Afghanistan continues to be in a state of turmoil. A bomb exploded at an awards ceremony for journalists killing at least about one person and five others were wounded.

Afghanistan: Bomb explosion at an award ceremony for journalists, 1 dead and 5 wounded

A Taliban governor has been killed in a suicide attack in the Afghan province of Balkh. The governor, Mohammad Dawod Muzammil, was in his office during the blast. Who is targeting the Taliban and why? Molly Gambhir tells you.

Gravitas | Afghanistan: Extreme forces rise to take on the Taliban. Here's all you need to know

At least one person was killed and five injured after a bomb exploded during an award ceremony for journalists in Afghanistan’s Mazar-e-Sharif city on Saturday.

The explosion took place at the Tabian Farhang centre in the capital of Balkh province, where journalists had gathered for an award function at 11 am, Mohammad Asif Waziri, the Taliban-appointed spokesman for Balkh police, said, according to AP news agency.

According to TOLOnews, a number of reporters, religious clerics, and local officials participated in the conference.

It is unclear who was responsible for the blast, but it is believed that the regional affiliate of the Islamic State group — known as the Islamic State in Khorasan Province — may have been responsible for the blast.

The Afghan forces arrived in the area and transferred wounded people to hospitals. &nbsp;

The officials are yet to disclose the identity of the victims, but local reports suggested that all the injured were journalists.

A reporter for Aryana News television station, Najeeb Faryad, said he felt like something hit him in the back, followed by a deafening sound before he fell to the ground.

It came two days after a bomb in Mazar-e-Sharif killed there, including Balkh’s provincial governor Daud Muzmal, while four were wounded.

Taliban authorities said that they were already investigating the Thursday explosion and added that the governor of Afghanistan's southern province of Kandahar will temporarily run Balkh.

Supreme Spiritual Leader Haibatullah Akhundzada is expected to select a new governor for the northern province, an important trade hub with Central Asia, spokesman Haji Zaid told Reuters.

(With inputs from agencies)

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At least one person was killed and five injured after a bomb exploded during an award ceremony for journalists in Afghanistan’s Mazar-e-Sharif city on Saturday. The explosion took place at the Tabian Farhang centre in the capital of Balkh province, where journalists had gathered for an award function at 11 am, Mohammad Asif Waziri, the Taliban-appointed spokesman for Balkh police, said, according to AP news agency.

At least one person was killed and five injured after a bomb exploded during an award ceremony for journalists in Afghanistan’s Mazar-e-Sharif city on Saturday. The explosion took place at the Tabian Farhang centre in the capital of Balkh province, where journalists had gathered for an award function at 11 am, Mohammad Asif Waziri, the Taliban-appointed spokesman for Balkh police, said, according to AP news agency. According to TOLOnews, a number of reporters, religious clerics, and local officials participated in the conference. It is unclear who was responsible for the blast, but it is believed that the regional affiliate of the Islamic State group — known as the Islamic State in Khorasan Province — may have been responsible for the blast. The Afghan forces arrived in the area and transferred wounded people to hospitals. The officials are yet to disclose the identity of the victims, but local reports suggested that all the injured were journalists. A reporter for Aryana News television station, Najeeb Faryad, said he felt like something hit him in the back, followed by a deafening sound before he fell to the ground. It came two days after a bomb in Mazar-e-Sharif killed there, including Balkh’s provincial governor Daud Muzmal, while four were wounded. Taliban authorities said that they were already investigating the Thursday explosion and added that the governor of Afghanistan's southern province of Kandahar will temporarily run Balkh. Supreme Spiritual Leader Haibatullah Akhundzada is expected to select a new governor for the northern province, an important trade hub with Central Asia, spokesman Haji Zaid told Reuters. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

One killed, five injured after bomb explodes during award ceremony in Afghanistan

The Taliban governor of Balkh province in Afghanistan was killed in a suicide attack on Thursday (March 9). Mohammad Dawood Muzammil, the killed Talibani, was known for fighting against Islamic State jihadists.

The suicide attack took place a day after he met top government officials visiting from Afghan capital of Kabul. The attack's responsibility was claimed by the&nbsp;Islamic State group.

Taliban seized control of Afghanistan in August 2021. The violence across the country has dramatically dropped since Taliban regained power, but the security situation has again deteriorated since as IS has carried out several attacks.

"Two people, including Mohammad Dawood Muzammil, the governor of Balkh, have been killed in an explosion this morning," local police spokesman Asif Waziri told AFP, adding that the blast happened on the second floor of his office, in the provincial capital Mazar-i-Sharif.

"It was a suicide attack. We don't have information as to how the suicide bomber reached the office of the governor," he said, adding that two people were also wounded.

The explosion happened moments after the governor arrived in his office, said Khairuddin, who was wounded in the incident and in a hospital in Mazar-i-Sharif.

"There was a bang. I fell on the ground," he told AFP, adding that he witnessed a friend lose a hand in the blast. 
Authorities deployed extra security at the governorate, who forbade journalists from taking photos, an AFP correspondent reported from near the site of the blast.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The Taliban governor of Balkh province in Afghanistan was killed in a suicide attack on Thursday (March 9). Mohammad Dawood Muzammil, the killed Talibani, was known for fighting against Islamic State jihadists.

The Taliban governor of Balkh province in Afghanistan was killed in a suicide attack on Thursday (March 9). Mohammad Dawood Muzammil, the killed Talibani, was known for fighting against Islamic State jihadists. The suicide attack took place a day after he met top government officials visiting from Afghan capital of Kabul. The attack's responsibility was claimed by the Islamic State group. Taliban seized control of Afghanistan in August 2021. The violence across the country has dramatically dropped since Taliban regained power, but the security situation has again deteriorated since as IS has carried out several attacks. "Two people, including Mohammad Dawood Muzammil, the governor of Balkh, have been killed in an explosion this morning," local police spokesman Asif Waziri told AFP, adding that the blast happened on the second floor of his office, in the provincial capital Mazar-i-Sharif. "It was a suicide attack. We don't have information as to how the suicide bomber reached the office of the governor," he said, adding that two people were also wounded. The explosion happened moments after the governor arrived in his office, said Khairuddin, who was wounded in the incident and in a hospital in Mazar-i-Sharif. "There was a bang. I fell on the ground," he told AFP, adding that he witnessed a friend lose a hand in the blast. Authorities deployed extra security at the governorate, who forbade journalists from taking photos, an AFP correspondent reported from near the site of the blast. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Afghanistan: Taliban governor of Balkh province dies in suicide attack

The governor of Taliban-ruled Afghanistan’s Balkh province was killed in a blast at his office on Thursday (March 9) morning. Governor Mohammad Dawood Muzammil and one other person were killed in a suicide attack. Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack.

“Two people, including Mohammad Dawood Muzammil, the governor of Balkh, have been killed in an explosion this morning on the second floor of his office, in the provincial capital Mazar-i-Sharif,” police spokesman Asif Waziri told&nbsp;AFP.

“It was a suicide attack. We don’t have information as to how the suicide bomber reached the office of the governor,” he said, adding that two people were also wounded.

The incident occurred at around 9:30 am when the governor arrived at his office from home.

“When the governor was coming to his office, the man blew himself up in the office. The governor and a local man were martyred. A mujahid along with another civilian was injured,” said officials as per Dawn.&nbsp;No group claimed responsibility for the attack. 
 
Taliban government spokesperson&nbsp;Zabihullah Mujahid tweeted that Muzammil was&nbsp;martyred in an explosion by the ‘enemies of Islam’ and investigation is under way.&nbsp;

Mohammad Dawood Muzammil is one of the highest-ranking Taliban officials to be killed in such a circumstance since the group took over Afghanistan in 2021. Muzammil was initially appointed as the governor of the eastern province of Nangarhar where he led the fight against the Islamic State before he was moved to Balkh last year.&nbsp;

Muzammil's death comes a day after he met two deputy prime ministers and other senior officials visiting Balkh&nbsp;to review a major irrigation project in northern Afghanistan, a government statement said, AFP reported.&nbsp; 
 
The fatal attack on the Balkh governor also comes a day after provincial Taliban authorities claimed they had killed eight ‘rebels and kidnappers’ in Mazar-e Sharif, the Balkh provincial capital&nbsp;but&nbsp;had not specified&nbsp;the name of the ‘rebel’ group to which the individuals were allegedly affiliated to.

Violence across Afghanistan has dramatically dropped since the Taliban came to power. However, the security situation in the war-torn country has again deteriorated with the Islamic State claiming several deadly attacks.

Several attacks have rocked the Balkh province, some claimed by the Islamic State. In December last year, a roadside bomb killed seven petroleum company employees aboard a bus in&nbsp;Mazar-i-Sharif city of the province. Also in December, 19 people were killed and 24 injured&nbsp;by a blast at a madrassa in Aybak, southeast of the city.&nbsp; 
 
(With inputs from agencies) 
 
&nbsp;

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The governor of Taliban-ruled Afghanistan’s Balkh province was killed in a blast at his office on Thursday (March 9) morning. Governor Mohammad Dawood Muzammil and one other person were killed in a suicide attack.

The governor of Taliban-ruled Afghanistan’s Balkh province was killed in a blast at his office on Thursday (March 9) morning. Governor Mohammad Dawood Muzammil and one other person were killed in a suicide attack. Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack. “Two people, including Mohammad Dawood Muzammil, the governor of Balkh, have been killed in an explosion this morning on the second floor of his office, in the provincial capital Mazar-i-Sharif,” police spokesman Asif Waziri told AFP. “It was a suicide attack. We don’t have information as to how the suicide bomber reached the office of the governor,” he said, adding that two people were also wounded. The incident occurred at around 9:30 am when the governor arrived at his office from home. “When the governor was coming to his office, the man blew himself up in the office. The governor and a local man were martyred. A mujahid along with another civilian was injured,” said officials as per Dawn. No group claimed responsibility for the attack. Taliban government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid tweeted that Muzammil was martyred in an explosion by the ‘enemies of Islam’ and investigation is under way. Mohammad Dawood Muzammil is one of the highest-ranking Taliban officials to be killed in such a circumstance since the group took over Afghanistan in 2021. Muzammil was initially appointed as the governor of the eastern province of Nangarhar where he led the fight against the Islamic State before he was moved to Balkh last year. Muzammil's death comes a day after he met two deputy prime ministers and other senior officials visiting Balkh to review a major irrigation project in northern Afghanistan, a government statement said, AFP reported. The fatal attack on the Balkh governor also comes a day after provincial Taliban authorities claimed they had killed eight ‘rebels and kidnappers’ in Mazar-e Sharif, the Balkh provincial capital but had not specified the name of the ‘rebel’ group to which the individuals were allegedly affiliated to. Violence across Afghanistan has dramatically dropped since the Taliban came to power. However, the security situation in the war-torn country has again deteriorated with the Islamic State claiming several deadly attacks. Several attacks have rocked the Balkh province, some claimed by the Islamic State. In December last year, a roadside bomb killed seven petroleum company employees aboard a bus in Mazar-i-Sharif city of the province. Also in December, 19 people were killed and 24 injured by a blast at a madrassa in Aybak, southeast of the city. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Afghanistan: Taliban governor of Balkh province killed in suicide attack; IS claims responsibility

US Army veterans as well as active-service members on Wednesday gave a powerful and emotional testimony before Congress, dubbing the haphazard retreat of the forces by the US government a 'catastrophe'.

US Army veterans as well as active-service members on Wednesday gave a powerful and emotional testimony before Congress, dubbing the haphazard retreat of the forces by the US government a 'catastrophe'. The Republicans have initiated the hearings to examine the handling of the Afghanistan 'pull-out' by the Biden administration. Former Marine Sgt. Tyler Vargas-Andrews, one of the first to testify could be seen crying as he said the American troops were unprepared for the pull-out, especially after the Taliban took over the capital city of Kabul. Vargas-Andrews was tasked with protecting the Kabul airport when two suicide bombers set themselves off, killing over 170 Afghans and 13 US servicemen and women. "Plain and simple, we were ignored. My body was overwhelmed from the trauma of the blast. My abdomen had been ripped open. Every inch of my exposed body took ball bearings and shrapnel," said the former US Marine. "There was an inexcusable lack of accountability and negligence. I see the faces of all of those we could not save, those we left behind," he added. Read more: Afghanistan: Where did US go wrong in fight against Taliban? Marine Tyler Vargas-Andrews breaks down while testifying today on the Biden administration’s disastrous Afghanistan withdrawal. He said he and others spotted the suspected Kabul airport bomber before the bombing and asked their commander if they could engage, but were never… https://t.co/Fpuvvaz1Sm pic.twitter.com/V95VqJ33mM — Kristina Wong 🇺🇸 (@kristina_wong) March 8, 2023 × Other soldiers also spoke about the mental and physical toll the withdrawal had on them and their peers. Retired Lt Col David Scott Mann took the stand after Vargas-Andrews and informed the panel that one of his friends that served in Afghanistan could not cope with the trauma and took his own life. "He just couldn't find his way out of the darkness of that moral injury." The veteran called out America for building a reputation where it left allies in the lurch in the face of decimation and destruction. “America is building a nasty reputation for multi-generational systemic abandonment of our allies where we leave a smouldering human refuse from the Montagnards of Vietnam to the Kurds in Syria, Wednesday was the first of what is expected to be a series of hearings to expose the Biden administration by the GOP. The US intelligence failed to anticipate the timeline of the Taliban taking over Kabul which resulted in the chaotic situation. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Sobbing US soldiers recount the 'horrors' of catastrophic withdrawal from Afghanistan before Congress

Military members and veterans of the Afghanistan war offered harrowing eyewitness testimony of the chaotic and deadly U.S. withdrawal from the country's longest conflict, during an hours-long congressional hearing.

Veterans give searing testimony on 'catastrophic' US withdrawal from Afghanistan

International Women's Day meant little to Zareena (name changed) on March 8th this year. But speaking from Kabul, she still wished WION well on Women’s Day, hoping that her voice will make a difference to the current state of women in Afghanistan living under Taliban's rule.

Months after the Taliban hardliners denied Zareena and millions of other Afghan women the right to study and work, the 24-year-old law graduate from Kabul feels more helpless than ever, now that "enough time" has passed.

On December 21, 2022, when the Taliban banned women from attending universities, Zareena was scheduled to appear in an exam for a diploma course at Silo Road in Kabul. While her foreign language diploma was disrupted by Taliban administration's "new rules", she still had a degree in law to hope for a salaried job.

"I cannot pursue my goals and ambitions because of the Taliban," Zareena told WION <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-women-speak-to-wion-as-taliban-dismantles-their-right-to-education-campus-after-campus-545841">earlier in December 2022</a>.

Three months later, little has changed for Zareena and millions of Afghan women like her. In fact, the Taliban's onslaught of women's rights has taken a more aggressive turn.&nbsp;

At the time of filing this report, the Taliban diktat that women aid workers can no longer work in Afghanistan remains imposed despite global uproar against it.&nbsp;

WION first reported in January 2023 when the&nbsp;Taliban-ruled in Balkh province that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/exclusive-afghan-women-fear-for-life-as-taliban-ban-male-doctors-from-treating-them-551218">male doctors</a> can no longer treat female patients.&nbsp;

On January 30, 2023, young female students were stopped from appearing in university entrance exams across the country.

Earlier this week, schools and universities reopened across Afghanistan after winter break<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/afghan-colleges-reopen-only-men-allowed-569342"> but only for men</a>. The visuals showing female students protesting to demand their right to study inside classrooms went viral worldwide. But while remarks were made in the diplomatic enclaves of New York and Geneva where key United Nations organs are headquartered, there was no noise of urgency.&nbsp;

"If women could study and have jobs in Afghanistan, they could do away with all their problems," Zareena told WION in a phone interview from Kabul on March 8th, referring to the women-only households of the war-torn country, where the expenses were previously borne by women working outside the household which no more is the case.&nbsp;

"But without a job, I can't do anything for myself, my family or my country," Zareena added, while reflecting on her months of job hunts in the Afghan capital, where she says, women are being denied jobs because of the "new rules" imposed by the Taliban hardliners.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH&nbsp;|&nbsp;Afghan women speak to WION from the ground: 'We want our freedoms back' | WION Originals

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Asked what message she has for the rest of the world, Zareena referred to the mental distress Taliban's anti-women tyranny is causing to Afghan women.&nbsp;

"Women of Afghanistan need jobs. We need to study to live a good life. We cannot do any job we want," she said.

Since the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan in August 2021, the country has become the most repressive in the world for women and girls, deprived of many of their basic rights, the United Nations said on Wednesday. About 11.6 million Afghan women and girls are in need of humanitarian assistance, estimates say, depicting the current status&nbsp;of Zareena and her fellow Afghan female compatriots.&nbsp;

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International Women's Day meant little to Zareena (name changed) on March 8th this year. But speaking from Kabul, she still wished WION well on Women’s Day, hoping that her voice will make a difference to the current state of women in Afghanistan living under Taliban's rule.

International Women's Day meant little to Zareena (name changed) on March 8th this year. But speaking from Kabul, she still wished WION well on Women’s Day, hoping that her voice will make a difference to the current state of women in Afghanistan living under Taliban's rule. Months after the Taliban hardliners denied Zareena and millions of other Afghan women the right to study and work, the 24-year-old law graduate from Kabul feels more helpless than ever, now that "enough time" has passed. On December 21, 2022, when the Taliban banned women from attending universities, Zareena was scheduled to appear in an exam for a diploma course at Silo Road in Kabul. While her foreign language diploma was disrupted by Taliban administration's "new rules", she still had a degree in law to hope for a salaried job. "I cannot pursue my goals and ambitions because of the Taliban," Zareena told WION earlier in December 2022. Three months later, little has changed for Zareena and millions of Afghan women like her. In fact, the Taliban's onslaught of women's rights has taken a more aggressive turn. At the time of filing this report, the Taliban diktat that women aid workers can no longer work in Afghanistan remains imposed despite global uproar against it. WION first reported in January 2023 when the Taliban-ruled in Balkh province that male doctors can no longer treat female patients. On January 30, 2023, young female students were stopped from appearing in university entrance exams across the country. Earlier this week, schools and universities reopened across Afghanistan after winter break but only for men. The visuals showing female students protesting to demand their right to study inside classrooms went viral worldwide. But while remarks were made in the diplomatic enclaves of New York and Geneva where key United Nations organs are headquartered, there was no noise of urgency. "If women could study and have jobs in Afghanistan, they could do away with all their problems," Zareena told WION in a phone interview from Kabul on March 8th, referring to the women-only households of the war-torn country, where the expenses were previously borne by women working outside the household which no more is the case. "But without a job, I can't do anything for myself, my family or my country," Zareena added, while reflecting on her months of job hunts in the Afghan capital, where she says, women are being denied jobs because of the "new rules" imposed by the Taliban hardliners. ALSO WATCH | Afghan women speak to WION from the ground: 'We want our freedoms back' | WION Originals × Asked what message she has for the rest of the world, Zareena referred to the mental distress Taliban's anti-women tyranny is causing to Afghan women. "Women of Afghanistan need jobs. We need to study to live a good life. We cannot do any job we want," she said. Since the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan in August 2021, the country has become the most repressive in the world for women and girls, deprived of many of their basic rights, the United Nations said on Wednesday. About 11.6 million Afghan women and girls are in need of humanitarian assistance, estimates say, depicting the current status of Zareena and her fellow Afghan female compatriots. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Exclusive | 'We can't serve our family, nation': Why Women's Day held little significance in Afghanistan

An all-female panel was featured in a show of Afghan broadcaster Tolo News aired on Wednesday from its studio along with a female audience to mark International Women's Day. It was seen as a rare broadcast after Taliban took over the country and many female journalists were forced to quit their profession or work off-air.

According to a survey done by Reporters Without Borders last year, it was discovered that more than 75 per cent of female journalists had quit their jobs after the Taliban took over the government and the foreign forces withdrew from the country in August 2021.

On Wednesday evening, the panel featured three women and one female moderator, who discussed women's position in Islam while covering their faces with surgical masks.

ALSO READ |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/universities-reopen-in-taliban-controlled-afghanistan-but-without-female-students-569153">&nbsp;Universities reopen in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan but without female students</a>

"A woman has rights from an Islamic point of view ... it is her right to be able to work, to be educated," journalist Asma Khogyani said, during the panel discussion.

Last year, the Taliban banned girls from attending high schools and universities and barred Afghan females from working in NGOs.

A panelist and former university professor Zakira Nabil said that women will continue finding ways to work and learn.

"Whether you want it or not, women exist in this society ... if it's not possible to get an education at school, she will learn knowledge at home," she said.

Because of increasing restrictions as well as the severe economic crisis of the country, the International Labour Organisation said that there has been a decline of 25 per cent in female employment last year since mid-2021. It added that more women were opting for self-employed work like tailoring at home.

WATCH | Afghan women speak to WION from the ground: 'We want our freedoms back' | WION Originals

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The United Nations Mission to Afghanistan (UNAMA) on Wednesday appealed to the Taliban to remove the restrictions imposed on the rights of women and girls, calling them "distressing."

The Taliban have claimed that they respect the rights of women in accordance with the Islamic law's interpretation and Afghan culture and that a committee has been set up by the authorities to examine perceived issues so as to work towards re-opening schools for girls.

(With inputs from agencies)

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An all-female panel was featured in a show of Afghan broadcaster Tolo News aired on Wednesday from its studio along with a female audience to mark International Women's Day.

An all-female panel was featured in a show of Afghan broadcaster Tolo News aired on Wednesday from its studio along with a female audience to mark International Women's Day. It was seen as a rare broadcast after Taliban took over the country and many female journalists were forced to quit their profession or work off-air. According to a survey done by Reporters Without Borders last year, it was discovered that more than 75 per cent of female journalists had quit their jobs after the Taliban took over the government and the foreign forces withdrew from the country in August 2021. On Wednesday evening, the panel featured three women and one female moderator, who discussed women's position in Islam while covering their faces with surgical masks. ALSO READ | Universities reopen in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan but without female students "A woman has rights from an Islamic point of view ... it is her right to be able to work, to be educated," journalist Asma Khogyani said, during the panel discussion. Last year, the Taliban banned girls from attending high schools and universities and barred Afghan females from working in NGOs. A panelist and former university professor Zakira Nabil said that women will continue finding ways to work and learn. "Whether you want it or not, women exist in this society ... if it's not possible to get an education at school, she will learn knowledge at home," she said. Because of increasing restrictions as well as the severe economic crisis of the country, the International Labour Organisation said that there has been a decline of 25 per cent in female employment last year since mid-2021. It added that more women were opting for self-employed work like tailoring at home. WATCH | Afghan women speak to WION from the ground: 'We want our freedoms back' | WION Originals The United Nations Mission to Afghanistan (UNAMA) on Wednesday appealed to the Taliban to remove the restrictions imposed on the rights of women and girls, calling them "distressing." The Taliban have claimed that they respect the rights of women in accordance with the Islamic law's interpretation and Afghan culture and that a committee has been set up by the authorities to examine perceived issues so as to work towards re-opening schools for girls. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Afghanistan TV's rare broadcast features all-female panel to discuss rights on Women's Day

In a small village circled by velvety white snow-topped mountains in Afghanistan’s Bamiyan province, Aziza Rahimi mourns the baby son she lost last year after a harrowing birth with no medical care. Watch the video to know more.

Young Afghan women train to become midwives

Afghan universities reopened on Monday after a winter break, but only men returned to class with a ban by the Taliban authorities on women in higher education still in force.

Afghan colleges reopen, only men allowed!

India is all set to deliver humanitarian assistance consisting of wheat to "Afghan people" via the Chabahar port in Iran. The India built port has been in the past used to send assistance to Afghanistan, but this is for the first time since Taliban takeover of Afghanistan that the Chabahar will be used to send assistance the landlocked country.&nbsp;

A ministry of external affairs statement said, "to address the current humanitarian situation, Indian side announced its partnership with UNWFP for the delivery of 20,000 MTs of wheat for Afghan people through the Chabahar Port.". India has utilized the Chabahar port to ship 75,000 MTs of wheat as humanitarian food assistance to Afghanistan in 2020.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-defence-secretary-lloyd-austin-visits-iraq-vows-defence-support-against-daesh-569575">US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin visits Iraq, vows defence support against Daesh</a>

Taliban has welcomed the development. Taliban's Suhail Shaheen told WION that, "We greatly appreciate the delivery of 20,000 MTs of wheat for Afghan people through Chabahar Port. Such humanitarian steps boost trust between the two countries which will lead to mutual positive relations."

Last year India dispatched several shipments of humanitarian assistance consisting of 40,000 MTs of wheat, 50 tons of medicines, 500,000 doses of COVID Vaccine, winter clothing and 28 tons of disaster relief assistance. This assistance was sent over land Pakistan.

The humanitarian assistance comes even as India hasn't recognized the Taliban regime in Kabul but continues to have conversation with it. In June 2022, an Indian technical team was sent to Kabul to coordinate the delivery of humanitarian assistance.&nbsp;

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An Indian company took over the operations of the port in December 2018. India has invested close to 85 plus million dollars development of the port which it sees as an important component of connectivity to its west--Iran, Afghanistan, and Central Asia.

Plans are afoot to include the port in the North South Transport Corridor that connects Mumbai with Moscow. As part of its commitment towards the development of the project, India has supplied 6 mobile harbour cranes, and other equipments worth $25 million.

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Announcement came on the day when India Central Asia working group met on Afghanistan. The group includes all the 5 countries of central Asia- Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan &amp; Uzbekistan, and this is the first time this group has met. After the meeting, a joint statement was also issued that called for inclusive govt in Kabul among other issues.

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India is all set to deliver humanitarian assistance consisting of wheat to "Afghan people" via the Chabahar port in Iran. The India built port has been in the past used to send assistance to Afghanistan, but this is for the first time since Taliban takeover of Afghanistan that the Chabahar will be used to send assistance the landlocked country.

India is all set to deliver humanitarian assistance consisting of wheat to "Afghan people" via the Chabahar port in Iran. The India built port has been in the past used to send assistance to Afghanistan, but this is for the first time since Taliban takeover of Afghanistan that the Chabahar will be used to send assistance the landlocked country. A ministry of external affairs statement said, "to address the current humanitarian situation, Indian side announced its partnership with UNWFP for the delivery of 20,000 MTs of wheat for Afghan people through the Chabahar Port.". India has utilized the Chabahar port to ship 75,000 MTs of wheat as humanitarian food assistance to Afghanistan in 2020. Also Read | US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin visits Iraq, vows defence support against Daesh Taliban has welcomed the development. Taliban's Suhail Shaheen told WION that, "We greatly appreciate the delivery of 20,000 MTs of wheat for Afghan people through Chabahar Port. Such humanitarian steps boost trust between the two countries which will lead to mutual positive relations." Last year India dispatched several shipments of humanitarian assistance consisting of 40,000 MTs of wheat, 50 tons of medicines, 500,000 doses of COVID Vaccine, winter clothing and 28 tons of disaster relief assistance. This assistance was sent over land Pakistan. The humanitarian assistance comes even as India hasn't recognized the Taliban regime in Kabul but continues to have conversation with it. In June 2022, an Indian technical team was sent to Kabul to coordinate the delivery of humanitarian assistance. Also Read | Germany planning to ban Huawei, ZTE from parts of 5G networks: Paper An Indian company took over the operations of the port in December 2018. India has invested close to 85 plus million dollars development of the port which it sees as an important component of connectivity to its west--Iran, Afghanistan, and Central Asia. Plans are afoot to include the port in the North South Transport Corridor that connects Mumbai with Moscow. As part of its commitment towards the development of the project, India has supplied 6 mobile harbour cranes, and other equipments worth $25 million. Watch | Why is Estonia's election result important for Ukraine? Announcement came on the day when India Central Asia working group met on Afghanistan. The group includes all the 5 countries of central Asia- Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan & Uzbekistan, and this is the first time this group has met. After the meeting, a joint statement was also issued that called for inclusive govt in Kabul among other issues. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

In a first since Taliban takeover, India to deliver aid to Afghanistan via Chabahar port

Slamming the Taliban for imposing&nbsp;conservative rules over women's rights and freedom in Afghanistan, Razia Muradi, an ambitious Afghan woman, proved that women can excel in any field if given a chance. Muradi&nbsp;won a gold medal in MA (Public Administration) at Veer Narmad South Gujarat University (VNSGU), India. During her convocation on Monday (March&nbsp;06), she&nbsp;said, "I want to tell the Taliban that women can excel in any field if given a chance."

According to media reports, Muradi achieved an 8.6 CGPA, which is the highest score in her subject, Times of India reported.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/universities-reopen-in-taliban-controlled-afghanistan-but-without-female-students-569153">Universities reopen in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan but without female students</a>

The scholar mentioned that she completed her MA degree in 2022, and is now&nbsp;pursuing PhD in Public Administration.&nbsp;

Apart from winning a gold medal, she also received the Sharda Ambelal Desai Award.&nbsp;

Muradi came to India in 2022 and has not gone back to her home since then. Feeling happy about her accomplishment but sad at the same time because she's missing her family. She said, "I am happy for the media, but sad for not being able to meet my family for three year."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-afghanistan-reopen-torkham-crossing-after-almost-a-week-of-shutdown-amid-tensions-565863">Pakistan, Afghanistan reopen Torkham border crossing after week-long shutdown amid tensions</a>

Reportedly, around 14,000 students from Afghanistan are studying in India with the help of scholarships from the Indian Council for Cultural Relations and other institutions. Some of these also&nbsp;include men, who have extended their stay in India after the Taliban takeover.&nbsp;

The terror group took over the South Asian country, Afghanistan in 2021, and since then has imposed several harsh rules for women including in education, and visiting public places but with a male&nbsp;companion.&nbsp;

Recently, universities opened across the Taliban-controlled country but without female students.&nbsp;Only the male students were seen walking down the halls as women students remained barred from entering the premises to pursue education.

(with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

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Slamming the Taliban for imposing conservative rules over women's rights and freedom in Afghanistan, Razia Muradi, an ambitious Afghan woman, proved that women can excel in any field if given a chance.

Slamming the Taliban for imposing conservative rules over women's rights and freedom in Afghanistan, Razia Muradi, an ambitious Afghan woman, proved that women can excel in any field if given a chance. Muradi won a gold medal in MA (Public Administration) at Veer Narmad South Gujarat University (VNSGU), India. During her convocation on Monday (March 06), she said, "I want to tell the Taliban that women can excel in any field if given a chance." According to media reports, Muradi achieved an 8.6 CGPA, which is the highest score in her subject, Times of India reported. Also read | Universities reopen in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan but without female students The scholar mentioned that she completed her MA degree in 2022, and is now pursuing PhD in Public Administration. Apart from winning a gold medal, she also received the Sharda Ambelal Desai Award. Muradi came to India in 2022 and has not gone back to her home since then. Feeling happy about her accomplishment but sad at the same time because she's missing her family. She said, "I am happy for the media, but sad for not being able to meet my family for three year." Also read | Pakistan, Afghanistan reopen Torkham border crossing after week-long shutdown amid tensions Reportedly, around 14,000 students from Afghanistan are studying in India with the help of scholarships from the Indian Council for Cultural Relations and other institutions. Some of these also include men, who have extended their stay in India after the Taliban takeover. The terror group took over the South Asian country, Afghanistan in 2021, and since then has imposed several harsh rules for women including in education, and visiting public places but with a male companion. Recently, universities opened across the Taliban-controlled country but without female students. Only the male students were seen walking down the halls as women students remained barred from entering the premises to pursue education. (with inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Afghan student gives befitting reply to Taliban after winning MA gold at Gujarat university

Universities opened across Afghanistan on Monday but a peculiar sight showed the dystopia of our times. Only the male students could be seen walking down the halls as women students remained barred from entering the premises to pursue education.

Universities opened across Afghanistan on Monday but a peculiar sight showed the dystopia of our times. Only the male students could be seen walking down the halls as women students remained barred from entering the premises to pursue education. “According to a decision by the Supreme Council for Higher Education, studies of the male students at governmental higher education institutions in the colder provinces will officially start from [March 6] of the current year," read a statement by the Taliban’s Ministry of Higher Education. Universities and schools in Afghanistan go on a winter break in nearly 24 provinces every year. Up until last year, women were allowed to continue with their education but the Taliban 2.0, soon reverted to its default settings. "It's heartbreaking to see boys going to the university while we have to stay at home. This is gender discrimination against girls because Islam allows us to pursue higher education. Nobody should stop us from learning, " 22-year-old Rahela, a university student was quoted as saying by AFP. In December last year, the Taliban authorities sent a letter to all public and private colleges announcing the indefinite ban on Afghan girls attending educational institutions. The reason cited for the ban was that women students had failed to appropriately observe gender-based religious restrictions. "You all are informed to implement the mentioned order of suspending the education of females until further notice," read the letter. WATCH | Afghanistan: Taliban fighters enforce university ban; Afghan women deprived of basic human rights × Not only colleges and universities are shut down for the female sex, but the Taliban has also dropped shutters on secondary schools for female students. Whenever the international community confronts the Taliban about its stance, the authorities remark that the ban is temporary. According to prominent human rights groups, the Taliban is the only country in the world where women and little girls are barred from entering educational as well as work institutions. Read more: Afghan women speak to WION as Taliban dismantle their right to education, campus after campus However, the explicit mention of 'only males' in the reopening circular suggests that the Taliban is not looking to go back on its decision any time soon. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Universities reopen in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan but without female students

The UK government has been facing increasing pressure over the delay in the release of the next phase of the Afghan citizens’ resettlement scheme (ACRS ) for hundreds of Afghanistan journalists who supported the West’s mission in the Islamic country.

An estimated 200 Afghan journalists have fled to Iran and Pakistan after the Taliban took over Afghanistan and imposed their own interpretation of Sharia law that bans women from working, reports the Guardian newspaper.

Apart from the UK, Germany, France and Kosovo are among the other countries that have offered refuge to a number of at-risk stranded journalists.

These journalists have expressed frustration against the UK government for not acting fast enough amidst reports that they are being targeted as their visas expire.

According to reports, last month, a number of Afghan journalists were arrested in the Pakistani capital, Islamabad, and their phones, laptops and cameras were seized.

Eight Afghan journalists who worked for the BBC recently had their UK visa applications reopened after legal action against the Home Office.

In light of these incidents, a coalition of press freedom and free expression organisations, including the Index on Censorship, the National Union of Journalists, PEN International and English PEN, wrote to home secretary Suella Braverman this weekend asking why details of the next phase of the ACRS have yet to be revealed.

The Editor-at-large of Index on Censorship, Martin Bright, said they have received a number of relocation demands from Afghan journalists in Afghanistan,&nbsp;Pakistan&nbsp;and Iran who had been offered no reassurance.

“Without clarification on progress for ACRS, there is little if any support that can be provided, and this leaves the journalists vulnerable to threats of disappearance, violence, arrest, imprisonment and assassination,” said Bright.

The ACRS was conceived in August 2021, in the months of the Taliban takeover, under the auspices of then prime minister Boris Johnson.

It was officially launched in January 2022 for those already evacuated, with&nbsp;a second “pathway”&nbsp;later opened for refugees in neighbouring countries such as Pakistan and Iran.

After evacuating contractors who worked for institutions like the British Council on priority, a third pathway is planned to fully open this year, with journalists expected to be among its priority groups, though no details are yet available, reports Guardian.

A government source told the newspaper that more information on this “will be set out in due course”.

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
&nbsp;

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The UK government has been facing increasing pressure over the delay in the release of the next phase of the Afghan citizens’ resettlement scheme (ACRS ) for hundreds of Afghanistan journalists who supported the West’s mission in the Islamic country.

The UK government has been facing increasing pressure over the delay in the release of the next phase of the Afghan citizens’ resettlement scheme (ACRS ) for hundreds of Afghanistan journalists who supported the West’s mission in the Islamic country. An estimated 200 Afghan journalists have fled to Iran and Pakistan after the Taliban took over Afghanistan and imposed their own interpretation of Sharia law that bans women from working, reports the Guardian newspaper. Apart from the UK, Germany, France and Kosovo are among the other countries that have offered refuge to a number of at-risk stranded journalists. These journalists have expressed frustration against the UK government for not acting fast enough amidst reports that they are being targeted as their visas expire. According to reports, last month, a number of Afghan journalists were arrested in the Pakistani capital, Islamabad, and their phones, laptops and cameras were seized. Eight Afghan journalists who worked for the BBC recently had their UK visa applications reopened after legal action against the Home Office. In light of these incidents, a coalition of press freedom and free expression organisations, including the Index on Censorship, the National Union of Journalists, PEN International and English PEN, wrote to home secretary Suella Braverman this weekend asking why details of the next phase of the ACRS have yet to be revealed. The Editor-at-large of Index on Censorship, Martin Bright, said they have received a number of relocation demands from Afghan journalists in Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iran who had been offered no reassurance. “Without clarification on progress for ACRS, there is little if any support that can be provided, and this leaves the journalists vulnerable to threats of disappearance, violence, arrest, imprisonment and assassination,” said Bright. The ACRS was conceived in August 2021, in the months of the Taliban takeover, under the auspices of then prime minister Boris Johnson. It was officially launched in January 2022 for those already evacuated, with a second “pathway” later opened for refugees in neighbouring countries such as Pakistan and Iran. After evacuating contractors who worked for institutions like the British Council on priority, a third pathway is planned to fully open this year, with journalists expected to be among its priority groups, though no details are yet available, reports Guardian. A government source told the newspaper that more information on this “will be set out in due course”. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

UK govt faces ire of rights groups over delay in relocation of stranded Afghan journalists

Taliban welcomed the Indian announcement for Afghanistan in the Union Budget 2023-24, which was presented on Wednesday by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. New Delhi announced a development assistance of Rs 200 crore ($24.3 million) for the country in the budget, which was the same amount announced in last year’s budget as well.&nbsp;

Taliban's Suhail Shaheen told WION, "We appreciate development assistance for Afghanistan by India. It will contribute to boosting relations and trust between the two countries."&nbsp;

Notably, India has continued its support to&nbsp;Afghanistan for the second year in a row since the Taliban's takeover of Kabul, despite not recognising the regime. Taliban took over the country in August 2021.&nbsp;

New Delhi has several times emphasised the historic links with the Afghan people and also sent consignments of wheat, vaccines and humanitarian support to the country.&nbsp;

In the Indian Union budget presented in the Parliament on Wednesday, the development partnership portfolio got 32.40% of the total budget for the Ministry of External Affairs. The largest share of India's aid portfolio is towards Bhutan of Rs 2400 crore, which is around 41.04% of MEA's development assistance. MEA has been allocated Rs 18,050&nbsp;crore in this year's budget, which is 4.64% higher than last year.&nbsp;

Shaheen noted, "There were various projects in Afghanistan which were being funded by India. If India resumes work on these projects, it will contribute to boosting relations between the two countries and eliminating distrust." India has taken responsibility for building the Afghan parliament and the India-Afghanistan friendship dam in Herat province.&nbsp;

Shaheen, who once was part of the Taliban's negotiating team for the intra-Afghan talks, said, "The people of Afghanistan are currently facing poverty and unemployment and need reconstruction and development projects more than ever."&nbsp;

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Taliban welcomed the Indian announcement for Afghanistan in the Union Budget 2023-24, which was presented on Wednesday by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. New Delhi announced a development assistance of Rs 200 crore ($24.

Taliban welcomed the Indian announcement for Afghanistan in the Union Budget 2023-24, which was presented on Wednesday by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. New Delhi announced a development assistance of Rs 200 crore ($24.3 million) for the country in the budget, which was the same amount announced in last year’s budget as well. Taliban's Suhail Shaheen told WION, "We appreciate development assistance for Afghanistan by India. It will contribute to boosting relations and trust between the two countries." Notably, India has continued its support to Afghanistan for the second year in a row since the Taliban's takeover of Kabul, despite not recognising the regime. Taliban took over the country in August 2021. New Delhi has several times emphasised the historic links with the Afghan people and also sent consignments of wheat, vaccines and humanitarian support to the country. In the Indian Union budget presented in the Parliament on Wednesday, the development partnership portfolio got 32.40% of the total budget for the Ministry of External Affairs. The largest share of India's aid portfolio is towards Bhutan of Rs 2400 crore, which is around 41.04% of MEA's development assistance. MEA has been allocated Rs 18,050 crore in this year's budget, which is 4.64% higher than last year. Shaheen noted, "There were various projects in Afghanistan which were being funded by India. If India resumes work on these projects, it will contribute to boosting relations between the two countries and eliminating distrust." India has taken responsibility for building the Afghan parliament and the India-Afghanistan friendship dam in Herat province. Shaheen, who once was part of the Taliban's negotiating team for the intra-Afghan talks, said, "The people of Afghanistan are currently facing poverty and unemployment and need reconstruction and development projects more than ever." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Taliban welcome India’s funds announcement for Afghanistan in Budget 2023-24

Taliban authorities in Afghanistan have "beaten and detained" a professor who protested against the ban on women's education, he said on Friday (February 3).&nbsp;Ismail Mashal tore up his degrees on live television in protest against the globally criticised ban. In a report by the news agency AFP, Mashal's aide Farid Ahmad Fazli was quoted as saying that the academic was "mercilessly beaten".&nbsp;

Fazli said that the professor, who has worked as a lecturer for more than 10 years at three Kabul universities, was taken away in a very disrespectful manner by members of "the Islamic Emirate", the Taliban government.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/watch-ahmadi-mosque-in-pakistans-karachi-desecrated-by-unknown-attackers-558647">Ahmadi mosque in Pakistan's Karachi desecrated by unknown attackers</a>

In the viral video, veteran journalism lecturer Mashal had said, "From today, I don't need these diplomas any more because this country is no place for an education. If my sister and my mother can't study, then I don't accept this education."

Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos and videos shared on social media.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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Ismail Mashal a university professor who became bookseller under Taliban regime. He burned his educational credentials on a live tv debate in protest to Taliban ban on women's education. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Let_her_learn?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Let_her_learn</a> <a href="https://t.co/OuF1VMMc1b">pic.twitter.com/OuF1VMMc1b</a>
— Gawharshad Media (@GawharshadMedia) <a href="https://twitter.com/GawharshadMedia/status/1620796163258720256?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Here's the old video:

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University professor Ismail Mashal to cut his bachelor's and master’s degrees on a live television program in response to the Taliban's recent order (Ban on women's education in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Afghanistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Afghanistan</a>). <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LetHerLearn?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LetHerLearn</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LetAfghanGirlsLearn?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LetAfghanGirlsLearn</a> <a href="https://t.co/bA5QyALQBV">pic.twitter.com/bA5QyALQBV</a>
— Saeedullah Safi (@SaeedullahSafi7) <a href="https://twitter.com/SaeedullahSafi7/status/1607736431849648129?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 27, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Initially, there was no confirmation of Mashal's detention, but later a Taliban official confirmed the detention. Abdul Haq Hammad, who is the director of the Ministry of Information and Culture, tweeted: "Teacher Mashal had indulged in provocative actions against the system for some time. The security agencies took him for investigation."&nbsp;

Mashal tore his academic degree and certificates on local Tolonews in December. The incident was shared multiple times on social media forums and also got media attention globally.&nbsp;

Fazli said that Mashal was arrested on Thursday despite having "committed no crime" and he was giving free books to women and men. He said that the professor is still in detention and we don't know where he is being held.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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Taliban authorities in Afghanistan have "beaten and detained" a professor who protested against the ban on women's education, he said on Friday (February 3). Ismail Mashal tore up his degrees on live television in protest against the globally criticised ban.

Taliban authorities in Afghanistan have "beaten and detained" a professor who protested against the ban on women's education, he said on Friday (February 3). Ismail Mashal tore up his degrees on live television in protest against the globally criticised ban. In a report by the news agency AFP, Mashal's aide Farid Ahmad Fazli was quoted as saying that the academic was "mercilessly beaten". Fazli said that the professor, who has worked as a lecturer for more than 10 years at three Kabul universities, was taken away in a very disrespectful manner by members of "the Islamic Emirate", the Taliban government. ALSO READ | Ahmadi mosque in Pakistan's Karachi desecrated by unknown attackers In the viral video, veteran journalism lecturer Mashal had said, "From today, I don't need these diplomas any more because this country is no place for an education. If my sister and my mother can't study, then I don't accept this education." Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos and videos shared on social media. Ismail Mashal a university professor who became bookseller under Taliban regime. He burned his educational credentials on a live tv debate in protest to Taliban ban on women's education. #Let_her_learn pic.twitter.com/OuF1VMMc1b — Gawharshad Media (@GawharshadMedia) February 1, 2023 × Here's the old video: University professor Ismail Mashal to cut his bachelor's and master’s degrees on a live television program in response to the Taliban's recent order (Ban on women's education in #Afghanistan). #LetHerLearn #LetAfghanGirlsLearn pic.twitter.com/bA5QyALQBV — Saeedullah Safi (@SaeedullahSafi7) December 27, 2022 × Initially, there was no confirmation of Mashal's detention, but later a Taliban official confirmed the detention. Abdul Haq Hammad, who is the director of the Ministry of Information and Culture, tweeted: "Teacher Mashal had indulged in provocative actions against the system for some time. The security agencies took him for investigation." Mashal tore his academic degree and certificates on local Tolonews in December. The incident was shared multiple times on social media forums and also got media attention globally. Fazli said that Mashal was arrested on Thursday despite having "committed no crime" and he was giving free books to women and men. He said that the professor is still in detention and we don't know where he is being held. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Afghanistan: Taliban detain professor who tore up his degrees to protest ban on women's education

Putting a bleak picture of Afghanistan, European Union's special envoy Tomas Niklasson has said that the "situation will only get worse" in the country even as he called on the "Taliban to think carefully about the consequences their decision is having on the people of Afghanistan".

Putting a bleak picture of Afghanistan, European Union's special envoy Tomas Niklasson has said that the "situation will only get worse" in the country even as he called on the "Taliban to think carefully about the consequences their decision is having on the people of Afghanistan". His comments come even as reports emerged of foreign embassies in Kabul removing their diplomats from the country amid security concerns. Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal in Delhi, Niklasson explained, "already harbour quite a number of Jihadis or militant organisations. That is also clear from my conversations here in India, that remains the primary concern of India and many of its Neighbours". He acknowledged India's positive impact on the country over the decades and the strong links between the two nations. When asked about the West betraying the people of Afghanistan, the EU special envoy on Afghanistan pointed out how Afghan national defence forces were built but "foreign intervention trying to build a country from outside is not sustainable" and what "we can do is to help create conditions for Afghans to take part and to push for change inside the country through peaceful ways." The envoy also spoke about ongoing Taliban-Islamabad issues over terror attacks in Pakistan, the role of Russia, China etc. WION: What do you make of the situation right now in Afghanistan? Tomas Niklasson: Happy to be back in Delhi, the situation is grave, for Afghans inside the country and also for Neighbours further afield. First of all, there is no government in a place recognised by the people, recognised by the international community. We have seen systematic violations of human rights under the de facto government, under the Taliban issuing various decrees, restricting the freedom of movement, and the rights of girls and women. Clamping down on journalists, and ethnic, and religious minorities being under threat. There is no constitution in place, the economy has declined rapidly since the Taliban took over and the security situation is deeply concerning both inside the country, with growing threats from organisations such as ISIS K. Neighbours are gravely concerned by the security situation. We are now in the middle of the winter with 28 million in Afghanistan depending on humanitarian assistance and at that precise moment the Taliban decided to ban women from working for NGOs. But doing so, de facto restricting women and children's access to humanitarian assistance, delivered by Europe, the US, India and others. WION: How do you see India's role in Afghanistan, its stake? India does not recognise the Taliban regime but where do you see India's role? Tomas Niklasson: It is clear that India has played a very positive role in Afghanistan over decades and even longer. There are strong links between the people of Afghanistan and India. India invested generously and provided development assistance. It was the biggest regional provider of assistance, and Afghanistan was the biggest recipient of assistance from India. So, there is a lot of goodwill, a lot of history to build on. A lot of that changed when the Taliban took over and India decided to pull out, pull out its embassy staff, and close down its development cooperation. I think India is now looking and trying to decide as to how to look at Afghanistan. Is it still a country they can engage with? Will it build on the solid foundation laid, will it look for ways to provide assistance or will it look at Afghanistan primarily as a security concern or prism and try to contain the negative impact, what is happening inside the country. WION: Reports indicate many gulf countries have closed their embassies or withdrawn diplomats. What is the reason behind it? Tomas Niklasson: We have seen since last summer, a number of attacks against diplomatic missions in Kabul, against Russian diplomatic missions, Pakistani diplomatic missions, and Chinese interests, against the ministry of interior affairs and the ministry of foreign affairs. So, it is clear that there is a serious security threat inside Kabul. This is deeply worrying for those who have a presence inside the country. India has its technical mission inside the country, and others as well. I have been fully occupied by my mission in the last few days here and seem to understand indeed that Saudi diplomats have temporarily left the embassy, not sure for what reason. There has been a lot of speculation of others leaving, which I understand is pure speculation at this time. Cannot comment on the precise situation at this time, but I underline overall there is a worrying security situation in Kabul and the Taliban try to do their best to protect diplomatic missions, but it is also clear that ISIS K's capacity seems to be building up in 6 months or so. WION: Do you think that foreign missions should go out of Kabul, and when it comes to western diplomats, who might be present in Kabul, they should also consider their presence in Kabul? Tomas Niklasson: I think those of us present in Kabul find very good reasons to be there, we want to maintain contact with the people of Afghanistan. We want to convey messages, we want to understand the situation, we want to facilitate the delivery of assistance, and those of us provide humanitarian assistance and other forms of assistance. So going out will be a difficult decision to make. You have to weigh in on politics and security issues. Each country has to decide on its own. WION: Has the west and the EU left Afghanistan on their own, given you are already preoccupied by the situation in Ukraine? It's just lip service coming from Europe when it comes to Afghanistan. Tomas Niklasson: NATO and allied troops left Afghanistan, we the EU has a diplomatic presence in Kabul. We have a humanitarian office in Kabul and committed more than Euro 400 million of assistance to Afghanistan which is far more than most regional countries have contributed. If you refer to the west more broadly, the US has contributed and continues to provide very significant amounts of humanitarian assistance. We stay engaged both with the Taliban and other Afghans. So I think, the perception you allude to, the west or Europe leaving Afghanistan is very far from the reality. We are present and intend to stay, we intend to continue to provide humanitarian assistance and are deeply saddened and shocked by the decision by the de facto authority to try to limit the access to most in need of such assistance. WION: We are essentially seeing what the Taliban did in 1996. It was warned to the west that the Taliban will go against its commitments. When we talk about the west, the current situation in Afghanistan is because the western troops left, the American troops left. Don't you think it is the west that betrayed the Afghan people? Tomas Niklasson: It is obviously in terms of time frame, the sequence of things, yes, the Taliban took over after, or immediately or shortly before the western troops left Afghanistan. Neighbours of Afghanistan have for years, sometimes decades have called on western troops to leave Afghanistan. We have tried together, beyond humanitarian assistance, beyond the development assistance to build and prepare the Afghan national defence forces to build the country, to stand up for the Islamic republic. The President of the Islamic republic left the country, I think we have to look back at the 20 years of support for Afghanistan. We have to look back, further back in history and look at who did what, who said what, and what situation we are in today. But I think it will be far too easy to blame a group of countries, one specific country as we sometimes hear. My focus will be on the situation we are in today, there will be time to talk about history but right now we have to focus on what we can do to provide assistance and support to 40 million Afghans who desperately need support. WION: Taliban has taken away women's rights in many ways, including the right to work. The EU and other countries have objects, what can the EU do so that the Taliban reverse its decision? Tomas Niklasson: I think change inside Afghanistan has to come primarily from within the country. The EU and other partners of Afghanistan and the Afghan people can make clear our expectations. We remind the Taliban of their obligations under international law. We can call on them to reverse the decision but right now we are more in a situation where exceptions can be made. For example, when we talk about a ban on women working in humanitarian assistance in NGOs, we point out the consequences if women cannot deliver and receive assistance, which can also have an impact on the type and amount of assistance Europe can give. But again, change within the system will have to be driven from inside the country. There is a long history starting back with the soviet invasion of Afghanistan, and some would argue with later foreign intervention were trying to build a country from outside is not sustainable and what we can do is to help create conditions for Afghans to take part and to push for change inside the country through peaceful ways. WION: Do you share concerns, including of India, that Afghanistan might become a safe haven for terror groups? For India, it is the worry over Pak-based terror groups moving to Afghanistan. Tomas Niklasson: I think we can look at some of the facts and not speculate much about the future, we saw the presence in Kabul of the leader of Al Qaeda, we see ISIS K building capacity and carrying out attacks. We see TTP carrying out attacks inside Pakistan. We have seen cross-border incidents impacting other Neighbours. So, it's not much Afghanistan can become, but more if it has the capacity to change the current situation in which they already harbour quite a number of Jihadis or militant organisations. That is also clear from my conversations here in India, which remains the primary concern of India and many of its neighbours. WION: So what were the conversations here in India? Tomas Niklasson: The purpose of our visit is mainly that we are in regular contact with the Indian counterparts, try to understand a bit better and compare notes, like what has changed since the last time we met, how India sees Afghanistan and its role in Afghanistan. Last time we were here in New Delhi, there was no presence of India in Kabul but there is now a small presence in Kabul. As we understand India has provided assistance, we share severe concerns on the direction the country is going, and in terms of human rights, any process leading to an inclusive govt. WION: India is the President of G20, do you think that India should be focusing on Afghanistan as well, We saw a special session on Afghanistan under the Italian presidency of the grouping, but that year we saw regime change in Kabul Tomas Niklasson: This was not brought up in our discussion. I am sure that the G20 agenda will be very full, and I understand that not everything circulates around Afghanistan, although personally, I think that what happens is hugely important. From my conversations with my Indian counterpart confirms that for India, Afghanistan is a major issue and how the agenda is being set, and if G20 is the right forum that is for the chair to decide, and I am sure they will make good choices. WION: The Afghanistan and Pakistan issue, both countries have been blaming each other. We saw the Peshawar attack and comments from the Taliban. So how do you see the situation between Kabul and Islamabad? What solution do you see? Tomas Niklasson: I think it's fair to assume that Pakistan is deeply concerned by the security threat coming from Afghanistan. That was a tragic attack, horrible in terms of the victims in Peshawar and we have seen a number of other attacks inside the country claimed by TTP. Pakistan is very much there were other Neighbours of Afghanistan are, in terms of security as a primary concern. There have been attempts, as you know, to negotiate a ceasefire between Pakistan and TTP, the Pakistani Taliban. Members of the de facto govt played a role, notably the Haqqani network. The attack in Peshawar is likely to make the Pakistani establishment less willing to pursue that type of approach. They may be looking for alternatives. The may, as others are concerned about the security and other from the Pakistani side working together with neighbors if and when possible, in trying to prevent this type of attack and change the situation. Afghanistan has become a safe haven for many organisations. WION: What is the role you see for Russia and China in Afghanistan? Tomas Niklasson: Russia, from what I can see, has not played a very constructive role. I don't see it contributing in terms of assistance, contributing to try to find political solutions. At the same time, they organised a number of regional format meetings in a rather exclusive circle, where they pursued their own agenda. Russia has a history in Afghanistan and there is some understanding of the country. It's not a Neighbour of the country but also sees threats coming out of Afghanistan and perhaps can also play a role in trying to address some of those. China, you referred to a number of deals, commercial contracts regarding minerals. We will see how that will work out, it is a situation where there is no legal framework inside the country, the security situation is challenging and I would assume, China's investment is seen in long term perspective and at least for short time very little is going to come out of it, neither for China nor for the Taliban in terms of income of job creation. Perhaps, a little bit you saw that in Baluchistan were Chinese workers, you did not see any significant number and where jobs created are for the Chinese workers coming in. WION: Do you have any hope for Afghanistan and Afghans? Tomas Niklasson: Talking about hope when 28 million people depended on humanitarian support, talking about hope when there is no responsible govt in place, talking about hope when terrorism is building up, talking about hope when Neighbours are concerned, then talking about hope probably seems naive. In the medium to long term, yes, I am hopeful. The hope I have is in the people of Afghanistan, the enormous resilience, the capacity, the fantastic people, there is a chance Afterall for them to take control of their country. I am not talking about armed resistance, not talking about a new civil war, but in the long term I am talking about that there will absolutely be a new future for Afghanistan. But I can't be optimistic about the near future where, situation will only get worse. I can only call on the Taliban to think carefully about the consequences their decision is having on the people of Afghanistan and I can call on India and others to do whatever they can, also to put the interest of people of Afghanistan first and continue where possible to provide assistance needed to get through the winter. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

In Delhi, EU special envoy says, the Afghanistan situation will only 'get worse'

In Afghanistan, the acting deputy prime minister for economic affairs said in a statement on Sunday (February 19) that the Taliban administration is going to convert former foreign military bases into special economic zones for businesses.&nbsp;

As quoted by news agency Reuters, acting deputy PM Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar said in the statement that the Ministry of Industry and Commerce has decided after careful consideration that the administration should take control of the remaining military bases of the foreign forces.&nbsp;

As per the report, he added a pilot plan would begin to convert bases in the capital Kabul and in the northern Balkh province.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/conspiracy-to-control-muslim-population-taliban-ban-use-of-contraceptives-call-it-western-agenda-563622">‘Conspiracy to control Muslim population’: Taliban ban use of contraceptives, call it 'western agenda'</a>&nbsp;

Last year in December, the acting commerce minister had told the news agency that his ministry was working on the plan for former American bases.&nbsp;

It had mentioned that and would submit it to both the economic committee led by Mullah Baradar and to the cabinet for approval.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Pakistan Foreign Affairs Minister Bilawal Bhutto blames Afghanistan for terror in country&nbsp;

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Ever since the Taliban took over Afghanistan in 2021 and foreign troops withdrew after 20 years of war, the economy of the nation is in a dire state. Global aid agencies have warned of a severe humanitarian crisis.&nbsp;

The crisis deepened when major donors had halted their support for the country by freezing funds in immediate response to the takeover. Afghanistan also faced challenges of drought caused by global warming and natural disaster such as an earthquake.&nbsp;

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In Afghanistan, the acting deputy prime minister for economic affairs said in a statement on Sunday (February 19) that the Taliban administration is going to convert former foreign military bases into special economic zones for businesses.

In Afghanistan, the acting deputy prime minister for economic affairs said in a statement on Sunday (February 19) that the Taliban administration is going to convert former foreign military bases into special economic zones for businesses. As quoted by news agency Reuters, acting deputy PM Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar said in the statement that the Ministry of Industry and Commerce has decided after careful consideration that the administration should take control of the remaining military bases of the foreign forces. As per the report, he added a pilot plan would begin to convert bases in the capital Kabul and in the northern Balkh province. ALSO READ | ‘Conspiracy to control Muslim population’: Taliban ban use of contraceptives, call it 'western agenda' Last year in December, the acting commerce minister had told the news agency that his ministry was working on the plan for former American bases. It had mentioned that and would submit it to both the economic committee led by Mullah Baradar and to the cabinet for approval. WATCH | Pakistan Foreign Affairs Minister Bilawal Bhutto blames Afghanistan for terror in country × Ever since the Taliban took over Afghanistan in 2021 and foreign troops withdrew after 20 years of war, the economy of the nation is in a dire state. Global aid agencies have warned of a severe humanitarian crisis. The crisis deepened when major donors had halted their support for the country by freezing funds in immediate response to the takeover. Afghanistan also faced challenges of drought caused by global warming and natural disaster such as an earthquake. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Afghanistan: Taliban to convert former foreign bases into special economic zones

Operations across the Pakistan and Afghanistan border crossing, Torkham, fully resumed on early Saturday (February 25). Over a thousand trucks carrying food and pharmaceuticals crossed the key border opening nearly a week after Taliban authorities shut the busiest trading waypoint. This comes amid tensions which have frequently flared up between Kabul and Islamabad as the latter has accused the former of harbouring militants carrying out attacks in Pakistan, which the Taliban have denied.&nbsp;

The Torkham border crossing was reopened as of 6:00 am (local time), said Afghan customs official Muslim Khaksar, as per AFP. According to reports, previously, the Pakistan government had only opened the border to pedestrians. The border crossing in question is a key point of transit for people and goods between Pakistan and landlocked Afghanistan.&nbsp;

This comes after the Taliban authorities shut the border last week, on Sunday, and&nbsp;claimed that a new document by the Pakistan government restricts attendants of medical patients from entering Islamabad. However, the Pakistani government has neither confirmed nor denied this rule change.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/kabul-pakistan-taliban-officials-talk-on-terrorism-threat-following-deadly-attacks-564937">Afghanistan: Pakistan, Taliban officials hold talks on 'terrorism threat' following deadly attacks</a>

Director Pak-Afghan Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PAJCCI), Zia-ul-Haq Sarhadi also confirmed that all vehicular movement including that of cargoes has started.&nbsp;Earlier,&nbsp; Sarhadi had said that this closure has led to enormous losses to exporters and businessmen. Furthermore, reports suggest that the Afghan side opened the gate on Thursday, while the Pakistan side remained closed.&nbsp;

“Trucks carrying rice, cement, construction material, medicines and other edibles were sent to Afghanistan,” a Pakistani customs official told AFP. While lorries loaded with coal, vegetables and fruits have entered Pakistan, he added. The Pakistani official also said that around 1,400 trucks on the Pakistan side were still waiting to cross into Afghanistan.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/cash-strapped-pakistan-government-halts-clearance-of-bills-salaries-report-565831">Cash-strapped Pakistan government halts clearance of bills, salaries: Report</a>

This also comes after a gunfight erupted between Afghan Taliban forces and Pakistani border guards, last Monday, which left&nbsp;one Pakistani soldier injured. On February 22, Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asid and the Director-General of Inter-Services Intelligence of Pakistan (ISI) Nadeem Anjum held talks with the Taliban government to counter the “threat of terrorism” in Kabul.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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Operations across the Pakistan and Afghanistan border crossing, Torkham, fully resumed on early Saturday (February 25). Over a thousand trucks carrying food and pharmaceuticals crossed the key border opening nearly a week after Taliban authorities shut the busiest trading waypoint.

Operations across the Pakistan and Afghanistan border crossing, Torkham, fully resumed on early Saturday (February 25). Over a thousand trucks carrying food and pharmaceuticals crossed the key border opening nearly a week after Taliban authorities shut the busiest trading waypoint. This comes amid tensions which have frequently flared up between Kabul and Islamabad as the latter has accused the former of harbouring militants carrying out attacks in Pakistan, which the Taliban have denied. The Torkham border crossing was reopened as of 6:00 am (local time), said Afghan customs official Muslim Khaksar, as per AFP. According to reports, previously, the Pakistan government had only opened the border to pedestrians. The border crossing in question is a key point of transit for people and goods between Pakistan and landlocked Afghanistan. This comes after the Taliban authorities shut the border last week, on Sunday, and claimed that a new document by the Pakistan government restricts attendants of medical patients from entering Islamabad. However, the Pakistani government has neither confirmed nor denied this rule change. ALSO READ | Afghanistan: Pakistan, Taliban officials hold talks on 'terrorism threat' following deadly attacks Director Pak-Afghan Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PAJCCI), Zia-ul-Haq Sarhadi also confirmed that all vehicular movement including that of cargoes has started. Earlier, Sarhadi had said that this closure has led to enormous losses to exporters and businessmen. Furthermore, reports suggest that the Afghan side opened the gate on Thursday, while the Pakistan side remained closed. “Trucks carrying rice, cement, construction material, medicines and other edibles were sent to Afghanistan,” a Pakistani customs official told AFP. While lorries loaded with coal, vegetables and fruits have entered Pakistan, he added. The Pakistani official also said that around 1,400 trucks on the Pakistan side were still waiting to cross into Afghanistan. ALSO READ | Cash-strapped Pakistan government halts clearance of bills, salaries: Report This also comes after a gunfight erupted between Afghan Taliban forces and Pakistani border guards, last Monday, which left one Pakistani soldier injured. On February 22, Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asid and the Director-General of Inter-Services Intelligence of Pakistan (ISI) Nadeem Anjum held talks with the Taliban government to counter the “threat of terrorism” in Kabul. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Pakistan, Afghanistan reopen Torkham border crossing after week-long shutdown amid tensions

Pakistan's Defence Minister and spy Chief held talks with the Taliban officials in Kabul and they discussed ways to counter the threat of terrorism. This comes just days after Pakistan blamed Afghan Taliban of harbouring terrorists from its homegrown version of the extremist group.

Pakistan delegation meets Taliban officials, discuss TTP threats

After a U.S. court ruled that victims of 9/11 terror attacks cannot seize the $ 3.5 billion in in frozen funds belonging to the Afghanistan Central Bank, Taliban have demanded that Washington should return the assets to the company.

U.S. court ruling on frozen Afghan bank assets, Taliban demands U.S. to return them

A line that separates Pakistan from Afghanistan is in turmoil as both sides trade fire, this is been happening for quite some time now and the hostilities refuse to seize. The latest flare-up unfolded on the Torkham border.

TTP & Taliban: Pakistan's twin challenges; How Pakistan can't fight on two fronts?

Torkham, the main border crossing between Afghanistan and Pakistan has been closed down as locals reportedly heard gunfire near the normally busy transit point. According to local media reports, a Pakistani soldier was reportedly injured as Pakistani-Afghani forces opened fire at each other.

Pakistan, Afghan forces trade fire at Torkham; both sides blame each other for initiating violence

The Taliban regime in Afghanistan is planning to convert for former foreign military bases into special economic zones to promote economic activities. Acting deputy prime minister for economic affairs Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar held a cabinet meeting in Kabul to discuss plans with officials. Watch to know more.

Taliban plans to turn Foreign Military Bases into Special Economic Zones

Taliban 2.0 promised t be different when it overtook Afghanistan, they promised they would be more considerate and would be more inclusive on issues like women's rights. But the new rulers of Afghanistan have methodically trampled all such rights but now they have done something different. Watch the video to know more.

Taliban against birth control medicines as they ban condoms

Pakistan's Foreign Affairs Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that terrorism emanating from Afghanistan is a threat to Pakistan but if not taken seriously by the international community, it could spread to other parts of the world as well.

Pakistan Foreign Affairs Minister Bilawal Bhutto blames Afghanistan for terror in country

Bulgarian police have arrested seven people in connection with the death&nbsp;of 18 migrants, including a child, from Afghanistan, said officials on Saturday (February 18), a day after they were found in an abandoned truck outside the capital city of Sofia. According to the initial investigations, the truck was transporting 52 people who were hiding under wooden planks out of which 18 died due to suffocation.&nbsp;

The three arrests made on Saturday were in addition to the previous four detained suspects who are said to be Bulgarians, reported AFP. This incident may be one of the deadliest people smugglings in the country where there has been an uptick in the number of illegal border crossings. Reports suggest that the truck contained a group of Afghans who were coming from Turkey&nbsp;and were headed for western Europe as Bulgaria serves as a gateway to the 27-nation bloc.&nbsp;

An interior ministry spokesperson told AFP, “I can confirm seven people have been arrested”, while another official reportedly said that the suspected ringleader was among those arrested. The alleged ringleader has a previous record of&nbsp;similar charges and had&nbsp;received a suspended jail sentence of five months for smuggling people.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bulgarian-authorities-find-18-migrants-found-dead-in-truck-563187">Bulgarian authorities find 18 migrants dead in an abandoned truck 'illegally transporting' around 40 people</a>

On Friday, Bulgarian authorities said that 34 people, including five children, were rescued and rushed to the hospital. The country’s interior ministry also later reported that the truck was transporting timber and carrying illegal migrants hidden in compartments. According to reports, the local residents alerted the police about the vehicle which was found abandoned near the village of Lokorsko, 12 km away from the capital city of Sofia.&nbsp;

The head of the National Investigative Service, Borislav Sarafov, told reporters yesterday, that the migrants had crossed the border with neighbouring Turkey&nbsp;and hid in the wood for two days before they were moved onto a truck near the city of Yambol in southeastern Bulgaria. Additionally, Health Minister Asen Medzhidiev had also said that there had been “a lack of oxygen to those who were locked in this truck. They were freezing, wet, they have not eaten for several days.”&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
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Bulgarian police have arrested seven people in connection with the death of 18 migrants, including a child, from Afghanistan, said officials on Saturday (February 18), a day after they were found in an abandoned truck outside the capital city of Sofia.

Bulgarian police have arrested seven people in connection with the death of 18 migrants, including a child, from Afghanistan, said officials on Saturday (February 18), a day after they were found in an abandoned truck outside the capital city of Sofia. According to the initial investigations, the truck was transporting 52 people who were hiding under wooden planks out of which 18 died due to suffocation. The three arrests made on Saturday were in addition to the previous four detained suspects who are said to be Bulgarians, reported AFP. This incident may be one of the deadliest people smugglings in the country where there has been an uptick in the number of illegal border crossings. Reports suggest that the truck contained a group of Afghans who were coming from Turkey and were headed for western Europe as Bulgaria serves as a gateway to the 27-nation bloc. An interior ministry spokesperson told AFP, “I can confirm seven people have been arrested”, while another official reportedly said that the suspected ringleader was among those arrested. The alleged ringleader has a previous record of similar charges and had received a suspended jail sentence of five months for smuggling people. ALSO READ | Bulgarian authorities find 18 migrants dead in an abandoned truck 'illegally transporting' around 40 people On Friday, Bulgarian authorities said that 34 people, including five children, were rescued and rushed to the hospital. The country’s interior ministry also later reported that the truck was transporting timber and carrying illegal migrants hidden in compartments. According to reports, the local residents alerted the police about the vehicle which was found abandoned near the village of Lokorsko, 12 km away from the capital city of Sofia. The head of the National Investigative Service, Borislav Sarafov, told reporters yesterday, that the migrants had crossed the border with neighbouring Turkey and hid in the wood for two days before they were moved onto a truck near the city of Yambol in southeastern Bulgaria. Additionally, Health Minister Asen Medzhidiev had also said that there had been “a lack of oxygen to those who were locked in this truck. They were freezing, wet, they have not eaten for several days.” (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Bulgarian cops arrest seven for death of 18 Afghan migrants found in an abandoned truck

While Afghan women continue to struggle under Taliban rule, a top diplomat from the United States has triggered social media outrage with a tweet that has been called "appalling" by many who criticised her. Karen Decker, the Chargé d'Affaires of the U.S. Mission to Afghanistan, has now apologised for the post in which she referred to the "Black Girl Magic" movement. "Are Afghans familiar with Black Girl Magic and the movement it inspired? Do Afghan girls need a similar movement? What about Afghan Women?' 'Teach me, ready to learn. @Beyonce @lizzo @ReginaKing, (sic)," she had tweeted.&nbsp;

Her suggestion for Afghan women to draw inspiration from Beyonce and others even as the Taliban administration continues to shut them out of schools and workplaces did not go well. "Sometimes our best intentions go awry because we haven’t listened enough or don’t truly understand others’ lived experience. My efforts to celebrate courageous African Americans this month fall in that category. I apologize to any and all who I may have offended or hurt. (sic)," she wrote on Twitter as the apology followed the barrage of criticism. Violation of rights of the women in the South Asian country has been a matter of concern ever since the Taliban returned to power in 2021. &nbsp;The United Nations and world leaders have been vocal about women and girls not being treated as equals in the country despite the Taliban's assurance of change.&nbsp;

Outpouring of anger

Meanwhile, one of the many posts that were put out amid anger against Karen's tweet were: "Allow me to introduce you to America’s idiot of the day #USAmbKabul Karen Decker. &nbsp;Apparently, all we should know is that Abraham Lincoln “did some stuff”. Ms Decker, we salute you, a true moron through and through. (sic)."&nbsp;

The Black Girl Movement a couple of years ago was meant to spark conversation on the social identity of women of colour. &nbsp;People on social media questioned the comparison of the two situations by the diplomat. A user posted screenshots of the now-deleted tweets, saying: "Karen Decker, the Biden Admin’s Chargés d'affaires to Taliban-led Afghanistan, has deleted these bizarre tweets. (sic)" &nbsp;

"This Tweet is too weird, too personal, to have resulted from some kind of collective effort at DEI. This is a window into the actual mind of Karen Decker. It's remarkable. A rare document of how this all comes together in the strange minds of the people who rule us. (sic)," read another post that gave an idea of social media sentiments.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-stands-with-afghanistan-in-time-of-need-says-nsa-ajit-doval-at-moscow-talks-560135">India stands with Afghanistan in time of need, says NSA Ajit Doval at Moscow talks</a> 
&nbsp;

This was not the only tweet by the US diplomat that drew anger. On former US president Abraham Lincoln's birthday, she wrote on Twitter: "Abe Lincoln born today in 1809. He did some stuff. It's also NAACP day, home of grassroots activism, inclusive communities and making sure Black voices are heard. What does that look like for Afghans struggling to be heard? #BlackHistoryMonth @NAACP @LincolnsCottage. (sic)"&nbsp;

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While Afghan women continue to struggle under Taliban rule, a top diplomat from the United States has triggered social media outrage with a tweet that has been called "appalling" by many who criticised her.

While Afghan women continue to struggle under Taliban rule, a top diplomat from the United States has triggered social media outrage with a tweet that has been called "appalling" by many who criticised her. Karen Decker, the Chargé d'Affaires of the U.S. Mission to Afghanistan, has now apologised for the post in which she referred to the "Black Girl Magic" movement. "Are Afghans familiar with Black Girl Magic and the movement it inspired? Do Afghan girls need a similar movement? What about Afghan Women?' 'Teach me, ready to learn. @Beyonce @lizzo @ReginaKing, (sic)," she had tweeted. Her suggestion for Afghan women to draw inspiration from Beyonce and others even as the Taliban administration continues to shut them out of schools and workplaces did not go well. "Sometimes our best intentions go awry because we haven’t listened enough or don’t truly understand others’ lived experience. My efforts to celebrate courageous African Americans this month fall in that category. I apologize to any and all who I may have offended or hurt. (sic)," she wrote on Twitter as the apology followed the barrage of criticism. Violation of rights of the women in the South Asian country has been a matter of concern ever since the Taliban returned to power in 2021. The United Nations and world leaders have been vocal about women and girls not being treated as equals in the country despite the Taliban's assurance of change. Outpouring of anger Meanwhile, one of the many posts that were put out amid anger against Karen's tweet were: "Allow me to introduce you to America’s idiot of the day #USAmbKabul Karen Decker. Apparently, all we should know is that Abraham Lincoln “did some stuff”. Ms Decker, we salute you, a true moron through and through. (sic)." The Black Girl Movement a couple of years ago was meant to spark conversation on the social identity of women of colour. People on social media questioned the comparison of the two situations by the diplomat. A user posted screenshots of the now-deleted tweets, saying: "Karen Decker, the Biden Admin’s Chargés d'affaires to Taliban-led Afghanistan, has deleted these bizarre tweets. (sic)" "This Tweet is too weird, too personal, to have resulted from some kind of collective effort at DEI. This is a window into the actual mind of Karen Decker. It's remarkable. A rare document of how this all comes together in the strange minds of the people who rule us. (sic)," read another post that gave an idea of social media sentiments. Also read: India stands with Afghanistan in time of need, says NSA Ajit Doval at Moscow talks This was not the only tweet by the US diplomat that drew anger. On former US president Abraham Lincoln's birthday, she wrote on Twitter: "Abe Lincoln born today in 1809. He did some stuff. It's also NAACP day, home of grassroots activism, inclusive communities and making sure Black voices are heard. What does that look like for Afghans struggling to be heard? #BlackHistoryMonth @NAACP @LincolnsCottage. (sic)" WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

'Best intentions go awry...': US envoy's apology over tweet on Afghan women

The Taliban raided an Islamic State hideout in Kabul overnight. According to a Taliban spokesperson, the raid was said to have targeted Islamic State militants who were responsible for the recent organised attacks in Kabul recently.

Taliban targets Islamic State hideout in Kabul, kills IS fighters in raid

Major differences have emerged within the Taliban leadership in Afghanistan, experts said , after a senior official described the country’s situation as “intolerable” over the weekend.

Taliban Internal minister stokes controversy

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