Afghan officials have reacted angrily to speculation that foreign military contractors could take over training and advising the Afghan armed forces, following a renewed push by the founder of private military contractor Blackwater.

Erik Prince, whose company came to prominence during the war in Iraq, has been lobbying officials about his proposal to privatise parts of US military operations in Afghanistan for more than a year.

On a recent visit to Kabul, he lobbied several Afghan political figures and gave interviews to media outlets including Tolo News, Afghanistan`s largest television station, as well as the New York Times, to discuss the plan.

President Ashraf Ghani, approaching presidential elections in April, has repeatedly rejected the proposal and on Thursday his national security adviser issued a statement condemning what he called a "destructive and divisive debate".

"Under no circumstances will the Afghan government and people allow the counterterrorism fight to become a private, for-profit business," the statement said.

In August, US Defense Secretary James Mattis also rebuffed the idea, saying: "When Americans put their nation`s credibility on the line, privatizing it is probably not a wise idea."

Afghan officials say that any move to replace US military advisers with private contractors would further undermine government legitimacy and fuel Taliban accusations that the war was being conducted for the benefit of foreign interests.

Speaking half seriously, one senior security official said recently: "If they did that, even I would join the Taliban".&nbsp;

Prince, a former US Navy SEAL whose sister Betsy De Vos serves as Education Secretary in President Donald Trump`s administration, would have retired Special Forces troops from the United States and allied nations embed with Afghan forces, replacing US and NATO military advisers.

The plan was originally broached last year as Trump was considering a new strategy for Afghanistan but it was not adopted and instead, Washington ordered thousands more US troops to be sent to boost existing forces.

The United States currently has some 14,000 troops in Afghanistan, serving in the NATO-led Resolute Support training and advisory mission as well as in separate counter-terrorism operations against militant groups like Islamic State.

Under the strategy announced just over a year ago, the extra troops and greatly increased air strikes against the Taliban are intended to force the insurgents to the negotiating table.

A brief ceasefire in June raised hopes of a possible breakthrough with the Taliban but progress towards any kind of peace deal has since been slow and fighting has continued with increasing Afghan military casualties, raising questions about the success of the strategy.

Trump has since been reported to be unhappy about the lack of progress, prompting fears among some diplomats that he could reverse course and order US troops out of Afghanistan, a move that would risk a collapse of the Western-backed government.

Afghan officials have reacted angrily to speculation that foreign military contractors could take over training and advising the Afghan armed forces, following a renewed push by the founder of private military contractor Blackwater.

Afghan officials have reacted angrily to speculation that foreign military contractors could take over training and advising the Afghan armed forces, following a renewed push by the founder of private military contractor Blackwater. Erik Prince, whose company came to prominence during the war in Iraq, has been lobbying officials about his proposal to privatise parts of US military operations in Afghanistan for more than a year. On a recent visit to Kabul, he lobbied several Afghan political figures and gave interviews to media outlets including Tolo News, Afghanistan`s largest television station, as well as the New York Times, to discuss the plan. President Ashraf Ghani, approaching presidential elections in April, has repeatedly rejected the proposal and on Thursday his national security adviser issued a statement condemning what he called a "destructive and divisive debate". "Under no circumstances will the Afghan government and people allow the counterterrorism fight to become a private, for-profit business," the statement said. In August, US Defense Secretary James Mattis also rebuffed the idea, saying: "When Americans put their nation`s credibility on the line, privatizing it is probably not a wise idea." Afghan officials say that any move to replace US military advisers with private contractors would further undermine government legitimacy and fuel Taliban accusations that the war was being conducted for the benefit of foreign interests. Speaking half seriously, one senior security official said recently: "If they did that, even I would join the Taliban". Prince, a former US Navy SEAL whose sister Betsy De Vos serves as Education Secretary in President Donald Trump`s administration, would have retired Special Forces troops from the United States and allied nations embed with Afghan forces, replacing US and NATO military advisers. The plan was originally broached last year as Trump was considering a new strategy for Afghanistan but it was not adopted and instead, Washington ordered thousands more US troops to be sent to boost existing forces. The United States currently has some 14,000 troops in Afghanistan, serving in the NATO-led Resolute Support training and advisory mission as well as in separate counter-terrorism operations against militant groups like Islamic State. Under the strategy announced just over a year ago, the extra troops and greatly increased air strikes against the Taliban are intended to force the insurgents to the negotiating table. A brief ceasefire in June raised hopes of a possible breakthrough with the Taliban but progress towards any kind of peace deal has since been slow and fighting has continued with increasing Afghan military casualties, raising questions about the success of the strategy. Trump has since been reported to be unhappy about the lack of progress, prompting fears among some diplomats that he could reverse course and order US troops out of Afghanistan, a move that would risk a collapse of the Western-backed government.

Afghan government rejects proposals to privatise war

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-steps-hunt-survivors-quake-toll-passes-1200-168980">Indonesia steps up </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-steps-hunt-survivors-quake-toll-passes-1200-168980">hunt</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-steps-hunt-survivors-quake-toll-passes-1200-168980"> for survivors as quake toll passes 1,200</a>

Indonesian President Joko Widodo called for reinforcements in a desperate search for survivors of a devastating earthquake and tsunami on Sulawesi island, as the official death toll rose above 1,200 on Tuesday and looting fuelled fears of lawlessness.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-condemns-us-south-china-sea-freedom-navigation-operation-168987">China condemns </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-condemns-us-south-china-sea-freedom-navigation-operation-168987">US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-condemns-us-south-china-sea-freedom-navigation-operation-168987"> for South China Sea freedom of navigation operation</a>

China expressed anger on Tuesday after a US Navy destroyer sailed near islands claimed by China in the disputed South China Sea, saying it resolutely opposed an operation that it called a threat to its sovereignty.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/least-seven-dead-suicide-attack-afghan-election-rally-168948">At least 13 dead in suicide attack on Afghan election rally</a>

At least 13 people were killed and over 40 were injured in a suicide attack on Tuesday in Afghanistan's Nangarhar province, news agency Associated Press reported.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/arthur-ashkin-gerard-mourou-donna-strickland-win-nobel-prize-laser-inventions-168958">Arthur Ashkin, Gérard Mourou </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/arthur-ashkin-gerard-mourou-donna-strickland-win-nobel-prize-laser-inventions-168958">and</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/arthur-ashkin-gerard-mourou-donna-strickland-win-nobel-prize-laser-inventions-168958"> Donna Strickland share Nobel Physics Prize</a>

Three researchers on Tuesday shared the Nobel Physics Prize for inventions in the field of laser physics which have paved the way for advanced precision instruments used in industry and medicine, the jury said.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/industry/protesting-farmers-not-satisfied-govt-assurance-naresh-tikait-168974">Farmers not 'satisfied' with govt's assurance: Bharat Kisan Union chief Tikait</a>

As thousands of farmers tried to enter the national capital in a massive protest march, the government Tuesday announced that a committee of chief ministers will look into their demands, even as the protesters stayed put saying they were not "satisfied" with the assurance.

Indonesia steps up hunt for survivors as quake toll passes 1,200 Indonesian President Joko Widodo called for reinforcements in a desperate search for survivors of a devastating earthquake and tsunami on Sulawesi island, as the official death toll rose above 1,200 on Tuesday and looting fuelled fears of lawlessness.

Indonesia steps up hunt for survivors as quake toll passes 1,200 Indonesian President Joko Widodo called for reinforcements in a desperate search for survivors of a devastating earthquake and tsunami on Sulawesi island, as the official death toll rose above 1,200 on Tuesday and looting fuelled fears of lawlessness. China condemns US for South China Sea freedom of navigation operation China expressed anger on Tuesday after a US Navy destroyer sailed near islands claimed by China in the disputed South China Sea, saying it resolutely opposed an operation that it called a threat to its sovereignty. At least 13 dead in suicide attack on Afghan election rally At least 13 people were killed and over 40 were injured in a suicide attack on Tuesday in Afghanistan's Nangarhar province, news agency Associated Press reported. Arthur Ashkin, Gérard Mourou and Donna Strickland share Nobel Physics Prize Three researchers on Tuesday shared the Nobel Physics Prize for inventions in the field of laser physics which have paved the way for advanced precision instruments used in industry and medicine, the jury said. Farmers not 'satisfied' with govt's assurance: Bharat Kisan Union chief Tikait As thousands of farmers tried to enter the national capital in a massive protest march, the government Tuesday announced that a committee of chief ministers will look into their demands, even as the protesters stayed put saying they were not "satisfied" with the assurance.

News brief: Big stories of the day 

A boys' primary school was blown up on Sunday by the Taliban in Pakistan's restive northwest tribal region bordering Afghanistan.

It was the only school in Chitral district's Arandu village, a remote area in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The attack, carried out through bombs planted around the boundary wall, has demolished two rooms and partially damaged the main building, police said.

A senior police officer said that 80 to 90 students are enrolled in the school. No one was injured as the school was closed due to Sunday.

The Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan and Jamatul Ahrar have claimed responsibility for bombing the school. The Taliban militants have attacked hundreds of schools in northwestern Pakistan in the past.

According to security officials, the school is situated at Dogam area where a girls' primary school was attacked in the recent past.

Educational institutions are often attacked by terrorists in Pakistan.

Last month, 12 schools, half of them all-girls', had been burnt down by unidentified militants in coordinated attacks in the restive Gilgit-Baltistan, triggering protest by local residents who sought safety for educational institutions.

According to a report, about 1,500 schools have been destroyed in Pakistan's tribal belt in 10 years.

A boys' primary school was blown up on Sunday by the Taliban in Pakistan's restive northwest tribal region bordering Afghanistan. It was the only school in Chitral district's Arandu village, a remote area in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

A boys' primary school was blown up on Sunday by the Taliban in Pakistan's restive northwest tribal region bordering Afghanistan. It was the only school in Chitral district's Arandu village, a remote area in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The attack, carried out through bombs planted around the boundary wall, has demolished two rooms and partially damaged the main building, police said. A senior police officer said that 80 to 90 students are enrolled in the school. No one was injured as the school was closed due to Sunday. The Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan and Jamatul Ahrar have claimed responsibility for bombing the school. The Taliban militants have attacked hundreds of schools in northwestern Pakistan in the past. According to security officials, the school is situated at Dogam area where a girls' primary school was attacked in the recent past. Educational institutions are often attacked by terrorists in Pakistan. Last month, 12 schools, half of them all-girls', had been burnt down by unidentified militants in coordinated attacks in the restive Gilgit-Baltistan, triggering protest by local residents who sought safety for educational institutions. According to a report, about 1,500 schools have been destroyed in Pakistan's tribal belt in 10 years.

Boys' primary school blown up by Taliban in Pakistan

India’s match ended in a tie against Afghanistan, with Ravindra Jadeja becoming the 10th wicket to be scalped by Afghanistani bowlers.

Indian fans were extremely disappointed with the way team performed. Among them was this young fan who broke down even as his father tried to console him. &nbsp;

The pictures of the young boy had flooded social media and several cricketers took note of the image.

Harbhajan Singh, who is on commentary duties, took to Twitter and posted a message consoling the young man and giving him assurance that India would win the match in the finals.

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Koi na putt Rona Nahi hai final aapa jittange 🇮🇳🇮🇳😘 <a href="https://t.co/fjI0DWeBoy">pic.twitter.com/fjI0DWeBoy</a>
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) <a href="https://twitter.com/harbhajan_singh/status/1044678887421202434?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 25, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Not only this, several Afghanistan players paused and got their pictures clicked with the kid.&nbsp;Rashid Khan and Mohammad Shahzad, two stars of the pitch posted the picture, a gesture which is winning hearts all over.

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These Pics making India - Afghanistan Cricket Friendship bond even Stronger <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvAFG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvAFG</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AsiaCup2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AsiaCup2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/x84r2z8ziZ">pic.twitter.com/x84r2z8ziZ</a>
— Abhijeet (@TheYorkerBall) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheYorkerBall/status/1044852446567309312?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 26, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Indian pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who was rested for the match, called the young man personally and spoke to him to calm his emotions.

Amarpreet Singh, who responded to Harbhajan’s tweet said, “@harbhajan_singh Paaji he is happy now and looking forward to the final on Friday… Really kind of @BhuviOfficial as well to call and console him… We will surely bounce back and it will be our “Fateh” on Friday ?????? Go Team India @BCCI.”

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<a href="https://twitter.com/BhuviOfficial?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BhuviOfficial</a> 's call 😊 Special moment for Arjan... Thank you Team India 🇮🇳 <a href="https://t.co/Z5S6GgrrRQ">pic.twitter.com/Z5S6GgrrRQ</a>
— Amarpreet Singh (@itsamarpreet) <a href="https://twitter.com/itsamarpreet/status/1044929790141181953?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 26, 2018</a></blockquote>
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India will now take on Bangladesh in the final of the Asia Cup on Friday.

India’s match ended in a tie against Afghanistan, with Ravindra Jadeja becoming the 10th wicket to be scalped by Afghanistani bowlers. Indian fans were extremely disappointed with the way team performed.

India’s match ended in a tie against Afghanistan, with Ravindra Jadeja becoming the 10th wicket to be scalped by Afghanistani bowlers. Indian fans were extremely disappointed with the way team performed. Among them was this young fan who broke down even as his father tried to console him. The pictures of the young boy had flooded social media and several cricketers took note of the image. Harbhajan Singh, who is on commentary duties, took to Twitter and posted a message consoling the young man and giving him assurance that India would win the match in the finals. Koi na putt Rona Nahi hai final aapa jittange 🇮🇳🇮🇳😘 pic.twitter.com/fjI0DWeBoy — Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) September 25, 2018 × Not only this, several Afghanistan players paused and got their pictures clicked with the kid. Rashid Khan and Mohammad Shahzad, two stars of the pitch posted the picture, a gesture which is winning hearts all over. These Pics making India - Afghanistan Cricket Friendship bond even Stronger #INDvAFG #AsiaCup2018 pic.twitter.com/x84r2z8ziZ — Abhijeet (@TheYorkerBall) September 26, 2018 × Indian pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who was rested for the match, called the young man personally and spoke to him to calm his emotions. Amarpreet Singh, who responded to Harbhajan’s tweet said, “@harbhajan_singh Paaji he is happy now and looking forward to the final on Friday… Really kind of @BhuviOfficial as well to call and console him… We will surely bounce back and it will be our “Fateh” on Friday ?????? Go Team India @BCCI.” @BhuviOfficial 's call 😊 Special moment for Arjan... Thank you Team India 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/Z5S6GgrrRQ — Amarpreet Singh (@itsamarpreet) September 26, 2018 × India will now take on Bangladesh in the final of the Asia Cup on Friday.

Bhuvneshwar, Rashid console young kid who broke down after India-Afghanistan match

A self-proclaimed mullah in Afghanistan, who allegedly filmed himself having sex with women, is on the run after the videos went viral on social media, prompting religious leaders to order his death by stoning.&nbsp;

Mullah Rasool, a traditional healer who wrote amulets for clients in a village in the northwestern province of Faryab, is accused of sexually exploiting and raping several women who had gone to him for help.

Rasool, whose nickname is Landay, which means "Shorty" in Pashto, allegedly used the videos to blackmail the women. &nbsp;

A number of videos began circulating on social media in recent weeks, but it is not clear when they were made or if they were filmed in Rasool's village of Chinar in Pashtunkot district.&nbsp;

In one video posted on Facebook, a bearded and turbaned man purported to be Rasool is seen loosening his white baggy trousers, clearly aroused.

A young woman, still wearing her long dress and headscarf, removes her trousers and lays on a large floor cushion where they have sex.&nbsp;

While the identities of the women are not yet known, their faces are visible in the videos, which have been viewed tens of thousands of times, raising fears for their safety in the deeply religious country. &nbsp;

"We predict there will be honour killings," Faryab governor spokesman Jawed Bidar told AFP.

Provincial women's affairs department head Sharifa Azimi said the women had been "tricked" and has urged religious leaders to tell their worshippers that they are "innocent victims, not bad women".&nbsp;

"We are very worried that they will be murdered," Azimi told AFP.&nbsp;

The body of a woman was found dumped in a ditch near Chinar village several days ago, but it has not yet been identified, Azimi added. &nbsp;

Faryab's top religious leaders have sentenced Rasool to death by stoning.

"If the government arrests and punishes him, okay, otherwise the people are also after this guy and will stone him to death," said Ghulam Nabi Ghafori, deputy head of the provincial Ulema Council.&nbsp;

The videos and whereabouts of Rasool have become a major topic of conversation in Afghanistan where sex is a taboo subject and women are largely treated as second-class citizens. &nbsp;

Much of the commentary on social media has targeted Rasool, who has been described as "Satan" and a "porn star". There have been calls for him to be hanged and his genitals cut off.&nbsp;

But the scandal has also inspired a spoof on a popular television comedy show in which a character portraying Rasool fondles a male actor dressed up as a woman.&nbsp;

Traditional healers are much-revered in the ultra-conservative countryside, where illiteracy remains rampant.&nbsp;

A lack of conventional health services forces many to rely on healers for a variety of problems -- from debilitating maladies and infertility to finding stolen items and reuniting lost lovers.&nbsp;

To help police track down Rasool, provincial governor Naqibullah Faiq is offering his own car as a reward to anyone with information leading to his arrest.

"He will be arrested. He has no place abroad," Faiq told a recent gathering.

A self-proclaimed mullah in Afghanistan, who allegedly filmed himself having sex with women, is on the run after the videos went viral on social media, prompting religious leaders to order his death by stoning.

A self-proclaimed mullah in Afghanistan, who allegedly filmed himself having sex with women, is on the run after the videos went viral on social media, prompting religious leaders to order his death by stoning. Mullah Rasool, a traditional healer who wrote amulets for clients in a village in the northwestern province of Faryab, is accused of sexually exploiting and raping several women who had gone to him for help. Rasool, whose nickname is Landay, which means "Shorty" in Pashto, allegedly used the videos to blackmail the women. A number of videos began circulating on social media in recent weeks, but it is not clear when they were made or if they were filmed in Rasool's village of Chinar in Pashtunkot district. In one video posted on Facebook, a bearded and turbaned man purported to be Rasool is seen loosening his white baggy trousers, clearly aroused. A young woman, still wearing her long dress and headscarf, removes her trousers and lays on a large floor cushion where they have sex. While the identities of the women are not yet known, their faces are visible in the videos, which have been viewed tens of thousands of times, raising fears for their safety in the deeply religious country. "We predict there will be honour killings," Faryab governor spokesman Jawed Bidar told AFP. Provincial women's affairs department head Sharifa Azimi said the women had been "tricked" and has urged religious leaders to tell their worshippers that they are "innocent victims, not bad women". "We are very worried that they will be murdered," Azimi told AFP. The body of a woman was found dumped in a ditch near Chinar village several days ago, but it has not yet been identified, Azimi added. Faryab's top religious leaders have sentenced Rasool to death by stoning. "If the government arrests and punishes him, okay, otherwise the people are also after this guy and will stone him to death," said Ghulam Nabi Ghafori, deputy head of the provincial Ulema Council. The videos and whereabouts of Rasool have become a major topic of conversation in Afghanistan where sex is a taboo subject and women are largely treated as second-class citizens. Much of the commentary on social media has targeted Rasool, who has been described as "Satan" and a "porn star". There have been calls for him to be hanged and his genitals cut off. But the scandal has also inspired a spoof on a popular television comedy show in which a character portraying Rasool fondles a male actor dressed up as a woman. Traditional healers are much-revered in the ultra-conservative countryside, where illiteracy remains rampant. A lack of conventional health services forces many to rely on healers for a variety of problems -- from debilitating maladies and infertility to finding stolen items and reuniting lost lovers. To help police track down Rasool, provincial governor Naqibullah Faiq is offering his own car as a reward to anyone with information leading to his arrest. "He will be arrested. He has no place abroad," Faiq told a recent gathering.

Afghan 'mullah' faces stoning death over sex tapes scandal

A London-based think tank recently concluded that the primary hindrance for peace in Afghanistan is Pakistan.

Speaking at a seminar organised by The Democracy Forum (TDF), titled 'Afghanistan-the Challenges Ahead' on September 13, Lord Bruce, the President of the TDF said that Afghanistan's unique set of challenges reflects and reinforces the circumstances of its historical geography.

Bruce emphasised that the Durand Line is a source of tension between Pakistan and Afghanistan, and felt that despite continuing problems, the recent ceasefire and the US mission to Doha will instil some hope for a negotiated settlement.

Afghanistan's Ambassador Tayeb Said Jawad appreciated western countries for their help in Afghanistan and underscored that a practical strategic approach to peace in Afghanistan was vital, adding that there was a need to engage. Once the process began, Jawad opined that there would be rapid progress.

Meanwhile, Emily Winterbotham, a senior research fellow at the Royal United Services Institute, stated that the recent escalation of attacks in Afghanistan suggested that there were no signs of the military campaign stopping.

She also mentioned Pakistan as a major obstacle to peace in Afghanistan due to its role in the conflicts and described Pakistan's approach in Afghanistan as unpredictable. According to her, the only positive development in Afghanistan was the consensus shifting to the need to talk between the US and the Taliban.

Christine Fair, another speaker, said that while she supports the US' decision to suspend aids to Islamabad, she also feared that Pakistan may cut off ground line of communications or use of airspace for the US, used to supply Afghanistan's national security forces. She also mentioned that Pakistan had disallowed Afghanistan port facilities, thereby hindering movement of goods through Pakistani territories.

She was also very critical about the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), and said it was fomenting corruption.

Another speaker - Dr Antonio Giustozzi, a visiting professor at King's College in London felt that the peace process in Afghanistan was complicated and unlikely to come through diplomatic processes led by the US. He cautioned that not only the Taliban but the interest of other vested groups needed to be secured for the resolution of the Afghanistan problem.

Questions were raised on the role of India and Pakistan in Afghanistan, to which Winterbotham opined that Pakistan would not be happy with a peace process that would not allow it to have a strategic depth in Afghanistan.

Similarly, Fair stated that she had only contempt for those who respected the role of the Pakistan Army in geopolitical affairs, as professional armies did not wage coups or run countries behind the scenes. A heated discussion also ensued when a member of the audience accused Pakistan of being responsible for thousands of murders in the country through its support to the Haqqani and other terrorist groups.

The seminar was held at the Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, London.

A London-based think tank recently concluded that the primary hindrance for peace in Afghanistan is Pakistan. Speaking at a seminar organised by The Democracy Forum (TDF), titled 'Afghanistan-the Challenges Ahead' on September 13, Lord Bruce, the President of the TDF said that Afghanistan's unique set of challenges reflects and reinforces the circumstances of its historical geography.

A London-based think tank recently concluded that the primary hindrance for peace in Afghanistan is Pakistan. Speaking at a seminar organised by The Democracy Forum (TDF), titled 'Afghanistan-the Challenges Ahead' on September 13, Lord Bruce, the President of the TDF said that Afghanistan's unique set of challenges reflects and reinforces the circumstances of its historical geography. Bruce emphasised that the Durand Line is a source of tension between Pakistan and Afghanistan, and felt that despite continuing problems, the recent ceasefire and the US mission to Doha will instil some hope for a negotiated settlement. Afghanistan's Ambassador Tayeb Said Jawad appreciated western countries for their help in Afghanistan and underscored that a practical strategic approach to peace in Afghanistan was vital, adding that there was a need to engage. Once the process began, Jawad opined that there would be rapid progress. Meanwhile, Emily Winterbotham, a senior research fellow at the Royal United Services Institute, stated that the recent escalation of attacks in Afghanistan suggested that there were no signs of the military campaign stopping. She also mentioned Pakistan as a major obstacle to peace in Afghanistan due to its role in the conflicts and described Pakistan's approach in Afghanistan as unpredictable. According to her, the only positive development in Afghanistan was the consensus shifting to the need to talk between the US and the Taliban. Christine Fair, another speaker, said that while she supports the US' decision to suspend aids to Islamabad, she also feared that Pakistan may cut off ground line of communications or use of airspace for the US, used to supply Afghanistan's national security forces. She also mentioned that Pakistan had disallowed Afghanistan port facilities, thereby hindering movement of goods through Pakistani territories. She was also very critical about the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), and said it was fomenting corruption. Another speaker - Dr Antonio Giustozzi, a visiting professor at King's College in London felt that the peace process in Afghanistan was complicated and unlikely to come through diplomatic processes led by the US. He cautioned that not only the Taliban but the interest of other vested groups needed to be secured for the resolution of the Afghanistan problem. Questions were raised on the role of India and Pakistan in Afghanistan, to which Winterbotham opined that Pakistan would not be happy with a peace process that would not allow it to have a strategic depth in Afghanistan. Similarly, Fair stated that she had only contempt for those who respected the role of the Pakistan Army in geopolitical affairs, as professional armies did not wage coups or run countries behind the scenes. A heated discussion also ensued when a member of the audience accused Pakistan of being responsible for thousands of murders in the country through its support to the Haqqani and other terrorist groups. The seminar was held at the Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, London.

Pakistan, primary hindrance for peace in Afghanistan: Think tank

An air strike appears to have killed 12 members of an Afghan family, most of them children, the United Nations said, citing preliminary findings, as US and Afghan forces ramp up aerial bombardments against militants.

The latest incident brings to at least 21 -- including 14 children -- the number of civilians killed in air strikes in recent days, according to the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA). &nbsp;

Sunday night's air strike destroyed a house in Wardak province near Kabul, killing 12 members of a family, UNAMA said in a statement late Tuesday.

The victims included 10 children aged six to 15 and two women.&nbsp;

The findings support earlier comments from provincial council member Ahmad Jahfari, who told AFP that 12 members of a family had been killed in an air strike targeting Taliban fighters.&nbsp;

A villager called Abdullah told AFP that two of his sisters died in the attack that he said claimed the lives of more than 12 civilians.&nbsp;

"Three other houses were also destroyed," Abdullah said.

"They wanted to bomb a Taliban prison about 100 metres (330 feet) from our house."

UNAMA is also reviewing reports of civilian casualties from "a number of alleged air strikes in other parts of the country", its statement said.

That includes "credible reports" that nine members of a family, including four children, were killed in an air strike on Saturday in the eastern province of Kapisa.&nbsp;

US Forces confirmed it had carried out an air strike in support of Afghan ground troops in Kapisa, but killed "only militants", spokesman David Butler said earlier.&nbsp;

It is not clear if the air strike in Wardak was carried out by US or Afghan forces.&nbsp;

Afghanistan's defence ministry is investigating both incidents, spokesman Ghafor Ahmad Jawed told AFP.

US Forces said it was reviewing "relevant and credible information" relating to its operations in Wardak.

"It isn't uncommon for insurgents to use these accusations to drive a wedge between the military and the population," US Forces spokesman Commander Grant Neeley added.&nbsp;

UNAMA expressed its "strong concern" at the rising number of civilian casualties from air strikes this year.

Air strikes killed or wounded 353 civilians in the first half, up 52 per cent from the same period in 2017.&nbsp;

The figure accounted for roughly seven per cent of total civilian casualties for the six-month period.&nbsp;

One of the worst incidents was in the northern province of Kunduz in April, when an Afghan air strike on an outdoor religious gathering in Dashte Archi killed or wounded 107 people, mostly children, a previous UNAMA report found.

The government and military said the strike had targeted a Taliban base where senior members of the group were planning attacks.

US and Afghan forces have dramatically increased air offensives against Taliban and Islamic State insurgents in the past year as they try to get the upper hand in the 17-year war. &nbsp;

US forces employed 746 weapons in July, which was the highest monthly total since November 2010, the most recent US Air Forces Central Command data shows.&nbsp;

That is more than double the 350 munitions used in July 2017, a month before US President Donald Trump announced his new strategy for Afghanistan that gave American forces greater leeway to go after militants.&nbsp;

Afghanistan's fledgling air force has also accelerated bombardments as the United States beefs up the country's aerial capability with more aircraft and better weapons.&nbsp;

An air strike appears to have killed 12 members of an Afghan family, most of them children, the United Nations said, citing preliminary findings, as US and Afghan forces ramp up aerial bombardments against militants.

An air strike appears to have killed 12 members of an Afghan family, most of them children, the United Nations said, citing preliminary findings, as US and Afghan forces ramp up aerial bombardments against militants. The latest incident brings to at least 21 -- including 14 children -- the number of civilians killed in air strikes in recent days, according to the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA). Sunday night's air strike destroyed a house in Wardak province near Kabul, killing 12 members of a family, UNAMA said in a statement late Tuesday. The victims included 10 children aged six to 15 and two women. The findings support earlier comments from provincial council member Ahmad Jahfari, who told AFP that 12 members of a family had been killed in an air strike targeting Taliban fighters. A villager called Abdullah told AFP that two of his sisters died in the attack that he said claimed the lives of more than 12 civilians. "Three other houses were also destroyed," Abdullah said. "They wanted to bomb a Taliban prison about 100 metres (330 feet) from our house." UNAMA is also reviewing reports of civilian casualties from "a number of alleged air strikes in other parts of the country", its statement said. That includes "credible reports" that nine members of a family, including four children, were killed in an air strike on Saturday in the eastern province of Kapisa. US Forces confirmed it had carried out an air strike in support of Afghan ground troops in Kapisa, but killed "only militants", spokesman David Butler said earlier. It is not clear if the air strike in Wardak was carried out by US or Afghan forces. Afghanistan's defence ministry is investigating both incidents, spokesman Ghafor Ahmad Jawed told AFP. US Forces said it was reviewing "relevant and credible information" relating to its operations in Wardak. "It isn't uncommon for insurgents to use these accusations to drive a wedge between the military and the population," US Forces spokesman Commander Grant Neeley added. UNAMA expressed its "strong concern" at the rising number of civilian casualties from air strikes this year. Air strikes killed or wounded 353 civilians in the first half, up 52 per cent from the same period in 2017. The figure accounted for roughly seven per cent of total civilian casualties for the six-month period. One of the worst incidents was in the northern province of Kunduz in April, when an Afghan air strike on an outdoor religious gathering in Dashte Archi killed or wounded 107 people, mostly children, a previous UNAMA report found. The government and military said the strike had targeted a Taliban base where senior members of the group were planning attacks. US and Afghan forces have dramatically increased air offensives against Taliban and Islamic State insurgents in the past year as they try to get the upper hand in the 17-year war. US forces employed 746 weapons in July, which was the highest monthly total since November 2010, the most recent US Air Forces Central Command data shows. That is more than double the 350 munitions used in July 2017, a month before US President Donald Trump announced his new strategy for Afghanistan that gave American forces greater leeway to go after militants. Afghanistan's fledgling air force has also accelerated bombardments as the United States beefs up the country's aerial capability with more aircraft and better weapons.

10 Afghan children, 2 women dead in air strike: UN initial report

Tying a match with a team like India was equivalent to a memorable victory, Afghanistan captain Asgar Afghan has said.

India and Afghanistan played out a thrilling tie on Tuesday night after Mohammad Shahzad led his team to 252 for eight with a sensational hundred.

"When you tie a match with a side like India, it's just like a win. India have chased easily in the last two games but we made it tough for them. Such tough games are good for the fans as well," said Afghan after the nail-biting finish of the Asia Cup.

Afghanistan came into the game, having lost two close games against Pakistan and Bangladesh earlier in Super Four. They had comprehensively beaten Sri Lanka and

Bangladesh in the group stage, reaffirming their rapid rise in international cricket.

"I was sure we'll play in the final. I knew the conditions in Dubai were suitable for us, because the amount of cricket we've played here. For us the hard luck was all our matches were in Abu Dhabi.&nbsp;

"If it was on this track, I can tell with confirmation that Afghanistan would've been in the final. Hamare saath thodi bewafayi hui hai (This was unfair to us)," said the skipper referring to the controversial scheduling of the event.

Afghan praised Shahzad besides talking about the improvement in batting which has been considered the team's weakest link.

"Definitely, we have improved in our batting. Previously this was our weak area and we're working on it regularly. In the Asia Cup it was okay but when we're going to a mega event like the World Cup, there is still lots to improve because conditions in Asia and Europe are different," he said.

On Shahzad, he said: "Shahzad played really well and played very positive cricket. Their opening partnership was good and our spinners did an equally good job. Every time we have asked him, Shahzad has done the job for us. He played well in the last game too but today he was the real Shahzad."&nbsp;

He also gave due credit to coach Phil Simmons.

"When Phil came in, he had played a lot of games against us (as Ireland coach), so he showed us our level. As a team, we didn't aim high, but Phil raised the bar. In my opinion, all our performances with Phil have been brilliant and we've learnt a lot. We've learnt a lot from other coaches too, but we've learnt a lot more from Phil," Afghan added.

Simmons, on his part, said the heavy defeat against India in the inaugural Test in June made the players reflect on where they had reached at the international level.

"The first sign of change in attitude came after our inaugural Test," Simmons said. "When you saw them come out of the Test looking inward and what they needed to do to improve every game, you knew there were positives even in defeat.

"I'm just trying to make sure everything gets to the level of the bigger nations. We want to beat the bigger teams, that's how we improve. At the end of the day, winning is important to me. These guys are playing Tests, they know that once they cross the rope, every single time they have to perform. That's something that has to (be) worked on. That's something we've to be consistent with," said the former West Indies all-rounder.

Tying a match with a team like India was equivalent to a memorable victory, Afghanistan captain Asgar Afghan has said. India and Afghanistan played out a thrilling tie on Tuesday night after Mohammad Shahzad led his team to 252 for eight with a sensational hundred.

Tying a match with a team like India was equivalent to a memorable victory, Afghanistan captain Asgar Afghan has said. India and Afghanistan played out a thrilling tie on Tuesday night after Mohammad Shahzad led his team to 252 for eight with a sensational hundred. "When you tie a match with a side like India, it's just like a win. India have chased easily in the last two games but we made it tough for them. Such tough games are good for the fans as well," said Afghan after the nail-biting finish of the Asia Cup. Afghanistan came into the game, having lost two close games against Pakistan and Bangladesh earlier in Super Four. They had comprehensively beaten Sri Lanka and Bangladesh in the group stage, reaffirming their rapid rise in international cricket. "I was sure we'll play in the final. I knew the conditions in Dubai were suitable for us, because the amount of cricket we've played here. For us the hard luck was all our matches were in Abu Dhabi. "If it was on this track, I can tell with confirmation that Afghanistan would've been in the final. Hamare saath thodi bewafayi hui hai (This was unfair to us)," said the skipper referring to the controversial scheduling of the event. Afghan praised Shahzad besides talking about the improvement in batting which has been considered the team's weakest link. "Definitely, we have improved in our batting. Previously this was our weak area and we're working on it regularly. In the Asia Cup it was okay but when we're going to a mega event like the World Cup, there is still lots to improve because conditions in Asia and Europe are different," he said. On Shahzad, he said: "Shahzad played really well and played very positive cricket. Their opening partnership was good and our spinners did an equally good job. Every time we have asked him, Shahzad has done the job for us. He played well in the last game too but today he was the real Shahzad." He also gave due credit to coach Phil Simmons. "When Phil came in, he had played a lot of games against us (as Ireland coach), so he showed us our level. As a team, we didn't aim high, but Phil raised the bar. In my opinion, all our performances with Phil have been brilliant and we've learnt a lot. We've learnt a lot from other coaches too, but we've learnt a lot more from Phil," Afghan added. Simmons, on his part, said the heavy defeat against India in the inaugural Test in June made the players reflect on where they had reached at the international level. "The first sign of change in attitude came after our inaugural Test," Simmons said. "When you saw them come out of the Test looking inward and what they needed to do to improve every game, you knew there were positives even in defeat. "I'm just trying to make sure everything gets to the level of the bigger nations. We want to beat the bigger teams, that's how we improve. At the end of the day, winning is important to me. These guys are playing Tests, they know that once they cross the rope, every single time they have to perform. That's something that has to (be) worked on. That's something we've to be consistent with," said the former West Indies all-rounder.

Tie against India as good as victory: Afghanistan captain

Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja took two wickets apiece to keep Afghanistan in control in the second-last game of the Super four of 2018 Asia Cup.

Despite opener Mohammad Shahzad's perfect start, Afghanistan lost a slew of wickets at other end to find themselves in trouble.

Apart from Shahzad, no other player has reached the 10-digit mark till now. After 20 overs being bowled, Afghanistan are&nbsp;103 for the loss of four&nbsp;wickets.&nbsp;

Afghanistan won the toss and elected to bat first against India, which is captained by former skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni after Rohit Sharma and other players were given rest.

This is Dhoni's 200 game as&nbsp;Indian Cricket team's skipper.

India have already reached the Asia Cup final after defeating Bangladesh and Pakistan.&nbsp;

Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja took two wickets apiece to keep Afghanistan in control in the second-last game of the Super four of 2018 Asia Cup. Despite opener Mohammad Shahzad's perfect start, Afghanistan lost a slew of wickets at other end to find themselves in trouble.

Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja took two wickets apiece to keep Afghanistan in control in the second-last game of the Super four of 2018 Asia Cup. Despite opener Mohammad Shahzad's perfect start, Afghanistan lost a slew of wickets at other end to find themselves in trouble. Apart from Shahzad, no other player has reached the 10-digit mark till now. After 20 overs being bowled, Afghanistan are 103 for the loss of four wickets. Afghanistan won the toss and elected to bat first against India, which is captained by former skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni after Rohit Sharma and other players were given rest. This is Dhoni's 200 game as Indian Cricket team's skipper. India have already reached the Asia Cup final after defeating Bangladesh and Pakistan.

Asia Cup: Kuldeep, Jadeja keep Afghanistan in control, are 103/4 after 20 overs

Mahendra Singh Dhoni on Tuesday captained India for the 200th time in One-day Internationals (ODIs) after a gap of almost two years in their Asia Cup 2018 Super Four clash against Afghanistan.&nbsp;

As expected, the defending champions opted to rest key players like Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah, giving Dhoni a chance to lead the Men In Blue.&nbsp;

The wicketkeeper-batsman relinquished the captaincy of India's T20 and ODI sides in January 2017.

On Tuesday, Afghanistan had won the toss and elected to bat against India.

Speaking after the toss, MS Dhoni said this match gave him the opportunity to play it his 200th ODI match as a captain. "I was not really sure of where I am standing. I have captained 199 ODIs, so this gives me an opportunity to make it 200. It's all destiny and I always believed in that. It's not in my control, once I left captaincy. Good to complete 200, but I don't think it really matters," he said.

Dhoni also revealed that India were also looking to bowl first. "We were looking to bowl first. Quite a few changes. Both the openers are missing, Bhuvi, Bumrah and Chahal are also missing. Everybody who hadn't played in this tournament gets a chance."

&nbsp;They are part of the 15 and are representing India. We'll have to keep the intensity up. It is important for them to adjust to the line and length they need to bowl," he added.

India are already in final after wins over Bangladesh and Pakistan.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni on Tuesday captained India for the 200th time in One-day Internationals (ODIs) after a gap of almost two years in their Asia Cup 2018 Super Four clash against Afghanistan.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni on Tuesday captained India for the 200th time in One-day Internationals (ODIs) after a gap of almost two years in their Asia Cup 2018 Super Four clash against Afghanistan. As expected, the defending champions opted to rest key players like Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah, giving Dhoni a chance to lead the Men In Blue. The wicketkeeper-batsman relinquished the captaincy of India's T20 and ODI sides in January 2017. On Tuesday, Afghanistan had won the toss and elected to bat against India. Speaking after the toss, MS Dhoni said this match gave him the opportunity to play it his 200th ODI match as a captain. "I was not really sure of where I am standing. I have captained 199 ODIs, so this gives me an opportunity to make it 200. It's all destiny and I always believed in that. It's not in my control, once I left captaincy. Good to complete 200, but I don't think it really matters," he said. Dhoni also revealed that India were also looking to bowl first. "We were looking to bowl first. Quite a few changes. Both the openers are missing, Bhuvi, Bumrah and Chahal are also missing. Everybody who hadn't played in this tournament gets a chance." They are part of the 15 and are representing India. We'll have to keep the intensity up. It is important for them to adjust to the line and length they need to bowl," he added. India are already in final after wins over Bangladesh and Pakistan.

Asia Cup: MS Dhoni returns as India's captain against Afghanistan 

Having already sealed their place in the 2018 Asia Cup final, defending champions India will look to continue their winning streak when they face Afghanistan on Tuesday.

The Rohit-Sharma side recently registered a 9-wicket victory over arch-rivals Pakistan to confirm their place in the finals.&nbsp;

On Sunday, Indian openers Rohit Sharma, also the captain, and Shikhar Dhawan slammed a century each&nbsp;to achieve Pakistan's below-par target of 237.

The duo played brilliantly to stitch together a 210-run stand, with Dhawan departing after contributing 114 runs.&nbsp;

India had earlier defeated Bangladesh in their first Super 4 match, to remain as the only unbeaten team in the tournament so far.&nbsp;

India will be aiming to continue their dominance over the Asian newbies, who have managed to give a tough fight in their narrow defeats to the likes of Pakistan and Bangladesh in their Super Four clashes.&nbsp;

While Pakistan managed to win a last-over thriller over the Afghans by 3 wickets, Bangladesh on Sunday pipped Afghanistan by 3 runs to set up a virtual semi-final with Pakistan on Wednesday.

The game is also a chance for India to rest a few players and give the opportunity to other young talents.

Having already sealed their place in the 2018 Asia Cup final, defending champions India will look to continue their winning streak when they face Afghanistan on Tuesday.

Having already sealed their place in the 2018 Asia Cup final, defending champions India will look to continue their winning streak when they face Afghanistan on Tuesday. The Rohit-Sharma side recently registered a 9-wicket victory over arch-rivals Pakistan to confirm their place in the finals. On Sunday, Indian openers Rohit Sharma, also the captain, and Shikhar Dhawan slammed a century each to achieve Pakistan's below-par target of 237. The duo played brilliantly to stitch together a 210-run stand, with Dhawan departing after contributing 114 runs. India had earlier defeated Bangladesh in their first Super 4 match, to remain as the only unbeaten team in the tournament so far. India will be aiming to continue their dominance over the Asian newbies, who have managed to give a tough fight in their narrow defeats to the likes of Pakistan and Bangladesh in their Super Four clashes. While Pakistan managed to win a last-over thriller over the Afghans by 3 wickets, Bangladesh on Sunday pipped Afghanistan by 3 runs to set up a virtual semi-final with Pakistan on Wednesday. The game is also a chance for India to rest a few players and give the opportunity to other young talents.

Asia Cup: Already in finals, India aim to extend winning streak against Afghanistan

Afghanistan won the toss and elected to bat against defending champions India in the second-last game of the Super Four stage of the 2018 Asia Cup.

India, who was being led by Rohit Sharma till now, will be playing this game under their former captain MS Dhoni. &nbsp;

Talking after the toss, Dhoni said, "We were looking to bowl first. Quite a few changes. Both the openers are missing, Bhuvi, Bumrah and Chahal are also missing. Everybody who hadn't played in this tournament get a chance," Dhoni said.

"They are part of the 15 and are representing India. We'll have to keep the intensity up. It is important for them to adjust to the line and length they need to bowl. I was not really sure of where I am standing. I have captained 199 ODIs, so this gives me an opportunity to make it 200. It's all destiny and I always believed in that. It's not in my control, once I left captainship. Good to complete 200, but I don't think it really matters, he added."

Talking about their strategy for today, Afghan skipper Asghar Afghan said, "We will bat first. Today, the wicket might spin. We would like to put runs on the board and apply pressure. We have made two changes. Samiullah and Ihsanullah are not playing. Najibullah and Javed Ahmadi come in. We played well, but we lost two games. It's part of the game. Today we will look to play confidently."

Teams:

India (Playing XI): Lokesh Rahul, Ambati Rayudu, Manish Pandey, MS Dhoni(w/c), Dinesh Karthik, Kedar Jadhav, Ravindra Jadeja, Deepak Chahar, Siddarth Kaul, Kuldeep Yadav, K Khaleel Ahmed

Afghanistan (Playing XI): Mohammad Shahzad(w), Javed Ahmadi, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Asghar Afghan(c), Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Gulbadin Naib, Aftab Alam, Mujeeb Ur Rahman

India qualified for the Asia Cup final after defeating Pakistan by nine-wickets.&nbsp;

Afghanistan won the toss and elected to bat against defending champions India in the second-last game of the Super Four stage of the 2018 Asia Cup. India, who was being led by Rohit Sharma till now, will be playing this game under their former captain MS Dhoni.

Afghanistan won the toss and elected to bat against defending champions India in the second-last game of the Super Four stage of the 2018 Asia Cup. India, who was being led by Rohit Sharma till now, will be playing this game under their former captain MS Dhoni. Talking after the toss, Dhoni said, "We were looking to bowl first. Quite a few changes. Both the openers are missing, Bhuvi, Bumrah and Chahal are also missing. Everybody who hadn't played in this tournament get a chance," Dhoni said. "They are part of the 15 and are representing India. We'll have to keep the intensity up. It is important for them to adjust to the line and length they need to bowl. I was not really sure of where I am standing. I have captained 199 ODIs, so this gives me an opportunity to make it 200. It's all destiny and I always believed in that. It's not in my control, once I left captainship. Good to complete 200, but I don't think it really matters, he added." Talking about their strategy for today, Afghan skipper Asghar Afghan said, "We will bat first. Today, the wicket might spin. We would like to put runs on the board and apply pressure. We have made two changes. Samiullah and Ihsanullah are not playing. Najibullah and Javed Ahmadi come in. We played well, but we lost two games. It's part of the game. Today we will look to play confidently." Teams: India (Playing XI): Lokesh Rahul, Ambati Rayudu, Manish Pandey, MS Dhoni(w/c), Dinesh Karthik, Kedar Jadhav, Ravindra Jadeja, Deepak Chahar, Siddarth Kaul, Kuldeep Yadav, K Khaleel Ahmed Afghanistan (Playing XI): Mohammad Shahzad(w), Javed Ahmadi, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Asghar Afghan(c), Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Gulbadin Naib, Aftab Alam, Mujeeb Ur Rahman India qualified for the Asia Cup final after defeating Pakistan by nine-wickets.

Asia Cup: Afghanistan win toss, elect to bat against India

Bangladesh lost two early wickets again to put the middle order under pressure.

Earlier, opener Lipton Das and wicketkeeper-batsman Mushfiqur Rahim helped Bangladesh recover from the early losses after the side was reduced to 18 for the loss of two wickets in the super four game of the Asia Cup.&nbsp;

Das lost his wicket to Rashid Khan for 41 runs, while Rahim was run out for 33 runs. Shakib Al Hasan, on the other hand, was also run-out by Shenwari. He left the ground without opening his account.&nbsp;

After 21 overs bowled, Bangladesh are 87 for the loss of five wickets.&nbsp;

Nazmul Hossain Shanto was the first one to be dismissed by Afghanistani bowlers, followed by Mohammad Mithun.

While Shanto was dismissed for six runs by Aftab Alam, Mithun was left the ground by a brilliant lbw by Mujeeb Ur Rahman.

Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Mortaza on Sunday won the toss and opted to bat against Afghanistan. The two teams, who lost their first Super Four matches, will face each other next in a bid to revive their campaigns.

While Afghanistan lost the match to Pakistan by three wickets, Bangladesh were comprehensively beaten by India by registering a 7-wicket victory. &nbsp;

Both teams now need a win to stay alive in the competition and will have to put their best foot forward in this match.

Bangladesh lost two early wickets again to put the middle order under pressure. Earlier, opener Lipton Das and wicketkeeper-batsman Mushfiqur Rahim helped Bangladesh recover from the early losses after the side was reduced to 18 for the loss of two wickets in the super four game of the Asia Cup.

Bangladesh lost two early wickets again to put the middle order under pressure. Earlier, opener Lipton Das and wicketkeeper-batsman Mushfiqur Rahim helped Bangladesh recover from the early losses after the side was reduced to 18 for the loss of two wickets in the super four game of the Asia Cup. Das lost his wicket to Rashid Khan for 41 runs, while Rahim was run out for 33 runs. Shakib Al Hasan, on the other hand, was also run-out by Shenwari. He left the ground without opening his account. After 21 overs bowled, Bangladesh are 87 for the loss of five wickets. Nazmul Hossain Shanto was the first one to be dismissed by Afghanistani bowlers, followed by Mohammad Mithun. While Shanto was dismissed for six runs by Aftab Alam, Mithun was left the ground by a brilliant lbw by Mujeeb Ur Rahman. Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Mortaza on Sunday won the toss and opted to bat against Afghanistan. The two teams, who lost their first Super Four matches, will face each other next in a bid to revive their campaigns. While Afghanistan lost the match to Pakistan by three wickets, Bangladesh were comprehensively beaten by India by registering a 7-wicket victory. Both teams now need a win to stay alive in the competition and will have to put their best foot forward in this match.

Asia Cup: Bangladesh lose three early wickets, are 87/5 after 21 overs

Eight children, including four siblings, were killed in Afghanistan when a mortar shell they were playing with exploded, relatives said Saturday, adding to the ever-growing civilian toll in the 17-year war.

Another six children were wounded in the blast on Friday, including two who had lost limbs and were in a critical condition in a hospital in the northwestern province of Faryab. All the children were aged between five and 12.

"They found an unexploded mortar shell and brought it near our house," Shukrullah, an uncle of four of the children killed, told AFP.

"They didn't know what it was and were trying to open it when it suddenly exploded." Mohammad Alam, who was a cousin of four of the children, said he heard a "big explosion".

"I rushed to the site and saw the kids covered in blood," Alam told AFP from the hospital.

"They had found an unexploded shell and were playing with it when it went off." Officials were quick to blame the explosion on the Taliban, which last week captured Koh-e-Sayad village where the children lived.

The militants had planted a mine near a security checkpoint, Faryab police spokesman Abdul Karim Yoresh told AFP.

"On Friday afternoon the children were passing the area when the mine hit them," Yoresh said.

Children are often killed or maimed by explosive devices left over from decades of conflict, carelessly discarded or deliberately planted.

Civilians, including children, have borne the brunt of the conflict which began with the US-led invasion in 2001 that toppled the Taliban regime.

UN figures show 3,179 children were killed or wounded in 2017, accounting for almost one-third of the total civilian casualties for the year.

Improvised explosive devices, such as remotely detonated or pressure-plate bombs, killed or wounded 545 of them. Unexploded ordnance claimed the lives of 142 children and wounded 376 in the same period.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Eight children, including four siblings, were killed in Afghanistan when a mortar shell they were playing with exploded, relatives said Saturday, adding to the ever-growing civilian toll in the 17-year war.

Eight children, including four siblings, were killed in Afghanistan when a mortar shell they were playing with exploded, relatives said Saturday, adding to the ever-growing civilian toll in the 17-year war. Another six children were wounded in the blast on Friday, including two who had lost limbs and were in a critical condition in a hospital in the northwestern province of Faryab. All the children were aged between five and 12. "They found an unexploded mortar shell and brought it near our house," Shukrullah, an uncle of four of the children killed, told AFP. "They didn't know what it was and were trying to open it when it suddenly exploded." Mohammad Alam, who was a cousin of four of the children, said he heard a "big explosion". "I rushed to the site and saw the kids covered in blood," Alam told AFP from the hospital. "They had found an unexploded shell and were playing with it when it went off." Officials were quick to blame the explosion on the Taliban, which last week captured Koh-e-Sayad village where the children lived. The militants had planted a mine near a security checkpoint, Faryab police spokesman Abdul Karim Yoresh told AFP. "On Friday afternoon the children were passing the area when the mine hit them," Yoresh said. Children are often killed or maimed by explosive devices left over from decades of conflict, carelessly discarded or deliberately planted. Civilians, including children, have borne the brunt of the conflict which began with the US-led invasion in 2001 that toppled the Taliban regime. UN figures show 3,179 children were killed or wounded in 2017, accounting for almost one-third of the total civilian casualties for the year. Improvised explosive devices, such as remotely detonated or pressure-plate bombs, killed or wounded 545 of them. Unexploded ordnance claimed the lives of 142 children and wounded 376 in the same period.

Eight Afghan children killed playing with unexploded mortar shell

At least 15 people were killed when a bus collided with a truck in western Afghanistan on Friday, officials said, in the second major traffic accident this month.

Another 30 were wounded in the early morning crash in Bakwa district of Farah province, provincial police spokesman Mohibullah Mohib told AFP.

The bus had been travelling from Herat province to the southern province of Kandahar when the accident happened.

At least three women and two children were among the casualties, Nasir Mehri, spokesman for the Farah governor, told AFP.

The dead were all bus passengers, he added.

It was not clear how the crash happened but accidents involving long-distance passenger buses are fairly common in Afghanistan.

Earlier this month, at least 13 people were killed and another 25 wounded in an accident involving a bus and a truck in Kandahar province.

At least 15 people were killed when a bus collided with a truck in western Afghanistan on Friday, officials said, in the second major traffic accident this month.

At least 15 people were killed when a bus collided with a truck in western Afghanistan on Friday, officials said, in the second major traffic accident this month. Another 30 were wounded in the early morning crash in Bakwa district of Farah province, provincial police spokesman Mohibullah Mohib told AFP. The bus had been travelling from Herat province to the southern province of Kandahar when the accident happened. At least three women and two children were among the casualties, Nasir Mehri, spokesman for the Farah governor, told AFP. The dead were all bus passengers, he added. It was not clear how the crash happened but accidents involving long-distance passenger buses are fairly common in Afghanistan. Earlier this month, at least 13 people were killed and another 25 wounded in an accident involving a bus and a truck in Kandahar province.

At least 15 killed in Afghanistan bus crash: Officials

Asghar Afghan, skipper of Afghanistan cricket team won the toss against&nbsp;Pakistan at&nbsp;Sheikh Zayed Stadium in&nbsp;Super Four, Match 2 on Friday.&nbsp;

Afghanistan have brought in big-hitting batsman Najibullah Zadran for Samiullah Shenwari.

Pakistan brought in Haris Sohail, Shaheen Afridi and Mohammad Nawaz after losing to India by eight wickets on Wednesday, leaving out Mohammad Amir, Shadab Khan and Faheem Ashraf.

For Pakistan, 18-year-old Shaheen is making his one-day international debut.

Playing XI:

Pakistan: Sarfraz Ahmed (captain), Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam, Shoaib Malik, Asif Ali, Haris Sohail, Mohammad Nawaz, Hasan Ali, Usman Khan Shinwari, Shaheen Shah Afridi.

Afghanistan: Asghar Afghan (captain), Mohammad Shahzad, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Aftab Alam, Ihsanullah Janat.

Asghar Afghan, skipper of Afghanistan cricket team won the toss against Pakistan at Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Super Four, Match 2 on Friday. Afghanistan have brought in big-hitting batsman Najibullah Zadran for Samiullah Shenwari.

Asghar Afghan, skipper of Afghanistan cricket team won the toss against Pakistan at Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Super Four, Match 2 on Friday. Afghanistan have brought in big-hitting batsman Najibullah Zadran for Samiullah Shenwari. Pakistan brought in Haris Sohail, Shaheen Afridi and Mohammad Nawaz after losing to India by eight wickets on Wednesday, leaving out Mohammad Amir, Shadab Khan and Faheem Ashraf. For Pakistan, 18-year-old Shaheen is making his one-day international debut. Playing XI: Pakistan: Sarfraz Ahmed (captain), Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam, Shoaib Malik, Asif Ali, Haris Sohail, Mohammad Nawaz, Hasan Ali, Usman Khan Shinwari, Shaheen Shah Afridi. Afghanistan: Asghar Afghan (captain), Mohammad Shahzad, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Aftab Alam, Ihsanullah Janat.

Asia Cup 2018: Afghanistan opt to bat against Pakistan

Asghar Afghan, skipper of Afghanistan cricket team won the toss against&nbsp;Pakistan at&nbsp;Sheikh Zayed Stadium in&nbsp;Super Four, Match 2 on Friday.&nbsp;

Afghanistan have&nbsp;brought in big-hitting batsman Najibullah Zadran for Samiullah Shenwari.

Pakistan brought in Haris Sohail, Shaheen Afridi and Mohammad Nawaz after losing to India by eight wickets on Wednesday, leaving out Mohammad Amir, Shadab Khan and Faheem Ashraf.

For Pakistan, 18-year-old Shaheen is making his one-day international debut.

Playing XI:

Pakistan: Sarfraz Ahmed (captain), Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam, Shoaib Malik, Asif Ali, Haris Sohail, Mohammad Nawaz, Hasan Ali, Usman Khan Shinwari, Shaheen Shah Afridi.

Afghanistan: Asghar Afghan (captain), Mohammad Shahzad, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Aftab Alam, Ihsanullah Janat.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday congratulated the people of Afghanistan as their national cricket team faces India in their historic first ever Test match at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

Afghanistan started its maiden five-day test match in Bengaluru on Thursday, with the match attended by top government officials from both sides.

The Prime Minister took to Twitter to wish luck to both the sides.

"I congratulate the people of Afghanistan as their cricket team plays their first international Test match. Glad that they have chosen to play the historic match with India. Best wishes to both teams! May sports continue to bring our people closer and strengthen ties," PM Narendra Modi wrote.

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I congratulate the people of Afghanistan as their cricket team plays their first international test match. Glad that they have chosen to play the historic match with India. Best wishes to both teams! May sports continue to bring our people closer and strengthen ties.
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India's sports minister, Rajyavardhan Rathore, shook hands with Afghan players before the match and read out a congratulatory statement from Modi.

Awarded full member status by the International Cricket Council (ICC) alongside Ireland in June last year, Afghanistan became the 12th test-playing nation after first being recognised by the ICC in 2001. India is the world's top-ranked test side.

Afghanistan captain Asghar Stanikzai was presented with a memento from former India all-rounder Salim Durrani, who was born in Kabul before the match began.

India has already offered war-ravaged Afghanistan two stadiums in the country to host matches with other nations.

New Delhi enjoys close relations with Afghanistan and both accuse common neighbour Pakistan of not doing enough to stop Islamist militants operating on its territory.

"The historic friendship and relations between India and Afghanistan go back to centuries. I'm glad that cricket is now added as another layer," Afghanistan Cricket Board chairman Atif Mashal said in January when the date and venue of the match were announced.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Afghanistan captain Asghar Stanikzai was presented with a memento from former India all-rounder Salim Durrani, who was born in Kabul before the match began.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday congratulated the people of Afghanistan as their national cricket team faces India in their historic first ever Test match at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. Afghanistan started its maiden five-day test match in Bengaluru on Thursday, with the match attended by top government officials from both sides. The Prime Minister took to Twitter to wish luck to both the sides. "I congratulate the people of Afghanistan as their cricket team plays their first international Test match. Glad that they have chosen to play the historic match with India. Best wishes to both teams! May sports continue to bring our people closer and strengthen ties," PM Narendra Modi wrote. I congratulate the people of Afghanistan as their cricket team plays their first international test match. Glad that they have chosen to play the historic match with India. Best wishes to both teams! May sports continue to bring our people closer and strengthen ties. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 14, 2018 × India's sports minister, Rajyavardhan Rathore, shook hands with Afghan players before the match and read out a congratulatory statement from Modi. Awarded full member status by the International Cricket Council (ICC) alongside Ireland in June last year, Afghanistan became the 12th test-playing nation after first being recognised by the ICC in 2001. India is the world's top-ranked test side. Afghanistan captain Asghar Stanikzai was presented with a memento from former India all-rounder Salim Durrani, who was born in Kabul before the match began. India has already offered war-ravaged Afghanistan two stadiums in the country to host matches with other nations. New Delhi enjoys close relations with Afghanistan and both accuse common neighbour Pakistan of not doing enough to stop Islamist militants operating on its territory. "The historic friendship and relations between India and Afghanistan go back to centuries. I'm glad that cricket is now added as another layer," Afghanistan Cricket Board chairman Atif Mashal said in January when the date and venue of the match were announced. (With inputs from Agencies)

PM Modi hopes historic cricket match will boost ties with Afghanistan

Openers Shikhar Dhawan and Murali Vijay&nbsp;established a massive 158 runs partnership to put India in control against Afghanistan in historic one-off Test at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru.&nbsp;

The game touted to be a tough encounter was easily handled by&nbsp;opener Dhawan as he smashed 87-ball century.

The left-handed batsman remained unbeaten and is playing at 104 in just 91 balls.

Murali Vijay too broke his sequence of cautious batting as he stood with Dhawan to deplete Afghans best bowlers.&nbsp;

He has faced 72 balls and has contributed 41 runs so far.

The Indian cricket team won the toss and elected to bat against Afghanistan on day 1.&nbsp;

India entered the game with as many as three openers - Shikhar Dhawan, KL Rahul and Murali Vijay.&nbsp;

In the absence of Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane is the stand-in captain and is likely to play an important role in the middle order.&nbsp;

The selectors also rested Jasprit Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar Kumar ahead of England which means the fast-bowling unit is led by Umesh Yadav and Ishant Sharma.

Dhawan smashed 87-ball century while Vijay is just nine runs away from his half-century

Openers Shikhar Dhawan and Murali Vijay established a massive 158 runs partnership to put India in control against Afghanistan in historic one-off Test at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru. The game touted to be a tough encounter was easily handled by opener Dhawan as he smashed 87-ball century. The left-handed batsman remained unbeaten and is playing at 104 in just 91 balls. Murali Vijay too broke his sequence of cautious batting as he stood with Dhawan to deplete Afghans best bowlers. He has faced 72 balls and has contributed 41 runs so far. The Indian cricket team won the toss and elected to bat against Afghanistan on day 1. India entered the game with as many as three openers - Shikhar Dhawan, KL Rahul and Murali Vijay. In the absence of Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane is the stand-in captain and is likely to play an important role in the middle order. The selectors also rested Jasprit Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar Kumar ahead of England which means the fast-bowling unit is led by Umesh Yadav and Ishant Sharma.

One-off Test: Dhawan's stunning ton puts India in control against Afghanistan, are 158/0 at lunch

The historic one-off test between India and Afghanistan will commence on June 14 and the craze for the match is already at its peak.

Afghanistan - which received the test playing nation status last June - will play their inaugural game at M.Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

Ireland was another country which joined the ranks of full member nations of the International Cricket Council, taking the total number of Test-playing countries to 12.

The Indian cricket board, BCCI, has consistently backed Afghanistan, who played a home match against Ireland last year at a stadium in Greater Noida, on the outskirts of New Delhi.

The Greater Noida Sports Complex Ground is also known as Shaheed Vijay Singh Pathik Sports Complex.&nbsp

The stadium became the home ground for the Afghanistan cricket team after they decided to shift their home ground from Sharjah, UAE.

As per reports, Chief Executive of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan will be the chief guest at the inaugural match, to further strengthen the increasing ties between the two countries. &nbsp

Afghan cricket grew out of the refugee camps in Pakistan where many families were based after they fled the Afghan conflict in the 1980s and 1990s.

Now the country is producing world-beaters like 19-year-old spinner Rashid Khan. &nbsp

In March, the teenager became the fastest bowler to reach 100 one-day international wickets. He is currently ranked as the world's top-ranked Twenty20 bowler.

Khan was also one of a handful of Afghan players in this year's Indian Premier League and proved to be one of the most dangerous bowlers.&nbsp

He took 21 wickets for runners-up Kane Williamson-led Hyderabad, who paid 9 crores for his services.

As the country continues to make inroads into the world of cricket, the men’s team has progressed from being a disorganised band of reckless hitters of the ball in the early 2000s to a well-balanced team.

On the other hand, Pakistan, which has been demanding bilateral cricket with India, continues to exploit the ties by funding terror attacks on borders.&nbsp

India and Pakistan have not played bilateral cricket since 2012 due to political tensions between the two neighbours.

Afghanistan have come a long way since making its World T20 debut in 2010. They are ranked ninth in the shortest format and 11th in the 50-over format.

After featuring regularly in the World T20, the Afghans made the 50-over World Cup debut in 2015.

They played six games in the tournament co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand with their sole win coming against Scotland.

Meanwhile, the stand-in India skipper Ajinkya Rahane has also made it clear that they will not take debutants Afghanistan lightly when the two teams lock horns on Thursday.&nbsp

Afghanistan received the test playing nation status last June

The historic one-off test between India and Afghanistan will commence on June 14 and the craze for the match is already at its peak. Afghanistan - which received the test playing nation status last June - will play their inaugural game at M.Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. Ireland was another country which joined the ranks of full member nations of the International Cricket Council, taking the total number of Test-playing countries to 12. The Indian cricket board, BCCI, has consistently backed Afghanistan, who played a home match against Ireland last year at a stadium in Greater Noida, on the outskirts of New Delhi. The Greater Noida Sports Complex Ground is also known as Shaheed Vijay Singh Pathik Sports Complex. The stadium became the home ground for the Afghanistan cricket team after they decided to shift their home ground from Sharjah, UAE. As per reports, Chief Executive of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan will be the chief guest at the inaugural match, to further strengthen the increasing ties between the two countries. Afghan cricket grew out of the refugee camps in Pakistan where many families were based after they fled the Afghan conflict in the 1980s and 1990s. Now the country is producing world-beaters like 19-year-old spinner Rashid Khan. In March, the teenager became the fastest bowler to reach 100 one-day international wickets. He is currently ranked as the world's top-ranked Twenty20 bowler. Khan was also one of a handful of Afghan players in this year's Indian Premier League and proved to be one of the most dangerous bowlers. He took 21 wickets for runners-up Kane Williamson-led Hyderabad, who paid 9 crores for his services. As the country continues to make inroads into the world of cricket, the men’s team has progressed from being a disorganised band of reckless hitters of the ball in the early 2000s to a well-balanced team. On the other hand, Pakistan, which has been demanding bilateral cricket with India, continues to exploit the ties by funding terror attacks on borders. India and Pakistan have not played bilateral cricket since 2012 due to political tensions between the two neighbours. Afghanistan have come a long way since making its World T20 debut in 2010. They are ranked ninth in the shortest format and 11th in the 50-over format. After featuring regularly in the World T20, the Afghans made the 50-over World Cup debut in 2015. They played six games in the tournament co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand with their sole win coming against Scotland. Meanwhile, the stand-in India skipper Ajinkya Rahane has also made it clear that they will not take debutants Afghanistan lightly when the two teams lock horns on Thursday.

India set to host war-ravaged Afghanistan in historic one-off Test

The Taliban told "American invaders" to leave Afghanistan in an announcement marking the end of the fasting month of Ramadan, assured the people of a bright future under Islamic rule and said it had already liberated "vast areas" of the country.

The Taliban, who announced a surprise three-day ceasefire over the Eid holiday, except against foreign forces, also denounced the U.S. relocation of its Israeli embassy to Jerusalem, which "further&nbspexposes the absolute hatred of American officials towards Islam".

Taliban leader Sheikh Haibatullah Akhunzada said in the statement that Afghans' salvation lay in "American and other occupying forces"&nbspleaving, and repeated a call for talks with the United States.

"If the American officials truly believe in a peaceful end to the Afghan imbroglio, then they must directly present themselves at the negotiation table," Akhunzada said.

"We also assure our nation (of) a bright future for our country accompanied by peace and prosperity, Allah willing," he added.

The Taliban are fighting U.S.-led NATO forces, combined under the Resolute Support mission, and the U.S.-backed government to restore sharia, or Islamic law, after their ouster by U.S.-led forces in 2001.

"The American invaders have not&nbspdesisted&nbspfrom any brutality and severity in pursuit of subduing our nation. They bomb our villages, cities, mosques, madrassas and other events, murder innocent civilians,&nbspforcibly displace them&nbspand torment thousands of Afghans&nbspthrough unimaginable torture in prisons," Akhunzada said.

The mission did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The Taliban banned cinema, TV and music during their five-year rule, deeming them un-Islamic, and insisted that women wear all-enveloping burqas. They inflicted harsh punishments for those who did not adhere to their interpretation of Islam.

But observers say life in Taliban-ruled areas now is much more relaxed, with music and TV permitted, girls allowed to go to school up to the age of 11, and women allowed to wear less restrictive dress.

Akhunzada said the Taliban had established "exemplary peace" in areas they control.

SIGAR, a U.S. Congressional watchdog, said in a recent report that the government controlled areas with about 65 percent of the population and controlled or influenced 56.3 percent of districts, the second lowest level since 2015, the first year after most international forces left Afghanistan.

Taliban leader Sheikh Haibatullah Akhunzada said in the statement that Afghans' salvation lay in "American and other occupying forces" leaving, and repeated a call for talks with the United States.

The Taliban told "American invaders" to leave Afghanistan in an announcement marking the end of the fasting month of Ramadan, assured the people of a bright future under Islamic rule and said it had already liberated "vast areas" of the country. The Taliban, who announced a surprise three-day ceasefire over the Eid holiday, except against foreign forces, also denounced the U.S. relocation of its Israeli embassy to Jerusalem, which "further&nbspexposes the absolute hatred of American officials towards Islam". Taliban leader Sheikh Haibatullah Akhunzada said in the statement that Afghans' salvation lay in "American and other occupying forces"&nbspleaving, and repeated a call for talks with the United States. "If the American officials truly believe in a peaceful end to the Afghan imbroglio, then they must directly present themselves at the negotiation table," Akhunzada said. "We also assure our nation (of) a bright future for our country accompanied by peace and prosperity, Allah willing," he added. The Taliban are fighting U.S.-led NATO forces, combined under the Resolute Support mission, and the U.S.-backed government to restore sharia, or Islamic law, after their ouster by U.S.-led forces in 2001. "The American invaders have not&nbspdesisted&nbspfrom any brutality and severity in pursuit of subduing our nation. They bomb our villages, cities, mosques, madrassas and other events, murder innocent civilians,&nbspforcibly displace them&nbspand torment thousands of Afghans&nbspthrough unimaginable torture in prisons," Akhunzada said. The mission did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The Taliban banned cinema, TV and music during their five-year rule, deeming them un-Islamic, and insisted that women wear all-enveloping burqas. They inflicted harsh punishments for those who did not adhere to their interpretation of Islam. But observers say life in Taliban-ruled areas now is much more relaxed, with music and TV permitted, girls allowed to go to school up to the age of 11, and women allowed to wear less restrictive dress. Akhunzada said the Taliban had established "exemplary peace" in areas they control. SIGAR, a U.S. Congressional watchdog, said in a recent report that the government controlled areas with about 65 percent of the population and controlled or influenced 56.3 percent of districts, the second lowest level since 2015, the first year after most international forces left Afghanistan.

Taliban assure Afghans of bright future once US 'invaders' leave

Pakistan Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General&nbsp;Qamar Javed Bajwa&nbsp;left for Kabul to meet President&nbsp;Ashraf Ghani, on Tuesday.

As per Geo News, the invitation to Bajwa was extended by the Afghan president, DG ISPR Major General Asif Ghafoor tweeted.

"Pakistan wishes to see the National Unity Government and US/&nbsp;NATO&nbsp;succeeding to bring peace in Afghanistan," Pak military spokesperson wrote on twitter.

Pakistan's President&nbsp;Mamnoon Hussain&nbsp;on Sunday said that Pakistan and Afghanistan will work together to draft a detailed strategy for establishing peace in Afghanistan.

Hussain said this at a session of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Qingdao.

"Pakistan and Afghanistan are working on a comprehensive strategy on a bilateral basis to establish peace in Afghanistan," Hussain said.

Pakistan's president appreciated Afghanistan for announcing a ceasefire with the&nbsp;Taliban, calling it a positive move.

Afghanistan President&nbsp;Ashraf Ghani&nbsp;had earlier announced a ceasefire with the&nbsp;Taliban starting from the 27th of Ramzan (June 12) to the fifth day of&nbsp;Eid-ul-Fitr (June 19).

In response to Ghani's announcement, the&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;on Saturday declared a three-day ceasefire over the&nbsp;Eid&nbsp;holiday, two days after the Afghan government announced the ceasefire.

This is the first time the&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;has agreed to a ceasefire since the US invasion in 2001.

Hussain concluded his speech by urging the leaders to take measures for capacity building and skill development of the youth in member states.

 
&nbsp;

Pakistan wishes to see the National Unity Government and US/ NATO succeeding to bring peace in Afghanistan

Pakistan Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa left for Kabul to meet President Ashraf Ghani, on Tuesday. As per Geo News, the invitation to Bajwa was extended by the Afghan president, DG ISPR Major General Asif Ghafoor tweeted. "Pakistan wishes to see the National Unity Government and US/ NATO succeeding to bring peace in Afghanistan," Pak military spokesperson wrote on twitter. Pakistan's President Mamnoon Hussain on Sunday said that Pakistan and Afghanistan will work together to draft a detailed strategy for establishing peace in Afghanistan. Hussain said this at a session of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Qingdao. "Pakistan and Afghanistan are working on a comprehensive strategy on a bilateral basis to establish peace in Afghanistan," Hussain said. Pakistan's president appreciated Afghanistan for announcing a ceasefire with the Taliban, calling it a positive move. Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani had earlier announced a ceasefire with the Taliban starting from the 27th of Ramzan (June 12) to the fifth day of Eid-ul-Fitr (June 19). In response to Ghani's announcement, the Taliban on Saturday declared a three-day ceasefire over the Eid holiday, two days after the Afghan government announced the ceasefire. This is the first time the Taliban has agreed to a ceasefire since the US invasion in 2001. Hussain concluded his speech by urging the leaders to take measures for capacity building and skill development of the youth in member states.

Pak Chief of Army Staff  leaves for Kabul to meet Ghani

Scotland's shock one-day international win over England has boosted their chances of securing test-playing status, the country's cricket board has said.

Scotland registered their first victory over their neighbours at Edinburgh on Sunday, bowling England out for 365 after posting their highest score of 371 for five.

"I can see us getting there in the next couple of years," Tony Brian, chairman of Cricket Scotland, told the BBC.

"We're so close to our goal of full member status now"

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has 12 full members, with Ireland and Afghanistan promoted in June last year.

The ICC has reduced the number of teams at the 2019 World Cup to 10 from 14, making it far more difficult for associate nations to qualify.

"The ICC set strict criteria for us to meet for full member status and we're only two away," Brian added. "We probably need one more win against a top nation and our women's team, who are also rapidly improving, need to do well at a World Cup qualifier."

Scotland registered their first victory over their neighbours at Edinburgh on Sunday, bowling England out for 365 after posting their highest score of 371 for five

Scotland's shock one-day international win over England has boosted their chances of securing test-playing status, the country's cricket board has said. Scotland registered their first victory over their neighbours at Edinburgh on Sunday, bowling England out for 365 after posting their highest score of 371 for five. "I can see us getting there in the next couple of years," Tony Brian, chairman of Cricket Scotland, told the BBC. "We're so close to our goal of full member status now" The International Cricket Council (ICC) has 12 full members, with Ireland and Afghanistan promoted in June last year. The ICC has reduced the number of teams at the 2019 World Cup to 10 from 14, making it far more difficult for associate nations to qualify. "The ICC set strict criteria for us to meet for full member status and we're only two away," Brian added. "We probably need one more win against a top nation and our women's team, who are also rapidly improving, need to do well at a World Cup qualifier."

Scotland hope ODI win over England boosts test status hopes

Hobbled by blisters and stalked by hunger, dozens of Afghan protesters are marching hundreds of kilometres across the war-torn country demanding an end to the nearly 17-year conflict.

Nine people began the weeks-long anti-war march in May, but their numbers have since swollen to around 50, organisers say, as their demands for an end to fighting gain traction among ordinary Afghans increasingly fed up with years of bloodshed.

The arduous journey began in the southern province of Helmand, a Taliban stronghold.

The group hopes to reach the capital Kabul, some 700 kilometres (430 miles) away, before the end of the holy month of Ramadan this week where it plans to present a list of demands for peace to Afghan leaders.

Among the protesters is Zaheer Ahmad Zindani, who was blinded in a roadside explosion several years ago that also killed his sister.

"We are tired of this war and bloodshed," Zindani told AFP as the group arrived in Ghazni, the capital of the southeastern province of the same name, over the weekend.

"Both sides should sit down for peace talks. We want a permanent and sustainable peace."

The group is also calling for a ceasefire -- but longer than the ones announced by the Afghan government and Taliban for the Eid holiday that follows Ramadan -- and a timetable for the withdrawal of foreign troops from Afghanistan.

After weeks of walking along asphalt roads in the heat, sleeping under trees or in mosques, and weakened by fasting for Ramadan, the group is now within 200 kilometres of the Afghan capital.

Initially ridiculed for their plan to walk to Kabul, the protesters now enjoy growing support as more Afghans pay attention to their cause and take to social media to cheer them on.

"Your every step gives us hope for peace, continue your march until we have peace," Jamilurahman wrote on Facebook.

A user called Hamidullah posted: "May Allah give you paradise for every step you take for peace. May peace prevail in every part of our country."

The march, which is believed to be the first of its kind in Afghanistan, emerged out of a sit-in protest and hunger strike in the Helmand provincial capital Lashkar Gah.

That demonstration, which began spontaneously after a car bomb attack in the city on March 23, triggered similar movements by war-weary Afghans around the country.

But when the Taliban and security forces failed to heed their demands to stop fighting, some of the protesters decided to take their message directly to the country's top leaders.

It has been a physically gruelling and dangerous journey as the Taliban and Islamic State group step up attacks against Afghan and foreign forces.

Every day the protesters run the gauntlet of roadside bombs, armed robbers and militants.

But they accept the risks.

"There is no safe place left here," Sardar Mohammad Sarwari, who uses crutches to walk after polio weakened his legs, told AFP.

"I can be killed if I stay home or if I go to my shop, so I have decided it is much better to die for peace so the next generation of my family can enjoy peace."&nbsp

Abdullah Malik Hamdard told AFP he felt that he had nothing to lose by joining the march.

"Everybody thinks they will be killed soon," he said.

"The situation for those alive is miserable. If you don't die in the war, the poverty caused by the war may kill you, which is why I think the only option left for me is to join the peace convoy."

The protesters, wearing matching blue bandanas and sashes with the message "We want peace", have received help from ordinary Afghans along the way.

They are provided with food and drink for their pre-dawn and post-sunset meals, but during the day they battle hunger and fatigue.

Drivers honk their horns in support and some stop to praise them.

Even Afghan security forces and Taliban fighters have taken a break from the battlefield to urge them on, Iqbal Khaibar, one of the leaders of the group, told AFP.

Zindani, who was blinded several years ago by pieces of flying glass after a roadside bomb struck the bus he and his sister were travelling in, holds a fellow protester's hand for guidance as he walks.&nbsp

"All the marchers have suffered in this war," he said, noting that his own sister, father and uncle had been killed in the conflict.

"One lost a father, another lost a brother, sister, mother -- everyone has lost loved ones.

"My only wish and demand is stop this war and fighting." &nbsp

Nine people began the weeks-long anti-war march in May, but their numbers have since swollen to around 50, organisers say, as their demands for an end to fighting gain traction among ordinary Afghans increasingly fed up with years of bloodshed

Hobbled by blisters and stalked by hunger, dozens of Afghan protesters are marching hundreds of kilometres across the war-torn country demanding an end to the nearly 17-year conflict. Nine people began the weeks-long anti-war march in May, but their numbers have since swollen to around 50, organisers say, as their demands for an end to fighting gain traction among ordinary Afghans increasingly fed up with years of bloodshed. The arduous journey began in the southern province of Helmand, a Taliban stronghold. The group hopes to reach the capital Kabul, some 700 kilometres (430 miles) away, before the end of the holy month of Ramadan this week where it plans to present a list of demands for peace to Afghan leaders. Among the protesters is Zaheer Ahmad Zindani, who was blinded in a roadside explosion several years ago that also killed his sister. "We are tired of this war and bloodshed," Zindani told AFP as the group arrived in Ghazni, the capital of the southeastern province of the same name, over the weekend. "Both sides should sit down for peace talks. We want a permanent and sustainable peace." The group is also calling for a ceasefire -- but longer than the ones announced by the Afghan government and Taliban for the Eid holiday that follows Ramadan -- and a timetable for the withdrawal of foreign troops from Afghanistan. After weeks of walking along asphalt roads in the heat, sleeping under trees or in mosques, and weakened by fasting for Ramadan, the group is now within 200 kilometres of the Afghan capital. Initially ridiculed for their plan to walk to Kabul, the protesters now enjoy growing support as more Afghans pay attention to their cause and take to social media to cheer them on. "Your every step gives us hope for peace, continue your march until we have peace," Jamilurahman wrote on Facebook. A user called Hamidullah posted: "May Allah give you paradise for every step you take for peace. May peace prevail in every part of our country." The march, which is believed to be the first of its kind in Afghanistan, emerged out of a sit-in protest and hunger strike in the Helmand provincial capital Lashkar Gah. That demonstration, which began spontaneously after a car bomb attack in the city on March 23, triggered similar movements by war-weary Afghans around the country. But when the Taliban and security forces failed to heed their demands to stop fighting, some of the protesters decided to take their message directly to the country's top leaders. It has been a physically gruelling and dangerous journey as the Taliban and Islamic State group step up attacks against Afghan and foreign forces. Every day the protesters run the gauntlet of roadside bombs, armed robbers and militants. But they accept the risks. "There is no safe place left here," Sardar Mohammad Sarwari, who uses crutches to walk after polio weakened his legs, told AFP. "I can be killed if I stay home or if I go to my shop, so I have decided it is much better to die for peace so the next generation of my family can enjoy peace." Abdullah Malik Hamdard told AFP he felt that he had nothing to lose by joining the march. "Everybody thinks they will be killed soon," he said. "The situation for those alive is miserable. If you don't die in the war, the poverty caused by the war may kill you, which is why I think the only option left for me is to join the peace convoy." The protesters, wearing matching blue bandanas and sashes with the message "We want peace", have received help from ordinary Afghans along the way. They are provided with food and drink for their pre-dawn and post-sunset meals, but during the day they battle hunger and fatigue. Drivers honk their horns in support and some stop to praise them. Even Afghan security forces and Taliban fighters have taken a break from the battlefield to urge them on, Iqbal Khaibar, one of the leaders of the group, told AFP. Zindani, who was blinded several years ago by pieces of flying glass after a roadside bomb struck the bus he and his sister were travelling in, holds a fellow protester's hand for guidance as he walks. "All the marchers have suffered in this war," he said, noting that his own sister, father and uncle had been killed in the conflict. "One lost a father, another lost a brother, sister, mother -- everyone has lost loved ones. "My only wish and demand is stop this war and fighting."

Blistered and hungry: Afghans walk hundreds of kilometres for peace

A suicide bomber killed 12 people and wounded another 31 on Monday at the entrance to Afghanistan's rural rehabilitation and development ministry in the west of the capital, Afghan health officials confirmed.

No group immediately claimed responsibility.

"Woman, children and employees of the ministry are among the victims," Najib Danish, spokesman for the interior ministry, told reporters.

Afghan Taliban militants on Saturday announced a surprise three-day ceasefire over the Muslim Eid holiday at the end of this week, their first offer of its kind, days after the government declared an unconditional ceasefire of its own against the Taliban.

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Health officials confirm that the death toll from the suicide bombing at Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development in Darulaman has risen to 12. Wounded also up to 31, reports TOLOnews. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Afghanistan?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Afghanistan</a> <a href="https://t.co/puN4B4rpqi">pic.twitter.com/puN4B4rpqi</a>
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In another incident, at least 15 security personnel were killed in an attack at the Kunduz province in Afghanistan on Monday.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

No group immediately claimed responsibility.

A suicide bomber killed 12 people and wounded another 31 on Monday at the entrance to Afghanistan's rural rehabilitation and development ministry in the west of the capital, Afghan health officials confirmed. No group immediately claimed responsibility. "Woman, children and employees of the ministry are among the victims," Najib Danish, spokesman for the interior ministry, told reporters. Afghan Taliban militants on Saturday announced a surprise three-day ceasefire over the Muslim Eid holiday at the end of this week, their first offer of its kind, days after the government declared an unconditional ceasefire of its own against the Taliban. Health officials confirm that the death toll from the suicide bombing at Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development in Darulaman has risen to 12. Wounded also up to 31, reports TOLOnews. #Afghanistan pic.twitter.com/puN4B4rpqi — ANI (@ANI) June 11, 2018 × In another incident, at least 15 security personnel were killed in an attack at the Kunduz province in Afghanistan on Monday.

Afghanistan: 12 killed, 31 wounded in Kabul suicide bombing

At least 15 security personnel were killed in Afghanistan in an attack in Kunduz province on Monday.

The attackers had targetted the education department's building in Jalalabad.

According to a media report, earlier in the day an explosion and gunfire were heard in the Jalalabad city of Nangarhar.

The gunfight between the security forces and the Taliban is still underway.

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It is confirmed that gunmen have attacked the education department's building in Jalalabad and a gunfight is currently underway, reports TOLOnews quoting Asif Shinwari, head of Education Department for Nangarhar, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Afghanistan?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Afghanistan</a> <a href="https://t.co/YZzFTFPScY">pic.twitter.com/YZzFTFPScY</a>
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&nbsp;

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The attackers had targetted the education department's building in Jalalabad

At least 15 security personnel were killed in Afghanistan in an attack in Kunduz province on Monday. The attackers had targetted the education department's building in Jalalabad. According to a media report, earlier in the day an explosion and gunfire were heard in the Jalalabad city of Nangarhar. The gunfight between the security forces and the Taliban is still underway. It is confirmed that gunmen have attacked the education department's building in Jalalabad and a gunfight is currently underway, reports TOLOnews quoting Asif Shinwari, head of Education Department for Nangarhar, #Afghanistan pic.twitter.com/YZzFTFPScY — ANI (@ANI) June 11, 2018 ×

15 Afghan forces killed in Taliban attack in Kunduz province

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday praised Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani's bold initiatives towards peace and expressed hope that it will be respected by all parties, referring to a ceasefire announced by the Afghan leader for Eid.

Speaking at the restricted session of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Qingdao, Prime Minister Modi also promised that India will play an active role in the contact group for Afghanistan under the SCO banner.

"Afghanistan is an unfortunate example of the effect of extremism and terrorism. I hope the bold initiatives towards peace taken by President Ghani will be respected by all parties," Modi said at the summit, also attended by Pakistan President Mamnoon Hussain.

Modi was referring to the Afghan government's surprise announcement of the week-long ceasefire with the Taliban for Eid.

The ceasefire will last from the 27th of Ramadan until the fifth day of Eid-al-Fitr, President Ghani had tweeted last week, indicating it could run from June 12-19.&nbsp

Responding to Ghani's announcement, the Taliban on Saturday announced the suspension of fighting for the first three days of Eid - the first ceasefire by the militant group in Afghanistan since the 2001 US invasion.

India and China have agreed to undertake a joint economic project in Afghanistan. They have agreed to move forward in identifying a specific project initially in the area of capacity building in Afghanistan.

This will be a first such project in the war-torn country where China while trying to expand its influence, has tacitly backed Pakistan, which has been accused by Afghanistan and the US of backing the Taliban and its most violent attacks in the country destabilising any attempts to restore peace.

Since 2002, India has committed $ 2 billion to the socio-economic rebuilding of war-torn Afghanistan.

Speaking at the restricted session of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Qingdao, Prime Minister Modi also promised that India will play an active role in the contact group for Afghanistan under the SCO banner

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday praised Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani's bold initiatives towards peace and expressed hope that it will be respected by all parties, referring to a ceasefire announced by the Afghan leader for Eid. Speaking at the restricted session of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Qingdao, Prime Minister Modi also promised that India will play an active role in the contact group for Afghanistan under the SCO banner. "Afghanistan is an unfortunate example of the effect of extremism and terrorism. I hope the bold initiatives towards peace taken by President Ghani will be respected by all parties," Modi said at the summit, also attended by Pakistan President Mamnoon Hussain. Modi was referring to the Afghan government's surprise announcement of the week-long ceasefire with the Taliban for Eid. The ceasefire will last from the 27th of Ramadan until the fifth day of Eid-al-Fitr, President Ghani had tweeted last week, indicating it could run from June 12-19. Responding to Ghani's announcement, the Taliban on Saturday announced the suspension of fighting for the first three days of Eid - the first ceasefire by the militant group in Afghanistan since the 2001 US invasion. India and China have agreed to undertake a joint economic project in Afghanistan. They have agreed to move forward in identifying a specific project initially in the area of capacity building in Afghanistan. This will be a first such project in the war-torn country where China while trying to expand its influence, has tacitly backed Pakistan, which has been accused by Afghanistan and the US of backing the Taliban and its most violent attacks in the country destabilising any attempts to restore peace. Since 2002, India has committed $ 2 billion to the socio-economic rebuilding of war-torn Afghanistan.

PM Modi praises Afghan President's bold initiatives towards peace

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday addressed the plenary session on the second day of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit.&nbsp;

"Afghanistan is an unfortunate example of the effect of terrorism. I hope the brave steps towards peace taken by President Ghani will be respected by all in the region," PM Modi said at the summit.

"Only 6% of foreign tourists in India are from SCO countries, this can easily be doubled. Increasing awareness of our shared cultures can help boost this number. We will organize an SCO food festival and a Buddhist festival in India," he added.

"We have again reached a stage where physical and digital connectivity is changing the definition of geography. Therefore, connectivity with our neighbourhood & in the SCO region is our priority," PM said.

On Saturday, PM Modi also attended bilateral meetings with several heads of states, including Chinese President Xi Jinping in Qingdao.&nbsp;

The bilateral meeting with the Chinese President came just over a month after the two leaders met for an informal summit in China’s Wuhan.&nbsp;

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Only 6% of foreign tourists in India are from SCO countries, this can easily be doubled. Increasing awareness of our shared cultures can help boost this number.We will organize a SCO food festival and a Buddhist festival in India: PM Modi at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SCOSummit?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SCOSummit</a> in China's <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Qingdao?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Qingdao</a> <a href="https://t.co/0D2P8PXcJX">pic.twitter.com/0D2P8PXcJX</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1005655039015247872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Modi floated the concept of SECURE: ‘S’ for security for citizens, ‘E’ for economic development, ‘C’ for connectivity in the region, ‘U’ for unity, ‘R’ for respect of sovereignty, ‘E’ for environment protection.

This is India's first participation in the summit as a full-time member of the organisation.&nbsp;

India, along with Pakistan, became full-time members during Astana Summit in Kazakhstan in June 2017.

PM Modi is on a two-day visit to China as part of which he will be attending the SCO summit and will hold multiple meetings with other SCO leaders.

Member-countries, including India, Pakistan, China, Kazakhstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, are expected to sign the Qingdao Declaration, after the deliberations.

India and China on Saturday, 9 June, signed two Memorandum of Understandings (MoU) related to sharing of hydrological information on Brahmaputra and export on non-Basmati rice to China following the talks between PM Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Qingdao.

India, along with Pakistan, became full-time members during Astana Summit in Kazakhstan in June 2017.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday addressed the plenary session on the second day of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit. "Afghanistan is an unfortunate example of the effect of terrorism. I hope the brave steps towards peace taken by President Ghani will be respected by all in the region," PM Modi said at the summit. "Only 6% of foreign tourists in India are from SCO countries, this can easily be doubled. Increasing awareness of our shared cultures can help boost this number. We will organize an SCO food festival and a Buddhist festival in India," he added. "We have again reached a stage where physical and digital connectivity is changing the definition of geography. Therefore, connectivity with our neighbourhood & in the SCO region is our priority," PM said. On Saturday, PM Modi also attended bilateral meetings with several heads of states, including Chinese President Xi Jinping in Qingdao. The bilateral meeting with the Chinese President came just over a month after the two leaders met for an informal summit in China’s Wuhan. Only 6% of foreign tourists in India are from SCO countries, this can easily be doubled. Increasing awareness of our shared cultures can help boost this number.We will organize a SCO food festival and a Buddhist festival in India: PM Modi at #SCOSummit in China's #Qingdao pic.twitter.com/0D2P8PXcJX — ANI (@ANI) June 10, 2018 × Modi floated the concept of SECURE: ‘S’ for security for citizens, ‘E’ for economic development, ‘C’ for connectivity in the region, ‘U’ for unity, ‘R’ for respect of sovereignty, ‘E’ for environment protection. This is India's first participation in the summit as a full-time member of the organisation. India, along with Pakistan, became full-time members during Astana Summit in Kazakhstan in June 2017. PM Modi is on a two-day visit to China as part of which he will be attending the SCO summit and will hold multiple meetings with other SCO leaders. Member-countries, including India, Pakistan, China, Kazakhstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, are expected to sign the Qingdao Declaration, after the deliberations. India and China on Saturday, 9 June, signed two Memorandum of Understandings (MoU) related to sharing of hydrological information on Brahmaputra and export on non-Basmati rice to China following the talks between PM Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Qingdao.

Afghanistan is an unfortunate example of effect of terrorism: PM Modi at SCO summit in China

The&nbsp;Afghan&nbsp;Taliban announced a three-day ceasefire over the Eid holiday at the end of this week, their first such offer, which follows a ceasefire announced by the government on Thursday.

The militants said foreign forces would be excluded from the ceasefire and that operations against them would continue.

Earlier,&nbsp;President Ashraf Ghani said the week-long ceasefire would coincide with the end of the Ramadan fasting month, Eid. The Taliban have yet to respond.

Afghan security forces killed 10&nbsp;Taliban militants as a ceasefire announced by the president took effect, an official said on Friday, and as security forces said they would respond if attacked.

The 10 included five Pakistanis killed in Thursday's clash in the eastern province of Nangarhar, the official said.

The ceasefire followed a meeting of Islamic clerics this week that declared a fatwa, or ruling, against suicide bombings, one of which, claimed by Islamic State, killed 14 people at the entrance to the clerics' peace tent in Kabul.

The clerics also recommended a ceasefire with the Taliban, who are fighting to reimpose strict Islamic law after their ouster in 2001, and Ghani endorsed the recommendation, saying it would last until June 20.

The United States wants to step up military operations against Islamic State militants in Nangarhar during the ceasefire, the top U.S. general in Afghanistan said on Friday.

Afghan security forces killed 10 Taliban militants as a ceasefire announced by the president took effect

The Afghan Taliban announced a three-day ceasefire over the Eid holiday at the end of this week, their first such offer, which follows a ceasefire announced by the government on Thursday. The militants said foreign forces would be excluded from the ceasefire and that operations against them would continue. Earlier, President Ashraf Ghani said the week-long ceasefire would coincide with the end of the Ramadan fasting month, Eid. The Taliban have yet to respond. Afghan security forces killed 10 Taliban militants as a ceasefire announced by the president took effect, an official said on Friday, and as security forces said they would respond if attacked. The 10 included five Pakistanis killed in Thursday's clash in the eastern province of Nangarhar, the official said. The ceasefire followed a meeting of Islamic clerics this week that declared a fatwa, or ruling, against suicide bombings, one of which, claimed by Islamic State, killed 14 people at the entrance to the clerics' peace tent in Kabul. The clerics also recommended a ceasefire with the Taliban, who are fighting to reimpose strict Islamic law after their ouster in 2001, and Ghani endorsed the recommendation, saying it would last until June 20. The United States wants to step up military operations against Islamic State militants in Nangarhar during the ceasefire, the top U.S. general in Afghanistan said on Friday.

Afghan Taliban for the first time announce ceasefire for Eid

Abdullah Abdullah, the political leader who twice backed down from election disputes that plunged&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;into crisis, said on Thursday he had not ruled out standing again next year and might agree to share power with his opponent.

Abdullah narrowly lost presidential elections in 2009 and 2014 that he disputed as fraudulent. Both times, standoffs after the vote paralyzed the country for months and threatened to unravel a political system backed by thousands of US troops.

He now serves under his most recent opponent, President Ashraf Ghani, as "chief executive" of a unity government in an ad hoc, US-brokered power-sharing arrangement that ended the second electoral impasse four years ago.

Abdullah is the heir to the powerful political faction once known as the Northern Alliance, a multi-ethnic coalition of guerrilla movements that fought against the Taliban and allied with the United States after the September 11 attacks.

Asked in an interview with Reuters in London if he would stand again next year, Abdullah laughed at the suggestion he might announce it while abroad, but he also did not deny it.

"Do you think that to make that announcement here would be the right thing to do?" he said with a chuckle. "No. I am not saying this will not be the case, but I have not decided yet."

But he said it was vital that&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;find a way to ensure that it can hold elections without a repeat of the existential crises that erupted the last two times he stood.

"That's our hope. I don't want anyone to go through the same thing and see the same risk involved," he said.

The best way to achieve peaceful transitions of power was to reform the constitution, which places too much authority in the hands of whoever becomes president and leaves the followers of the winner's opponents in the wilderness.

"There is an inherent problem in such a highly centralised system, which leads to challenges and has led to challenges in the past," said Abdullah.

In the last two elections, he narrowly lost to rivals - first Hamid Karzai and then Ghani - who drew a greater share of their support from the south of the country and from the Pashtun community, Afghanistan's biggest ethnic group.

In both cases, the rival candidates accused their opponents' followers of widespread fraud in parts of the country controlled by their allies. The disputes threatened to leave&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;on regional, ethnic, sectarian and linguistic lines, and were finally resolved under intense pressure from the United States.

Abdullah said it was only his own personal decision to step aside that ended both crises, and Afghans should create a system that encourages power-sharing so that they do not have to rely on future politicians behaving as he had.

"The point is, that the country wouldn't have survived without the unity government," he said of the 2014 crisis.

"I'm not taking the credit for myself, but the reality was, that had it been any other politician that I have known in the country, he would have reacted differently... So that was a big risk for the country, to rely on the faith of one person to make the right decision or a bad decision. The country should never be put in that sort of situation anymore."

To prevent it, he would create a parliamentary system with an executive prime minister, similar to the post that he now holds but as a permanent feature of the constitution, rather than the result of an ad hoc political deal.

Such reform has been held back by a delay in holding parliamentary elections, which are now set for next year, two years later than agreed under the 2014 unity deal, he said.

Asked if presidential candidates might agree to extend the 2014 unity pact beyond the next election, by offering in advance to give the chief executive post to whoever came second, he nodded: "Could be. Could be."

If he did choose to run, he said, he would be open to making such an offer to his opponent, although that remained a hypothetical question.

"When I believe that there has to be this sort of power-sharing arrangement, it's not that if I were the president I wouldn't want this because I would want everything for myself," he said. "That's my understanding of the society and the needs of the country and the necessity."

Ultimately, he said, it would be up to Afghan voters to choose as their next president someone who believed in sharing power with opponents.

"If somebody is elected and he believes in a highly centralised system and a one-man-show, that's a different issue."

Abdullah narrowly lost presidential elections in 2009 and 2014 that he disputed as fraudulent

Abdullah Abdullah, the political leader who twice backed down from election disputes that plunged Afghanistan into crisis, said on Thursday he had not ruled out standing again next year and might agree to share power with his opponent. Abdullah narrowly lost presidential elections in 2009 and 2014 that he disputed as fraudulent. Both times, standoffs after the vote paralyzed the country for months and threatened to unravel a political system backed by thousands of US troops. He now serves under his most recent opponent, President Ashraf Ghani, as "chief executive" of a unity government in an ad hoc, US-brokered power-sharing arrangement that ended the second electoral impasse four years ago. Abdullah is the heir to the powerful political faction once known as the Northern Alliance, a multi-ethnic coalition of guerrilla movements that fought against the Taliban and allied with the United States after the September 11 attacks. Asked in an interview with Reuters in London if he would stand again next year, Abdullah laughed at the suggestion he might announce it while abroad, but he also did not deny it. "Do you think that to make that announcement here would be the right thing to do?" he said with a chuckle. "No. I am not saying this will not be the case, but I have not decided yet." But he said it was vital that Afghanistan find a way to ensure that it can hold elections without a repeat of the existential crises that erupted the last two times he stood. "That's our hope. I don't want anyone to go through the same thing and see the same risk involved," he said. The best way to achieve peaceful transitions of power was to reform the constitution, which places too much authority in the hands of whoever becomes president and leaves the followers of the winner's opponents in the wilderness. "There is an inherent problem in such a highly centralised system, which leads to challenges and has led to challenges in the past," said Abdullah. In the last two elections, he narrowly lost to rivals - first Hamid Karzai and then Ghani - who drew a greater share of their support from the south of the country and from the Pashtun community, Afghanistan's biggest ethnic group. In both cases, the rival candidates accused their opponents' followers of widespread fraud in parts of the country controlled by their allies. The disputes threatened to leave Afghanistan on regional, ethnic, sectarian and linguistic lines, and were finally resolved under intense pressure from the United States. Abdullah said it was only his own personal decision to step aside that ended both crises, and Afghans should create a system that encourages power-sharing so that they do not have to rely on future politicians behaving as he had. "The point is, that the country wouldn't have survived without the unity government," he said of the 2014 crisis. "I'm not taking the credit for myself, but the reality was, that had it been any other politician that I have known in the country, he would have reacted differently... So that was a big risk for the country, to rely on the faith of one person to make the right decision or a bad decision. The country should never be put in that sort of situation anymore." To prevent it, he would create a parliamentary system with an executive prime minister, similar to the post that he now holds but as a permanent feature of the constitution, rather than the result of an ad hoc political deal. Such reform has been held back by a delay in holding parliamentary elections, which are now set for next year, two years later than agreed under the 2014 unity deal, he said. Asked if presidential candidates might agree to extend the 2014 unity pact beyond the next election, by offering in advance to give the chief executive post to whoever came second, he nodded: "Could be. Could be." If he did choose to run, he said, he would be open to making such an offer to his opponent, although that remained a hypothetical question. "When I believe that there has to be this sort of power-sharing arrangement, it's not that if I were the president I wouldn't want this because I would want everything for myself," he said. "That's my understanding of the society and the needs of the country and the necessity." Ultimately, he said, it would be up to Afghan voters to choose as their next president someone who believed in sharing power with opponents. "If somebody is elected and he believes in a highly centralised system and a one-man-show, that's a different issue."

Afghanistan's Abdullah won't rule out running for president, sharing power

&nbsp;Afghan President Ashraf Ghani on Thursday announced for the first time an unconditional ceasefire with the Taliban, coinciding with the end of the Muslim fasting month, but excluding other militant groups, such as Islamic State.

The decision came after a meeting of Islamic clerics this week declared a fatwa, or ruling, against suicide bombings, one of which, claimed by Islamic State, killed 14 people at the entrance to the clerics' peace tent in Kabul, the capital.

The clerics also recommended a ceasefire with the Taliban, who are seeking to reimpose strict Islamic law after their ouster in 2001, and Ghani endorsed the recommendation, announcing a laying down of arms until June 20.

Ghani has urged ceasefires with the Taliban before, but this was the first unconditional offer since he was elected in 2014.

"This ceasefire is an opportunity for Taliban to introspect (sic) that their violent campaign is not winning them hearts and minds," Ghani said in a message on social network Twitter after a televised address.

There was no immediate reaction from the Taliban but an international political analyst based in Kabul was unimpressed.

"It's a one-sided love story," he said.

US&nbsp;Forces-Afghanistan&nbsp;said they would honour the ceasefire.

"We will adhere to the wishes of&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;for the country to enjoy a peaceful end to the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, and support the search for an end to the conflict," Gen. John Nicholson, US&nbsp;Forces-Afghanistan&nbsp;and the NATO-led Resolute Support commander, said in a statement.

The ceasefire would not include US&nbsp;counterterrorism efforts against Islamic State and al Qaeda, it said.

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg welcomed the announcement which he said: "shows the seriousness of President Ghani and the Afghan government". Both he and the United Nations urged the Taliban to reciprocate.

The United States and Russia also praised the decision.

"The Afghan government’s offer of a temporary ceasefire underscores its commitment to peace as both a national and religious responsibility," the State Department said in a statement.

But former Afghan army general Atiqullah Amarkhel said the ceasefire would give the Taliban a chance to regroup.

"From a military prospect, it is not a good move," he told Reuters.

He also said he doubted the Taliban would lay down arms and deny themselves the opportunity of fighting during the holy month of Ramadan, in which attacks have intensified.

The Eid al-Fitr holiday ending Ramadan falls at the end of next week.

Ghani in February offered recognition of the Taliban as a legitimate political group in a proposed political process that he said could lead to talks to end more than 16 years of war.

Ghani proposed a ceasefire and a release of prisoners among options including new elections involving the militants and a constitutional review in a pact with the Taliban to end a conflict that last year alone killed or wounded more than 10,000 civilians.

In August, US&nbsp;President Donald Trump unveiled a more hawkish military approach to Afghanistan, including a surge in air strikes, aimed at forcing the Taliban to the negotiating table.

Afghan security forces say the impact has been significant, but the Taliban roam huge swaths of the country and, with foreign troop levels of about 15,600, down from 140,000 in 2014, there appears little hope of outright victory.

Ghani has urged ceasefires with the Taliban before, but this was the first unconditional offer since he was elected in 2014

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani on Thursday announced for the first time an unconditional ceasefire with the Taliban, coinciding with the end of the Muslim fasting month, but excluding other militant groups, such as Islamic State. The decision came after a meeting of Islamic clerics this week declared a fatwa, or ruling, against suicide bombings, one of which, claimed by Islamic State, killed 14 people at the entrance to the clerics' peace tent in Kabul, the capital. The clerics also recommended a ceasefire with the Taliban, who are seeking to reimpose strict Islamic law after their ouster in 2001, and Ghani endorsed the recommendation, announcing a laying down of arms until June 20. Ghani has urged ceasefires with the Taliban before, but this was the first unconditional offer since he was elected in 2014. "This ceasefire is an opportunity for Taliban to introspect (sic) that their violent campaign is not winning them hearts and minds," Ghani said in a message on social network Twitter after a televised address. There was no immediate reaction from the Taliban but an international political analyst based in Kabul was unimpressed. "It's a one-sided love story," he said. US Forces-Afghanistan said they would honour the ceasefire. "We will adhere to the wishes of Afghanistan for the country to enjoy a peaceful end to the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, and support the search for an end to the conflict," Gen. John Nicholson, US Forces-Afghanistan and the NATO-led Resolute Support commander, said in a statement. The ceasefire would not include US counterterrorism efforts against Islamic State and al Qaeda, it said. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg welcomed the announcement which he said: "shows the seriousness of President Ghani and the Afghan government". Both he and the United Nations urged the Taliban to reciprocate. The United States and Russia also praised the decision. "The Afghan government’s offer of a temporary ceasefire underscores its commitment to peace as both a national and religious responsibility," the State Department said in a statement. But former Afghan army general Atiqullah Amarkhel said the ceasefire would give the Taliban a chance to regroup. "From a military prospect, it is not a good move," he told Reuters. He also said he doubted the Taliban would lay down arms and deny themselves the opportunity of fighting during the holy month of Ramadan, in which attacks have intensified. The Eid al-Fitr holiday ending Ramadan falls at the end of next week. Ghani in February offered recognition of the Taliban as a legitimate political group in a proposed political process that he said could lead to talks to end more than 16 years of war. Ghani proposed a ceasefire and a release of prisoners among options including new elections involving the militants and a constitutional review in a pact with the Taliban to end a conflict that last year alone killed or wounded more than 10,000 civilians. In August, US President Donald Trump unveiled a more hawkish military approach to Afghanistan, including a surge in air strikes, aimed at forcing the Taliban to the negotiating table. Afghan security forces say the impact has been significant, but the Taliban roam huge swaths of the country and, with foreign troop levels of about 15,600, down from 140,000 in 2014, there appears little hope of outright victory.

Afghanistan announces Eid ceasefire with Taliban until June 20

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