The Taliban has strongly denied reports of a Chinese presence at Afghanistan’s Bagram Airbase, dismissing the claims as false. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has vowed to take back control of the base if re-elected. As geopolitical tensions rise, the question remains—will the US return to Afghanistan?

Afghanistan: Taliban rejects Chinese presence as Trump vows bagram takeover

Former Pakistan captain and gloveman Rashid Latif dropped a bombshell explaining why batting great Younis Khan chose to mentor Afghanistan over his country during the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/champions-trophy" rel="dofollow">Champions Trophy 2025</a>. After the hosts got knocked out of the home tournament in the group stage, courtesy of two losses and a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/pakistan-remain-winless-in-home-champions-trophy-after-washed-out-bangladesh-tie-8762162" rel="dofollow">washed-out tie</a>, while Afghanistan remained in contention for a historic semis spot, Rashid said the lack of financial benefits forced Younis to pick their opponent for the mentorship role.
Younis joined Afghanistan&rsquo;s backroom staff ahead of the eight-team tournament as the mentor, joining head coach Jonathan Trott, under whom Afghanistan tasted enormous success in the past two years. Younis&rsquo; signing proved vital for Afghanistan, who posted a mammoth 325 against England in their do-or-die game in Lahore, emerging as winners eventually by eight runs.
Already upbeat to take on any cricketing giant on a bigger stage, Afghanistan&rsquo;s batting looked composed, impressing all. How their middle order contributed against lethal English bowlers indicated how far they have come in international cricket.&nbsp;
On the other end, Pakistan batters lacked zeal and intent and looked timid during their two matches against New Zealand and India, losing both. While they failed to chase 321 in the tournament opener in Karachi, Pakistan couldn&rsquo;t defend a paltry 242 against their arch-rivals, with Virat Kohli scoring a match-winning hundred.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/afg-vs-aus-live-streaming-free-when-and-where-to-watch-champions-trophy-2025-afghanistan-vs-australia-live-for-free-online-mobile-ott-tv-8762839" rel="dofollow">&lsquo;Prime minister will personally take notice&rsquo;: Pakistan&rsquo;s early Champions Trophy exit to be &lsquo;raised in parliament&rsquo;</a>
&ldquo;Younis Khan said no to Pakistan cricket to work with Afghanistan. There are no financial benefits here," Latif said during a Geo News show episode after Afghanistan knocked England out of Champions Trophy 2025.
Meanwhile, Naseeb Khan, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) chief executive, defended this appointment.
"Since the Champions Trophy is being held in Pakistan, it was essential to appoint an experienced and talented mentor from the host country. We have previously benefited from working with mentors from host nations during the 2023 ODI World Cup and the 2024 T20 World Cup,&rdquo; he explained.
<h2>Afghanistan up for Aussie challenge</h2>
Unlike Pakistan, who got knocked out from the home tournament just six days into it, Afghanistan could create history in their maiden Champions Trophy appearance by qualifying for the semis.
Having lost one game (against South Africa) and winning the other (against England), Afghanistan&rsquo;s last league match is against the ODI giants Australia, who sit one clear of them on the table in Group B.&nbsp;
Although the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/rain-threatens-to-spoil-afghanistan-australia-champions-trophy-showdown-in-lahore-8764190" rel="dofollow">rain is likely to play the spoilsport in Lahore</a>, should the game go ahead, Afghanistan must cause the upset of the tournament to cruise ahead or else, even after sharing points in case of a wash-out, Afghanistan could miss out on a historic semis spot.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

Sports, Cricket: Younis joined Afghanistan’s backroom staff as the mentor, joining head coach Trott, under whom Afghanistan tasted enormous success in the past two years.

Former Pakistan captain and gloveman Rashid Latif dropped a bombshell explaining why batting great Younis Khan chose to mentor Afghanistan over his country during the Champions Trophy 2025. After the hosts got knocked out of the home tournament in the group stage, courtesy of two losses and a washed-out tie, while Afghanistan remained in contention for a historic semis spot, Rashid said the lack of financial benefits forced Younis to pick their opponent for the mentorship role. Younis joined Afghanistan’s backroom staff ahead of the eight-team tournament as the mentor, joining head coach Jonathan Trott, under whom Afghanistan tasted enormous success in the past two years. Younis’ signing proved vital for Afghanistan, who posted a mammoth 325 against England in their do-or-die game in Lahore, emerging as winners eventually by eight runs. Already upbeat to take on any cricketing giant on a bigger stage, Afghanistan’s batting looked composed, impressing all. How their middle order contributed against lethal English bowlers indicated how far they have come in international cricket. On the other end, Pakistan batters lacked zeal and intent and looked timid during their two matches against New Zealand and India, losing both. While they failed to chase 321 in the tournament opener in Karachi, Pakistan couldn’t defend a paltry 242 against their arch-rivals, with Virat Kohli scoring a match-winning hundred. Also read | ‘Prime minister will personally take notice’: Pakistan’s early Champions Trophy exit to be ‘raised in parliament’ “Younis Khan said no to Pakistan cricket to work with Afghanistan. There are no financial benefits here," Latif said during a Geo News show episode after Afghanistan knocked England out of Champions Trophy 2025. Meanwhile, Naseeb Khan, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) chief executive, defended this appointment. "Since the Champions Trophy is being held in Pakistan, it was essential to appoint an experienced and talented mentor from the host country. We have previously benefited from working with mentors from host nations during the 2023 ODI World Cup and the 2024 T20 World Cup,” he explained. Afghanistan up for Aussie challenge Unlike Pakistan, who got knocked out from the home tournament just six days into it, Afghanistan could create history in their maiden Champions Trophy appearance by qualifying for the semis. Having lost one game (against South Africa) and winning the other (against England), Afghanistan’s last league match is against the ODI giants Australia, who sit one clear of them on the table in Group B. Although the rain is likely to play the spoilsport in Lahore, should the game go ahead, Afghanistan must cause the upset of the tournament to cruise ahead or else, even after sharing points in case of a wash-out, Afghanistan could miss out on a historic semis spot. (With inputs from agencies)

Rashid Latif explains what forced Younis Khan to choose Afghanistan over Pakistan

Afghanistan's win over England has opened up Group. South Africa, Australia and Afghanistan can all qualify for the semi-finals. WION's Esha Hanspal tells you how.

Champions Trophy: Qualification scenarios for Group B

US President Donald Trump has called for the return of billions of dollars worth of military equipment left behind in Afghanistan after the 2021 US withdrawal. Watch this report for more details!

Donald Trump demands return of weapons' left in Afghanistan after 2021 withdrawal

Afghanistan delivered a stunning performance in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, knocking England out of the tournament with a thrilling victory. Watch this report for more details!

ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Afghanistan beat England by 8 runs to knock them out of the tournament

Thirty-nine people have died in two provinces in Afghanistan due to hail and heavy rain. . .

According to reports,---

The victims, who had traveled to the area for leisure, ---

Were caught off guard when the floods surged unexpectedly, throwing them into a deep ravine...

Death toll hits 39 after floods and hail in Afghanistan

While the two teams from Group A &ndash; India and New Zealand have qualified for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/champions-trophy" rel="dofollow">Champions Trophy 2025</a> semi-finals, the fight for the remaining two spots continues in the other group, with plenty happening since Wednesday's thriller between Afghanistan and England in Lahore. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/champions-trophy-2025-ibrahims-177-helps-afghanistan-knock-out-england-8759862" rel="dofollow">England is out of the semis race</a>, leaving three teams (Australia, South Africa and Afghanistan) fighting for the two positions in the final four. So, who makes it through? Can Afghanistan realise their dream, or would the Proteas and Aussies advance?
<h2>Group B scenarios</h2>
Afghanistan's win over England increases their chances of reaching the Champions Trophy semis in their maiden appearance but also leaves doors open for Australia and South Africa to cruise ahead.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/afg-vs-eng-dressing-room-erupts-in-joy-after-afghanistan-win-first-champions-trophy-match-against-england-watch-8760685" rel="dofollow">Watch - Dressing room erupts in joy after Afghanistan win first Champions Trophy match</a>
Meanwhile, all four teams have played two games each, with Proteas and Aussies sitting at the top with three points each besides their names, having won one and attaining one point from their washed-out tie earlier. Afghanistan is third on the list with one win and a loss in two matches, with England knocked out from the semis race after going down in their two successive games.
<h3>How can Australia and South Africa qualify?</h3>
Australia face Afghanistan in their final league game on Friday (Feb 28) in Lahore, and a win there would confirm their qualification in the last four. On the other hand, the Proteas' game against England will also be crucial to their chances.&nbsp;
Should South Africa beat them in Karachi on Saturday (Mar 1), they will join Australia from Group B in the semis. However, the outcomes of their final league matches will determine their positions on the points table.
Considering another case scenario, where Australia beat Afghanistan and England upset the Proteas, the Aussies would end the league games with five points, while South Africa would have three.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/jos-buttler-drops-hint-on-captaincy-future-after-afghanistan-shocker-in-champions-trophy-says-all-possibilities-to-be-considered-8760313" rel="dofollow">England skipper Jos Buttler admits captaincy is at stake after Afghanistan shocker</a>
<h3>How can Afghanistan qualify for Champions Trophy semis?</h3>
Afghanistan has been on a rampage since the ODI World Cup in India, where they beat three former world champions, including England, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, in their group stage, narrowly missing out on the semis spot.&nbsp;
Next year, during the T20 World Cup in the Americas, they stunned the world with comprehensive wins over New Zealand and Australia in the group games, qualifying for their maiden semis in the tournament. South Africa crushed them in a one-sided contest in the semi-final.
In the 2025 Champions Trophy, they lost their tournament opener to South Africa by 105 runs, but a win over England has kept their hopes alive. Though still low on NRR, beating the defending world champions Australia in their last league match will seal their ticket for the semis, creating history.
However, should they lose, they&rsquo;d be out of the tournament.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

Sports, Cricket: Only India and New Zealand from Group A have qualified for the Champions Trophy semis thus far, with the fight for the remaining two spots continuing in Group B.

While the two teams from Group A – India and New Zealand have qualified for the Champions Trophy 2025 semi-finals, the fight for the remaining two spots continues in the other group, with plenty happening since Wednesday's thriller between Afghanistan and England in Lahore. England is out of the semis race, leaving three teams (Australia, South Africa and Afghanistan) fighting for the two positions in the final four. So, who makes it through? Can Afghanistan realise their dream, or would the Proteas and Aussies advance? Group B scenarios Afghanistan's win over England increases their chances of reaching the Champions Trophy semis in their maiden appearance but also leaves doors open for Australia and South Africa to cruise ahead. Also read | Watch - Dressing room erupts in joy after Afghanistan win first Champions Trophy match Meanwhile, all four teams have played two games each, with Proteas and Aussies sitting at the top with three points each besides their names, having won one and attaining one point from their washed-out tie earlier. Afghanistan is third on the list with one win and a loss in two matches, with England knocked out from the semis race after going down in their two successive games. How can Australia and South Africa qualify? Australia face Afghanistan in their final league game on Friday (Feb 28) in Lahore, and a win there would confirm their qualification in the last four. On the other hand, the Proteas' game against England will also be crucial to their chances. Should South Africa beat them in Karachi on Saturday (Mar 1), they will join Australia from Group B in the semis. However, the outcomes of their final league matches will determine their positions on the points table. Considering another case scenario, where Australia beat Afghanistan and England upset the Proteas, the Aussies would end the league games with five points, while South Africa would have three. Also read | England skipper Jos Buttler admits captaincy is at stake after Afghanistan shocker How can Afghanistan qualify for Champions Trophy semis? Afghanistan has been on a rampage since the ODI World Cup in India, where they beat three former world champions, including England, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, in their group stage, narrowly missing out on the semis spot. Next year, during the T20 World Cup in the Americas, they stunned the world with comprehensive wins over New Zealand and Australia in the group games, qualifying for their maiden semis in the tournament. South Africa crushed them in a one-sided contest in the semi-final. In the 2025 Champions Trophy, they lost their tournament opener to South Africa by 105 runs, but a win over England has kept their hopes alive. Though still low on NRR, beating the defending world champions Australia in their last league match will seal their ticket for the semis, creating history. However, should they lose, they’d be out of the tournament. (With inputs from agencies)

Champions Trophy 2025: Who will qualify for semis from Group B? Do Afghanistan stand a chance?

Twenty-nine people have died in two provinces in Afghanistan due to hail and heavy rain. . .

According to reports,---

The victims, who had traveled to the area for leisure, ---

Were caught off guard when the floods surged unexpectedly, throwing them into a deep ravine...

Afghanistan hit by rain, hail, flash floods

Radio Begum, a women's radio station in Afghanistan, will resume broadcasting after the Taliban lifted its suspension. The station's return marks a significant step for female empowerment in the country. 


Radio Begum to resume broadcasts; resumption comes after Taliban lifted suspension

Pakistan conducted air strikes along the Afghanistan border, targeting areas in North Waziristan and Paktika. While Pakistan claims the strikes were necessary, the Taliban have denied any air strikes occurred.

Pakistan conducts strikes at Afghanistan border, Taliban denies

Kabul-based Radio Begum – a station run by women with content aimed at women’s education – was forced to stop operations after the Taliban’s Information and Culture Ministry searched its office and restrained the station’s staff. What's in store for the future of women in Afghanistan? Watch this video to find out more.

Taliban decimates dreams, rights and dignity of women, one decree at a time

Afghanistan's Taliban government has suspended Radio Begum, a station dedicated to women’s voices and issues. This move is seen as another step in restricting women's rights in the country. The closure of the station has sparked international criticism, with activists calling for media freedom and women's empowerment. Watch the full report for details on the latest crackdown. Watch in for more details!

Taliban suspends women's radio station in Afghanistan

Afghanistan is sitting on an estimated $1 trillion worth of untapped mineral resources, according to U.S. and UN assessments. Since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, around 200 mining contracts worth billions of dollars have been signed, mostly with local companies.

Afghanistan: Taliban taps $1 trillion mineral wealth

Afghanistan’s mineral reserves valued at $1 trillion

In an emotional moment, Taliban leader Omari expresses deep regret over the continued ban on girls’ education in Afghanistan, sparking international concern and debate over the future of Afghan women’s rights.

Taliban leader Omari breaks down in tears over Afgahn girls' education ban

Afghanistan is grappling with an economic crisis. Its currency, the Afghani, has sharply depreciated against the US Dollar. Here’s a detailed report on how the currency fluctuation is impacting daily life and the measures being taken to stabilize the economy.

Dollar surge deepens Afghanistan's economic woes

Taliban authorities in Afghanistan reportedly have agreed to allow female students to pursue higher education in Pakistan. Watch this report for more details!

Taliban allows Afghan women to study in Pakistan

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi is in Afghanistan, where he held a meeting with Amir Khan Muttaqi, the Taliban's acting foreign minister, on Sunday. This marks Aragchi's first visit to Afghanistan since his appointment as Iran's foreign minister.

Iran foreign minister on Afghanistan visit

The International Criminal Court&rsquo;s (ICC) chief prosecutor Karim Khan said on Thursday (Jan 23) that he is seeking arrest warrants against the top faces of the Taliban for their rulings against Afghan women, saying it's a crime against humanity.&nbsp;
Khan said that there is strong evidence that the Taliban&rsquo;s supreme leader, Haibatullah Akhundzada, and the chief justice, Abdul Hakim Haqqani, &ldquo;bear criminal responsibility for the crime against humanity of persecution on gender grounds&rdquo;.
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He further added that the women and people from the LGBTQ community in Afghanistan were undergoing &ldquo;an unprecedented, unconscionable, and ongoing persecution by the Taliban," The Guardian reported.&nbsp;
The prosecutor said, &ldquo;Our action signals that the status quo for women and girls in Afghanistan is not acceptable.&rdquo;
Khan's application will now be considered by the ICC judges, and they will decide if arrest warrants will be issued or not. The entire process can take weeks and even months.&nbsp;
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The ICC chief said that he would further submit more applications for other Taliban officials and added that other kinds of human crimes are also being committed in Afghanistan.&nbsp;
&ldquo;Perceived resistance or opposition to the Taliban was, and is, brutally repressed through the commission of crimes including murder, imprisonment, torture, rape and other forms of sexual violence, enforced disappearance, and other inhumane acts," Khan said in his application.&nbsp;
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Human Rights Watch said that Khan's actions can put the Taliban's crime against women back on the agenda of the international community.
Since it came back to power in August 2021 in Afghanistan, the Taliban posed tough restrictions on Afghan women that the United Nations has called &ldquo;gender apartheid&rdquo;.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/as-fresh-wildfire-breaks-out-in-california-rare-storm-grips-texas-florida-louisiana">As Fresh Wildfire Breaks Out in California, Rare Storm Grips Texas, Florida, Louisiana</a>
The extremist group has banned women from schools, colleges, and various professions, along with other restrictions. Recently, the Taliban banned window construction in houses, especially in the kitchens, to prevent women from being seen.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

World | Afghanistan: The ICC judges are set to review Khan's application, a critical step that could lead to the issuance of arrest warrants based on the presented evidence and legal arguments.

The International Criminal Court’s (ICC) chief prosecutor Karim Khan said on Thursday (Jan 23) that he is seeking arrest warrants against the top faces of the Taliban for their rulings against Afghan women, saying it's a crime against humanity. Khan said that there is strong evidence that the Taliban’s supreme leader, Haibatullah Akhundzada, and the chief justice, Abdul Hakim Haqqani, “bear criminal responsibility for the crime against humanity of persecution on gender grounds”. Also read: Yemen's leather craftswomen play crucial role in preserving the country’s cultural heritage He further added that the women and people from the LGBTQ community in Afghanistan were undergoing “an unprecedented, unconscionable, and ongoing persecution by the Taliban," The Guardian reported. The prosecutor said, “Our action signals that the status quo for women and girls in Afghanistan is not acceptable.” Khan's application will now be considered by the ICC judges, and they will decide if arrest warrants will be issued or not. The entire process can take weeks and even months. Also read: Economist Yunus leads Bangladesh to economic collapse The ICC chief said that he would further submit more applications for other Taliban officials and added that other kinds of human crimes are also being committed in Afghanistan. “Perceived resistance or opposition to the Taliban was, and is, brutally repressed through the commission of crimes including murder, imprisonment, torture, rape and other forms of sexual violence, enforced disappearance, and other inhumane acts," Khan said in his application. Also read: Saudi Prince Mohammed bin Salman vows $600 billion trade to US Prez Donald Trump Human Rights Watch said that Khan's actions can put the Taliban's crime against women back on the agenda of the international community. Since it came back to power in August 2021 in Afghanistan, the Taliban posed tough restrictions on Afghan women that the United Nations has called “gender apartheid”. Also read: As Fresh Wildfire Breaks Out in California, Rare Storm Grips Texas, Florida, Louisiana The extremist group has banned women from schools, colleges, and various professions, along with other restrictions. Recently, the Taliban banned window construction in houses, especially in the kitchens, to prevent women from being seen. (With inputs from agencies)

ICC seeking arrest warrants against Taliban top leaders over crime against women

Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai urged Muslim leaders on Sunday not to legitimise the Afghan Taliban government and to "show true leadership" over their assault on women's rights.
"Do not legitimise them," she said at a summit focused on girls' education in Islamic nations being held in Pakistan's capital, Islamabad.
"As Muslim leaders, now is the time to raise your voices, use your power. You can show true leadership. You can show true Islam," said 27-year-old Yousafzai.
The two-day conference has brought together ministers and education officials from dozens of Muslim-majority countries, backed by the Muslim World League (MWL).
Since sweeping back to power in 2021, the Taliban government has imposed an austere version of Islamic law that the United Nations has labelled "gender apartheid".
Afghanistan is the only country in the world where girls are banned from secondary school and university.&nbsp;
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Delegates from Afghanistan's Taliban government did not attend the event despite being invited, Pakistan Education Minister Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui told AFP on Saturday.
"Simply put, the Taliban do not see women as human beings," Yousafzai told the conference. "They cloak their crimes in cultural and religious justification."
Muhammad al-Issa, a Saudi cleric and MWL secretary general, on Saturday told the summit that "those who say that girls' education is un-Islamic are wrong".
Yousafzai also highlighted the impact of wars in Yemen, Sudan, and Gaza on schooling.
"In Gaza, Israel has decimated the entire education system," she said. "I will continue to call out Israel's violations of international law and human rights."
<h2>Taliban engagement</h2>
Pakistan's state PTV channel censored a portion of her speech that alluded to a mass deportation scheme by Islamabad launched in 2023 that has seen hundreds of thousands of Afghan nationals leave under threat of arrest.&nbsp;
"I cannot imagine an Afghan girl or an Afghan woman being forced back into the system that denies her future," she told the conference in remarks cut from the air.
Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jd-vance-tells-who-shouldnt-be-pardoned-as-fate-of-jan-6-rioters-hangs-in-balance-8612830">JD Vance tells &lsquo;who shouldn&rsquo;t be pardoned&rsquo; as fate of Jan 6 rioters hangs in balance</a>
Yousafzai was shot in the face by the Pakistani Taliban when she was a 15-year-old schoolgirl in 2012, amid her campaigning for female education rights.
Her activism earned her the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014, and she has since become a global advocate for women's and girls' education rights.
While there is outcry in much of the international community over the Taliban government curbs, nations are divided over how to engage with Kabul's rulers on the issue.
Some countries argue they should be frozen out of the diplomatic community until they backtrack, while others prefer engagement to coax them into a U-turn.
No country has officially recognised the Taliban authorities, but several regional governments have engaged on the topics of trade and security.&nbsp;
There is little evidence that broadsides from the international community over the Taliban government's treatment of women are having any impact on their position.
Yousafzai's father, Ziauddin Yousafzai, who pushed against cultural norms for his daughter to go to school in Pakistan and co-founded her Malala Fund charity, on Saturday told AFP he had not seen "any serious step or serious action from the Muslim world" on the cause of girls' education in Afghanistan.&nbsp;
Roza Otunbayeva, head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, said leaders of Islamic countries should offer direct help to Afghan girls.
"I really call on all these ministers... who came from all over the world, to offer scholarships, to have online education, to have all sorts of education for them," she told a panel.
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

World | South Asia | Afghanistan: "Do not legitimise them," she said at a summit focused on girls' education in Islamic nations being held in Pakistan's capital, Islamabad.

Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai urged Muslim leaders on Sunday not to legitimise the Afghan Taliban government and to "show true leadership" over their assault on women's rights. "Do not legitimise them," she said at a summit focused on girls' education in Islamic nations being held in Pakistan's capital, Islamabad. "As Muslim leaders, now is the time to raise your voices, use your power. You can show true leadership. You can show true Islam," said 27-year-old Yousafzai. The two-day conference has brought together ministers and education officials from dozens of Muslim-majority countries, backed by the Muslim World League (MWL). Since sweeping back to power in 2021, the Taliban government has imposed an austere version of Islamic law that the United Nations has labelled "gender apartheid". Afghanistan is the only country in the world where girls are banned from secondary school and university. Also Read | ‘Say NO to Scholz,’ Musk declares as Germany decries election meddling Delegates from Afghanistan's Taliban government did not attend the event despite being invited, Pakistan Education Minister Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui told AFP on Saturday. "Simply put, the Taliban do not see women as human beings," Yousafzai told the conference. "They cloak their crimes in cultural and religious justification." Muhammad al-Issa, a Saudi cleric and MWL secretary general, on Saturday told the summit that "those who say that girls' education is un-Islamic are wrong". Yousafzai also highlighted the impact of wars in Yemen, Sudan, and Gaza on schooling. "In Gaza, Israel has decimated the entire education system," she said. "I will continue to call out Israel's violations of international law and human rights." Taliban engagement Pakistan's state PTV channel censored a portion of her speech that alluded to a mass deportation scheme by Islamabad launched in 2023 that has seen hundreds of thousands of Afghan nationals leave under threat of arrest. "I cannot imagine an Afghan girl or an Afghan woman being forced back into the system that denies her future," she told the conference in remarks cut from the air. Also Read | JD Vance tells ‘who shouldn’t be pardoned’ as fate of Jan 6 rioters hangs in balance Yousafzai was shot in the face by the Pakistani Taliban when she was a 15-year-old schoolgirl in 2012, amid her campaigning for female education rights. Her activism earned her the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014, and she has since become a global advocate for women's and girls' education rights. While there is outcry in much of the international community over the Taliban government curbs, nations are divided over how to engage with Kabul's rulers on the issue. Some countries argue they should be frozen out of the diplomatic community until they backtrack, while others prefer engagement to coax them into a U-turn. No country has officially recognised the Taliban authorities, but several regional governments have engaged on the topics of trade and security. There is little evidence that broadsides from the international community over the Taliban government's treatment of women are having any impact on their position. Yousafzai's father, Ziauddin Yousafzai, who pushed against cultural norms for his daughter to go to school in Pakistan and co-founded her Malala Fund charity, on Saturday told AFP he had not seen "any serious step or serious action from the Muslim world" on the cause of girls' education in Afghanistan. Roza Otunbayeva, head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, said leaders of Islamic countries should offer direct help to Afghan girls. "I really call on all these ministers... who came from all over the world, to offer scholarships, to have online education, to have all sorts of education for them," she told a panel. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Malala Yousafzai calls on Muslim leaders to stand against Taliban, defend women’s rights

Arakan Army ousts Myanmar Junta from key town in the Rakhine State

North Korea tests new Hypersonic Ballistic Missile designed to strike targets in the Pacific

& the Wazalendu militia accuses the Congolese army of being infiltrated as the Congolese soldiers desert their positions against M23

Mohammed Saleh gets you an in-depth analysis of the world's biggest warzones of the week in World at War.

Why Pakistan and Afghanistan are headed for war as TTP intensifies attacks | World at War

India has extended its humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan, offering support in the form of food, medical supplies, and essential aid to help address the ongoing crisis in the country.

India extends humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan

Amid the rising conflict between Kabul and Islamabad, another conflict is brewing between Afghanistan and its other neighbor, Iran. The dispute revolves around the allocation and use of shared river resources. Watch in for more details!

Iran-Afghanistan River Dispute Escalates: Iran Vows To Use 'All Tools' To Secure Water Rights

Iran has raised concerns and officially protested against Afghanistan’s Pashdan Dam project, citing potential negative impacts on water resources and regional cooperation. The dispute has intensified tensions between the two nations.

Iran-Afghanistan River Dispute Escalates

Iran-Afghanistan: Iran protests Afghan Pashdan dam project

The Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has declared an all-out war against the Pakistani Army, threatening military institutions and urging the public to sever ties with military-run enterprises within three months. The TTP has also warned political parties, particularly the Pakistan Muslim League, to stay clear of its conflict with security forces. How will the Pakistani government respond to this escalating threat? And just how powerful is the Pakistani military-industrial complex?

Pakistan-Afghanistan: Taliban declare 360-degree war against Pakistani army

The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has warned Pakistan's political parties, specifically the leadership of the Pakistan Muslim League, not to become part of its war against the security forces. The TTP also issued an ultimatum to the public to end all links to military enterprises within three months, adding that it will target any military institutions in Pakistan. Watch in for more details!

Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan issues threats to top Pakistani leadership

Tehreek-E-Taliban Pakistan threatens top Pakistani leadership

Tehreek-E-Taliban Pakistan Warns Muslim League's Leadership; Ultimatum Issued On Army Products

Tehreek-E-Taliban Pakistan Warns Pakistan's Political Parties

An Afghan minister cautions Pakistan against testing Afghanistan's patience as tensions between the two nations escalate.

Afghanistan-Pakistan: Afghan minister warns Pakistan not to test patience amid rising tensions

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