Top United States officials have reportedly had an in-person meeting with the Taliban in the Qatari capital of Doha.

According to CNN, this was the first meeting of US officials with the Taliban since the killing of al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri in Kabul in late July.

The meeting that took place on Saturday saw the presence of CIA’s deputy director and the top State Department official responsible for Afghanistan and Taliban’s head of intelligence, Abdul Haq Wasiq, two officials familiar with the development told CNN.

“The presence of CIA Deputy Director David Cohen and the Taliban’s Abdul Haq Wasiq at the meeting on Saturday indicates an emphasis on counterterrorism,” the report said.

The meeting comes after the White House last month termed cooperation with the Taliban on counterterrorism as “a work in progress.”

Zawahiri was killed in a drone strike in Kabul. He was found to be residing in a safe house that had ties to the deputy leader of the Taliban.

US officials had claimed that the home belonged to an aide of Sirajuddin Haqqani, a top deputy of the Taliban's supreme leader Mullah Haibatallah Akhundzada.

While the Taliban had angrily condemned the operation, the US officials accused the militant group of knowing about Zawahiri’s whereabouts.

The meeting on counterterrorism comes at a time when Afghanistan is facing an insurgency from the Islamic State offshoot, called ISIS-K, and has witnessed blasts and attacks.

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Beth Sanner, a former Deputy Director of National Intelligence who led Afghanistan analysis at the CIA, told CNN, “The Taliban are struggling to prevent ISIS-K attacks, making them look feckless, particularly in Kabul."

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“[Cohen] is likely to deliver a firm message that we will conduct more strikes as we did against Zawahiri if we find that al Qaeda members in Afghanistan are supporting operations that threaten the US or its allies,” Sanner said.

“ISIS-K now poses an internal Afghan threat, to the Taliban and to sectarian stability given ISIS-K’s focus on killing Shias, but there is some reasonable concern that ISIS-K could ultimately turn its sights on external plotting if the Taliban is unable to contain them.”

(With inputs from agencies)

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Top United States officials have reportedly had an in-person meeting with the Taliban in the Qatari capital of Doha. According to CNN, this was the first meeting of US officials with the Taliban since the killing of al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri in Kabul in late July.

Top United States officials have reportedly had an in-person meeting with the Taliban in the Qatari capital of Doha. According to CNN, this was the first meeting of US officials with the Taliban since the killing of al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri in Kabul in late July. The meeting that took place on Saturday saw the presence of CIA’s deputy director and the top State Department official responsible for Afghanistan and Taliban’s head of intelligence, Abdul Haq Wasiq, two officials familiar with the development told CNN. “The presence of CIA Deputy Director David Cohen and the Taliban’s Abdul Haq Wasiq at the meeting on Saturday indicates an emphasis on counterterrorism,” the report said. The meeting comes after the White House last month termed cooperation with the Taliban on counterterrorism as “a work in progress.” Zawahiri was killed in a drone strike in Kabul. He was found to be residing in a safe house that had ties to the deputy leader of the Taliban. US officials had claimed that the home belonged to an aide of Sirajuddin Haqqani, a top deputy of the Taliban's supreme leader Mullah Haibatallah Akhundzada. While the Taliban had angrily condemned the operation, the US officials accused the militant group of knowing about Zawahiri’s whereabouts. The meeting on counterterrorism comes at a time when Afghanistan is facing an insurgency from the Islamic State offshoot, called ISIS-K, and has witnessed blasts and attacks. Also read | China responds angrily after US announces chip export restrictions Beth Sanner, a former Deputy Director of National Intelligence who led Afghanistan analysis at the CIA, told CNN, “The Taliban are struggling to prevent ISIS-K attacks, making them look feckless, particularly in Kabul." Also read | Iranian state TV hacked during live broadcast with anti-regime message “[Cohen] is likely to deliver a firm message that we will conduct more strikes as we did against Zawahiri if we find that al Qaeda members in Afghanistan are supporting operations that threaten the US or its allies,” Sanner said. “ISIS-K now poses an internal Afghan threat, to the Taliban and to sectarian stability given ISIS-K’s focus on killing Shias, but there is some reasonable concern that ISIS-K could ultimately turn its sights on external plotting if the Taliban is unable to contain them.” (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

US officials hold first in-person meet with Taliban months after Zawahiri’s killing: Report

Top US officials held talks with the Taliban on Saturday, this is the first such meeting since the killing of al-Qaeda chief Ayman al-Zawahiri in late July. The CIA's deputy director David Cohen and the state department's special representative for Afghanistan Thomas West, were a part of the delegation, while the Taliban was represented by the head of intelligence Abdul Haq Wasiq.

Top US officials hold meet with Taliban, counter-terrorism was the focus

A joint operation by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and the Indian Navy has led to the seizure of 200 kilogrammes of Afghanistani heroin worth USD 1.45 million or Rs 1,200 crore&nbsp;from an Iranian vessel.

Talking to the press, NCB's Deputy Director General (operations) Sanjay Kumar Singh said that the agencies have also arrested six Iranian nationals and that the boat and the seized drugs were brought to Mattancherry wharf.&nbsp;

"The NCB has now seized the vessel and 200 kg of heroin. The six Iranian crew members have also been arrested under relevant sections of the NDPS Act, 1985," he said.

Watch |&nbsp;WION Dispatch: India raises objection to US envoy's visit to PoK

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As per PTI, Singh reported that the investigation is still on and that the heroin was in 200 packets with markings and packing unique to Afghanistan and Pakistan-based drug cartels.

The crew tried to escape by jumping into the sea, said&nbsp;Singh. They also tried to dump the consignment.

Some drug packets reportedly carried 'Scorpion' seal markings, while others had 'dragon' markings. The drugs were packed in seven-layer waterproof packing.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-drugs-worth-12-billion-seized-from-two-cities-former-pilot-among-six-arrested-523308" hreflang="en">India: Drugs worth $1.2 billion seized from two cities, former pilot among six arrested</a>

"Preliminary investigation revealed that the seized drug was sourced from Afghanistan and was transported to Pakistan. This consignment was then loaded into the now-seized vessel off the Pakistan coast in a mid-sea exchange," NCB said in its statement.

The vessel set sail to Indian waters for further delivery to a Sri Lankan vessel. While efforts are being made to identify&nbsp;and intercept the Sri Lankan vessel, it is yet to be traced.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/new-delhi-raises-alarming-issue-with-islamabad-on-death-of-six-indian-prisoners-in-pakistan-in-nine-months-523400" hreflang="en">New Delhi raises ‘alarming’ issue of six Indian prisoners’ death in Pakistan within nine months</a>

As per the NCB trafficking of Afghan heroin into India via the Arabian Sea and Indian ocean has increased over the past years.

"The southern route for trafficking of heroin from Afghanistan i.e., from Afghanistan to Makran coast of Iran and Pakistan and then onwards to various countries in the Indian Ocean Region, including India, has gained prominence over the last few years."

(With inputs from agencies)

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A joint operation by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and the Indian Navy has led to the seizure of 200 kilogrammes of Afghanistani heroin worth USD 1.45 million or Rs 1,200 crore from an Iranian vessel.

A joint operation by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and the Indian Navy has led to the seizure of 200 kilogrammes of Afghanistani heroin worth USD 1.45 million or Rs 1,200 crore from an Iranian vessel. Talking to the press, NCB's Deputy Director General (operations) Sanjay Kumar Singh said that the agencies have also arrested six Iranian nationals and that the boat and the seized drugs were brought to Mattancherry wharf. "The NCB has now seized the vessel and 200 kg of heroin. The six Iranian crew members have also been arrested under relevant sections of the NDPS Act, 1985," he said. Watch | WION Dispatch: India raises objection to US envoy's visit to PoK As per PTI, Singh reported that the investigation is still on and that the heroin was in 200 packets with markings and packing unique to Afghanistan and Pakistan-based drug cartels. The crew tried to escape by jumping into the sea, said Singh. They also tried to dump the consignment. Some drug packets reportedly carried 'Scorpion' seal markings, while others had 'dragon' markings. The drugs were packed in seven-layer waterproof packing. Also read | India: Drugs worth $1.2 billion seized from two cities, former pilot among six arrested "Preliminary investigation revealed that the seized drug was sourced from Afghanistan and was transported to Pakistan. This consignment was then loaded into the now-seized vessel off the Pakistan coast in a mid-sea exchange," NCB said in its statement. The vessel set sail to Indian waters for further delivery to a Sri Lankan vessel. While efforts are being made to identify and intercept the Sri Lankan vessel, it is yet to be traced. Also read | New Delhi raises ‘alarming’ issue of six Indian prisoners’ death in Pakistan within nine months As per the NCB trafficking of Afghan heroin into India via the Arabian Sea and Indian ocean has increased over the past years. "The southern route for trafficking of heroin from Afghanistan i.e., from Afghanistan to Makran coast of Iran and Pakistan and then onwards to various countries in the Indian Ocean Region, including India, has gained prominence over the last few years." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

200kg heroin en route to India from Afghanistan via Pakistan seized by NCB

Afghanistan's interior ministry confirmed on Wednesday (October 5) that a blast occurred at a mosque near the ministry in the nation's capital Kabul.&nbsp;

Abdul Nafi Takor, who is the ministry's spokesperson, said that the explosion took place "in a mosque which is at a distance from the ministry of interior".&nbsp;

He also mentioned that visitors and some of the employees used to offer prayers at the mosque. The ministry's spokesperson&nbsp;said that an investigation was ongoing.&nbsp;

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He didn't reveal the casualty figures or the exact distance from ministry grounds, but local reports mentioned that at least four people were killed and over 20 were injured.&nbsp;

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Of late, such deadly attacks have ramped up in Afghanistan. On last Friday, a suicide bombing killed at least 53 people in a Kabul classroom, including 46 girls and women, according to a UN death toll.&nbsp;

As per the witnesses, the attacker blew himself up in the women's section of a gender-segregated classroom of a study hall in the Dasht-e-Barchi neighbourhood.&nbsp;

So far, no group has claimed responsibility for that attack, which Taliban authorities said claimed only 25 lives.&nbsp;

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Afghanistan's interior ministry confirmed on Wednesday (October 5) that a blast occurred at a mosque near the ministry in the nation's capital Kabul. Abdul Nafi Takor, who is the ministry's spokesperson, said that the explosion took place "in a mosque which is at a distance from the ministry of interior".

Afghanistan's interior ministry confirmed on Wednesday (October 5) that a blast occurred at a mosque near the ministry in the nation's capital Kabul. Abdul Nafi Takor, who is the ministry's spokesperson, said that the explosion took place "in a mosque which is at a distance from the ministry of interior". He also mentioned that visitors and some of the employees used to offer prayers at the mosque. The ministry's spokesperson said that an investigation was ongoing. ALSO READ | Myanmar Junta's leader won't be allowed to attend upcoming ASEAN summit: Cambodia He didn't reveal the casualty figures or the exact distance from ministry grounds, but local reports mentioned that at least four people were killed and over 20 were injured. WATCH | Pan Nalin in an exclusive conversation with WION speaks on 'Chhello Show' controversy × Of late, such deadly attacks have ramped up in Afghanistan. On last Friday, a suicide bombing killed at least 53 people in a Kabul classroom, including 46 girls and women, according to a UN death toll. As per the witnesses, the attacker blew himself up in the women's section of a gender-segregated classroom of a study hall in the Dasht-e-Barchi neighbourhood. So far, no group has claimed responsibility for that attack, which Taliban authorities said claimed only 25 lives. 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.

Kabul: At least four killed, 20 injured in blast at mosque near Afghan interior ministry

The Taliban administration has reportedly banned the use of Pakistani currency, the rupee, in the country.&nbsp;According to news agency Khaama Press, the Taliban Intelligence Agency’s Anti-Money Laundering Branch has ordered the Association of Money Exchange Dealers in a letter to “completely ban” the use of Pakistani Rupees in financial transactions in Afghanistan

The letter states that all financial transactions, including but not limited to transfers, trade, and currency exchange, are disallowed, the news agency reported.

The move would deal a major blow to the locals and traders who use Pakistani Rupees for everyday spending and food purchases.

Apart from that, the money exchange dealers have been banned from conducting transactions totalling more than 500,000 rupees.

“If more than the specified amount is discovered, the dealers could face legal action,” the letter stated.

Afghanistan’s economy has been in tatters ever since the Taliban stormed back to power last year.

The World Bank and the International Monetary Fund have predicted a contraction of the economy by a further one-third by the end of 2022.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/node/522390" hreflang="en">Two minors served acid in water bottle at eatery in Pakistan, manager arrested</a>

According to the United Nations, half of the country’s 39 million people need humanitarian assistance.

To make matters worse, the US froze nearly $9.5 billion in assets belonging to the Afghan central bank and stopped shipments of cash to the nation.

Of the total amount, only $3.5 billion was released by the Biden administration which has established a foundation to spend that amount to benefit Afghans.

The trust, which is based in Switzerland, will use the money to help address the unfolding economic and humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan — while keeping the funds out of the hands of the Taliban.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The Taliban administration has reportedly banned the use of Pakistani currency, the rupee, in the country. According to news agency Khaama Press, the Taliban Intelligence Agency’s Anti-Money Laundering Branch has ordered the Association of Money Exchange Dealers in a letter to “completely ban” the use of Pakistani Rupees in financial transactions in Afghanistan The letter states that all financial transactions, including but not limited to transfers, trade, and currency exchange, are disallowed, the news agency reported.

The Taliban administration has reportedly banned the use of Pakistani currency, the rupee, in the country. According to news agency Khaama Press, the Taliban Intelligence Agency’s Anti-Money Laundering Branch has ordered the Association of Money Exchange Dealers in a letter to “completely ban” the use of Pakistani Rupees in financial transactions in Afghanistan The letter states that all financial transactions, including but not limited to transfers, trade, and currency exchange, are disallowed, the news agency reported. The move would deal a major blow to the locals and traders who use Pakistani Rupees for everyday spending and food purchases. Apart from that, the money exchange dealers have been banned from conducting transactions totalling more than 500,000 rupees. “If more than the specified amount is discovered, the dealers could face legal action,” the letter stated. Afghanistan’s economy has been in tatters ever since the Taliban stormed back to power last year. The World Bank and the International Monetary Fund have predicted a contraction of the economy by a further one-third by the end of 2022. Also read | Two minors served acid in water bottle at eatery in Pakistan, manager arrested According to the United Nations, half of the country’s 39 million people need humanitarian assistance. To make matters worse, the US froze nearly $9.5 billion in assets belonging to the Afghan central bank and stopped shipments of cash to the nation. Of the total amount, only $3.5 billion was released by the Biden administration which has established a foundation to spend that amount to benefit Afghans. The trust, which is based in Switzerland, will use the money to help address the unfolding economic and humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan — while keeping the funds out of the hands of the Taliban. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Taliban ban use of Pakistani currency in Afghanistan, transactions over 500,000 rupees

The death toll from last week’s suicide bombing in an education centre in Afghan capital of Kabul has risen to 53, the United Nations said on Monday.

Among those killed, 46 were girls and young women and at least 110 people were injured, it said. Rports indicated that the bombing was next to a women’s study hall packed with students.&nbsp;

The attack took place on Friday in a Kabul neighbourhood which is historically home to the oppressed Shiite Muslim Hazara community in a majority Sunni Muslim country. According to reports, the former has been subjected to some of the country’s worst violence in recent history.&nbsp;

The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) took to Twitter to give an update on Friday’s incident and indicated that their human rights teams are working to document the crime, verify facts and establish reliable data to “counter denial &amp; revisionism”.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

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Further rise in casualties from Friday's classroom bombing in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Hazara?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Hazara</a> quarter of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kabul?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kabul</a>: 
 
53 killed, at least 46 girls &amp; young women 
110 injured 
 
Our human rights team continues documenting the crime: verifying facts &amp; establishing reliable data to counter denial &amp; revisionism
— UNAMA News (@UNAMAnews) <a href="https://twitter.com/UNAMAnews/status/1576905370450075648?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 3, 2022</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

The suicide bombing took place at a gender-segregated women’s education centre which reportedly had hundreds of students giving a practice test for university admissions. This is contrary to the claims made by Taliban authorities, according to whom only 25 people were killed and 33 others wounded. No group has claimed&nbsp;responsibility for the attack.&nbsp;

The bombing was one among many attacks since the Taliban took over the country last year. Security has begun to deteriorate in the past couple of months. The Taliban has also blocked many girls and young women&nbsp;from pursuing secondary education.&nbsp;

The incident sparked protests in Kabul and other places in Afghanistan. On Saturday, at least 50 women took to the streets of Dasht-e-Barchi, where the attack happened and chanted, “Stop Hazara genocide, it's not a crime to be a Shiite.” &nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-in-suicide-bomb-attack-on-kabul-education-centre-jumps-to-43-un-521974">Female students protest against the deadly Kabul attack as toll jumps to 43</a>

A similar attack in the same neighbourhood took place in May 2021, prior to the Taliban’s take over, where at least 85 people were killed and approximately 300 were injured. Among those killed were mostly young girls as the three bombs exploded near a school in Dasht-e-Barchi.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
 
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The death toll from last week’s suicide bombing in an education centre in Afghan capital of Kabul has risen to 53, the United Nations said on Monday. Among those killed, 46 were girls and young women and at least 110 people were injured, it said.

The death toll from last week’s suicide bombing in an education centre in Afghan capital of Kabul has risen to 53, the United Nations said on Monday. Among those killed, 46 were girls and young women and at least 110 people were injured, it said. Rports indicated that the bombing was next to a women’s study hall packed with students. The attack took place on Friday in a Kabul neighbourhood which is historically home to the oppressed Shiite Muslim Hazara community in a majority Sunni Muslim country. According to reports, the former has been subjected to some of the country’s worst violence in recent history. The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) took to Twitter to give an update on Friday’s incident and indicated that their human rights teams are working to document the crime, verify facts and establish reliable data to “counter denial & revisionism”. Further rise in casualties from Friday's classroom bombing in #Hazara quarter of #Kabul: 53 killed, at least 46 girls & young women 110 injured Our human rights team continues documenting the crime: verifying facts & establishing reliable data to counter denial & revisionism — UNAMA News (@UNAMAnews) October 3, 2022 × The suicide bombing took place at a gender-segregated women’s education centre which reportedly had hundreds of students giving a practice test for university admissions. This is contrary to the claims made by Taliban authorities, according to whom only 25 people were killed and 33 others wounded. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack. The bombing was one among many attacks since the Taliban took over the country last year. Security has begun to deteriorate in the past couple of months. The Taliban has also blocked many girls and young women from pursuing secondary education. The incident sparked protests in Kabul and other places in Afghanistan. On Saturday, at least 50 women took to the streets of Dasht-e-Barchi, where the attack happened and chanted, “Stop Hazara genocide, it's not a crime to be a Shiite.” ALSO READ: Female students protest against the deadly Kabul attack as toll jumps to 43 A similar attack in the same neighbourhood took place in May 2021, prior to the Taliban’s take over, where at least 85 people were killed and approximately 300 were injured. Among those killed were mostly young girls as the three bombs exploded near a school in Dasht-e-Barchi. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Among 53 killed in Afghanistan suicide bombing, 46 were girls and young women, says UN

The anger is rising in Afghanistan, women are saying that enough is enough. They held up banners which said stop Hazara genocide and demanded security from the Taliban government.

Anger grows in Afghanistan; women chant 'stop Hazara genocide'

Afghan women are protesting against the suicide bomb killing of students in Kabul's Shiite neighborhood. The attack on the educational center killed over 32 people and wounded at least 27 others.

Kabul: Women protest against bomb attack, death toll rises to 35

At least 32 people, including&nbsp;girl students, were killed and dozens injured after a suicide attack at a learning centre in the Afghan capital of Kabul on Friday. The incident took place as the students were preparing for an examination.&nbsp;

After the blast, a&nbsp;police spokesman said,&nbsp;"Students were preparing for an exam when a suicide bomber struck at this educational centre."&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/xi-jinping-appears-in-public-for-first-time-since-sco-summit-521098" hreflang="en">Xi Jinping appears in public again, attends wreath laying to mark Martyrs' Day</a>

There were videos circulating on social media right after the incident which showed the bodies of the victims amidst the rubble and the people present at the spot trying to help the wounded.

"Security teams have reached the site, the nature of the attack and the details of the casualties will be released later," the interior ministry spokesman Abdul Nafy Takor tweeted after the blast.&nbsp;

"Attacking civilian targets proves the enemy's inhuman cruelty and lack of moral standards," said officials.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rbi-hikes-benchmark-repo-rate-by-50-basis-points-to-a-three-year-high-of-59-per-cent-521092">RBI hikes benchmark repo rate by 50 basis points to a three-year high of 5.9%</a>

The blast took place in the Dasht-e-Barchi neighbourhood of Kabul – an area notorious for violence even before the Taliban took back control in Afghanistan. In 2021, Reuters reported that 85 people -- mainly girl students -- were killed and about 300 were wounded when three bombs exploded near their school.&nbsp;

The neighbourhood is also the residence of the minority Hazara community.&nbsp;

While the Islamic State took responsibility for the blast in 2021, no group has come forward in the aftermath of Friday’s blast. The attack on women’s education has intensified after the Taliban’s return with official restrictions on dress codes as well as the right to higher education in various institutions.&nbsp;

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At least 32 people, including girl students, were killed and dozens injured after a suicide attack at a learning centre in the Afghan capital of Kabul on Friday.

At least 32 people, including girl students, were killed and dozens injured after a suicide attack at a learning centre in the Afghan capital of Kabul on Friday. The incident took place as the students were preparing for an examination. After the blast, a police spokesman said, "Students were preparing for an exam when a suicide bomber struck at this educational centre." Also read | Xi Jinping appears in public again, attends wreath laying to mark Martyrs' Day There were videos circulating on social media right after the incident which showed the bodies of the victims amidst the rubble and the people present at the spot trying to help the wounded. "Security teams have reached the site, the nature of the attack and the details of the casualties will be released later," the interior ministry spokesman Abdul Nafy Takor tweeted after the blast. "Attacking civilian targets proves the enemy's inhuman cruelty and lack of moral standards," said officials. Also read | RBI hikes benchmark repo rate by 50 basis points to a three-year high of 5.9% The blast took place in the Dasht-e-Barchi neighbourhood of Kabul – an area notorious for violence even before the Taliban took back control in Afghanistan. In 2021, Reuters reported that 85 people -- mainly girl students -- were killed and about 300 were wounded when three bombs exploded near their school. The neighbourhood is also the residence of the minority Hazara community. While the Islamic State took responsibility for the blast in 2021, no group has come forward in the aftermath of Friday’s blast. The attack on women’s education has intensified after the Taliban’s return with official restrictions on dress codes as well as the right to higher education in various institutions.

Kabul blast: At least 32, including students, killed in suicide attack on educational centre

Afghanistan witnessed another suicide bombing attack, this time in a coaching centre in Western Kabul. At least 32 people were killed and several others were injured in which most were women.

At least 32 killed in Kabul suicide blast in Afghanistan; no group has claimed responsibility yet

A suicide attack at an education institute in the Afghan capital Kabul killed at least 19 people and wounded dozens but there was no immediate claim of responsibility for the blast.

Suicide attack at education centre in Afghanistan capital kills 19 & injures 27

While speaking to WION, Pakistan foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari dodged question on the Taliban dismissing claims of JeM chief Masood Azhar's presence in Afghanistan, he talked about FATF instead.

'Country may soon make to FATF's whitelist, says Pakistan foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto

A suicide bomber targeted an education centre in a Shiite area of Kabul Friday, killing at least 23 people and wounding 27 others, but there was no immediate claim of responsibility for the blast.

WION Dispatch: At least 23 killed and 27 injured in suicide bombing at educational centre in Kabul

Another suicide attack rocks Afghanistan. The attack took place at an education institute in the Afghan capital Kabul killed at least 19 people and wounded dozens but there was no immediate claim of responsibility for the blast.

Afghanistan: Education centre comes under attack in Kabul, no group has claimed responsibility yet

Pakistan has once again dodged questions on addressing concerns over terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed's Cheif Masood Azhar. The country's Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto dodged the question asked by WION about the Taliban dimissing Pakistan's claim that Azhar is actually on Afghan soil.

'Pakistan made incredible progress as far as FATF is concerned,' says Bilawal Bhutto

After Amsterdam, Athens, and the UK, the unrest in Iran over the death of Mahsa Amini, women in Afghanistan protested in front of the Iranian Embassy to show their support for the women in Tehran.

The Islamic Emirate's deputy spokesperson stated that the ruling government is committed to ensuring women's rights, based on Islamic values, TOLO news reported.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-stepped-up-pressure-on-celebrities-and-journalists-over-mahsa-amini-protests-520975">Also read |&nbsp;Iran stepped up pressure on celebrities and journalists over Mahsa Amini protests</a>

The protesters yelled, "women, life, and freedom." Women said that they are raising voices like Mahsa. There have been similar victims in Afghanistan.

In Iran, several women took the stage to protest the death of Mahsa Amini, 22, who died in police custody after being arrested for allegedly wearing an "improper hijab" in violation of the country's dress codes for women.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Mahsa Amini death | London: Protesters chant against Iran, wave pre-1979 national flag

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The suspicious death sparked outrage among hundreds of people worldwide. Women were seen cutting their hair short and burning their hijabs in an effort to draw attention to Amini's death.

Amini's death comes amid escalating criticism both inside Iran and outside over the actions of the morality police. Her death represents the terrible tyranny that women have endured in Iran for decades.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irans-raisi-condemns-chaos-of-protests-after-mahsa-aminis-death-520713">Also read |&nbsp;Iran's Raisi condemns 'chaos' of protests after Mahsa Amini's death</a>

The mandatory dress code mandates that women cover their heads and necks with headscarves and that it applies to all countries and religions and just not Iranian women, Al Jazeera reported.&nbsp;

A similar situation is in Afghanistan, a country where women are also struggling with rights. It is regarded as the unhappiest nation in the world. Ever since the Taliban's takeover, the country has been combating gender-based violence, including no license for women, no education after sixth grade, and so on.

(With inputs from agencies)

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After Amsterdam, Athens, and the UK, the unrest in Iran over the death of Mahsa Amini, women in Afghanistan protested in front of the Iranian Embassy to show their support for the women in Tehran.

After Amsterdam, Athens, and the UK, the unrest in Iran over the death of Mahsa Amini, women in Afghanistan protested in front of the Iranian Embassy to show their support for the women in Tehran. The Islamic Emirate's deputy spokesperson stated that the ruling government is committed to ensuring women's rights, based on Islamic values, TOLO news reported. Also read | Iran stepped up pressure on celebrities and journalists over Mahsa Amini protests The protesters yelled, "women, life, and freedom." Women said that they are raising voices like Mahsa. There have been similar victims in Afghanistan. In Iran, several women took the stage to protest the death of Mahsa Amini, 22, who died in police custody after being arrested for allegedly wearing an "improper hijab" in violation of the country's dress codes for women. Watch | Mahsa Amini death | London: Protesters chant against Iran, wave pre-1979 national flag The suspicious death sparked outrage among hundreds of people worldwide. Women were seen cutting their hair short and burning their hijabs in an effort to draw attention to Amini's death. Amini's death comes amid escalating criticism both inside Iran and outside over the actions of the morality police. Her death represents the terrible tyranny that women have endured in Iran for decades. Also read | Iran's Raisi condemns 'chaos' of protests after Mahsa Amini's death The mandatory dress code mandates that women cover their heads and necks with headscarves and that it applies to all countries and religions and just not Iranian women, Al Jazeera reported. A similar situation is in Afghanistan, a country where women are also struggling with rights. It is regarded as the unhappiest nation in the world. Ever since the Taliban's takeover, the country has been combating gender-based violence, including no license for women, no education after sixth grade, and so on. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

After UK and Amsterdam, women in Afghanistan protest over Mahsa Amini's death 

Pakistan foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari&nbsp;said on Wednesday that the relations between Pakistan and the United States are no longer linked to India or Afghanistan. Bhutto is currently in the United States for discussions over enhanced trade and economic cooperation between the two countries.&nbsp;

“Not only I am pleasantly surprised, but I am absolutely impressed by the new foreign policy approach of the US towards Pakistan,” Bilawal said at Washington DC-based think-tank, Woodrow Wilson Centre.&nbsp;

“There is also an increased feeling in our [Pak-US] interaction that we are no longer hyphenated – Afghanistan-Pak or Pak-India. Only Pak-US that’s a good thing,” he added.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-and-pacific-island-nations-agree-to-declaration-of-partnership-says-blinken-520760">United States and Pacific island nations agree to ‘declaration of partnership’</a>

Bhutto also launched an attack on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as he said that India has changed a lot since 2010. He said that Modi is not like his predecessors Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Manmohan Singh and even talked about the 2002 riots in Gujarat.&nbsp;

He also said that the reaction from India in the aftermath of United States’ decision to give $450 million to upgrade Pakistan’s fleet of F-16 aircraft did not surprise&nbsp;him.&nbsp;

“Obviously, Indians are going to be upset, let them be,&nbsp;kiya karein&nbsp;(what do we do),”&nbsp;he said.&nbsp;

Indian foreign minister S Jaishankar had criticised the US decision regarding the F-16 fighter jets and said that the relationship between the US and Pakistan has not served both countries well.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-ready-to-offer-any-help-needed-to-resolve-the-visa-backlog-problem-mea-jaishankar-tells-us-520788" hreflang="en">India ready to help US resolve the visa backlog problem, says MEA Jaishankar</a>

“Everybody knows where and against whom F-16 fighter jets are used. You're not fooling anybody by saying these things. Very honestly, it is a relationship that has ended up serving neither Pakistan nor serving American interests well... for the US to reflect what the merits of the relationship [are] and what they get by keeping it sort of continuing,” Jaishankar said at a community event in Washington.&nbsp;

United States was quick to respond as state department spokesperson Ned Price said that the White House doesn’t view its ties with New Delhi&nbsp;and Islamabad "in relation to one another”.&nbsp;

"We don't view our relationship with Pakistan... our relationship with India... in relation to one another... both partners of ours with different points of emphasis...," he said. 
&nbsp;

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Pakistan foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari said on Wednesday that the relations between Pakistan and the United States are no longer linked to India or Afghanistan.

Pakistan foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari said on Wednesday that the relations between Pakistan and the United States are no longer linked to India or Afghanistan. Bhutto is currently in the United States for discussions over enhanced trade and economic cooperation between the two countries. “Not only I am pleasantly surprised, but I am absolutely impressed by the new foreign policy approach of the US towards Pakistan,” Bilawal said at Washington DC-based think-tank, Woodrow Wilson Centre. “There is also an increased feeling in our [Pak-US] interaction that we are no longer hyphenated – Afghanistan-Pak or Pak-India. Only Pak-US that’s a good thing,” he added. Also read | United States and Pacific island nations agree to ‘declaration of partnership’ Bhutto also launched an attack on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as he said that India has changed a lot since 2010. He said that Modi is not like his predecessors Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Manmohan Singh and even talked about the 2002 riots in Gujarat. He also said that the reaction from India in the aftermath of United States’ decision to give $450 million to upgrade Pakistan’s fleet of F-16 aircraft did not surprise him. “Obviously, Indians are going to be upset, let them be, kiya karein (what do we do),” he said. Indian foreign minister S Jaishankar had criticised the US decision regarding the F-16 fighter jets and said that the relationship between the US and Pakistan has not served both countries well. Also read | India ready to help US resolve the visa backlog problem, says MEA Jaishankar “Everybody knows where and against whom F-16 fighter jets are used. You're not fooling anybody by saying these things. Very honestly, it is a relationship that has ended up serving neither Pakistan nor serving American interests well... for the US to reflect what the merits of the relationship [are] and what they get by keeping it sort of continuing,” Jaishankar said at a community event in Washington. United States was quick to respond as state department spokesperson Ned Price said that the White House doesn’t view its ties with New Delhi and Islamabad "in relation to one another”. "We don't view our relationship with Pakistan... our relationship with India... in relation to one another... both partners of ours with different points of emphasis...," he said.

Pak-US ties no longer linked to India, Afghanistan: Foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto

As per a Reuters report, Afghanistan rulers the Taliban have signed a provisional deal for gas and wheat with Russia.

It quotes Acting Afghan Commerce and Industry Minister Haji Nooruddin Azizi as saying that ministry was trying to diversify the nation's trading partners, and that Moscow had offered Afghanistan a discount on the average global commodity prices.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-doesnt-need-a-constitution-can-address-problems-by-applying-islamic-laws-officials-512983">Afghanistan doesn’t need a constitution, can address problems by applying Islamic Laws, says official</a>

This deal is the first significant foreign economic agreement known to have been reached by the Taliban and it may help lessen the Islamist movement's exclusion from the world banking system.

According to Azizi, the agreement calls for Russia to annually supply two million tonnes of wheat, 500,000 tonnes of LPG, and one million tonne&nbsp;each of gasoline and diesel. 
 
The minister also disclosed that the agreement is set to run for an unspecified length of time, after which both sides if content with the arrangement will sign a longer-term deal.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/un-world-is-running-out-of-patience-with-taliban-520345">UN: World is 'running out of patience' with Taliban</a>

He claimed that while Afghanistan had significant trading links with Pakistan and also received some gas and oil from Turkmenistan and Iran, it wished to diversify.

It is expected that the United States, which is currently experiencing shaky relations with Russia will be keeping an eye on the trade deal.

More than one year has elapsed since Afghanistan's erstwhile rulers once again took over the country. However, at this time, no nation has formally recognised the Taliban.&nbsp;Even though Russia doesn't formally recognise the group, its embassy is one of the few that is still operational in the Afghan capital.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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As per a Reuters report, Afghanistan rulers the Taliban have signed a provisional deal for gas and wheat with Russia. It quotes Acting Afghan Commerce and Industry Minister Haji Nooruddin Azizi as saying that ministry was trying to diversify the nation's trading partners, and that Moscow had offered Afghanistan a discount on the average global commodity prices.

As per a Reuters report, Afghanistan rulers the Taliban have signed a provisional deal for gas and wheat with Russia. It quotes Acting Afghan Commerce and Industry Minister Haji Nooruddin Azizi as saying that ministry was trying to diversify the nation's trading partners, and that Moscow had offered Afghanistan a discount on the average global commodity prices. Also read | Afghanistan doesn’t need a constitution, can address problems by applying Islamic Laws, says official This deal is the first significant foreign economic agreement known to have been reached by the Taliban and it may help lessen the Islamist movement's exclusion from the world banking system. According to Azizi, the agreement calls for Russia to annually supply two million tonnes of wheat, 500,000 tonnes of LPG, and one million tonne each of gasoline and diesel. The minister also disclosed that the agreement is set to run for an unspecified length of time, after which both sides if content with the arrangement will sign a longer-term deal. Also read | UN: World is 'running out of patience' with Taliban He claimed that while Afghanistan had significant trading links with Pakistan and also received some gas and oil from Turkmenistan and Iran, it wished to diversify. It is expected that the United States, which is currently experiencing shaky relations with Russia will be keeping an eye on the trade deal. More than one year has elapsed since Afghanistan's erstwhile rulers once again took over the country. However, at this time, no nation has formally recognised the Taliban. Even though Russia doesn't formally recognise the group, its embassy is one of the few that is still operational in the Afghan capital. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Taliban and Russia sign a trading agreement for wheat, gas and oil: Report

A special flight carrying 55 Afghan Sikh minorities fleeing from Afghanistan arrived in India at New Delhi airport on Sunday, as a part of efforts to evacuate the distressed minorities in the Taliban-led nation.

International President of World Punjabi Organisation and Punjab Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament, Vikramjit Singh Sahney received the Afghan refugees who arrived at the Indira Gandhi Airport today.

A special flight operated by Ariana Afghan with a number 315 was organised by the Shiromani Gurudwara Prabandak Committee, Amritsar in coordination with the Indian World Forum and the Government of India to evacuate these Afghan minorities. "The 55 families which were stranded in Kabul, Jalalabad have arrived safely in Delhi today. I am thankful to the Indian government to facilitate e-visas. We will rehabilitate them in the "My family My responsibility" programme." Punjab MP Vikramjit Singh Sahney said.

Sahney is running a programme "My family My responsibility" under which 543 Afghan Sikhs and Hindu families are being rehabilitated in West Delhi by providing them with all facilities.

He said, "We are already rehabilitating 543 families by providing them with monthly household expenditures, house rent and medical facilities, and the rehabilitation of these people will be a part of the same programme."The Afghan refugees thanked the Indian government and Prime Minister to provide urgent e-visas and safely evacuating them.

An Afghan Sikh, Baljeet Singh, who returned on the same flight, said, "The condition is not very well in Afghanistan. I was imprisoned for four months. Taliban have cheated us, they butchered our hair in prison. I am thankful and happy to return to India and to our religion. There are 11-12 people left behind who will also return soon, I hope."

"We would like to thank the Indian government to give us urgent visas and help us to reach India. We are 55 families who have arrived here today, but many of us still have families left behind as around 30-35 people are left stranded in Afghanistan. They have been issued visas from the Indian government, but it is their wish now if they want to return or not," Sukhbeer Singh Khalsa, another Afghan Sikh refugee said. Mansa Singh, a sevadar at Kabul gurdwara said, I would like to thank the Indian government and PM Modi to facilitate with e-visa and help us return to India. Besides, I would like to thank Vikramjit Singh Sahney and Puneet Chandowk and all other organisations who made this a success; hence, we returned safely."

"The situation of Afghanistan is not hidden, we have come here for the safety of our kids, and urge the Indian government to evacuate our other 30 brothers who are left behind in Afghanistan," he added. The Sikh refugees told that there are still some 30-35 Afghan Sikhs who are stranded in Afghanistan, and said that the government has provided them e-visas but it is their own wish to stay back. On being asked about the remaining Sikh nationals in Afghanistan, the AAP MP Sahney said that they are the sevadars and others in the service of gurudwaras, the Indian government is trying to evacuate them as well.

"The remaining Afghan Hindus and Sikhs in the country are sevadars and those in the service of gurudwaras, the Taliban has urged to let them stay there saying that those gurudwaras are a part of national heritage. But the government is in talks with the Taliban to evacuate the remaining Sikh and Hindu nationals, and we will hopefully bring them back to their country," the AAP MP said.

He thanked the government of India and all other organisations who helped to make the mission successful. "Since the Taliban took over the country situation is not under control, and an evacuation process was underway. The Government of India played a significant role and held talks with the Taliban to evacuate the Sikh nationals. We are working as a family and would like to thank all the teams and organisations who have helped in this," Sahney said.

Indian World Forum has coordinated and facilitated humanitarian evacuation for more than 300 Afghan Hindus and Sikhs post the regime change in Kabul.68 Afghan Hindus and Sikhs have arrived till date after the attack at Gurudwara Karte Parwan in Kabul. SGPC is bearing the airfare for the same.

On August 3, at least 30 Afghan Sikhs including children and infants, arrived in Delhi by a non-scheduled commercial flight from Kabul, operated by Kam Air.On July 14, a total of 21 Afghan Sikhs, including an infant, were evacuated from Kabul to New Delhi on Kam Air, the largest private Afghan airline.

There were about 700 Hindus and Sikhs in Afghanistan in 2020, but a large number of them left the country following the Taliban's takeover on August 15, 2021.Four Saroop of Sri Guru Granth Sahib still remains in Afghanistan. Due to a lack of cooperation from the local administration in Kabul, the same could not be transferred to India as per religious protocol.

Ever Since the Taliban took over Afghanistan, there has been a series of attacks on Sikhs. On June 18 this year, Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) attacked Karte Parwan Gurdwara in Kabul which claimed the lives of about 50 people.In October, last year 15 to 20 terrorists entered a Gurdwara in the Kart-e-Parwan District of Kabul and tied up the guards.

In March 2020, a deadly attack took place at Sri Guru Har Rai Sahib Gurudwara in Kabul's Short Bazaar area in which 27 Sikhs were killed and several were injured. Islamic State terrorists claimed responsibility for the attack.&nbsp;

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A special flight carrying 55 Afghan Sikh minorities fleeing from Afghanistan arrived in India at New Delhi airport on Sunday, as a part of efforts to evacuate the distressed minorities in the Taliban-led nation.

A special flight carrying 55 Afghan Sikh minorities fleeing from Afghanistan arrived in India at New Delhi airport on Sunday, as a part of efforts to evacuate the distressed minorities in the Taliban-led nation. International President of World Punjabi Organisation and Punjab Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament, Vikramjit Singh Sahney received the Afghan refugees who arrived at the Indira Gandhi Airport today. A special flight operated by Ariana Afghan with a number 315 was organised by the Shiromani Gurudwara Prabandak Committee, Amritsar in coordination with the Indian World Forum and the Government of India to evacuate these Afghan minorities. "The 55 families which were stranded in Kabul, Jalalabad have arrived safely in Delhi today. I am thankful to the Indian government to facilitate e-visas. We will rehabilitate them in the "My family My responsibility" programme." Punjab MP Vikramjit Singh Sahney said. Sahney is running a programme "My family My responsibility" under which 543 Afghan Sikhs and Hindu families are being rehabilitated in West Delhi by providing them with all facilities. He said, "We are already rehabilitating 543 families by providing them with monthly household expenditures, house rent and medical facilities, and the rehabilitation of these people will be a part of the same programme."The Afghan refugees thanked the Indian government and Prime Minister to provide urgent e-visas and safely evacuating them. An Afghan Sikh, Baljeet Singh, who returned on the same flight, said, "The condition is not very well in Afghanistan. I was imprisoned for four months. Taliban have cheated us, they butchered our hair in prison. I am thankful and happy to return to India and to our religion. There are 11-12 people left behind who will also return soon, I hope." "We would like to thank the Indian government to give us urgent visas and help us to reach India. We are 55 families who have arrived here today, but many of us still have families left behind as around 30-35 people are left stranded in Afghanistan. They have been issued visas from the Indian government, but it is their wish now if they want to return or not," Sukhbeer Singh Khalsa, another Afghan Sikh refugee said. Mansa Singh, a sevadar at Kabul gurdwara said, I would like to thank the Indian government and PM Modi to facilitate with e-visa and help us return to India. Besides, I would like to thank Vikramjit Singh Sahney and Puneet Chandowk and all other organisations who made this a success; hence, we returned safely." "The situation of Afghanistan is not hidden, we have come here for the safety of our kids, and urge the Indian government to evacuate our other 30 brothers who are left behind in Afghanistan," he added. The Sikh refugees told that there are still some 30-35 Afghan Sikhs who are stranded in Afghanistan, and said that the government has provided them e-visas but it is their own wish to stay back. On being asked about the remaining Sikh nationals in Afghanistan, the AAP MP Sahney said that they are the sevadars and others in the service of gurudwaras, the Indian government is trying to evacuate them as well. "The remaining Afghan Hindus and Sikhs in the country are sevadars and those in the service of gurudwaras, the Taliban has urged to let them stay there saying that those gurudwaras are a part of national heritage. But the government is in talks with the Taliban to evacuate the remaining Sikh and Hindu nationals, and we will hopefully bring them back to their country," the AAP MP said. He thanked the government of India and all other organisations who helped to make the mission successful. "Since the Taliban took over the country situation is not under control, and an evacuation process was underway. The Government of India played a significant role and held talks with the Taliban to evacuate the Sikh nationals. We are working as a family and would like to thank all the teams and organisations who have helped in this," Sahney said. Indian World Forum has coordinated and facilitated humanitarian evacuation for more than 300 Afghan Hindus and Sikhs post the regime change in Kabul.68 Afghan Hindus and Sikhs have arrived till date after the attack at Gurudwara Karte Parwan in Kabul. SGPC is bearing the airfare for the same. On August 3, at least 30 Afghan Sikhs including children and infants, arrived in Delhi by a non-scheduled commercial flight from Kabul, operated by Kam Air.On July 14, a total of 21 Afghan Sikhs, including an infant, were evacuated from Kabul to New Delhi on Kam Air, the largest private Afghan airline. There were about 700 Hindus and Sikhs in Afghanistan in 2020, but a large number of them left the country following the Taliban's takeover on August 15, 2021.Four Saroop of Sri Guru Granth Sahib still remains in Afghanistan. Due to a lack of cooperation from the local administration in Kabul, the same could not be transferred to India as per religious protocol. Ever Since the Taliban took over Afghanistan, there has been a series of attacks on Sikhs. On June 18 this year, Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) attacked Karte Parwan Gurdwara in Kabul which claimed the lives of about 50 people.In October, last year 15 to 20 terrorists entered a Gurdwara in the Kart-e-Parwan District of Kabul and tied up the guards. In March 2020, a deadly attack took place at Sri Guru Har Rai Sahib Gurudwara in Kabul's Short Bazaar area in which 27 Sikhs were killed and several were injured. Islamic State terrorists claimed responsibility for the attack. 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.

Special flight carrying 55 Afghan Sikh refugees arrives in India

An American navy veteran detained in Afghanistan since 2020 was released by the Taliban in exchange for an ally who spent 17 years in a US jail for heroin smuggling.

WION Fineprint | Taliban, United States swap prisoners | Aghan druglord swapped for US Navy veteran

The Taliban and the United States have completed a prisoner swap, Afghanistan’s foreign minister says, with an American navy veteran Mark Frerichs traded for a key associate of the Afghan rulers Bashar Noorzai.

United States and Afghanistan carry out prisoner exchange

Trigger warning: Some readers might find the details of this story/video disturbing. Discretion is advised.&nbsp;

The Taliban claimed on Tuesday (September 13) that the regime's forces had killed at least 40 resistance fighters led by the son of a late anti-Taliban commander in northern Panjshir province.&nbsp;

Panjshir Valley is famous for being the centre of the Afghan resistance against Soviet forces in the 1980s and later against the Taliban.&nbsp;

The National Resistance Front (NRF) were the last to hold out against the Taliban's takeover of the country in August last year by retreating to the valley.&nbsp;

The resistance forces are led by the son of Ahmad Shah Massoud. In May, NRF forces announced an offensive against the Taliban.

Scores of civilians had fled the valley in the initial bout of fighting, but there has been a lull in recent weeks.&nbsp;

Fresh fighting has erupted in the valley in the past few days, according to residents and the insurgent group.

Taliban government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid claimed 40 NRF fighters, including three commanders, had been killed by Taliban forces.&nbsp;

Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos and videos shared on social media.&nbsp;

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Taliban executes NRF prisoners in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Panjshir?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Panjshir</a>. As the US resort to ‘let Afghans sort it’policy of post cold war era, the seeds of another prolonged conflict has been sown in Afghanlatan. Afghans pays the price for Washington’s political short-termism as they now look the other way. <a href="https://t.co/sz0Mbr514D">pic.twitter.com/sz0Mbr514D</a>
— BILAL SARWARY (@bsarwary) <a href="https://twitter.com/bsarwary/status/1569737848550752256?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 13, 2022</a></blockquote>
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"Sweeping clearance operations were conducted against the rebels in Rukha, Dara and Abshar district of Panjshir province," Mujahid said on Twitter, adding that another 101 insurgents had been arrested.&nbsp;

He did not say when the NRF fighters were actually killed.&nbsp;

NRF, though, said the Taliban was exaggerating the number of fighters killed.&nbsp;

"We refute the numbers. They have inflated the numbers," Ali Nazary, head of NRF's foreign relations, told AFP.&nbsp;

"Only a small group of our forces were captured and killed by the Taliban. Our forces fought fiercely till the last bullet."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Trigger warning: Some readers might find the details of this story/video disturbing. Discretion is advised. The Taliban claimed on Tuesday (September 13) that the regime's forces had killed at least 40 resistance fighters led by the son of a late anti-Taliban commander in northern Panjshir province.

Trigger warning: Some readers might find the details of this story/video disturbing. Discretion is advised. The Taliban claimed on Tuesday (September 13) that the regime's forces had killed at least 40 resistance fighters led by the son of a late anti-Taliban commander in northern Panjshir province. Panjshir Valley is famous for being the centre of the Afghan resistance against Soviet forces in the 1980s and later against the Taliban. The National Resistance Front (NRF) were the last to hold out against the Taliban's takeover of the country in August last year by retreating to the valley. The resistance forces are led by the son of Ahmad Shah Massoud. In May, NRF forces announced an offensive against the Taliban. Scores of civilians had fled the valley in the initial bout of fighting, but there has been a lull in recent weeks. Fresh fighting has erupted in the valley in the past few days, according to residents and the insurgent group. Taliban government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid claimed 40 NRF fighters, including three commanders, had been killed by Taliban forces. Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos and videos shared on social media. Taliban executes NRF prisoners in #Panjshir. As the US resort to ‘let Afghans sort it’policy of post cold war era, the seeds of another prolonged conflict has been sown in Afghanlatan. Afghans pays the price for Washington’s political short-termism as they now look the other way. pic.twitter.com/sz0Mbr514D — BILAL SARWARY (@bsarwary) September 13, 2022 × "Sweeping clearance operations were conducted against the rebels in Rukha, Dara and Abshar district of Panjshir province," Mujahid said on Twitter, adding that another 101 insurgents had been arrested. He did not say when the NRF fighters were actually killed. NRF, though, said the Taliban was exaggerating the number of fighters killed. "We refute the numbers. They have inflated the numbers," Ali Nazary, head of NRF's foreign relations, told AFP. "Only a small group of our forces were captured and killed by the Taliban. Our forces fought fiercely till the last bullet." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Caught on camera: Taliban kill 40 Afghanistan resistance fighters in Panjshir

Another month, another ban for Afghans.&nbsp;Taliban said it will prohibit the use of video sharing app TikTok and popular video game PubG in the country within the next three months.

Ever since the terrorist organisation seized power in the country, multiple media platforms and websites have been blocked for publishing information that the group perceives to be immoral. The rights and functions of media outlets in the South Asian country have been curtailed since the Taliban takeover.&nbsp;

In a conference with officials from the security sector and sharia law administrators, the Taliban announced they would outlaw both the apps in Afghanistan within&nbsp;the time period, Khaama Press reported.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/where-is-masood-azhar-pakistan-says-ungoverned-spaces-within-afghanistan-safe-havens-for-terrorists-516731">Also read |&nbsp;Where is Masood Azhar? Pakistan says 'ungoverned spaces' in Afghanistan safe havens for terrorists</a>

Telecommunication and internet service providers in the country have been informed about the ban and have been requested to abide by the rule within the allotted time.

Najibullah Haqqani, the minister of communications, said, "We have blocked 23.4 million websites. They change their pages every time. So, when you block one website, another one will be active," TOLO News reported.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-deny-pakistani-claim-says-terrorist-masood-azhar-may-be-in-pakistan-516267">Also read |&nbsp;Taliban deny Pakistani claim, say terrorist Masood Azhar may be in Pakistan</a>

Speaking at the time, Ahmad Masoud Latif Rai, the government's deputy minister of communications, slammed Facebook for refusing to cooperate with the Taliban on online content moderation.

There have been major changes in the media culture of the country, including the closure of more than half a million media outlets; a ban on a number of channels and websites; increased work restrictions; violence, and threats to journalists.

Since the group came to power, over 45 percent of journalists have left their jobs, and the ever-increasing restrictions on the media in Afghanistan have also drawn widespread criticism on a global scale.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Another month, another ban for Afghans. Taliban said it will prohibit the use of video sharing app TikTok and popular video game PubG in the country within the next three months.

Another month, another ban for Afghans. Taliban said it will prohibit the use of video sharing app TikTok and popular video game PubG in the country within the next three months. Ever since the terrorist organisation seized power in the country, multiple media platforms and websites have been blocked for publishing information that the group perceives to be immoral. The rights and functions of media outlets in the South Asian country have been curtailed since the Taliban takeover. In a conference with officials from the security sector and sharia law administrators, the Taliban announced they would outlaw both the apps in Afghanistan within the time period, Khaama Press reported. Also read | Where is Masood Azhar? Pakistan says 'ungoverned spaces' in Afghanistan safe havens for terrorists Telecommunication and internet service providers in the country have been informed about the ban and have been requested to abide by the rule within the allotted time. Najibullah Haqqani, the minister of communications, said, "We have blocked 23.4 million websites. They change their pages every time. So, when you block one website, another one will be active," TOLO News reported. Also read | Taliban deny Pakistani claim, say terrorist Masood Azhar may be in Pakistan Speaking at the time, Ahmad Masoud Latif Rai, the government's deputy minister of communications, slammed Facebook for refusing to cooperate with the Taliban on online content moderation. There have been major changes in the media culture of the country, including the closure of more than half a million media outlets; a ban on a number of channels and websites; increased work restrictions; violence, and threats to journalists. Since the group came to power, over 45 percent of journalists have left their jobs, and the ever-increasing restrictions on the media in Afghanistan have also drawn widespread criticism on a global scale. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Afghanistan: Taliban to ban TikTok and PUBG within 90 days

Terrorist Mohammed Masood Azhar Alvi, who is responsible for multiple attacks in India, recently gained media attention when claims and counterclaims regarding his whereabouts were made.

Terrorist Mohammed Masood Azhar Alvi, who is responsible for multiple attacks in India, recently gained media attention when claims and counterclaims regarding his whereabouts were made. Pakistan claimed that Masood Azhar is in the neighbouring country Afghanistan. Kabul denied the claims, saying such organisations can operate on Pakistan's soil, even under "official patronage". India's most-wanted, Masood Azhar is one of the most dreaded terrorists in the world. He is the founder and leader of the Pakistan-based terrorist organisation Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). JeM is responsible for multiple deadly attacks in India, including the attack on the Indian Parliament in December 2001. The impact of the attack was massive, it had brought India and Pakistan to the brink of a full-scale war. Some reports say Azhar was born in Bahawalpur, Punjab, Pakistan on July 10, 1968, some reports say he was born on August 7, 1968. Accounts of his early life depend on claims and reports. Masood Azhar was the third of 11 children, six daughters and five sons. His father, Allah Bakhsh Shabbir, is said to be a headmaster at a government-run school. ALSO READ | Pakistan and Afghanistan's farce over Masood Azhar. Concerning, but amusing After dropping out of mainstream school after class 8th, Azhar graduated in 1989 from the Jamia Uloom Islamic school. It is said that the madrasa was heavily involved with Harkat-ul-Ansar, an Islamic militant group. As per reports, Azhar was enrolled on a jihad-training camp in Afghanistan. The JeM chief had joined the Soviet-Afghan War and retired after suffering injuries. He was appointed to Harkat's department of motivation as the head. Reports related to his early life showed signs of where his life was actually heading. 'The man who brought jihad to Britain' To raise funds and spread the message of 'Islamism', Azhar visited many countries like Zambia, Abu Dhabi, Saudi Arabia, Mongolia, the United Kingdom and Albania after becoming the general secretary of Harkat-ul-Ansar. His activities in Britain are quite elaborate. Azhar entered the UK in 1993 with the main objectives of raising funds and recruiting. He has given the message of jihad at some of the most prestigious Islamic institutions including the Darul Uloom Bury seminary, Zakariya Mosque, Madina Masjid in Blackburn and Burnley, and Jamia Masjid. In 2016, BBC published a research-based opinion labelling him as a man who "brought jihad to Britain". In Britain, Azhar made contacts that eventually helped to provide training and logistical support for many terror plots. Was arrested in India, but later released Azhar was arrested by Indian authorities in 1994 from Khanabal near Anantnag. The investigation was underway and he was jailed for his terrorist activities with the groups. But in a dramatic turn of events, the authorities had to release Azhar. He is one of the terrorists freed by India in exchange for passengers of a hijacked plane of Indian Airlines in 1999. Jaish-e-Mohammed The establishment of this new terror outfit, Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), was planned by Azhar. If reports are to be believed, he had received help from Pakistan's premier intelligence agency Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), Osama bin Laden, the Taliban, and several other extremist groups. He is responsible for many deadly attacks in India, including the attack on the Indian parliament in December 2001. The Pakistan-based terrorist organisation was also linked to the 2008 Mumbai attacks. The Pathankot attack on an Indian air base in 2016 was reportedly masterminded by Masood Azhar and his brother. He also perpetrated the Pulwama attack in 2019, in which India's 44 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel were killed. After the attack, some countries including, France, the United Kingdom and the United States moved a proposal to UN Security Council to ban him. Why did China 'save' Azhar? India and some other Western countries were trying to nab this terrorist, but China appeared to have some other intentions. A UN Security Council Sanctions Committee listing Azhar as a terrorist was blocked by the Chinese government. China cited 'lack of evidence' when attempts were made by UNSC. There have been four attempts to put Azhar on the agency's counter-terrorism sanctions list, but every time China vetoed it. However, in 2019, China pulled the blockade. It resulted in the listing of Masood Azhar as a global terrorist by the Al Qaeda and Taliban Sanctions Committee. This UN-designated terrorist walks free as two nations continue the diplomatic spat over its whereabouts. 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.

JeM chief Masood Azhar: India's most wanted, and the 'man who brought jihad to Britain'

Indian authorities had no option but to free terrorist Mohammed Masood Azhar Alvi when terrorists hijacked an Indian Airlines plane in 1999 and demanded his release in exchange for passengers. Azhar, chief of the terrorist organisation Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), has been linked to many terrorist attacks, including some in India since his release.&nbsp;

After he walked free, he made a public address to an estimated 10,000 people in Karachi. He said, "I have come here because this is my duty to tell you that Muslims should not rest in peace until we have destroyed India."&nbsp;

JeM's chief Azhar was responsible for the attack on the Indian Parliament in December 2001, killing 14 people. After India put pressure on Pakistani authorities, he was arrested but not formally charged. The court also ended his house arrest in December 2002.&nbsp;

The responsibility for the 2019 Pulwama attack, which claimed the lives of 44 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel in India, was taken by JeM. It is said that Azhar approved the attacks from the Pakistani Army Hospital where he was under protective custody.&nbsp;

Indian investigative agencies continued their investigation to find out the whereabouts of Masood Azhar. On several occasions, Indian counterterror agencies confirmed the information related to his location and provided it to concerned countries. Indian agencies have even given dossiers containing proof of Azhar's complicity in the terror attack and also sought a second 'red corner notice' from 'Interpol'. But, Azhar still walks free.&nbsp;

Now, the world is watching Pakistan and Afghanistan's diplomatic spat over UN-designated terrorist Azhar. It is quite amusing to see Pakistan claiming that Masood Azhar is in Afghanistan. But the Taliban has rejected the claims and in return, Kabul even said that such organisations can operate on Pakistan's soil, even under "official patronage".&nbsp;

Such remarks by Pakistan also show its desperation to get out of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list. The Paris-based international watchdog has forced Islamabad to take action against some of the UN-designated terrorists.&nbsp;

Pakistan, which is known to harbour terrorists, had many chances to take action and arrest the mastermind of many terrorist attacks. But the authorities kept saying that Azhar is untraceable.&nbsp;

But when the FATF greylist started biting the economy, the country began the adventure. Pakistan has appeared on the FATF greylist multiple times since 2008. Being in greylist has had a significant impact on Pakistan's economy, particularly its financial services industry.&nbsp;

The Taliban, on the other hand, have rejected the claims that Azhar is currently on its soil. The extremist regime is busy portraying its clean image at the global forum to improve its foreign relations and invite investment to help the dwindling economy. But at the same time, reports of atrocities, killings, and brutality keep coming from the region.&nbsp;

After Azhar's reports, the Taliban-led Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) said that such allegations can affect the relations between Kabul and Islamabad. Abdul Qahar Balkhi, a Talibani spokesman said, "We also call on all parties to refrain from such allegations lacking any proof and documentation. Such media allegations can adversely affect bilateral relations." &nbsp;

Last month, United States President Joe Biden said that Al Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri was killed in a drone strike in Kabul, Afghanistan. But the Taliban denied it, saying that they do not have any information regarding Zawahiri's presence in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

Masood Azhar is the world's problem. His arrest is necessary, but the recent claims and counterclaims show it's uncertain.&nbsp;

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Indian authorities had no option but to free terrorist Mohammed Masood Azhar Alvi when terrorists hijacked an Indian Airlines plane in 1999 and demanded his release in exchange for passengers.

Indian authorities had no option but to free terrorist Mohammed Masood Azhar Alvi when terrorists hijacked an Indian Airlines plane in 1999 and demanded his release in exchange for passengers. Azhar, chief of the terrorist organisation Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), has been linked to many terrorist attacks, including some in India since his release. After he walked free, he made a public address to an estimated 10,000 people in Karachi. He said, "I have come here because this is my duty to tell you that Muslims should not rest in peace until we have destroyed India." JeM's chief Azhar was responsible for the attack on the Indian Parliament in December 2001, killing 14 people. After India put pressure on Pakistani authorities, he was arrested but not formally charged. The court also ended his house arrest in December 2002. The responsibility for the 2019 Pulwama attack, which claimed the lives of 44 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel in India, was taken by JeM. It is said that Azhar approved the attacks from the Pakistani Army Hospital where he was under protective custody. Indian investigative agencies continued their investigation to find out the whereabouts of Masood Azhar. On several occasions, Indian counterterror agencies confirmed the information related to his location and provided it to concerned countries. Indian agencies have even given dossiers containing proof of Azhar's complicity in the terror attack and also sought a second 'red corner notice' from 'Interpol'. But, Azhar still walks free. Now, the world is watching Pakistan and Afghanistan's diplomatic spat over UN-designated terrorist Azhar. It is quite amusing to see Pakistan claiming that Masood Azhar is in Afghanistan. But the Taliban has rejected the claims and in return, Kabul even said that such organisations can operate on Pakistan's soil, even under "official patronage". Such remarks by Pakistan also show its desperation to get out of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list. The Paris-based international watchdog has forced Islamabad to take action against some of the UN-designated terrorists. Pakistan, which is known to harbour terrorists, had many chances to take action and arrest the mastermind of many terrorist attacks. But the authorities kept saying that Azhar is untraceable. But when the FATF greylist started biting the economy, the country began the adventure. Pakistan has appeared on the FATF greylist multiple times since 2008. Being in greylist has had a significant impact on Pakistan's economy, particularly its financial services industry. The Taliban, on the other hand, have rejected the claims that Azhar is currently on its soil. The extremist regime is busy portraying its clean image at the global forum to improve its foreign relations and invite investment to help the dwindling economy. But at the same time, reports of atrocities, killings, and brutality keep coming from the region. After Azhar's reports, the Taliban-led Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) said that such allegations can affect the relations between Kabul and Islamabad. Abdul Qahar Balkhi, a Talibani spokesman said, "We also call on all parties to refrain from such allegations lacking any proof and documentation. Such media allegations can adversely affect bilateral relations." Last month, United States President Joe Biden said that Al Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri was killed in a drone strike in Kabul, Afghanistan. But the Taliban denied it, saying that they do not have any information regarding Zawahiri's presence in Afghanistan. Masood Azhar is the world's problem. His arrest is necessary, but the recent claims and counterclaims show it's uncertain. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Pakistan and Afghanistan's farce over Masood Azhar. Concerning, but amusing

The Taliban in Afghanistan has come up with a new diktat this time. It's a crackdown on Tiktok and Pubg applications. According to Afghanistan media reports, both the applications will be banned within the next three months.

Reports: Ban on TikTok & PubG within three months, Taliban's regressive restrictions back in place

On August 15, 2022, marking one year since the US withdrew its forces from Afghanistan, the country has been&nbsp;suffering under the rule of the Taliban. The ongoing crisis may have even more to do with US decisions than you think. Afghanistan has blessed the world with innumerable treasures like embroidery, traditional Pashto, Persian poetry, and the majestic Afghan hound. But the country now is struggling to feed its 38 million population as the ruling extremist organisation has forced people to the brink of starvation with rising malnutrition and&nbsp;lack of adequate healthcare, education, and financial facilities.

You may remember the staggering images on your television and mobile screens that captured the scenes of complete mayhem marked by chaos and desperation of Afghan citizens running to depart Afghanistan when the US announced it was withdrawing its troops from the country. The indelible images of a US Marine lifting a baby over the barbed wire topped wall at the Kabul airport or the 800 people jammed-packed on a jet fleeing their country captured by Technical Sergeant Justin Triola are etched in the memory of the world as they are forever part of the dark chapter of the South Asian country.&nbsp;

Everything happened so fast that, apparently, the Taliban was surprised by the superpower exiting. The Afghan government fell quickly, and the Taliban took over. Many top US military officials have struggled since then to justify their hasty actions, which they blame on bad calculations. As General Mark Milley put forth his statement, " All the intel assessments failed to indicate any justification for our actions and there is no question about it that all of us got it wrong. It was a swing and a miss." That is the expression that US intelligence failed to estimate that 11 days was enough for the&nbsp;troops to exit Afghanistan.&nbsp;

There are a lot of aspects that you can criticise about the US exit strategy. However, they managed to migrate&nbsp;roughly 80,000 Afghans who worked with the US and Afghan governments, since the withdrawal.

While on the other hand, the number of Afghans that remain in danger is somewhere in the hundreds of thousands, left stranded due to the limited time frame the United States had to execute a mammoth rescue operation. What happened was completely justified as it was the administration of the orange you're adorning despicable being who signed the deal to leave Afghanistan in the first place. His thought process to justify this action went something like this, the Bagram base is great, the lights are on, and dogs. No one likes dogs. The brave people of the Kabul Animal Rescue would disagree with his statement as they risked their lives to get as many dogs out of Afghanistan in the impossible time frame of 11 days before the Taliban took hold. The incoherent extraordinary brain function at full capacity failed to comprehend the after-effects of this complex situation and the people and animals it would impact.&nbsp;

The turmoil that has unfolded since the US exit from Afghanistan may have faded as a hot topic of discussion. But the country is in a dire crisis that is getting worse for reasons and is&nbsp;in immediate&nbsp;need to be addressed. With the Taliban now in charge of the country, even though they tried to paint a slightly softer image for journalists through carefree photo ops, there is no denying that they are the epitome of radical extremism. Even if the Taliban members ride around in bumper cars on their visits to a fairground in Kabul and a trip to the zoo, it doesn't change the Taliban into a peace-loving organisation that will let anyone live under Islamic rule and security as long as everything is enjoyable and everyone can live in their own country the way they want. We do not associate the Taliban with the ideology of freedom to live and let live, but rather with fearmongers who terrorise and harass female journalists who report on the reality of their actions on the ground. The Taliban is not a monolith as different regional leaders rule with different degrees of severity, but there is no denying that they are an oppressive regime that chips away at the souls of innocent people who suffer at the hands of brutality.

The brutal reprisals against US allies and former Afghan government employees have been taken up by the Taliban. 500 Afghan government employees have been killed or forcibly disappeared during the Taliban’s first six months in power. On the bigger level, the Taliban has taken an absolute sledgehammer to women’s rights. On one hand, with the legitimate criticism of America’s occupation, this period saw Afghan women making strides. In 2001, there were few, if any, girls in schools, whereas by 2020, this number grew to roughly 40 per cent of girl students. In the same year, the percentage of women in the Afghan parliament was more than in the current sitting US Congress, which has sunk to absolute zero. The Taliban decree&nbsp;tried to control nearly every aspect of women’s lives with orders such as these: no woman can leave their homes unless necessary, and only women who can’t be replaced by men will be allowed to keep working. Fortunately, one area where women are allowed to work in Afghanistan is healthcare, due to the situations where men aren’t allowed to treat women as patients. The midwives in Afghanistan made appeals to the Taliban that they shouldn’t meddle in women’s rights to education and employment as they are paralysing one arm of the body of society and a country can’t just be run by men. As history bears witness, the world tried to do so for thousands of years, and look where it has got us. We are in a global pandemic. The planet is on fire and, to add to everything that the world is dealing with right now, the world’s richest man is a ventriloquist dummy from hell. There I said it.

In March, the Taliban went back on the promise after they took over and announced that girls would be prevented from receiving a secondary education in most areas. Even the Taliban members condemned this move and the reasoning behind it. Banning Afghan girls from attending school beyond 6th grade because they needed more time to decide on a school uniform for teenage girls is an abhorrent organisation that is obsessed with virtue and purity. Taking months to brainstorm a uniform for school girls is objectively perverted.&nbsp;

Women have lost a great deal in the last year, on top of the cascading series of humanitarian crises. The UN&nbsp;estimates that 97 per cent&nbsp;of the population is at risk of sinking below the poverty line. A series of natural disasters like the ongoing drought has diminished the food production capacity of the country. Another massive earthquake in June and flooding just this month have exacerbated the fact that falling on a brand new Taliban is ill-equipped to take it on. The Taliban are a jihadist insurgency to a ruling group that spent 20 years building an organisation that is designed to fight and motivate people to engage in suicide bombings. People don't turn into government officials overnight as a militant insurgency group is low on the list of people you want leading a country's government.&nbsp;

Although the US occupation wasn't a perfect magical wonderland, it was awful in its way as the Afghans lived under the specter of hellfire being rained down from unmanned death machines every day. The continued presence of the US in Afghanistan was untenable, but the exact circumstances of America's departure were substantially worse. While some understandable decisions were made, they had huge ramifications for the Afghan people. The Taliban's government is sanctioned by the US because the Taliban is a specially designated terrorist group.Some pre-existing sanctions apply to only part of the Taliban government.

The US State Department has announced a 10 million dollar reward for any information that leads to the arrest of Taliban member Sirajuddin Haqqani, who also happens to be the current acting Interior Minister of Afghanistan. The whole Afghan government under the Taliban has made it impossible for banks, businesses, and charities to operate and keep the economy functioning. The massive problem is that 75 per cent&nbsp;of the Afghan government's budget relies on foreign aid, which makes up the salaries of vital government service employees, teachers, and public sector employees, and that aid has immediately disappeared.

One of the worst and most crucial sectors affected is healthcare, where doctors have a minuscule amount of medical supplies; their budget has been zero since the takeover by the Taliban. The US forced the assets worth 7 billion dollars of the Afghan Central Bank to be held in America. Primarily to kneecap the entire Afghan banking system. As Afghanistan can't print its currency, the actions have led to a literal cash shortage where citizens have been standing in line for three days to withdraw cash from their bank accounts.

An unusual state of affairs and a unique humanitarian crisis have resulted in food being technically available but there isn't enough liquidity in the economy and, therefore, enough availability of paper currency to purchase food. The situation is very grim as half the population of Afghanistan is under 15 years of age. Many Afghans have nowhere to turn for food or money, and their families are forced to make harrowing choices. An increasingly common decision that can be done precisely once in a person's life is selling kidneys. Some parents are even resorting to selling some of their children to feed others, which is unimaginably heartbreaking to even contemplate. The people of Afghanistan are in dire need of help.&nbsp;

US President, Joe Biden, has inherited this mess from an alarmingly blithe orange blob of human flesh (Donald Trump) who has a direct hand in aiding and abetting the situation in Afghanistan. While Biden's official statement is grammatically incorrect to "feel bad about the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan", it is pretty disheartening to see a US official foreign policy boil down to such a simplistic statement of " You can't win them all." While the US is directly responsible for the problems in Afghanistan. The Biden administration has begun issuing sanctions exemptions to allow the free flow of humanitarian aid. With a pledge of hundreds of millions of dollars in aid to Afghanistan, more than any other company. In the face of stiff opposition from the right-wing politicians who argue against any kind of monetary assistance to the hands of the Taliban. The prospect of US aid falling into the hands of the Taliban is worrisome.&nbsp;

For years now, a couple of charities have managed to circumvent this concern to find ways with, through, or around to help ordinary Afghan citizens. Moreover, even when America was present in Afghanistan, the Taliban effectively still controlled large parts of the country. The Afghan director at the International Rescue Committee has been financially constrained to help which has left them feeling frustrated. If you look at the math, letting 38 million people suffer for the actions of a few thousand, doesn't work or make sense. There is a strong case to find ways to get humanitarian aid to Afghanistan.&nbsp;

While speaking as a long-term solution, no emergency aid is going to stand in for healthcare, education, and a functioning economy. Aid is bandaged, not a cure to the problems. A growing problem in offering humanitarian aid to just half the population, which is 20 million people under high and critical levels of food insecurity, is donor fatigue. But a sustainable way to help the country is by developing and building long-term solutions with a major focus on education, healthcare, and building infrastructure like investing in irrigation and waste management areas, especially areas affected by drought.

But the challenge is engaging with the Taliban in some shape or form. Additionally, there are mechanisms in place that don't benefit the Taliban, but none are perfect. It's hard to swallow that even one cent could go to the Taliban with their outward-facing life, laugh, live vibe, but they constantly remind us of their heinous treatment of women and the recent confirmation that the Taliban is harboring a known leader of Al Qaeda in a safe house. Withholding all forms of aid until the Taliban either give in or collapse isn't a viable strategy. Most importantly, waiting for a long period could potentially result in millions starving.

The sanctions will kill Afghan people faster than any violation of their rights, as a girl who is dying from hunger and her mother either sell her daughter from hunger or pressured her to marry. The issue of illiteracy and education is meaningless when people are dying of hunger.

The crisis in Afghanistan is at a fundamental level and the US&nbsp;is releasing billions in frozen money into a trust fund that the Taliban can't access to inject stability into the country's financial system, but it's conditional as this would only happen if the process is smoothly executed. The United Nations and World Bank have initiatives at work to try and bridge the gap between humanitarian assistance and long-term aid with adequate developmental funding.

The Afghans&nbsp;deserve better as they are feeling the effects of a government that they didn't choose.&nbsp;

In reality, there is no simple solution without taking any risks, as 38 million are at risk, and it would be a colossal mistake if we did nothing.

On August 15, 2022, marking one year since the US withdrew its forces from Afghanistan, the country has been suffering under the rule of the Taliban. The ongoing crisis may have even more to do with US decisions than you think.

On August 15, 2022, marking one year since the US withdrew its forces from Afghanistan, the country has been suffering under the rule of the Taliban. The ongoing crisis may have even more to do with US decisions than you think. Afghanistan has blessed the world with innumerable treasures like embroidery, traditional Pashto, Persian poetry, and the majestic Afghan hound. But the country now is struggling to feed its 38 million population as the ruling extremist organisation has forced people to the brink of starvation with rising malnutrition and lack of adequate healthcare, education, and financial facilities. You may remember the staggering images on your television and mobile screens that captured the scenes of complete mayhem marked by chaos and desperation of Afghan citizens running to depart Afghanistan when the US announced it was withdrawing its troops from the country. The indelible images of a US Marine lifting a baby over the barbed wire topped wall at the Kabul airport or the 800 people jammed-packed on a jet fleeing their country captured by Technical Sergeant Justin Triola are etched in the memory of the world as they are forever part of the dark chapter of the South Asian country. Everything happened so fast that, apparently, the Taliban was surprised by the superpower exiting. The Afghan government fell quickly, and the Taliban took over. Many top US military officials have struggled since then to justify their hasty actions, which they blame on bad calculations. As General Mark Milley put forth his statement, " All the intel assessments failed to indicate any justification for our actions and there is no question about it that all of us got it wrong. It was a swing and a miss." That is the expression that US intelligence failed to estimate that 11 days was enough for the troops to exit Afghanistan. There are a lot of aspects that you can criticise about the US exit strategy. However, they managed to migrate roughly 80,000 Afghans who worked with the US and Afghan governments, since the withdrawal. While on the other hand, the number of Afghans that remain in danger is somewhere in the hundreds of thousands, left stranded due to the limited time frame the United States had to execute a mammoth rescue operation. What happened was completely justified as it was the administration of the orange you're adorning despicable being who signed the deal to leave Afghanistan in the first place. His thought process to justify this action went something like this, the Bagram base is great, the lights are on, and dogs. No one likes dogs. The brave people of the Kabul Animal Rescue would disagree with his statement as they risked their lives to get as many dogs out of Afghanistan in the impossible time frame of 11 days before the Taliban took hold. The incoherent extraordinary brain function at full capacity failed to comprehend the after-effects of this complex situation and the people and animals it would impact. The turmoil that has unfolded since the US exit from Afghanistan may have faded as a hot topic of discussion. But the country is in a dire crisis that is getting worse for reasons and is in immediate need to be addressed. With the Taliban now in charge of the country, even though they tried to paint a slightly softer image for journalists through carefree photo ops, there is no denying that they are the epitome of radical extremism. Even if the Taliban members ride around in bumper cars on their visits to a fairground in Kabul and a trip to the zoo, it doesn't change the Taliban into a peace-loving organisation that will let anyone live under Islamic rule and security as long as everything is enjoyable and everyone can live in their own country the way they want. We do not associate the Taliban with the ideology of freedom to live and let live, but rather with fearmongers who terrorise and harass female journalists who report on the reality of their actions on the ground. The Taliban is not a monolith as different regional leaders rule with different degrees of severity, but there is no denying that they are an oppressive regime that chips away at the souls of innocent people who suffer at the hands of brutality. The brutal reprisals against US allies and former Afghan government employees have been taken up by the Taliban. 500 Afghan government employees have been killed or forcibly disappeared during the Taliban’s first six months in power. On the bigger level, the Taliban has taken an absolute sledgehammer to women’s rights. On one hand, with the legitimate criticism of America’s occupation, this period saw Afghan women making strides. In 2001, there were few, if any, girls in schools, whereas by 2020, this number grew to roughly 40 per cent of girl students. In the same year, the percentage of women in the Afghan parliament was more than in the current sitting US Congress, which has sunk to absolute zero. The Taliban decree tried to control nearly every aspect of women’s lives with orders such as these: no woman can leave their homes unless necessary, and only women who can’t be replaced by men will be allowed to keep working. Fortunately, one area where women are allowed to work in Afghanistan is healthcare, due to the situations where men aren’t allowed to treat women as patients. The midwives in Afghanistan made appeals to the Taliban that they shouldn’t meddle in women’s rights to education and employment as they are paralysing one arm of the body of society and a country can’t just be run by men. As history bears witness, the world tried to do so for thousands of years, and look where it has got us. We are in a global pandemic. The planet is on fire and, to add to everything that the world is dealing with right now, the world’s richest man is a ventriloquist dummy from hell. There I said it. In March, the Taliban went back on the promise after they took over and announced that girls would be prevented from receiving a secondary education in most areas. Even the Taliban members condemned this move and the reasoning behind it. Banning Afghan girls from attending school beyond 6th grade because they needed more time to decide on a school uniform for teenage girls is an abhorrent organisation that is obsessed with virtue and purity. Taking months to brainstorm a uniform for school girls is objectively perverted. Women have lost a great deal in the last year, on top of the cascading series of humanitarian crises. The UN estimates that 97 per cent of the population is at risk of sinking below the poverty line. A series of natural disasters like the ongoing drought has diminished the food production capacity of the country. Another massive earthquake in June and flooding just this month have exacerbated the fact that falling on a brand new Taliban is ill-equipped to take it on. The Taliban are a jihadist insurgency to a ruling group that spent 20 years building an organisation that is designed to fight and motivate people to engage in suicide bombings. People don't turn into government officials overnight as a militant insurgency group is low on the list of people you want leading a country's government. Although the US occupation wasn't a perfect magical wonderland, it was awful in its way as the Afghans lived under the specter of hellfire being rained down from unmanned death machines every day. The continued presence of the US in Afghanistan was untenable, but the exact circumstances of America's departure were substantially worse. While some understandable decisions were made, they had huge ramifications for the Afghan people. The Taliban's government is sanctioned by the US because the Taliban is a specially designated terrorist group.Some pre-existing sanctions apply to only part of the Taliban government. The US State Department has announced a 10 million dollar reward for any information that leads to the arrest of Taliban member Sirajuddin Haqqani, who also happens to be the current acting Interior Minister of Afghanistan. The whole Afghan government under the Taliban has made it impossible for banks, businesses, and charities to operate and keep the economy functioning. The massive problem is that 75 per cent of the Afghan government's budget relies on foreign aid, which makes up the salaries of vital government service employees, teachers, and public sector employees, and that aid has immediately disappeared. One of the worst and most crucial sectors affected is healthcare, where doctors have a minuscule amount of medical supplies; their budget has been zero since the takeover by the Taliban. The US forced the assets worth 7 billion dollars of the Afghan Central Bank to be held in America. Primarily to kneecap the entire Afghan banking system. As Afghanistan can't print its currency, the actions have led to a literal cash shortage where citizens have been standing in line for three days to withdraw cash from their bank accounts. An unusual state of affairs and a unique humanitarian crisis have resulted in food being technically available but there isn't enough liquidity in the economy and, therefore, enough availability of paper currency to purchase food. The situation is very grim as half the population of Afghanistan is under 15 years of age. Many Afghans have nowhere to turn for food or money, and their families are forced to make harrowing choices. An increasingly common decision that can be done precisely once in a person's life is selling kidneys. Some parents are even resorting to selling some of their children to feed others, which is unimaginably heartbreaking to even contemplate. The people of Afghanistan are in dire need of help. US President, Joe Biden, has inherited this mess from an alarmingly blithe orange blob of human flesh (Donald Trump) who has a direct hand in aiding and abetting the situation in Afghanistan. While Biden's official statement is grammatically incorrect to "feel bad about the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan", it is pretty disheartening to see a US official foreign policy boil down to such a simplistic statement of " You can't win them all." While the US is directly responsible for the problems in Afghanistan. The Biden administration has begun issuing sanctions exemptions to allow the free flow of humanitarian aid. With a pledge of hundreds of millions of dollars in aid to Afghanistan, more than any other company. In the face of stiff opposition from the right-wing politicians who argue against any kind of monetary assistance to the hands of the Taliban. The prospect of US aid falling into the hands of the Taliban is worrisome. For years now, a couple of charities have managed to circumvent this concern to find ways with, through, or around to help ordinary Afghan citizens. Moreover, even when America was present in Afghanistan, the Taliban effectively still controlled large parts of the country. The Afghan director at the International Rescue Committee has been financially constrained to help which has left them feeling frustrated. If you look at the math, letting 38 million people suffer for the actions of a few thousand, doesn't work or make sense. There is a strong case to find ways to get humanitarian aid to Afghanistan. While speaking as a long-term solution, no emergency aid is going to stand in for healthcare, education, and a functioning economy. Aid is bandaged, not a cure to the problems. A growing problem in offering humanitarian aid to just half the population, which is 20 million people under high and critical levels of food insecurity, is donor fatigue. But a sustainable way to help the country is by developing and building long-term solutions with a major focus on education, healthcare, and building infrastructure like investing in irrigation and waste management areas, especially areas affected by drought. But the challenge is engaging with the Taliban in some shape or form. Additionally, there are mechanisms in place that don't benefit the Taliban, but none are perfect. It's hard to swallow that even one cent could go to the Taliban with their outward-facing life, laugh, live vibe, but they constantly remind us of their heinous treatment of women and the recent confirmation that the Taliban is harboring a known leader of Al Qaeda in a safe house. Withholding all forms of aid until the Taliban either give in or collapse isn't a viable strategy. Most importantly, waiting for a long period could potentially result in millions starving. The sanctions will kill Afghan people faster than any violation of their rights, as a girl who is dying from hunger and her mother either sell her daughter from hunger or pressured her to marry. The issue of illiteracy and education is meaningless when people are dying of hunger. The crisis in Afghanistan is at a fundamental level and the US is releasing billions in frozen money into a trust fund that the Taliban can't access to inject stability into the country's financial system, but it's conditional as this would only happen if the process is smoothly executed. The United Nations and World Bank have initiatives at work to try and bridge the gap between humanitarian assistance and long-term aid with adequate developmental funding. The Afghans deserve better as they are feeling the effects of a government that they didn't choose. In reality, there is no simple solution without taking any risks, as 38 million are at risk, and it would be a colossal mistake if we did nothing.

Afghanistan is crumbling under the rule of Taliban, US promises to send aid

The Pakistan-Afghanistan spat over the whereabouts of terrorist Maulana Masood Azhar is getting more curious. After Taliban-led Afghanistan rejected Islamabad's claims that the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief is in the neighbouring country, Pakistan issued a rejoinder.

The Pakistan-Afghanistan spat over the whereabouts of terrorist Maulana Masood Azhar is getting more curious. After Taliban-led Afghanistan rejected Islamabad's claims that the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief is in the neighbouring country, Pakistan issued a rejoinder. Pakistan foreign ministry spokesperson Asim Iftikhar Ahmed said on Thursday that Pakistan has "sufficient reasons" to be concerned that still there are pockets of "ungoverned spaces" within Afghanistan that are being used by terrorist groups as safe havens. Azhar is one of the terrorists freed by India in exchange for passengers of a hijacked plane of Indian Airlines in 1999. Since his release, he oversaw several terror attacks, including some targeting India. It's incredible and amusing at the same time to hear Thursday's statement from Pakistan, which is historically known to harbour terrorists. For many years, Azhar had freely roamed the country. It's unclear when and how he moved to Afghanistan, if at all the claims in this regard by Pakistan are correct. ALSO READ | No more funding from India to Sri Lanka as IMF talks progress: Sources Ahmed was asked about Pakistan's claims that Azhar, the founder of the Pakistan-based terrorist organisation Jaish-e-Mohammed, is currently on Afghanistan soil. He was also asked about the letter that Pakistan wrote asking the Afghan authorities to "locate and arrest" Azhar. Pakistan's foreign office even shared details of regions where Azhar is suspected to be residing. Pakistan says that Azhar is likely to be in the Nangarhar and Kunhar areas of Afghanistan. The Taliban had rejected the claims. The spokesperson replied to a question about Azhar's whereabouts and the Taliban's rebuttal saying the Pakistani authorities have formally raised this issue with their relevant Taliban interlocutors on multiple occasions. He said they have also shared documentary evidence and offered "intelligence and operational" assistance to locate the individual. ALSO READ | With USD 377 million in loans, India is Sri Lanka's top lender in 2022: Report The spokesperson said, "Pakistan, as well as the international community, have sufficient reasons to be concerned that there still remain pockets of ungoverned spaces within Afghanistan that are being used by terrorist groups as safe havens. Multiple deadly cross-border terrorist attacks from Afghanistan only increase these legitimate concerns." Pakistan's foreign ministry spokesperson also said that the Afghan interim authorities have repeatedly assured us and the wider international community that they would not allow terrorist groups to use their territory to operate against any other country. "We expect the Afghan interim authorities would take concrete and verifiable actions to deliver on these assurances. I think this will go a long way to improve their credibility and increase the confidence of the international community on their capacity and willingness to counter the persistent threats posed by terrorism," he added. The Taliban reject claims This comes after the Taliban's interim Afghan government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid made the strongly-worded remarks on the claims, as quoted by Afghanistan's ToloNews, Mujahid said, "This is not true. Nobody has made such a demand from us. Jaish-e-Mohammad chief is not in Afghanistan. Such organisations can operate on Pakistan’s soil – and even under official patronage. We’ll not allow anyone to use Afghanistan’s soil against any other country." Masood Azhar's JeM is responsible for multiple deadly attacks in India, including the attack on the Indian Parliament in December 2001. The attack had brought India and Pakistan to the brink of a full-scale war. Masood Azhar is India's most wanted terrorist. 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.

Where is Masood Azhar? Pakistan says 'ungoverned spaces' in Afghanistan safe havens for terrorists

In a media briefing, Pakistan has raised the issue of presence of UN-designated terrorist in Afghanistan with Taliban government.

Pakistan raises issue of Masood Azhar's presence in Afghanistan with Taliban

Pakistan has written a letter to Afghanistan for the arrest of Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) chief Maulana Masood Azhar. The development comes after Paris-based international watchdog Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has forced Islamabad to take action against some of the UN-designated terrorists.

Pakistan hunting for Maulana Masood Azhar under FATF pressure?

Pakistan has formally written a letter to Afghanistan for the arrest of Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) chief Maulana Masood Azhar. The development comes after Paris-based international watchdog Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has forced Islamabad to take action against some of the UN-designated terrorists.

Pakistan asks Afghanistan to 'locate, report and arrest Masood Azhar'

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