In a fresh mortar attack near the key Afghan-Pakistan border crossing, at least six people were killed and 20 others were injured. The conflict between the Taliban and the Pakistan military is still on at the strategically important Spin Boldak border.

Afghanistan: At least 6 killed, 20 injured at Spin Boldak in fresh series of mortar attack in region

The Pakistan army said Afghan border forces killed six civilians across the border in Pakistan on Sunday (December 11). As reported by local media outlets, the military also said that over a dozen were injured in the heavy gunfire and artillery shelling.&nbsp;

Apart from the civilian casualties on the Pakistan side, one Afghan soldier was killed in the cross-border shelling and gunfire, officials from both sides stated.&nbsp;

As per the Pakistan army, Afghan border forces had opened "unprovoked and indiscriminate fire of heavy weapons including artillery/mortar onto the civilian population" at the Chaman border crossing.&nbsp;

The Pakistani statement said: "Pakistani border troops have given befitting albeit measured response against the uncalled for aggression, but avoided targeting innocent civilians in the area.&nbsp;

"Pakistan has also approached Afghan authorities at Kabul to highlight (the) severity of the situation and demanded strict action to obviate any such recurrence of the incident in future," it added.&nbsp;

Chaman border crossing links Pakistan's western Balochistan province with Afghanistan's southern Kandahar province.&nbsp;

According to a senior provincial government official who spoke to AFP on condition of anonymity, the clash occurred after Afghan forces attempted to cut a section of the border fence.&nbsp;

As quoted by the news agency Reuters, a local resident Asad Rehman, said: "There was fighting going on between the Taliban and the Pakistani forces. A shell came from the other (Afghan) side, and the vehicle over there caught fire. They are now trying to douse the fire. Several people are wounded. We heard that some people were martyred also."&nbsp;

On the other hand, a police spokesperson in Kandahar province confirmed the clash at the border but provided no further details. A Taliban member was killed, and ten people were injured, including three civilians, according to a provincial governor's spokesman.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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The Pakistan army said Afghan border forces killed six civilians across the border in Pakistan on Sunday (December 11). As reported by local media outlets, the military also said that over a dozen were injured in the heavy gunfire and artillery shelling.

The Pakistan army said Afghan border forces killed six civilians across the border in Pakistan on Sunday (December 11). As reported by local media outlets, the military also said that over a dozen were injured in the heavy gunfire and artillery shelling. Apart from the civilian casualties on the Pakistan side, one Afghan soldier was killed in the cross-border shelling and gunfire, officials from both sides stated. As per the Pakistan army, Afghan border forces had opened "unprovoked and indiscriminate fire of heavy weapons including artillery/mortar onto the civilian population" at the Chaman border crossing. The Pakistani statement said: "Pakistani border troops have given befitting albeit measured response against the uncalled for aggression, but avoided targeting innocent civilians in the area. "Pakistan has also approached Afghan authorities at Kabul to highlight (the) severity of the situation and demanded strict action to obviate any such recurrence of the incident in future," it added. Chaman border crossing links Pakistan's western Balochistan province with Afghanistan's southern Kandahar province. According to a senior provincial government official who spoke to AFP on condition of anonymity, the clash occurred after Afghan forces attempted to cut a section of the border fence. As quoted by the news agency Reuters, a local resident Asad Rehman, said: "There was fighting going on between the Taliban and the Pakistani forces. A shell came from the other (Afghan) side, and the vehicle over there caught fire. They are now trying to douse the fire. Several people are wounded. We heard that some people were martyred also." On the other hand, a police spokesperson in Kandahar province confirmed the clash at the border but provided no further details. A Taliban member was killed, and ten people were injured, including three civilians, according to a provincial governor's spokesman. 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.

'Uncalled-for aggression': Six Pakistanis, one Afghan soldier killed in cross-border clash

The Taliban has once again pushed margins for media in Afghanistan saying that the authorities are moving to formulate a proper set of directions, Khaama Press reported.&nbsp;The announcement was made on Friday (Dec 9) by Mohammad Younis Rashid, Information and Cultural Affairs Department executive after a gathering between the media and the Taliban government, reported ANI.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-publicly-flog-27-people-in-parwan-province-in-afghanistan-541376">Also read |&nbsp;Day after execution, Taliban 2.0 publicly flog 27 people in Parwan province of Afghanistan</a>

The group instead of laying direct directions for freedom of media in the country puts more restrictions. The media in the country has been suffering from growth, especially after the Taliban takeover.&nbsp;

A local journalist Sayed Mohammad Yazdan said, "The lack of a particular roadmap is a great challenge for the media to grow, therefore, the government should introduce a single policy that would fit with media and journalism."

Several humanitarian groups have denounced the crimes committed against journalists in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-back-usage-of-india-built-chabahar-port-say-ready-to-provide-facilities-541441">Also read |&nbsp;Taliban back usage of India-built Chabahar port, say ‘ready to provide facilities</a>

There has been an increase in crimes against journalists. The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) tweeted, "Human rights abuses of more than 200 reporters in Afghanistan recorded by UNAMA since August 2021. Record high numbers include arbitrary arrest, ill-treatment, threats and intimidation. Media in #Afghanistan is in peril. Let us all help #ProtectJournalists #EndImpunity."

According to a report by the South Asian Media Solidarity Network (SAMSN) over 45 per cent of the journalists have quit their jobs since the takeover.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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The Taliban has once again pushed margins for media in Afghanistan saying that the authorities are moving to formulate a proper set of directions, Khaama Press reported.

The Taliban has once again pushed margins for media in Afghanistan saying that the authorities are moving to formulate a proper set of directions, Khaama Press reported. The announcement was made on Friday (Dec 9) by Mohammad Younis Rashid, Information and Cultural Affairs Department executive after a gathering between the media and the Taliban government, reported ANI. Also read | Day after execution, Taliban 2.0 publicly flog 27 people in Parwan province of Afghanistan The group instead of laying direct directions for freedom of media in the country puts more restrictions. The media in the country has been suffering from growth, especially after the Taliban takeover. A local journalist Sayed Mohammad Yazdan said, "The lack of a particular roadmap is a great challenge for the media to grow, therefore, the government should introduce a single policy that would fit with media and journalism." Several humanitarian groups have denounced the crimes committed against journalists in Afghanistan. Also read | Taliban back usage of India-built Chabahar port, say ‘ready to provide facilities There has been an increase in crimes against journalists. The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) tweeted, "Human rights abuses of more than 200 reporters in Afghanistan recorded by UNAMA since August 2021. Record high numbers include arbitrary arrest, ill-treatment, threats and intimidation. Media in #Afghanistan is in peril. Let us all help #ProtectJournalists #EndImpunity." According to a report by the South Asian Media Solidarity Network (SAMSN) over 45 per cent of the journalists have quit their jobs since the takeover. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Afghanistan: Taliban may put further restrictions on media, says official 

The Taliban 2.0 is not very different from its predecessor. Back in the 90s, the terror group in power was condemned globally for its inhumane and gory punishments and now after repeated promises of being more modern, the Taliban is back on its old tracks.

Taliban flogs 27 people after first public execution

Reacting to the international outcry over its first public execution since taking over Afghanistan, the Taliban hit out against the “interference” in the internal matters of the country and called it reprehensible.

In a statement, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said that the criticism reeked of a lack of understanding about Islam as well as Afghanistan, reports VOA news.

"They have rendered many sacrifices for the enforcement of Islamic laws and system in the country," Mujahid said.

The spokesman defended the public execution, saying that even America and Europe hand out death penalties and that it was common “all over the world”.

"The fact that Afghanistan is being criticised for applying Islamic sentences shows that some countries and organizations have either insufficient knowledge or have problems with Islam, respecting Muslims' beliefs and laws," Mujahid said.

"This action is an interference in the internal affairs of countries and is reprehensible," he added.

On Wednesday, the Taliban carried out the public execution of a man convicted of murder.

The convict was killed publicly by the victim’s father. The incident happened at a sports stadium in western Farah province before hundreds of spectators and many top Taliban officials.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-carry-out-first-public-execution-since-regaining-power-in-afghanistan-541044">&nbsp;</a><a>Taliban 2.0 carry out first public execution since regaining power in Afghanistan</a>

The public execution underscored the Taliban’s intentions to continue ruling Afghanistan with hard-line policies as per their interpretation of the Sharia law.

In recent weeks, the Taliban's Sharia law was seen in full force when&nbsp;dozens of men and women were flogged in crowded football stadiums in several areas, including the capital, Kabul, for committing alleged "moral crimes" such as adultery, theft, running away from home, "illegal relationships, and sodomy."

The move triggered strong reactions from the West, including the UN, with the US State Department spokesman Ned Price telling reporters in Washington that officials were monitoring watching the Taliban's treatment of Afghans.

"This indicates to us that the Taliban seek a return to their regressive and abusive practices of the 1990s," he said, referring to the hardline group's previous rule in Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001.

The United Nations also condemned the Taliban’s action saying that it was a form of "cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment" and "contrary to the right to life protected" under international laws.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Reacting to the international outcry over its first public execution since taking over Afghanistan, the Taliban hit out against the “interference” in the internal matters of the country and called it reprehensible.

Reacting to the international outcry over its first public execution since taking over Afghanistan, the Taliban hit out against the “interference” in the internal matters of the country and called it reprehensible. In a statement, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said that the criticism reeked of a lack of understanding about Islam as well as Afghanistan, reports VOA news. "They have rendered many sacrifices for the enforcement of Islamic laws and system in the country," Mujahid said. The spokesman defended the public execution, saying that even America and Europe hand out death penalties and that it was common “all over the world”. "The fact that Afghanistan is being criticised for applying Islamic sentences shows that some countries and organizations have either insufficient knowledge or have problems with Islam, respecting Muslims' beliefs and laws," Mujahid said. "This action is an interference in the internal affairs of countries and is reprehensible," he added. On Wednesday, the Taliban carried out the public execution of a man convicted of murder. The convict was killed publicly by the victim’s father. The incident happened at a sports stadium in western Farah province before hundreds of spectators and many top Taliban officials. Also read | Taliban 2.0 carry out first public execution since regaining power in Afghanistan The public execution underscored the Taliban’s intentions to continue ruling Afghanistan with hard-line policies as per their interpretation of the Sharia law. In recent weeks, the Taliban's Sharia law was seen in full force when dozens of men and women were flogged in crowded football stadiums in several areas, including the capital, Kabul, for committing alleged "moral crimes" such as adultery, theft, running away from home, "illegal relationships, and sodomy." The move triggered strong reactions from the West, including the UN, with the US State Department spokesman Ned Price telling reporters in Washington that officials were monitoring watching the Taliban's treatment of Afghans. "This indicates to us that the Taliban seek a return to their regressive and abusive practices of the 1990s," he said, referring to the hardline group's previous rule in Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001. The United Nations also condemned the Taliban’s action saying that it was a form of "cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment" and "contrary to the right to life protected" under international laws. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Taliban hit back against criticism over public execution and flogging

The Taliban carried out the flogging of 27 people, including women, just one day after the first public execution since the extremist group regained power in Afghanistan. According to the chief spokesperson, the floggings were in accordance with the laws of the land and even criticised the global criticism regarding the punishments – calling the comments an “insult to Islam”. &nbsp;

Reuters reported that the criminals were sentenced to public flogging by the supreme court in Afghanistan and it was carried out in Charikar, the capital of Parwan province – 50 kilometres from Kabul.&nbsp;

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"Each of these criminals confessed their crimes before the court without any force and was satisfied with the punishment," the official statement from the Taliban stated according to Associated Press.&nbsp;

Nine women among the 27 people were charged with "sodomy, deception, fake witness, forgery, selling and buying drugs, debauchery, escaping from home, highway robbery and illegal relationships". The local media reports said that over 1000 people attended the flogging which took place in a stadium.&nbsp;

"The public was chanting 'Allahu Akbar' and 'we want the law of God to be implemented on our soil'." &nbsp;

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While the punishment was different for all the accused, every one of them received between 20 to 39 blows from a cane. A group of Taliban members took turns in punishing the accused men and women.&nbsp;

Earlier, the Taliban publicly executed a man for the first time since coming back to power.&nbsp;

Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada asked the institutions in Afghanistan to prescribe punishments in accordance with Sharia Law and the execution marked the return to old ways for the group.&nbsp;

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

The Taliban carried out the flogging of 27 people, including women, just one day after the first public execution since the extremist group regained power in Afghanistan.

The Taliban carried out the flogging of 27 people, including women, just one day after the first public execution since the extremist group regained power in Afghanistan. According to the chief spokesperson, the floggings were in accordance with the laws of the land and even criticised the global criticism regarding the punishments – calling the comments an “insult to Islam”. Reuters reported that the criminals were sentenced to public flogging by the supreme court in Afghanistan and it was carried out in Charikar, the capital of Parwan province – 50 kilometres from Kabul. Also read | BJP registers landslide victory on PM Narendra Modi’s home turf Gujarat "Each of these criminals confessed their crimes before the court without any force and was satisfied with the punishment," the official statement from the Taliban stated according to Associated Press. Nine women among the 27 people were charged with "sodomy, deception, fake witness, forgery, selling and buying drugs, debauchery, escaping from home, highway robbery and illegal relationships". The local media reports said that over 1000 people attended the flogging which took place in a stadium. "The public was chanting 'Allahu Akbar' and 'we want the law of God to be implemented on our soil'." Also read | US basketball star Brittney Griner released in prisoner swap for arms dealer While the punishment was different for all the accused, every one of them received between 20 to 39 blows from a cane. A group of Taliban members took turns in punishing the accused men and women. Earlier, the Taliban publicly executed a man for the first time since coming back to power. Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada asked the institutions in Afghanistan to prescribe punishments in accordance with Sharia Law and the execution marked the return to old ways for the group.

Day after execution, Taliban 2.0 publicly flog 27 people in Parwan province of Afghanistan

The United States denounced the Taliban's 'despicable' public execution in Afghanistan, calling it a clear failure by the Islamist group to uphold their promises.

US denounces Afghan public execution as 'despicable', presses Taliban in talks

The Taliban 2.0 carried out the first officially confirmed public execution since returning to power in Afghanistan in 2021. According to Reuters, a man accused of murder&nbsp;was executed in western part of the country and it was confirmed by an official spokesperson of the government.

Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said that the accused had stabbed another man in 2017 in the Farah province and the execution was attended by various senior officials of the Taliban.

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The official statement also stated that the execution was carried out by the father of the victim.

Public executions and lashings were quite common during the Taliban’s previous regime, but this is the first time that it was recorded in recent times. In the past few months, the supreme court in Afghanistan has sentenced various men and women to public lashings for committing adultery.

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The case that led to the public execution was heard in three separate courts and was approved by the Taliban’s supreme spiritual leader. The spokesperson said that the people who attended the execution included the acting interior minister Sirajuddin Haqqani, the acting deputy prime minister Abdul Ghani Baradar, the chief justice, acting foreign minister and acting education minister.

The Taliban’s supreme spiritual leader, Haibatullah Akhundzada, has instructed the courts around the country to announce similar punishments for offences in accordance with Sharia law. This came after the United Nations urged Afghanistan to immediately stop executions and public floggings.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The Taliban 2.0 carried out the first officially confirmed public execution since returning to power in Afghanistan in 2021. According to Reuters, a man accused of murder was executed in western part of the country and it was confirmed by an official spokesperson of the government.

The Taliban 2.0 carried out the first officially confirmed public execution since returning to power in Afghanistan in 2021. According to Reuters, a man accused of murder was executed in western part of the country and it was confirmed by an official spokesperson of the government. Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said that the accused had stabbed another man in 2017 in the Farah province and the execution was attended by various senior officials of the Taliban. Also read | Former right-wing MP among 25 detained in Germany for plot to overthrow state The official statement also stated that the execution was carried out by the father of the victim. Public executions and lashings were quite common during the Taliban’s previous regime, but this is the first time that it was recorded in recent times. In the past few months, the supreme court in Afghanistan has sentenced various men and women to public lashings for committing adultery. Also read | UK Border Force staff to strike over Christmas due to pay, working conditions The case that led to the public execution was heard in three separate courts and was approved by the Taliban’s supreme spiritual leader. The spokesperson said that the people who attended the execution included the acting interior minister Sirajuddin Haqqani, the acting deputy prime minister Abdul Ghani Baradar, the chief justice, acting foreign minister and acting education minister. The Taliban’s supreme spiritual leader, Haibatullah Akhundzada, has instructed the courts around the country to announce similar punishments for offences in accordance with Sharia law. This came after the United Nations urged Afghanistan to immediately stop executions and public floggings. (With inputs from agencies)

Taliban 2.0 carry out first public execution since regaining power in Afghanistan

The Secretary of the Security Council of the Kyrgyz Republic Marat Imankulov has termed India a "very reliable partner in the region", one with which Bishkek will work. India and Kyrgyzstan held the first-ever strategic dialogue in 2021. Marat, who is the counterpart of India's national security advisor Ajit Doval, is in India to take part in the first ever India Central Asia National Security Advisors (NSAs) meet.

In an exclusive conversation with our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal,&nbsp;Secretary&nbsp;Imankulov&nbsp;expressed concern over the security situation in Afghanistan. He said,&nbsp;"We want Afghanistan to stop being a territory, a country from where terrorism emanates. We want to see it as a country which does not present a threat to any other country".

Since Taliban takeover of Afghanistan last year in August, the security situation in the country has deteriorated even as the humanitarian situation deteriorates. The Kyrgyz security chief&nbsp;called on the&nbsp;"world community to come to aid and assistance to the long-suffering people of Afghanistan, to give as much humanitarian aid as possible.". He also welcomed India's humanitarian support to the Afghan people, one that included food, medicines.&nbsp;

WION: The India, Central Asia NSA or national security advisors meet, how do you see the meeting, a new mechanism to resolve regional issues like drug trafficking or narcotics?

Marat Imankulov: Thank you very much. This meeting we are holding of the NSAs and secretaries of the national security council of the central Asian states is not any kind of separate&nbsp;grouping of our countries apart from anyone else. Kyrgyzstan&nbsp;considers it continuation of the dialogue that was held last year, in November in Delhi. That was the initiative&nbsp;of India, countries of central Asian regions met along with countries of China, Russia and Iran. We look upon it as a continuation of that, we don't&nbsp;feel that it is something we are holding separately, apart from other countries. Issues discussed&nbsp;are continuation of the dialogue&nbsp;last year. Before that I had a bilateral meeting with NSA Ajit Doval of India. The meeting in Delhi of India, Central Asian NSAs is part of wider dialogue as I mentioned earlier. It is important&nbsp;for us to discuss security issues not only in the region but also in the world because we see armed conflict in different&nbsp;parts of the world and security is an issue of concern to everyone. International organizations, for instance the UN, is not able to cope with the situation developing in different parts of the world. The initiative that India has taken to hold this meeting is something we are grateful for; it gives us an opportunity&nbsp;to discuss&nbsp;all kinds of security issues and it is always useful. It is important&nbsp;to ensure peace and stability in Afghanistan. As we know when the Taliban came to power, sometime back they said the Taliban would not be a threat to anybody, they will put a stop to drug trafficking, but we know that it has not happened, and&nbsp;security issues remain a big question when it comes to Afghanistan.&nbsp;I would like to add, something other central Asian countries have also said, we are of the same view that after gaining independence, all the central Asian countries have cooperated with India. We have had close cooperation with India, and we cherish the friendship. This year, we celebrated&nbsp;the 30 years of establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Kyrgyzstan. We have historic relations, we have relations in areas like tourism, transport, economic, military technical cooperation. We intend to continue expanding cooperation. For us,&nbsp;India is a friendly country, it is a partner country and it's an influential country with a rapidly growing economy.&nbsp;It is a large country with over one billion population. In January, the India central Asia summit took place, and our leaders gave us the task to hold the national security advisor&nbsp;meeting. I think all of us are of the same view, the issue of stability in the region and how we need to work towards it for lasting peace. My colleagues spoke about it during today's meeting, and we spoke about the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan. We had the winter coming up and many people are on the verge of starvation in Afghanistan. We are looking at a crisis situation in that country and&nbsp;we call on the world community to come to aid and assistance to the long-suffering people of Afghanistan, to give as much humanitarian aid as possible.&nbsp;We all want to see Afghanistan getting on to the path of stability and prosperity, no matter which government is in power over there.&nbsp;We want Afghanistan to stop being a territory, a country from which territory emanates. We want to see it as a country which does not present a threat to any other country or any other region in the world.

WION: How do you see India as a security partner?

Marat Imankulov:&nbsp;We look upon India as a very reliable partner in the region. For us India has always been a very close partner.&nbsp;We have the same views on the issues of security, India also wants stability in the region. How we will get stability is to move towards development. If we work on development&nbsp;issues, if we work on development of the countries, it will ensure stability. For this we should not be having any problems or conflicts and what we need is peaceful coexistence and economic development for the entire region to be peaceful, secure and to be stable. So, all of us need to take coordinated efforts, we are working towards it, both with India and our neighbors-- our close neighbours in central Asia as well as the bigger countries in the region, with Russia, China and also with Iran and Pakistan. These are also our SCO partners, so we meet often, and we discuss security issues in that format as well. All these will give positive results and we have been working together. I am confident that our joint work in the area of ensuring security will give our people a chance to live in peace and to go ahead on development and prosperity.&nbsp;

WION: India and Kyrgyzstan&nbsp;have expressed concerns over the situation in Afghanistan. You have pointed to issue of terrorist using spaces in Afghanistan and India has expressed concerns over Pakistan based terrorists finding space. What solution do you see in Afghanistan and what role do you see for India?

Marat Imankulov: The Afghan situation is a problem that Afghan need to themselves solve. It is an intra Afghan problem, they need to work on themselves. They need to decide for themselves how they want to live and how they want to live while working towards solving it. It is up to Afghan people to take a call on the matter. Now there are threats emanating from Afghanistan that are present in the country.&nbsp;Terror organizations are in Afghanistan, we know it, the Afghans govt keeps saying they will not allow them to function on its territory, but we know this is not really the case in practice.&nbsp;The terrorist organizations which are working and functioning and carrying out activities in the territory of Afghanistan are also threatening the neighboring countries, the CIS and others. They are moving across the borders of Afghanistan. They are presenting a threat to the region as well. It is not just India and Kyrgyzstan who want peace and accord, all the countries of the region want peace, accord and consensus. We want the government of Afghanistan should be controlling all the territories which belong to them. It should not all any international terrorist organization from function from the country. They must work towards stopping&nbsp;drug trafficking.&nbsp;We know the harvest of Opium has been growing. The data shows, as compared to last year.&nbsp;These drugs and opium&nbsp;then spread and go through neighboring countries. Our security gets impacted and from the region it goes to the rest of the world. India and Kyrgyzstan&nbsp;despite not being immediate neighbors, are close neighbors and are equally concerned about it. I would like to repeat that the&nbsp;international community is not doing enough to extend the necessary aid to Afghanistan, to the common people over there. We have winter coming up and they are facing such difficult issues, with shortage of food, electricity, and nearly 23 million are starving which is a huge number and maybe this winter another 2-3 million will be added. First of all, I think it's the UN which really needs to work in this area. We can't&nbsp;leave the common people of Afghanistan to starvation.&nbsp;

WION: You used the phrase Afghan government. Do you recognise the Taliban regime? Also, India has sent humanitarian assistance to Afghan people. How do you see it?

Marat Imankulov:&nbsp;We have not recognised, just have others have not recognised the Taliban regime in Afghanistan. But you have to deal with the facts.&nbsp;They are in power, what is important for us to see is that we are able to move towards stability and security in the region. Just like the others, we have been in contact with them, India has been in touch with them. Our officials have gone to Afghanistan, and one has to deal with the facts on the ground.&nbsp;We certainly welcome humanitarian assistance extended by India to Afghanistan and this is very important.&nbsp;We are in the 21st century and you cannot leave people to suffer like that on the verge of starvation. It is just not civilized. So, Kyrgyzstan also feels the same way and was the first country in Central Asia to send humanitarian aid, we had sent food for the people. We have some ethnic Kyrgyz who live in Afghanistan. We have sent them food, medicine and basic necessities. The areas they live are in the north, in the mountains where the climate is very harsh, where 6 months it is very cold and here, I have to say that not only did the Taliban regime not obstruct the aid we were extending to them, but they also even helped us to reach the aid to the people. We certainly welcome the humanitarian aid extended by India and other countries as well. We feel everyone should do it because this is a situation where mankind is being tested as to how civilized we are.&nbsp;In our region this is a test for humanity, mankind's level of civilization.&nbsp;It is very important for us, and we have discussed this to try and bring stability in the region, to bring development in the region, all this was discussed at the India Central Asia NSAs meeting. I would like to thank India for the hospitality and warm welcome given to our delegation. We visited historic monuments, the Qutub Minar, a visit organized by the Indian side. It is so wonderfully preserved. Whole of India has so many interesting monuments all over, I would love to see them, and I think I have to come again for it. I would like to wish peace and prosperity&nbsp;to the people of India and look forward to continuing friendly and cooperative relations into the future.

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The Secretary of the Security Council of the Kyrgyz Republic Marat Imankulov has termed India a "very reliable partner in the region", one with which Bishkek will work.

The Secretary of the Security Council of the Kyrgyz Republic Marat Imankulov has termed India a "very reliable partner in the region", one with which Bishkek will work. India and Kyrgyzstan held the first-ever strategic dialogue in 2021. Marat, who is the counterpart of India's national security advisor Ajit Doval, is in India to take part in the first ever India Central Asia National Security Advisors (NSAs) meet. In an exclusive conversation with our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Secretary Imankulov expressed concern over the security situation in Afghanistan. He said, "We want Afghanistan to stop being a territory, a country from where terrorism emanates. We want to see it as a country which does not present a threat to any other country". Since Taliban takeover of Afghanistan last year in August, the security situation in the country has deteriorated even as the humanitarian situation deteriorates. The Kyrgyz security chief called on the "world community to come to aid and assistance to the long-suffering people of Afghanistan, to give as much humanitarian aid as possible.". He also welcomed India's humanitarian support to the Afghan people, one that included food, medicines. WION: The India, Central Asia NSA or national security advisors meet, how do you see the meeting, a new mechanism to resolve regional issues like drug trafficking or narcotics? Marat Imankulov: Thank you very much. This meeting we are holding of the NSAs and secretaries of the national security council of the central Asian states is not any kind of separate grouping of our countries apart from anyone else. Kyrgyzstan considers it continuation of the dialogue that was held last year, in November in Delhi. That was the initiative of India, countries of central Asian regions met along with countries of China, Russia and Iran. We look upon it as a continuation of that, we don't feel that it is something we are holding separately, apart from other countries. Issues discussed are continuation of the dialogue last year. Before that I had a bilateral meeting with NSA Ajit Doval of India. The meeting in Delhi of India, Central Asian NSAs is part of wider dialogue as I mentioned earlier. It is important for us to discuss security issues not only in the region but also in the world because we see armed conflict in different parts of the world and security is an issue of concern to everyone. International organizations, for instance the UN, is not able to cope with the situation developing in different parts of the world. The initiative that India has taken to hold this meeting is something we are grateful for; it gives us an opportunity to discuss all kinds of security issues and it is always useful. It is important to ensure peace and stability in Afghanistan. As we know when the Taliban came to power, sometime back they said the Taliban would not be a threat to anybody, they will put a stop to drug trafficking, but we know that it has not happened, and security issues remain a big question when it comes to Afghanistan. I would like to add, something other central Asian countries have also said, we are of the same view that after gaining independence, all the central Asian countries have cooperated with India. We have had close cooperation with India, and we cherish the friendship. This year, we celebrated the 30 years of establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Kyrgyzstan. We have historic relations, we have relations in areas like tourism, transport, economic, military technical cooperation. We intend to continue expanding cooperation. For us, India is a friendly country, it is a partner country and it's an influential country with a rapidly growing economy. It is a large country with over one billion population. In January, the India central Asia summit took place, and our leaders gave us the task to hold the national security advisor meeting. I think all of us are of the same view, the issue of stability in the region and how we need to work towards it for lasting peace. My colleagues spoke about it during today's meeting, and we spoke about the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan. We had the winter coming up and many people are on the verge of starvation in Afghanistan. We are looking at a crisis situation in that country and we call on the world community to come to aid and assistance to the long-suffering people of Afghanistan, to give as much humanitarian aid as possible. We all want to see Afghanistan getting on to the path of stability and prosperity, no matter which government is in power over there. We want Afghanistan to stop being a territory, a country from which territory emanates. We want to see it as a country which does not present a threat to any other country or any other region in the world. WION: How do you see India as a security partner? Marat Imankulov: We look upon India as a very reliable partner in the region. For us India has always been a very close partner. We have the same views on the issues of security, India also wants stability in the region. How we will get stability is to move towards development. If we work on development issues, if we work on development of the countries, it will ensure stability. For this we should not be having any problems or conflicts and what we need is peaceful coexistence and economic development for the entire region to be peaceful, secure and to be stable. So, all of us need to take coordinated efforts, we are working towards it, both with India and our neighbors-- our close neighbours in central Asia as well as the bigger countries in the region, with Russia, China and also with Iran and Pakistan. These are also our SCO partners, so we meet often, and we discuss security issues in that format as well. All these will give positive results and we have been working together. I am confident that our joint work in the area of ensuring security will give our people a chance to live in peace and to go ahead on development and prosperity. WION: India and Kyrgyzstan have expressed concerns over the situation in Afghanistan. You have pointed to issue of terrorist using spaces in Afghanistan and India has expressed concerns over Pakistan based terrorists finding space. What solution do you see in Afghanistan and what role do you see for India? Marat Imankulov: The Afghan situation is a problem that Afghan need to themselves solve. It is an intra Afghan problem, they need to work on themselves. They need to decide for themselves how they want to live and how they want to live while working towards solving it. It is up to Afghan people to take a call on the matter. Now there are threats emanating from Afghanistan that are present in the country. Terror organizations are in Afghanistan, we know it, the Afghans govt keeps saying they will not allow them to function on its territory, but we know this is not really the case in practice. The terrorist organizations which are working and functioning and carrying out activities in the territory of Afghanistan are also threatening the neighboring countries, the CIS and others. They are moving across the borders of Afghanistan. They are presenting a threat to the region as well. It is not just India and Kyrgyzstan who want peace and accord, all the countries of the region want peace, accord and consensus. We want the government of Afghanistan should be controlling all the territories which belong to them. It should not all any international terrorist organization from function from the country. They must work towards stopping drug trafficking. We know the harvest of Opium has been growing. The data shows, as compared to last year. These drugs and opium then spread and go through neighboring countries. Our security gets impacted and from the region it goes to the rest of the world. India and Kyrgyzstan despite not being immediate neighbors, are close neighbors and are equally concerned about it. I would like to repeat that the international community is not doing enough to extend the necessary aid to Afghanistan, to the common people over there. We have winter coming up and they are facing such difficult issues, with shortage of food, electricity, and nearly 23 million are starving which is a huge number and maybe this winter another 2-3 million will be added. First of all, I think it's the UN which really needs to work in this area. We can't leave the common people of Afghanistan to starvation. WION: You used the phrase Afghan government. Do you recognise the Taliban regime? Also, India has sent humanitarian assistance to Afghan people. How do you see it? Marat Imankulov: We have not recognised, just have others have not recognised the Taliban regime in Afghanistan. But you have to deal with the facts. They are in power, what is important for us to see is that we are able to move towards stability and security in the region. Just like the others, we have been in contact with them, India has been in touch with them. Our officials have gone to Afghanistan, and one has to deal with the facts on the ground. We certainly welcome humanitarian assistance extended by India to Afghanistan and this is very important. We are in the 21st century and you cannot leave people to suffer like that on the verge of starvation. It is just not civilized. So, Kyrgyzstan also feels the same way and was the first country in Central Asia to send humanitarian aid, we had sent food for the people. We have some ethnic Kyrgyz who live in Afghanistan. We have sent them food, medicine and basic necessities. The areas they live are in the north, in the mountains where the climate is very harsh, where 6 months it is very cold and here, I have to say that not only did the Taliban regime not obstruct the aid we were extending to them, but they also even helped us to reach the aid to the people. We certainly welcome the humanitarian aid extended by India and other countries as well. We feel everyone should do it because this is a situation where mankind is being tested as to how civilized we are. In our region this is a test for humanity, mankind's level of civilization. It is very important for us, and we have discussed this to try and bring stability in the region, to bring development in the region, all this was discussed at the India Central Asia NSAs meeting. I would like to thank India for the hospitality and warm welcome given to our delegation. We visited historic monuments, the Qutub Minar, a visit organized by the Indian side. It is so wonderfully preserved. Whole of India has so many interesting monuments all over, I would love to see them, and I think I have to come again for it. I would like to wish peace and prosperity to the people of India and look forward to continuing friendly and cooperative relations into the future.

Kyrgyzstan's security chief calls India reliable partner, expresses concern on situation in Afghanistan

Afghanistan was gripped by terror once again on Tuesday as 2 attacks unfolded in 2 different cities. The attacks coincided with an NSA-level meeting held by India to discuss the security situation in Afghanistan.

Gravitas: Terror strikes Afghanistan again

WION's Sidhant Sibal held one-on-one talks with Secretary of the Security Council of Kyrgystan Marat Imankulov on security situation in Afghanistan. He also called India a very "reliable partner" in the region.

WION's Sidhant Sibal holds talk with Secy of the Security Council of Kyrgystan on regional security

India-Central Asia NSA meeting is underway in New Delhi. Afghanistan remains the top focus at the meeting. The meeting will also focus on strengthening connectivity on both sides.

WION Dispatch: India-Central Asia NSA meet in New Delhi

Seven people were killed after a roadside bomb exploded in northern Afghanistan’s biggest city Mazar-a-Sharif on Tuesday. According to the local officials, the people were petroleum company employees who were travelling to their workplace in a bus. This was the latest in the serious of bomb attacks that have taken place in various parts of Afghanistan since the return of the Taliban.

Most of the bomb blasts were caused by the local chapter of the Islamic State (IS) but no group has claimed responsibility for the explosion that took place on Tuesday.

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"I was reading the Quran on my phone screen and there was a boom," a survivor told AFP.

Another survivor, who was identified as Mohammad Hanif, told AFP that there 52 people on the bus at the time of the explosion and many of them sustained injured due to the shrapnel.

The official spokesperson for the Balkh province police department Asif Waziri said that seven people were killed while six were seriously injured. They were taken promptly to the hospital.

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"The bomb was placed in a cart by the roadside. It was detonated as the bus arrived," he said.

Meanwhile, a member of the IS in Afghanistan was arrested for an attack on Pakistan’s embassy in Kabul. During the attack, a security guard was wounded, and Pakistan called it an assassination attempt.

"This person is a citizen of a foreign country and a member of IS," the spokesperson for the police said.

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Seven people were killed after a roadside bomb exploded in northern Afghanistan’s biggest city Mazar-a-Sharif on Tuesday. According to the local officials, the people were petroleum company employees who were travelling to their workplace in a bus.

Seven people were killed after a roadside bomb exploded in northern Afghanistan’s biggest city Mazar-a-Sharif on Tuesday. According to the local officials, the people were petroleum company employees who were travelling to their workplace in a bus. This was the latest in the serious of bomb attacks that have taken place in various parts of Afghanistan since the return of the Taliban. Most of the bomb blasts were caused by the local chapter of the Islamic State (IS) but no group has claimed responsibility for the explosion that took place on Tuesday. Also read | Ukraine to implement emergency power shutdowns after Russian missile strikes "I was reading the Quran on my phone screen and there was a boom," a survivor told AFP. Another survivor, who was identified as Mohammad Hanif, told AFP that there 52 people on the bus at the time of the explosion and many of them sustained injured due to the shrapnel. The official spokesperson for the Balkh province police department Asif Waziri said that seven people were killed while six were seriously injured. They were taken promptly to the hospital. Also read | Five people sentenced to death in Iran over killing of paramilitary member "The bomb was placed in a cart by the roadside. It was detonated as the bus arrived," he said. Meanwhile, a member of the IS in Afghanistan was arrested for an attack on Pakistan’s embassy in Kabul. During the attack, a security guard was wounded, and Pakistan called it an assassination attempt. "This person is a citizen of a foreign country and a member of IS," the spokesperson for the police said.

Seven killed and six injured in roadside explosion in Afghanistan's Mazar-i-Sharif

India-Central Asia NSA meet in New Delhi: Afghanistan top focus at the meet

At least seven people were killed in a major explosion in northern Afghanistan province, police said on Tuesday.

The blast took place in Balkh on a bus, which belonged to Hairatan Oil employees, Mohammad Asif Wazeri, police spokesman, told Reuters news agency.

He said that the explosion was caused by a bomb. “The bomb was placed in a cart by the roadside. It was detonated as the bus arrived.” He added that at least four people have been injured in the explosion.

Tolo News reported that the explosion took place at the Seyed Abad intersection in Mazar-e-Sharif city

Balkh province is home to one of Afghanistan’s main dry ports in the town of Hairatan, near the border with Uzbekistan, which has rail and road links to Central Asia.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the bombing.

Afghanistan has been witnessing a series of bomb blasts ever since the Taliban came back to power last year. Usually, the local unit of ISIS claims responsibility for the attacks usually targeting minorities.

Earlier this month, the same province witnessed a blast at a mosque in&nbsp;Aybak, southeast of Mazar-i-Sharif, in which at least 19 people were killed and 24 others wounded.

(With inputs from agencies)

This a developing story…More updates to follow

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At least seven people were killed in a major explosion in northern Afghanistan province, police said on Tuesday. The blast took place in Balkh on a bus, which belonged to Hairatan Oil employees, Mohammad Asif Wazeri, police spokesman, told Reuters news agency.

At least seven people were killed in a major explosion in northern Afghanistan province, police said on Tuesday. The blast took place in Balkh on a bus, which belonged to Hairatan Oil employees, Mohammad Asif Wazeri, police spokesman, told Reuters news agency. He said that the explosion was caused by a bomb. “The bomb was placed in a cart by the roadside. It was detonated as the bus arrived.” He added that at least four people have been injured in the explosion. Tolo News reported that the explosion took place at the Seyed Abad intersection in Mazar-e-Sharif city Balkh province is home to one of Afghanistan’s main dry ports in the town of Hairatan, near the border with Uzbekistan, which has rail and road links to Central Asia. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the bombing. Afghanistan has been witnessing a series of bomb blasts ever since the Taliban came back to power last year. Usually, the local unit of ISIS claims responsibility for the attacks usually targeting minorities. Earlier this month, the same province witnessed a blast at a mosque in Aybak, southeast of Mazar-i-Sharif, in which at least 19 people were killed and 24 others wounded. (With inputs from agencies) This a developing story…More updates to follow WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

At least seven killed, six injured in Afghan bus explosion

Terror trouble for Shehbaz Sharif government, as Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan order its fighters to carry out nationwide attacks. Catch this week's #SouthAsiaDiary with Molly Gambhir for more on the story.

South Asia Diary: TTP announces nationwide attacks in Pakistan

Afghanistan, counter-terror, connectivity will be the key focus at the first ever India-Central Asia National Security Advisors (NSAs) meet that will take place on Tuesday in Delhi. The meeting is one of the key outcomes of the India-Central Asia virtual summit that took place in January and envisages meetings at foreign and defense ministers' level as well.

Central Asia consists of 5 countries Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan which with India sees part of its extended neighborhood and share civilizational, cultural and historic connect. Tuesday's meeting will see India being represented by NSA Ajit Doval and four of the five central Asian countries at NSA level or Secretary of security council. Turkmenistan is being represented by its ambassador in Delhi.

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According to Indian govt sources, situation in Afghanistan remains an area of "shared concerns" for the countries participating in the meet.&nbsp;3 central Asian countries, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan share border with Afghanistan and have seen spillover from the current situation in Afghanistan. Taliban took over the country in August of last year as Afghan Republic collapsed and since then worries remains over the country becoming a safe haven for terror groups.&nbsp;Sources pointed that, "intensity of violence in Afghanistan has increased" and "number&nbsp;of groups active, including Jaish, Lashkar continue to maintain presence"

India has several times expressed its concerns publicly over terrorism emanating from Afghanistan but worries also remain over Pakistan support to cross border terror.&nbsp;Asked if the central Asian country agree on Pakistan's support to terrorism, sources explained that they are "aware of it" and "they know about the&nbsp;backward linkages" having interrogated and taken into custody number of terrorist.

A joint statement will also be issued after the day-long meeting on Tuesday, which will press on "all countries to observe international commitments" on acting on "designated individuals by relevant UN organs". This will be seen as a message to Islamabad, which has been seen having a lax approach over implementation of UNSC sanctions on listed terrorist.&nbsp;

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On connectivity, focus will be on usage of Chabahar port given no direct overland access is present between the 2 sides. The port has been used to send humanitarian support to Afghanistan and aim is to integrate it with the&nbsp;International North–South Transport Corridor (INSTC) that connects Mumbai to Moscow.&nbsp;

Given the historic connect, the Tajik delegation plans to visit the tomb of&nbsp;Mirza Bedil in Delhi while the Kyrgyz delegation has requested a visit to Taj Mahal in Agra. Mirza Bedil is considered as one of the greatest Indian poets, who has inspired many and continues to enjoy prominence in Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Iran. His tomb has also been visited by Tajik President Emomali Rahmon in 2006.&nbsp;In 2015, PM Modi gifted a miniature painting Bedil's tomb in Delhi to Tajik President.

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Afghanistan, counter-terror, connectivity will be the key focus at the first ever India-Central Asia National Security Advisors (NSAs) meet that will take place on Tuesday in Delhi.

Afghanistan, counter-terror, connectivity will be the key focus at the first ever India-Central Asia National Security Advisors (NSAs) meet that will take place on Tuesday in Delhi. The meeting is one of the key outcomes of the India-Central Asia virtual summit that took place in January and envisages meetings at foreign and defense ministers' level as well. Central Asia consists of 5 countries Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan which with India sees part of its extended neighborhood and share civilizational, cultural and historic connect. Tuesday's meeting will see India being represented by NSA Ajit Doval and four of the five central Asian countries at NSA level or Secretary of security council. Turkmenistan is being represented by its ambassador in Delhi. Also read | Oil price cap 'will not affect' Russian military operation in Ukraine According to Indian govt sources, situation in Afghanistan remains an area of "shared concerns" for the countries participating in the meet. 3 central Asian countries, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan share border with Afghanistan and have seen spillover from the current situation in Afghanistan. Taliban took over the country in August of last year as Afghan Republic collapsed and since then worries remains over the country becoming a safe haven for terror groups. Sources pointed that, "intensity of violence in Afghanistan has increased" and "number of groups active, including Jaish, Lashkar continue to maintain presence" India has several times expressed its concerns publicly over terrorism emanating from Afghanistan but worries also remain over Pakistan support to cross border terror. Asked if the central Asian country agree on Pakistan's support to terrorism, sources explained that they are "aware of it" and "they know about the backward linkages" having interrogated and taken into custody number of terrorist. A joint statement will also be issued after the day-long meeting on Tuesday, which will press on "all countries to observe international commitments" on acting on "designated individuals by relevant UN organs". This will be seen as a message to Islamabad, which has been seen having a lax approach over implementation of UNSC sanctions on listed terrorist. Also read | North Korea fires over 100 artillery rounds, says South Korea On connectivity, focus will be on usage of Chabahar port given no direct overland access is present between the 2 sides. The port has been used to send humanitarian support to Afghanistan and aim is to integrate it with the International North–South Transport Corridor (INSTC) that connects Mumbai to Moscow. Given the historic connect, the Tajik delegation plans to visit the tomb of Mirza Bedil in Delhi while the Kyrgyz delegation has requested a visit to Taj Mahal in Agra. Mirza Bedil is considered as one of the greatest Indian poets, who has inspired many and continues to enjoy prominence in Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Iran. His tomb has also been visited by Tajik President Emomali Rahmon in 2006. In 2015, PM Modi gifted a miniature painting Bedil's tomb in Delhi to Tajik President.

Afghanistan and connectivity to be key focus at India, Central Asia NSA Meet

The Islamic State (IS) on Sunday took responsibility for an attack on the embassy of Pakistan in Kabul, in which the Charge d’Affaires was able to escape safely, however, the guard was injured critically.

The terror group’s Khorasan chapter (ISIS-K), in a statement released in Arabic on social media, said that the ambassador and his guards were attacked by two of its members who were armed with “medium weapons and snipers” in the embassy’s courtyard on Friday. The Foreign Office (FO) stated that the claims made by ISIS-K about the attack on the embassy are being verified by the officials.

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“Independently and in consultation with the Afghan authorities, we are verifying the veracity of these reports,” stated the Foreign Office. “This notwithstanding, the terrorist attack is yet another reminder of the threat that terrorism poses to peace and stability in Afghanistan and the region,” it added.

“We must act resolutely with all our collective might to defeat this menace,” it further said. The FO reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to combat terrorism. Two unidentified gunmen had attacked Charge d’Affaires Ubaid-ur-Rehman Nizamani while he was strolling in the compound of the Pakistan embassy. His guard suffered critical injuries in the attack.

The injured guard was lifted by the helicopter and is now receiving treatment in the hospital. Pakistan had summoned Afghanistan’s Charge d’Affaires on Friday and had conveyed to him its concern over the attack on the embassy.

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The Pakistan government called for the apprehension of the perpetrators of the attack and stated that an investigation must be launched immediately into the breach in the security of the embassy and the necessary action must be taken to ensure that there is no breach in the security of the diplomatic premises.

Interim Afghanistan government’s Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi said that he strongly condemns the attack on Nizamani.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The Islamic State (IS) on Sunday took responsibility for an attack on the embassy of Pakistan in Kabul, in which the Charge d’Affaires was able to escape safely, however, the guard was injured critically.

The Islamic State (IS) on Sunday took responsibility for an attack on the embassy of Pakistan in Kabul, in which the Charge d’Affaires was able to escape safely, however, the guard was injured critically. The terror group’s Khorasan chapter (ISIS-K), in a statement released in Arabic on social media, said that the ambassador and his guards were attacked by two of its members who were armed with “medium weapons and snipers” in the embassy’s courtyard on Friday. The Foreign Office (FO) stated that the claims made by ISIS-K about the attack on the embassy are being verified by the officials. ALSO READ| German chancellor Scholz says completely stopping talks with Putin 'would be a grave mistake' “Independently and in consultation with the Afghan authorities, we are verifying the veracity of these reports,” stated the Foreign Office. “This notwithstanding, the terrorist attack is yet another reminder of the threat that terrorism poses to peace and stability in Afghanistan and the region,” it added. “We must act resolutely with all our collective might to defeat this menace,” it further said. The FO reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to combat terrorism. Two unidentified gunmen had attacked Charge d’Affaires Ubaid-ur-Rehman Nizamani while he was strolling in the compound of the Pakistan embassy. His guard suffered critical injuries in the attack. The injured guard was lifted by the helicopter and is now receiving treatment in the hospital. Pakistan had summoned Afghanistan’s Charge d’Affaires on Friday and had conveyed to him its concern over the attack on the embassy. ALSO READ| Moscow says will not accept western price cap on its crude, claims 'Russian oil will continue to be in demand' The Pakistan government called for the apprehension of the perpetrators of the attack and stated that an investigation must be launched immediately into the breach in the security of the embassy and the necessary action must be taken to ensure that there is no breach in the security of the diplomatic premises. Interim Afghanistan government’s Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi said that he strongly condemns the attack on Nizamani. (With inputs from agencies)

ISIS-K claims responsibility for attack on Pakistan embassy in Kabul

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Taliban is reaching out to Pakistan and assured all help in probing firing attacks in the capital. Kabul was rocked by twin attacks where shots were fired at Pakistan's Embassy while in another attack, the office of Afghanistan's former Prime Minister was also attacked.

Taliban vows to probe Pakistan Embassy's Kabul attacks; injured security guard moves to Peshawar

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned a "dastardly assassination attempt" on Pakistan's Ambassador to Afghanistan in Kabul on Friday (December 2).&nbsp;WION broke the news before Sharif tweeted, demanding&nbsp;an immediate investigation&nbsp;against those who were involved.&nbsp;Sharif wrote: "I strongly condemn dastardly assassination attempt on Head of Mission, Kabul."

"Salute to brave security guard, who took bullet to save his life. Prayers for the swift recovery of security guard," he added.&nbsp;

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Ubaidur Rehman Nizamani is currently Pakistan's mission head at the Kabul embassy. He took charge this year on November 4.&nbsp;

In the aftermath of the attack, Pakistan will evacuate its embassy staff, the Head of Mission Ubaid Nizamanai and also the injured SSG guard, who took three bullets to his chest.&nbsp;

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I strongly condemn dastardly assassination attempt on 🇵🇰 Head of Mission, Kabul. Salute to brave security guard, who took bullet to save his life. Prayers for the swift recovery of security guard. I 
demand immediate investigation &amp; action against perpetrators of this heinous act
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) <a href="https://twitter.com/CMShehbaz/status/1598656921036554240?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement that the compound of the embassy in Kabul came under attack today, targeting Nizamani.&nbsp;

"By the grace of Allah Almighty, the Head of Mission is safe. However, a Pakistani security guard Sepoy Israr Mohammad has been critically injured in the attack while protecting the Head of Mission," the statement added.&nbsp;

Amid concerns over Nizamani's health, Sharif tweeted to inform that he spoke to the Head of Mission, who is safe now.&nbsp;

WION learned from sources that Pakistan is to send in a special flight to evacuate its Head of Mission, embassy personnel and staff and the injured soldier for the time being, later today or tomorrow early morning. It will depend on the health of the injured man.&nbsp;

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Just spoke to Ubaid Nizamani 🇵🇰 Head of Mission, Kabul. Relieved to hear that he is safe. I expressed solidarity of govt &amp; people with him, while assuring full support &amp; assistance to him &amp; mission on all counts. I also conveyed prayers for swift recovery of brave security guard.
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) <a href="https://twitter.com/CMShehbaz/status/1598668497483096064?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2022</a></blockquote>
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At the time of his inaugural interaction with the embassy staff, Nizamani had emphasised that it would be his priority to work towards enhancing multifaceted bilateral cooperation between Pakistan and Afghanistan.&nbsp;

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Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned a "dastardly assassination attempt" on Pakistan's Ambassador to Afghanistan in Kabul on Friday (December 2). WION broke the news before Sharif tweeted, demanding an immediate investigation against those who were involved.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned a "dastardly assassination attempt" on Pakistan's Ambassador to Afghanistan in Kabul on Friday (December 2). WION broke the news before Sharif tweeted, demanding an immediate investigation against those who were involved. Sharif wrote: "I strongly condemn dastardly assassination attempt on Head of Mission, Kabul." "Salute to brave security guard, who took bullet to save his life. Prayers for the swift recovery of security guard," he added. ALSO READ | Kabul hit by attack near office of former Afghan PM Gulbuddin Hekmatyar Ubaidur Rehman Nizamani is currently Pakistan's mission head at the Kabul embassy. He took charge this year on November 4. In the aftermath of the attack, Pakistan will evacuate its embassy staff, the Head of Mission Ubaid Nizamanai and also the injured SSG guard, who took three bullets to his chest. I strongly condemn dastardly assassination attempt on 🇵🇰 Head of Mission, Kabul. Salute to brave security guard, who took bullet to save his life. Prayers for the swift recovery of security guard. I demand immediate investigation & action against perpetrators of this heinous act — Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) December 2, 2022 × Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement that the compound of the embassy in Kabul came under attack today, targeting Nizamani. "By the grace of Allah Almighty, the Head of Mission is safe. However, a Pakistani security guard Sepoy Israr Mohammad has been critically injured in the attack while protecting the Head of Mission," the statement added. Amid concerns over Nizamani's health, Sharif tweeted to inform that he spoke to the Head of Mission, who is safe now. WION learned from sources that Pakistan is to send in a special flight to evacuate its Head of Mission, embassy personnel and staff and the injured soldier for the time being, later today or tomorrow early morning. It will depend on the health of the injured man. Just spoke to Ubaid Nizamani 🇵🇰 Head of Mission, Kabul. Relieved to hear that he is safe. I expressed solidarity of govt & people with him, while assuring full support & assistance to him & mission on all counts. I also conveyed prayers for swift recovery of brave security guard. — Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) December 2, 2022 × At the time of his inaugural interaction with the embassy staff, Nizamani had emphasised that it would be his priority to work towards enhancing multifaceted bilateral cooperation between Pakistan and Afghanistan. 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.

'Assassination attempt': PM Shehbaz Sharif condemns attack on Pakistan's mission head in Afghanistan

Millions of minds and unexploded grenades are scattered across Afghanistan. Decades of war have led the country to deal with military explosives by itself. Even though Afghanistan has a team dedicated to clearing the remnants of conflict, the lack of resources and people moving back home to areas earlier turned inaccessible.

Afghanistan: Threat of mines, explosives scattered across the country

Afghanistan: Taliban returns to archaic rules; woman flogged for shopping alone

After an attack on Pakistani mission in Kabul critically injured one of the second security guards. Acting Foreign Minister of Afghanistan dialed Pakistan's Foreign Minister. As per the official statement released by the Pakistani Foreign Ministry, acting Afghan Foreign Minister strongly condemned the attack.

Afghanistan: Acting Foreign Minister dials Pakistan's Foreign Minister

Afghanistan Shocker: Woman flogged for shopping alone, Taliban returns to archaic rules

Three unidentified militants detonated a car bomb and tried to storm the headquarters of Afghan party headed by a veteran politician in Kabul. Two militants were killed in the attack and shots were also fired at the Pakistani embassy in Kabul. Pakistan's PM Shehbaz Sharif also condemned the attack.

Afghanistan: Shots fired at Pakistan embassy in Kabul; Pak PM Sharif condemns attack

Two militants were killed on Friday (December 2) during an attack in Kabul, near the office of Hezb-e-Islami—a political party associated with former Prime Minister Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, news agency AFP reported citing four sources.&nbsp;

Ghairat Baheer, who is an official with the Hizb-e-Islami party, told the news agency that two attackers were killed as they tried to enter the Kabul building, which also houses a mosque.&nbsp;

Baheer said: "The car detonated outside, so there was little damage." As per the media reports,&nbsp;Hekmatyar was there in the building but was unhurt. He served as prime minister in the 1990s.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/shehbaz-sharif-condemns-assassination-attempt-on-pakistans-head-of-mission-to-afghanistan-in-kabul-539484">Shehbaz Sharif condemns 'assassination attempt' on Pakistan's Head of Mission to Afghanistan in Kabul</a>&nbsp;

Baheer stated that the militants opened fire at the guards and two of them were injured.&nbsp;

Reports have mentioned that&nbsp;Hekmatyar delivers Friday sermons at his party central office in Kabul.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;WION Dispatch | Pakistan: General Asim Munir takes over as 17th Chief of Army Staff&nbsp;

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Obaidullah Muddabir, who is a senior district police officer, also confirmed that two attackers had been killed.

Notably, Muddabir also said he believed the third one, who reportedly escaped, had been captured.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"I am outside the compound... the situation is under control," he said.

He added: "The guards at Hizb-e-Islami office told us that there were three attackers. They killed two while one was injured before they reached the target."&nbsp;

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Two militants were killed on Friday (December 2) during an attack in Kabul, near the office of Hezb-e-Islami—a political party associated with former Prime Minister Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, news agency AFP reported citing four sources.

Two militants were killed on Friday (December 2) during an attack in Kabul, near the office of Hezb-e-Islami—a political party associated with former Prime Minister Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, news agency AFP reported citing four sources. Ghairat Baheer, who is an official with the Hizb-e-Islami party, told the news agency that two attackers were killed as they tried to enter the Kabul building, which also houses a mosque. Baheer said: "The car detonated outside, so there was little damage." As per the media reports, Hekmatyar was there in the building but was unhurt. He served as prime minister in the 1990s. ALSO READ | Shehbaz Sharif condemns 'assassination attempt' on Pakistan's Head of Mission to Afghanistan in Kabul Baheer stated that the militants opened fire at the guards and two of them were injured. Reports have mentioned that Hekmatyar delivers Friday sermons at his party central office in Kabul. WATCH | WION Dispatch | Pakistan: General Asim Munir takes over as 17th Chief of Army Staff × Obaidullah Muddabir, who is a senior district police officer, also confirmed that two attackers had been killed. Notably, Muddabir also said he believed the third one, who reportedly escaped, had been captured. "I am outside the compound... the situation is under control," he said. He added: "The guards at Hizb-e-Islami office told us that there were three attackers. They killed two while one was injured before they reached the target." 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.

Car blast near office of former Afghan PM Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, two militants killed

The Taliban on Thursday banned the FM radio broadcasts streaming from Voice of America (VOA) and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) Afghanistan stations, saying that they are stopped due to non-compliance with journalistic principles and one-sided broadcasts. Taking to Twitter, Abdul Haq Hammad, who oversees broadcasting for the Ministry of Information and Culture of the incumbent Afghan administration, said, "Radio Azadi (RL), which started broadcasting after the American occupation, was stopped due to non-compliance with journalistic principles and one-sided broadcasts," Khaama Press reported.

According to a tweet from Hammad, the Radio Azadi broadcasts have been banned in 13 Afghan provinces.

Meanwhile, VOA also reported that a new directive from the Afghan Ministry of Information and Culture has placed a ban on VOA's broadcasts, effective from December 1.

The Voice of America television program, known as Ashna TV, which had previously been broadcast on the Tolo TV, TOLONews, and Lamar TV channels, was suspended on March 27 this year by the authorities in Afghanistan.

According to the VOA, the ban came a day after the Taliban's ministry of information and culture said it had received complaints about programming content but shared no specifics.

It is unclear whether the ban will apply to other international broadcasters that have used the same system for FM broadcasts in Afghanistan."Afghanistan has press laws, and any network found repeatedly contravening these laws will have their privilege of reporting from and broadcasting within Afghanistan taken away," Abdul Qahar Balkhi, who looks the incumbent Afghan administration`s foreign department, said in written comments to VOA. "VOA and Azadi Radio failed to adhere to these laws, were found as repeat offenders, failed to show professionalism and were therefore shut down," VOA quoted Balkhi as saying.

Voice of America began airing radio programs in Dari and Pashto in Afghanistan in October 1980 and July 1982, respectively. Radio Azadi officially started broadcasting in Afghanistan in 2002.

There were 547 media outlets in Afghanistan during the previous administration, according to Reporters Without Borders, but 219 print, aural, and visual media were shut down after the current administration assumed power, according to Khaama Press.

Since taking over last year, the government has placed a number of limitations on the media and journalists in Afghanistan, including mandating female presenters t cover their faces while on air.

Free press organizations have slammed them with pervasive media censorship and muzzling, harassing reporters, and depriving female media workers of the right to employment, Khaama Press reported.

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The Taliban on Thursday banned the FM radio broadcasts streaming from Voice of America (VOA) and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) Afghanistan stations, saying that they are stopped due to non-compliance with journalistic principles and one-sided broadcasts.

The Taliban on Thursday banned the FM radio broadcasts streaming from Voice of America (VOA) and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) Afghanistan stations, saying that they are stopped due to non-compliance with journalistic principles and one-sided broadcasts. Taking to Twitter, Abdul Haq Hammad, who oversees broadcasting for the Ministry of Information and Culture of the incumbent Afghan administration, said, "Radio Azadi (RL), which started broadcasting after the American occupation, was stopped due to non-compliance with journalistic principles and one-sided broadcasts," Khaama Press reported. According to a tweet from Hammad, the Radio Azadi broadcasts have been banned in 13 Afghan provinces. Meanwhile, VOA also reported that a new directive from the Afghan Ministry of Information and Culture has placed a ban on VOA's broadcasts, effective from December 1. The Voice of America television program, known as Ashna TV, which had previously been broadcast on the Tolo TV, TOLONews, and Lamar TV channels, was suspended on March 27 this year by the authorities in Afghanistan. According to the VOA, the ban came a day after the Taliban's ministry of information and culture said it had received complaints about programming content but shared no specifics. It is unclear whether the ban will apply to other international broadcasters that have used the same system for FM broadcasts in Afghanistan."Afghanistan has press laws, and any network found repeatedly contravening these laws will have their privilege of reporting from and broadcasting within Afghanistan taken away," Abdul Qahar Balkhi, who looks the incumbent Afghan administration`s foreign department, said in written comments to VOA. "VOA and Azadi Radio failed to adhere to these laws, were found as repeat offenders, failed to show professionalism and were therefore shut down," VOA quoted Balkhi as saying. Voice of America began airing radio programs in Dari and Pashto in Afghanistan in October 1980 and July 1982, respectively. Radio Azadi officially started broadcasting in Afghanistan in 2002. There were 547 media outlets in Afghanistan during the previous administration, according to Reporters Without Borders, but 219 print, aural, and visual media were shut down after the current administration assumed power, according to Khaama Press. Since taking over last year, the government has placed a number of limitations on the media and journalists in Afghanistan, including mandating female presenters t cover their faces while on air. Free press organizations have slammed them with pervasive media censorship and muzzling, harassing reporters, and depriving female media workers of the right to employment, Khaama Press reported. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Taliban ban Voice of America, RFE/RL for 'one-sided' broadcasts

At least 19&nbsp;people were killed and 24 wounded after a blast at a madrassa in Afghanistan’s northern city of Aybak on Wednesday. According to AFP, a doctor at the local hospital confirmed the death toll and said that the wounded are currently undergoing treatment. The doctor also said that the casualties were mostly youngsters and they belonged to the Al Jihad madrassa.&nbsp;"All of them are children and ordinary people," he told AFP.

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Several blasts and attacks have taken place since the Taliban returned to power last year. Most of the attacks were carried out by the local chapter of the Islamic State (IS).

The government said that the authorities are working towards identifying the attackers.

"Our detective and security forces are working quickly to identify the perpetrators of this unforgivable crime and punish them for their actions," Interior Ministry spokesman tweeted.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-removed-from-uk-nuclear-project-a-day-after-sunaks-golden-era-over-statement-538678">China booted from UK nuclear project after Sunak's 'golden era over' statement</a>

The rift between the Taliban and the Islamic State has resulted in various attacks across the country.

In September, 54 people were killed when a bomb was detonated in Kabul at an examination hall in Kabul. Most of the victims were young women who were appearing for a practice test.

In 2021, just after the Taliban reclaimed power, 85 people were killed and 300 people wounded due to a bomb blast. In this case, the victims were once again youngsters – mainly young girls.

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At least 19 people were killed and 24 wounded after a blast at a madrassa in Afghanistan’s northern city of Aybak on Wednesday. According to AFP, a doctor at the local hospital confirmed the death toll and said that the wounded are currently undergoing treatment.

At least 19 people were killed and 24 wounded after a blast at a madrassa in Afghanistan’s northern city of Aybak on Wednesday. According to AFP, a doctor at the local hospital confirmed the death toll and said that the wounded are currently undergoing treatment. The doctor also said that the casualties were mostly youngsters and they belonged to the Al Jihad madrassa. "All of them are children and ordinary people," he told AFP. Also read | Chinese government relaxes COVID-19 rules in several districts in Guangzhou Several blasts and attacks have taken place since the Taliban returned to power last year. Most of the attacks were carried out by the local chapter of the Islamic State (IS). The government said that the authorities are working towards identifying the attackers. "Our detective and security forces are working quickly to identify the perpetrators of this unforgivable crime and punish them for their actions," Interior Ministry spokesman tweeted. Also read | China booted from UK nuclear project after Sunak's 'golden era over' statement The rift between the Taliban and the Islamic State has resulted in various attacks across the country. In September, 54 people were killed when a bomb was detonated in Kabul at an examination hall in Kabul. Most of the victims were young women who were appearing for a practice test. In 2021, just after the Taliban reclaimed power, 85 people were killed and 300 people wounded due to a bomb blast. In this case, the victims were once again youngsters – mainly young girls.

At least 19 killed and 24 injured in bomb blast at madrassa in Afghanistan's Aybak

The Pakistan government is reworking its strategy to tackle terrorist activities being carried out by Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) after the ceasefire agreement was called off by the militant group and attacks were resumed on the government's security forces on Thursday, as per a media report.

The government signed the ceasefire deal in June with TTP, which has been fighting for the establishment of Sharia rule across the nation. On Tuesday, the TTP called off the peace deal accusing the Pakistan government of carrying out Intelligence Based Operations (IBO) against the militant group and not abiding by the terms and agreements. 
 
TTP, within 24 hours of breaking the truce, took the responsibility for a suicide blast that took place in the Balelli area in Quetta. The Express Tribune newspaper was informed by an official source that Pakistan will review its strategy after TTP made an announcement, earlier this week, to call off the truce and increased the terrorist attacks.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/policeman-3-civilians-killed-in-suicide-attack-in-pakistan-538940">Policeman, 3 civilians killed in suicide attack in Pakistan</a> 
 
According to the source, the National Security Committee (NSC) is likely to convene a meeting to decide on the new strategy. The Afghan Taliban regime brokered the truce, as it continued to resist any kind of pressure from the Pakistan government to take action against the militant group and its affiliates. 
 
The source informed that the government will now look into all options to tackle militancy after TTP's resurgence. Newly-appointed Army Chief General Asim Munir has a clear understanding of Afghanistan and the TTP and is likely to provide crucial input on the TTP's strategy review along with the Taliban-led Afghanistan to the Pakistan government, headed by Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif.

Also WATCH |&nbsp;Suicide bombing claimed by Tehreek-e-Taliban kills at least five, injures several in Pakistan

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Meanwhile, Pakistan's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar, on her visit to Kabul, had held discussions with the Afghan Taliban on the issue of TTP. 
 
The official handout, however, had no mention of any concerns raised by Pakistan on the issue of cross-border terrorist attacks. The sources stated that the government may consider holding direct talks with the TTP.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The Pakistan government is reworking its strategy to tackle terrorist activities being carried out by Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) after the ceasefire agreement was called off by the militant group and attacks were resumed on the government's security forces on Thursday, as per a media report.

The Pakistan government is reworking its strategy to tackle terrorist activities being carried out by Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) after the ceasefire agreement was called off by the militant group and attacks were resumed on the government's security forces on Thursday, as per a media report. The government signed the ceasefire deal in June with TTP, which has been fighting for the establishment of Sharia rule across the nation. On Tuesday, the TTP called off the peace deal accusing the Pakistan government of carrying out Intelligence Based Operations (IBO) against the militant group and not abiding by the terms and agreements. TTP, within 24 hours of breaking the truce, took the responsibility for a suicide blast that took place in the Balelli area in Quetta. The Express Tribune newspaper was informed by an official source that Pakistan will review its strategy after TTP made an announcement, earlier this week, to call off the truce and increased the terrorist attacks. Also read | Policeman, 3 civilians killed in suicide attack in Pakistan According to the source, the National Security Committee (NSC) is likely to convene a meeting to decide on the new strategy. The Afghan Taliban regime brokered the truce, as it continued to resist any kind of pressure from the Pakistan government to take action against the militant group and its affiliates. The source informed that the government will now look into all options to tackle militancy after TTP's resurgence. Newly-appointed Army Chief General Asim Munir has a clear understanding of Afghanistan and the TTP and is likely to provide crucial input on the TTP's strategy review along with the Taliban-led Afghanistan to the Pakistan government, headed by Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif. Also WATCH | Suicide bombing claimed by Tehreek-e-Taliban kills at least five, injures several in Pakistan Meanwhile, Pakistan's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar, on her visit to Kabul, had held discussions with the Afghan Taliban on the issue of TTP. The official handout, however, had no mention of any concerns raised by Pakistan on the issue of cross-border terrorist attacks. The sources stated that the government may consider holding direct talks with the TTP. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Pakistan mends its strategy after TTP calls off ceasefire

Malala Yousafzai, a Nobel Laureate, has raised concern for Afghan women and girls after the Taliban issued an edict requiring women to wear the hijab. She has also called for UK leaders to help oppressed Afghan women.

Malala calls for UK leaders to help oppressed Afghan women

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