Survivors of the deadly earthquake in Afghanistan were seen wailing in trouble while others struggled to search for loved ones. The deadly 6.2 magnitude earthquake that jolted the Central Asian country resulted in huge casualties leaving many residents homeless.

Afghanistan earthquake toll rises to over 2000, as hunt for survivors continue

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidj4mynWqvPPJb" /><meta charset="utf-8" /></p>

<p>In what comes as a blow to the Indian cricket team, opener Shubman Gill will miss the second World Cup game against Afghanistan after sitting out the opening encounter against Australia due to dengue.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to a statement released by the BCCI, the star opener will stay in Chennai as the team moves to Delhi for the match against subcontinental neighbours at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on October 11.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Team India batter Shubman Gill will not be travelling with the team to Delhi on 9th October 2023," read the BCCI statement.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Gill will stay back in Chennai and will be under the supervision of the medical team.</p>

<p>"The opening batter who missed the team’s first fixture in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 against Australia in Chennai is set to miss the team’s next fixture against Afghanistan in Delhi on the 11th of October," BCCI added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the lead-up to the match against Australia, India's head coach Rahul Dravid had given a ray of hope to fans by remarking that a call would be taken on Gill's fitness. However, the batter did not even make it to the stadium on matchday.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Gill's absence was felt&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Notably, Gill was replaced by Ishan Kishan in the opening match but the latter returned with disappointing returns. Chasing a full-length ball wide outside off, Kishan gifted a dolly to the second slip and departed on a golden duck on his World Cup debut.&nbsp;</p>

<p>His departure had a butterfly effect as skipper Rohit Sharma and no.4 Shreyas Iyer also succumbed to the new ball and departed without troubling the scorers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India's mainstay Virat Kohli and middle-order batter KL Rahul were forced to steer the ship, braving a few anxious moments to guide India to the victory shores.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/odi-world-cup-ishan-kishan-to-replace-shubman-gill-at-top-against-australia-india-may-opt-to-play-2-spinners-643322"><strong>Also read |</strong></a>&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/odi-world-cup-ishan-kishan-to-replace-shubman-gill-at-top-against-australia-india-may-opt-to-play-2-spinners-643322">ODI World Cup: Ishan Kishan to replace Shubman Gill at top against Australia; India may opt to play 2 spinners</a></strong></p>

<p>Gill's absence is especially notable as he has been one of the few batters that has been sizzling hot form coming into the marquee tournament. The batter from Punjab is India's highest run-getter in the 50-over format this year, amassing 1,230 runs at an average of 72.35. Batting at a strike rate of 105.03, the in-form batter has managed to cross the 50-run mark in half of his innings in the World Cup year.</p>

<p>After Afghanistan, India face arch-rivals Pakistan at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on October 14 and the team management will be hoping that Gill gets back to full fitness by then.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>


In what comes as a blow to the Indian cricket team, opener Shubman Gill will miss the second World Cup game against Afghanistan after sitting out the opening encounter against Australia due to dengue.

In what comes as a blow to the Indian cricket team, opener Shubman Gill will miss the second World Cup game against Afghanistan after sitting out the opening encounter against Australia due to dengue. According to a statement released by the BCCI, the star opener will stay in Chennai as the team moves to Delhi for the match against subcontinental neighbours at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on October 11. "Team India batter Shubman Gill will not be travelling with the team to Delhi on 9th October 2023," read the BCCI statement. Gill will stay back in Chennai and will be under the supervision of the medical team. "The opening batter who missed the team’s first fixture in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 against Australia in Chennai is set to miss the team’s next fixture against Afghanistan in Delhi on the 11th of October," BCCI added. In the lead-up to the match against Australia, India's head coach Rahul Dravid had given a ray of hope to fans by remarking that a call would be taken on Gill's fitness. However, the batter did not even make it to the stadium on matchday. Gill's absence was felt Notably, Gill was replaced by Ishan Kishan in the opening match but the latter returned with disappointing returns. Chasing a full-length ball wide outside off, Kishan gifted a dolly to the second slip and departed on a golden duck on his World Cup debut. His departure had a butterfly effect as skipper Rohit Sharma and no.4 Shreyas Iyer also succumbed to the new ball and departed without troubling the scorers. India's mainstay Virat Kohli and middle-order batter KL Rahul were forced to steer the ship, braving a few anxious moments to guide India to the victory shores. Also read | ODI World Cup: Ishan Kishan to replace Shubman Gill at top against Australia; India may opt to play 2 spinners Gill's absence is especially notable as he has been one of the few batters that has been sizzling hot form coming into the marquee tournament. The batter from Punjab is India's highest run-getter in the 50-over format this year, amassing 1,230 runs at an average of 72.35. Batting at a strike rate of 105.03, the in-form batter has managed to cross the 50-run mark in half of his innings in the World Cup year. After Afghanistan, India face arch-rivals Pakistan at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on October 14 and the team management will be hoping that Gill gets back to full fitness by then. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

World Cup 2023: Shubman Gill ruled out of Afghanistan match, confirms BCCI

The death toll from a 6.2 magnitude earthquake in western Afghanistan on Saturday (Oct 7) has risen to more than 2,000, according to a Taliban spokesperson cited by AFP.

Afghanistan quake: Death toll from 6.3 magnitude earthquake jumps more than 2,000, says Taliban

Over 320 people died while around 600 others were left injured by the earthquake disaster in western Afghanistan.

Afghanistan quake 2023: At least 320 dead, UN says

<p>Powerful earthquake in Afghanistan have resulted in deaths of more than 2000 people, as per the Taliban regime. Another 9000 have been wounded. For those of us sitting hundreds of miles away from the region, the huge number would certainly be a cause of alarm. But probably nothing can make us experience the predicament of those who were actually in the country.</p>

<p>A video doing rounds on social media may help take few steps in that direction maybe. The video, which has not been independently verified by WION, shows the power of the quake, by depicting how the tremors made big lorries wobble as if they were drunk.</p>

<p>Check out the video:</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Breaking 🚨🚨🚨<br />
Sad <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/news?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#news</a> / severe <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/earthquake?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#earthquake</a>!<br />
In a few minutes, five earthquakes have caused destruction in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Afghanistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Afghanistan</a>. In the video, you can see how badly the trucks standing on the road are shaking.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/earthquake?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#earthquake</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BREAKING?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BREAKING</a> <a href="https://t.co/eVpfEZaqVw">pic.twitter.com/eVpfEZaqVw</a></p>
— 𝖂𝖆𝖖𝖆𝖘 𝕾𝖎𝖆𝖑 (@waqas_sial007) <a href="https://twitter.com/waqas_sial007/status/1710642085311693049?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 7, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>The multiple quakes hit Afghanistan on Saturday (Oct 7). According to US Geological Survey (USGS) the epicentre was 35 kilometres (20 miles northwest of the city of Herat. One of the earthquakes measures 6.3 on the Richter Scale, said USGS.</p>

<p>Large parts of the country are inaccessible by road. The scattered villages often have houses made of mud which are susceptible to collapse.</p>

<p>Multi-generational extended families often live in same house. This means that disaster like an earthquake can potentially devastate or even wipe out local communities.</p>

<p>In June last year, more than 1000 people were killed in another earthquake in Afghanistan. The quake had also left thousands homeless. It was a 5.9-magnitude earthquake that hit the impoverished province of Paktia.</p>

<p>Afghanistan is already in the middle of a dire humanitarian crisis. The foreign aid has largely dried up after withdrawal of US-led coalition forces and Taliban's return to power in 2021.</p>

<p>Afghanistan's Herat province, affected by the latest earthquake is also experiencing a years-long drought. This has severely affected agricultural communities.</p>

<p>Earthquakes are common in Afghanistan especially in the Hindu Kush mountain region. This region lies near the junction of the Eurasian and Indian tectonic plates.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><em>You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form"><strong>here</strong></a>.</em></p>

<p><strong><em>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</em></strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Powerful earthquake in Afghanistan have resulted in deaths of more than 2000 people, as per the Taliban regime. Another 9000 have been wounded. For those of us sitting hundreds of miles away from the region, the huge number would certainly be a cause of alarm.

Powerful earthquake in Afghanistan have resulted in deaths of more than 2000 people, as per the Taliban regime. Another 9000 have been wounded. For those of us sitting hundreds of miles away from the region, the huge number would certainly be a cause of alarm. But probably nothing can make us experience the predicament of those who were actually in the country. A video doing rounds on social media may help take few steps in that direction maybe. The video, which has not been independently verified by WION, shows the power of the quake, by depicting how the tremors made big lorries wobble as if they were drunk. Check out the video: Breaking 🚨🚨🚨 Sad #news / severe #earthquake! In a few minutes, five earthquakes have caused destruction in #Afghanistan. In the video, you can see how badly the trucks standing on the road are shaking.#earthquake #BREAKING pic.twitter.com/eVpfEZaqVw — 𝖂𝖆𝖖𝖆𝖘 𝕾𝖎𝖆𝖑 (@waqas_sial007) October 7, 2023 × The multiple quakes hit Afghanistan on Saturday (Oct 7). According to US Geological Survey (USGS) the epicentre was 35 kilometres (20 miles northwest of the city of Herat. One of the earthquakes measures 6.3 on the Richter Scale, said USGS. Large parts of the country are inaccessible by road. The scattered villages often have houses made of mud which are susceptible to collapse. Multi-generational extended families often live in same house. This means that disaster like an earthquake can potentially devastate or even wipe out local communities. In June last year, more than 1000 people were killed in another earthquake in Afghanistan. The quake had also left thousands homeless. It was a 5.9-magnitude earthquake that hit the impoverished province of Paktia. Afghanistan is already in the middle of a dire humanitarian crisis. The foreign aid has largely dried up after withdrawal of US-led coalition forces and Taliban's return to power in 2021. Afghanistan's Herat province, affected by the latest earthquake is also experiencing a years-long drought. This has severely affected agricultural communities. Earthquakes are common in Afghanistan especially in the Hindu Kush mountain region. This region lies near the junction of the Eurasian and Indian tectonic plates. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Watch: Powerful Afghanistan quake makes trucks shake like cardboard boxes

The death toll from a 6.3 magnitude earthquake in western Afghanistan on Saturday (Oct 7) has risen to more than 2,000, according to a Taliban spokesperson cited by AFP.

Afghanistan Earthquake 2023: Powerful quake triggers landslides

Afghanistan earthquake: More than 2,000 killed, toll expected to rise

On October 7, a magnitude 6.3 earthquake struck western Afghanistan, leaving 14 people dead and 78 injured, according to an official. There have been reports of landslides and victims trapped beneath collapsed structures, so the death toll could grow.

Afghanistan Earthquake 2023: Quake of 6.3 magnitude hits the nation

On Inside South Asia with Dasuni Athauda: -Maldives to tilt towards China? -Election season heats up in India -Pakistan warns illegal afghan migrants -Nepal's Indra Jatra festival

Maldives to tilt towards China? Election season heats up in India

In a move that could further deteriorate ongoing tensions between Kabul and Islamabad, Pakistan's caretaker government has launched a fresh crackdown on Afghan refugees.

Pakistan: All illegal immigrants including Afghans' ordered to leave country

Pakistan has ordered Afghan nationals to leave its soil by Nov 1. It has asked them to go back or get deported. This decision could impact 1.3 million Afghans. Priyanka Sharma brings you a report.

Gravitas: Pakistan asks Afghans to leave country | 1.3 million Afghans could get deported

<p>Pakistan on Tuesday ordered all illegal immigrants, including 1.73 million Afghan nationals, to leave the country or face expulsion after revealing that 14 of the 24 suicide bombings in the country this year were carried out by Afghan nationals.</p>

<p>It was not immediately clear how Pakistani authorities could ensure the illegal immigrants leave, or how they could find them to expel them.</p>

<p>Islamabad's announcement marks a new low in its relations with Kabul which deteriorated after border clashes between the South Asian neighbours last month.</p>

<p>"We have given them a November 1 deadline," said Interior Minister Sarfraz Bugti, adding that all illegal immigrants should leave voluntarily or face forcible expulsion after that date.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/three-filipino-fishermen-killed-in-south-china-sea-after-collision-with-foreign-vessel-says-philippines-642424">Three Filipino fishermen killed in South China Sea after collision with foreign vessel, says Philippines</a></p>

<p>Bugti said some 1.73 million Afghan nationals in Pakistan had no legal documents to stay, adding a total of 4.4 million Afghan refugees living in Pakistan.</p>

<p>"There are no two opinions that we are attacked from within Afghanistan and Afghan nationals are involved in attacks on us," he said. "We have evidence."</p>

<p>Islamabad has received the largest influx of Afghan refugees since the Soviet invasion of Kabul in 1979.</p>

<p>Bugti was speaking in Islamabad after civil and military leaders met the prime minister and army chief to discuss law and order after a recent spate of militant attacks.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-state-swings-from-bush-fires-to-flash-floods-in-24-hours-642426">Australia state swings from bush fires to flash floods in 24 hours</a></p>

<p>The violence has seen an unusual uptick since local Taliban militants known as Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), an umbrella group of hardline Sunni Islamist militants, revoked a ceasefire with the government late last year.</p>

<p>The TTP wants to overthrow the Pakistani government to replace it with its strict rule under Islamic law.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-trump-civil-fraud-trial-continues-in-new-york-642415">US: Trump civil fraud trial continues in New York</a></strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-trump-civil-fraud-trial-continues-in-new-york-642415/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Two suicide bombings targeted religious gatherings in Pakistan last week, killing at least 57 people. The TTP denied involvement. Bugti said that one of the suicide bombers had been identified as an Afghan national.</p>

<p>Islamist State also operates in the Afghan border regions and has been involved in attacks in Pakistan.</p>

<p>The Pakistani military has conducted several offensives against Islamist militants, mainly in the rugged mountainous region along the Afghan border, which it says forced them to flee to Afghanistan.</p>

<p>Islamabad alleges that the militants use Afghan soil to train fighters and plan attacks inside Pakistan, a charge Kabul denies, saying Pakistani security is a domestic issue.</p>

<p>There was no immediate response from Kabul to Bugti's comments.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Pakistan on Tuesday ordered all illegal immigrants, including 1.73 million Afghan nationals, to leave the country or face expulsion after revealing that 14 of the 24 suicide bombings in the country this year were carried out by Afghan nationals.

Pakistan on Tuesday ordered all illegal immigrants, including 1.73 million Afghan nationals, to leave the country or face expulsion after revealing that 14 of the 24 suicide bombings in the country this year were carried out by Afghan nationals. It was not immediately clear how Pakistani authorities could ensure the illegal immigrants leave, or how they could find them to expel them. Islamabad's announcement marks a new low in its relations with Kabul which deteriorated after border clashes between the South Asian neighbours last month. "We have given them a November 1 deadline," said Interior Minister Sarfraz Bugti, adding that all illegal immigrants should leave voluntarily or face forcible expulsion after that date. Also Read | Three Filipino fishermen killed in South China Sea after collision with foreign vessel, says Philippines Bugti said some 1.73 million Afghan nationals in Pakistan had no legal documents to stay, adding a total of 4.4 million Afghan refugees living in Pakistan. "There are no two opinions that we are attacked from within Afghanistan and Afghan nationals are involved in attacks on us," he said. "We have evidence." Islamabad has received the largest influx of Afghan refugees since the Soviet invasion of Kabul in 1979. Bugti was speaking in Islamabad after civil and military leaders met the prime minister and army chief to discuss law and order after a recent spate of militant attacks. Also Read | Australia state swings from bush fires to flash floods in 24 hours The violence has seen an unusual uptick since local Taliban militants known as Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), an umbrella group of hardline Sunni Islamist militants, revoked a ceasefire with the government late last year. The TTP wants to overthrow the Pakistani government to replace it with its strict rule under Islamic law. Watch | US: Trump civil fraud trial continues in New York × Two suicide bombings targeted religious gatherings in Pakistan last week, killing at least 57 people. The TTP denied involvement. Bugti said that one of the suicide bombers had been identified as an Afghan national. Islamist State also operates in the Afghan border regions and has been involved in attacks in Pakistan. The Pakistani military has conducted several offensives against Islamist militants, mainly in the rugged mountainous region along the Afghan border, which it says forced them to flee to Afghanistan. Islamabad alleges that the militants use Afghan soil to train fighters and plan attacks inside Pakistan, a charge Kabul denies, saying Pakistani security is a domestic issue. There was no immediate response from Kabul to Bugti's comments. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Pakistan orders all illegal immigrants, including 1.73 million Afghans, to leave or face forcible expulsion

Pakistan orders illegal Afghan nationals to leave country; November 1 given as deadline | WION Pulse

Taliban rulers urged to prevent Afghanistan from 'being terror, instability hotspot'. Moscow format asks the Taliban to cooperate against threats of terrorism and drug trafficking emanating from the country.

Taliban urged to avert country from 'being instability hotspot'

<p>An Afghan boxer has been provisionally suspended for failing a doping test at the Asian Games, the International Testing Agency (ITA) said, the first reported drugs case at the event. The 37-year-old Mohammad Khaibar Nooristani, who was defeated on Monday in the preliminary rounds of the 71kg weight class in Hangzhou, tested positive for two banned substances, the ITA said.</p>

<p>Both were anabolic steroids. The boxer was tested four days before his bout but it takes time for positive results to come through. "The sample was collected by the ITA at the Asian Games Hangzhou during an out-of-competition anti-doping control performed on September 21, 2023," the body said Thursday. "The athlete has been informed of the case and has been provisionally suspended with immediate effect. He has the right to request the analysis of the B-sample."</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/maria-sakkari-jessica-pegula-reach-pan-pacific-open-semi-finals-as-iga-swiatek-bows-out-640894">Maria Sakkari, Jessica Pegula reach Pan Pacific Open semi-finals as Iga Swiatek bows out</a></strong></p>

<p>Speaking earlier this week, Mani Jegathesan, an adviser to the Olympic Council of Asia's anti-doping committee, warned that drug cheats at the Games would be rooted out. "Every athlete participating in these Games must understand that they could be picked at any time," Jegathesan warned. "That is the best step to ensuring we have a clean event."</p>

<p>There are about 12,000 athletes at the 19th Asian Games, more competitors than at the Olympics, and Jegathesan admitted it would be impossible to test them all. Instead, they will prioritise, including picking out those who break world or Asian records. They will also home in on athletes if they receive "intelligence".</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


An Afghan boxer has been provisionally suspended for failing a doping test at the Asian Games, the International Testing Agency (ITA) said, the first reported drugs case at the event.

An Afghan boxer has been provisionally suspended for failing a doping test at the Asian Games, the International Testing Agency (ITA) said, the first reported drugs case at the event. The 37-year-old Mohammad Khaibar Nooristani, who was defeated on Monday in the preliminary rounds of the 71kg weight class in Hangzhou, tested positive for two banned substances, the ITA said. Both were anabolic steroids. The boxer was tested four days before his bout but it takes time for positive results to come through. "The sample was collected by the ITA at the Asian Games Hangzhou during an out-of-competition anti-doping control performed on September 21, 2023," the body said Thursday. "The athlete has been informed of the case and has been provisionally suspended with immediate effect. He has the right to request the analysis of the B-sample." Also read: Maria Sakkari, Jessica Pegula reach Pan Pacific Open semi-finals as Iga Swiatek bows out Speaking earlier this week, Mani Jegathesan, an adviser to the Olympic Council of Asia's anti-doping committee, warned that drug cheats at the Games would be rooted out. "Every athlete participating in these Games must understand that they could be picked at any time," Jegathesan warned. "That is the best step to ensuring we have a clean event." There are about 12,000 athletes at the 19th Asian Games, more competitors than at the Olympics, and Jegathesan admitted it would be impossible to test them all. Instead, they will prioritise, including picking out those who break world or Asian records. They will also home in on athletes if they receive "intelligence". WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Afghan boxer provisionally suspended for failing doping test at Asian Games

The Afghan currency has become the 'best performing' in this quarter. It has even outpaced the value of the Pakistani rupee. Priyanka Sharma asks: Is Afghanistan a better economic bet than Pakistan?

Gravitas: Afghan currency becomes 'best performing' | Afghani beats Pakistani rupee

Defying the Taliban’s restrictions, the Afghanistan women’s volleyball team on Wednesday went through their paces during a rigorous training session – dressed in lycra leggings and shirts sporting the traditional colors of red, black, and green, the colors of the former government’s flag.

Afghan women athletes defy Taliban at Asian Games

Afghanistan's currency rise amidst the 'Taliban' chaos has made a lot of people scratch their heads. How many billion dollars in humanitarian aid and a peculiar set of circumstances have propelled Afghanistan currency?

The great Afghanistan currency surge: Afghanistan's uncertain economic outlook

<p>A top UN official said on Tuesday (September 26) that suicide and suicidal ideation are "everywhere" for Afghan women as they face increasing isolation under the Taliban regime. The restrictions often come from male relatives encumbered by the Taliban's increasingly restrictive decrees for women.</p>

<p>"They tell us that they are prisoners living in darkness, confined to their homes without hope or future," Sima Bahous, executive director of UN Women, told the UN Security Council, warning of "three marked shifts that demand our urgent attention."</p>

<p>Taliban returned to power in 2021 after the US-led coalition left Afghanistan. Since then, the regime has sought to impose its strict interpretation of Islam to restrict women's presence in social life and has even curbed their movement&nbsp;outside homes. Women are banned from school, restricted from visiting public spaces freely and aren't even allowed to work.</p>

<p>Bahous said that women's power over decision-making has reduced dramatically. This, she said, is true not only at national and provincial levels but also within communities, families and even within their homes.</p>

<p>"This is driven by increased poverty, a decrease in women's financial contributions, the Taliban's imposition of hyper-patriarchal gender norms, and women's growing isolation," she said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Bahous also said that the list of restrictions is ever-growing and the restrictions "are being enforced more frequently and with more severity, including by male family members, as the Taliban hold them accountable to enforce their decrees".</p>

<p>This has led to an increase in child marriages and child labour.</p>

<p>The UN Women chief finally said that there was a heightened concern about Afghan women's mental health.</p>

<p>"As the percentage of women employed continues to drop, 90 per cent of young women respondents report bad or very bad mental health, and suicide and suicidal ideation is everywhere ... They tell us that their elimination from public life is like a continuous fear of violent death."</p>

<p>She called on donors to find "innovative" ways to help Afghan women and girls who have the "courage and creativity" to defy these restrictions -- be it online, through cash assistance and scholarships, or through safe migration.</p>

<p>You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form"><strong>here</strong></a>.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


A top UN official said on Tuesday (September 26) that suicide and suicidal ideation are "everywhere" for Afghan women as they face increasing isolation under the Taliban regime.

A top UN official said on Tuesday (September 26) that suicide and suicidal ideation are "everywhere" for Afghan women as they face increasing isolation under the Taliban regime. The restrictions often come from male relatives encumbered by the Taliban's increasingly restrictive decrees for women. "They tell us that they are prisoners living in darkness, confined to their homes without hope or future," Sima Bahous, executive director of UN Women, told the UN Security Council, warning of "three marked shifts that demand our urgent attention." Taliban returned to power in 2021 after the US-led coalition left Afghanistan. Since then, the regime has sought to impose its strict interpretation of Islam to restrict women's presence in social life and has even curbed their movement outside homes. Women are banned from school, restricted from visiting public spaces freely and aren't even allowed to work. Bahous said that women's power over decision-making has reduced dramatically. This, she said, is true not only at national and provincial levels but also within communities, families and even within their homes. "This is driven by increased poverty, a decrease in women's financial contributions, the Taliban's imposition of hyper-patriarchal gender norms, and women's growing isolation," she said. Bahous also said that the list of restrictions is ever-growing and the restrictions "are being enforced more frequently and with more severity, including by male family members, as the Taliban hold them accountable to enforce their decrees". This has led to an increase in child marriages and child labour. The UN Women chief finally said that there was a heightened concern about Afghan women's mental health. "As the percentage of women employed continues to drop, 90 per cent of young women respondents report bad or very bad mental health, and suicide and suicidal ideation is everywhere ... They tell us that their elimination from public life is like a continuous fear of violent death." She called on donors to find "innovative" ways to help Afghan women and girls who have the "courage and creativity" to defy these restrictions -- be it online, through cash assistance and scholarships, or through safe migration. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Suicidal ideation rampant among Afghan women, top UN official tells UNSC

On Inside South Asia with Dasuni Athauda: -We tell you all about the new parliament of India and a look at how the big shift took place -78th UNGA session -In focus: Rights of Afghan women and children -Kabaddi fever grips Pakistan -Bhutan: 40% increase in snow leopard population

Inside India's new parliament | Afghan women issue raised at UNGA | Inside South Asia

<p>A vlogger from the southern Indian state of Kerala is drawing flak after he travelled to Afghanistan and shared a video praising the Taliban regime, local media reported on Tuesday (September 19). Muhammed Yaseen, who runs a YouTube channel by the name of "Yaseen Vlogs," has been sharing videos of his stay in Afghanistan. On September 13, Yaseen uploaded a video titled "TALIBAN GUN COLLATIONS" where he praised the Taliban and showed some of their guns.</p>

<p>The video has garnered over 163,000 views. Yaseen claimed in the video that the Taliban had been very welcoming and friendly.</p>

<p>The video has since been&nbsp;criticised on social media.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In another video, Yaseen talked about open gun markets in Afghanistan and shared a video of the regime inviting him for lunch.</p>

<p>He also shared another video talking about the life of women under the regime.</p>

<p>Since taking over Afghanistan in August 2021, the Taliban have strictly restricted the rights and freedoms of women and girls through bans on education and work. The regime has said that they respect women's rights in line with their interpretation of Islamic law and local custom.</p>

<p>On September 12, the UN rights chief accused the Taliban of a "shocking level of oppression" of women and girls and said human rights in Afghanistan were in a state of collapse.</p>

<p>“Human rights in Afghanistan are in a state of collapse, acutely affecting the lives of millions of women, men, girls and boys,” UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk told the Human Rights Council in Geneva.</p>

<p>“The shocking level of oppression of Afghan women and girls is immeasurably cruel,” he added.<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


A vlogger from the southern Indian state of Kerala is drawing flak after he travelled to Afghanistan and shared a video praising the Taliban regime, local media reported on Tuesday (September 19).

A vlogger from the southern Indian state of Kerala is drawing flak after he travelled to Afghanistan and shared a video praising the Taliban regime, local media reported on Tuesday (September 19). Muhammed Yaseen, who runs a YouTube channel by the name of "Yaseen Vlogs," has been sharing videos of his stay in Afghanistan. On September 13, Yaseen uploaded a video titled "TALIBAN GUN COLLATIONS" where he praised the Taliban and showed some of their guns. The video has garnered over 163,000 views. Yaseen claimed in the video that the Taliban had been very welcoming and friendly. The video has since been criticised on social media. In another video, Yaseen talked about open gun markets in Afghanistan and shared a video of the regime inviting him for lunch. He also shared another video talking about the life of women under the regime. Since taking over Afghanistan in August 2021, the Taliban have strictly restricted the rights and freedoms of women and girls through bans on education and work. The regime has said that they respect women's rights in line with their interpretation of Islamic law and local custom. On September 12, the UN rights chief accused the Taliban of a "shocking level of oppression" of women and girls and said human rights in Afghanistan were in a state of collapse. “Human rights in Afghanistan are in a state of collapse, acutely affecting the lives of millions of women, men, girls and boys,” UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk told the Human Rights Council in Geneva. “The shocking level of oppression of Afghan women and girls is immeasurably cruel,” he added. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Indian vlogger travels to Afghanistan, shows off Taliban’s gun collection, draws flak

Pakistan border tensions with Afghanistan have fled up and has happened yet again for the umpteenth time in a show of defiance and military might. The Taliban-led government has bolstered its presence along the Afghan-Pakistan border.

Taliban bolsters border presence; 1,600 mile border, marred in conflict | World News | WION

'Taliban are not friendly with musicians, they burn musical instruments, that's ultimate cruelty for a musician.' In an exclusive chat with WION's Samarpita Das, Afghan refugee and singer Abi K Safa talks about his struggle as a musician under the Taliban and tells how he ended up working with the three-time Grammy winner Ricky Kej.

From Afghanistan to India, meet ace singer of Ricky Kej's band

Afghanistan is in a time warp not allowed to work and for men there is hardly any work. Healthcare, education and almost everything is derelict. The country has come to a virtual standstill after the Taliban took control.

NGOs under scrutiny in Afghanistan: Taliban detains 18 NGO staff members, US woman among them | WION

From Afghanistan to India, meet ace singer of Ricky Kej's band- Abi K Safa

<p>Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt were in New York for a vacation recently. While in the city, the couple met Afghanistan cricketer Rashid Khan who shared a photo of the trio on Instagram on Friday.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
"With Bollywood’s biggest. It was lovely to meet you #Ranbir @aliaabhatt,"&nbsp;Khan wrote alongside the photo.<br />
<br />
Khan is the captain of the Afghanistan men's national cricket team in the T20 format. In the photo, he can be seen wearing a black hoodie with blue jeans, while Ranbir looked cool in a grey co-ordinated set. His wife, actress Alia Bhatt kept it minimal in an all-black outfit.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CxLqzeAIyD7/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
<div style="padding:16px;">
<div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;">
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 19% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CxLqzeAIyD7/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd" stroke="none" stroke-width="1"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></a></div>

<div style="padding-top: 8px;">
<div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CxLqzeAIyD7/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank">View this post on Instagram</a></div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 12.5% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;">
<div>
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: 8px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: auto;">
<div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CxLqzeAIyD7/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Rashid Khan (@rashid.khan19)</a></p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>India and Afghanistan will clash on Wednesday, October 11, in the national capital Delhi after the Indian men's cricket team begins its World Cup campaign against Australia in Chennai on October 8, Sunday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Ranbir and Alia returned to India on Friday. The couple were seen obliging fans with selfies at the Mumbai airport. Ranbir will be seen next in Sandeep Reddy Vanga's criminal drama <em>Animal</em>, which is set to hit theatres on December 1.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
On the other hand, Alia Bhatt was last seen in Karan Johar's <em>Rocky aur Ranii Ki Prem Kahaani</em>. The film has faired well at the box office. Alia hasn't officially announced her next project yet.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1  width=&quot;100%&quot;"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt were in New York for a vacation recently. While in the city, the couple met Afghanistan cricketer Rashid Khan who shared a photo of the trio on Instagram on Friday.

Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt were in New York for a vacation recently. While in the city, the couple met Afghanistan cricketer Rashid Khan who shared a photo of the trio on Instagram on Friday. "With Bollywood’s biggest. It was lovely to meet you #Ranbir @aliaabhatt," Khan wrote alongside the photo. Khan is the captain of the Afghanistan men's national cricket team in the T20 format. In the photo, he can be seen wearing a black hoodie with blue jeans, while Ranbir looked cool in a grey co-ordinated set. His wife, actress Alia Bhatt kept it minimal in an all-black outfit. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rashid Khan (@rashid.khan19) × India and Afghanistan will clash on Wednesday, October 11, in the national capital Delhi after the Indian men's cricket team begins its World Cup campaign against Australia in Chennai on October 8, Sunday. Meanwhile, Ranbir and Alia returned to India on Friday. The couple were seen obliging fans with selfies at the Mumbai airport. Ranbir will be seen next in Sandeep Reddy Vanga's criminal drama Animal, which is set to hit theatres on December 1. On the other hand, Alia Bhatt was last seen in Karan Johar's Rocky aur Ranii Ki Prem Kahaani. The film has faired well at the box office. Alia hasn't officially announced her next project yet. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt meet Afghanistran cricketer Rashid Khan in New York, see photo

Can Pakistan ever live at peace? Islamabad's ties with every neighbouring country are falling apart. From Afghanistan to Iran to UAE, every neighbouring nation is distancing itself from Islamabad. Molly Gambhir brings you a report.

Gravitas: Pakistan's ties with every neighbour are falling apart

<p>The Torkham border crossing between Afghanistan and Pakistan reopened to pedestrians and vehicles early Friday (September 15), according to a report by the news agency AFP, citing a senior official. This comes over a week after the crossing was closed following a reported&nbsp;deadly cross-border raid from Afghanistan by “hundreds” of Pakistan Taliban militants.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Afghan-Pakistan border reopens</strong></h2>

<p>The border crossing reopened after days of diplomatic deadlock between Islamabad and Kabul following an altercation between the Pakistani troops and Afghan border forces which also reportedly involved “hundreds” of Pakistan’s home-grown Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) movement, in a dispute over an Afghan outpost being constructed.</p>

<p>“The clearance of trucks is in process and Afghan citizens are entering Afghanistan after clearance and passing immigration processes,” Irshad Khan Mohmamd, assistant commissioner of Khyber district in Pakistan, told AFP.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/afghan-and-pakistani-taliban-collaborated-on-recent-attacks-targeting-pak-law-enforcement-583046">Afghanistan, Pakistani Taliban 'collaborated' on attacks targeting Pak law enforcement: Report</a></strong></p>

<p>The closure of the border following Pakistan and Afghanistan army clashes and exchange of fire had left hundreds of travellers and trucks stranded on the busiest crossing between the two nations, which share a porous 2,600-kilometre frontier.&nbsp;</p>

<p>An AFP team on the Afghan side of the border said that the gates were still closed, as of now, while crowds had gathered in anticipation of crossing to Pakistan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The closure also prompted complaints from traders who said that tonnes of perishable goods were lost while Afghan travellers missed essential hospital appointments or flights out of Pakistan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>More than 1,300 vehicles, including trucks and trailers, were on the Pakistan side waiting to cross, said the media report, citing officials.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/peshawar-mosque-blast-ttp-soldier-claims-responsibility-calls-it-act-of-revenge-557337">Peshawar mosque blast: TTP bomber claims responsibility, calls it act of revenge; toll rises to 61</a></strong></p>

<p>Meanwhile, people in Afghanistan’s Nangarhar held protests earlier this week over the closure and said Islamabad has regularly closed the Torkham crossing under various pretexts during the fruit and vegetable season.</p>

<h2><strong>About the&nbsp;clashes between&nbsp;Pakistan and Afghanistan troops</strong></h2>

<p>On September 6, a gun battle erupted between Pakistan and Afghan border forces, said the officials, with each side blaming the other for starting the firefight. Since the Taliban returned to power in Kabul two years ago, Islamabad has accused them of harbouring militants carrying out strikes on its soil.</p>

<p>However, Afghanistan’s Taliban authorities have repeatedly denied the allegations. Pakistan, on Monday (Sep 11) said that “unprovoked firing by Afghan border security forces invariably emboldens the terrorist elements”.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-says-will-target-ttp-on-afghan-soil-taliban-says-things-can-be-resolved-by-dialogue-548657">Pakistan says will target TTP on Afghan soil, Taliban say would not let anyone attack Islamic Emirate</a></strong></p>

<p>“They were in hundreds and were armed with light and heavy weapons. We were ready to face the attack and exchange of fire continued for some four hours,” Mohammad Ali, deputy commissioner of Chitral district, told AFP, referring to the TTP.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The TTP is said to have reportedly been emboldened by the Taliban’s return to power in Kabul and is increasingly a point of contention between the two nations.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em><br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


The Torkham border crossing between Afghanistan and Pakistan reopened to pedestrians and vehicles early Friday (September 15), according to a report by the news agency AFP, citing a senior official.

The Torkham border crossing between Afghanistan and Pakistan reopened to pedestrians and vehicles early Friday (September 15), according to a report by the news agency AFP, citing a senior official. This comes over a week after the crossing was closed following a reported deadly cross-border raid from Afghanistan by “hundreds” of Pakistan Taliban militants. Afghan-Pakistan border reopens The border crossing reopened after days of diplomatic deadlock between Islamabad and Kabul following an altercation between the Pakistani troops and Afghan border forces which also reportedly involved “hundreds” of Pakistan’s home-grown Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) movement, in a dispute over an Afghan outpost being constructed. “The clearance of trucks is in process and Afghan citizens are entering Afghanistan after clearance and passing immigration processes,” Irshad Khan Mohmamd, assistant commissioner of Khyber district in Pakistan, told AFP. ALSO READ | Afghanistan, Pakistani Taliban 'collaborated' on attacks targeting Pak law enforcement: Report The closure of the border following Pakistan and Afghanistan army clashes and exchange of fire had left hundreds of travellers and trucks stranded on the busiest crossing between the two nations, which share a porous 2,600-kilometre frontier. An AFP team on the Afghan side of the border said that the gates were still closed, as of now, while crowds had gathered in anticipation of crossing to Pakistan. The closure also prompted complaints from traders who said that tonnes of perishable goods were lost while Afghan travellers missed essential hospital appointments or flights out of Pakistan. More than 1,300 vehicles, including trucks and trailers, were on the Pakistan side waiting to cross, said the media report, citing officials. ALSO READ | Peshawar mosque blast: TTP bomber claims responsibility, calls it act of revenge; toll rises to 61 Meanwhile, people in Afghanistan’s Nangarhar held protests earlier this week over the closure and said Islamabad has regularly closed the Torkham crossing under various pretexts during the fruit and vegetable season. About the clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan troops On September 6, a gun battle erupted between Pakistan and Afghan border forces, said the officials, with each side blaming the other for starting the firefight. Since the Taliban returned to power in Kabul two years ago, Islamabad has accused them of harbouring militants carrying out strikes on its soil. However, Afghanistan’s Taliban authorities have repeatedly denied the allegations. Pakistan, on Monday (Sep 11) said that “unprovoked firing by Afghan border security forces invariably emboldens the terrorist elements”. ALSO READ | Pakistan says will target TTP on Afghan soil, Taliban say would not let anyone attack Islamic Emirate “They were in hundreds and were armed with light and heavy weapons. We were ready to face the attack and exchange of fire continued for some four hours,” Mohammad Ali, deputy commissioner of Chitral district, told AFP, referring to the TTP. The TTP is said to have reportedly been emboldened by the Taliban’s return to power in Kabul and is increasingly a point of contention between the two nations. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Afghan-Pakistan border crossing reopens after ‘deadly’ clashes: Report

<p>China's appointment of Ambassador Zhao Sheng to Afghanistan has sent ripples through the global diplomatic arena. After the Taliban's resurgence following the withdrawal of US forces, China became the first country to officially appoint a new ambassador to Kabul.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ahmad Nader Nadery, a Senior Fellow at the Wilson Center, and&nbsp;Visiting Fellow at the Hoover Institute of Stanford, and one of Afghanistan's former peace negotiators&nbsp;in Doha talks, spoke to WION about China's motivations and strategic interests in Afghanistan.</p>

<h2><strong>China's economic ambitions&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Nadery underscored the economic interests driving China's engagement with Afghanistan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"For long, China had its eyes on Afghanistan’s natural resources. Especially of rare earth minerals, iron, and copper. It encouraged its private sector to seek concessions from the Taliban on medium and large-size mines. While Afghanistan was not initially an essential part of the Belt and Road Initiative, it has become an essential part of the focus for mining purposes."</p>

<h2><strong>Uyghur security concerns&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Nadery also spoke to WION about China's security concerns, in regards to anti-China Uyghur groups. China wants Afghanistan to stop these Uyghur groups from causing trouble as it believes that since these groups&nbsp;want to free Xinjiang, they can cause instability for Beijing in the region.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While China previously cooperated with the Afghan Republic on security matters, the Taliban's reluctance to engage to the same extent has prompted China to recalibrate its approach, Nadery pointed out.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-chinas-smokescreen-tricks-the-world-against-reforms-at-un-security-council-635950">How China’s ‘smokescreen’ tricks the world against reforms at UN Security Council</a></p>

<p>"Uyghur militant groups have been a key topic of China’s interaction with the Afghan government in the past two decades. There has been security cooperation with the Afghan Republic on the violent actors including Uyghurs, but the Taliban seems to be unwilling to cooperate with China to the extent they want. In my view, China pursues strategic interests in Afghanistan and believes it&nbsp;can achieve it through the Taliban. First is access to vast natural resources and second is security in relation to Uyghurs."&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Geopolitical rivalry&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Nadery also placed China's actions in the broader context of escalating US-China rivalry.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Afghanistan's rare earth resources have become yet another battleground in the global competition between these superpowers. While engaging with the Taliban, China remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding its strategic interests.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"A third element has emerged in the past two years and that is the US-China escalating rivalry," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>So, engaging with Taliban wrong or right?&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Nadery&nbsp;also provides&nbsp;a valuable perspective on China's calculated moves in Afghanistan and their implications for the region and the world at large.</p>

<p>"The last two years show that engagement with the Taliban would not change their behaviour. It gives them more reason to remain unchanged and uncommitted to the demands of the international community. While having an ambassador-level head of mission in Kabul and not officially recognising the Taliban, China indicated that it’s there only to protect its strategic interests in the areas I have mentioned," he said.</p>

<h2><strong>A milestone for China?&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>While some might perceive Ambassador Zhao Sheng's appointment as a diplomatic milestone, Nadery reminds that it is part of China's ongoing diplomatic engagement, not an outright recognition of the Taliban regime.</p>

<p>"In my view, it’s not an elevation of diplomatic relations between China and the Taliban. China’s ambassador, like Turkey, Iran, and Pakistan, continued their diplomatic presence with their ambassadors stationed in Kabul. However, with the ambassador’s term ending, this was the first to present the credentials to the Taliban's de facto prime minister."</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


China's appointment of Ambassador Zhao Sheng to Afghanistan has sent ripples through the global diplomatic arena. After the Taliban's resurgence following the withdrawal of US forces, China became the first country to officially appoint a new ambassador to Kabul.

China's appointment of Ambassador Zhao Sheng to Afghanistan has sent ripples through the global diplomatic arena. After the Taliban's resurgence following the withdrawal of US forces, China became the first country to officially appoint a new ambassador to Kabul. Ahmad Nader Nadery, a Senior Fellow at the Wilson Center, and Visiting Fellow at the Hoover Institute of Stanford, and one of Afghanistan's former peace negotiators in Doha talks, spoke to WION about China's motivations and strategic interests in Afghanistan. China's economic ambitions Nadery underscored the economic interests driving China's engagement with Afghanistan. "For long, China had its eyes on Afghanistan’s natural resources. Especially of rare earth minerals, iron, and copper. It encouraged its private sector to seek concessions from the Taliban on medium and large-size mines. While Afghanistan was not initially an essential part of the Belt and Road Initiative, it has become an essential part of the focus for mining purposes." Uyghur security concerns Nadery also spoke to WION about China's security concerns, in regards to anti-China Uyghur groups. China wants Afghanistan to stop these Uyghur groups from causing trouble as it believes that since these groups want to free Xinjiang, they can cause instability for Beijing in the region. While China previously cooperated with the Afghan Republic on security matters, the Taliban's reluctance to engage to the same extent has prompted China to recalibrate its approach, Nadery pointed out. Also Read | How China’s ‘smokescreen’ tricks the world against reforms at UN Security Council "Uyghur militant groups have been a key topic of China’s interaction with the Afghan government in the past two decades. There has been security cooperation with the Afghan Republic on the violent actors including Uyghurs, but the Taliban seems to be unwilling to cooperate with China to the extent they want. In my view, China pursues strategic interests in Afghanistan and believes it can achieve it through the Taliban. First is access to vast natural resources and second is security in relation to Uyghurs." Geopolitical rivalry Nadery also placed China's actions in the broader context of escalating US-China rivalry. Afghanistan's rare earth resources have become yet another battleground in the global competition between these superpowers. While engaging with the Taliban, China remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding its strategic interests. "A third element has emerged in the past two years and that is the US-China escalating rivalry," he added. So, engaging with Taliban wrong or right? Nadery also provides a valuable perspective on China's calculated moves in Afghanistan and their implications for the region and the world at large. "The last two years show that engagement with the Taliban would not change their behaviour. It gives them more reason to remain unchanged and uncommitted to the demands of the international community. While having an ambassador-level head of mission in Kabul and not officially recognising the Taliban, China indicated that it’s there only to protect its strategic interests in the areas I have mentioned," he said. A milestone for China? While some might perceive Ambassador Zhao Sheng's appointment as a diplomatic milestone, Nadery reminds that it is part of China's ongoing diplomatic engagement, not an outright recognition of the Taliban regime. "In my view, it’s not an elevation of diplomatic relations between China and the Taliban. China’s ambassador, like Turkey, Iran, and Pakistan, continued their diplomatic presence with their ambassadors stationed in Kabul. However, with the ambassador’s term ending, this was the first to present the credentials to the Taliban's de facto prime minister." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

China's economic interests driving its engagement with Kabul, former peace negotiator tells WION

A gun battle erupted between Pakistan border forces and Afghan Taliban on the 6th of September. Both sides pinned the blame on each other for triggering the firefight which resulted in the shutdown of their busiest trade crossing. In a separate incident on the same day, Pakistan military claimed to have repelled a cross-border raid from Afghanistan by hundreds of Pakistan Taliban militants. Caretaker Pakistani foreign minister, Jalil Abbas Jilani, tried to diffuse the situation by claiming that the Chitral attack was an isolated incident and didn't have the sanction of the Afghan government. On Saturday, seven more terrorists were killed by the security forces in an intense exchange of fire in the Chitral district. Since Taliban's ascension to power in Kabul two years ago, Islamabad and Kabul have had frosty relations. Islamabad has accused Kabul of harboring militants carrying out attacks on Pakistani soil, a charge denied by Afghan Taliban.

Busiest trade crossing between Pak-Afg shut down | World at War

<p>In a shocking revelation, a book recalled the horrific experience of US Marines when they were asked to collect human faeces and other disgusting garbage which had littered the airport and leave it clean for the Taliban before exiting Kabul in August 2021.<br />
<br />
The humiliating experience was for the first time recounted in a new book, <em>Kabul: The Untold Story of Biden’s Fiasco and the American Warriors Who Fought to the End.</em><br />
<br />
On August 28, 2021, the passenger terminal of the Kabul airport was filthy after the United States' botched withdrawal from Afghanistan. For a week, more than 120,000 Afghans had camped at the terminal, “defecating and leaving trash, bags, clothes, and other unspeakable things.”</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/video-viral-shows-ttp-leader-giving-instructions-to-terrorists-involved-in-attack-on-pak-check-post-633668">Viral video shows Pak Taliban chief giving orders to terrorists involved in attack on check post</a></p>

<h2><strong>Order accompanied by threat</strong></h2>

<p>At every level, Marines were left infuriated after the officials were “forced to scoop up human poop.” The order to clean “came with a threat that we would not leave at all if it was not completed,” stated one junior Marine, while interacting with authors Jerry Dunleavy and James Hasson.<br />
<br />
“It was degrading and ridiculous. We took a lot of casualties and put a lot of effort into that mission and to close it out that way was wrong. Morale was really down at that point, and it was an extremely pointless effort,” he added.<br />
<br />
“It was the final indignity for our military heroes, who put themselves in harm’s way to satisfy a callous commander-in-chief who kept changing his mind to suit the political winds,” the junior stated.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: Pakistan Closes Vital Border Crossing with Afghanistan</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-pakistan-closes-vital-border-crossing-with-afghanistan-633088/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<h2><strong>US' hasty withdrawal from Afghanistan</strong></h2>

<p>The withdrawal of the United States was completed on 30 August 2021 as the Taliban took over the war-ravaged country after waging a 20-year insurgency against US-led forces which had invaded Afghanistan in October 2001, in the wake of September 11 terror attacks that year.<br />
<br />
After the withdrawal, the US Central Command head said that there was "a lot of heartbreak" during the departure. The US and its NATO allies were forced to exit Afghanistan hastily as they failed to anticipate that the Taliban would take over so quickly.<br />
<br />
The military withdrawal of the United States from Afghanistan was completed after a huge and chaotic airlift which took the lives of 13 US service members, leaving behind hundreds of Americans and thousands of Afghans still seeking an escape from Taliban rule.</p>

<p>You can&nbsp;<strong>now write for&nbsp;wionews.com</strong>&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>

<main>
<section>
<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" data-gtm-yt-inspected-18="true" data-gtm-yt-inspected-23="true" data-gtm-yt-inspected-32="true" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="lazy" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=0" title="live tv" width="100%"></iframe></p>
</section>
</main>


In a shocking revelation, a book recalled the horrific experience of US Marines when they were asked to collect human faeces and other disgusting garbage which had littered the airport and leave it clean for the Taliban before exiting Kabul in August 2021.

In a shocking revelation, a book recalled the horrific experience of US Marines when they were asked to collect human faeces and other disgusting garbage which had littered the airport and leave it clean for the Taliban before exiting Kabul in August 2021. The humiliating experience was for the first time recounted in a new book, Kabul: The Untold Story of Biden’s Fiasco and the American Warriors Who Fought to the End. On August 28, 2021, the passenger terminal of the Kabul airport was filthy after the United States' botched withdrawal from Afghanistan. For a week, more than 120,000 Afghans had camped at the terminal, “defecating and leaving trash, bags, clothes, and other unspeakable things.” ALSO READ | Viral video shows Pak Taliban chief giving orders to terrorists involved in attack on check post Order accompanied by threat At every level, Marines were left infuriated after the officials were “forced to scoop up human poop.” The order to clean “came with a threat that we would not leave at all if it was not completed,” stated one junior Marine, while interacting with authors Jerry Dunleavy and James Hasson. “It was degrading and ridiculous. We took a lot of casualties and put a lot of effort into that mission and to close it out that way was wrong. Morale was really down at that point, and it was an extremely pointless effort,” he added. “It was the final indignity for our military heroes, who put themselves in harm’s way to satisfy a callous commander-in-chief who kept changing his mind to suit the political winds,” the junior stated. WATCH | Gravitas: Pakistan Closes Vital Border Crossing with Afghanistan US' hasty withdrawal from Afghanistan The withdrawal of the United States was completed on 30 August 2021 as the Taliban took over the war-ravaged country after waging a 20-year insurgency against US-led forces which had invaded Afghanistan in October 2001, in the wake of September 11 terror attacks that year. After the withdrawal, the US Central Command head said that there was "a lot of heartbreak" during the departure. The US and its NATO allies were forced to exit Afghanistan hastily as they failed to anticipate that the Taliban would take over so quickly. The military withdrawal of the United States from Afghanistan was completed after a huge and chaotic airlift which took the lives of 13 US service members, leaving behind hundreds of Americans and thousands of Afghans still seeking an escape from Taliban rule. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

‘Degrading and ridiculous’ | US Marines picked human faeces before leaving Kabul

afghanistan-0

Afghanistan, News on Afghanistan, stories on Afghanistan, articles on Afghanistan, Afghanistan stories at Wion, Afghanistan news, Afghanistan latest news

afghanistan 0