Afghan Official 

Afghanistan's&nbsp;President Ashraf Ghani has signed into law an amendment stating that women's names will be included on children's&nbsp;ID cards.

The decision was long overdue as the women campaigners had ben fighting for their rights for more than three years now.

Working under the hashtag of #WhereIsMyName, a campaign was launched three years ago and it was successful in getting attention from high-profile personalities form the entertainemtn and political world.

As per the new amendment, the names of mothers will also now be included on the national ID cards, ending decades-long practise of keeping women behind the curtains.

Women in Afghanistan do not have their names listen at majority of the places — from weddings cards to tombstones. The practice was brought to light under this campaign and activists have since been fighting to abolish it.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-negotiators-to-discuss-reduction-of-violence-in-taliban-talks-327203">Also read:&nbsp;Afghan negotiators to discuss reduction of violence in Taliban talks</a>

Under the campaign, celebrities and locals started introducing themselves with their mother's name on social media.

"There is no doubt that this victory is the result of persistent campaign and consonance among the campaigners and citizens," she said.

"The government also stood by the citizens, and I express my gratitude to the president himself and his deputies for their support. I also thank everyone, men and women who supported our campaign and raised their voice, and congratulate all equal rights campaigners [on this victory]," Laleh Osmany, founder of the #WhereIsMyName campaign, told the BBC Afghan service.

The decision has come at an important time when Afghainstan government and Taliban are trying to establish a peace deal.

Afghanistan's President Ashraf Ghani has signed into law an amendment stating that women's names will be included on children's ID cards. The decision was long overdue as the women campaigners had ben fighting for their rights for more than three years now.

Afghanistan's President Ashraf Ghani has signed into law an amendment stating that women's names will be included on children's ID cards. The decision was long overdue as the women campaigners had ben fighting for their rights for more than three years now. Working under the hashtag of #WhereIsMyName, a campaign was launched three years ago and it was successful in getting attention from high-profile personalities form the entertainemtn and political world. As per the new amendment, the names of mothers will also now be included on the national ID cards, ending decades-long practise of keeping women behind the curtains. Women in Afghanistan do not have their names listen at majority of the places — from weddings cards to tombstones. The practice was brought to light under this campaign and activists have since been fighting to abolish it. Also read: Afghan negotiators to discuss reduction of violence in Taliban talks Under the campaign, celebrities and locals started introducing themselves with their mother's name on social media. "There is no doubt that this victory is the result of persistent campaign and consonance among the campaigners and citizens," she said. "The government also stood by the citizens, and I express my gratitude to the president himself and his deputies for their support. I also thank everyone, men and women who supported our campaign and raised their voice, and congratulate all equal rights campaigners [on this victory]," Laleh Osmany, founder of the #WhereIsMyName campaign, told the BBC Afghan service. The decision has come at an important time when Afghainstan government and Taliban are trying to establish a peace deal.

Afghanistan women to have names included on national ID card after #WhereIsMyName trends

A twin airstrike on a Taliban base in the northeastern Afghan province of Kunduz killed at least 12 civilians and injured more than 10 people on Saturday, provincial officials and Taliban officials said, as the warring sides hold peace talks.

However, defence ministry officials in Kabul said more than 40 Taliban fighters had been killed in the airstrikes. They did not confirm any civilian deaths but said an investigation was underway.

A twin airstrike on a Taliban base in the northeastern Afghan province of Kunduz killed at least 12 civilians and injured more than 10 people on Saturday, provincial officials and Taliban officials said, as the warring sides hold peace talks.

A twin airstrike on a Taliban base in the northeastern Afghan province of Kunduz killed at least 12 civilians and injured more than 10 people on Saturday, provincial officials and Taliban officials said, as the warring sides hold peace talks. However, defence ministry officials in Kabul said more than 40 Taliban fighters had been killed in the airstrikes. They did not confirm any civilian deaths but said an investigation was underway.

Airstrikes on Taliban base kill at least 12 civilians

Women of Afghanistan have secured a major victory. Citizens will now have mother's name printed on their national identification cards. Afghan President Ashraf Ghani gave green light to the proposal.

Afghanistan: Mothers' name to be printed on children's ID card

Fierce fighting between Afghan forces and the Taliban killed dozens in a restive eastern province, officials said Thursday, as negotiators from both sides pushed ahead with peace talks in Qatar.

Overnight clashes erupted in three districts of Nangarhar province when Taliban fighters attacked several checkpoints of Afghan forces and pro-government militiamen, Ataullah Khogyani, spokesman for the Nangarhar governor told AFP.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-facing-new-afghanistan-women-negotiators-amid-peace-talks-327305">‘Taliban facing new Afghanistan’: Women negotiators amid peace talks&nbsp;</a>

He said at least 11 Afghan security personnel were killed in fighting in Hesarak, while eight pro-government militiamen were killed in Khogyani.

Khogyani said about 30 Taliban fighters died in the clashes -- including some foreigners.

The hardline insurgent group has not commented on the fighting.

The latest violence comes as the Afghan government and Taliban are engaged in talks in Doha aimed at ending the long-running conflict.

Afghanistan's acting Defence Minister Asadullah Khalid blamed the Taliban for the fighting.

"There have been no attacks from our side... The enemies continue to attack and spill the blood of Afghans," he said at a ceremony where US forces handed over four A-29 Super Tucano aircraft to the Afghan military.

New ceasefire call unheeded&nbsp;

Abdullah Abdullah, the head of the peace process for the Afghan government, said the ongoing talks offered an opportunity to end the war.

The two warring sides are at the negotiating table, a first in the three decades since the Taliban emerged as a movement across Afghanistan, Abdullah said.

"We recognise the need to get together, to sit together, to present our views which are different from one another, but to find ways how to reconcile those differences," Abdullah told Doha-based Al-Jazeera TV in an interview released on Thursday.

He said negotiations aim to "find ways to be able (to) live together while maintaining some differences and fighting for it politically rather than through violence".

In his speech at the opening session of the peace talks on Saturday, Abdullah had called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, but his plea has gone unanswered.

The Taliban have long worried that reducing violence could lessen their leverage, but have implemented two temporary ceasefires this year itself.

Peace talks commenced on Saturday after months of delay over a contentious prisoner swap between the two sides.

The negotiations are a result of a deal between the Taliban and Washington signed in February, which also paved the way for withdrawing of all foreign forces by May next year. 
&nbsp;

Fierce fighting between Afghan forces and the Taliban killed dozens in a restive eastern province, officials said Thursday, as negotiators from both sides pushed ahead with peace talks in Qatar.

Fierce fighting between Afghan forces and the Taliban killed dozens in a restive eastern province, officials said Thursday, as negotiators from both sides pushed ahead with peace talks in Qatar. Overnight clashes erupted in three districts of Nangarhar province when Taliban fighters attacked several checkpoints of Afghan forces and pro-government militiamen, Ataullah Khogyani, spokesman for the Nangarhar governor told AFP. Also read | ‘Taliban facing new Afghanistan’: Women negotiators amid peace talks He said at least 11 Afghan security personnel were killed in fighting in Hesarak, while eight pro-government militiamen were killed in Khogyani. Khogyani said about 30 Taliban fighters died in the clashes -- including some foreigners. The hardline insurgent group has not commented on the fighting. The latest violence comes as the Afghan government and Taliban are engaged in talks in Doha aimed at ending the long-running conflict. Afghanistan's acting Defence Minister Asadullah Khalid blamed the Taliban for the fighting. "There have been no attacks from our side... The enemies continue to attack and spill the blood of Afghans," he said at a ceremony where US forces handed over four A-29 Super Tucano aircraft to the Afghan military. New ceasefire call unheeded Abdullah Abdullah, the head of the peace process for the Afghan government, said the ongoing talks offered an opportunity to end the war. The two warring sides are at the negotiating table, a first in the three decades since the Taliban emerged as a movement across Afghanistan, Abdullah said. "We recognise the need to get together, to sit together, to present our views which are different from one another, but to find ways how to reconcile those differences," Abdullah told Doha-based Al-Jazeera TV in an interview released on Thursday. He said negotiations aim to "find ways to be able (to) live together while maintaining some differences and fighting for it politically rather than through violence". In his speech at the opening session of the peace talks on Saturday, Abdullah had called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, but his plea has gone unanswered. The Taliban have long worried that reducing violence could lessen their leverage, but have implemented two temporary ceasefires this year itself. Peace talks commenced on Saturday after months of delay over a contentious prisoner swap between the two sides. The negotiations are a result of a deal between the Taliban and Washington signed in February, which also paved the way for withdrawing of all foreign forces by May next year.

Afghanistan: Over 50 people die in clashes with Taliban as Doha peace talks continue

Militants have stepped up attacks on security forces in northwest Pakistan raising fears of a revival of their insurgency and a return of lawlessness as brighter prospects for peace in Afghanistan herald shifting Islamist alliances.

The ethnic Pashtun border region was for years a haven for militants who fled the U.S. invasion of Afghanistan in 2001.

But the Pakistani military cleared out the strongholds in a 2014 offensive, driving most of the fighters into Afghanistan.

But since March, al Qaeda-linked Pakistani Taliban, facing the risk of losing havens on the Afghan side of the border if their Afghan Taliban allies make peace there, have unleashed a wave of attacks on the Pakistani security forces.

Bolstering their bid to re-establish themselves in the border lands, the Pakistani Taliban, or Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), struck an alliance in July with half a dozen small militant factions.

"The group`s capability and military strength has increased, as has their reach," said Mansur Khan Mahsud, executive director of the Islamabad-based FATA Research Centre.

September has seen near daily incidents, from roadside bombs to sniper attacks, to ambushes and the killing of residents accused of collaborating with government forces.

The militants have killed at least 40 soldiers since March, according to a Reuters tally of official figures.

At least 109 people were killed in 67 attacks between January and July - twice the number in 2019, according to the FATA Research Centre.

"TTP`s regrouping is concerning both because of its own activities and its links to groups like al Qaeda," said Elizabeth Threlkeld, a former State Department official who served in Pakistan, now deputy-director for the South Asia program at the Washington-based Stimson Center.

"It could again provide significant support to international terror groups if it continues to regain ground."

UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCE

Militant violence surged in Pakistan after it was pressed to sign on to the U.S.-led war on terror after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, even though it had for years supported the Afghan Taliban.

Soon the Pakistani government found itself under attack from home-grown Taliban but the military succeeded in pushing them out of the region, known as the tribal areas, in 2014, forcing the Pakistani Taliban into Afghanistan.

Millions of residents were displaced by the fighting but since then, militant violence in Pakistan has largely ceased.

But now fears are growing that the surge of Pakistani Taliban violence is an unintended consequence of efforts to make peace in Afghanistan.

In February, the Afghan Taliban and the United States struck a deal allowing for the withdrawal of U.S. forces in exchange for Afghan Taliban guarantees they would not harbour other militants.

The United Nations said in a report in July there were more than 6,000 Pakistani fighters in Afghanistan, most affiliated with the TTP, who could be heading home if they lose their refuge.

"It`s a concern for everyone," a Western security official based in Pakistan told Reuters on condition of anonymity.

Pakistan`s military did not respond to a request for comment on the violence but its spokesman said on Twitter recently that the attacks were "meant to derail (the) Afghanistan Peace Process."

For those living in the area, insecurity is again becoming a daily worry.

The TTP issued a statement this week telling residents to leave "until peace returns".

"Our war against Pakistan is continuing and you will continue to see daily attacks," the militants said.

Militants have stepped up attacks on security forces in northwest Pakistan raising fears of a revival of their insurgency and a return of lawlessness as brighter prospects for peace in Afghanistan herald shifting Islamist alliances.

Militants have stepped up attacks on security forces in northwest Pakistan raising fears of a revival of their insurgency and a return of lawlessness as brighter prospects for peace in Afghanistan herald shifting Islamist alliances. The ethnic Pashtun border region was for years a haven for militants who fled the U.S. invasion of Afghanistan in 2001. But the Pakistani military cleared out the strongholds in a 2014 offensive, driving most of the fighters into Afghanistan. But since March, al Qaeda-linked Pakistani Taliban, facing the risk of losing havens on the Afghan side of the border if their Afghan Taliban allies make peace there, have unleashed a wave of attacks on the Pakistani security forces. Bolstering their bid to re-establish themselves in the border lands, the Pakistani Taliban, or Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), struck an alliance in July with half a dozen small militant factions. "The group`s capability and military strength has increased, as has their reach," said Mansur Khan Mahsud, executive director of the Islamabad-based FATA Research Centre. September has seen near daily incidents, from roadside bombs to sniper attacks, to ambushes and the killing of residents accused of collaborating with government forces. The militants have killed at least 40 soldiers since March, according to a Reuters tally of official figures. At least 109 people were killed in 67 attacks between January and July - twice the number in 2019, according to the FATA Research Centre. "TTP`s regrouping is concerning both because of its own activities and its links to groups like al Qaeda," said Elizabeth Threlkeld, a former State Department official who served in Pakistan, now deputy-director for the South Asia program at the Washington-based Stimson Center. "It could again provide significant support to international terror groups if it continues to regain ground." UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCE Militant violence surged in Pakistan after it was pressed to sign on to the U.S.-led war on terror after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, even though it had for years supported the Afghan Taliban. Soon the Pakistani government found itself under attack from home-grown Taliban but the military succeeded in pushing them out of the region, known as the tribal areas, in 2014, forcing the Pakistani Taliban into Afghanistan. Millions of residents were displaced by the fighting but since then, militant violence in Pakistan has largely ceased. But now fears are growing that the surge of Pakistani Taliban violence is an unintended consequence of efforts to make peace in Afghanistan. In February, the Afghan Taliban and the United States struck a deal allowing for the withdrawal of U.S. forces in exchange for Afghan Taliban guarantees they would not harbour other militants. The United Nations said in a report in July there were more than 6,000 Pakistani fighters in Afghanistan, most affiliated with the TTP, who could be heading home if they lose their refuge. "It`s a concern for everyone," a Western security official based in Pakistan told Reuters on condition of anonymity. Pakistan`s military did not respond to a request for comment on the violence but its spokesman said on Twitter recently that the attacks were "meant to derail (the) Afghanistan Peace Process." For those living in the area, insecurity is again becoming a daily worry. The TTP issued a statement this week telling residents to leave "until peace returns". "Our war against Pakistan is continuing and you will continue to see daily attacks," the militants said.

Attacks surge in northwest Pakistan as Afghan peace effort brings shifting sands

Scores of Afghan women march in the city of Jalalabad calling for a permanent ceasefire between the Taliban and the Afghan government as historic talks between the two sides take place in Qatar.

Your Story: Afghan women march for peace and ceasefire

US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad met External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval in the national capital Tuesday even as the intra-Afghan dialogue continues in Doha.

WION Dispatch: Zalmay Khalilzad meets S. Jaishankar in New Delhi

Days after the beginning of intra-Afghan talks in Qatar's Doha, US Special Envoy to Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad is scheduled to visit New Delhi on September 15 (Tuesday).

US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad to visit India today

Families of the victims of a 2018 suicide attack in Kabul gathered on Monday (September 14) at the graveyard of their loved ones and called for a lasting peace as Afghan government officials and the Taliban hold talks in Doha to end 19 years of war in the country.

Families of Afghan 2018 suicide attack rally at graveyard of their loved ones, calling for peace

Watch how the youngest member of Afghan govt negotiating team Khalid Noor contests a pro Taliban reporter. Khalid, when asked by pro Taliban reporter that Americans killing Afghan, says,"suicide attacks also kill innocent Afghans".

Youngest member of Afghan negotiating team on being challenged by pro Taliban reporter

Two roadside bomb blasts rocked Kabul on Sunday morning, police said. The first blast took place in Bagh Dawood area of Paghman district, with no immediate report of casualties, according to police, it was followed by another blast in in Kot-e Sangi of the capital, leaving two wounded.

According to the reports, two civilians were injured in the blasts.

Meanwhile, Afghans from all walks of life have largely welcomed the much awaited face-to-face talks between the Kabul government and the Taliban in Doha, but were cautious about the outcome of the "complicated process" to bring about lasting peace in the war-torn country after decades of conflict.

The intra-Afghan talks opened in Doha on Saturday at a ceremony attended by senior officials from different countries, including US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, reports Xinhua news agency.

(With inputs from agencies)

Two roadside bomb blasts rocked Kabul on Sunday morning, police said. The first blast took place in Bagh Dawood area of Paghman district, with no immediate report of casualties, according to police, it was followed by another blast in in Kot-e Sangi of the capital, leaving two wounded.

Two roadside bomb blasts rocked Kabul on Sunday morning, police said. The first blast took place in Bagh Dawood area of Paghman district, with no immediate report of casualties, according to police, it was followed by another blast in in Kot-e Sangi of the capital, leaving two wounded. According to the reports, two civilians were injured in the blasts. Meanwhile, Afghans from all walks of life have largely welcomed the much awaited face-to-face talks between the Kabul government and the Taliban in Doha, but were cautious about the outcome of the "complicated process" to bring about lasting peace in the war-torn country after decades of conflict. The intra-Afghan talks opened in Doha on Saturday at a ceremony attended by senior officials from different countries, including US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, reports Xinhua news agency. (With inputs from agencies)

Afghanistan: Blast in Kabul injures two civilians

After nearly two decades of war that has killed tens of thousands, peace talks between the Afghanistan government and the Taliban have opened in Qatar's capital. Watch report.

Intra-Afghan peace talks begin in Doha: 'Taliban attacked Afghan forces in 18 provinces'

The Afghan government remains grateful to India`s commitment and solidarity with Afghanistan, the country`s acting Foreign Minister Mohammed Haneef Atmar. Taking to Twitter, Atmar appreciated External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar for reaffirming India`s support for peace and to the people of Afghanistan.&nbsp;

"My sincere appreciation to EAM @DrSJaishankar and @MEAIndia for reaffirming India`s support for peace and the free will of the Afghan people. We profoundly remain grateful to India`s commitment and solidarity with Afghanistan," Atmar tweeted.

Atmar`s appreciation for India comes when the peace talks between the Afghanistan government and the Taliban have opened in Qatar`s capital Doha to end the decades of war that has killed ten of thousands.

Jaishankar on Saturday participated during the opening ceremony of Afghan peace negotiations in Doha through video conferencing and reiterated that the peace process should be Afghan-led and ensure the interests of minorities and women.

He said Afghan soil should never be used for carrying out anti-India activities and supported the need for an immediate ceasefire in order to establish long-lasting peace in Afghanistan.

Taking to his Twitter, the External Affairs Minister said, "Addressed the conference on Afghan peace negotiations at Doha today.&nbsp;

Conveyed that the peace process must be Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled, respect national sovereignty and territorial integrity of Afghanistan, promote human rights and democracy, ensure the interest of minorities, women and the vulnerable and effectively address violence across the country."

The Afghan government remains grateful to India`s commitment and solidarity with Afghanistan, the country`s acting Foreign Minister Mohammed Haneef Atmar. Taking to Twitter, Atmar appreciated External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar for reaffirming India`s support for peace and to the people of Afghanistan.

The Afghan government remains grateful to India`s commitment and solidarity with Afghanistan, the country`s acting Foreign Minister Mohammed Haneef Atmar. Taking to Twitter, Atmar appreciated External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar for reaffirming India`s support for peace and to the people of Afghanistan. "My sincere appreciation to EAM @DrSJaishankar and @MEAIndia for reaffirming India`s support for peace and the free will of the Afghan people. We profoundly remain grateful to India`s commitment and solidarity with Afghanistan," Atmar tweeted. Atmar`s appreciation for India comes when the peace talks between the Afghanistan government and the Taliban have opened in Qatar`s capital Doha to end the decades of war that has killed ten of thousands. Jaishankar on Saturday participated during the opening ceremony of Afghan peace negotiations in Doha through video conferencing and reiterated that the peace process should be Afghan-led and ensure the interests of minorities and women. He said Afghan soil should never be used for carrying out anti-India activities and supported the need for an immediate ceasefire in order to establish long-lasting peace in Afghanistan. Taking to his Twitter, the External Affairs Minister said, "Addressed the conference on Afghan peace negotiations at Doha today. Conveyed that the peace process must be Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled, respect national sovereignty and territorial integrity of Afghanistan, promote human rights and democracy, ensure the interest of minorities, women and the vulnerable and effectively address violence across the country."

Afghan govt remains grateful to India's commitment, solidarity with Afghanistan: Acting FM

Qatar's ruler Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani met representatives of both the Afghan government and the Taliban to wish them success during peace talks taking place in the Gulf state, Qatar state media reported on Sunday.

Talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban began in the Qatari capital Doha on Saturday, aimed at ending 19 years of war in Afghanistan.

Sheikh Tamim met with the Afghan High Council for National Reconciliation Chairman Abdullah Abdullah and the accompanying delegation, QNA said on Twitter.

Sheikh Tamim told Abdullah he wished the negotiations success and to achieve the Afghan people`s aspirations for national unity, progress and prosperity, Qatar News Agency said.

He expressed the same remarks in a meeting with Taliban political office head Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, which was also attended by a delegation, QNA said in a separate tweet.

Qatar's ruler Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani met representatives of both the Afghan government and the Taliban to wish them success during peace talks taking place in the Gulf state, Qatar state media reported on Sunday.

Qatar's ruler Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani met representatives of both the Afghan government and the Taliban to wish them success during peace talks taking place in the Gulf state, Qatar state media reported on Sunday. Talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban began in the Qatari capital Doha on Saturday, aimed at ending 19 years of war in Afghanistan. Sheikh Tamim met with the Afghan High Council for National Reconciliation Chairman Abdullah Abdullah and the accompanying delegation, QNA said on Twitter. Sheikh Tamim told Abdullah he wished the negotiations success and to achieve the Afghan people`s aspirations for national unity, progress and prosperity, Qatar News Agency said. He expressed the same remarks in a meeting with Taliban political office head Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, which was also attended by a delegation, QNA said in a separate tweet.

Qatar ruler meets Afghan, Taliban delegations during peace talks in Doha

Peace talks between the Taliban and Afghan government negotiators get down to business on Day 2, with the search for a lasting ceasefire one of many key issues up for discussion.

Afghan govt alleges more Taliban attacks, confrontations continue despite talks

Historic peace talks between the Taliban and the Afghan government opened in Qatar on Saturday -- aimed at ending two decades of war that has killed tens of thousands of combatants and civilians. But no signs of ceasefire were seen as&nbsp;18 provinces across Afghanistan saw&nbsp;widespread fighting between the Afghan security forces and the Taliban.

The Afghan Ministry of Defense (MoD) on Saturday said the Taliban staged attacks on Afghan security forces in 18 provinces since last night. The majority of the attacks were reported in Balkh, Jawzjan, Faryab, Ghor, Badghis, Herat, Ghazni and Uruzgan provinces.

"A large IED planted by Taliban on public road to kill innocent civilians in Paghman district of Kabul province, was discovered and safely detonated by #ANA, today," the MoD posted on Twitter on Saturday.

"Today, 5 TB including 3 Pakistani terrorists were killed and 8 others including 4 Pakistani terrorists were wounded as a result of #ANA pre-emptive attacks. They had been prepared to launch an attack on #ANA positions in Shirzad district of Nangarhar prov. when they were targeted."

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A large IED planted by Taliban on public road to kill innocent civilians in Paghman district of Kabul province, was discovered and safely detonated by <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ANA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ANA</a>, today. <a href="https://t.co/webFxqVi9C">pic.twitter.com/webFxqVi9C</a>
— Ministry of Defense, Afghanistan (@MoDAfghanistan) <a href="https://twitter.com/MoDAfghanistan/status/1304801171287269377?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 12, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Today, 5 TB including 3 Pakistani terrorists were killed and 8 others including 4 Pakistani terrorists were wounded as a result of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ANA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ANA</a> pre-emptive attacks. They had been prepared to launch an attack on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ANA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ANA</a> positions in Shirzad district of Nangarhar prov. when they were targeted
— Ministry of Defense, Afghanistan (@MoDAfghanistan) <a href="https://twitter.com/MoDAfghanistan/status/1304810994523348994?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 12, 2020</a></blockquote>
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On the contrary, however,&nbsp;the Taliban in a statement said that as part of a goodwill gesture, the group on Saturday released 22 Afghan soldiers in Helmand province.

Meanwhile, in the Afghan capital, residents were glued to their televisions as the opening ceremony unfolded.

The opening ceremony came one day after the 19th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on the United States that triggered its military involvement in Afghanistan. US President Donald Trump, up for re-election in November, has pushed hard to end the United States' longest war.

The occasion was heralded as a "truly momentous" breakthrough in nearly two decades of relentless conflict by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

"We will undoubtedly encounter many challenges in the talks over the coming days, weeks and months," Pompeo said as he called for the warring sides to "seize this opportunity" to secure peace.

"Remember you are acting not only for this generation of Afghans but for future generations as well, your children and your grandchildren."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/we-have-to-stop-violence-and-agree-on-humanitarian-ceasefire-afghan-government-to-taliban-during-intra-afghan-talks-327036">Also read |&nbsp;We have to stop violence and agree on humanitarian ceasefire: Afghan government to Taliban during intra-Afghan talks</a>

Nineteen years since the US-led invasion that toppled the Taliban, Afghanistan's war is still killing dozens of people daily.

Further talks are expected to be arduous and complex, delegates acknowledged at the opening ceremony in Doha, and are starting even as deadly violence continues to grip Afghanistan.

To this end, Abdullah Abdullah, who is heading the peace process for Kabul, said 12,000 civilians have been killed and another 15,000 wounded just since the US signed a withdrawal agreement with the Taliban on February 29.

Abdullah called for an immediate, humanitarian ceasefire -- but his plea went unanswered by Taliban co-founder Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, who made no mention of a truce in his opening remarks.

The Taliban have long worried that reducing violence could lessen their leverage.

Instead, Baradar repeated the insurgents' message that Afghanistan should be run according to Islamic law, highlighting what likely will be the main sticking point in negotiations.

The Taliban wants to reshape Afghanistan as an Islamic "emirate", while the adminstration of President Ashraf Ghani wants to maintain the Western-backed status quo of a constitutional republic that has enshrined many rights, including greater freedoms for women.

Meanwhile, Norwegian Foreign Minister Ine Eriksen Soreide urged all sides to include "women, victims and minorities and other stakeholders" in the process, saying such inclusivity is the key to an enduring accord.

"The Afghan people must be at the heart of this peace process...that leaves no one behind, including women," said Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi.

Pompeo noted the four women negotiators among the Afghan delegation, saying they exemplified the gains in Afghanistan of female participation in public life. He urged that the country's social advances be protected.

Habiba Sarabi, one of the women negotiators, said the talks' opening had been "very positive".

Officials, diplomats and analysts say that although getting both sides to the negotiating table was a major achievement, this does not mean the path to peace will be easy, especially with violence increasing around the country.

Zalmay Khalilzad, the US envoy who led talks with the Taliban, said the timetable for foreign troops to quit Afghanistan by May remained on track, and that he wanted a comprehensive ceasefire before then. Khalilzad cautioned that Washington would not underwrite a future Afghan state that was not in line with "universal values", including women's rights.

The US-backed negotiations come six months later than planned owing to disagreements over a controversial prisoner swap agreed in February.

Then-president George W Bush sent US forces into Afghanistan a month after the 9/11 attacks to hunt down their mastermind, Osama bin Laden, a Saudi given sanctuary by the country's Islamist Taliban rulers.

Although the Taliban regime was quickly toppled, they regrouped and have since waged an insurgency that has sucked in Afghanistan`s neighbours and troops from dozens of countries, including NATO forces.

Negotiations to broker a comprehensive peace deal were a component of a troop withdrawal pact signed between the United States and the Taliban in February. After months of delay, a dispute over the Taliban`s demand for the release of 5,000 prisoners was resolved this week.

Ahead of the US presidential election in November where he lags in the polls, Trump is looking to show progress on his pledge to end America's involvement in Afghanistan.

A comprehensive peace deal could take years, and will depend on the willingness of both sides to tailor their competing visions.

The talks are being held in a luxury hotel in Doha, where chairs were dotted at socially distanced intervals facing a banner emblazoned with the words "Afghan Peace Negotiations" in four languages.

Doha also hosted the signing of the US-Taliban deal in February that paved the way for peace talks.

The Taliban claimed "victory" after the deal and see their bargaining position as stronger now than at any time in the last two decades.

A who's who of international stakeholders in the Afghanistan conflict spoke at the opening ceremony, including UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg. Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif had been scheduled to speak but did not.

(with inputs from agencies)

Historic peace talks between the Taliban and the Afghan government opened in Qatar on Saturday -- aimed at ending two decades of war that has killed tens of thousands of combatants and civilians.

Historic peace talks between the Taliban and the Afghan government opened in Qatar on Saturday -- aimed at ending two decades of war that has killed tens of thousands of combatants and civilians. But no signs of ceasefire were seen as 18 provinces across Afghanistan saw widespread fighting between the Afghan security forces and the Taliban. The Afghan Ministry of Defense (MoD) on Saturday said the Taliban staged attacks on Afghan security forces in 18 provinces since last night. The majority of the attacks were reported in Balkh, Jawzjan, Faryab, Ghor, Badghis, Herat, Ghazni and Uruzgan provinces. "A large IED planted by Taliban on public road to kill innocent civilians in Paghman district of Kabul province, was discovered and safely detonated by #ANA, today," the MoD posted on Twitter on Saturday. "Today, 5 TB including 3 Pakistani terrorists were killed and 8 others including 4 Pakistani terrorists were wounded as a result of #ANA pre-emptive attacks. They had been prepared to launch an attack on #ANA positions in Shirzad district of Nangarhar prov. when they were targeted." A large IED planted by Taliban on public road to kill innocent civilians in Paghman district of Kabul province, was discovered and safely detonated by #ANA, today. pic.twitter.com/webFxqVi9C — Ministry of Defense, Afghanistan (@MoDAfghanistan) September 12, 2020 × Today, 5 TB including 3 Pakistani terrorists were killed and 8 others including 4 Pakistani terrorists were wounded as a result of #ANA pre-emptive attacks. They had been prepared to launch an attack on #ANA positions in Shirzad district of Nangarhar prov. when they were targeted — Ministry of Defense, Afghanistan (@MoDAfghanistan) September 12, 2020 × On the contrary, however, the Taliban in a statement said that as part of a goodwill gesture, the group on Saturday released 22 Afghan soldiers in Helmand province. Meanwhile, in the Afghan capital, residents were glued to their televisions as the opening ceremony unfolded. The opening ceremony came one day after the 19th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on the United States that triggered its military involvement in Afghanistan. US President Donald Trump, up for re-election in November, has pushed hard to end the United States' longest war. The occasion was heralded as a "truly momentous" breakthrough in nearly two decades of relentless conflict by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. "We will undoubtedly encounter many challenges in the talks over the coming days, weeks and months," Pompeo said as he called for the warring sides to "seize this opportunity" to secure peace. "Remember you are acting not only for this generation of Afghans but for future generations as well, your children and your grandchildren." Also read | We have to stop violence and agree on humanitarian ceasefire: Afghan government to Taliban during intra-Afghan talks Nineteen years since the US-led invasion that toppled the Taliban, Afghanistan's war is still killing dozens of people daily. Further talks are expected to be arduous and complex, delegates acknowledged at the opening ceremony in Doha, and are starting even as deadly violence continues to grip Afghanistan. To this end, Abdullah Abdullah, who is heading the peace process for Kabul, said 12,000 civilians have been killed and another 15,000 wounded just since the US signed a withdrawal agreement with the Taliban on February 29. Abdullah called for an immediate, humanitarian ceasefire -- but his plea went unanswered by Taliban co-founder Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, who made no mention of a truce in his opening remarks. The Taliban have long worried that reducing violence could lessen their leverage. Instead, Baradar repeated the insurgents' message that Afghanistan should be run according to Islamic law, highlighting what likely will be the main sticking point in negotiations. The Taliban wants to reshape Afghanistan as an Islamic "emirate", while the adminstration of President Ashraf Ghani wants to maintain the Western-backed status quo of a constitutional republic that has enshrined many rights, including greater freedoms for women. Meanwhile, Norwegian Foreign Minister Ine Eriksen Soreide urged all sides to include "women, victims and minorities and other stakeholders" in the process, saying such inclusivity is the key to an enduring accord. "The Afghan people must be at the heart of this peace process...that leaves no one behind, including women," said Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi. Pompeo noted the four women negotiators among the Afghan delegation, saying they exemplified the gains in Afghanistan of female participation in public life. He urged that the country's social advances be protected. Habiba Sarabi, one of the women negotiators, said the talks' opening had been "very positive". Officials, diplomats and analysts say that although getting both sides to the negotiating table was a major achievement, this does not mean the path to peace will be easy, especially with violence increasing around the country. Zalmay Khalilzad, the US envoy who led talks with the Taliban, said the timetable for foreign troops to quit Afghanistan by May remained on track, and that he wanted a comprehensive ceasefire before then. Khalilzad cautioned that Washington would not underwrite a future Afghan state that was not in line with "universal values", including women's rights. The US-backed negotiations come six months later than planned owing to disagreements over a controversial prisoner swap agreed in February. Then-president George W Bush sent US forces into Afghanistan a month after the 9/11 attacks to hunt down their mastermind, Osama bin Laden, a Saudi given sanctuary by the country's Islamist Taliban rulers. Although the Taliban regime was quickly toppled, they regrouped and have since waged an insurgency that has sucked in Afghanistan`s neighbours and troops from dozens of countries, including NATO forces. Negotiations to broker a comprehensive peace deal were a component of a troop withdrawal pact signed between the United States and the Taliban in February. After months of delay, a dispute over the Taliban`s demand for the release of 5,000 prisoners was resolved this week. Ahead of the US presidential election in November where he lags in the polls, Trump is looking to show progress on his pledge to end America's involvement in Afghanistan. A comprehensive peace deal could take years, and will depend on the willingness of both sides to tailor their competing visions. The talks are being held in a luxury hotel in Doha, where chairs were dotted at socially distanced intervals facing a banner emblazoned with the words "Afghan Peace Negotiations" in four languages. Doha also hosted the signing of the US-Taliban deal in February that paved the way for peace talks. The Taliban claimed "victory" after the deal and see their bargaining position as stronger now than at any time in the last two decades. A who's who of international stakeholders in the Afghanistan conflict spoke at the opening ceremony, including UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg. Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif had been scheduled to speak but did not. (with inputs from agencies)

Talks open between Taliban, Afghan govt with calls for - but no signs of - ceasefire

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