A day in the life of an Afghan women.

This is what I wished to write about when I started my research.

The idea occurred when planning my day, and at the same time writing a story on United Nations' reaction on the Taliban's increasing atrocities against women in Afghanistan.

I wanted to know and tell the world what a normal day now looks like, almost two years after Taliban's rule began again in 2021.

I reached out to a couple of young women in Afghanistan.

I was reading the UN's continuous commentary on what's going on in this part of the world.

About the horrific diktats and statistics that kept coming out after August 2021.

In September 2021, an order was issued banning girls from attending high school. In December 2022, women get barred from attending universities. On 24 December 2022, they were banned from working with NGOs in Afghanistan.

The assault on women's rights continues even now.

On June 24th this year, all salons across the country were given one month to close.

Now, reportedly the Taliban has banned girls over the age of 10 from attending primary school classes.

Unfortunately, it does not end here. There is an extensive list of other restrictions as well.

Gyms, Parks, cinema halls, fairs and most employment opportunities are out of reach of women.

Even for a few activities where women are allowed to step out of their house, a male figure is supposed to accompany them.

But talking to Aisha made me realise how there's so much more going on beyond numbers and diktats.

How each number had a story behind it.

Aisha tells me that before 2021, she was a person who walked under free skies.

She was a student pursuing law and teaching at a primary school at the same time.

Now, fear has gripped her life and dictates every action she takes.

Aisha had to drop out of her law degree and was banned from teaching at the school.

She has now changed her field to pursue a nursing course, the only one that Taliban has permitted for girls.

From a simple act of clicking a picture, to listening to songs, to even watching television, she cannot do anything with a relaxed mind, she says.

She says that there are certain streets she can't even go to for the fear of getting caught.

Caught for what, one might ask.

Well, for being a woman in Afghanistan, unfortunately.

Barred from undertaking any simple activity that humans like to take up.

At this point one might as well ask: so where are Afghan women and what do they do?

Aisha tells me that she sits at her home all the time on most days.

For a few hours that she goes out, her mother fears if her daughter will even return home or not.

It makes me think of how years of progress of working, raging and fighting for women's rights, is getting washed away with each day that these women spend locked up in their own homes.

I realised that, in a world where going to school, work and even a park has become a dream, Aisha does not have 24 hours.

Her days now belong to Taliban.

But slowly, feeble voices are rising.

Women staged protests against the Taliban's latest decree to ban salons.

Every now and then, when Taliban tries to tighten its grip around women's freedom, few voices do rise up to nothing but reclaim their days back.

Here is hoping that, one day, Aisha will reclaim her days.

And do things she wishes to do, in every 24 hours.&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

A day in the life of an Afghan women. This is what I wished to write about when I started my research. The idea occurred when planning my day, and at the same time writing a story on United Nations' reaction on the Taliban's increasing atrocities against women in Afghanistan.

A day in the life of an Afghan women. This is what I wished to write about when I started my research. The idea occurred when planning my day, and at the same time writing a story on United Nations' reaction on the Taliban's increasing atrocities against women in Afghanistan. I wanted to know and tell the world what a normal day now looks like, almost two years after Taliban's rule began again in 2021. I reached out to a couple of young women in Afghanistan. I was reading the UN's continuous commentary on what's going on in this part of the world. About the horrific diktats and statistics that kept coming out after August 2021. In September 2021, an order was issued banning girls from attending high school. In December 2022, women get barred from attending universities. On 24 December 2022, they were banned from working with NGOs in Afghanistan. The assault on women's rights continues even now. On June 24th this year, all salons across the country were given one month to close. Now, reportedly the Taliban has banned girls over the age of 10 from attending primary school classes. Unfortunately, it does not end here. There is an extensive list of other restrictions as well. Gyms, Parks, cinema halls, fairs and most employment opportunities are out of reach of women. Even for a few activities where women are allowed to step out of their house, a male figure is supposed to accompany them. But talking to Aisha made me realise how there's so much more going on beyond numbers and diktats. How each number had a story behind it. Aisha tells me that before 2021, she was a person who walked under free skies. She was a student pursuing law and teaching at a primary school at the same time. Now, fear has gripped her life and dictates every action she takes. Aisha had to drop out of her law degree and was banned from teaching at the school. She has now changed her field to pursue a nursing course, the only one that Taliban has permitted for girls. From a simple act of clicking a picture, to listening to songs, to even watching television, she cannot do anything with a relaxed mind, she says. She says that there are certain streets she can't even go to for the fear of getting caught. Caught for what, one might ask. Well, for being a woman in Afghanistan, unfortunately. Barred from undertaking any simple activity that humans like to take up. At this point one might as well ask: so where are Afghan women and what do they do? Aisha tells me that she sits at her home all the time on most days. For a few hours that she goes out, her mother fears if her daughter will even return home or not. It makes me think of how years of progress of working, raging and fighting for women's rights, is getting washed away with each day that these women spend locked up in their own homes. I realised that, in a world where going to school, work and even a park has become a dream, Aisha does not have 24 hours. Her days now belong to Taliban. But slowly, feeble voices are rising. Women staged protests against the Taliban's latest decree to ban salons. Every now and then, when Taliban tries to tighten its grip around women's freedom, few voices do rise up to nothing but reclaim their days back. Here is hoping that, one day, Aisha will reclaim her days. And do things she wishes to do, in every 24 hours. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

No country for Afghan women: How Taliban took away Aisha's days

Here, we bring you the news that is trending across WION's social media platforms - Chandrayaan-3 has a rival as Russia plans its first lunar lander, Russia rolls out new history book to convince pupils on Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Exiled Afghan journalist changing lives: One story at a time.

Chandrayaan-3 has a rival | Exiled Afghan journalist changing lives

It was on August 15, 2021 that the Taliban toppled the government of Ashraf Ghani and took control of Afghanistan. In a single night, the south Asian country was plunged into a whirlwind of unsettling change. Gun-wielding Taliban members stood sentinel at street corners, while women remained locked indoors, quivering with fear. &nbsp;

“That day and now, nothing has changed,” says Zahra Joya, an Afghan journalist at the helm of a news agency Rukhshana Media, who, along with her family, was airlifted out of Afghanistan in the gripping and tumultuous closing phase of the evacuation by the UK government.&nbsp;

<img alt="Picture" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8cfe4b13-60b2-414f-a231-ad507ce2db5d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/The%20battle%20for%20Kyiv%20-%202023-08-08T140240.932.jpg" />

Hundreds of Afghans crowd the interior of a US&nbsp;Air Force C-17 Globemaster III transport aircraft, as it carries them from Kabul, Afghanistan to Qatar on August 15, 2021. Picture credits: Reuters

Today, Joya is a journalist in exile, deftly steering her news agency from afar. “My colleagues in Afghanistan are all in hiding. They all had to change their names and identities to be able to practice journalism.” Joya told WION. &nbsp;

Her topmost priority lies in the safety of her colleagues at <a href="https://rukhshana.com/en/">Rukhshana Media</a>.&nbsp;

“Women in Afghanistan are carrying the heavy burden of the Taliban's deeds,” Joya adds.&nbsp;

In her formative years, schooling options for girls were scarce in her village. &nbsp;

Undaunted, Joya embraced a unique path, disguising herself as a boy for almost five years to claim her education. &nbsp;

“Every day, I'd walk for two hours to get to school, and another two hours to return,” she recalls. &nbsp;

“I was fortunate, my parents stood by me. In fact, my father and my uncle were the ones who came up with the idea of dressing me like a boy, and I insisted on being addressed as Mohammad,” she says. &nbsp;

In Joya's school, walls and chairs were absent, replaced by the embrace of trees and the grounding of the earth. But the fervour for learning had kindled within her an ember from the very start.&nbsp;

Joya has been a journalist for almost a decade. Starting from local news, she delved into investigative reporting in Kabul. Originally eyeing a career as a prosecutor, a university friend's suggestion led her to a brief stint at a local newspaper. In a matter of days, her intrigue transformed into an unbreakable bond.&nbsp;

In 2020, when Joya founded her all-women newsroom, she drew inspiration to name it after Rukhshana, a 19-year-old Afghan girl who fled a forced marriage and was stoned to death by the Taliban.&nbsp;

“Rukhshana died because of the Taliban's extremist view. Following her, countless other women lost their lives due to the Taliban and its dogmatic ideology. I named my newsroom 'Rukhshana' to ensure that we remember the woman who lost her life due to the Taliban's extremism and brutality towards women,” Joya explained.&nbsp;

In the year 2022, Joya was named one of Time magazine’s Women of the Year for her reporting on women’s lives in Afghanistan. Angelina Jolie interviewed Joya for Time's Women of the Year feature. She appeared in the magazine alongside profiles of human rights lawyer Amal Clooney, Olympian Allyson Felix, and poet Amanda Gorman.&nbsp;

<img alt="picture" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="70d8beb2-c08f-43cd-91c2-c91f95238d6f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/The%20battle%20for%20Kyiv%20-%202023-08-08T141121.621.png" />

Zahra Joya being interviewed by Angelina Jolie&nbsp;for Time's Women of the Year feature 2022. Picture credits: YouTube screengrab

While she is grateful and humbled by all the recognition and praise, a thread of profound introspection runs through her.&nbsp;

“When I think about these awards and recognition, it makes me feel the power of a girl, education, and hard work. But everything dulls down in comparison to what is happening on the ground in Afghanistan. When I see girls denied basic fundamental rights, it breaks my heart,” she says.&nbsp;

<img alt="picture" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8491f8da-82b3-49d8-93ef-20cff035819f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/The%20battle%20for%20Kyiv%20-%202023-08-08T141459.542.png" />

&nbsp;

Zahra Joya, reporting on women's stories in Afghanistan from her asylum-seeking location in London, was honoured with the Changemaker Award by the Bill &amp; Melinda Gates Foundation in 2022, as part of the Goalkeepers Global Goals Awards. Picture credits: X (previously Twitter)

Through Rukshana Media, Joya envisions a platform that amplifies the voices of Afghan women, those marginalised to silence and excluded from public discourse.&nbsp;

“I wanted to show that women, especially women from an ethnic minority like me, could be active in public life. Our goal is to create conversation around Afghan women. Most of the time in my country, women are so silenced that they do not find opportunities to discuss their problems and worries. The Afghans are tired of their war. I really hope one day my country is a peaceful place for everyone, including outsiders who can enjoy the beauty of my homeland,” she says. &nbsp;

&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe>

It was on August 15, 2021 that the Taliban toppled the government of Ashraf Ghani and took control of Afghanistan. In a single night, the south Asian country was plunged into a whirlwind of unsettling change.

It was on August 15, 2021 that the Taliban toppled the government of Ashraf Ghani and took control of Afghanistan. In a single night, the south Asian country was plunged into a whirlwind of unsettling change. Gun-wielding Taliban members stood sentinel at street corners, while women remained locked indoors, quivering with fear. “That day and now, nothing has changed,” says Zahra Joya, an Afghan journalist at the helm of a news agency Rukhshana Media, who, along with her family, was airlifted out of Afghanistan in the gripping and tumultuous closing phase of the evacuation by the UK government. Hundreds of Afghans crowd the interior of a US Air Force C-17 Globemaster III transport aircraft, as it carries them from Kabul, Afghanistan to Qatar on August 15, 2021. Picture credits: Reuters Today, Joya is a journalist in exile, deftly steering her news agency from afar. “My colleagues in Afghanistan are all in hiding. They all had to change their names and identities to be able to practice journalism.” Joya told WION. Her topmost priority lies in the safety of her colleagues at Rukhshana Media. “Women in Afghanistan are carrying the heavy burden of the Taliban's deeds,” Joya adds. In her formative years, schooling options for girls were scarce in her village. Undaunted, Joya embraced a unique path, disguising herself as a boy for almost five years to claim her education. “Every day, I'd walk for two hours to get to school, and another two hours to return,” she recalls. “I was fortunate, my parents stood by me. In fact, my father and my uncle were the ones who came up with the idea of dressing me like a boy, and I insisted on being addressed as Mohammad,” she says. In Joya's school, walls and chairs were absent, replaced by the embrace of trees and the grounding of the earth. But the fervour for learning had kindled within her an ember from the very start. Joya has been a journalist for almost a decade. Starting from local news, she delved into investigative reporting in Kabul. Originally eyeing a career as a prosecutor, a university friend's suggestion led her to a brief stint at a local newspaper. In a matter of days, her intrigue transformed into an unbreakable bond. In 2020, when Joya founded her all-women newsroom, she drew inspiration to name it after Rukhshana, a 19-year-old Afghan girl who fled a forced marriage and was stoned to death by the Taliban. “Rukhshana died because of the Taliban's extremist view. Following her, countless other women lost their lives due to the Taliban and its dogmatic ideology. I named my newsroom 'Rukhshana' to ensure that we remember the woman who lost her life due to the Taliban's extremism and brutality towards women,” Joya explained. In the year 2022, Joya was named one of Time magazine’s Women of the Year for her reporting on women’s lives in Afghanistan. Angelina Jolie interviewed Joya for Time's Women of the Year feature. She appeared in the magazine alongside profiles of human rights lawyer Amal Clooney, Olympian Allyson Felix, and poet Amanda Gorman. Zahra Joya being interviewed by Angelina Jolie for Time's Women of the Year feature 2022. Picture credits: YouTube screengrab While she is grateful and humbled by all the recognition and praise, a thread of profound introspection runs through her. “When I think about these awards and recognition, it makes me feel the power of a girl, education, and hard work. But everything dulls down in comparison to what is happening on the ground in Afghanistan. When I see girls denied basic fundamental rights, it breaks my heart,” she says. Zahra Joya, reporting on women's stories in Afghanistan from her asylum-seeking location in London, was honoured with the Changemaker Award by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in 2022, as part of the Goalkeepers Global Goals Awards. Picture credits: X (previously Twitter) Through Rukshana Media, Joya envisions a platform that amplifies the voices of Afghan women, those marginalised to silence and excluded from public discourse. “I wanted to show that women, especially women from an ethnic minority like me, could be active in public life. Our goal is to create conversation around Afghan women. Most of the time in my country, women are so silenced that they do not find opportunities to discuss their problems and worries. The Afghans are tired of their war. I really hope one day my country is a peaceful place for everyone, including outsiders who can enjoy the beauty of my homeland,” she says. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Exclusive | Taliban couldn’t silence her: This exiled Afghan journalist is changing lives, one story at a time

They’re hunting down the Taliban for being deficient in faith. They’re eliminating Pakistani Islamists for not being Islamic enough and they aim to establish a caliphate in India. They identify themselves with the historical region of Khorasan, which was once an ancient caliphate. Who are these militants and what do they want? Is this the resurgence of Islamic State, which the West claimed to have decimated several years ago? Footage courtesy: AFP/ANI Watch Game Plan with Shivan Chanana

Islamic State is terrifying Afghanistan's Taliban | Aims to establish caliphate in India

In another severe crackdown on the rights of women, the Taliban have now banned girl students from attending school after the third grade, WION confirmed. 
 
Before this, girls were allowed to study in schools till the sixth grade. As reported by BBC Persian, the Taliban have now instructed schools and educational institutes to not permit girls to attend primary school, even if they are above the age of 10. 
 
The latest onslaught comes 683 days after girls aged 11 and above were banned from schools and 223 days after they were banned from attending universities. 
 
According to a report published by BBC, the Ministry of Education's officials have asked the principals of schools and short-term training classes to ensure that "girls over 10 years old are not allowed to study in primary schools".

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/exclusive-no-more-taxis-for-afghan-women-without-burqa-and-male-companion-620784">Exclusive: No taxi rides for Afghan women without burqa and male companion</a>

Meanwhile, the officials of non-governmental aid organisations who have been working in the field of education, on the condition of anonymity, informed BBC that the literacy classes did receive such recommendations and orders. 
 
In a few provinces, reports emerged about the Ministry of Good and Prohibition's local authorities separating girls on the basis of their age and asking the principals, who have been running girls' schools, to send back the kids who are above the third grade. 
 
"We were told that girls who are tall and over 10 years old are not allowed to enter the school," said a sixth-grade student in eastern Afghanistan, while speaking to the BBC. 
 
Speaking about the recent crackdown, the spokesman of the Ministry of Public Affairs of the Taliban Mohammad Sadiq Akaf told the BBC, "From our side, the administration has not done such a thing, and if something is done, it will be related to the Ministry of Education."

<h2>Taliban and the dark future of Afghan women</h2>

Two years after the Taliban took over Afghanistan, it stopped girls from attending schools above the sixth grade. The crackdown came despite Taliban officials making use of soft language in international meetings regarding the education and work life of women and emphasising that the ban is "temporary".

WATCH |&nbsp;Neckties become a new target of Taliban

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/neckties-become-a-new-target-of-taliban-620020/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Taliban government Zabihullah Mujahid in August of last year said, "In some areas, we have problems for girls to go to universities and schools, work on it continues and it will be solved soon." 
 
Apart from schools, the Taliban banned women’s beauty parlours and barred them from working in international NGOs and other organisations. Taliban also stopped granting driving licence&nbsp;to women and placed a ban on them taking taxi rides in the country without a burqa and male companions.

You can&nbsp;now write for&nbsp;wionews.com&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>. 
 
&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" data-gtm-yt-inspected-20="true" data-gtm-yt-inspected-25="true" data-gtm-yt-inspected-30="true" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

In another severe crackdown on the rights of women, the Taliban have now banned girl students from attending school after the third grade, WION confirmed. Before this, girls were allowed to study in schools till the sixth grade.

In another severe crackdown on the rights of women, the Taliban have now banned girl students from attending school after the third grade, WION confirmed. Before this, girls were allowed to study in schools till the sixth grade. As reported by BBC Persian, the Taliban have now instructed schools and educational institutes to not permit girls to attend primary school, even if they are above the age of 10. The latest onslaught comes 683 days after girls aged 11 and above were banned from schools and 223 days after they were banned from attending universities. According to a report published by BBC, the Ministry of Education's officials have asked the principals of schools and short-term training classes to ensure that "girls over 10 years old are not allowed to study in primary schools". ALSO READ | Exclusive: No taxi rides for Afghan women without burqa and male companion Meanwhile, the officials of non-governmental aid organisations who have been working in the field of education, on the condition of anonymity, informed BBC that the literacy classes did receive such recommendations and orders. In a few provinces, reports emerged about the Ministry of Good and Prohibition's local authorities separating girls on the basis of their age and asking the principals, who have been running girls' schools, to send back the kids who are above the third grade. "We were told that girls who are tall and over 10 years old are not allowed to enter the school," said a sixth-grade student in eastern Afghanistan, while speaking to the BBC. Speaking about the recent crackdown, the spokesman of the Ministry of Public Affairs of the Taliban Mohammad Sadiq Akaf told the BBC, "From our side, the administration has not done such a thing, and if something is done, it will be related to the Ministry of Education." Taliban and the dark future of Afghan women Two years after the Taliban took over Afghanistan, it stopped girls from attending schools above the sixth grade. The crackdown came despite Taliban officials making use of soft language in international meetings regarding the education and work life of women and emphasising that the ban is "temporary". WATCH | Neckties become a new target of Taliban Taliban government Zabihullah Mujahid in August of last year said, "In some areas, we have problems for girls to go to universities and schools, work on it continues and it will be solved soon." Apart from schools, the Taliban banned women’s beauty parlours and barred them from working in international NGOs and other organisations. Taliban also stopped granting driving licence to women and placed a ban on them taking taxi rides in the country without a burqa and male companions. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Taliban now ban girl students from attending school beyond third grade

In a bid to strengthen security co-operation and address pressing regional concerns, India and Kazakhstan convened the Fourth India-Kazakhstan Security Dialogue in Astana on Thursday (August 3). The meeting, led by Deputy National Security Advisor of India Vikram Misri and Deputy Secretary of the Security Council of Kazakhstan Nurzhan Kajiakbarov, saw discussions on various bilateral and international issues, with a particular focus on the evolving situation in Afghanistan.

With the recent developments in Afghanistan posing significant security challenges in the region, both delegations deliberated on measures to tackle the threat of terrorism and counter-radicalisation efforts. Recognising the shared interests in regional stability, the two sides embraced their converging viewpoints and pledged to work collaboratively in enhancing bilateral security co-operation. &nbsp;

Among the key areas of mutual concern identified in the dialogue were counter-terrorism, narcotics control, cyber security, and defence co-operation. Both India and Kazakhstan acknowledged the importance of effectively combatting terrorist activities that could pose a threat to their respective nations and the broader region. The delegates underscored the need for joint efforts to curb the flow of illicit drugs and disrupt narcotics networks that fuel criminal activities and instability.

The Fourth India-Kazakhstan Security Dialogue not only reaffirmed the robustness of their bilateral relationship but also showcased a determination to confront emerging security challenges together. During the visit, Deputy NSA Misri met with Gizat Nurdauletov, aide to the president and secretary of the Security Council, and held talks with Kanat Tumysh, deputy foreign minister of Kazakhstan. These meetings provided an opportunity to discuss avenues for further strengthening bilateral ties and co-ordination on security matters.

In addition to the diplomatic meetings, the Indian delegation also paid a visit to facilities of interest, solidifying the bilateral strategic relationship between the two nations. This gesture underscored the commitment of both India and Kazakhstan to advancing co-operation beyond the confines of official discussions.

You can&nbsp;now write for&nbsp;wionews.com&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" data-gtm-yt-inspected-17="true" data-gtm-yt-inspected-23="true" data-gtm-yt-inspected-33="true" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

In a bid to strengthen security co-operation and address pressing regional concerns, India and Kazakhstan convened the Fourth India-Kazakhstan Security Dialogue in Astana on Thursday (August 3).

In a bid to strengthen security co-operation and address pressing regional concerns, India and Kazakhstan convened the Fourth India-Kazakhstan Security Dialogue in Astana on Thursday (August 3). The meeting, led by Deputy National Security Advisor of India Vikram Misri and Deputy Secretary of the Security Council of Kazakhstan Nurzhan Kajiakbarov, saw discussions on various bilateral and international issues, with a particular focus on the evolving situation in Afghanistan. With the recent developments in Afghanistan posing significant security challenges in the region, both delegations deliberated on measures to tackle the threat of terrorism and counter-radicalisation efforts. Recognising the shared interests in regional stability, the two sides embraced their converging viewpoints and pledged to work collaboratively in enhancing bilateral security co-operation. Among the key areas of mutual concern identified in the dialogue were counter-terrorism, narcotics control, cyber security, and defence co-operation. Both India and Kazakhstan acknowledged the importance of effectively combatting terrorist activities that could pose a threat to their respective nations and the broader region. The delegates underscored the need for joint efforts to curb the flow of illicit drugs and disrupt narcotics networks that fuel criminal activities and instability. The Fourth India-Kazakhstan Security Dialogue not only reaffirmed the robustness of their bilateral relationship but also showcased a determination to confront emerging security challenges together. During the visit, Deputy NSA Misri met with Gizat Nurdauletov, aide to the president and secretary of the Security Council, and held talks with Kanat Tumysh, deputy foreign minister of Kazakhstan. These meetings provided an opportunity to discuss avenues for further strengthening bilateral ties and co-ordination on security matters. In addition to the diplomatic meetings, the Indian delegation also paid a visit to facilities of interest, solidifying the bilateral strategic relationship between the two nations. This gesture underscored the commitment of both India and Kazakhstan to advancing co-operation beyond the confines of official discussions. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

India, Kazakhstan hold key security dialogue; discuss Afghanistan, counter-terror

More than 1,000 people have been infected with tuberculosis in Kandahar province in Afghanistan, as per a report by TOLO News. Local health officials said that children, women and older individuals have been battling with the disease.

“In the last six months, we had approximately 1,160 tuberculosis patients, which has decreased by six and a half per cent compared to last year, and overall, the level of the disease among women is higher,” said Jamaluddin Azimi, head of the tuberculosis section in Kandahar's Public Health Department.

Officials have reportedly said that lack of treatment is the main reason behind the spread of tuberculosis.

Khan Mohammad, a resident of Shahjyot district of Zabul province, told TOLO News that he has been in treatment for several months.

“It has been 12 months since I was in treatment, but it did not benefit me. When I came here to the Doctors Without Borders centre, I was treated, and the doctors said that I will get well,” said Khan Mohammad.

“I came here, the doctors treated me and helped me with everything, and now I am fine,” said Abdul Ahad, a Helmand resident

The Doctors Without Borders Hospital in Kandahar is treating 75 people suffering from tuberculosis. TOLO News said that most of these patients are women and children.

“In the last six months, we have newly diagnosed and registered 415 people with tuberculosis in the Mirwais Hospital in Kandahar and Sarpouzeh Prison,” said Mujeeb Rahman, Deputy of the Doctors Without Borders Centre in Kandahar.&nbsp;

Cough, fever, and weight loss are the main symptoms of tuberculosis.

The World Health Organization (WHO) describes tuberculosis as the "world’s top infectious killer". The disease is preventable and curable. However, 1.5 million people die from TB each year, says WHO.

The prevalence of TB is mostly in low and middle-income countries. About half of TB patients in the world are found in such countries as Asia and Africa.

TB spreads through the air and affects a person's lungs. Inhalation of only a few germs may infect a person with TB.

"About a quarter of the global population is estimated to have been infected with TB bacteria, but most people will not go on to develop TB disease and some will clear the infection. Those who are infected but not (yet) ill with the disease cannot transmit it," says WHO on its website.

People with compromised immune systems, such as those living with HIV, Diabetes, malnutrition or people using tobacco have a higher risk of falling ill

(Disclaimer: The information in this article is not intended to replace a medical diagnosis. Please consult a licensed medical practitioner for all of&nbsp;your health queries.)

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

More than 1,000 people have been infected with tuberculosis in Kandahar province in Afghanistan, as per a report by TOLO News. Local health officials said that children, women and older individuals have been battling with the disease.

More than 1,000 people have been infected with tuberculosis in Kandahar province in Afghanistan, as per a report by TOLO News. Local health officials said that children, women and older individuals have been battling with the disease. “In the last six months, we had approximately 1,160 tuberculosis patients, which has decreased by six and a half per cent compared to last year, and overall, the level of the disease among women is higher,” said Jamaluddin Azimi, head of the tuberculosis section in Kandahar's Public Health Department. Officials have reportedly said that lack of treatment is the main reason behind the spread of tuberculosis. Khan Mohammad, a resident of Shahjyot district of Zabul province, told TOLO News that he has been in treatment for several months. “It has been 12 months since I was in treatment, but it did not benefit me. When I came here to the Doctors Without Borders centre, I was treated, and the doctors said that I will get well,” said Khan Mohammad. “I came here, the doctors treated me and helped me with everything, and now I am fine,” said Abdul Ahad, a Helmand resident The Doctors Without Borders Hospital in Kandahar is treating 75 people suffering from tuberculosis. TOLO News said that most of these patients are women and children. “In the last six months, we have newly diagnosed and registered 415 people with tuberculosis in the Mirwais Hospital in Kandahar and Sarpouzeh Prison,” said Mujeeb Rahman, Deputy of the Doctors Without Borders Centre in Kandahar. Cough, fever, and weight loss are the main symptoms of tuberculosis. The World Health Organization (WHO) describes tuberculosis as the "world’s top infectious killer". The disease is preventable and curable. However, 1.5 million people die from TB each year, says WHO. The prevalence of TB is mostly in low and middle-income countries. About half of TB patients in the world are found in such countries as Asia and Africa. TB spreads through the air and affects a person's lungs. Inhalation of only a few germs may infect a person with TB. "About a quarter of the global population is estimated to have been infected with TB bacteria, but most people will not go on to develop TB disease and some will clear the infection. Those who are infected but not (yet) ill with the disease cannot transmit it," says WHO on its website. People with compromised immune systems, such as those living with HIV, Diabetes, malnutrition or people using tobacco have a higher risk of falling ill (Disclaimer: The information in this article is not intended to replace a medical diagnosis. Please consult a licensed medical practitioner for all of your health queries.) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Afghanistan's Kandahar sees more than 1,000 tuberculosis patients in 6 months: Report

Two days back, the world saw the Taliban burn musical instruments&nbsp;worth thousands of dollars in the western Herat province of Afghanistan, calling the art form a major reason for causing “moral corruption". 
 
The torching of musical instruments added to the list of atrocious measures taken by the rulers of Afghanistan in the past few months, as the deafening silence of the world leaders continued to screech the ears of Afghanis waiting with hopeful eyes for a new dawn. 
 
Amid the escalating crackdown by the Taliban, the founder of the country's only music school, Afghanistan National Institute of Music, and ethnomusicologist Dr Ahmad Naser Sarmast said that the Taliban have&nbsp;been carrying out a “genocide” of the music.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/exclusive-afghan-women-react-to-veiled-attempts-to-legitimise-talibans-rule-618494">Exclusive: Afghan women react to veiled attempts to legitimise Taliban's rule</a>

“Destroying and burning musical instruments are part of music's genocide carried out by the Taliban and is a crackdown on the musical rights, artistic freedom and cultural rights of the Afghan people by the terror group. They are not just burning the musical instruments, in fact, the people of Afghanistan and musicians have been deprived of all five musical rights as identified by the International Music Council (IMC),” Dr Sarmast said while speaking to WION.

<h2>Fleeting happiness, darkening future</h2>

The bonfire of musical instruments included a guitar, a harmonium and a tabla along with amplifiers and speakers, as seen in the images posted online. 
 
Speaking about the dying hope of youth in Afghanistan, the ethnomusicologist said, “Afghan children and youth have been deprived by the Taliban of their basic human and music rights to learn music and chase their dreams of becoming a musician and to make a name for themselves through the beauty of music. The only music school in the country, Afghanistan National Institute of Music, which is often called the happiest place in Afghanistan, is shut down though it operates in Portugal.”

<h2>Keeping Afghan music alive</h2>

Dr Sarmast, who is recognised and respected internationally for his educational work in Afghanistan, has been living in Portugal and running his institute there after surviving a suicide bomb blast in which he lost his hearing ability. 
 
Explaining why it is important to keep Afghan music alive and thriving, the music saviour said, “Music always was an integral part of Afghan culture, social life and identity. In the 20 century, music played a significant role in keeping the Afghans united while promoting important messages of social and political importance at far distances of the country with the help of radio broadcasting and recording industry.”

WATCH |&nbsp;Afghan women speak to WION from the ground: 'We want our freedoms back' | WION Originals

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/afghan-women-speak-to-wion-from-the-ground-we-want-our-freedoms-back-556546/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<h2>'Tyrants fear the ability of artists to unify people'</h2>

Speaking about why culture comes under the hammer when tyrants take over the seat of power in nations, Dr Sarmast said, “The oppressive regimes and tyrants are afraid of the power and abilities of arts and artists in unifying people and spreading the messages of resistance and unity among the people in their struggle for freedom.” 
 
Expressing his dismay at no united action taken by the music fraternity for reinstating the music rights of Afghanis, he said, “While there is a lot of sympathy from the music community for the total denial of the music rights of the Afghans by the Taliban, until now there has not been a united action taken to demand the restoration of music rights and lifting of the ban on music in Afghanistan.” 
 
Several restrictions have been imposed by the Taliban in Afghanistan in the past two years under their strict interpretation of Islamic law which is being perceived by the world as a denial of basic human rights to the citizens.

You can&nbsp;now write for&nbsp;wionews.com&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" data-gtm-yt-inspected-17="true" data-gtm-yt-inspected-19="true" data-gtm-yt-inspected-23="true" data-gtm-yt-inspected-24="true" data-gtm-yt-inspected-30="true" data-gtm-yt-inspected-33="true" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

Two days back, the world saw the Taliban burn musical instruments worth thousands of dollars in the western Herat province of Afghanistan, calling the art form a major reason for causing “moral corruption".

Two days back, the world saw the Taliban burn musical instruments worth thousands of dollars in the western Herat province of Afghanistan, calling the art form a major reason for causing “moral corruption". The torching of musical instruments added to the list of atrocious measures taken by the rulers of Afghanistan in the past few months, as the deafening silence of the world leaders continued to screech the ears of Afghanis waiting with hopeful eyes for a new dawn. Amid the escalating crackdown by the Taliban, the founder of the country's only music school, Afghanistan National Institute of Music, and ethnomusicologist Dr Ahmad Naser Sarmast said that the Taliban have been carrying out a “genocide” of the music. ALSO READ | Exclusive: Afghan women react to veiled attempts to legitimise Taliban's rule “Destroying and burning musical instruments are part of music's genocide carried out by the Taliban and is a crackdown on the musical rights, artistic freedom and cultural rights of the Afghan people by the terror group. They are not just burning the musical instruments, in fact, the people of Afghanistan and musicians have been deprived of all five musical rights as identified by the International Music Council (IMC),” Dr Sarmast said while speaking to WION. Fleeting happiness, darkening future The bonfire of musical instruments included a guitar, a harmonium and a tabla along with amplifiers and speakers, as seen in the images posted online. Speaking about the dying hope of youth in Afghanistan, the ethnomusicologist said, “Afghan children and youth have been deprived by the Taliban of their basic human and music rights to learn music and chase their dreams of becoming a musician and to make a name for themselves through the beauty of music. The only music school in the country, Afghanistan National Institute of Music, which is often called the happiest place in Afghanistan, is shut down though it operates in Portugal.” Keeping Afghan music alive Dr Sarmast, who is recognised and respected internationally for his educational work in Afghanistan, has been living in Portugal and running his institute there after surviving a suicide bomb blast in which he lost his hearing ability. Explaining why it is important to keep Afghan music alive and thriving, the music saviour said, “Music always was an integral part of Afghan culture, social life and identity. In the 20 century, music played a significant role in keeping the Afghans united while promoting important messages of social and political importance at far distances of the country with the help of radio broadcasting and recording industry.” WATCH | Afghan women speak to WION from the ground: 'We want our freedoms back' | WION Originals 'Tyrants fear the ability of artists to unify people' Speaking about why culture comes under the hammer when tyrants take over the seat of power in nations, Dr Sarmast said, “The oppressive regimes and tyrants are afraid of the power and abilities of arts and artists in unifying people and spreading the messages of resistance and unity among the people in their struggle for freedom.” Expressing his dismay at no united action taken by the music fraternity for reinstating the music rights of Afghanis, he said, “While there is a lot of sympathy from the music community for the total denial of the music rights of the Afghans by the Taliban, until now there has not been a united action taken to demand the restoration of music rights and lifting of the ban on music in Afghanistan.” Several restrictions have been imposed by the Taliban in Afghanistan in the past two years under their strict interpretation of Islamic law which is being perceived by the world as a denial of basic human rights to the citizens. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Exclusive: Taliban carrying out music's 'genocide' in Afghanistan, says Afghan music saviour Ahmad Sarmast

For youngsters on social media when they travel in a four-wheeler, an Instagram story or a Snapchat update consisting of a behind-the-wheel image may appear familiar.&nbsp;

Gen-Z, their predecessor millennials and even the people from Gen-X often take to social media when they are behind or near the wheel, to show a fleeting world in front of the car's windshield sometimes accompanied by a particular music track.

For Zareena, 24, who last year lost her right to attend university in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan's capital Kabul, a behind-the-steering-wheel Snapchat update while she was on Kabul's roads was a part of her life until August 2021. Not anymore.&nbsp;

Afghan women in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan are not allowed to drive or travel in taxis without a male companion and they must be covered in burqa while travelling in a four-wheeler, WION can confirm.&nbsp;

By the time Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada issued an official decree in May 2022 to women to hide their faces completely in public, they had already been following the same for the last eight months.

But there has been scattered defiance of this ruling across Afghanistan as many women refuse to wear burqas and still walk the streets with their faces uncovered.

"Women cannot even sit in the front chair of&nbsp;taxi," Zareena told WION.

"We cannot travel alone in a taxi," she added.

Zareena also showed WION the screenshots of those glittery Snapchat updates of a distant time in recent history. For innumerable youngsters of her age across the world – Afghanistan an exception – such social media updates still pretty much remain part of their lives. But not for Zareena.&nbsp;

Also watch |&nbsp;Afghan women speak to WION from the ground: 'We want our freedoms back' | WION Originals

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/afghan-women-speak-to-wion-from-the-ground-we-want-our-freedoms-back-556546/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The Taliban strictly enforce the rule to bar women from driving themselves or travelling alone in a taxi. “Even when you are travelling with a male member, they ask at checkpoints who the female person is in the car,” said Zareena, who previously told WION that every aspect of her life – like millions of Afghan women – is controlled by the Taliban.&nbsp;

<h2>'Taliban men humiliate us if we travel alone'</h2>

In May 2023, Gulnoor, 28, a school administrator in Afghanistan's Jalalabad, was returning home after attending a seminar. "I was travelling alone in an autorickshaw," Gulnoor told WION in a phone interview from Jalalabad.&nbsp;"They [Taliban] stopped the auto and asked me: 'What is your relation with this man?' I told them&nbsp;he's a driver and I am his passenger."

"Don't you care about the teachings of Islam?", she was asked.&nbsp;

The Taliban men called Gulnoor's father as people looked on. "She has been educated so that she doesn't have to be taken care of by a man. She can travel alone," Gulnoor's father told Taliban men over call.&nbsp;

As people looked on, Gulnoor was eventually let go with a warning. 
 
"They told me we do not talk with women. 'We have spoken to your father. Now you can leave'. They slapped the autorickshaw driver twice and told him to not ferry a girl again unless there's a male member with her."

"They humiliate us in public like this if we travel alone," Gulnoor said.

"I asked them, if a girl is unmarried, from where will she get a husband? What about girls who don't have brothers or fathers? If there is no male member in a family, then what?"

"They told me you know a lot. We don't want to talk to you. We have already spoken with your father."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/exclusive-why-is-the-world-neglecting-afghan-women-552725">Exclusive: 'Why is the world neglecting Afghan women?'</a>

Referring to a series of repressive measures that the Taliban has enforced since storming into power, Zareena repeated how every aspect of women’s lives in Afghanistan is now controlled by the&nbsp;country’s hardline rulers: "We cannot sit alone in taxis. We cannot go to school. Now the Taliban closed down all beauty salons as well. They had already closed down picnic spots for women."

(Names have been changed to protect identities)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

For youngsters on social media when they travel in a four-wheeler, an Instagram story or a Snapchat update consisting of a behind-the-wheel image may appear familiar.

For youngsters on social media when they travel in a four-wheeler, an Instagram story or a Snapchat update consisting of a behind-the-wheel image may appear familiar. Gen-Z, their predecessor millennials and even the people from Gen-X often take to social media when they are behind or near the wheel, to show a fleeting world in front of the car's windshield sometimes accompanied by a particular music track. For Zareena, 24, who last year lost her right to attend university in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan's capital Kabul, a behind-the-steering-wheel Snapchat update while she was on Kabul's roads was a part of her life until August 2021. Not anymore. Afghan women in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan are not allowed to drive or travel in taxis without a male companion and they must be covered in burqa while travelling in a four-wheeler, WION can confirm. By the time Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada issued an official decree in May 2022 to women to hide their faces completely in public, they had already been following the same for the last eight months. But there has been scattered defiance of this ruling across Afghanistan as many women refuse to wear burqas and still walk the streets with their faces uncovered. "Women cannot even sit in the front chair of taxi," Zareena told WION. "We cannot travel alone in a taxi," she added. Zareena also showed WION the screenshots of those glittery Snapchat updates of a distant time in recent history. For innumerable youngsters of her age across the world – Afghanistan an exception – such social media updates still pretty much remain part of their lives. But not for Zareena. Also watch | Afghan women speak to WION from the ground: 'We want our freedoms back' | WION Originals × The Taliban strictly enforce the rule to bar women from driving themselves or travelling alone in a taxi. “Even when you are travelling with a male member, they ask at checkpoints who the female person is in the car,” said Zareena, who previously told WION that every aspect of her life – like millions of Afghan women – is controlled by the Taliban. 'Taliban men humiliate us if we travel alone' In May 2023, Gulnoor, 28, a school administrator in Afghanistan's Jalalabad, was returning home after attending a seminar. "I was travelling alone in an autorickshaw," Gulnoor told WION in a phone interview from Jalalabad. "They [Taliban] stopped the auto and asked me: 'What is your relation with this man?' I told them he's a driver and I am his passenger." "Don't you care about the teachings of Islam?", she was asked. The Taliban men called Gulnoor's father as people looked on. "She has been educated so that she doesn't have to be taken care of by a man. She can travel alone," Gulnoor's father told Taliban men over call. As people looked on, Gulnoor was eventually let go with a warning. "They told me we do not talk with women. 'We have spoken to your father. Now you can leave'. They slapped the autorickshaw driver twice and told him to not ferry a girl again unless there's a male member with her." "They humiliate us in public like this if we travel alone," Gulnoor said. "I asked them, if a girl is unmarried, from where will she get a husband? What about girls who don't have brothers or fathers? If there is no male member in a family, then what?" "They told me you know a lot. We don't want to talk to you. We have already spoken with your father." Also read | Exclusive: 'Why is the world neglecting Afghan women?' Referring to a series of repressive measures that the Taliban has enforced since storming into power, Zareena repeated how every aspect of women’s lives in Afghanistan is now controlled by the country’s hardline rulers: "We cannot sit alone in taxis. We cannot go to school. Now the Taliban closed down all beauty salons as well. They had already closed down picnic spots for women." (Names have been changed to protect identities) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Exclusive: No taxi rides for Afghan women without burqa and male companion

Pakistan is sending back Afghan refugees to face the Taliban's repression. Over 530 refugees have been sent back in recent months. Priyanka Sharma brings you a report.

Gravitas: Pakistan is forcibly deporting Afghan refugees

From banning schools and Universities, education to closing the doors of gyms, salons and parks and most other spaces for women the new rulers of Afghanistan are on a spree of making new rules. This time they're turning their gaze onto men and what they do and what clothes they wear. The latest Target of the Taliban's new dress code is a necktie.

Neckties become a new target of Taliban

In their latest disdain towards western clothing, Taliban have expressed apprehension over neckties, claiming that they resemble&nbsp;a Christian cross and called for a total ban in the country.

Talking to reporters on July 26, Mohammad Hashim Shaheed Wror, head of the Invitation and Guidance Directorate, a department that seeks to guide people along proper Islamic lines, said that wearing neckties is against the Sharia law.

“Sometimes, when I go to hospitals and other areas, an Afghan Muslim engineer or doctor uses a necktie,” Mohammad Hashim Shaheed Wror said in speech broadcast by Tolo TV.

He said that the symbolism of the tie “is obvious in Islam”.

“What is a tie? It is the cross. It is ordered in Sharia that you should break it and eliminate it,” he was quoted as saying.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Video: Mohammad Hashim Shaheed Wror, General Director of the Invitation and Guidance Directorate (an independent body that determines religious policies within the interim govt), said that the necktie originated from the Christian cross and that it is “ordered in Shariah that you… <a href="https://t.co/UMHesWX6TM">pic.twitter.com/UMHesWX6TM</a>
— TOLOnews (@TOLOnews) <a href="https://twitter.com/TOLOnews/status/1684122037189586944?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 26, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<h2>Crackdown on westernised clothing&nbsp;</h2>

Ever since the Taliban came to power in August 2021, westernised clothing has been completely shunned by locals over fears of Taliban reprisal. However, some professionals can still be seen donning a collar and tie.

Though the militant organisation hasn’t imposed any dress rules for men, they have been cracking down those who are seen wearing dresses that deviate from traditional Afghan clothing.

Days after taking control of the country, there were media reports that Taliban fighters were reportedly flogging Afghan civilians in the streets for wearing 'westernised' clothing such as jeans.

Several young Afghans shared their ordeal on social media saying that they were beaten and whipped by members of the Taliban for wearing jeans after being accused of disrespecting Islam.&nbsp;

For women, Taliban have ordered them to cover up with a hijab when out in public.

The dress rule, which covers all female students, teachers, and staff, states that they must wear an Islamic abaya robe and niqab that covers the hair, body, and most of the face.

The garments must be black&nbsp;and women must also wear gloves to ensure their hands are covered.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/gyanvapi-survey-allahabad-hc-stays-asi-survey-of-mosque-premises-till-august-3-619969">Gyanvapi survey: Allahabad HC stays ASI survey of mosque premises till Aug 3</a>

Women who did not faithfully observe the Taliban's strict interpretation of sharia law were publicly flogged or executed.

Sharia is a system of religious law drawn from the Quran and the hadiths -- the words or actions of the Prophet Mohammed.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/aung-san-suu-kyi-moved-to-house-arrest-amidst-ongoing-myanmar-crisis-619978">Aung San Suu Kyi moved to house arrest amidst ongoing Myanmar crisis</a>

Under the Taliban's previous rule in the late 90s, men had to wear traditional robes while girls were forced to wear a burqa from the age of eight.

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

In their latest disdain towards western clothing, Taliban have expressed apprehension over neckties, claiming that they resemble a Christian cross and called for a total ban in the country.

In their latest disdain towards western clothing, Taliban have expressed apprehension over neckties, claiming that they resemble a Christian cross and called for a total ban in the country. Talking to reporters on July 26, Mohammad Hashim Shaheed Wror, head of the Invitation and Guidance Directorate, a department that seeks to guide people along proper Islamic lines, said that wearing neckties is against the Sharia law. “Sometimes, when I go to hospitals and other areas, an Afghan Muslim engineer or doctor uses a necktie,” Mohammad Hashim Shaheed Wror said in speech broadcast by Tolo TV. He said that the symbolism of the tie “is obvious in Islam”. “What is a tie? It is the cross. It is ordered in Sharia that you should break it and eliminate it,” he was quoted as saying. Video: Mohammad Hashim Shaheed Wror, General Director of the Invitation and Guidance Directorate (an independent body that determines religious policies within the interim govt), said that the necktie originated from the Christian cross and that it is “ordered in Shariah that you… pic.twitter.com/UMHesWX6TM — TOLOnews (@TOLOnews) July 26, 2023 × Crackdown on westernised clothing Ever since the Taliban came to power in August 2021, westernised clothing has been completely shunned by locals over fears of Taliban reprisal. However, some professionals can still be seen donning a collar and tie. Though the militant organisation hasn’t imposed any dress rules for men, they have been cracking down those who are seen wearing dresses that deviate from traditional Afghan clothing. Days after taking control of the country, there were media reports that Taliban fighters were reportedly flogging Afghan civilians in the streets for wearing 'westernised' clothing such as jeans. Several young Afghans shared their ordeal on social media saying that they were beaten and whipped by members of the Taliban for wearing jeans after being accused of disrespecting Islam. For women, Taliban have ordered them to cover up with a hijab when out in public. The dress rule, which covers all female students, teachers, and staff, states that they must wear an Islamic abaya robe and niqab that covers the hair, body, and most of the face. The garments must be black and women must also wear gloves to ensure their hands are covered. Also read | Gyanvapi survey: Allahabad HC stays ASI survey of mosque premises till Aug 3 Women who did not faithfully observe the Taliban's strict interpretation of sharia law were publicly flogged or executed. Sharia is a system of religious law drawn from the Quran and the hadiths -- the words or actions of the Prophet Mohammed. Also read | Aung San Suu Kyi moved to house arrest amidst ongoing Myanmar crisis Under the Taliban's previous rule in the late 90s, men had to wear traditional robes while girls were forced to wear a burqa from the age of eight. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Taliban’s latest jihad on western dress, say neckties ‘resemble’ Christian cross

Nearly two years after the Pakistani deep state welcomed the Taliban's comeback to power in Afghanistan, the United Nations Security Council in its latest report said that the Taliban takeover in Afghanistan has "emboldened" Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan [TTP], resulting in an increase in cross-border attacks in Pakistan.&nbsp;

It noted that there was evidence that several global terrorist entities are using the TTP as cover to evade restrictions of the Afghan Taliban, adding that greater restrictions over such groups could push them to join the Islamic State of Khorasan (ISKP).

The report claimed that in June 2023, some TTP operatives were relocated away from the Pak-Afghan border at a request from Pakistan.&nbsp;

However, the TTP could become a regional threat if it continues enjoying the patronage of the Taliban, it says, adding that "one" member state noted that TTP was being aided by Al Qaeda Indian Subcontinent (AQIS).&nbsp;

<h2>How Pakistan's support to Taliban is haunting it now?</h2>

The ties between Afghan Taliban and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan have been forged in decades of war both inside Afghanistan and across the border in Pakistan.&nbsp;

The leader of the TTP has sworn allegiance to the Taliban's so-called emir and says his group is part of the Taliban's Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/afghan-and-pakistani-taliban-collaborated-on-recent-attacks-targeting-pak-law-enforcement-583046">Afghanistan, Pakistani Taliban 'collaborated' on attacks targeting Pak law enforcement</a>

In recent years, the TTP is known to have garnered support from factions of Afghanistan's current Taliban rulers to aim its agenda of expanding Afghanistan's borders beyond the Durand Line, the internationally recognised Pakistan-Afghanistan border which Kabul deems invalid because it was created by British imperialists.&nbsp;

<h2>Ayman al-Zawahiri successor still in Iran: UN report</h2>

The report while quoting assessments of "some member states" claims that Saif al-Adl, most likely to succeed Ayman al-Zawahiri, is still in Iran.&nbsp;

It further adds that the numerical strength of al-Qaeda Central in Afghanistan is between 30 to 60 members, while its fighters are estimated to be 400, reaching 2,000 with family members included. Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent has approximately 200 fighters.

The report further noted that Islamic State Khorasan (ISKP) continues to pose the most serious threat in Afghanistan and the wider region and beyond to Europe highlighting the group's recent high-profile attacks in Afghanistan against senior Taliban leaders.

Also watch |&nbsp;Pak accuses Afghan Taliban of harbouring TTP militants

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pak-accuses-afghan-taliban-of-harbouring-ttp-militants-618332/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

It adds that Mawlawi Rajab, previously identified as ISKP leader, Shahab al-Muhajir's deputy, has been appointed as Head of external operations of ISKP.

The report termed the claim of one State member that Sanaullah Ghafari (Shahab al-Muhajir) was killed in June, as "not confirmed".

The report assessed that ISKP might pursue high-impact operations against Western countries and their interests abroad in the medium term, as evidenced by a recently disrupted attack in Strasbourg, France.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Nearly two years after the Pakistani deep state welcomed the Taliban's comeback to power in Afghanistan, the United Nations Security Council in its latest report said that the Taliban takeover in Afghanistan has "emboldened" Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan [TTP], resulting in an increase in cross-border attacks in Pakistan.

Nearly two years after the Pakistani deep state welcomed the Taliban's comeback to power in Afghanistan, the United Nations Security Council in its latest report said that the Taliban takeover in Afghanistan has "emboldened" Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan [TTP], resulting in an increase in cross-border attacks in Pakistan. It noted that there was evidence that several global terrorist entities are using the TTP as cover to evade restrictions of the Afghan Taliban, adding that greater restrictions over such groups could push them to join the Islamic State of Khorasan (ISKP). The report claimed that in June 2023, some TTP operatives were relocated away from the Pak-Afghan border at a request from Pakistan. However, the TTP could become a regional threat if it continues enjoying the patronage of the Taliban, it says, adding that "one" member state noted that TTP was being aided by Al Qaeda Indian Subcontinent (AQIS). How Pakistan's support to Taliban is haunting it now? The ties between Afghan Taliban and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan have been forged in decades of war both inside Afghanistan and across the border in Pakistan. The leader of the TTP has sworn allegiance to the Taliban's so-called emir and says his group is part of the Taliban's Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. Also read | Afghanistan, Pakistani Taliban 'collaborated' on attacks targeting Pak law enforcement In recent years, the TTP is known to have garnered support from factions of Afghanistan's current Taliban rulers to aim its agenda of expanding Afghanistan's borders beyond the Durand Line, the internationally recognised Pakistan-Afghanistan border which Kabul deems invalid because it was created by British imperialists. Ayman al-Zawahiri successor still in Iran: UN report The report while quoting assessments of "some member states" claims that Saif al-Adl, most likely to succeed Ayman al-Zawahiri, is still in Iran. It further adds that the numerical strength of al-Qaeda Central in Afghanistan is between 30 to 60 members, while its fighters are estimated to be 400, reaching 2,000 with family members included. Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent has approximately 200 fighters. The report further noted that Islamic State Khorasan (ISKP) continues to pose the most serious threat in Afghanistan and the wider region and beyond to Europe highlighting the group's recent high-profile attacks in Afghanistan against senior Taliban leaders. Also watch | Pak accuses Afghan Taliban of harbouring TTP militants × It adds that Mawlawi Rajab, previously identified as ISKP leader, Shahab al-Muhajir's deputy, has been appointed as Head of external operations of ISKP. The report termed the claim of one State member that Sanaullah Ghafari (Shahab al-Muhajir) was killed in June, as "not confirmed". The report assessed that ISKP might pursue high-impact operations against Western countries and their interests abroad in the medium term, as evidenced by a recently disrupted attack in Strasbourg, France. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Pakistan's support to Taliban regime emboldens terror inside its borders: UN report

At least 44 people have been killed, 42 among them being children, whereas dozens of others are feared to be missing after heavy floods in Afghanistan. Flash floods hit the capital Kabul, the Maidan Wardak and Ghazni provinces. The flooding brought further misery to the already suffering Afghanistan. In April, the united nation’s humanitarian affairs agency said the South Asian country was facing its third consecutive year of drought, its second year of severe economic hardship and the consequences of decades of war and natural disasters.

Afghanistan floods kill 42 children adding to ongoing misery | WION Climate Tracker

Here, we bring you the news that is trending across WION's social media platforms- One of the last few revenue streams available for Afghan women and the cherished space for socializing Beauty Parlours are now permanently closed following an order by the Taliban.

Taliban beauty salon ban comes into force, Afghan women lose another safe space

Across Afghanistan, thousands of beauty parlours closed down on Tuesday (July 25). One of the last few revenue streams available to Afghan women and a cherished space for socialising, beauty parlours in the South Asian nation are now permanently closed following an order by Afghanistan rulers Taliban.&nbsp;

This ban is the latest in a series of Taliban orders curtailing the already limited freedoms women had in Afghanistan, following the 2021 chaotic withdrawal of United States troops.

<h2>Women, employment and an economy in crisis&nbsp;</h2>

On Tuesday, as per AFP, many salons in Kabul had already closed, while others attempted to stay open till the last possible minute.&nbsp;

Talking to the new agency, one proprietor said that she had been forced to sign a declaration saying that she was shutting down her salon willingly, and would hand in her licence to operate.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-orders-closure-of-hair-and-beauty-salons-in-afghanistan-further-restricting-womens-rights-611826">Taliban order closure of hair and beauty salons in Afghanistan, further restricting women's rights</a>

"The scene was terrible — they came with military vehicles and guns," she said on the condition of anonymity.

"What can a woman do in the face of so much insistence and pressure?"

Reuters reports that as per industry estimates, the ban will lead to the closure of some 12,000 beauty businesses and around 60,000 women losing their jobs.&nbsp;

The UN Secretary General's special representative in Afghanistan, Roza Otunbayeva told Reuters that the ban "will disproportionately impact female entrepreneurs, which is a setback for resilience, poverty reduction, and economic recovery."

As per the International Labor Organization (ILO),&nbsp;the ban will create a "significant" decrease in women's employment.&nbsp;

<h2>Why beauty salons are important to Afghan women</h2>

Apart from the above-mentioned financial aspects, beauty salons in deeply patriarchal Afghanistan provided the women with a female-only space where they could meet outside their homes.&nbsp;

They served as a safe space where women could gather without a male chaperone, socialise and even prepare for celebrations like weddings.

<h2>The ban order</h2>

Taliban announced the ban on beauty salons last month. In June, the Taliban's Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice announced the forced closures, giving women a grace period to comply with the order.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/exclusive-afghan-women-react-to-veiled-attempts-to-legitimise-talibans-rule-618494">Exclusive: Afghan women react to veiled attempts to legitimise Taliban's rule</a>

AFP reports that the ministry claimed that extravagant sums spent on beauty treatments like makeovers cause hardship for poor families. Labelling some treatments 'un-Islamic', it further said that too much make-up prevents women from proper ablutions for prayer.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Across Afghanistan, thousands of beauty parlours closed down on Tuesday (July 25). One of the last few revenue streams available to Afghan women and a cherished space for socialising, beauty parlours in the South Asian nation are now permanently closed following an order by Afghanistan rulers Taliban.

Across Afghanistan, thousands of beauty parlours closed down on Tuesday (July 25). One of the last few revenue streams available to Afghan women and a cherished space for socialising, beauty parlours in the South Asian nation are now permanently closed following an order by Afghanistan rulers Taliban. This ban is the latest in a series of Taliban orders curtailing the already limited freedoms women had in Afghanistan, following the 2021 chaotic withdrawal of United States troops. Women, employment and an economy in crisis On Tuesday, as per AFP, many salons in Kabul had already closed, while others attempted to stay open till the last possible minute. Talking to the new agency, one proprietor said that she had been forced to sign a declaration saying that she was shutting down her salon willingly, and would hand in her licence to operate. Also read | Taliban order closure of hair and beauty salons in Afghanistan, further restricting women's rights "The scene was terrible — they came with military vehicles and guns," she said on the condition of anonymity. "What can a woman do in the face of so much insistence and pressure?" Reuters reports that as per industry estimates, the ban will lead to the closure of some 12,000 beauty businesses and around 60,000 women losing their jobs. The UN Secretary General's special representative in Afghanistan, Roza Otunbayeva told Reuters that the ban "will disproportionately impact female entrepreneurs, which is a setback for resilience, poverty reduction, and economic recovery." As per the International Labor Organization (ILO), the ban will create a "significant" decrease in women's employment. Why beauty salons are important to Afghan women Apart from the above-mentioned financial aspects, beauty salons in deeply patriarchal Afghanistan provided the women with a female-only space where they could meet outside their homes. They served as a safe space where women could gather without a male chaperone, socialise and even prepare for celebrations like weddings. The ban order Taliban announced the ban on beauty salons last month. In June, the Taliban's Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice announced the forced closures, giving women a grace period to comply with the order. Also read | Exclusive: Afghan women react to veiled attempts to legitimise Taliban's rule AFP reports that the ministry claimed that extravagant sums spent on beauty treatments like makeovers cause hardship for poor families. Labelling some treatments 'un-Islamic', it further said that too much make-up prevents women from proper ablutions for prayer. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Afghan women lose another safe space as Taliban's beauty salon ban comes into force

The flash floods prompted by torrential rains in central Afghanistan have claimed the lives of at least 30 people, a disaster ministry official released a statement as saying on Sunday.

Mohammad Shafi Rahimi, the ministry spokesman, said that at least 26 people had died in Jalrez district, which is situated 46 km (29 miles) east of Kabul, after heavy rain washed away their homes, as most of them were built of earth.

Four more people had lost their lives in Kabul due to the floods and a&nbsp;total of 70 were wounded in both districts, he said further, adding that at least 40 people were still missing.

Government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid released a statement saying that urgent aid was being given to the people in the main disaster zone in the Jalrez district of Maidan Wardak province.

Rahimi told a news conference that nearly 604 houses had been fully or partially damaged and hundreds of acres of agricultural land and orchards devastated in Jalrez since Friday.

Nationwide, "In&nbsp;the last four months, 214 people were killed in natural disaster-related incidents", Rahimi said.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/greece-one-killed-after-bridge-collapses-near-patras-rhodes-wildfire-forces-thousands-to-evacuate-618648">Greece: One killed after bridge collapses in Patras; Rhodes wildfire forces thousands to evacuate</a>

<h2>Monsoon continues to cause destruction in parts of Pakistan</h2>

On Saturday (July 22), many deaths were reported across Pakistan as the monsoon rains continued to batter parts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab.

As per local media reports, the officials released warnings that rising levels in the Indus River could cause floods in the adjacent areas.

Earlier this month, heavy rainfall claimed the lives of at least 17 people and wounded 49 others in Pakistan’s Punjab province.

The deaths occurred as heavy rain triggered the collapse of walls and roofs, causing multiple casualties and injuries at multiple sites.&nbsp;

Lahore's Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) Monsoon Control Room recorded the highest precipitation at the Nishtar Town director's office, measuring 65mm. This was followed by the Johar Town SDO office with 57mm and Lakshmi Chowk with 38mm.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

The flash floods prompted by torrential rains in central Afghanistan have claimed the lives of at least 30 people, a disaster ministry official released a statement as saying on Sunday.

The flash floods prompted by torrential rains in central Afghanistan have claimed the lives of at least 30 people, a disaster ministry official released a statement as saying on Sunday. Mohammad Shafi Rahimi, the ministry spokesman, said that at least 26 people had died in Jalrez district, which is situated 46 km (29 miles) east of Kabul, after heavy rain washed away their homes, as most of them were built of earth. Four more people had lost their lives in Kabul due to the floods and a total of 70 were wounded in both districts, he said further, adding that at least 40 people were still missing. Government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid released a statement saying that urgent aid was being given to the people in the main disaster zone in the Jalrez district of Maidan Wardak province. Rahimi told a news conference that nearly 604 houses had been fully or partially damaged and hundreds of acres of agricultural land and orchards devastated in Jalrez since Friday. Nationwide, "In the last four months, 214 people were killed in natural disaster-related incidents", Rahimi said. Also read: Greece: One killed after bridge collapses in Patras; Rhodes wildfire forces thousands to evacuate Monsoon continues to cause destruction in parts of Pakistan On Saturday (July 22), many deaths were reported across Pakistan as the monsoon rains continued to batter parts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab. As per local media reports, the officials released warnings that rising levels in the Indus River could cause floods in the adjacent areas. Earlier this month, heavy rainfall claimed the lives of at least 17 people and wounded 49 others in Pakistan’s Punjab province. The deaths occurred as heavy rain triggered the collapse of walls and roofs, causing multiple casualties and injuries at multiple sites. Lahore's Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) Monsoon Control Room recorded the highest precipitation at the Nishtar Town director's office, measuring 65mm. This was followed by the Johar Town SDO office with 57mm and Lakshmi Chowk with 38mm. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Death toll in Afghanistan flash floods reaches 30

-From friends to foes? Pakistan blames Afghanistan for the rise in terrorism it has seen. Pakistan accuses Afghanistan of harbouring the TTP -Will Rohingya Refugees living in Bangladesh ever be repatriated? -Afghan women take to streets to protest Taliban's ban on beauty salons -And meet a 21-year-old Pakistani mountaineer, Shehroze Kashif, who's out to beat huge odds. As he aims to scale all 14 peaks above 8000 metres. A WION exclusive. All this and much more on Inside South Asia with Dasuni Athauda

Pakistan blames Afghanistan for terrorism | Afghan women protest

The Afghanistan women are protesting against the Taliban for banning women’s beauty salons in Afghanistan as the regime continues to snatch away basic rights of Afghan women. Watch to know more.

Afghanistan women protest beauty parlour ban

The security officials in Afghanistan on Wednesday shot in the air and used firehoses to disperse dozens of women who were demonstrating in Kabul against an order by Taliban authorities to shut down beauty parlours.&nbsp;

After coming to power in August 2021, the Taliban government has banned girls and women from high schools and universities, parks, funfairs and gyms and has also ordered them to cover up in public areas.

The order, which was issued last month, has forced the closure of thousands of beauty parlours nationwide run by women and outlaws one of the few remaining opportunities for them to socialise away from home.

"Don't take my bread and water," read a sign carried by one of the protesters on Butcher Street, which boasts a concentration of the capital's salons.

As per news agency AFP reports, around 50 women took part in Wednesday's gathering.&nbsp;

Later, videos and images were shared with journalists that showed authorities using a firehose to disperse them as shots could be heard in the background.&nbsp;

"Today we arranged this protest to talk and negotiate," said a salon worker, whose name has not been published by AFP for security reasons.&nbsp;

"But today, no one came to talk to us, to listen to us. They didn't pay any attention to us and after a while, they dispersed us by aerial firing and water cannon."

In late June, the Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice gave salons a month to close down, saying the grace period would allow them to use up stock.

It said that it made the ban because a huge amount of money was being paid for salon services which caused hardships for poor families, further adding that some treatments were un-Islamic.

The ministry further added that too-much makeup prevented women from proper ablutions for prayer and that eyelash extensions and hair weaving were also forbidden.

As per AFP reports, a copy of the order said it was "based on verbal instruction from the supreme leader" Hibatullah Akhundzada.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-orders-closure-of-hair-and-beauty-salons-in-afghanistan-further-restricting-womens-rights-611826">Taliban order closure of hair and beauty salons in Afghanistan, further restricting women's rights</a>

<h2>Plight of women in Afghanistan 'worst in the world'</h2>

A report to the United Nation's Human Rights Council by Richard Bennett, the special rapporteur for Afghanistan, last month, said the plight of women and girls in the country "was among the worst in the world".

"Grave, systematic and institutionalized discrimination against women and girls is at the heart of Taliban ideology and rule, which also gives rise to concerns that they may be responsible for gender apartheid," Bennett said. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

The security officials in Afghanistan on Wednesday shot in the air and used firehoses to disperse dozens of women who were demonstrating in Kabul against an order by Taliban authorities to shut down beauty parlours.

The security officials in Afghanistan on Wednesday shot in the air and used firehoses to disperse dozens of women who were demonstrating in Kabul against an order by Taliban authorities to shut down beauty parlours. After coming to power in August 2021, the Taliban government has banned girls and women from high schools and universities, parks, funfairs and gyms and has also ordered them to cover up in public areas. The order, which was issued last month, has forced the closure of thousands of beauty parlours nationwide run by women and outlaws one of the few remaining opportunities for them to socialise away from home. "Don't take my bread and water," read a sign carried by one of the protesters on Butcher Street, which boasts a concentration of the capital's salons. As per news agency AFP reports, around 50 women took part in Wednesday's gathering. Later, videos and images were shared with journalists that showed authorities using a firehose to disperse them as shots could be heard in the background. "Today we arranged this protest to talk and negotiate," said a salon worker, whose name has not been published by AFP for security reasons. "But today, no one came to talk to us, to listen to us. They didn't pay any attention to us and after a while, they dispersed us by aerial firing and water cannon." In late June, the Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice gave salons a month to close down, saying the grace period would allow them to use up stock. It said that it made the ban because a huge amount of money was being paid for salon services which caused hardships for poor families, further adding that some treatments were un-Islamic. The ministry further added that too-much makeup prevented women from proper ablutions for prayer and that eyelash extensions and hair weaving were also forbidden. As per AFP reports, a copy of the order said it was "based on verbal instruction from the supreme leader" Hibatullah Akhundzada. Also read: Taliban order closure of hair and beauty salons in Afghanistan, further restricting women's rights Plight of women in Afghanistan 'worst in the world' A report to the United Nation's Human Rights Council by Richard Bennett, the special rapporteur for Afghanistan, last month, said the plight of women and girls in the country "was among the worst in the world". "Grave, systematic and institutionalized discrimination against women and girls is at the heart of Taliban ideology and rule, which also gives rise to concerns that they may be responsible for gender apartheid," Bennett said. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Afghanistan women stage demonstrations against ban on beauty parlours

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

Pakistan senior official lands in Kabul, to raise concern over TTP

Pakistan senior official and special representative on Afghanistan, Asif Durrani, is expected to travel to Kabul, for a three-day visit and hold key bilateral talks between Islamabad and the Taliban-ruled Afghanistan, sources told WION, on Tuesday (July 18). This comes as the return of the Afghan Taliban to power has reportedly led to a surge in terrorist attacks in Pakistan.

<h2>Pakistan-Afghanistan relations&nbsp;</h2>

Durrani, who was appointed as a special representative by the incumbent Pakistan Minister Shehbaz Sharif, earlier this year, will be facilitating the talks in Kabul as relations between the two neighbouring countries remain complicated.&nbsp;

The source who spoke to WION on the condition of anonymity, said that while the decision for the visit was proposed before the recent incidents, it is likely that the issue of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) will be a key subject of discussion during the talks.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/afghan-and-pakistani-taliban-collaborated-on-recent-attacks-targeting-pak-law-enforcement-583046">Afghanistan, Pakistani Taliban 'collaborated' on attacks targeting Pak law enforcement: Report</a>

The TTP, according to officials in Islamabad is operating from Afghanistan&nbsp;and has reportedly claimed several attacks across Pakistan in recent months.&nbsp;

This is also what made Durrani’s appointment crucial as his predecessor Mohammad Sadiq’s resignation came following the unsuccessful peace talks with the banned outfit.&nbsp;

Earlier this year, Afghanistan’s acting foreign minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi, during his visit also urged Islamabad and TTP to hold discussions.&nbsp;

<h2>What do we know about the upcoming talks?</h2>

Recently, Pakistan brought up the concern of TTP terrorists operating from Afghan territory, which has raised tensions and prompted the need for bilateral discussions between the two neighbouring countries, the source told WION.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-says-will-target-ttp-on-afghan-soil-taliban-says-things-can-be-resolved-by-dialogue-548657">Pakistan says will target TTP on Afghan soil, Taliban say would not let anyone attack Islamic Emirate</a>

Additionally, the talks are also expected to address various important issues of mutual interest and cooperation between Islamabad and Kabul.&nbsp;

The discussions are also said to be a crucial opportunity, as both nations navigate through regional challenges, to strengthen diplomatic ties and find potential solutions to shared security concerns.&nbsp;

<h2>Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan</h2>

Furthermore, the return of the Afghan Taliban to power in August 2021 has reportedly led to a surge in terrorist attacks in Pakistan. 
 
ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/afghanistan-taliban-governor-of-balkh-province-killed-in-blast-say-police-570177">Afghanistan: Taliban governor of Balkh province killed in suicide attack; IS claims responsibility</a> 
 
According to a report by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), an independent think tank, the country has witnessed a 79 per cent increase in terror activities during the first half of 2023.

The report highlights that 271 militant attacks have occurred during this period, resulting in the loss of 389 lives and injuries to 656 individuals.&nbsp; 
 
&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Pakistan senior official and special representative on Afghanistan, Asif Durrani, is expected to travel to Kabul, for a three-day visit and hold key bilateral talks between Islamabad and the Taliban-ruled Afghanistan, sources told WION, on Tuesday (July 18).

Pakistan senior official and special representative on Afghanistan, Asif Durrani, is expected to travel to Kabul, for a three-day visit and hold key bilateral talks between Islamabad and the Taliban-ruled Afghanistan, sources told WION, on Tuesday (July 18). This comes as the return of the Afghan Taliban to power has reportedly led to a surge in terrorist attacks in Pakistan. Pakistan-Afghanistan relations Durrani, who was appointed as a special representative by the incumbent Pakistan Minister Shehbaz Sharif, earlier this year, will be facilitating the talks in Kabul as relations between the two neighbouring countries remain complicated. The source who spoke to WION on the condition of anonymity, said that while the decision for the visit was proposed before the recent incidents, it is likely that the issue of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) will be a key subject of discussion during the talks. ALSO READ | Afghanistan, Pakistani Taliban 'collaborated' on attacks targeting Pak law enforcement: Report The TTP, according to officials in Islamabad is operating from Afghanistan and has reportedly claimed several attacks across Pakistan in recent months. This is also what made Durrani’s appointment crucial as his predecessor Mohammad Sadiq’s resignation came following the unsuccessful peace talks with the banned outfit. Earlier this year, Afghanistan’s acting foreign minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi, during his visit also urged Islamabad and TTP to hold discussions. What do we know about the upcoming talks? Recently, Pakistan brought up the concern of TTP terrorists operating from Afghan territory, which has raised tensions and prompted the need for bilateral discussions between the two neighbouring countries, the source told WION. ALSO READ | Pakistan says will target TTP on Afghan soil, Taliban say would not let anyone attack Islamic Emirate Additionally, the talks are also expected to address various important issues of mutual interest and cooperation between Islamabad and Kabul. The discussions are also said to be a crucial opportunity, as both nations navigate through regional challenges, to strengthen diplomatic ties and find potential solutions to shared security concerns. Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan Furthermore, the return of the Afghan Taliban to power in August 2021 has reportedly led to a surge in terrorist attacks in Pakistan. ALSO READ | Afghanistan: Taliban governor of Balkh province killed in suicide attack; IS claims responsibility According to a report by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), an independent think tank, the country has witnessed a 79 per cent increase in terror activities during the first half of 2023. The report highlights that 271 militant attacks have occurred during this period, resulting in the loss of 389 lives and injuries to 656 individuals. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Pakistan, Afghanistan to hold talks about cross-border terrorism, ‘shared security concerns’

The Pakistan army on Friday (July 14) expressed concerns over militants finding safe havens in Afghanistan. In reference to the&nbsp;Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), the army said it has serious concerns about the safe havens and liberty of action available to TTP in Afghanistan, the news agency Reuters reported. The army's remark comes as it threatened to take an effective response two days after 12 of its soldiers were killed in two separate attacks.&nbsp;

"Such attacks are intolerable and would elicit effective response from the security forces of Pakistan," the army said, adding, the involvement of Afghan nationals in acts of terrorism in Pakistan was an important concern that had to be addressed.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<h2>12 soldiers lost in militant attacks</h2>

On Wednesday, the army said that it lost 12 soldiers in militant attacks, including an assault on one of its bases in Balochistan. In the first incident, nine soldiers were killed at the base which was stormed by militants. The army said that&nbsp;all five militants who stormed the base in the early hours were killed in retaliatory fire.&nbsp; Speaking to Reuters, security officials said&nbsp;the militants first hurled grenades into a military mess at the base and then waged a gunbattle lasting several hours.

In a statement, the army said initial attempts by the terrorists to sneak into the facility were checked by soldiers on duty, and in the&nbsp;ensuing heavy exchange of fire, the terrorists were contained into a small area at the boundary of the base

In the second incident, the army said three more soldiers died in an exchange with heavily armed terrorists in the district's Sui province. Two terrorists also died in this exchange.&nbsp;

Tehreek-e-Jihad Pakistan (TJP), a newly founded terrorist group&nbsp;claimed responsibility for the assault, saying in a statement it would release pictures and videos of its fighters who took part.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

The Pakistan army on Friday (July 14) expressed concerns over militants finding safe havens in Afghanistan. In reference to the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), the army said it has serious concerns about the safe havens and liberty of action available to TTP in Afghanistan, the news agency Reuters reported.

The Pakistan army on Friday (July 14) expressed concerns over militants finding safe havens in Afghanistan. In reference to the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), the army said it has serious concerns about the safe havens and liberty of action available to TTP in Afghanistan, the news agency Reuters reported. The army's remark comes as it threatened to take an effective response two days after 12 of its soldiers were killed in two separate attacks. "Such attacks are intolerable and would elicit effective response from the security forces of Pakistan," the army said, adding, the involvement of Afghan nationals in acts of terrorism in Pakistan was an important concern that had to be addressed. 12 soldiers lost in militant attacks On Wednesday, the army said that it lost 12 soldiers in militant attacks, including an assault on one of its bases in Balochistan. In the first incident, nine soldiers were killed at the base which was stormed by militants. The army said that all five militants who stormed the base in the early hours were killed in retaliatory fire. Speaking to Reuters, security officials said the militants first hurled grenades into a military mess at the base and then waged a gunbattle lasting several hours. In a statement, the army said initial attempts by the terrorists to sneak into the facility were checked by soldiers on duty, and in the ensuing heavy exchange of fire, the terrorists were contained into a small area at the boundary of the base In the second incident, the army said three more soldiers died in an exchange with heavily armed terrorists in the district's Sui province. Two terrorists also died in this exchange. Tehreek-e-Jihad Pakistan (TJP), a newly founded terrorist group claimed responsibility for the assault, saying in a statement it would release pictures and videos of its fighters who took part. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Pak Army concerned over militants finding safe havens in Afghanistan

Just a day after Pakistan Army raised concerns over the safe Heavens which it says banned Tehrik e Taliban, Pakistan is getting in Afghanistan. Taliban has now reacted saying it wants peaceful relations with all its neighbours including Pakistan. This comes after Pakistan's defence minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif asserted that the Afghan Taliban was not abiding by the Doha agreement.

Pakistan army raised concerns over terrorism from Afghanistan

Stop harbouring militants: Pak to Afghan Taliban amid uptick in attacks

Afghanistan is notoriously famous for its opium poppy cultivation and harvest. Last year, a United Nations report stated that the 2022 opium crop in the nation was the most profitable in years with cultivation up by nearly a third.&nbsp;

The data was also significant as it was the first since the Taliban's return to power in August 2021. The hardline Islamist regime banned all cultivation of opium poppy and all narcotics under strict new laws in April 2022.&nbsp;

But when the ban was announced, the world didn't take it seriously as there were concerns about the nation's dire economic state and the urgent need for financial resources, with the opium trade being a moneymaking source.

The recent trend shows how the Taliban adopted a relatively gradual approach to tackle the drug problem in the country, unlike how they implement sudden and harsh rules when it comes to women and their rights.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-halts-swedish-activities-in-afghanistan-over-heinous-act-of-quran-burning-614341">Taliban halt Swedish activities in Afghanistan over ‘heinous’ act of Quran burning</a>&nbsp;

The results show that the Taliban have been successful at least in this area as there's a significant drop in opium production in Afghanistan. It is a massive feat as the country supplies around 80 per cent of the world's opium. Let's get deeper into this trend to understand the current situation.&nbsp;

Satellite imagery and recent reports show an almost 80 per cent fall in the opium crop in the south and southwestern provinces of Afghanistan.&nbsp;

It was also acknowledged by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in their latest World Drug Report, which highlighted the noteworthy development, but also warned against the attendant risks that this poses for drug smuggling and the increased use of synthetic drugs.&nbsp;

On one side, it is a moment to commend the authorities to be able to curb the production of this illicit drug, but it is also essential to understand the implications of these developments.&nbsp;

The world must focus its attention on how the opium ban will affect Afghanistan and should decode both sides - the economy's and people's livelihoods and the Taliban's control of the country.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-journalist-fired-for-asking-questions-to-pm-shehabz-sharif-about-freedom-of-expression-report-614376">Pak journalist fired for asking questions to PM Shehbaz Sharif about freedom of expression: Report</a>&nbsp;

<h2>What is opium?&nbsp;</h2>

For the unversed, opium is the essential ingredient for manufacturing the street drug heroin, and the class of medical prescription opioids which millions rely on for pain medication worldwide.&nbsp;

In countries such as the United States, opioids have also been increasingly abused, leading to widespread addiction issues. The trade of poppy tar, which is a psychoactive substance in heroin, is very lucrative worldwide.&nbsp;

<h2>Reduction of opium production in Afghanistan&nbsp;</h2>

A report was published by Alcis, a British geographic data firm, in which it was mentioned that there has been a 99 per cent reduction in poppy farming in the southern province of Helmand, considered to be the heart of the opium industry.&nbsp;

David Mansfield, who is an expert on Afghanistan's illicit economy and researcher on the Alcis report, predicted that at least 80 per cent of poppy production will be eradicated this year in the nation.&nbsp;

<h2>Why is it challenging?&nbsp;</h2>

The ban on opium cultivation will impact the farmers if this crisis hits the nation. Now, the Taliban will have to find an alternate source of revenue for the 450,000 people who would have been employed by the opium industry, as well as the $1.3 billion in predicted lost farm income.&nbsp;

The Taliban can be commended for&nbsp;its solid approach in&nbsp;tackling the drug issue in the country as it aspires to get global recognition but has it led to massive concerns for farmers?&nbsp;

<h2>Taliban's history with opium production&nbsp;</h2>

Analysts have said that the Taliban were mainly successful in eradicating poppy agriculture at the end of their first administration from 1996 to 2001. But when they were deposed by the US-led invasion in 2001, they began funding their resistance with a crop levy.&nbsp;

In 2016, opium production generated over half of the Taliban fighters' earnings, a report by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) said.&nbsp;

The UN said that by 2020, which was the last full year of the Western-backed government's authority, around 85 per cent of the world's opium was flowing out of Afghanistan.&nbsp;

Moreover, the opiate economy was expected to account for between 9 and 14 per cent of Afghanistan's GDP the following year.&nbsp;

Watch this report:&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/taliban-ruled-afghanistan-looks-to-replace-opium-dependence-614264/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The southern districts of Kandahar and Helmand have long been the core of production. Last year, a grace period was agreed upon as the ban was announced when the harvest was underway. But after that, the laws have been implemented strictly.&nbsp;

Deputy counter-narcotics minister Abdul Haq Akhund Hamkar told news agency AFP that nearly three thousand hectares of poppy had been destroyed since the start of the season. The report was published this year in May. That figure is a fraction of the 233,000 hectares the UNODC estimated were harvested in 2022.&nbsp;

As quoted by the news agency, Haji Qazi, who is Helmand's counter-narcotics chief, said that the ban "has been implemented to a great extent [without force]", because far less poppy was sown this season.&nbsp;

"When the decree of the supreme leader was announced, most of the people accepted it," he said.

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Afghanistan is notoriously famous for its opium poppy cultivation and harvest. Last year, a United Nations report stated that the 2022 opium crop in the nation was the most profitable in years with cultivation up by nearly a third.

Afghanistan is notoriously famous for its opium poppy cultivation and harvest. Last year, a United Nations report stated that the 2022 opium crop in the nation was the most profitable in years with cultivation up by nearly a third. The data was also significant as it was the first since the Taliban's return to power in August 2021. The hardline Islamist regime banned all cultivation of opium poppy and all narcotics under strict new laws in April 2022. But when the ban was announced, the world didn't take it seriously as there were concerns about the nation's dire economic state and the urgent need for financial resources, with the opium trade being a moneymaking source. The recent trend shows how the Taliban adopted a relatively gradual approach to tackle the drug problem in the country, unlike how they implement sudden and harsh rules when it comes to women and their rights. Also read: Taliban halt Swedish activities in Afghanistan over ‘heinous’ act of Quran burning The results show that the Taliban have been successful at least in this area as there's a significant drop in opium production in Afghanistan. It is a massive feat as the country supplies around 80 per cent of the world's opium. Let's get deeper into this trend to understand the current situation. Satellite imagery and recent reports show an almost 80 per cent fall in the opium crop in the south and southwestern provinces of Afghanistan. It was also acknowledged by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in their latest World Drug Report, which highlighted the noteworthy development, but also warned against the attendant risks that this poses for drug smuggling and the increased use of synthetic drugs. On one side, it is a moment to commend the authorities to be able to curb the production of this illicit drug, but it is also essential to understand the implications of these developments. The world must focus its attention on how the opium ban will affect Afghanistan and should decode both sides - the economy's and people's livelihoods and the Taliban's control of the country. Also read: Pak journalist fired for asking questions to PM Shehbaz Sharif about freedom of expression: Report What is opium? For the unversed, opium is the essential ingredient for manufacturing the street drug heroin, and the class of medical prescription opioids which millions rely on for pain medication worldwide. In countries such as the United States, opioids have also been increasingly abused, leading to widespread addiction issues. The trade of poppy tar, which is a psychoactive substance in heroin, is very lucrative worldwide. Reduction of opium production in Afghanistan A report was published by Alcis, a British geographic data firm, in which it was mentioned that there has been a 99 per cent reduction in poppy farming in the southern province of Helmand, considered to be the heart of the opium industry. David Mansfield, who is an expert on Afghanistan's illicit economy and researcher on the Alcis report, predicted that at least 80 per cent of poppy production will be eradicated this year in the nation. Why is it challenging? The ban on opium cultivation will impact the farmers if this crisis hits the nation. Now, the Taliban will have to find an alternate source of revenue for the 450,000 people who would have been employed by the opium industry, as well as the $1.3 billion in predicted lost farm income. The Taliban can be commended for its solid approach in tackling the drug issue in the country as it aspires to get global recognition but has it led to massive concerns for farmers? Taliban's history with opium production Analysts have said that the Taliban were mainly successful in eradicating poppy agriculture at the end of their first administration from 1996 to 2001. But when they were deposed by the US-led invasion in 2001, they began funding their resistance with a crop levy. In 2016, opium production generated over half of the Taliban fighters' earnings, a report by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) said. The UN said that by 2020, which was the last full year of the Western-backed government's authority, around 85 per cent of the world's opium was flowing out of Afghanistan. Moreover, the opiate economy was expected to account for between 9 and 14 per cent of Afghanistan's GDP the following year. Watch this report: × The southern districts of Kandahar and Helmand have long been the core of production. Last year, a grace period was agreed upon as the ban was announced when the harvest was underway. But after that, the laws have been implemented strictly. Deputy counter-narcotics minister Abdul Haq Akhund Hamkar told news agency AFP that nearly three thousand hectares of poppy had been destroyed since the start of the season. The report was published this year in May. That figure is a fraction of the 233,000 hectares the UNODC estimated were harvested in 2022. As quoted by the news agency, Haji Qazi, who is Helmand's counter-narcotics chief, said that the ban "has been implemented to a great extent [without force]", because far less poppy was sown this season. "When the decree of the supreme leader was announced, most of the people accepted it," he said. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Explained: The Taliban's way of halting opium cultivation, trade. What lies ahead?

Afghanistan's rulers Taliban on Tuesday said that all activities by Sweden in the nation must halt. The move comes a month after the burning of Quran outside a mosque in Sweden's capital Stockholm last month.

In a statement, Zabiullah Mujahid, a spokesman for the Taliban administration, said that the decision was taken due to the insult of the holy book and Muslim beliefs.

"After the insulting of the holy Quran and granting of permission for insulting of Muslim beliefs ...The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan is ordering the stopping of all activities of Sweden in Afghanistan."

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/swedens-nato-bid-in-jeopardy-after-allowing-quran-burning-as-ankara-seethes-609948https://www.wionews.com/world/swedens-nato-bid-in-jeopardy-after-allowing-quran-burning-as-ankara-seethes-609948">Sweden’s NATO bid in jeopardy after allowing Quran burning as Ankara seethes</a>

According to the statement, the order will remain effective "until they (Sweden) apologise to the Muslims for this heinous act."

<h2>How will the decision impact Sweden?</h2>

As per a Reuters report, the order will likely affect the Swedish Committee for Afghanistan, a Swedish non-governmental organisation. The organisation has thousands of aid workers working throughout Afghanistan in different areas like health, education and rural development.

However, at this point this is just conjecture as the Taliban administration is yet to provide details on which organisations will be affected by the halt of Sweden activities in Afghanistan.

<h2>The halt's impact on Afghanistan</h2>

The nation which has been undergoing turbulence ever since the Taliban took over in 2021 will likely face duress due to the order.

Afghanistan’s aid sector has already been severely affected, hampered by a series of restrictions by the Taliban. These include restrictions on female aid workers, and their working with the United Nations.

<h2>Sweden and Afghanistan</h2>

Since the Taliban took over Afghanistan almost two years back in 2021, Sweden doesn't have an embassy in the South Asian nation.

<h2>The Quran burning incident</h2>

Last month, a 37-year-old Iraqi living in Sweden who was identified as Salwan Momika stomped on the Muslim holy book Quran and set several pages alight outside a Stockholm mosque.

The Quran burning coincided with the start of the holy Eid al-Adha holiday and also the end of the annual hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, and triggered widespread anger globally, especially in Muslim dominated nations like Pakistan, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sweden-police-allow-quran-burning-protest-outside-stockholms-main-mosque-609615">Sweden police allow Quran burning protest outside Stockholm’s main mosque</a>

As per reports, in line with free speech protections, Momika was granted permission by the Swedish police following a court order. However, later, noting that the man had burnt pages from the Islamic holy book very close to the mosque, Swedish authorities said they had opened an investigation over "agitation against an ethnic group".

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Afghanistan's rulers Taliban on Tuesday said that all activities by Sweden in the nation must halt. The move comes a month after the burning of Quran outside a mosque in Sweden's capital Stockholm last month.

Afghanistan's rulers Taliban on Tuesday said that all activities by Sweden in the nation must halt. The move comes a month after the burning of Quran outside a mosque in Sweden's capital Stockholm last month. In a statement, Zabiullah Mujahid, a spokesman for the Taliban administration, said that the decision was taken due to the insult of the holy book and Muslim beliefs. "After the insulting of the holy Quran and granting of permission for insulting of Muslim beliefs ...The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan is ordering the stopping of all activities of Sweden in Afghanistan." Also read | Sweden’s NATO bid in jeopardy after allowing Quran burning as Ankara seethes According to the statement, the order will remain effective "until they (Sweden) apologise to the Muslims for this heinous act." How will the decision impact Sweden? As per a Reuters report, the order will likely affect the Swedish Committee for Afghanistan, a Swedish non-governmental organisation. The organisation has thousands of aid workers working throughout Afghanistan in different areas like health, education and rural development. However, at this point this is just conjecture as the Taliban administration is yet to provide details on which organisations will be affected by the halt of Sweden activities in Afghanistan. The halt's impact on Afghanistan The nation which has been undergoing turbulence ever since the Taliban took over in 2021 will likely face duress due to the order. Afghanistan’s aid sector has already been severely affected, hampered by a series of restrictions by the Taliban. These include restrictions on female aid workers, and their working with the United Nations. Sweden and Afghanistan Since the Taliban took over Afghanistan almost two years back in 2021, Sweden doesn't have an embassy in the South Asian nation. The Quran burning incident Last month, a 37-year-old Iraqi living in Sweden who was identified as Salwan Momika stomped on the Muslim holy book Quran and set several pages alight outside a Stockholm mosque. The Quran burning coincided with the start of the holy Eid al-Adha holiday and also the end of the annual hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, and triggered widespread anger globally, especially in Muslim dominated nations like Pakistan, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. Also read | Sweden police allow Quran burning protest outside Stockholm’s main mosque As per reports, in line with free speech protections, Momika was granted permission by the Swedish police following a court order. However, later, noting that the man had burnt pages from the Islamic holy book very close to the mosque, Swedish authorities said they had opened an investigation over "agitation against an ethnic group". (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Taliban halt Swedish activities in Afghanistan over ‘heinous’ act of Quran burning

Taliban has successfully managed to halt the age-old opium trade in its valleys hoping to fill the void by venturing into tourism. According to reports, after 20 years of successive Western-backed governments failing to eradicate opium agriculture, it appears that the interim government led by the Taliban may have succeeded in achieving what their predecessors could not.

Taliban-ruled Afghanistan looks to replace opium dependence

A 31-year-old man of Afghanistan origin, who worked as an interpreter with the US army before the Taliban takeover, was shot dead in Virginia shortly after he finished up a late night Lyft shift. &nbsp;The man, named Nasrat Ahmad Yar, was found by police in an unconscious condition, wounded by a gunshot. He was rushed to a nearby hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.&nbsp;

"He was so happy he got a new car because he could take care of his family," his best friend Rahim Amini was quoted as saying by the local media. "His wife asked him to stay home but he said, 'I have to pay rent. I don't have that much money. I have to work,” he added.

<h2>Nasrat served as an interpreter alongside US army</h2>

Nasrat was on Taliban target since he helped the US Army while serving as an official interpreter. After the fall of the Afghanistan government in 2021, he escaped along with his family only to arrive in Pennsylvania. However, he soon left the place as he felt unsafe there, and instead relocated to Virginia.

Retired Lieutenant Colonel Matthew Butler confirmed that he could have been targeted by the Taliban had he stayed back there. “He was most certainly a marked man if he stayed," he said, adding that "He served this country a great deal more than I did. I did 42 months in combat but that was nowhere near what he had."

Watch:&nbsp;US blames India for its failure in Afghanistan

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/american-lies-us-blames-india-for-its-failure-in-afghanistan-wion-game-plan-576235/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Butler closely worked with Nasrat while he served in Camp Vance of the Bagram Airfield for two of his deployments. He last saw Ahmad Yar in Pennsylvania in 2022 and helped start his immigration process before the Taliban takeover.

<h2>Donation page set up for the deceased Afghan</h2>

The local Afghan community has set up a donation page for Nasrat, who was the sole provider for his wife and four children and still sending money to his family back home in Afghanistan.

A GoFundMe page has also been created to help his family left behind.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sco-member-states-call-for-inclusive-government-in-afghanistan-612027">Also read:&nbsp;SCO member states call for inclusive government in Afghanistan</a>

Meanwhile, police have obtained CCTV footage of the area where Nasrat was fatally shot, which shows four kids running from the scene.&nbsp;

“You just killed him,” one of the children said as they ran.

“He was reaching, bro,” another replied.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

A 31-year-old man of Afghanistan origin, who worked as an interpreter with the US army before the Taliban takeover, was shot dead in Virginia shortly after he finished up a late night Lyft shift.

A 31-year-old man of Afghanistan origin, who worked as an interpreter with the US army before the Taliban takeover, was shot dead in Virginia shortly after he finished up a late night Lyft shift. The man, named Nasrat Ahmad Yar, was found by police in an unconscious condition, wounded by a gunshot. He was rushed to a nearby hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. "He was so happy he got a new car because he could take care of his family," his best friend Rahim Amini was quoted as saying by the local media. "His wife asked him to stay home but he said, 'I have to pay rent. I don't have that much money. I have to work,” he added. Nasrat served as an interpreter alongside US army Nasrat was on Taliban target since he helped the US Army while serving as an official interpreter. After the fall of the Afghanistan government in 2021, he escaped along with his family only to arrive in Pennsylvania. However, he soon left the place as he felt unsafe there, and instead relocated to Virginia. Retired Lieutenant Colonel Matthew Butler confirmed that he could have been targeted by the Taliban had he stayed back there. “He was most certainly a marked man if he stayed," he said, adding that "He served this country a great deal more than I did. I did 42 months in combat but that was nowhere near what he had." Watch: US blames India for its failure in Afghanistan × Butler closely worked with Nasrat while he served in Camp Vance of the Bagram Airfield for two of his deployments. He last saw Ahmad Yar in Pennsylvania in 2022 and helped start his immigration process before the Taliban takeover. Donation page set up for the deceased Afghan The local Afghan community has set up a donation page for Nasrat, who was the sole provider for his wife and four children and still sending money to his family back home in Afghanistan. A GoFundMe page has also been created to help his family left behind. Also read: SCO member states call for inclusive government in Afghanistan Meanwhile, police have obtained CCTV footage of the area where Nasrat was fatally shot, which shows four kids running from the scene. “You just killed him,” one of the children said as they ran. “He was reaching, bro,” another replied. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Afghanistan man who served as interpreter for US army shot dead in Virginia

Expressing concern about the situation in Afghanistan, leaders of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Member States (SCO) called for the establishment of an inclusive government in Afghanistan with the participation of representatives of all ethnic, religious, and political groups in Afghan society and pledged to continue to assist the Afghan people.

The member countries adopted the New Delhi Declaration of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization on Tuesday.

Notably, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit concluded on Tuesday under India's presidency with Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually chairing the meeting of head&nbsp;of states.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/discovery-of-cocaine-in-white-house-library-prompts-secret-service-investigation-611984">Discovery of cocaine in White House library prompts secret service investigation</a>

The SCO Member States called for an inclusive government in Afghanistan and stated that "the group considers it essential to establish an inclusive government in Afghanistan with the participation of representatives of all ethnic, religious and political groups in Afghan society."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi who chaired the SCO summit, said, "The situation in Afghanistan has directly impacted the security of all of us. India's concerns and expectations regarding Afghanistan are similar to those of most of the SCO countries. We must come together to strive for the well-being of the people of Afghanistan."

"Humanitarian assistance to Afghan citizens; the formation of an inclusive government; the fight against terrorism and drug trafficking; and ensuring the rights of women, children, and minorities are our shared priorities," he said.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-military-is-completing-mission-in-west-bank-says-pm-netanyahu-death-toll-in-jenin-rises-to-11-611977">Israeli military is ‘completing mission’ in West Bank, says PM Netanyahu; death toll in Jenin rises to 11</a>

"Between the people of India and Afghanistan, there have been centuries-old friendly relations. In the past two decades, we have contributed to the economic and social development of Afghanistan. Even after the events of 2021, we continued to provide humanitarian assistance," PM Modi added.

"The Member States believe that one of the most important factors in the preservation and strengthening of safety and stability within the SCO region is the early settlement of the situation in Afghanistan. They advocate building Afghanistan as an independent, neutral, united, democratic and peaceful state, free from terrorism, war and drugs," the joint declaration said.

They further stressed the importance of long-term hospitality and effective assistance provided to Afghan refugees by regional and neighboring countries of Afghanistan. The Member States consider important, the active efforts of the international community to facilitate their dignified, safe and sustainable return to their homeland.

WATCH | Gravitas: Russia says Ukraine attacked Moscow with 5 drones

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-russia-says-ukraine-attacked-moscow-with-5-drones-611978/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

However, "the member states stressed the historical significance of the admission of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the SCO as a full Member State. They also noted the importance of signing the Memorandum of Obligations by the Republic of Belarus to achieve the status of an SCO Member State," the release added.

The Member States highly appreciated the outcomes of India's presidency of the SCO in 2022-2023 which has contributed to the further development of multi-faceted and mutually beneficial cooperation.

"They further called for greater effectiveness of the World Trade Organization (WTO) as a key platform for discussing the international trade agenda and adopting the regulations of the multilateral trading system," the official release said. However, they emphasized the need for early implementation of an inclusive reform of the organization, focusing on the issues of its development and adaptation to modern economic realities, as well as, effective implementation of the functions of monitoring, negotiation and settlement of disputes.

The Member States affirm the significance of further improving and reforming the architecture of global economic governance and will consistently advocate and strengthen an open, transparent, fair, inclusive and non-discriminatory multilateral trading system based on the World Trade Organization (WTO) principles and rules.

It will promote the development of an open world economy, ensure equitable market access, and oppose protectionist measures and trade restrictions contrary to the WTO principles that undermine the multilateral trading system and threaten the global economy.

They later stressed that the unilateral application of economic sanctions other than those approved by the UN Security Council is incompatible with the principles of international law and has a negative impact on third countries and international economic relations.

"Reaffirming their support for China's "Belt and Road Initiative" (BRI) initiative, the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Russian Federation, Republic of Tajikistan and the Republic of Uzbekistan note the ongoing work to jointly implement this project, including efforts to link the construction of the Eurasian Economic Union and BRI," the release said.

They however spoke in favour of implementing the Roadmap for a gradual increase in the share of national currencies in mutual settlements by the interested Member States.

Adding to this, today the world is undergoing unprecedented transformations and is entering a new era of rapid technological development that requires an increase in the effectiveness of global institutions.

Hence, new approaches are required to promote more equitable and effective international cooperation as there is a growing technological and digital divide, continued turbulence in global financial markets, global reduction in investment flows, instability of supply chains, increased protectionist measures and other barriers to international trade, consequences of the global climate change and COVID-19 pandemic are adding to the volatility and uncertainty in the global economy and creating additional challenges for economic growth, maintaining social well-being, ensuring food and energy security, as well as the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Furthermore, based on the proximity of assessments of the current regional and international agenda, the Member States confirm their commitment to the formation of a more representative, democratic, just and multipolar world order based on the universally recognized principles of international law, multilateralism, equal, joint, indivisible, comprehensive and sustainable security, cultural and civilizational diversity, mutually beneficial and equal cooperation of states with a central coordinating role of the UN.

"The Member States reaffirm that the SCO is not directed against other states and international organizations and is open to broad cooperation with them in accordance with the goals and principles of the UN Charter, SCO Charter and international law, based on consideration of mutual interests and common approaches to solving regional and global problems," the release mentioned.

In accordance with the principles of the SCO Charter, the member states pursue a policy that excludes bloc, ideological and confrontational approaches to address the problems of international and regional development, countering traditional and non-traditional security challenges and threats.

They further reaffirm the relevance of initiatives to promote cooperation in building a new- type of international relations in the spirit of mutual respect, justice, equality and mutually beneficial cooperation, as well as the formation of a common vision of creating a community of the common destiny of humanity.

The release said, "The Member States advocate respect for the right of peoples to an independent and democratic choice of the paths of their political and socio-economic development, emphasize that the principles of mutual respect for sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity of states, equality, mutual benefit, non-interference in internal affairs and non-use of force or threats to use force, are the basis of sustainable development of international relations. They reaffirm their commitment to peaceful settlement of disagreements and disputes between countries through dialogue and consultations."

The Member States also intend to develop cooperation in the fields of politics and security, trade, economy, finance and investment, and cultural and humanitarian ties in order to build a peaceful, safe, prosperous and environment-friendly planet Earth, achieving harmonious coexistence of Man and nature.

They consider it important to build up joint coordinated efforts by the international community to counter the activities of terrorist, separatist and extremist groups, paying special attention to preventing the spread of religious intolerance, aggressive nationalism, ethnic and racial discrimination, xenophobia, ideas of fascism and chauvinism.

"Reaffirming their commitment to peace, joint development and equal relations based on the principles of mutual respect, friendship and good-neighbourliness, the Member States will continue conducting a constructive dialogue based on trust, deepening effective multifaceted cooperation, making every effort to strengthen security and stability and ensure sustainable development in the SCO region," the release said.

Moreover, the Member States consider Central Asia to be the core of SCO and support the efforts of the region's countries to ensure prosperity and peace, sustainable development and the formation of a space of good-neighbourliness, trust and friendship.

They also intend to broaden and deepen cooperation for sustainable socio-economic development and to improve the well-being and living standards of the people in the SCO region.

"They consider it important to ensure the implementation of the SCO Economic Development Strategy 2030 adopted by interested Member States, other joint programs and projects aimed at promoting cooperation in such priority areas as the digital economy, high technology and innovation, creation of new and modernization of existing international routes for road and rail transport, multimodal transport corridors and logistics centres, finance and investment, energy and food security, reliable, resilient and diversified supply chains, industrial cooperation and inter-regional ties," according to the release.

However, they also intend to strengthen cooperation in education, science and technology, culture, health, disaster management, as well as tourism, sports and people-to-people contacts, especially through women and youth, public diplomacy institutions, cultural centres and the media.

The Member States agreed to declare 2024 as the SCO Year of Environment and noted the importance of cooperation in the field of environmental protection, ecological security and prevention of the negative consequences of climate change, development of specially protected nature reserves and eco-tourism.

Furthermore, the presidency of the SCO for the forthcoming period is handed over to the Republic of Kazakhstan. The next meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of State will be held in 2024 in Kazakhstan.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Expressing concern about the situation in Afghanistan, leaders of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Member States (SCO) called for the establishment of an inclusive government in Afghanistan with the participation of representatives of all ethnic, religious, and political groups in Afghan society and pledged to continue to assist the Afghan people.

Expressing concern about the situation in Afghanistan, leaders of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Member States (SCO) called for the establishment of an inclusive government in Afghanistan with the participation of representatives of all ethnic, religious, and political groups in Afghan society and pledged to continue to assist the Afghan people. The member countries adopted the New Delhi Declaration of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization on Tuesday. Notably, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit concluded on Tuesday under India's presidency with Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually chairing the meeting of head of states. Also Read | Discovery of cocaine in White House library prompts secret service investigation The SCO Member States called for an inclusive government in Afghanistan and stated that "the group considers it essential to establish an inclusive government in Afghanistan with the participation of representatives of all ethnic, religious and political groups in Afghan society." Prime Minister Narendra Modi who chaired the SCO summit, said, "The situation in Afghanistan has directly impacted the security of all of us. India's concerns and expectations regarding Afghanistan are similar to those of most of the SCO countries. We must come together to strive for the well-being of the people of Afghanistan." "Humanitarian assistance to Afghan citizens; the formation of an inclusive government; the fight against terrorism and drug trafficking; and ensuring the rights of women, children, and minorities are our shared priorities," he said. Also Read | Israeli military is ‘completing mission’ in West Bank, says PM Netanyahu; death toll in Jenin rises to 11 "Between the people of India and Afghanistan, there have been centuries-old friendly relations. In the past two decades, we have contributed to the economic and social development of Afghanistan. Even after the events of 2021, we continued to provide humanitarian assistance," PM Modi added. "The Member States believe that one of the most important factors in the preservation and strengthening of safety and stability within the SCO region is the early settlement of the situation in Afghanistan. They advocate building Afghanistan as an independent, neutral, united, democratic and peaceful state, free from terrorism, war and drugs," the joint declaration said. They further stressed the importance of long-term hospitality and effective assistance provided to Afghan refugees by regional and neighboring countries of Afghanistan. The Member States consider important, the active efforts of the international community to facilitate their dignified, safe and sustainable return to their homeland. WATCH | Gravitas: Russia says Ukraine attacked Moscow with 5 drones × However, "the member states stressed the historical significance of the admission of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the SCO as a full Member State. They also noted the importance of signing the Memorandum of Obligations by the Republic of Belarus to achieve the status of an SCO Member State," the release added. The Member States highly appreciated the outcomes of India's presidency of the SCO in 2022-2023 which has contributed to the further development of multi-faceted and mutually beneficial cooperation. "They further called for greater effectiveness of the World Trade Organization (WTO) as a key platform for discussing the international trade agenda and adopting the regulations of the multilateral trading system," the official release said. However, they emphasized the need for early implementation of an inclusive reform of the organization, focusing on the issues of its development and adaptation to modern economic realities, as well as, effective implementation of the functions of monitoring, negotiation and settlement of disputes. The Member States affirm the significance of further improving and reforming the architecture of global economic governance and will consistently advocate and strengthen an open, transparent, fair, inclusive and non-discriminatory multilateral trading system based on the World Trade Organization (WTO) principles and rules. It will promote the development of an open world economy, ensure equitable market access, and oppose protectionist measures and trade restrictions contrary to the WTO principles that undermine the multilateral trading system and threaten the global economy. They later stressed that the unilateral application of economic sanctions other than those approved by the UN Security Council is incompatible with the principles of international law and has a negative impact on third countries and international economic relations. "Reaffirming their support for China's "Belt and Road Initiative" (BRI) initiative, the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Russian Federation, Republic of Tajikistan and the Republic of Uzbekistan note the ongoing work to jointly implement this project, including efforts to link the construction of the Eurasian Economic Union and BRI," the release said. They however spoke in favour of implementing the Roadmap for a gradual increase in the share of national currencies in mutual settlements by the interested Member States. Adding to this, today the world is undergoing unprecedented transformations and is entering a new era of rapid technological development that requires an increase in the effectiveness of global institutions. Hence, new approaches are required to promote more equitable and effective international cooperation as there is a growing technological and digital divide, continued turbulence in global financial markets, global reduction in investment flows, instability of supply chains, increased protectionist measures and other barriers to international trade, consequences of the global climate change and COVID-19 pandemic are adding to the volatility and uncertainty in the global economy and creating additional challenges for economic growth, maintaining social well-being, ensuring food and energy security, as well as the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Furthermore, based on the proximity of assessments of the current regional and international agenda, the Member States confirm their commitment to the formation of a more representative, democratic, just and multipolar world order based on the universally recognized principles of international law, multilateralism, equal, joint, indivisible, comprehensive and sustainable security, cultural and civilizational diversity, mutually beneficial and equal cooperation of states with a central coordinating role of the UN. "The Member States reaffirm that the SCO is not directed against other states and international organizations and is open to broad cooperation with them in accordance with the goals and principles of the UN Charter, SCO Charter and international law, based on consideration of mutual interests and common approaches to solving regional and global problems," the release mentioned. In accordance with the principles of the SCO Charter, the member states pursue a policy that excludes bloc, ideological and confrontational approaches to address the problems of international and regional development, countering traditional and non-traditional security challenges and threats. They further reaffirm the relevance of initiatives to promote cooperation in building a new- type of international relations in the spirit of mutual respect, justice, equality and mutually beneficial cooperation, as well as the formation of a common vision of creating a community of the common destiny of humanity. The release said, "The Member States advocate respect for the right of peoples to an independent and democratic choice of the paths of their political and socio-economic development, emphasize that the principles of mutual respect for sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity of states, equality, mutual benefit, non-interference in internal affairs and non-use of force or threats to use force, are the basis of sustainable development of international relations. They reaffirm their commitment to peaceful settlement of disagreements and disputes between countries through dialogue and consultations." The Member States also intend to develop cooperation in the fields of politics and security, trade, economy, finance and investment, and cultural and humanitarian ties in order to build a peaceful, safe, prosperous and environment-friendly planet Earth, achieving harmonious coexistence of Man and nature. They consider it important to build up joint coordinated efforts by the international community to counter the activities of terrorist, separatist and extremist groups, paying special attention to preventing the spread of religious intolerance, aggressive nationalism, ethnic and racial discrimination, xenophobia, ideas of fascism and chauvinism. "Reaffirming their commitment to peace, joint development and equal relations based on the principles of mutual respect, friendship and good-neighbourliness, the Member States will continue conducting a constructive dialogue based on trust, deepening effective multifaceted cooperation, making every effort to strengthen security and stability and ensure sustainable development in the SCO region," the release said. Moreover, the Member States consider Central Asia to be the core of SCO and support the efforts of the region's countries to ensure prosperity and peace, sustainable development and the formation of a space of good-neighbourliness, trust and friendship. They also intend to broaden and deepen cooperation for sustainable socio-economic development and to improve the well-being and living standards of the people in the SCO region. "They consider it important to ensure the implementation of the SCO Economic Development Strategy 2030 adopted by interested Member States, other joint programs and projects aimed at promoting cooperation in such priority areas as the digital economy, high technology and innovation, creation of new and modernization of existing international routes for road and rail transport, multimodal transport corridors and logistics centres, finance and investment, energy and food security, reliable, resilient and diversified supply chains, industrial cooperation and inter-regional ties," according to the release. However, they also intend to strengthen cooperation in education, science and technology, culture, health, disaster management, as well as tourism, sports and people-to-people contacts, especially through women and youth, public diplomacy institutions, cultural centres and the media. The Member States agreed to declare 2024 as the SCO Year of Environment and noted the importance of cooperation in the field of environmental protection, ecological security and prevention of the negative consequences of climate change, development of specially protected nature reserves and eco-tourism. Furthermore, the presidency of the SCO for the forthcoming period is handed over to the Republic of Kazakhstan. The next meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of State will be held in 2024 in Kazakhstan. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

SCO member states call for inclusive government in Afghanistan

Taliban have&nbsp;given Afghan women one month to shut down beauty and hair salons. In its latest crackdown on women's access to public places, the Taliban administration's morality ministry has ordered that these women-run establishments must be shut.

<h2>The diktat</h2>

As per Bloomberg, in a text message on Tuesday, the Tabilan's Ministry of Vice and Virtue said that "all beauty salons operated by women in Kabul and other provinces should be banned immediately and follow our order."

The message also warned that those found violating the order would "face legal action".

Speaking to BBC, a spokesman from the Vice and Virtue Ministry&nbsp;said that&nbsp;starting&nbsp;July 2&nbsp;— when they were initially informed about the decision — businesses have been given a one-month deadline to comply.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-says-taliban-is-helping-us-to-end-al-qaeda-610829">Taliban govt in Afghanistan is helping US to 'end' Al-Qaeda: President Joe Biden</a>

The Taliban government has not provided an explanation for the ban on beauty salons or offered any alternatives for women once they are closed. This latest move further curtails women's rights and reflects the ongoing challenges faced by women in Afghanistan under Taliban rule.

Talking to Bloomberg, Jamila Afghan, an Afghan women’s rights activist who fled Afghanistan and now lives in Turkey, said that the latest ban "will affect thousands of makeup artists and close hundreds of beauty shops nationwide."

"The Taliban don’t consider women as human beings but as a commodity to own and oppress," she remarked.

<h2>Beauty parlours and the Taliban rulers</h2>

The closure of beauty salons is part of a broader range of measures imposed by the Taliban during their previous rule from 1996 to 2001.

However, after the US-led invasion of Afghanistan in 2001, the salons reopened and operated until the Taliban regained power two years ago.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-publicly-executes-murder-suspect-second-since-takeover-606443">Taliban publicly execute murder suspect, second since takeover</a>

Since the Afghan rulers took over the nation, shop windows were often covered, and images of women outside salons were spray-painted to conceal their faces.

<h2>Other bans or restrictions on women</h2>

BBC reported&nbsp;that since the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan in 2021, women's freedom&nbsp;has&nbsp;progressively diminished. They have been barred from attending schools, gyms, and parks, and were recently banned from working for the United Nations.&nbsp;

The Taliban has also enforced strict dress codes, mandating that women only expose their eyes and requiring them to be accompanied by a male relative when travelling more than 72 kilometres (48 miles).

According to Bloomberg, currently working in hospitals as nurses and doctors is the only job&nbsp;women are allowed to perform in the nation. The ever-increasing restrictions have reportedly forced women to secretly work from home as teachers and makeup artists.

<h2>International condemnation</h2>

The international community, including foreign governments and the United Nations, has repeatedly condemned the Taliban's restrictions on women. However, despite the widespread international condemnation and protests by women and activists advocating for their rights, the group has continued to impose these restrictions.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Taliban have given Afghan women one month to shut down beauty and hair salons. In its latest crackdown on women's access to public places, the Taliban administration's morality ministry has ordered that these women-run establishments must be shut.

Taliban have given Afghan women one month to shut down beauty and hair salons. In its latest crackdown on women's access to public places, the Taliban administration's morality ministry has ordered that these women-run establishments must be shut. The diktat As per Bloomberg, in a text message on Tuesday, the Tabilan's Ministry of Vice and Virtue said that "all beauty salons operated by women in Kabul and other provinces should be banned immediately and follow our order." The message also warned that those found violating the order would "face legal action". Speaking to BBC, a spokesman from the Vice and Virtue Ministry said that starting July 2 — when they were initially informed about the decision — businesses have been given a one-month deadline to comply. Also read | Taliban govt in Afghanistan is helping US to 'end' Al-Qaeda: President Joe Biden The Taliban government has not provided an explanation for the ban on beauty salons or offered any alternatives for women once they are closed. This latest move further curtails women's rights and reflects the ongoing challenges faced by women in Afghanistan under Taliban rule. Talking to Bloomberg, Jamila Afghan, an Afghan women’s rights activist who fled Afghanistan and now lives in Turkey, said that the latest ban "will affect thousands of makeup artists and close hundreds of beauty shops nationwide." "The Taliban don’t consider women as human beings but as a commodity to own and oppress," she remarked. Beauty parlours and the Taliban rulers The closure of beauty salons is part of a broader range of measures imposed by the Taliban during their previous rule from 1996 to 2001. However, after the US-led invasion of Afghanistan in 2001, the salons reopened and operated until the Taliban regained power two years ago. Also read | Taliban publicly execute murder suspect, second since takeover Since the Afghan rulers took over the nation, shop windows were often covered, and images of women outside salons were spray-painted to conceal their faces. Other bans or restrictions on women BBC reported that since the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan in 2021, women's freedom has progressively diminished. They have been barred from attending schools, gyms, and parks, and were recently banned from working for the United Nations. The Taliban has also enforced strict dress codes, mandating that women only expose their eyes and requiring them to be accompanied by a male relative when travelling more than 72 kilometres (48 miles). According to Bloomberg, currently working in hospitals as nurses and doctors is the only job women are allowed to perform in the nation. The ever-increasing restrictions have reportedly forced women to secretly work from home as teachers and makeup artists. International condemnation The international community, including foreign governments and the United Nations, has repeatedly condemned the Taliban's restrictions on women. However, despite the widespread international condemnation and protests by women and activists advocating for their rights, the group has continued to impose these restrictions. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Taliban order closure of hair and beauty salons in Afghanistan, further restricting women's rights

afghanistan-0

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

afghanistan 0