The Afghan Taliban on Monday confirmed that it has freed at least three Indians it took as a hostage in exchange for the release of its 11 Taliban members, including important leaders.&nbsp;

The engineers, working at a power station, were abducted by the Taliban in May last year.

They were part of a group of seven people who had been abducted from a village located in the northern Baghlan Province of Afghanistan.

The prisoner swap was done in the early hours of Sunday at an undisclosed location.

This prisoner exchange comes after a meeting between US special envoy to Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad and the Taliban leaders.

The United States and the Taliban — which returned to the negotiating table for talks hosted by Pakistan — had agreed to swap prisoners.

The freed Afghan Taliban includes prominent leaders like Sheikh Abdul Rahim and Maulvi Abdur Rashid.

India's foreign ministry had earlier thanked the Afghan government for the release and repatriation of the Indian nationals.

Apart from the three Indians, one Australian and one US citizen will also be released.

The Afghan Taliban on Monday confirmed that it has freed at least three Indians it took as a hostage in exchange for the release of its 11 Taliban members, including important leaders.

The Afghan Taliban on Monday confirmed that it has freed at least three Indians it took as a hostage in exchange for the release of its 11 Taliban members, including important leaders. The engineers, working at a power station, were abducted by the Taliban in May last year. They were part of a group of seven people who had been abducted from a village located in the northern Baghlan Province of Afghanistan. The prisoner swap was done in the early hours of Sunday at an undisclosed location. This prisoner exchange comes after a meeting between US special envoy to Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad and the Taliban leaders. The United States and the Taliban — which returned to the negotiating table for talks hosted by Pakistan — had agreed to swap prisoners. The freed Afghan Taliban includes prominent leaders like Sheikh Abdul Rahim and Maulvi Abdur Rashid. India's foreign ministry had earlier thanked the Afghan government for the release and repatriation of the Indian nationals. Apart from the three Indians, one Australian and one US citizen will also be released.

Afghan Taliban frees 3 Indian hostages in exchange for 11 militants

18 years of US war in Afghanistan; America's longest war in its history. Watch video to know more.

18 years of US war in Afghanistan; America's longest war in its history

At least 10 people, including a child, were killed and 27 others sustained injuries in an explosion that took place in Afghanistan's eastern province of Nangarhar on Monday. 
 
The incident occurred when explosive materials placed in a rickshaw went off near an Afghan army vehicle in Police District 3 of the Jalalabad city, local officials confirmed, as reported by Tolo News. 
 
The Afghan Interior Ministry has said that some of those injured in the incident are in critical condition. 
Further details are awaited.

At least 10 people, including a child, were killed and 27 others sustained injuries in an explosion that took place in Afghanistan's eastern province of Nangarhar on Monday.

At least 10 people, including a child, were killed and 27 others sustained injuries in an explosion that took place in Afghanistan's eastern province of Nangarhar on Monday. The incident occurred when explosive materials placed in a rickshaw went off near an Afghan army vehicle in Police District 3 of the Jalalabad city, local officials confirmed, as reported by Tolo News. The Afghan Interior Ministry has said that some of those injured in the incident are in critical condition. Further details are awaited.

Afghanistan: Explosion in Nangarhar province kills ten

Three Indian engineers abducted by the Taliban&nbsp;last year in Afghanistan are set to be released.

The engineers working at a power station were abducted in May of 2018. One of them was released earlier this year.

They were abducted in Bagh-e-Shamal village near the Pul-e-Khomri city which is the capital of northern Baghlan province in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

The development comes days after US special envoy to Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad met Taliban in Pakistan. One of the demands of the American side was release of foreign prisoners in Taliban custody.&nbsp;

A government source in Islamabad said the American side had asked the Taliban to release five foreigners in their custody which included three Indian engineers, one Australian and one American.&nbsp;

The seven abducted Indians were working in Indian company KEC International headquartered in Mumbai. The company owns an electricity sub-station contract in the area. One Indian national was released and repatriated&nbsp;in&nbsp;March, 2019.

The Ministry of External Affairs in a release then said, "We are grateful to the Government of Afghanistan for their support in securing the release and repatriation of the Indian national."

"We continue to work closely with the Government of Afghanistan for the safe and early return of the remaining six Indian nationals," MEA added.

The fate of the remaining three engineers is not known. &nbsp;

More than 60 Indians were working for KEC International in different projects across Afghanistan. This is not the first case of abduction of Indians in Afghanistan. In 2016, an Indian aid worker Judith D Souza was kidnapped by and was released after 40 days.

Three Indian engineers abducted by the Taliban last year in Afghanistan are set to be released. The engineers working at a power station were abducted in May of 2018.

Three Indian engineers abducted by the Taliban last year in Afghanistan are set to be released. The engineers working at a power station were abducted in May of 2018. One of them was released earlier this year. They were abducted in Bagh-e-Shamal village near the Pul-e-Khomri city which is the capital of northern Baghlan province in Afghanistan. The development comes days after US special envoy to Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad met Taliban in Pakistan. One of the demands of the American side was release of foreign prisoners in Taliban custody. A government source in Islamabad said the American side had asked the Taliban to release five foreigners in their custody which included three Indian engineers, one Australian and one American. The seven abducted Indians were working in Indian company KEC International headquartered in Mumbai. The company owns an electricity sub-station contract in the area. One Indian national was released and repatriated in March, 2019. The Ministry of External Affairs in a release then said, "We are grateful to the Government of Afghanistan for their support in securing the release and repatriation of the Indian national." "We continue to work closely with the Government of Afghanistan for the safe and early return of the remaining six Indian nationals," MEA added. The fate of the remaining three engineers is not known. More than 60 Indians were working for KEC International in different projects across Afghanistan. This is not the first case of abduction of Indians in Afghanistan. In 2016, an Indian aid worker Judith D Souza was kidnapped by and was released after 40 days.

Three Indian nationals abducted by Taliban in Afghanistan last year to be released 

At least 89 Taliban terrorists were killed and over 60 were injured during an operation in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/united-nations-violence-against-children-in-afghanistan-up-sharply-253900">Afghan province</a> of Tahar in the past 24 hours, the country's defence ministry said on Saturday. 
 
"Operation against the Taliban is going on throughout Afghanistan. In many areas, the Taliban have been forced to retreat. In the past 24 hours, 89 Taliban have been killed and 67 others were wounded in Tahar Province alone," the ministry's spokesman Rohullah Ahmadzai said at a news conference. 
 
The government forces took control of the province's Bahark district of Tahar, he added. 
 
Afghanistan has long been suffering from an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/blood-and-hope-women-in-afghanistans-elections-253513">unstable security situation</a>. The government continues to fight Taliban, which has been waging a war against Kabul for almost two decades, and the Islamic State terrorist group, which has been operating in Afghanistan since 2015.

At least 89 Taliban terrorists were killed and over 60 were injured during an operation in the Afghan province of Tahar in the past 24 hours, the country's defence ministry said on Saturday.

At least 89 Taliban terrorists were killed and over 60 were injured during an operation in the Afghan province of Tahar in the past 24 hours, the country's defence ministry said on Saturday. "Operation against the Taliban is going on throughout Afghanistan. In many areas, the Taliban have been forced to retreat. In the past 24 hours, 89 Taliban have been killed and 67 others were wounded in Tahar Province alone," the ministry's spokesman Rohullah Ahmadzai said at a news conference. The government forces took control of the province's Bahark district of Tahar, he added. Afghanistan has long been suffering from an unstable security situation. The government continues to fight Taliban, which has been waging a war against Kabul for almost two decades, and the Islamic State terrorist group, which has been operating in Afghanistan since 2015.

At least 89 taliban terrorists killed by Afghan forces

Violence against children in Afghanistan has risen sharply over the past four years, a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-nuclear-watchdog-says-iran-taking-step-in-right-direction-253726">U.N.</a> report says.

From 2015 to 2018 a United Nations team studying the plight of children in war-torn <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-taliban-talks-afghanistan-slams-islamabad-india-says-closely-monitoring-development-253844">Afghanistan</a> documented 14,202 grave violations against them throughout the country, says the report published this week by the office of Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

"Of serious concern, the killing and maiming of 12,599 children was verified, representing almost a third of all civilian casualties and an increase of 82 per cent in child casualties compared with the previous four years," the report says.

The extent of these violations is probably even greater, adds the report

Civilians have long paid a disproportionate price in the 18 years since a US-led force invaded Afghanistan against the Taliban, and insurgency-linked violence claimed a record number of lives generally last year with more than 3,800, according to U.N. figures released previously.

The report documents 274 cases of children being recruited to fight, 17 of sexual violence committed against them, 231 child abductions, 832 attacks on schools and 249 cases of humanitarian aid being denied.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-3-policemen-wounded-in-fight-at-police-headquaters-253489">Armed groups</a> are mainly responsible for grave violations, except in the case of sexual violence, which is often blamed on security forces, says the report.

"I am deeply disturbed by the scale, severity, and recurrence of grave violations endured by the children in Afghanistan and by the fact that they continue to bear the brunt of the armed conflict," Guterres said.

"I urge all parties to immediately cease all violations."

"I am extremely concerned about the significant increase in the number of child casualties, including those resulting from aerial operations conducted by government and pro-government forces," he added.

Violence against children in Afghanistan has risen sharply over the past four years, a U.N. report says. From 2015 to 2018 a United Nations team studying the plight of children in war-torn Afghanistan documented 14,202 grave violations against them throughout the country, says the report published this week by the office of Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

Violence against children in Afghanistan has risen sharply over the past four years, a U.N. report says. From 2015 to 2018 a United Nations team studying the plight of children in war-torn Afghanistan documented 14,202 grave violations against them throughout the country, says the report published this week by the office of Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. "Of serious concern, the killing and maiming of 12,599 children was verified, representing almost a third of all civilian casualties and an increase of 82 per cent in child casualties compared with the previous four years," the report says. The extent of these violations is probably even greater, adds the report Civilians have long paid a disproportionate price in the 18 years since a US-led force invaded Afghanistan against the Taliban, and insurgency-linked violence claimed a record number of lives generally last year with more than 3,800, according to U.N. figures released previously. The report documents 274 cases of children being recruited to fight, 17 of sexual violence committed against them, 231 child abductions, 832 attacks on schools and 249 cases of humanitarian aid being denied. Armed groups are mainly responsible for grave violations, except in the case of sexual violence, which is often blamed on security forces, says the report. "I am deeply disturbed by the scale, severity, and recurrence of grave violations endured by the children in Afghanistan and by the fact that they continue to bear the brunt of the armed conflict," Guterres said. "I urge all parties to immediately cease all violations." "I am extremely concerned about the significant increase in the number of child casualties, including those resulting from aerial operations conducted by government and pro-government forces," he added.

United Nations: Violence against children in Afghanistan up sharply

&nbsp;A high-level Taliban delegation led by the group's co-founder Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar met <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-national-assembly-rejects-bill-non-muslim-cant-be-prime-minister-or-president-253349">Pakistan </a>Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday and discussed the Afghan peace process and other issues of mutual interest.

During the meeting, Khan stressed the need for peace in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-3-policemen-wounded-in-fight-at-police-headquaters-253489">Afghanistan</a>, which he termed was crucial for regional stability. He also assured that Islamabad would continue its efforts for peace in Kabul, reported Geo news.

Prior to this, the 12-member <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-delegation-to-visit-pakistan-and-discuss-failed-afghan-peace-talks-253201">Taliban </a>delegation held meetings with Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi at the Pakistan foreign office, during which the latter called for the resumption of peace talks between the insurgent group and the United States.

Pakistan wished for the talks to resume "to smooth the path for durable, long-lasting peace and stability in Afghanistan", Qureshi was quoted as saying in a statement.

"War is not a solution to any problem. Talks are the only and positive solution to establish peace in Afghanistan," he added.

The delegation landed in Islamabad on Wednesday, hours after the United States Special Envoy for Afghan Peace Zalmay Khalilzad reached Islamabad.

On September 22, Khalilzad had called upon Prime Minister Imran Khan, who was in America then and had discussed the ongoing situation in Afghanistan and the apparent dissolution of the Afghan peace process 
However, Afghan legitimate government is sceptical about Pakistan's new approach and called the Taliban a proxy of Islamabad.

"The Taliban are a proxy of Pakistan, of not just Pakistan, but Pakistan's intelligence agency. Afghanistan would never accept to be ruled by Pakistanis," Afghan National Security Advisor (NSA) Hamdullah Mohib.

A high-level Taliban delegation led by the group's co-founder Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar met Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday and discussed the Afghan peace process and other issues of mutual interest.

A high-level Taliban delegation led by the group's co-founder Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar met Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday and discussed the Afghan peace process and other issues of mutual interest. During the meeting, Khan stressed the need for peace in Afghanistan, which he termed was crucial for regional stability. He also assured that Islamabad would continue its efforts for peace in Kabul, reported Geo news. Prior to this, the 12-member Taliban delegation held meetings with Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi at the Pakistan foreign office, during which the latter called for the resumption of peace talks between the insurgent group and the United States. Pakistan wished for the talks to resume "to smooth the path for durable, long-lasting peace and stability in Afghanistan", Qureshi was quoted as saying in a statement. "War is not a solution to any problem. Talks are the only and positive solution to establish peace in Afghanistan," he added. The delegation landed in Islamabad on Wednesday, hours after the United States Special Envoy for Afghan Peace Zalmay Khalilzad reached Islamabad. On September 22, Khalilzad had called upon Prime Minister Imran Khan, who was in America then and had discussed the ongoing situation in Afghanistan and the apparent dissolution of the Afghan peace process However, Afghan legitimate government is sceptical about Pakistan's new approach and called the Taliban a proxy of Islamabad. "The Taliban are a proxy of Pakistan, of not just Pakistan, but Pakistan's intelligence agency. Afghanistan would never accept to be ruled by Pakistanis," Afghan National Security Advisor (NSA) Hamdullah Mohib.

Taliban delegation meets Imran Khan, discusses Afghan peace process

September elections in Afghanistan were expected to produce the country’s democratic transfer of power and a moral sign of social progress, however, it saw a record low turnout.&nbsp;

With a handful of women running for provincial seats, Afghanistan remains a hostile place for women with the Taliban controlling some parts of the country.

Thousands of Afghan women fled from their country to escape war and violence and discrimination and they landed up in India where New Delhi is a safe haven for more than 20000 registered Afghan refugee. Many of them wish to return to Afghanistan, but their hope is gloomy and uncertain.

Kamla Hirwi is one such refugee living with her husband and two children in New Delhi. She worked as a school teacher in Kabul but now she stays at home taking care of her children. Sitting in her living room, she watches Ashraf Ghani's political advertisement appealing for votes on TV. She is not happy with any of the leaders as they have mostly supported Taliban circuitously. 
 
Kamla says she is both hopeful and confused thinking about elections in Afghanistan. “We have seen the nastiest back home in Kabul where women are treated as a second class citizen of the country. Our communication and movements were restricted and we are almost confined in our own house. Many of us had to leave our jobs as we were not allowed to go out without a chaperone. Women are still routinely discriminated against, abused and persecuted in the country,” Kamla says as she remembers her early days in Afghanistan.

Kamala’s husband Hirwi has been working relentlessly for the last 6 years to bring together the Afghan men and women refugees who have come out of the conflict in Afghanistan. In one of these events of Afghan refugees, we met Zakia Ahmedi who is seeking asylum in India for the last two years. She explains that when the insurgents seized Kabul in 1996, they barred women from schools and work, forced them to wear the all-enveloping burqa when they left home, and even policed their shoes and makeup.

“My mother, grandmother could never go to school. If a woman was sick, she couldn’t even go to the hospital as she needs a male chaperone, but I want to live and be independent,” Zakia said.

While trying to meet as many refugee women possible, we reached Silaiwali, a place where Afghan women in Delhi are trying to escape horrors of their past by making unique dolls.

Taliban and other highly conservative insurgent groups still control some parts of Afghanistan, and violence and discrimination against women and girls continue all over Afghanistan. In 2011, it was named 'the most dangerous country' to be a woman.

37-year-old Gauhar tells that her husband was kidnapped by the Taliban. She suffered restrictions, violence and abuse every day in her city in Afghanistan, a hotbed of insurgency. “My husband worked as a driver in Kabul, he was kidnapped and killed by Taliban militants while travelling from Kabul to Bamyan.”

As the country prepares for a new presidential government, many wonder what kind of future lies ahead for young women like Gauhar and many others like her.

Throughout the changing political landscape of Afghanistan in the last fifty years, women's rights have been exploited by different groups for political gain, sometimes being improved but often being abused. There is a lot to be done before the equality of political rhetoric becomes an everyday reality for women in Afghanistan. There cannot be true peace and recovery in Afghanistan without a restoration of the rights of women.'

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) &nbsp;

September elections in Afghanistan were expected to produce the country’s democratic transfer of power and a moral sign of social progress, however, it saw a record low turnout.

September elections in Afghanistan were expected to produce the country’s democratic transfer of power and a moral sign of social progress, however, it saw a record low turnout. With a handful of women running for provincial seats, Afghanistan remains a hostile place for women with the Taliban controlling some parts of the country. Thousands of Afghan women fled from their country to escape war and violence and discrimination and they landed up in India where New Delhi is a safe haven for more than 20000 registered Afghan refugee. Many of them wish to return to Afghanistan, but their hope is gloomy and uncertain. Kamla Hirwi is one such refugee living with her husband and two children in New Delhi. She worked as a school teacher in Kabul but now she stays at home taking care of her children. Sitting in her living room, she watches Ashraf Ghani's political advertisement appealing for votes on TV. She is not happy with any of the leaders as they have mostly supported Taliban circuitously. Kamla says she is both hopeful and confused thinking about elections in Afghanistan. “We have seen the nastiest back home in Kabul where women are treated as a second class citizen of the country. Our communication and movements were restricted and we are almost confined in our own house. Many of us had to leave our jobs as we were not allowed to go out without a chaperone. Women are still routinely discriminated against, abused and persecuted in the country,” Kamla says as she remembers her early days in Afghanistan. Kamala’s husband Hirwi has been working relentlessly for the last 6 years to bring together the Afghan men and women refugees who have come out of the conflict in Afghanistan. In one of these events of Afghan refugees, we met Zakia Ahmedi who is seeking asylum in India for the last two years. She explains that when the insurgents seized Kabul in 1996, they barred women from schools and work, forced them to wear the all-enveloping burqa when they left home, and even policed their shoes and makeup. “My mother, grandmother could never go to school. If a woman was sick, she couldn’t even go to the hospital as she needs a male chaperone, but I want to live and be independent,” Zakia said. While trying to meet as many refugee women possible, we reached Silaiwali, a place where Afghan women in Delhi are trying to escape horrors of their past by making unique dolls. Taliban and other highly conservative insurgent groups still control some parts of Afghanistan, and violence and discrimination against women and girls continue all over Afghanistan. In 2011, it was named 'the most dangerous country' to be a woman. 37-year-old Gauhar tells that her husband was kidnapped by the Taliban. She suffered restrictions, violence and abuse every day in her city in Afghanistan, a hotbed of insurgency. “My husband worked as a driver in Kabul, he was kidnapped and killed by Taliban militants while travelling from Kabul to Bamyan.” As the country prepares for a new presidential government, many wonder what kind of future lies ahead for young women like Gauhar and many others like her. Throughout the changing political landscape of Afghanistan in the last fifty years, women's rights have been exploited by different groups for political gain, sometimes being improved but often being abused. There is a lot to be done before the equality of political rhetoric becomes an everyday reality for women in Afghanistan. There cannot be true peace and recovery in Afghanistan without a restoration of the rights of women.' (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Blood and hope: Women in Afghanistan elections

A group of senior Taliban were warmly welcomed by Pakistani officials as they arrived in Islamabad Thursday, where the foreign minister called for a resumption of talks with the US on the war in Afghanistan.

Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, the Taliban's co-founder who spent eight years in a Pakistani prison, was greeted with hugs and smiles by Pakistan's foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi and spy chief Lieutenant General Faiz Hameed, footage released by the ministry showed.

Pakistan was one of only three countries to recognise the Taliban regime, and its shadowy military establishment -- particularly the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), which Hameed heads -- is widely believed to back the bloody insurgency in Afghanistan.

Islamabad denies the accusation.

Pakistan has helped facilitate talks between the Taliban and Washington in Qatar over the past year seeking an agreement paving the way for a US troop withdrawal from Afghanistan in return for various security promises from the insurgents.&nbsp;

The two sides were on the brink of a deal -- with an announcement widely expected to be imminent -- when US President Donald Trump abruptly declared the process "dead" last month, citing Taliban violence.

Threatened more attacks

The Taliban threatened more attacks, but both the insurgents and the US left the door open for negotiations to resume -- with most experts agreeing Washington will have to return to the table eventually.

Islamabad wants the talks to resume "to smooth the path for a durable, long-lasting peace and stability in Afghanistan", Qureshi was quoted as saying in the statement.

"War is not a solution to any problem. Talks are the only and positive solution to establish peace in Afghanistan," he continued.&nbsp;

The visit came as Zalmay Khalilzad, who headed the US negotiating team in Doha across the table from Baradar, also visited Islamabad this week, though it was unclear if he was still in Pakistan Thursday.

The US Embassy in Islamabad has said only that Khalilzad was visiting Pakistan "this week", while the State Department did not confirm his travel dates.

The Taliban's Doha-based spokesman, Suhail Shaheen, told AFP on Wednesday that the simultaneous visits to Pakistan were a "coincidence".&nbsp;

But when asked whether there was any possibility of the insurgents meeting Khalilzad, he replied: "Why not? It depends on the Americans."

The Taliban are still ready to sign the agreement which Khalilzad and Baradar had hashed out in Doha, he said.&nbsp;

"We stand for it. The Americans have backtracked and they will have to take the initiative."

Baradar was the most high-profile Afghan Taliban leader detained by Pakistan following the 9/11 attacks in 2001.

He was released from prison last October and appointed to head the insurgent's political office in a move seen as a tentative effort to aid the talks.&nbsp;

The Taliban have said that the Pakistan visit is the fourth leg of a tour that included Russia, China and Iran. A Taliban commander told AFP that Baradar and the 11 other militants will spend four days in Pakistan.

A group of senior Taliban were warmly welcomed by Pakistani officials as they arrived in Islamabad Thursday, where the foreign minister called for a resumption of talks with the US on the war in Afghanistan.

A group of senior Taliban were warmly welcomed by Pakistani officials as they arrived in Islamabad Thursday, where the foreign minister called for a resumption of talks with the US on the war in Afghanistan. Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, the Taliban's co-founder who spent eight years in a Pakistani prison, was greeted with hugs and smiles by Pakistan's foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi and spy chief Lieutenant General Faiz Hameed, footage released by the ministry showed. Pakistan was one of only three countries to recognise the Taliban regime, and its shadowy military establishment -- particularly the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), which Hameed heads -- is widely believed to back the bloody insurgency in Afghanistan. Islamabad denies the accusation. Pakistan has helped facilitate talks between the Taliban and Washington in Qatar over the past year seeking an agreement paving the way for a US troop withdrawal from Afghanistan in return for various security promises from the insurgents. The two sides were on the brink of a deal -- with an announcement widely expected to be imminent -- when US President Donald Trump abruptly declared the process "dead" last month, citing Taliban violence. Threatened more attacks The Taliban threatened more attacks, but both the insurgents and the US left the door open for negotiations to resume -- with most experts agreeing Washington will have to return to the table eventually. Islamabad wants the talks to resume "to smooth the path for a durable, long-lasting peace and stability in Afghanistan", Qureshi was quoted as saying in the statement. "War is not a solution to any problem. Talks are the only and positive solution to establish peace in Afghanistan," he continued. The visit came as Zalmay Khalilzad, who headed the US negotiating team in Doha across the table from Baradar, also visited Islamabad this week, though it was unclear if he was still in Pakistan Thursday. The US Embassy in Islamabad has said only that Khalilzad was visiting Pakistan "this week", while the State Department did not confirm his travel dates. The Taliban's Doha-based spokesman, Suhail Shaheen, told AFP on Wednesday that the simultaneous visits to Pakistan were a "coincidence". But when asked whether there was any possibility of the insurgents meeting Khalilzad, he replied: "Why not? It depends on the Americans." The Taliban are still ready to sign the agreement which Khalilzad and Baradar had hashed out in Doha, he said. "We stand for it. The Americans have backtracked and they will have to take the initiative." Baradar was the most high-profile Afghan Taliban leader detained by Pakistan following the 9/11 attacks in 2001. He was released from prison last October and appointed to head the insurgent's political office in a move seen as a tentative effort to aid the talks. The Taliban have said that the Pakistan visit is the fourth leg of a tour that included Russia, China and Iran. A Taliban commander told AFP that Baradar and the 11 other militants will spend four days in Pakistan.

Hugs and smiles as Taliban meet Pakistan officials

An eight-member&nbsp;delegation from the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/at-least-11-afghan-police-killed-in-taliban-attack-253019">Taliban</a> political office led by Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar is set to arrive in Pakistan via Qatar Airways on Wednesday.

The Taliban delegation will meet Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan and is expected to meet the United States and North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) delegations during their stay in Pakistan.

The Taliban delegation has previously visited Russia, Iran and China and is now visiting Pakistan. This visit comes in the backdrop of the cancellation of US - Taliban talks,&nbsp;following the death of a US soldier and 11 other people in a Taliban bomb attack in Kabul

Pakistan supported the Taliban from the group's founding in the midst of Afghanistan's civil war in the early 1990s.

The United States and the US-backed Afghan government have for years suspected Pakistan has maintained its support for the militants, as a tool to block the spread of Indian influence in Afghanistan, despite Pakistani denials.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/join-us-in-peace-or-we-will-continue-to-fight-afghanistan-government-to-taliban-at-un-252920">The Taliban delegation</a> would inform Pakistan's leadership of the factors that derailed the talks with the United States aimed at striking a deal allowing the US and other foreign troops to withdraw in exchange for Taliban security guarantees, said a Taliban official, who declined to be identified.

US and Taliban said last month they were close to reaching a deal, despite concern among some US security officials and within the Afghan government that a US withdrawal could plunge the country into even more conflict and open the way for a resurgence of Islamist militant factions.

The Taliban also planned to follow up on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/will-try-to-persuade-taliban-to-hold-talks-with-afghan-government-imran-khan-251858">Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's</a> recent comments ahead of a meeting in New York with Trump, that he would try to convince the president to re-enter talks, the Taliban official said.

(With inputs from Reuters)

An eight-member delegation from the Taliban political office led by Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar is set to arrive in Pakistan via Qatar Airways on Wednesday. The Taliban delegation will meet Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan and is expected to meet the United States and North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) delegations during their stay in Pakistan.

An eight-member delegation from the Taliban political office led by Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar is set to arrive in Pakistan via Qatar Airways on Wednesday. The Taliban delegation will meet Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan and is expected to meet the United States and North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) delegations during their stay in Pakistan. The Taliban delegation has previously visited Russia, Iran and China and is now visiting Pakistan. This visit comes in the backdrop of the cancellation of US - Taliban talks, following the death of a US soldier and 11 other people in a Taliban bomb attack in Kabul Pakistan supported the Taliban from the group's founding in the midst of Afghanistan's civil war in the early 1990s. The United States and the US-backed Afghan government have for years suspected Pakistan has maintained its support for the militants, as a tool to block the spread of Indian influence in Afghanistan, despite Pakistani denials. The Taliban delegation would inform Pakistan's leadership of the factors that derailed the talks with the United States aimed at striking a deal allowing the US and other foreign troops to withdraw in exchange for Taliban security guarantees, said a Taliban official, who declined to be identified. US and Taliban said last month they were close to reaching a deal, despite concern among some US security officials and within the Afghan government that a US withdrawal could plunge the country into even more conflict and open the way for a resurgence of Islamist militant factions. The Taliban also planned to follow up on Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's recent comments ahead of a meeting in New York with Trump, that he would try to convince the president to re-enter talks, the Taliban official said. (With inputs from Reuters)

Taliban delegation to visit Pakistan and discuss failed Afghan peace talks

One of the front-runners for the Afghan presidency, the country's chief executive, Abdullah Abdullah, declared himself the winner of elections for the post on September 30. Watch this video to know more.

Afghanistan: Abdullah Abdullah claims victory ahead of results

Political Crisis Continues In Afghanistan After Elections Afghanistan voted last week. The results are yet to be released, but both incumbent President Ashraf Ghani and the country's chief executive Abdullah Abdullah have claimed victory already. This report explores the political chaos in Afghanistan.

Gravitas: Afghanistan Elections: Both Camps Claim Victory

With two fingers missing from his right hand, Afghan writer Reza Khorami struggles to tap out stories on his keyboard.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/at-least-11-afghan-police-killed-in-taliban-attack-253019">Taliban</a> lopped off his forefinger in 2014 because it was covered in indelible ink showing Khorami had voted. The tip of the middle finger was also splashed with the purple dye, so was also amputated.

The crude punishment, part of the Taliban's war on Afghan democracy, did not deter a defiant Khorami from voting in Saturday's first round of the presidential election, which pitted Afghan President Ashraf Ghani against his top rival, Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah.

"I voted again in 2019 just to show that I have not surrendered to terrorism," Khorami told AFP this week in Kabul, where he writes fiction.

"They can cut our fingers, but they cannot kill our morale."

Khorami said he wanted the world to know what the radical Islamists did to him and possibly thousands of others like him.

Since Saturday's vote, several images have circulated online of voters proudly holding up a purple-stained finger on one hand alongside a scarred digit on the other, showing they braved the polls despite previous Taliban punishment.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/join-us-in-peace-or-we-will-continue-to-fight-afghanistan-government-to-taliban-at-un-252920">Afghan</a> voters must dip a finger in ink -- which can take a week to wash off -- as a measure to stop people voting more than once.

But the obvious mark makes people vulnerable to reprisals from the Taliban, who repeatedly warned voters to stay away from the polls, and turnout appears headed to record lows this year as millions of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/attacks-fraud-fears-dampen-turnout-in-afghan-election-252680">Afghans abstained</a>.

Khorami, 25, said he had voted for Ghani in 2014 in Ghazni province and was headed to take a university exam in Kabul when the Taliban stopped him.

"They took me to an undisclosed location, I spent the night there with two other people I did not know," he recalled.

"The next day, they took us to a mosque. An old man was sat there and he had a knife and some basic medications. They said: 'We won't kill you, but will cut off your finger as a lesson for other people who participated in the election'."

An emotional Khorami, recounting the horrors of what came next, said his fingers were then amputated without any anaesthesia.

"I fainted. When I woke up, I found myself in a desert," he said, describing how the trauma of the assault still haunts him daily.

Five years on, Taliban operatives called Khorami ahead of the polls, threatening to kill him if he voted again.

"I shared this issue with the media so the world should understand our challenges and know how people are fighting for freedom and becoming victims in such a difficult situation," he said.

While Saturday's election was marred by hundreds of small-scale <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-rocked-by-blasts-during-presidential-election-252567">Taliban attacks </a>at polling stations, the insurgents were unable to steal the headlines with any significant bloody assault.

Preliminary results are due October 19. If no candidate wins a majority, voting will go to a second round.

With two fingers missing from his right hand, Afghan writer Reza Khorami struggles to tap out stories on his keyboard. The Taliban lopped off his forefinger in 2014 because it was covered in indelible ink showing Khorami had voted.

With two fingers missing from his right hand, Afghan writer Reza Khorami struggles to tap out stories on his keyboard. The Taliban lopped off his forefinger in 2014 because it was covered in indelible ink showing Khorami had voted. The tip of the middle finger was also splashed with the purple dye, so was also amputated. The crude punishment, part of the Taliban's war on Afghan democracy, did not deter a defiant Khorami from voting in Saturday's first round of the presidential election, which pitted Afghan President Ashraf Ghani against his top rival, Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah. "I voted again in 2019 just to show that I have not surrendered to terrorism," Khorami told AFP this week in Kabul, where he writes fiction. "They can cut our fingers, but they cannot kill our morale." Khorami said he wanted the world to know what the radical Islamists did to him and possibly thousands of others like him. Since Saturday's vote, several images have circulated online of voters proudly holding up a purple-stained finger on one hand alongside a scarred digit on the other, showing they braved the polls despite previous Taliban punishment. Afghan voters must dip a finger in ink -- which can take a week to wash off -- as a measure to stop people voting more than once. But the obvious mark makes people vulnerable to reprisals from the Taliban, who repeatedly warned voters to stay away from the polls, and turnout appears headed to record lows this year as millions of Afghans abstained. Khorami, 25, said he had voted for Ghani in 2014 in Ghazni province and was headed to take a university exam in Kabul when the Taliban stopped him. "They took me to an undisclosed location, I spent the night there with two other people I did not know," he recalled. "The next day, they took us to a mosque. An old man was sat there and he had a knife and some basic medications. They said: 'We won't kill you, but will cut off your finger as a lesson for other people who participated in the election'." An emotional Khorami, recounting the horrors of what came next, said his fingers were then amputated without any anaesthesia. "I fainted. When I woke up, I found myself in a desert," he said, describing how the trauma of the assault still haunts him daily. Five years on, Taliban operatives called Khorami ahead of the polls, threatening to kill him if he voted again. "I shared this issue with the media so the world should understand our challenges and know how people are fighting for freedom and becoming victims in such a difficult situation," he said. While Saturday's election was marred by hundreds of small-scale Taliban attacks at polling stations, the insurgents were unable to steal the headlines with any significant bloody assault. Preliminary results are due October 19. If no candidate wins a majority, voting will go to a second round.

Meet Afghan writer who voted even after Taliban cut off his fingers

Abdullah Abdullah, Afghanistan's chief executive and President Ashraf Ghani's top rival, claimed victory Monday after the weekend's first round of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/old-rivals-square-up-again-as-an-uncertain-afghanistan-votes-252231">voting in the presidential election</a>, ahead of the release of any official tally.

"We have the most votes in this election," Abdullah said at a news conference.

"The results will be announced by the IEC (Independent Election Commission), but we have the most votes. The election is not going to go to a second round."

Abdullah, who is seeking the presidency for the third time after losing in 2009 and 2014, said his team would "make the new government".

Senior IEC official Habib Rahman Nang immediately slammed Abdullah's announcement as premature.

"No candidate has the right to declare himself the winner," he said.&nbsp;

"According to the law, it is the IEC that decides who is the winner."

Initial results from Saturday's poll are not expected until October 19.&nbsp;

Without giving details, Abdullah also mentioned reports of "some government officials" meddling in the election process.&nbsp;

His remarks follow the release on social media of several videos purporting to show election workers stuffing ballots.

Candidates need more than 50 per cent of the vote to be declared outright winner, or else the top two will head for a second round in November.

Despite a large pool of candidates, the election is seen as a two-horse race between Abdullah and Ghani.&nbsp;

The men are bitter rivals and fought a contested election in 2014.&nbsp;

They both claimed victory in that poll -- a vote so tainted by fraud and violence that it led to a constitutional crisis and forced the administration of then-US president Barack Obama to push for a compromise that saw Abdullah awarded the subordinate role.

Abdullah Abdullah, Afghanistan's chief executive and President Ashraf Ghani's top rival, claimed victory Monday after the weekend's first round of voting in the presidential election, ahead of the release of any official tally.

Abdullah Abdullah, Afghanistan's chief executive and President Ashraf Ghani's top rival, claimed victory Monday after the weekend's first round of voting in the presidential election, ahead of the release of any official tally. "We have the most votes in this election," Abdullah said at a news conference. "The results will be announced by the IEC (Independent Election Commission), but we have the most votes. The election is not going to go to a second round." Abdullah, who is seeking the presidency for the third time after losing in 2009 and 2014, said his team would "make the new government". Senior IEC official Habib Rahman Nang immediately slammed Abdullah's announcement as premature. "No candidate has the right to declare himself the winner," he said. "According to the law, it is the IEC that decides who is the winner." Initial results from Saturday's poll are not expected until October 19. Without giving details, Abdullah also mentioned reports of "some government officials" meddling in the election process. His remarks follow the release on social media of several videos purporting to show election workers stuffing ballots. Candidates need more than 50 per cent of the vote to be declared outright winner, or else the top two will head for a second round in November. Despite a large pool of candidates, the election is seen as a two-horse race between Abdullah and Ghani. The men are bitter rivals and fought a contested election in 2014. They both claimed victory in that poll -- a vote so tainted by fraud and violence that it led to a constitutional crisis and forced the administration of then-US president Barack Obama to push for a compromise that saw Abdullah awarded the subordinate role.

We have the most votes in this election: Abdullah claims victory in Afghanistan election

Calling "successful conduct" of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/attacks-fraud-fears-dampen-turnout-in-afghan-election-252680">Afghan presidential election</a> as "important milestone", India has said that the election is "people's efforts to promote peace, security, stability, prosperity and democracy" in the country "amidst challenging circumstances."

Saturday's election was the third presidential election since 2001 after the fall of the Taliban regime following the American invasion.

Congratulating "Afghan people", Ministry of External Affairs in a statement said, they have demonstrated " their faith in democratic governance and constitutional processes despite threats, intimidation and violence."

According to the Afghan government, 72,000 security personnel were deployed with 9.6 million people registered to vote during the polls. Election results will be announced on October 30.

India has been a key development partner of Afghanistan since 2001. New Delhi has always maintained any US-Taliban engagement must not jeopardize gains of the last 18 years. &nbsp;

Last week, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said in New York, "We understand the compulsions on the United States, 18 years is a long time to be fighting a war. Hats off to the United States... its had durability, commitment and persistence to do for so long. It is apparent that this is going to change. Questions we need to how much change, what are the consequence. Some of that is being negotiated... recognizing the compulsions of these change, many of the achievements of the last 18 years, those achievements should not be lost. Our interest that gains of the last 18 years are not jeopardized." 
&nbsp; 
India backs "Afghan-owned, Afghan-led and Afghan-controlled" peace process and has been engaging with regional countries- Iran, Russia, China, Central Asian countries - regarding the Afghan peace process.

Calling "successful conduct" of Afghan presidential election as "important milestone", India has said that the election is "people's efforts to promote peace, security, stability, prosperity and democracy" in the country "amidst challenging circumstances.

Calling "successful conduct" of Afghan presidential election as "important milestone", India has said that the election is "people's efforts to promote peace, security, stability, prosperity and democracy" in the country "amidst challenging circumstances." Saturday's election was the third presidential election since 2001 after the fall of the Taliban regime following the American invasion. Congratulating "Afghan people", Ministry of External Affairs in a statement said, they have demonstrated " their faith in democratic governance and constitutional processes despite threats, intimidation and violence." According to the Afghan government, 72,000 security personnel were deployed with 9.6 million people registered to vote during the polls. Election results will be announced on October 30. India has been a key development partner of Afghanistan since 2001. New Delhi has always maintained any US-Taliban engagement must not jeopardize gains of the last 18 years. Last week, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said in New York, "We understand the compulsions on the United States, 18 years is a long time to be fighting a war. Hats off to the United States... its had durability, commitment and persistence to do for so long. It is apparent that this is going to change. Questions we need to how much change, what are the consequence. Some of that is being negotiated... recognizing the compulsions of these change, many of the achievements of the last 18 years, those achievements should not be lost. Our interest that gains of the last 18 years are not jeopardized." India backs "Afghan-owned, Afghan-led and Afghan-controlled" peace process and has been engaging with regional countries- Iran, Russia, China, Central Asian countries - regarding the Afghan peace process.

India calls Afghan presidential election 'important milestone'

Voter participation in Afghanistan's presidential elections appeared Sunday to have been lower than in previous years, with turnout hit by the threat of attacks, a muted campaign and concerns of fraud.

Afghans went to the polls Saturday to vote in the first round of a presidential race that will decide whether President Ashraf Ghani will win a second five-year term.

About 9.6 million Afghans in the war-torn nation -- with an estimated population of 35 million -- had registered to vote in the election, which was held at some 4,900 polling stations.

An initial tally released early Sunday by Afghanistan's Independent Election Commission showed that with data from slightly more than half the stations, just under 1.1 million people had voted.

If that turnout trend holds, it would represent a participation level of less than 25 per cent -- lower than any of Afghanistan's three previous presidential elections.&nbsp;

In 2014, for instance, turnout was a little under 50 per cent, although direct comparisons are tough because previous polls were tainted by allegations of systemic fraud.

Authorities heralded Saturday's election as a success because the Taliban were unable to pull off a large-scale attack resulting in high casualty numbers.&nbsp;

But the insurgents nonetheless pushed their offensive on the democratic process, conducting a string of bombings at polling stations and engaging Afghan security forces in clashes across the country.

According to the Afghanistan Analysts Network, which compiled incidents through various sources, more than 400 attacks had been reported over the course of the election day.

The Taliban claimed to have conducted 531 attacks, while the interior ministry said "the enemy" had carried out 68 assaults.

The official death toll is five security forces. But in years past, authorities have suppressed information on election day only to later give larger numbers.

'Much cleaner'

In addition to security threats, turnout was hampered by scepticism about the electoral process.&nbsp;

Previous polls, including the 2014 presidential election, were undermined by widespread allegations of vote-buying, ballot stuffing and fraud.&nbsp;

And the election campaign itself seemed almost moribund during the two months of campaigning because many thought the poll -- already twice delayed while the US and the Taliban tried to negotiate a troop withdrawal deal -- would be pushed back yet again.&nbsp;

It was only after US President Donald Trump scuppered those talks on September 7 that candidates really believed the election would take place, leaving little time for them to campaign.

Turnout was low because of security threats and "the weak campaigning of the candidates" political analyst and Kabul academic Atta Noori told AFP.

"It is not because they were not interested to vote," he said.

Independent political analyst Haroun Mir said that even with a low turnout, the election could be considered a victory for the democratic process because it was "much cleaner" than previous polls.&nbsp;

Election officials have said the result would be the purest yet, with equipment such as biometric fingerprint readers and better training for poll workers ensuring the vote was fair.

Results are not expected until October 19. Candidates need more than 50 per cent of the vote to be declared outright winner, or else the top two will head for a second round in November.

Voter participation in Afghanistan's presidential elections appeared Sunday to have been lower than in previous years, with turnout hit by the threat of attacks, a muted campaign and concerns of fraud.

Voter participation in Afghanistan's presidential elections appeared Sunday to have been lower than in previous years, with turnout hit by the threat of attacks, a muted campaign and concerns of fraud. Afghans went to the polls Saturday to vote in the first round of a presidential race that will decide whether President Ashraf Ghani will win a second five-year term. About 9.6 million Afghans in the war-torn nation -- with an estimated population of 35 million -- had registered to vote in the election, which was held at some 4,900 polling stations. An initial tally released early Sunday by Afghanistan's Independent Election Commission showed that with data from slightly more than half the stations, just under 1.1 million people had voted. If that turnout trend holds, it would represent a participation level of less than 25 per cent -- lower than any of Afghanistan's three previous presidential elections. In 2014, for instance, turnout was a little under 50 per cent, although direct comparisons are tough because previous polls were tainted by allegations of systemic fraud. Authorities heralded Saturday's election as a success because the Taliban were unable to pull off a large-scale attack resulting in high casualty numbers. But the insurgents nonetheless pushed their offensive on the democratic process, conducting a string of bombings at polling stations and engaging Afghan security forces in clashes across the country. According to the Afghanistan Analysts Network, which compiled incidents through various sources, more than 400 attacks had been reported over the course of the election day. The Taliban claimed to have conducted 531 attacks, while the interior ministry said "the enemy" had carried out 68 assaults. The official death toll is five security forces. But in years past, authorities have suppressed information on election day only to later give larger numbers. 'Much cleaner' In addition to security threats, turnout was hampered by scepticism about the electoral process. Previous polls, including the 2014 presidential election, were undermined by widespread allegations of vote-buying, ballot stuffing and fraud. And the election campaign itself seemed almost moribund during the two months of campaigning because many thought the poll -- already twice delayed while the US and the Taliban tried to negotiate a troop withdrawal deal -- would be pushed back yet again. It was only after US President Donald Trump scuppered those talks on September 7 that candidates really believed the election would take place, leaving little time for them to campaign. Turnout was low because of security threats and "the weak campaigning of the candidates" political analyst and Kabul academic Atta Noori told AFP. "It is not because they were not interested to vote," he said. Independent political analyst Haroun Mir said that even with a low turnout, the election could be considered a victory for the democratic process because it was "much cleaner" than previous polls. Election officials have said the result would be the purest yet, with equipment such as biometric fingerprint readers and better training for poll workers ensuring the vote was fair. Results are not expected until October 19. Candidates need more than 50 per cent of the vote to be declared outright winner, or else the top two will head for a second round in November.

Attacks, fraud fears dampen turnout in Afghan election

Afghans headed to the polls amid tight security Saturday as voting got under way in the presidential election, following a bloody campaign that has been marred by repeated attacks across Afghanistan.

The Taliban, who already have unleashed a string of bombings, have in recent days issued repeated warnings they intend to attack polling centres and have told voters to stay away.

"Voting has begun all over the country, and we are glad the people are already in big lines at polling centres waiting to cast their votes," Independent Election Commission spokesman Zabi Sadaat told AFP.

Wary authorities have placed an uneasy Kabul under partial lockdown, flooding streets with troops and banning trucks from entering the city in an effort to stop would-be suicide bombers attacking the electoral process.

One voter at a polling station in a Kabul high school said it was important to cast a ballot.

"I know there are security threats but bombs and attacks have become part of our everyday lives," 55-year-old Mohiuddin, who only gave one name, told AFP.

"I am not afraid, we have to vote if we want to bring changes to our lives."

The capital's traffic, often gridlocked, dropped to a trickle as schools and offices closed for the day and as many people chose to stay off the roads.

Some 9.6 million Afghans are registered to vote, but many have lost any hope that after 18 years of war any leader can unify the fractious country and improve basic living conditions, boost the stagnating economy or bolster security.

Several of the 18 original contenders have dropped out and the poll is considered a two-horse race between current President Ashraf Ghani and Abdullah Abdullah, the country's chief executive.

Both claimed victory in the 2014 election -- a vote so tainted by fraud and violence that it led to a constitutional crisis and forced then-US president Barack Obama to push for a compromise that saw Abdullah awarded the subordinate role.

- Abysmal security - 
Voting in Afghanistan's fourth presidential election began at 7:00 am (0230 GMT) at some 5,000 polling centres across the country. Authorities had initially planned to open hundreds more but were unable to owing to the abysmal security situation.

Campaigning was hampered by violence from the first day, when Ghani's running mate was targeted in a bomb-and-gun attack that left at least 20 dead.&nbsp;

Bloody attacks have continued to rock Afghanistan, including a Taliban bombing at a Ghani rally last week that killed at least 26 people in the central province of Parwan near Kabul.

The interior ministry says 72,000 forces will help to secure polling stations.

Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, said: "Any acts of violence against the electoral process, including attacks directed at polling centres, polling staff and voters, are unacceptable."

Election officials say this will be the cleanest election yet held, with equipment such as biometric fingerprint readers and better training for poll workers to ensure the vote is fair.

Still, the US embassy in Kabul has said it is "disturbed by so many complaints about security, lack of an equal playing field and fraud" and many Afghans say they have no intention of voting, citing fraud and security fears.

Saturday's poll was initially slated to take place in April, but was twice delayed because election workers were ill-prepared, and the US was leading a push to forge a withdrawal agreement with the Taliban.&nbsp;

That deal has been scuppered for now after US President Donald Trump pulled out.

Polls close at 3:00 pm (1030 GMT).

Afghans headed to the polls amid tight security Saturday as voting got under way in the presidential election, following a bloody campaign that has been marred by repeated attacks across Afghanistan.

Afghans headed to the polls amid tight security Saturday as voting got under way in the presidential election, following a bloody campaign that has been marred by repeated attacks across Afghanistan. The Taliban, who already have unleashed a string of bombings, have in recent days issued repeated warnings they intend to attack polling centres and have told voters to stay away. "Voting has begun all over the country, and we are glad the people are already in big lines at polling centres waiting to cast their votes," Independent Election Commission spokesman Zabi Sadaat told AFP. Wary authorities have placed an uneasy Kabul under partial lockdown, flooding streets with troops and banning trucks from entering the city in an effort to stop would-be suicide bombers attacking the electoral process. One voter at a polling station in a Kabul high school said it was important to cast a ballot. "I know there are security threats but bombs and attacks have become part of our everyday lives," 55-year-old Mohiuddin, who only gave one name, told AFP. "I am not afraid, we have to vote if we want to bring changes to our lives." The capital's traffic, often gridlocked, dropped to a trickle as schools and offices closed for the day and as many people chose to stay off the roads. Some 9.6 million Afghans are registered to vote, but many have lost any hope that after 18 years of war any leader can unify the fractious country and improve basic living conditions, boost the stagnating economy or bolster security. Several of the 18 original contenders have dropped out and the poll is considered a two-horse race between current President Ashraf Ghani and Abdullah Abdullah, the country's chief executive. Both claimed victory in the 2014 election -- a vote so tainted by fraud and violence that it led to a constitutional crisis and forced then-US president Barack Obama to push for a compromise that saw Abdullah awarded the subordinate role. - Abysmal security - Voting in Afghanistan's fourth presidential election began at 7:00 am (0230 GMT) at some 5,000 polling centres across the country. Authorities had initially planned to open hundreds more but were unable to owing to the abysmal security situation. Campaigning was hampered by violence from the first day, when Ghani's running mate was targeted in a bomb-and-gun attack that left at least 20 dead. Bloody attacks have continued to rock Afghanistan, including a Taliban bombing at a Ghani rally last week that killed at least 26 people in the central province of Parwan near Kabul. The interior ministry says 72,000 forces will help to secure polling stations. Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, said: "Any acts of violence against the electoral process, including attacks directed at polling centres, polling staff and voters, are unacceptable." Election officials say this will be the cleanest election yet held, with equipment such as biometric fingerprint readers and better training for poll workers to ensure the vote is fair. Still, the US embassy in Kabul has said it is "disturbed by so many complaints about security, lack of an equal playing field and fraud" and many Afghans say they have no intention of voting, citing fraud and security fears. Saturday's poll was initially slated to take place in April, but was twice delayed because election workers were ill-prepared, and the US was leading a push to forge a withdrawal agreement with the Taliban. That deal has been scuppered for now after US President Donald Trump pulled out. Polls close at 3:00 pm (1030 GMT).

Security tight as Afghans head to presidential polls

Afghans <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-rocked-by-blasts-during-presidential-election-252567">voted in presidential elections</a> amid tight security on Saturday, even as insurgents attacked polling centres in a series of blasts and clashes across the country that left at least two people dead.

The first-round vote marks the culmination of a bloody election campaign that despite a large field of candidates is seen as a close race between President Ashraf Ghani and his bitter rival Abdullah Abdullah, the country's chief executive.

Wary authorities placed an uneasy Kabul under partial lockdown, flooding streets with troops and banning trucks from entering the city in an effort to stop would-be suicide bombers targeting residents as they cast their votes.

Polls closed at&nbsp;1230 GMT&nbsp;after a two-hour extension due to long queues of people still waiting to vote, the Independent Election Commission said.

Compared to previous elections, the initial toll appeared relatively light, though authorities provided little information about reported blasts and ongoing armed clashes with the Taliban in various provinces.

A security official who requested anonymity told AFP that two civilians had been killed and 27 wounded in Taliban bombings and mortar attacks at polling centres across the country.

Serious security incidents were reported in several provinces including Kunduz, Nangarhar, Kabul, Bamiyan and Kandahar.

The Taliban, who unleashed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/enormous-good-done-by-us-in-afghanistan-says-jaishankar-252176">a string of bombings</a> during the two-month election campaign, claimed to have conducted hundreds of attacks against Afghanistan's "fake elections".

Ghani, having voted at a Kabul high school, said the most important issue was finding a leader with a mandate to bring peace to the war-torn nation.

"Our roadmap (for peace) is ready, I want the people to give us permission and legitimacy so that we pursue peace," said Ghani, who is seeking a second term.

Some 9.6 million Afghans are registered to vote, but many lack faith that after 18 years of war any leader can unify the fractious country and improve basic living conditions, boost the stagnating economy or bolster security.

Observers from the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission said turnout appeared to be low, especially among women.

Still, many voters braved insurgent attacks and long queues to cast a ballot.

"I know there are security threats but bombs and attacks have become part of our everyday lives," 55-year-old Mohiuddin, who only gave one name, told AFP.

"I am not afraid, we have to vote if we want to bring changes", he added.

Abdullah and Ghani both claimed victory in the 2014 election - a vote so tainted by fraud and violence that it led to a constitutional crisis and forced then-US president Barack Obama to push for a compromise that saw Abdullah awarded the subordinate role.

"The only request I have from the election commission is that they ensure the transparency of the election because lots of people have lost their trust," said Afghan voter Sunawbar Mirzae, 23.

Problems voting

Voting in Afghanistan's fourth presidential election was supposed to take place at some 5,000 polling centres across the country but hundreds were closed due to the security situation.

Many Afghans said voting went smoothly, triumphantly holding up fingers stained in indelible ink to show they had cast a ballot, but several said they had experienced problems.&nbsp;

"I came this early morning to cast my ballot. Unfortunately, my name was not on the list," said Ziyarat Khan, a farmer in Nangarhar. "The whole process is messy like the last time."

Campaigning was hampered by violence from the first day when Ghani's running mate was targeted in a bomb-and-gun attack that left at least 20 dead.&nbsp;

Bloody attacks have continued to rock Afghanistan, including a Taliban bombing at a Ghani rally last week that killed at least 26 people in the central province of Parwan near Kabul.

The interior ministry said it had deployed 72,000 forces to help secure polling stations.

Election officials say this will be the cleanest election yet, with equipment such as biometric fingerprint readers and better training for poll workers to ensure the vote is fair.

Still, the US embassy in Kabul has said it is "disturbed by so many complaints about security, lack of an equal playing field and fraud".

Saturday's poll was initially slated to take place in April but was twice delayed because election workers were ill-prepared, and the US was leading a push to forge a withdrawal agreement with the Taliban.&nbsp;

That deal has been scuppered for now after US President Donald Trump pulled out, and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-president-ashraf-ghani-says-hell-never-accept-division-of-power-251944">Afghanistan's next president</a> will likely face the daunting task of trying to strike a bargain with the Taliban.

Results are not expected until October 19. Candidates need more than 50 per cent of the vote to be declared the outright winner, or else the top two will head for the second round in November.

Afghans voted in presidential elections amid tight security on Saturday, even as insurgents attacked polling centres in a series of blasts and clashes across the country that left at least two people dead.

Afghans voted in presidential elections amid tight security on Saturday, even as insurgents attacked polling centres in a series of blasts and clashes across the country that left at least two people dead. The first-round vote marks the culmination of a bloody election campaign that despite a large field of candidates is seen as a close race between President Ashraf Ghani and his bitter rival Abdullah Abdullah, the country's chief executive. Wary authorities placed an uneasy Kabul under partial lockdown, flooding streets with troops and banning trucks from entering the city in an effort to stop would-be suicide bombers targeting residents as they cast their votes. Polls closed at 1230 GMT after a two-hour extension due to long queues of people still waiting to vote, the Independent Election Commission said. Compared to previous elections, the initial toll appeared relatively light, though authorities provided little information about reported blasts and ongoing armed clashes with the Taliban in various provinces. A security official who requested anonymity told AFP that two civilians had been killed and 27 wounded in Taliban bombings and mortar attacks at polling centres across the country. Serious security incidents were reported in several provinces including Kunduz, Nangarhar, Kabul, Bamiyan and Kandahar. The Taliban, who unleashed a string of bombings during the two-month election campaign, claimed to have conducted hundreds of attacks against Afghanistan's "fake elections". Ghani, having voted at a Kabul high school, said the most important issue was finding a leader with a mandate to bring peace to the war-torn nation. "Our roadmap (for peace) is ready, I want the people to give us permission and legitimacy so that we pursue peace," said Ghani, who is seeking a second term. Some 9.6 million Afghans are registered to vote, but many lack faith that after 18 years of war any leader can unify the fractious country and improve basic living conditions, boost the stagnating economy or bolster security. Observers from the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission said turnout appeared to be low, especially among women. Still, many voters braved insurgent attacks and long queues to cast a ballot. "I know there are security threats but bombs and attacks have become part of our everyday lives," 55-year-old Mohiuddin, who only gave one name, told AFP. "I am not afraid, we have to vote if we want to bring changes", he added. Abdullah and Ghani both claimed victory in the 2014 election - a vote so tainted by fraud and violence that it led to a constitutional crisis and forced then-US president Barack Obama to push for a compromise that saw Abdullah awarded the subordinate role. "The only request I have from the election commission is that they ensure the transparency of the election because lots of people have lost their trust," said Afghan voter Sunawbar Mirzae, 23. Problems voting Voting in Afghanistan's fourth presidential election was supposed to take place at some 5,000 polling centres across the country but hundreds were closed due to the security situation. Many Afghans said voting went smoothly, triumphantly holding up fingers stained in indelible ink to show they had cast a ballot, but several said they had experienced problems. "I came this early morning to cast my ballot. Unfortunately, my name was not on the list," said Ziyarat Khan, a farmer in Nangarhar. "The whole process is messy like the last time." Campaigning was hampered by violence from the first day when Ghani's running mate was targeted in a bomb-and-gun attack that left at least 20 dead. Bloody attacks have continued to rock Afghanistan, including a Taliban bombing at a Ghani rally last week that killed at least 26 people in the central province of Parwan near Kabul. The interior ministry said it had deployed 72,000 forces to help secure polling stations. Election officials say this will be the cleanest election yet, with equipment such as biometric fingerprint readers and better training for poll workers to ensure the vote is fair. Still, the US embassy in Kabul has said it is "disturbed by so many complaints about security, lack of an equal playing field and fraud". Saturday's poll was initially slated to take place in April but was twice delayed because election workers were ill-prepared, and the US was leading a push to forge a withdrawal agreement with the Taliban. That deal has been scuppered for now after US President Donald Trump pulled out, and Afghanistan's next president will likely face the daunting task of trying to strike a bargain with the Taliban. Results are not expected until October 19. Candidates need more than 50 per cent of the vote to be declared the outright winner, or else the top two will head for the second round in November.

Afghans vote in presidential election amid violence

Insurgents worked to disrupt <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistans-taliban-lifts-ban-on-world-health-organization-252047">Afghanistan's</a>&nbsp;presidential election Saturday, with a series of blasts reported across the country as voters headed to the polls and troops flooded the streets of the capital.

The vote marks the culmination of a bloody election campaign that is seen as a two-horse race between President Ashraf Ghani and his bitter rival Abdullah Abdullah, the country's chief executive.

The Taliban, who unleashed a string of bombings during the two-month campaign, in recent days issued repeated warnings they intend to attack polling centres.

At least 15 people were wounded in the southern city of Kandahar when a bomb went off at a polling station about two hours after voting began, a hospital director told AFP, and officials across the country reported several small explosions at other election sites.

"Peace is the first desire of our people," Ghani said after casting his vote at a high school in Kabul.

"Our roadmap (for peace) is ready, I want the people to give us permission and legitimacy so that we pursue peace."

Wary authorities placed an uneasy <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-delegation-meets-chinas-special-envoy-for-afghanistan-251582">Kabul under partial lockdown</a>, flooding streets with troops and banning trucks from entering the city in an effort to stop would-be suicide bombers attacking the electoral process.

One voter at a polling station in a Kabul high school said it was important to cast a ballot.

"I know there are security threats but bombs and attacks have become part of our everyday lives," 55-year-old Mohiuddin, who only gave one name, told AFP.

"I am not afraid, we have to vote if we want to bring changes to our lives", he added.

The capital's traffic, often gridlocked, dropped to a trickle as schools and offices closed for the day and as many people chose to stay off the roads.

Some 9.6 million Afghans are registered to vote, but many have lost any hope that after 18 years of war any leader can unify the fractious country and improve basic living conditions, boost the stagnating economy or bolster security.

Abdullah and <a href="Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani says he'll 'never accept division of power'">Ghani both claimed victory</a> in the 2014 election -- a vote so tainted by fraud and violence that it led to a constitutional crisis and forced then-US president Barack Obama to push for a compromise that saw Abdullah awarded the subordinate role.

Sunawbar Mirzae, 23, said she chose to brave the polls because she valued her right to vote.

"The only request I have from the election commission is that they ensure the transparency of the election because lots of people have lost their trust," she told AFP.

Abysmal security

Voting in Afghanistan's fourth presidential election began at 7:00 am (0230 GMT) at some 5,000 polling centres across the country. Authorities had initially planned to open hundreds more but were unable to owing to the abysmal security situation.

Campaigning was hampered by violence from the first day when Ghani's running mate was targeted in a bomb-and-gun attack that left at least 20 dead.&nbsp;

Bloody attacks have continued to rock Afghanistan, including a Taliban bombing at a Ghani rally last week that killed at least 26 people in the central province of Parwan near Kabul.

The interior ministry says 72,000 forces will help to secure polling stations.

Stephane Dujarric, the spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, said: "Any acts of violence against the electoral process, including attacks directed at polling centres, polling staff and voters, are unacceptable."

Election officials say this will be the cleanest election yet, with equipment such as biometric fingerprint readers and better training for poll workers to ensure the vote is fair.

Still, the US embassy in Kabul has said it is "disturbed by so many complaints about security, lack of an equal playing field and fraud" and many Afghans say they have no intention of voting, citing fraud and security fears.

Saturday's poll was initially slated to take place in April but was twice delayed because election workers were ill-prepared, and the US was leading a push to forge a withdrawal agreement with the Taliban.&nbsp;

That deal has been scuppered for now after US President Donald Trump pulled out.

Polls close at 3:00 pm (1030 GMT).

Insurgents worked to disrupt Afghanistan's presidential election Saturday, with a series of blasts reported across the country as voters headed to the polls and troops flooded the streets of the capital.

Insurgents worked to disrupt Afghanistan's presidential election Saturday, with a series of blasts reported across the country as voters headed to the polls and troops flooded the streets of the capital. The vote marks the culmination of a bloody election campaign that is seen as a two-horse race between President Ashraf Ghani and his bitter rival Abdullah Abdullah, the country's chief executive. The Taliban, who unleashed a string of bombings during the two-month campaign, in recent days issued repeated warnings they intend to attack polling centres. At least 15 people were wounded in the southern city of Kandahar when a bomb went off at a polling station about two hours after voting began, a hospital director told AFP, and officials across the country reported several small explosions at other election sites. "Peace is the first desire of our people," Ghani said after casting his vote at a high school in Kabul. "Our roadmap (for peace) is ready, I want the people to give us permission and legitimacy so that we pursue peace." Wary authorities placed an uneasy Kabul under partial lockdown, flooding streets with troops and banning trucks from entering the city in an effort to stop would-be suicide bombers attacking the electoral process. One voter at a polling station in a Kabul high school said it was important to cast a ballot. "I know there are security threats but bombs and attacks have become part of our everyday lives," 55-year-old Mohiuddin, who only gave one name, told AFP. "I am not afraid, we have to vote if we want to bring changes to our lives", he added. The capital's traffic, often gridlocked, dropped to a trickle as schools and offices closed for the day and as many people chose to stay off the roads. Some 9.6 million Afghans are registered to vote, but many have lost any hope that after 18 years of war any leader can unify the fractious country and improve basic living conditions, boost the stagnating economy or bolster security. Abdullah and Ghani both claimed victory in the 2014 election -- a vote so tainted by fraud and violence that it led to a constitutional crisis and forced then-US president Barack Obama to push for a compromise that saw Abdullah awarded the subordinate role. Sunawbar Mirzae, 23, said she chose to brave the polls because she valued her right to vote. "The only request I have from the election commission is that they ensure the transparency of the election because lots of people have lost their trust," she told AFP. Abysmal security Voting in Afghanistan's fourth presidential election began at 7:00 am (0230 GMT) at some 5,000 polling centres across the country. Authorities had initially planned to open hundreds more but were unable to owing to the abysmal security situation. Campaigning was hampered by violence from the first day when Ghani's running mate was targeted in a bomb-and-gun attack that left at least 20 dead. Bloody attacks have continued to rock Afghanistan, including a Taliban bombing at a Ghani rally last week that killed at least 26 people in the central province of Parwan near Kabul. The interior ministry says 72,000 forces will help to secure polling stations. Stephane Dujarric, the spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, said: "Any acts of violence against the electoral process, including attacks directed at polling centres, polling staff and voters, are unacceptable." Election officials say this will be the cleanest election yet, with equipment such as biometric fingerprint readers and better training for poll workers to ensure the vote is fair. Still, the US embassy in Kabul has said it is "disturbed by so many complaints about security, lack of an equal playing field and fraud" and many Afghans say they have no intention of voting, citing fraud and security fears. Saturday's poll was initially slated to take place in April but was twice delayed because election workers were ill-prepared, and the US was leading a push to forge a withdrawal agreement with the Taliban. That deal has been scuppered for now after US President Donald Trump pulled out. Polls close at 3:00 pm (1030 GMT).

Afghanistan rocked by blasts during presidential election

Calling Pakistan a "blot on humanity", a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/baloch-activists-hold-anti-pakistan-protest-outside-un-office-seek-intervention-250262">Baloch activist</a> has said the country which was created for Islam has emerged as the biggest enemy of the religion itself.

He also accused the Pakistani establishment of kidnapping children of the Baloch community.

<iframe data-google-container-id="5" data-load-complete="true" frameborder="0" height="1" id="google_ads_iframe_/6516239/outofpage_1x1_desktop_0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" name="google_ads_iframe_/6516239/outofpage_1x1_desktop_0" scrolling="no" srcdoc="" title="3rd party ad content" width="1"></iframe>"We aim to expose the real face of Pakistan before the&nbsp;world&nbsp;and let the&nbsp;world&nbsp;know that Pakistan is a blot on humanity. Pakstan is the biggest enemy of Islam. Pakistan was created for Islam and now it has become the biggest enemy of that religion," Shams Baloch, Central Council Member of Free Balochistan Movement.

"Pakistan gained control over Balochistan. Pakistan is a virus not just for India, Afghanistan or Balochistan, but for the entire&nbsp;world&nbsp;&amp; humanity," he added.

Pakistan has been condemned internationally for cracking down on the minorities living in the country.

Islamabad is also reportedly discriminating against its religious minorities, which is manifested in various forms of targeted violence, mass murders, extrajudicial killings, abduction, rapes, forced conversion to Islam, etc, making the Pakistani Hindus, Christians, Sikhs, Ahmadiyyas, and Shias one of the most persecuted minorities in the region.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/baloch-activists-demand-suspension-of-paks-membership-from-unhrc-165497">Various activists</a> belonging to the Baloch, Pashtuns, and Sindhi communities have been holding protests in Geneva to expose Pakistan over its illegal occupation and suppression of the minorities.

For long, Pakistan's establishment has been criticised over its practice of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings by international bodies and local human rights organisations that dare to speak out on the issue.

According to the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances, an entity established by the Pakistani government, about 5,000 cases of enforced disappearances have been registered since 2014.

Most of them are still unresolved.

Independent local and international human rights organisations put the numbers much higher.

Around 20,000 have reportedly been abducted only from Balochistan, out of which more than 2,500 have turned up dead as bullet-riddled dead bodies, bearing signs of extreme torture.

Before being elected as Prime Minister, Imran Khan had admitted in multiple interviews about the involvement of Pakistan's intelligence agencies in enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings and vowed to resign if he was unable to put an end to the practice, holding those involved responsible.

Calling Pakistan a "blot on humanity", a Baloch activist has said the country which was created for Islam has emerged as the biggest enemy of the religion itself.

Calling Pakistan a "blot on humanity", a Baloch activist has said the country which was created for Islam has emerged as the biggest enemy of the religion itself. He also accused the Pakistani establishment of kidnapping children of the Baloch community. "We aim to expose the real face of Pakistan before the world and let the world know that Pakistan is a blot on humanity. Pakstan is the biggest enemy of Islam. Pakistan was created for Islam and now it has become the biggest enemy of that religion," Shams Baloch, Central Council Member of Free Balochistan Movement. "Pakistan gained control over Balochistan. Pakistan is a virus not just for India, Afghanistan or Balochistan, but for the entire world & humanity," he added. Pakistan has been condemned internationally for cracking down on the minorities living in the country. Islamabad is also reportedly discriminating against its religious minorities, which is manifested in various forms of targeted violence, mass murders, extrajudicial killings, abduction, rapes, forced conversion to Islam, etc, making the Pakistani Hindus, Christians, Sikhs, Ahmadiyyas, and Shias one of the most persecuted minorities in the region. Various activists belonging to the Baloch, Pashtuns, and Sindhi communities have been holding protests in Geneva to expose Pakistan over its illegal occupation and suppression of the minorities. For long, Pakistan's establishment has been criticised over its practice of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings by international bodies and local human rights organisations that dare to speak out on the issue. According to the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances, an entity established by the Pakistani government, about 5,000 cases of enforced disappearances have been registered since 2014. Most of them are still unresolved. Independent local and international human rights organisations put the numbers much higher. Around 20,000 have reportedly been abducted only from Balochistan, out of which more than 2,500 have turned up dead as bullet-riddled dead bodies, bearing signs of extreme torture. Before being elected as Prime Minister, Imran Khan had admitted in multiple interviews about the involvement of Pakistan's intelligence agencies in enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings and vowed to resign if he was unable to put an end to the practice, holding those involved responsible.

Pakistan is blot on humanity, virus for entire world: Baloch activist

A former World Bank economist, an ophthalmologist, a spy chief and a one-time warlord are among the 15 candidates vying for the presidency when <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-commits-to-holding-presidential-polls-on-time-248549">Afghanistan</a> heads to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/fraud-the-main-enemy-for-afghan-election-officials-250714">polls</a> this weekend.

Eighteen candidates are set to appear on the official ballot, although three have since dropped out and officials say there is not enough time to update the ballot papers.

The run-up to the poll has been chaotic, with little in the way of campaigning and large swathes of the country unable to vote due to Taliban threats.

Here is a rundown of the main candidates:

The incumbent

President Ashraf Ghani has variously been described as visionary, short-tempered, academic and overly demanding.

The former World Bank economist and finance minister have long nurtured dreams of rebuilding Afghanistan, and firmly believes he is one of the few people, perhaps the only one, capable of handling the responsibility.

Despite a lack of credible polling, he is widely perceived as the overall favourite, though he has made little headway against either the Taliban or deep-rooted government corruption.

And even though Ghani has made repeated overtures to the Taliban for peace, they continue to dismiss him as a US-controlled "puppet", while the Americans sidelined him from now-suspended talks with the militants.

If re-elected, Ghani will be given a mandate in any future Afghan-led peace process with the Taliban&nbsp;should they ever agree to such negotiations.

If talking fails, Ghani has vowed in the past to fight the militants "for generations" if necessary.

The doctor

Former ophthalmologist and resistance fighter Abdullah Abdullah is again on the cusp of becoming the president of Afghanistan after being defeated in two previous elections, both tarnished by widespread allegations of fraud.

Abdullah, once an eye doctor in Kabul, was a member of Burhanuddin Rabbani's government during Afghanistan's 1992-1996 civil war, and made a name for himself abroad for his fluent English and refined manner.

His formative political experience was as the right-hand man to Ahmad Shah Massoud, the celebrated Tajik commander who led resistance to the Soviet occupation in the 1980s and to the 1996-2001 Taliban regime, only to be assassinated by Al Qaeda two days before the 9/11 attacks.

Both Abdullah and Ghani ran in 2014, and both claimed they had won.

To avert a full-blown conflict, then US secretary of state John Kerry brokered a power-sharing deal between the two that left Abdullah as the country's chief executive.

Abdullah has been in an unending tug of war with Ghani ever since, with bitter infighting in their administration preventing major attempts at reforms and legislation, while the two avoid public appearances together due to deep-seated enmity.

If finally elected, Abdullah has pledged to prioritise peace along with vague promises to improve the economy.

The butcher of Kabul

Gulbuddin Hekmatyar has lived many lives in a career forged in the crucible of Afghanistan's decades of war. Widely regarded as one of the most notorious warlords in Afghanistan's bloody history, he has also been an anti-Soviet commander, prime minister, and now a presidential contender.

He was accused of killing thousands during the 1992-1996 civil war and earned the nickname "the butcher of Kabul" for his brutal shelling of the capital.

After the 2001 US-led invasion, Washington designated him a terrorist, accusing him of colluding with Al-Qaeda and Taliban militants.

Hekmatyar made a surprising re-entry into the political mainstream in 2017 following a peace deal between his dormant Hezb-i-Islami militant group and Ghani.

If elected, Hekmatyar has vowed to oversee the withdrawal of all foreign troops from Afghanistan once and for all.

The lion's brother

Ahmad Wali Massoud is hoping to cash in on the fame of his renowned elder brother Ahmad Shah Massoud, the so-called "Lion of Panjshir" who worked so closely with Abdullah.

Other than a stint as the Afghan ambassador to the United Kingdom, Massoud has little in the way of political experience and has largely spent the last two decades as his brother's keeper, running a foundation in his name.

But he remains popular with the country's Tajik ethnic group, especially powerbrokers from his native Panjshir province that has enjoyed an outsized role in the government since 2001. &nbsp;

Massoud, however, is believed to have little chance of winning and at best can hope for an appointment in any future government.

Hopefuls

The 12 other candidates encompass a wide range of personalities, including former communists and a spy chief. &nbsp;

Rahmatullah Nabil is hoping his security credentials will woo voters after twice serving as the head of the Afghan intelligence agency.

And former communist party member Nur ul-Haq Ulumi -- who also briefly served as an interior minister in 2015 -- is in the race but stands little chance of making waves.

A former World Bank economist, an ophthalmologist, a spy chief and a one-time warlord are among the 15 candidates vying for the presidency when Afghanistan heads to the polls this weekend.

A former World Bank economist, an ophthalmologist, a spy chief and a one-time warlord are among the 15 candidates vying for the presidency when Afghanistan heads to the polls this weekend. Eighteen candidates are set to appear on the official ballot, although three have since dropped out and officials say there is not enough time to update the ballot papers. The run-up to the poll has been chaotic, with little in the way of campaigning and large swathes of the country unable to vote due to Taliban threats. Here is a rundown of the main candidates: The incumbent President Ashraf Ghani has variously been described as visionary, short-tempered, academic and overly demanding. The former World Bank economist and finance minister have long nurtured dreams of rebuilding Afghanistan, and firmly believes he is one of the few people, perhaps the only one, capable of handling the responsibility. Despite a lack of credible polling, he is widely perceived as the overall favourite, though he has made little headway against either the Taliban or deep-rooted government corruption. And even though Ghani has made repeated overtures to the Taliban for peace, they continue to dismiss him as a US-controlled "puppet", while the Americans sidelined him from now-suspended talks with the militants. If re-elected, Ghani will be given a mandate in any future Afghan-led peace process with the Taliban should they ever agree to such negotiations. If talking fails, Ghani has vowed in the past to fight the militants "for generations" if necessary. The doctor Former ophthalmologist and resistance fighter Abdullah Abdullah is again on the cusp of becoming the president of Afghanistan after being defeated in two previous elections, both tarnished by widespread allegations of fraud. Abdullah, once an eye doctor in Kabul, was a member of Burhanuddin Rabbani's government during Afghanistan's 1992-1996 civil war, and made a name for himself abroad for his fluent English and refined manner. His formative political experience was as the right-hand man to Ahmad Shah Massoud, the celebrated Tajik commander who led resistance to the Soviet occupation in the 1980s and to the 1996-2001 Taliban regime, only to be assassinated by Al Qaeda two days before the 9/11 attacks. Both Abdullah and Ghani ran in 2014, and both claimed they had won. To avert a full-blown conflict, then US secretary of state John Kerry brokered a power-sharing deal between the two that left Abdullah as the country's chief executive. Abdullah has been in an unending tug of war with Ghani ever since, with bitter infighting in their administration preventing major attempts at reforms and legislation, while the two avoid public appearances together due to deep-seated enmity. If finally elected, Abdullah has pledged to prioritise peace along with vague promises to improve the economy. The butcher of Kabul Gulbuddin Hekmatyar has lived many lives in a career forged in the crucible of Afghanistan's decades of war. Widely regarded as one of the most notorious warlords in Afghanistan's bloody history, he has also been an anti-Soviet commander, prime minister, and now a presidential contender. He was accused of killing thousands during the 1992-1996 civil war and earned the nickname "the butcher of Kabul" for his brutal shelling of the capital. After the 2001 US-led invasion, Washington designated him a terrorist, accusing him of colluding with Al-Qaeda and Taliban militants. Hekmatyar made a surprising re-entry into the political mainstream in 2017 following a peace deal between his dormant Hezb-i-Islami militant group and Ghani. If elected, Hekmatyar has vowed to oversee the withdrawal of all foreign troops from Afghanistan once and for all. The lion's brother Ahmad Wali Massoud is hoping to cash in on the fame of his renowned elder brother Ahmad Shah Massoud, the so-called "Lion of Panjshir" who worked so closely with Abdullah. Other than a stint as the Afghan ambassador to the United Kingdom, Massoud has little in the way of political experience and has largely spent the last two decades as his brother's keeper, running a foundation in his name. But he remains popular with the country's Tajik ethnic group, especially powerbrokers from his native Panjshir province that has enjoyed an outsized role in the government since 2001. Massoud, however, is believed to have little chance of winning and at best can hope for an appointment in any future government. Hopefuls The 12 other candidates encompass a wide range of personalities, including former communists and a spy chief. Rahmatullah Nabil is hoping his security credentials will woo voters after twice serving as the head of the Afghan intelligence agency. And former communist party member Nur ul-Haq Ulumi -- who also briefly served as an interior minister in 2015 -- is in the race but stands little chance of making waves.

The economist and the eye doctor: The Afghan presidential hopefuls

Afghans go to the polls Saturday to vote in a presidential election that few expect will have much effect in bringing peace to the war-torn country.

With the Taliban threatening violence against anyone who participates and concern that the widespread fraud which blighted previous elections will resurface, analysts fear a low turnout will seriously undermine the result.

"The security threats, coupled with a trust issue in the election's transparency, may translate into a very low turnout," Afghanistan analyst Ahmad Saeedi told AFP ahead of the vote.

"That would undermine the legitimacy of the election process and any future government that may come out of it."

The stakes are high.

Whatever the turnout, Afghans are choosing a leader who will almost certainly have to negotiate with the Taliban at some point -- even though the hardline Islamist group is doing everything it can to undermine the process.

Eighteen names were originally on the ballot, but the poll is considered a two-horse race between current President Ashraf Ghani and Abdullah Abdullah, the country's chief executive.

Both claimed victory in the 2014 election -- a vote so tainted by fraud and violence that it led to a constitutional crisis and forced then-US President Barack Obama to push for a compromise that saw Abdullah awarded the subordinate role.

Five years of bitter rivalry later, the parallels are unsettling, yet nothing suggests President Donald Trump would be willing to play such a role in any fresh disputes.

In fact, analysts suggest the new Washington administration has largely undermined the Afghan government by excluding Kabul from months of talks it held with the Taliban in a bid to extract US forces from America's longest-running war.&nbsp;

Agreement seemed imminent

The Taliban have also refused to negotiate with Ghani -- whom they consider a Washington puppet -- and he was totally marginalised during negotiations.

An agreement between the Taliban and Washington seemed imminent less than a month ago and observers thought the election could be suspended yet again to allow for the implementation of the withdrawal plan, even as Ghani insisted it must go ahead.

Ultimately, Trump scuppered the deal at the last moment.

That decision boosted what has been a fairly lacklustre election campaign, strengthening Ghani's argument the winner needs a strong mandate to negotiate with the Taliban to finally achieve a lasting peace.

But a low turnout is still a more likely result.

With the Taliban controlling or influencing vast swathes of Afghanistan, it was impossible to hold rallies in many parts of the country.

Campaigning was also hampered by violence from the first day, when Ghani's running mate was targeted in a bomb-and-gun attack that left at least 20 dead.&nbsp;

More than 1,300 civilians were killed in the country in the first half of 2019, according to the UN.&nbsp;

Logistically, authorities plan to open almost 5,000 polling stations -- 500 more were abandoned because of a lack of security.

The interior ministry says 72,000 forces will help to secure polling stations.

Election officials say this will be one the cleanest election yet held, having gone the distance with equipment such as biometric fingerprint readers and better training for poll workers to ensure the vote is fair.

Still, the US embassy in Kabul has said it is "disturbed by so many complaints about security, lack of an equal playing field and fraud".

Some 9.6 million Afghans are registered to vote, but many have lost any hope that after 18 years of war that any leader can unify the fractious country and improve basic living conditions, boost the stagnating economy or bolster security.

"It is very likely that I do not vote," 29-year-old Jawad Zawulistani told AFP.&nbsp;

"I have lost hope that my vote will be of any importance and the result of election would bring any change to my life and to my people's lives."

Results are not expected until October 19. Candidates need more than 50 per cent of the vote to be declared outright winner, or else the top two will head for a second round in November. 
&nbsp;

Afghans go to the polls Saturday to vote in a presidential election that few expect will have much effect in bringing peace to the war-torn country. With the Taliban threatening violence against anyone who participates and concern that the widespread fraud which blighted previous elections will resurface, analysts fear a low turnout will seriously undermine the result.

Afghans go to the polls Saturday to vote in a presidential election that few expect will have much effect in bringing peace to the war-torn country. With the Taliban threatening violence against anyone who participates and concern that the widespread fraud which blighted previous elections will resurface, analysts fear a low turnout will seriously undermine the result. "The security threats, coupled with a trust issue in the election's transparency, may translate into a very low turnout," Afghanistan analyst Ahmad Saeedi told AFP ahead of the vote. "That would undermine the legitimacy of the election process and any future government that may come out of it." The stakes are high. Whatever the turnout, Afghans are choosing a leader who will almost certainly have to negotiate with the Taliban at some point -- even though the hardline Islamist group is doing everything it can to undermine the process. Eighteen names were originally on the ballot, but the poll is considered a two-horse race between current President Ashraf Ghani and Abdullah Abdullah, the country's chief executive. Both claimed victory in the 2014 election -- a vote so tainted by fraud and violence that it led to a constitutional crisis and forced then-US President Barack Obama to push for a compromise that saw Abdullah awarded the subordinate role. Five years of bitter rivalry later, the parallels are unsettling, yet nothing suggests President Donald Trump would be willing to play such a role in any fresh disputes. In fact, analysts suggest the new Washington administration has largely undermined the Afghan government by excluding Kabul from months of talks it held with the Taliban in a bid to extract US forces from America's longest-running war. Agreement seemed imminent The Taliban have also refused to negotiate with Ghani -- whom they consider a Washington puppet -- and he was totally marginalised during negotiations. An agreement between the Taliban and Washington seemed imminent less than a month ago and observers thought the election could be suspended yet again to allow for the implementation of the withdrawal plan, even as Ghani insisted it must go ahead. Ultimately, Trump scuppered the deal at the last moment. That decision boosted what has been a fairly lacklustre election campaign, strengthening Ghani's argument the winner needs a strong mandate to negotiate with the Taliban to finally achieve a lasting peace. But a low turnout is still a more likely result. With the Taliban controlling or influencing vast swathes of Afghanistan, it was impossible to hold rallies in many parts of the country. Campaigning was also hampered by violence from the first day, when Ghani's running mate was targeted in a bomb-and-gun attack that left at least 20 dead. More than 1,300 civilians were killed in the country in the first half of 2019, according to the UN. Logistically, authorities plan to open almost 5,000 polling stations -- 500 more were abandoned because of a lack of security. The interior ministry says 72,000 forces will help to secure polling stations. Election officials say this will be one the cleanest election yet held, having gone the distance with equipment such as biometric fingerprint readers and better training for poll workers to ensure the vote is fair. Still, the US embassy in Kabul has said it is "disturbed by so many complaints about security, lack of an equal playing field and fraud". Some 9.6 million Afghans are registered to vote, but many have lost any hope that after 18 years of war that any leader can unify the fractious country and improve basic living conditions, boost the stagnating economy or bolster security. "It is very likely that I do not vote," 29-year-old Jawad Zawulistani told AFP. "I have lost hope that my vote will be of any importance and the result of election would bring any change to my life and to my people's lives." Results are not expected until October 19. Candidates need more than 50 per cent of the vote to be declared outright winner, or else the top two will head for a second round in November.

Little hope for peace as Afghans prepare for weekend vote

External Affairs Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-problem-talking-to-pakistan-but-have-problem-talking-to-terroristan-jaishankar-251859">S Jaishankar</a> on Wednesday appreciated the United States for doing enormous good in Afghanistan but said that "those gains are not being reflected in general discourse".

"An enormous good was done in Afghanistan. Today I don't see that reflected in the discourse, now how do we maintain those gains? To me, that's the big challenge," the External Affairs Minister said during a conversation at Council on Foreign Relations here with former US ambassador to India Frank G Wisner.

"I have visited Afghanistan and I have seen that the Afghans have left the Taliban-dominated areas and re-habited the areas under the US control. So how would you protect the gains of pluralism in different ways&nbsp;including civil liberties, women's rights, and child education? And that is a big challenge," the minister said.

He added, "We do understand the compulsions on the part of the United States."

The minister further touched upon the present scenario of turmoil ongoing in the war-torn country especially after the breakdown of the peace talks between the US and Taliban earlier this month, despite months of continuous negotiations on the two sides.

"The US had an 18-year military commitment in Afghanistan. And frankly, I can't think any other country is capable of such a commitment," Jaishankar said in response to a question on Afghanistan being of huge strategic importance for India and how does the country balances in its north-west frontiers in the wake of the US negotiations with the Taliban.

Following the breakdown of talks between the US and Taliban, the Trump administration had further called for a pull out of nearly 5000 troops from Afghanistan.

Addressing a query on the American troops' removal amid such volatile conditions, Jaishankar noted, "So, the first point I would make is even if the Americans are pulling out or negotiating, I think, countries like us should appreciate the US for the work it has done to stabilise that region. That has been for the larger benefit of the region."

"I think the best bet will be to trust the Afghans more. They have capabilities there," he stressed.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday appreciated the United States for doing enormous good in Afghanistan but said that "those gains are not being reflected in general discourse".

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday appreciated the United States for doing enormous good in Afghanistan but said that "those gains are not being reflected in general discourse". "An enormous good was done in Afghanistan. Today I don't see that reflected in the discourse, now how do we maintain those gains? To me, that's the big challenge," the External Affairs Minister said during a conversation at Council on Foreign Relations here with former US ambassador to India Frank G Wisner. "I have visited Afghanistan and I have seen that the Afghans have left the Taliban-dominated areas and re-habited the areas under the US control. So how would you protect the gains of pluralism in different ways including civil liberties, women's rights, and child education? And that is a big challenge," the minister said. He added, "We do understand the compulsions on the part of the United States." The minister further touched upon the present scenario of turmoil ongoing in the war-torn country especially after the breakdown of the peace talks between the US and Taliban earlier this month, despite months of continuous negotiations on the two sides. "The US had an 18-year military commitment in Afghanistan. And frankly, I can't think any other country is capable of such a commitment," Jaishankar said in response to a question on Afghanistan being of huge strategic importance for India and how does the country balances in its north-west frontiers in the wake of the US negotiations with the Taliban. Following the breakdown of talks between the US and Taliban, the Trump administration had further called for a pull out of nearly 5000 troops from Afghanistan. Addressing a query on the American troops' removal amid such volatile conditions, Jaishankar noted, "So, the first point I would make is even if the Americans are pulling out or negotiating, I think, countries like us should appreciate the US for the work it has done to stabilise that region. That has been for the larger benefit of the region." "I think the best bet will be to trust the Afghans more. They have capabilities there," he stressed.

Enormous good done by US in Afghanistan: Jaishankar

Afghanistan's Taliban insurgency has lifted a ban on World Health Organization activities in areas the militants control, a spokesman for the Islamist group said, reversing a stance that had been complicating efforts to eradicate polio.

Afghanistan's Taliban insurgency has lifted a ban on World Health Organization activities in areas the militants control, a spokesman for the Islamist group said, reversing a stance that had been complicating efforts to eradicate polio. The Taliban had in April banned the WHO and International Committee of the Red Cross, citing their "suspicious activities" during vaccination campaigns, which threatened to deepen one of the world's worst humanitarian crises. The health arm of the United Nations has been carrying out a vaccination campaign in Afghanistan, one of just three countries where polio is still endemic. "After realising its shortcomings and following constant contact and meetings with our representatives, the WHO received permission for their activities," said Zabihullah Mujahid, a spokesman for the Taliban in a statement. In the statement, the Taliban gave a guarantee of safety for WHO staff but also set conditions for its return, including only doing health work, getting the insurgency's permission before hiring workers and only carrying out polio vaccine campaigns in health centres. The WHO did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment. Earlier this month, the Taliban also lifted its ban on the Red Cross, which has been providing medical support for more than 30 years. Aid groups operating in Afghanistan stress that they do not take sides. The Taliban controls or contests more than half of Afghanistan's 410 Afghan districts. The Taliban controls or contests more than half of Afghanistan's 410 Afghan districts.

Afghanistan's Taliban lifts ban on World Health Organization

Incumbent Afghan President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-president-ashraf-ghani-vows-to-eliminate-islamic-state-says-will-take-revenge-for-our-people-244235">Ashraf Ghani</a> has said that he is&nbsp;against any division of power in the Islamic Republic and added that he would never accept an executive branch headed by his long-term rival, Abdullah Abdullah.

"I will never be ready to accept the executive [branch in its current form]. We need only one team [government headed by the president] in the leadership. I accept the National Unity Government because national unity can happen, but it did not. Time [was] wasted and we did not reach the goal because in one government there were two voices," Ghani said.

He stressed that under the Afghan constitution, "a single team will be in power."

"I <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-peace-is-coming-president-ashraf-ghani-claims-as-election-campaign-starts-239001">made promises</a> based on a single government, but we saw that accountability was also being politicized and obstacles to the executive branch," he said.

The National Unity Government was established after the disputed 2014 Presidential Election -&nbsp;both Ghani and his opponent, Abdullah Abdullah, had claimed victory.

After months of stalled negotiations, an extra-constitutional post was created specifically for Abdullah, who now is the Chief Executive Officer of Afghanistan within the government.

Abdullah is currently one of the leading candidates for Saturday's presidential election.

Incumbent Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has said that he is against any division of power in the Islamic Republic and added that he would never accept an executive branch headed by his long-term rival, Abdullah Abdullah.

Incumbent Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has said that he is against any division of power in the Islamic Republic and added that he would never accept an executive branch headed by his long-term rival, Abdullah Abdullah. "I will never be ready to accept the executive [branch in its current form]. We need only one team [government headed by the president] in the leadership. I accept the National Unity Government because national unity can happen, but it did not. Time [was] wasted and we did not reach the goal because in one government there were two voices," Ghani said. He stressed that under the Afghan constitution, "a single team will be in power." "I made promises based on a single government, but we saw that accountability was also being politicized and obstacles to the executive branch," he said. The National Unity Government was established after the disputed 2014 Presidential Election - both Ghani and his opponent, Abdullah Abdullah, had claimed victory. After months of stalled negotiations, an extra-constitutional post was created specifically for Abdullah, who now is the Chief Executive Officer of Afghanistan within the government. Abdullah is currently one of the leading candidates for Saturday's presidential election.

Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani says he'll 'never accept division of power'

Afghans are divided on whether to defy the Taliban's threats and cast their ballots in a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-commits-to-holding-presidential-polls-on-time-248549">presidential election</a> this week and even those who are willing to vote fear the poll will be tainted by fraud.

"It is a chance to bring changes," says teacher Mohsen Karimi, 30, from the western city of Herat near the Iranian border.

The country's fourth presidential elections since the Taliban's fall from power in 2001 will be held as increasing uncertainty grips the country.&nbsp;

Fighting between the government and insurgents is killing record numbers of people, while the collapse of US-Taliban talks earlier this month has raised fresh questions about how long Washington plans to keep troops on the ground.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Civilians continue to pay a heavy price in the nearly 18-year-long conflict.

More than 1,500 civilians were killed or wounded in July, according to the UN, the highest monthly toll this year.

The Taliban have already threatened to target the polls.

"In most areas, people cannot vote due to Taliban threats. Even if a candidate is elected, it is not the absolute choice of all Afghans," said Mohamad Qasim from the southern province of Kandahar.

Among the students, shopkeepers, and teachers&nbsp;in Kabul and provinces across Afghanistan, several said that they did not plan to vote on Saturday.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"I want to vote, but I'm scared," said Samim from the eastern city of Jalalabad, which is frequently targeted by both the Taliban and Islamic State militants.&nbsp;

However, it is a fraud that deters the 33-year-old shopkeeper the most.

"The last election was full of irregularities. If I was sure there would be no fraud in this election, then I would vote and call on my friends to vote," he said.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/fraud-the-main-enemy-for-afghan-election-officials-250714">2014 presidential election</a> was so badly tainted by fraud allegations that it required US intervention.&nbsp;&nbsp;

A power-sharing deal brokered by then US Secretary of State John Kerry was needed to prevent a confrontation between Ashraf Ghani, who was handed the presidency, and Abdullah Abdullah, who became the Chief Executive.

Following a bitter five-year partnership, the two rivals are squaring off again and are seen as the main contenders to lead a country where more than half the population lives in poverty, making under two dollars a day.

'I&nbsp;will vote'

Candidates have done little campaigning in the run-up to this year's contest, which was largely overshadowed by talks seeking a potential US-Taliban deal. Many thought the talks would delay the poll but they have since been suspended.

"I have not decided whether to vote or not," explained Abdul Ahmad, a 56-year-old businessman in the northern city of Mazar-i-Sharif.

"I also don't know if any good government would come to power", he added.

Meanwhile, fears of more attacks on campaign events and polling centres are swelling.

The first day of campaigning saw the Taliban target President Ghani's running-mate Amrullah Saleh in an attack that killed 20 people in July.

Last week, another 26 people were killed in the central province of Parwan near Kabul when the Taliban targeted a Ghani campaign rally.

Many residents of Kabul, one of the deadliest places for civilians in the country, were split on whether to vote.

While labourer Mohammad Akbar, 51, said none of the candidates seemed "right" to him and he would stay away from the polls, restaurant manager Mohamad Sadeq, 53, said he was ready to vote.

"Although there will be many security challenges, people will still get out and vote and I will go and vote as well," added Arash Rasuli, an insurance executive.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Zainab Sepehri, 20, a student in Herat, hoped her vote would help "change the lives of the women in this country" -- a sentiment echoed by fellow student Monisa Qarizada, 22.

"I will vote. Because as a woman, I don't want to go back, I don't want women to be oppressed again," she said from Mazar-i-Sharif.

For <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/afghan-presidential-candidates-fear-for-safety-after-attack-239294">some Afghans</a>, voting is the only voice that they have.&nbsp;

"Don't let others decide for you," said Karimi, the teacher from Herat.&nbsp;

"You must vote to have a say in your country", she added.

Afghans are divided on whether to defy the Taliban's threats and cast their ballots in a presidential election this week and even those who are willing to vote fear the poll will be tainted by fraud.

Afghans are divided on whether to defy the Taliban's threats and cast their ballots in a presidential election this week and even those who are willing to vote fear the poll will be tainted by fraud. "It is a chance to bring changes," says teacher Mohsen Karimi, 30, from the western city of Herat near the Iranian border. The country's fourth presidential elections since the Taliban's fall from power in 2001 will be held as increasing uncertainty grips the country. Fighting between the government and insurgents is killing record numbers of people, while the collapse of US-Taliban talks earlier this month has raised fresh questions about how long Washington plans to keep troops on the ground. Civilians continue to pay a heavy price in the nearly 18-year-long conflict. More than 1,500 civilians were killed or wounded in July, according to the UN, the highest monthly toll this year. The Taliban have already threatened to target the polls. "In most areas, people cannot vote due to Taliban threats. Even if a candidate is elected, it is not the absolute choice of all Afghans," said Mohamad Qasim from the southern province of Kandahar. Among the students, shopkeepers, and teachers in Kabul and provinces across Afghanistan, several said that they did not plan to vote on Saturday. "I want to vote, but I'm scared," said Samim from the eastern city of Jalalabad, which is frequently targeted by both the Taliban and Islamic State militants. However, it is a fraud that deters the 33-year-old shopkeeper the most. "The last election was full of irregularities. If I was sure there would be no fraud in this election, then I would vote and call on my friends to vote," he said. The 2014 presidential election was so badly tainted by fraud allegations that it required US intervention. A power-sharing deal brokered by then US Secretary of State John Kerry was needed to prevent a confrontation between Ashraf Ghani, who was handed the presidency, and Abdullah Abdullah, who became the Chief Executive. Following a bitter five-year partnership, the two rivals are squaring off again and are seen as the main contenders to lead a country where more than half the population lives in poverty, making under two dollars a day. 'I will vote' Candidates have done little campaigning in the run-up to this year's contest, which was largely overshadowed by talks seeking a potential US-Taliban deal. Many thought the talks would delay the poll but they have since been suspended. "I have not decided whether to vote or not," explained Abdul Ahmad, a 56-year-old businessman in the northern city of Mazar-i-Sharif. "I also don't know if any good government would come to power", he added. Meanwhile, fears of more attacks on campaign events and polling centres are swelling. The first day of campaigning saw the Taliban target President Ghani's running-mate Amrullah Saleh in an attack that killed 20 people in July. Last week, another 26 people were killed in the central province of Parwan near Kabul when the Taliban targeted a Ghani campaign rally. Many residents of Kabul, one of the deadliest places for civilians in the country, were split on whether to vote. While labourer Mohammad Akbar, 51, said none of the candidates seemed "right" to him and he would stay away from the polls, restaurant manager Mohamad Sadeq, 53, said he was ready to vote. "Although there will be many security challenges, people will still get out and vote and I will go and vote as well," added Arash Rasuli, an insurance executive. Zainab Sepehri, 20, a student in Herat, hoped her vote would help "change the lives of the women in this country" -- a sentiment echoed by fellow student Monisa Qarizada, 22. "I will vote. Because as a woman, I don't want to go back, I don't want women to be oppressed again," she said from Mazar-i-Sharif. For some Afghans, voting is the only voice that they have. "Don't let others decide for you," said Karimi, the teacher from Herat. "You must vote to have a say in your country", she added.

Afghans fear violence and fraud as presidential vote looms

A joint operation was carried out by US and Afghan <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-drone-strike-kills-30-civilians-in-afghanistan-40-injured-250672">troops</a> against proscribed terror groups Al-Qaeda and Taliban in a compound in Afghanistan's Helmand province in which four terrorists were killed while several other militants were detained.

The operation was carried out in Musa Qala, a Taliban stronghold in Helmand, according to the National Security Council (NSC) of Afghanistan.

The NSC said that AQIS leader Asim Umar, who was the target, was in the compound. While it did not elaborate on Umar's status, it, however, informed that his courier, who was tasked with delivering messages to Al-Qaeda chief Ayman al-Zawahiri was killed.

Taliban's Explosives Chief for Helmand and two other deputies were also killed in the operation.

The NSC said that six Pakistani females, including a woman identified as Umar's wife, were in custody while eight Taliban and several foreign terrorists were also detained.

During the operation, the troops seized and destroyed Taliban weapons and ammunition.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-blast-in-kabuls-diplomatic-area-231905">Afghan</a> National Security Council (NSC)&nbsp;said that it was assessing reports of possible civilian casualties.

"Unfortunately, we are hearing reports of possible civilian casualties. As a responsible government, we are still assessing those reports and will address them accordingly," it said.

A joint operation was carried out by US and Afghan troops against proscribed terror groups Al-Qaeda and Taliban in a compound in Afghanistan's Helmand province in which four terrorists were killed while several other militants were detained.

A joint operation was carried out by US and Afghan troops against proscribed terror groups Al-Qaeda and Taliban in a compound in Afghanistan's Helmand province in which four terrorists were killed while several other militants were detained. The operation was carried out in Musa Qala, a Taliban stronghold in Helmand, according to the National Security Council (NSC) of Afghanistan. The NSC said that AQIS leader Asim Umar, who was the target, was in the compound. While it did not elaborate on Umar's status, it, however, informed that his courier, who was tasked with delivering messages to Al-Qaeda chief Ayman al-Zawahiri was killed. Taliban's Explosives Chief for Helmand and two other deputies were also killed in the operation. The NSC said that six Pakistani females, including a woman identified as Umar's wife, were in custody while eight Taliban and several foreign terrorists were also detained. During the operation, the troops seized and destroyed Taliban weapons and ammunition. The Afghan National Security Council (NSC) said that it was assessing reports of possible civilian casualties. "Unfortunately, we are hearing reports of possible civilian casualties. As a responsible government, we are still assessing those reports and will address them accordingly," it said.

4 terrorists killed in joint US-Afghan operation, several detained

Ordinary<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/civilians-fall-victim-to-us-led-military-actions-in-afghanistan-analyst-250702"> Afghans </a>are divided on whether to defy the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/collapse-of-us-taliban-talks-an-awkward-blow-for-pakistan-251534">Taliban</a>'s threats and cast their ballots in a presidential election this week, and even those who are willing to vote fear the poll will be tainted by fraud.

"It is a chance to bring changes," says teacher Mohsen Karimi, 30, from the western city of Herat near the Iranian border.

The country's fourth presidential elections since the Taliban's fall from power in 2001 will be held as increasing uncertainty grips the country.&nbsp;

Fighting between the government and insurgents is killing record numbers of people, while the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/the-now-dead-us-taliban-talks-lacked-strategic-vision-248969">collapse of US-Taliban talks</a> earlier this month has raised fresh questions about how long Washington plans to keep troops on the ground. &nbsp;

Civilians continue to pay a heavy price in the nearly 18-year-long conflict.

More than 1,500 civilians were killed or wounded in July, according to the UN, the highest monthly toll this year.

The Taliban have already threatened to target the polls.

"In most areas, people cannot vote due to the Taliban threats. Even if a candidate is elected, it is not the absolute choice of all Afghans," said Mohamad Qasim from the southern province of Kandahar.

Among the students, shopkeepers and teachers interviewed by AFP in Kabul and provinces across Afghanistan, several said they did not plan to vote on Saturday. &nbsp;

"I want to vote, but I'm scared," said Samim from the eastern city of Jalalabad, which is frequently targeted by both the Taliban and Islamic State militants.&nbsp;

However it is fraud that deters the 33-year-old shopkeeper the most.

"The last election was full of irregularities. If I was sure there would be no fraud in this election, then I would vote and call on my friends to vote," he said.

The 2014 presidential election was so badly tainted by fraud allegations that it required US intervention. &nbsp;

A power-sharing deal brokered by then US secretary of state John Kerry was needed to prevent confrontation between Ashraf Ghani, who was handed the presidency, and Abdullah Abdullah, who became chief executive.

Following a bitter five-year partnership, the two rivals are squaring off again and are seen as the main contenders to lead a country where more than half the population lives in poverty, making under two dollars a day.

'I will vote'

Candidates have done little campaigning in the run-up to this year's contest, which was largely overshadowed by talks seeking a potential US-Taliban deal. Many thought the talks would delay the poll but they have since been suspended.

"I have not decided whether to vote or not," explained Abdul Ahmad, a 56-year-old businessman in the northern city of Mazar-i-Sharif.

"I also don't know if any good government would come to power."

Meanwhile, fears of more attacks on campaign events and polling centres are swelling.

The first day of campaigning saw the Taliban target President Ghani's running-mate Amrullah Saleh in an attack that killed 20 people in July.

Last week, another 26 people were killed in the central province of Parwan near Kabul when the Taliban targeted a Ghani campaign rally.

Many residents of Kabul, one of the deadliest places for civilians in the country, were split on whether to vote.

While labourer Mohammad Akbar, 51, said none of the candidates seemed "right" to him and he would stay away from the polls, restaurant manager Mohamad Sadeq, 53, said he was ready to vote.

"Although there will be many security challenges, people will still get out and vote and I will go and vote as well," added Arash Rasuli, an insurance executive. &nbsp;

Zainab Sepehri, 20, a student in Herat, hoped her vote would help "change the lives of the women in this country" -- a sentiment echoed by fellow student Monisa Qarizada, 22.

"I will vote. Because as a woman, I don't want to go back, I don't want women to be oppressed again," she said from Mazar-i-Sharif.

For some Afghans, voting is the only voice they have.&nbsp;

"Don't let others decide for you," said Karimi, the teacher from Herat.&nbsp;

"You must vote to have a say in your country." 
&nbsp;

Ordinary Afghans are divided on whether to defy the Taliban's threats and cast their ballots in a presidential election this week, and even those who are willing to vote fear the poll will be tainted by fraud.

Ordinary Afghans are divided on whether to defy the Taliban's threats and cast their ballots in a presidential election this week, and even those who are willing to vote fear the poll will be tainted by fraud. "It is a chance to bring changes," says teacher Mohsen Karimi, 30, from the western city of Herat near the Iranian border. The country's fourth presidential elections since the Taliban's fall from power in 2001 will be held as increasing uncertainty grips the country. Fighting between the government and insurgents is killing record numbers of people, while the collapse of US-Taliban talks earlier this month has raised fresh questions about how long Washington plans to keep troops on the ground. Civilians continue to pay a heavy price in the nearly 18-year-long conflict. More than 1,500 civilians were killed or wounded in July, according to the UN, the highest monthly toll this year. The Taliban have already threatened to target the polls. "In most areas, people cannot vote due to the Taliban threats. Even if a candidate is elected, it is not the absolute choice of all Afghans," said Mohamad Qasim from the southern province of Kandahar. Among the students, shopkeepers and teachers interviewed by AFP in Kabul and provinces across Afghanistan, several said they did not plan to vote on Saturday. "I want to vote, but I'm scared," said Samim from the eastern city of Jalalabad, which is frequently targeted by both the Taliban and Islamic State militants. However it is fraud that deters the 33-year-old shopkeeper the most. "The last election was full of irregularities. If I was sure there would be no fraud in this election, then I would vote and call on my friends to vote," he said. The 2014 presidential election was so badly tainted by fraud allegations that it required US intervention. A power-sharing deal brokered by then US secretary of state John Kerry was needed to prevent confrontation between Ashraf Ghani, who was handed the presidency, and Abdullah Abdullah, who became chief executive. Following a bitter five-year partnership, the two rivals are squaring off again and are seen as the main contenders to lead a country where more than half the population lives in poverty, making under two dollars a day. 'I will vote' Candidates have done little campaigning in the run-up to this year's contest, which was largely overshadowed by talks seeking a potential US-Taliban deal. Many thought the talks would delay the poll but they have since been suspended. "I have not decided whether to vote or not," explained Abdul Ahmad, a 56-year-old businessman in the northern city of Mazar-i-Sharif. "I also don't know if any good government would come to power." Meanwhile, fears of more attacks on campaign events and polling centres are swelling. The first day of campaigning saw the Taliban target President Ghani's running-mate Amrullah Saleh in an attack that killed 20 people in July. Last week, another 26 people were killed in the central province of Parwan near Kabul when the Taliban targeted a Ghani campaign rally. Many residents of Kabul, one of the deadliest places for civilians in the country, were split on whether to vote. While labourer Mohammad Akbar, 51, said none of the candidates seemed "right" to him and he would stay away from the polls, restaurant manager Mohamad Sadeq, 53, said he was ready to vote. "Although there will be many security challenges, people will still get out and vote and I will go and vote as well," added Arash Rasuli, an insurance executive. Zainab Sepehri, 20, a student in Herat, hoped her vote would help "change the lives of the women in this country" -- a sentiment echoed by fellow student Monisa Qarizada, 22. "I will vote. Because as a woman, I don't want to go back, I don't want women to be oppressed again," she said from Mazar-i-Sharif. For some Afghans, voting is the only voice they have. "Don't let others decide for you," said Karimi, the teacher from Herat. "You must vote to have a say in your country."

Afghans fear violence, fraud as presidential vote looms

Afghans are set to head to polls on Saturday (September 28) to choose the country's new leader. Some 9.6 million voters have registered, in a country with a population of about 32 million.

Violence and fraud overshadow Afghanistan poll

Afghanistan is investigating reports that 40 civilians, including children, were killed in an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-14-killed-8-injured-in-airstrike-in-helmand-251437">airstrike during a wedding celebration</a> in southern Helmand province, officials said Monday.

The allegations stem from an overnight skirmish in Musa Qala district, less than a week after a drone killed at least nine civilians in Nangarhar province east of Kabul.

Residents and local officials in Helmand said an evening wedding celebration was underway when security forces launched a ground and aerial operation against suspected militants.&nbsp;

Majeed Akhundzada, a member of the Helmand provincial council, told AFP that both Afghan and foreign forces had been involved in the fighting.&nbsp;

"Some 40 people were killed and 18 others were wounded and were brought to the hospital, all the victims were civilians," he said.&nbsp;

Sher Mohammad Akhundza, a provincial senator, also put the toll at 40 dead.&nbsp;

Defence ministry spokesman Fawad Aman later told AFP that special forces had been targeting a compound hosting Taliban and Al Qaeda militants, saying fighting lasted an hour before an insurgent detonated a suicide vest.&nbsp;

Aman said at least 22 "terrorists" were killed and 14 others injured in the incident, adding that officials were investigating claims that civilians had also been killed.&nbsp;

But he denied that airstrikes had been used during the operation.

A statement from Helmand's governor gave a different account, saying the militants were killed in "airstrikes" and ground operations.&nbsp;

While the Afghan military does have a fledgling air force, most strikes are led or supported by the United States, the only member of the international coalition in Afghanistan that provides aerial support in the conflict.

There was no immediate comment from NATO's Resolute Support mission in Afghanistan.

The UN documented a sharp rise in civilian deaths from airstrikes last year, as Afghan and US forces intensified the aerial bombardment of Taliban and Islamic State group militants.&nbsp;

Afghanistan is investigating reports that 40 civilians, including children, were killed in an airstrike during a wedding celebration in southern Helmand province, officials said Monday.

Afghanistan is investigating reports that 40 civilians, including children, were killed in an airstrike during a wedding celebration in southern Helmand province, officials said Monday. The allegations stem from an overnight skirmish in Musa Qala district, less than a week after a drone killed at least nine civilians in Nangarhar province east of Kabul. Residents and local officials in Helmand said an evening wedding celebration was underway when security forces launched a ground and aerial operation against suspected militants. Majeed Akhundzada, a member of the Helmand provincial council, told AFP that both Afghan and foreign forces had been involved in the fighting. "Some 40 people were killed and 18 others were wounded and were brought to the hospital, all the victims were civilians," he said. Sher Mohammad Akhundza, a provincial senator, also put the toll at 40 dead. Defence ministry spokesman Fawad Aman later told AFP that special forces had been targeting a compound hosting Taliban and Al Qaeda militants, saying fighting lasted an hour before an insurgent detonated a suicide vest. Aman said at least 22 "terrorists" were killed and 14 others injured in the incident, adding that officials were investigating claims that civilians had also been killed. But he denied that airstrikes had been used during the operation. A statement from Helmand's governor gave a different account, saying the militants were killed in "airstrikes" and ground operations. While the Afghan military does have a fledgling air force, most strikes are led or supported by the United States, the only member of the international coalition in Afghanistan that provides aerial support in the conflict. There was no immediate comment from NATO's Resolute Support mission in Afghanistan. The UN documented a sharp rise in civilian deaths from airstrikes last year, as Afghan and US forces intensified the aerial bombardment of Taliban and Islamic State group militants.

Afghan officials investigate reports 40 civilians killed in airstrike

At least 35 civilians were killed and 13 people were injured during an attack conducted by the Afghan government forces in southern Helmand province, two provincial officials said on Monday.

The incident occurred on Sunday night when Afghan forces raided a house that the officials said was being used by the Taliban to train suicide bombers, but during the attack a wedding venue situated adjacent the target came under fire.

"35 civilians were killed and 13 are injured. These people were attending a wedding party near to the attack site in Khaksar area of Musa Qala district," said Attaullah Afghan, a member of the Helmand provincial council member.

A second provincial council member, Abdul Majid Akhundzadah said 40 people, all civilians, were killed in the attack.

At least 35 civilians were killed and 13 people were injured during an attack conducted by the Afghan government forces in southern Helmand province, two provincial officials said on Monday.

At least 35 civilians were killed and 13 people were injured during an attack conducted by the Afghan government forces in southern Helmand province, two provincial officials said on Monday. The incident occurred on Sunday night when Afghan forces raided a house that the officials said was being used by the Taliban to train suicide bombers, but during the attack a wedding venue situated adjacent the target came under fire. "35 civilians were killed and 13 are injured. These people were attending a wedding party near to the attack site in Khaksar area of Musa Qala district," said Attaullah Afghan, a member of the Helmand provincial council member. A second provincial council member, Abdul Majid Akhundzadah said 40 people, all civilians, were killed in the attack.

At least 35 civilians killed by Afghan forces in southern Helmand province

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