Lieutenant general Michael Kurilla told the Senate Arms Services committee that the threat from the reconstituting of Al-Qaeda and ISIS-K in Afghanistan remains a big challenge.

Reconstituting of Al-Qaeda and ISIS-K in Afghanistan remains big challenge for US, says Kurilla

US lawmakers considered president Biden's nominee to lead the military's top command overseeing operations in the middle east in a wide-ranging senate confirmation hearing. Lieutenant general Michael Kurilla warned that Al Qaeda and ISIS are reconstituting.

Lieutenant general Michael Kurilla warns Al Qaeda-ISIS merger in Afghanistan

This week on South Asia Diary with Mariam Wardak: - Afghan ex-cops turn emerald hunters - Start-ups reboot agriculture in Pakistan - Delhi brothers turn bird saviours - Sri Lanka celebrates independence day amid forex crisis - Bangladesh school closure triggers debate

South Asia Diary: Afghan ex-cops turn emerald hunters

Former soldiers and bureaucrats of the ousted Afghan government are flocking to the emerald mines of Panjshir. They live and work in squalid conditions, away from the vengeful eyes of the Taliban. Mariam Wardak gets you a report.

At least five Pakistani soldiers were killed in a terrorist attack at a border post in Kurram district at the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. Terrorists from inside Afghanistan opened fire at the post after which the Pakistan army retaliated, the TTP has claimed responsibility for the Sunday's attack.

Pakistan soldiers killed in firing from Afghanistan; TTP claims responsibility

<p>Known for her humanitarian work, actress-filmmaker Angelina Jolie has tried to bring to notice the plight of women in Afghanistan through her new post on social media.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Jolie took to her Instagram handle on Saturday and shared a personal letter she received from a young woman in the country.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
The letter was blurred out to not reveal the girl's identity. Jolie began the caption of her post by writing, "A young woman in #Afghanistan sent me this letter. I'm protecting her identity, but she hasn't been able to go back to school since the Taliban seized power."<br />
<br />
Noting that women in Afghanistan are "being arrested simply for taking part in peaceful protests," Jolie said the young girl wrote, "I might never be able to go outside again or even be able to speak as I am a girl."<br />
<br />
She then shared another extract from the young woman's letter. "I feel like women don`t have any right to speak or put their word forward," the unidentified female wrote to the actress.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
"The rights of the woman are taken away from them and they are not allowed to do anything in the country," she added.<br />
<br />
The woman who wrote the letter to Jolie then detailed an instance from a "few weeks back when the Taliban arrested two of the women who raised their voices in order to ask for the rights of woman and freedom."</p>

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<p>Expressing that the instance left her shocked and dismayed, the woman said, "I just thought, that this is the end."<br />
In her caption, the actress urged fans to keep track of what is happening in the country."Please track what is happening in Afghanistan, where young women are being taken from their homes at night at gunpoint and disappeared, and new restrictions are being imposed on the freedom of women and girls day by day."<br />
<br />
"Please help ensure they're not forgotten," Jolie concluded her post, which also highlighted women's rights activists who are "missing" in Afghanistan.<br />
<br />
These included Alia Azizi, Parwana Ibrahimkhel, Mursal Ayar, and Zahra Mohammadi, Tamana Zaryab Paryani and her three sisters.</p>

<p>On Monday, Jolie shared works of two female Aghan artists- Shamsia Hassani and Rada Akbar. Jolie, who admires the work of both the artists, wanted to honour&nbsp;&nbsp;Afghan women&nbsp;and 'their struggle for equality and dignity and freedom.'</p>

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<p>This isn't the first time that Jolie has used her social media page to draw attention to the plight of women in Afghanistan. The star had made her debut in July 2021, and had shared a &nbsp;different letter from another young woman who expressed her fears for the future after the Taliban had taken over Afghanistan.<br />
<br />
In the letter, the young unidentified woman detailed how she and many others were living in fear, expressing "all our dreams are gone."<br />
<br />
In response, Jolie, who is a former UN goodwill ambassador, and has worked with refugees in past years, noted that she would remain active in her fight to aid the Afghan women, "Like others who are committed, I will not turn away. I will continue to look for ways to help. And I hope you'll join me."&nbsp;</p>


Known for her humanitarian work, actress-filmmaker Angelina Jolie has tried to bring to notice the plight of women in Afghanistan through her new post on social media.

Known for her humanitarian work, actress-filmmaker Angelina Jolie has tried to bring to notice the plight of women in Afghanistan through her new post on social media. Jolie took to her Instagram handle on Saturday and shared a personal letter she received from a young woman in the country. The letter was blurred out to not reveal the girl's identity. Jolie began the caption of her post by writing, "A young woman in #Afghanistan sent me this letter. I'm protecting her identity, but she hasn't been able to go back to school since the Taliban seized power." Noting that women in Afghanistan are "being arrested simply for taking part in peaceful protests," Jolie said the young girl wrote, "I might never be able to go outside again or even be able to speak as I am a girl." She then shared another extract from the young woman's letter. "I feel like women don`t have any right to speak or put their word forward," the unidentified female wrote to the actress. "The rights of the woman are taken away from them and they are not allowed to do anything in the country," she added. The woman who wrote the letter to Jolie then detailed an instance from a "few weeks back when the Taliban arrested two of the women who raised their voices in order to ask for the rights of woman and freedom." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Angelina Jolie (@angelinajolie) × Expressing that the instance left her shocked and dismayed, the woman said, "I just thought, that this is the end." In her caption, the actress urged fans to keep track of what is happening in the country."Please track what is happening in Afghanistan, where young women are being taken from their homes at night at gunpoint and disappeared, and new restrictions are being imposed on the freedom of women and girls day by day." "Please help ensure they're not forgotten," Jolie concluded her post, which also highlighted women's rights activists who are "missing" in Afghanistan. These included Alia Azizi, Parwana Ibrahimkhel, Mursal Ayar, and Zahra Mohammadi, Tamana Zaryab Paryani and her three sisters. On Monday, Jolie shared works of two female Aghan artists- Shamsia Hassani and Rada Akbar. Jolie, who admires the work of both the artists, wanted to honour Afghan women and 'their struggle for equality and dignity and freedom.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Angelina Jolie (@angelinajolie) × This isn't the first time that Jolie has used her social media page to draw attention to the plight of women in Afghanistan. The star had made her debut in July 2021, and had shared a different letter from another young woman who expressed her fears for the future after the Taliban had taken over Afghanistan. In the letter, the young unidentified woman detailed how she and many others were living in fear, expressing "all our dreams are gone." In response, Jolie, who is a former UN goodwill ambassador, and has worked with refugees in past years, noted that she would remain active in her fight to aid the Afghan women, "Like others who are committed, I will not turn away. I will continue to look for ways to help. And I hope you'll join me."

Angelina Jolie takes to Instagram to share an emotional letter of a young Afghan woman

<p>The United Nations human rights office has expressed its concern over the disappearance of six people who were abducted in the Afghan capital Kabul. They were all a part of the recent women’s rights protests.</p>

<p>Ravina Shamdasani, spokesperson for the High Commissioner for human rights, while speaking at a press briefing said, "We are gravely concerned for their well-being and safety."</p>

<p>"There is still no confirmed information on their whereabouts," she further added.</p>

<p>This started in January when Parwana Ibrahim Khil and her brother-in-law were abducted while travelling in Kabul. Later, Tamana Paryani and her three sisters were taken from a house in the city. &nbsp;</p>

<p>They were abducted after they had taken part in a peaceful demonstration demanding that the rights of women should be respected by the Taliban.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ms. Shamdasani, while elaborating on the situation said, "The lack of clear information on the location and well-being of these and other individuals, perpetuates a climate of fear and uncertainty."</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the Taliban released 14 women prisoners in Kabul in a bid to tackle global pressure.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Office of Prisons Administration (OPA) of the Taliban announced that they have freed 14 women from the female prison in Kabul.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This comes in as concerns grow over the disappearance of two women activists in Afghanistan. This is the second such instance.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A statement issued by OPA to local media read, "14 women prisoners were released on Thursday, February 3 as a result of an assessment conducted by a five-member delegation."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The United Nations human rights office has expressed its concern over the disappearance of six people who were abducted in the Afghan capital Kabul. They were all a part of the recent women’s rights protests.

The United Nations human rights office has expressed its concern over the disappearance of six people who were abducted in the Afghan capital Kabul. They were all a part of the recent women’s rights protests. Ravina Shamdasani, spokesperson for the High Commissioner for human rights, while speaking at a press briefing said, "We are gravely concerned for their well-being and safety." "There is still no confirmed information on their whereabouts," she further added. This started in January when Parwana Ibrahim Khil and her brother-in-law were abducted while travelling in Kabul. Later, Tamana Paryani and her three sisters were taken from a house in the city. They were abducted after they had taken part in a peaceful demonstration demanding that the rights of women should be respected by the Taliban. Ms. Shamdasani, while elaborating on the situation said, "The lack of clear information on the location and well-being of these and other individuals, perpetuates a climate of fear and uncertainty." Meanwhile, the Taliban released 14 women prisoners in Kabul in a bid to tackle global pressure. Office of Prisons Administration (OPA) of the Taliban announced that they have freed 14 women from the female prison in Kabul. This comes in as concerns grow over the disappearance of two women activists in Afghanistan. This is the second such instance. A statement issued by OPA to local media read, "14 women prisoners were released on Thursday, February 3 as a result of an assessment conducted by a five-member delegation." (With inputs from agencies)

Afghanistan: 6 women’s rights activists still missing; UN human rights office expresses concern

<p>At least five Pakistani soldiers have been killed by Afghan gunfire at a border station, according to Islamabad, in the second such attack since the Taliban took power last August.</p>

<p>Since unilaterally walking out of a months-long ceasefire agreement negotiated by the Afghan Taliban in early December, the Tehreek-e-Taliban (TTP) has increased attacks, accusing Islamabad of not keeping its commitments.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Militants from inside Afghanistan across the international border opened fire on Pakistani troops in Kurram district," the Pakistani military’s media wing, the ISPR, said in a statement on Sunday.</p>

<p>"Pakistan strongly condemns the use of Afghan soil by terrorists for activities against Pakistan and expects that the interim Afghan government will not allow the conduct of such activities against Pakistan in the future, " it said.</p>

<p>The army said it replied, with significant losses, but independent proof was difficult to come by because the districts around the rugged Afghan border are off-limits to journalists and human rights groups.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Afghan administration disputed that the gunfire originated on Afghan soil.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"As per its promises, the Taliban government should stop such cross-border militant attacks, " Sheikh Rasheed Ahmad, Pakistan’s interior minister, said in a statement.</p>

<p>"We assure other countries, especially our neighbours, that no one will be allowed to use Afghan land against them," Bilal Karimi, deputy spokesman for Afghanistan’s Taliban government, said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


At least five Pakistani soldiers have been killed by Afghan gunfire at a border station, according to Islamabad, in the second such attack since the Taliban took power last August.

At least five Pakistani soldiers have been killed by Afghan gunfire at a border station, according to Islamabad, in the second such attack since the Taliban took power last August. Since unilaterally walking out of a months-long ceasefire agreement negotiated by the Afghan Taliban in early December, the Tehreek-e-Taliban (TTP) has increased attacks, accusing Islamabad of not keeping its commitments. "Militants from inside Afghanistan across the international border opened fire on Pakistani troops in Kurram district," the Pakistani military’s media wing, the ISPR, said in a statement on Sunday. "Pakistan strongly condemns the use of Afghan soil by terrorists for activities against Pakistan and expects that the interim Afghan government will not allow the conduct of such activities against Pakistan in the future, " it said. The army said it replied, with significant losses, but independent proof was difficult to come by because the districts around the rugged Afghan border are off-limits to journalists and human rights groups. The Afghan administration disputed that the gunfire originated on Afghan soil. "As per its promises, the Taliban government should stop such cross-border militant attacks, " Sheikh Rasheed Ahmad, Pakistan’s interior minister, said in a statement. "We assure other countries, especially our neighbours, that no one will be allowed to use Afghan land against them," Bilal Karimi, deputy spokesman for Afghanistan’s Taliban government, said. (With inputs from agencies)

Five Pakistani soldiers killed in firing from Afghanistan

<p>Amena, 7 months old, lay silently in her hospital crib amid the mewling of desperately ill infants in the malnutrition ward.</p>

<p>Her mother, Balqisa, had brought the child to Indira Gandhi Children’s Hospital in Kabul, Afghanistan’s capital, the night before. “Her body was so hot,” she said, stroking her daughter’s emaciated leg.</p>

<p>The baby had a high fever, convulsions and sepsis, said Dr. Mohammad Iqbal Sadiq, a pediatrician, glancing at her chart.</p>

<p>“Her chances are not good,” the doctor said. “We got her too late.”</p>

<p>At the Indira Gandhi hospital, and in faltering hospitals across Afghanistan, famished children arrive by car and taxi and ambulance every day and night. Acute malnutrition is just one of a cascade of maladies that threaten to topple the country’s fragile health system.</p>

<p>Late last month, António Guterres, the United Nations secretary-general, told the Security Council that Afghanistan was “hanging by a thread,” as he called for countries to suspend all sanctions that restricted the delivery of humanitarian aid to the country.</p>

<p>“For 20 years, we kept Afghanistan on a transfusion,” said Filipe Ribeiro, country representative for Médecins Sans Frontières, or Doctors Without Borders, in Kabul. “Overnight, we removed the drip. Now we have to find a way to put it back.”</p>

<p>Three-quarters of Afghanistan’s population has plunged into acute poverty, with 4.7 million Afghans likely to suffer severe malnutrition this year, according to the United Nations. Last month, the organization made its biggest appeal ever for a single country, asking international donors to give more than $5 billion to fend off a humanitarian disaster.</p>

<p>Save the Children said the number of critically malnourished children visiting its clinics in Afghanistan had doubled since August, with 40 children dying in December on their way to receive medical care.</p>

<p>Jonas Gahr Store, the prime minister of Norway, whose country hosted meetings between Taliban representatives and Afghan civil society groups late last month, spoke to the Security Council about the urgency to expedite aid.</p>

<p>“We need new agreements and commitments in place to be able to assist and help an extremely vulnerable civil population, and most vulnerable among them, the children who face hunger and suffering,” he said.</p>

<p>Before the U.S.-backed Afghan government disintegrated in August as the Taliban overran the country, the health system relied on international aid to survive. But much of that funding has been frozen to comply with sanctions imposed on the Taliban.</p>

<p>As a result, the International Rescue Committee recently predicted that 90% of Afghanistan’s health clinics were likely to shut down in the coming months. The World Health Organization has said that outbreaks of diarrhea, measles, dengue fever, malaria and COVID-19 threaten to overwhelm overburdened hospitals.</p>

<p>Kabul’s Indira Gandhi hospital nearly shut down in October, when the unpaid staff had to cut down trees for cooking fires. A flush of funding in November from the International Committee of the Red Cross allowed it to keep its doors open and provide desperately needed medical supplies.</p>

<p>The infusion could keep the hospital afloat for the next several months, according to Sadiq, the pediatrician.</p>

<p>“After that, no one knows what will happen,” he said.</p>

<p>While there have been other infusions of aid, including $308 million in relief authorized by the United States, they have not been enough to cover 1,200 health facilities and 11,000 health workers.</p>

<p>Although the drastic decline in war-related casualties has relieved the burden of such patients on many hospitals, the suspension of operations by private facilities and the ability to safely travel Afghanistan’s roads has left other hospitals overrun with people.</p>

<p>On a recent morning, the corridors of Indira Gandhi hospital were crammed with beds as patients’ family members squatted on floors amid parcels of food bought at the local bazaar.</p>

<p>Patients’ meals consist of an egg, two apples, a milk packet, rice and juice, so many families supplement them with outside food. Some buy medicine at local pharmacies because the hospital can provide only about 70% of required medication, Sadiq said.</p>

<p>In the children’s critical care ward, many of the tiny cribs held two or three infants. In the ward for premature babies, two newborns had been placed in some incubators designed for a single infant.</p>

<p>“I’ve never seen it like this,” said Sadiq, who has worked at the hospital for more than three years. “And just imagine this same situation in every hospital in Afghanistan.”</p>

<p>The hospital, the largest in Afghanistan, is squeezing 500 patients into the 360-bed facility, Dr. Hasibullah Rahimzay Wardak, the hospital director, said. More than 1,000 patients arrive on a typical day, many from distant provinces. About 250-300 are admitted daily.</p>

<p>In the crowded malnutrition ward, 15-20 emaciated babies arrive daily, with about 60 infants filling the crowded malnutrition ward on any given day. The mortality rate is 2%-3%, Sadiq said.</p>

<p>Soraya, 2, had arrived 20 days earlier, dangerously underweight and gasping for breath. Her mother, Sara, 17, sat by her child’s bed as the girl’s bony chest heaved up and down. Sadiq tenderly lifted the girl’s legs, which were limp and swollen.</p>

<p>Soraya weighed 14 pounds on arrival, the doctor said, but weighed just 12 pounds now. Even so, he said, her condition had improved. Her chances of survival were good.</p>

<p>Adding more pressure on Afghanistan’s overburdened health care system is a fourth wave of COVID-19. Yet the virus is an afterthought in Afghanistan, where many people struggle to find enough to eat every day.</p>

<p>Few Afghans wear masks — even at the Ministry of Public Health in Kabul. There, officials clustered in groups on a recent weekday, greeting visitors with hugs and kisses, and ignoring faded signs saying masks were required throughout the building.</p>

<p>At the Afghan-Japan Communicable Disease Hospital in Kabul, the only remaining COVID-19 facility in the capital, few staff members or patients complied with worn stickers on the floors that proclaimed: “Let’s Beat Coronavirus — Please keep at least 2 meters from people around you.”</p>

<p>“When I try to talk to people about COVID-19, they say we have no food, no water, no electricity — why should we care about this virus?” said Dr. Tariq Ahmad Akbari, the hospital’s medical director.</p>

<p>Akbari suspected that the omicron variant had entered the country, but the hospital lacked the medical equipment to test for variants. He and his staff had not been paid for five months, he said, and the hospital was critically low on oxygen supplies and health care workers.</p>

<p>Seven of the hospital’s eight female doctors fled after the Taliban takeover in August, part of a hollowing out that reduced the staff from 350 to 190 the past five months. Four of the five staff microbiologists quit. And only five of the country’s 34 COVID-19 centers were still operating, Akbari said.</p>

<p>Several staff members lived in the hospital in Kabul because, without salaries, they cannot afford rent, he said.</p>

<p>The hospital was recently buoyed by a two-month stopgap grant of $800,000 from an affiliate of Johns Hopkins Hospital, Akbari said. And Afghanistan’s relative isolation after the Taliban takeover had likely helped contain the spread of COVID-19, he said.</p>

<p>Up to 20 patients died per day during the previous wave, but just one or two a day now. And the hospital tests about 150 patients a day now, down from 600 to 700 daily tests during the second wave, Akbari said.</p>

<p>He speculated that Afghans are so overwhelmed by other survival issues that they are less likely to seek treatment for COVID-19.</p>

<p>Before the Taliban takeover, the Ministry of Public Health published detailed daily charts showing the number of coronavirus cases, hospitalizations and deaths — and the positivity rate for testing. But now the poorly funded ministry struggles to keep tabs on the pandemic.</p>

<p>Of the more than 856,000 tests conducted since the first wave of COVID-19 in early 2020 — of an estimated population of nearly 40 million — roughly 163,000 were positive, a Health Ministry spokesperson said. More than 7,400 COVID-19 deaths had been confirmed since 2020, he said.</p>

<p>But because testing is extremely limited and the cause of death is not recorded in many instances, particularly in rural areas of Afghanistan, no one knows the pandemic’s true scale.</p>

<p>Akbari shook his head in frustration as he described how little was known about the virus in Afghanistan.</p>

<p>Looking defeated, he said, “If we have a surge like we had during the second and third wave, we would not be equipped to handle it.”</p>


Amena, 7 months old, lay silently in her hospital crib amid the mewling of desperately ill infants in the malnutrition ward. Her mother, Balqisa, had brought the child to Indira Gandhi Children’s Hospital in Kabul, Afghanistan’s capital, the night before.

Amena, 7 months old, lay silently in her hospital crib amid the mewling of desperately ill infants in the malnutrition ward. Her mother, Balqisa, had brought the child to Indira Gandhi Children’s Hospital in Kabul, Afghanistan’s capital, the night before. “Her body was so hot,” she said, stroking her daughter’s emaciated leg. The baby had a high fever, convulsions and sepsis, said Dr. Mohammad Iqbal Sadiq, a pediatrician, glancing at her chart. “Her chances are not good,” the doctor said. “We got her too late.” At the Indira Gandhi hospital, and in faltering hospitals across Afghanistan, famished children arrive by car and taxi and ambulance every day and night. Acute malnutrition is just one of a cascade of maladies that threaten to topple the country’s fragile health system. Late last month, António Guterres, the United Nations secretary-general, told the Security Council that Afghanistan was “hanging by a thread,” as he called for countries to suspend all sanctions that restricted the delivery of humanitarian aid to the country. “For 20 years, we kept Afghanistan on a transfusion,” said Filipe Ribeiro, country representative for Médecins Sans Frontières, or Doctors Without Borders, in Kabul. “Overnight, we removed the drip. Now we have to find a way to put it back.” Three-quarters of Afghanistan’s population has plunged into acute poverty, with 4.7 million Afghans likely to suffer severe malnutrition this year, according to the United Nations. Last month, the organization made its biggest appeal ever for a single country, asking international donors to give more than $5 billion to fend off a humanitarian disaster. Save the Children said the number of critically malnourished children visiting its clinics in Afghanistan had doubled since August, with 40 children dying in December on their way to receive medical care. Jonas Gahr Store, the prime minister of Norway, whose country hosted meetings between Taliban representatives and Afghan civil society groups late last month, spoke to the Security Council about the urgency to expedite aid. “We need new agreements and commitments in place to be able to assist and help an extremely vulnerable civil population, and most vulnerable among them, the children who face hunger and suffering,” he said. Before the U.S.-backed Afghan government disintegrated in August as the Taliban overran the country, the health system relied on international aid to survive. But much of that funding has been frozen to comply with sanctions imposed on the Taliban. As a result, the International Rescue Committee recently predicted that 90% of Afghanistan’s health clinics were likely to shut down in the coming months. The World Health Organization has said that outbreaks of diarrhea, measles, dengue fever, malaria and COVID-19 threaten to overwhelm overburdened hospitals. Kabul’s Indira Gandhi hospital nearly shut down in October, when the unpaid staff had to cut down trees for cooking fires. A flush of funding in November from the International Committee of the Red Cross allowed it to keep its doors open and provide desperately needed medical supplies. The infusion could keep the hospital afloat for the next several months, according to Sadiq, the pediatrician. “After that, no one knows what will happen,” he said. While there have been other infusions of aid, including $308 million in relief authorized by the United States, they have not been enough to cover 1,200 health facilities and 11,000 health workers. Although the drastic decline in war-related casualties has relieved the burden of such patients on many hospitals, the suspension of operations by private facilities and the ability to safely travel Afghanistan’s roads has left other hospitals overrun with people. On a recent morning, the corridors of Indira Gandhi hospital were crammed with beds as patients’ family members squatted on floors amid parcels of food bought at the local bazaar. Patients’ meals consist of an egg, two apples, a milk packet, rice and juice, so many families supplement them with outside food. Some buy medicine at local pharmacies because the hospital can provide only about 70% of required medication, Sadiq said. In the children’s critical care ward, many of the tiny cribs held two or three infants. In the ward for premature babies, two newborns had been placed in some incubators designed for a single infant. “I’ve never seen it like this,” said Sadiq, who has worked at the hospital for more than three years. “And just imagine this same situation in every hospital in Afghanistan.” The hospital, the largest in Afghanistan, is squeezing 500 patients into the 360-bed facility, Dr. Hasibullah Rahimzay Wardak, the hospital director, said. More than 1,000 patients arrive on a typical day, many from distant provinces. About 250-300 are admitted daily. In the crowded malnutrition ward, 15-20 emaciated babies arrive daily, with about 60 infants filling the crowded malnutrition ward on any given day. The mortality rate is 2%-3%, Sadiq said. Soraya, 2, had arrived 20 days earlier, dangerously underweight and gasping for breath. Her mother, Sara, 17, sat by her child’s bed as the girl’s bony chest heaved up and down. Sadiq tenderly lifted the girl’s legs, which were limp and swollen. Soraya weighed 14 pounds on arrival, the doctor said, but weighed just 12 pounds now. Even so, he said, her condition had improved. Her chances of survival were good. Adding more pressure on Afghanistan’s overburdened health care system is a fourth wave of COVID-19. Yet the virus is an afterthought in Afghanistan, where many people struggle to find enough to eat every day. Few Afghans wear masks — even at the Ministry of Public Health in Kabul. There, officials clustered in groups on a recent weekday, greeting visitors with hugs and kisses, and ignoring faded signs saying masks were required throughout the building. At the Afghan-Japan Communicable Disease Hospital in Kabul, the only remaining COVID-19 facility in the capital, few staff members or patients complied with worn stickers on the floors that proclaimed: “Let’s Beat Coronavirus — Please keep at least 2 meters from people around you.” “When I try to talk to people about COVID-19, they say we have no food, no water, no electricity — why should we care about this virus?” said Dr. Tariq Ahmad Akbari, the hospital’s medical director. Akbari suspected that the omicron variant had entered the country, but the hospital lacked the medical equipment to test for variants. He and his staff had not been paid for five months, he said, and the hospital was critically low on oxygen supplies and health care workers. Seven of the hospital’s eight female doctors fled after the Taliban takeover in August, part of a hollowing out that reduced the staff from 350 to 190 the past five months. Four of the five staff microbiologists quit. And only five of the country’s 34 COVID-19 centers were still operating, Akbari said. Several staff members lived in the hospital in Kabul because, without salaries, they cannot afford rent, he said. The hospital was recently buoyed by a two-month stopgap grant of $800,000 from an affiliate of Johns Hopkins Hospital, Akbari said. And Afghanistan’s relative isolation after the Taliban takeover had likely helped contain the spread of COVID-19, he said. Up to 20 patients died per day during the previous wave, but just one or two a day now. And the hospital tests about 150 patients a day now, down from 600 to 700 daily tests during the second wave, Akbari said. He speculated that Afghans are so overwhelmed by other survival issues that they are less likely to seek treatment for COVID-19. Before the Taliban takeover, the Ministry of Public Health published detailed daily charts showing the number of coronavirus cases, hospitalizations and deaths — and the positivity rate for testing. But now the poorly funded ministry struggles to keep tabs on the pandemic. Of the more than 856,000 tests conducted since the first wave of COVID-19 in early 2020 — of an estimated population of nearly 40 million — roughly 163,000 were positive, a Health Ministry spokesperson said. More than 7,400 COVID-19 deaths had been confirmed since 2020, he said. But because testing is extremely limited and the cause of death is not recorded in many instances, particularly in rural areas of Afghanistan, no one knows the pandemic’s true scale. Akbari shook his head in frustration as he described how little was known about the virus in Afghanistan. Looking defeated, he said, “If we have a surge like we had during the second and third wave, we would not be equipped to handle it.”

Afghanistan’s health care system is collapsing under stress

<p>An earthquake of 5.7 magnitude on the Richter scale was reported on Saturday.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>The quake’s tremors were felt in Muzaffarabad, Islamabad and Peshawar in Pakistan, Jalalabad in Afghanistan, and Jammu and Kashmir and as far as Delhi NCR in India. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/balochistan-militants-launch-late-night-blitzkrieg-on-2-pak-military-bases-over-5-security-forces-killed-450121" hreflang="en">Balochistan militants launch late-night blitzkrieg on 2 Pak military bases</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{732d1fec-ac8e-4171-85bd-3cb07ec60dda}{102}" paraid="527286458" >The earthquake occurred at 9.45 am. The epicentre was the Afghanistan-Tajikistan border.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{90b156b9-0150-4205-9374-92c9c42c70a0}{227}" paraid="1378036536" >There were no reports of any loss of life or damage to property in Jammu and Kashmir, the officials said.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{7f72e094-a224-4702-a84c-ff485adf109c}{30}" paraid="1247881361" >According to the officials of the&nbsp;India Meteorological Department (IMD), the quake hit at latitude 36.34 degrees north and longitude 71.05 degrees east at a depth of 181 km inside the earth’s crust.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{7f72e094-a224-4702-a84c-ff485adf109c}{30}" paraid="1247881361" ><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/hindu-businessman-killed-in-pakistans-sindh-province-449870" hreflang="en">Hindu businessman killed in Pakistan's Sindh province</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{7f72e094-a224-4702-a84c-ff485adf109c}{185}" paraid="383147" >On witnessing the tremors of the quake, several people rushed out of their homes in panic to safeguard themselves.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{6e05e58c-5b4a-4934-aabc-fc97bc547c35}{191}" paraid="161137690" >Kashmir is seismologically located on an earthquake prone region where tremors have wrecked havoc in the past.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{6e05e58c-5b4a-4934-aabc-fc97bc547c35}{205}" paraid="17073755" >More than 80,000 people were killed on the two sides of the Line of Control (LoC) after a 7.6-magnitude earthquake struck on October 8, 2005.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


An earthquake of 5.7 magnitude on the Richter scale was reported on Saturday. The quake’s tremors were felt in Muzaffarabad, Islamabad and Peshawar in Pakistan, Jalalabad in Afghanistan, and Jammu and Kashmir and as far as Delhi NCR in India.

An earthquake of 5.7 magnitude on the Richter scale was reported on Saturday. The quake’s tremors were felt in Muzaffarabad, Islamabad and Peshawar in Pakistan, Jalalabad in Afghanistan, and Jammu and Kashmir and as far as Delhi NCR in India. Also Read: Balochistan militants launch late-night blitzkrieg on 2 Pak military bases The earthquake occurred at 9.45 am. The epicentre was the Afghanistan-Tajikistan border. There were no reports of any loss of life or damage to property in Jammu and Kashmir, the officials said. According to the officials of the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the quake hit at latitude 36.34 degrees north and longitude 71.05 degrees east at a depth of 181 km inside the earth’s crust. Also Read: Hindu businessman killed in Pakistan's Sindh province On witnessing the tremors of the quake, several people rushed out of their homes in panic to safeguard themselves. Kashmir is seismologically located on an earthquake prone region where tremors have wrecked havoc in the past. More than 80,000 people were killed on the two sides of the Line of Control (LoC) after a 7.6-magnitude earthquake struck on October 8, 2005. (With inputs from agencies)

5.7-magnitude earthquake jolts Afghanistan, Pakistan, India

The US Senate Foreign Relations Committee has released a new report on the Biden administration's withdrawal from Afghanistan. The report has found that as many as 9,000 Americans were left behind in Afghanistan during the disastrous withdrawal.

Report: As many as 9,000 Americans left behind during US troop withdrawal from Afghanistan

A United Nations report suggests that Al Qaeda and ISIS operatives work freely under the Taliban regime in Afghanistan.

Revival of terrorism in Afghanistan: Al Qaeda & ISIS operative work freely under Taliban

<p>Ever since congratulating the Taliban on its “victory” in Afghanistan on August 31 last year, al-Qaeda has been maintaining a “strategic silence” to not to “compromise” its efforts to gain international recognition, a new UN report has claimed.</p>

<p>The latest report of the UN Security Council on activities of the Islamic State and al-Qaeda and their affiliates, made public this week, said that Osama bin Laden’s son, Abdallah, visited Afghanistan in October “for meetings with the Taliban”.</p>

<p>al-Qaeda continues to recover from a series of leadership losses and lacks the capability to carry out “high-profile” attacks overseas, which remains its long-term goal, the report noted.</p>

<p>The UN’s sanctions monitoring team prepares such reports twice a year as part of efforts to implement sanctions imposed on the Islamic State and al-Qaeda.</p>

<p>It said that al-Qaeda in the Indian subcontinent (AQIS), which is led by Osama Mehmood and his deputy Atif Yahya Ghouri, “retains a presence in Afghanistan, in the provinces of Ghazni, Helmand, Kandahar, Nimruz, Paktika and Zabul, where the group fought alongside the Taliban” against the ousted government of Ashraf Ghani.</p>

<p>AQIS is estimated to have between 200 and 400 fighters, mainly from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Myanmar and Pakistan, the report said.</p>

<p>The report also stated that the Taliban have not done anything to limit the activities of foreign terrorists.</p>

<p>“The security landscape in Afghanistan changed dramatically on 15 August, when the Taliban took control of the country. There are no recent signs that the Taliban has taken steps to limit the activities of foreign terrorist fighters in the country,” the report said.</p>

<p>“On the contrary, terrorist groups enjoy greater freedom there than at any time in recent history,” it said, adding that UN member states have not reported “significant new movements of foreign terrorist fighters to Afghanistan”.</p>

<p>However, the report concluded that the Taliban have acted to rein in the anti-China terror group Turkistan Islamic Party (TIP), also known as Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement (ETIM).</p>

<p>“Some Member States reported that, following the Taliban’s return to power, ETIM/TIP fighters were relocated from their traditional stronghold in Badakhshan province, on the border with China, to Baghlan, Takhar and other provinces, as part of the Taliban’s efforts to both protect and restrain the group,” the report said.</p>


Ever since congratulating the Taliban on its “victory” in Afghanistan on August 31 last year, al-Qaeda has been maintaining a “strategic silence” to not to “compromise” its efforts to gain international recognition, a new UN report has claimed.

Ever since congratulating the Taliban on its “victory” in Afghanistan on August 31 last year, al-Qaeda has been maintaining a “strategic silence” to not to “compromise” its efforts to gain international recognition, a new UN report has claimed. The latest report of the UN Security Council on activities of the Islamic State and al-Qaeda and their affiliates, made public this week, said that Osama bin Laden’s son, Abdallah, visited Afghanistan in October “for meetings with the Taliban”. al-Qaeda continues to recover from a series of leadership losses and lacks the capability to carry out “high-profile” attacks overseas, which remains its long-term goal, the report noted. The UN’s sanctions monitoring team prepares such reports twice a year as part of efforts to implement sanctions imposed on the Islamic State and al-Qaeda. It said that al-Qaeda in the Indian subcontinent (AQIS), which is led by Osama Mehmood and his deputy Atif Yahya Ghouri, “retains a presence in Afghanistan, in the provinces of Ghazni, Helmand, Kandahar, Nimruz, Paktika and Zabul, where the group fought alongside the Taliban” against the ousted government of Ashraf Ghani. AQIS is estimated to have between 200 and 400 fighters, mainly from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Myanmar and Pakistan, the report said. The report also stated that the Taliban have not done anything to limit the activities of foreign terrorists. “The security landscape in Afghanistan changed dramatically on 15 August, when the Taliban took control of the country. There are no recent signs that the Taliban has taken steps to limit the activities of foreign terrorist fighters in the country,” the report said. “On the contrary, terrorist groups enjoy greater freedom there than at any time in recent history,” it said, adding that UN member states have not reported “significant new movements of foreign terrorist fighters to Afghanistan”. However, the report concluded that the Taliban have acted to rein in the anti-China terror group Turkistan Islamic Party (TIP), also known as Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement (ETIM). “Some Member States reported that, following the Taliban’s return to power, ETIM/TIP fighters were relocated from their traditional stronghold in Badakhshan province, on the border with China, to Baghlan, Takhar and other provinces, as part of the Taliban’s efforts to both protect and restrain the group,” the report said.

Osama bin Laden’s son held meetings with Taliban in Afghanistan last year: UN report

<p>Citing the destruction of iconic Bamiyan Buddha statues in Afghanistan, Indian envoy to United Nations T S Tirumurti urged the international community to combat “hate and violence” against all religions.</p>

<p>"The shattering of iconic Bamiyan Buddhas, to name one of the tragic events, stands as a testimony to what hate against other religions can do,” he said while speaking at a special virtual event on Friday on the occasion of the International Day of Human Fraternity organised by the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) in partnership with Egypt and the United Arab Emirates.</p>

<p>The Buddhas of Bamiyan were destroyed by the Taliban in 2001, drawing a wave of international condemnation.</p>

<p>In the past as well, India has repeatedly called on the need to denounce hate against non-Abrahamic or Indic religions in the backdrop of UN resolutions focusing only on hatred against Abrahamic religions.</p>

<p>Pakistan has been leading when it comes to resolutions on Islamophobia even as it has been silent on atrocities against minorities like Hindus and other religions.</p>

<p>The envoy said that there was a need to need to commit to pluralistic traditions, saying that fraternity blossoms under fraternity, which is in line with India’s belief that the world is one family (Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam).</p>

<p>February 4 is celebrated as the International Day of Human Fraternity by promoting cultural diversity and advancing dialogue and understanding between religions and civilizations.</p>

<p>A resolution regarding this, which was piloted by UAE and Egypt, was passed last. India was one of the co-sponsors of the resolution.</p>

<p>“International days are days which should seek to bring all of us together as one family, and be celebrated in an inclusive manner. They should not seek to divide us,” the envoy said.</p>

<p>Interestingly, it was on this day in Abu Dhabi in 2019 that Pope Francis and the grand imam of al-Azhar, Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayeb, met in the UAE's capital.</p>

<p>Al Azhar is Sunni Islam's most important seat of learning while the Pope is the head of the Catholic church.</p>


Citing the destruction of iconic Bamiyan Buddha statues in Afghanistan, Indian envoy to United Nations T S Tirumurti urged the international community to combat “hate and violence” against all religions.

Citing the destruction of iconic Bamiyan Buddha statues in Afghanistan, Indian envoy to United Nations T S Tirumurti urged the international community to combat “hate and violence” against all religions. "The shattering of iconic Bamiyan Buddhas, to name one of the tragic events, stands as a testimony to what hate against other religions can do,” he said while speaking at a special virtual event on Friday on the occasion of the International Day of Human Fraternity organised by the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) in partnership with Egypt and the United Arab Emirates. The Buddhas of Bamiyan were destroyed by the Taliban in 2001, drawing a wave of international condemnation. In the past as well, India has repeatedly called on the need to denounce hate against non-Abrahamic or Indic religions in the backdrop of UN resolutions focusing only on hatred against Abrahamic religions. Pakistan has been leading when it comes to resolutions on Islamophobia even as it has been silent on atrocities against minorities like Hindus and other religions. The envoy said that there was a need to need to commit to pluralistic traditions, saying that fraternity blossoms under fraternity, which is in line with India’s belief that the world is one family (Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam). February 4 is celebrated as the International Day of Human Fraternity by promoting cultural diversity and advancing dialogue and understanding between religions and civilizations. A resolution regarding this, which was piloted by UAE and Egypt, was passed last. India was one of the co-sponsors of the resolution. “International days are days which should seek to bring all of us together as one family, and be celebrated in an inclusive manner. They should not seek to divide us,” the envoy said. Interestingly, it was on this day in Abu Dhabi in 2019 that Pope Francis and the grand imam of al-Azhar, Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayeb, met in the UAE's capital. Al Azhar is Sunni Islam's most important seat of learning while the Pope is the head of the Catholic church.

Citing destruction of Bamiyan Buddha statues, India’s UN envoy says need to combat hate against religions

<p>The Taliban on Friday released 14 women prisoners in Kabul in a bid to tackle global pressure. Office of Prisons Administration (OPA) of the Taliban announced that they have freed 14 women from the female prison in Kabul.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A statement issued by OPA to local media read, "14 women prisoners were released on Thursday, February 3 as a result of an assessment conducted by a five-member delegation."</p>

<p>This comes in as concerns grow over the disappearance of two women activists in Afghanistan. This is second such instance.&nbsp;<br />
Zahra Mohammadi and Mursal Ayar are the two female activists who went missing two days ago.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The US special envoy for Afghan women, Rina Amiri, on Twitter said, "These unjust detentions must stop. If the Taliban seek legitimacy from the Afghan people and the world they must respect Afghans' human rights - especially for women - including the freedom of expression and immediately release these women, their relatives and other activists."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-warn-against-womens-rights-activism-after-two-activists-were-seized-from-their-homes-446896"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Taliban warn against women's rights activism after two activists were seized from their homes</strong></a></p>

<p>Earlier, Taliban authorities had warned that they have all the rights to crack down on dissent and jailed protestors. This happened after two women activists noted that two of their comrades were seized from their homes after they took part in a few demonstrations. According to reports by AFP, Tamana Zaryabi Paryani and Parwana Ibrahimkhel were abducted from their homes in Kabul.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Taliban government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid has denied that any women were being held. However, he said that the authorities had the right "to arrest and detain dissidents or those who break the law".</p>

<p>"Nobody should create turmoil, because it disrupts peace and order," he said while speaking to AFP.</p>

<p>Ever since the Taliban took over Afghanistan, the situation has not been so good, especially for women.</p>

<p>Demonstrations held by women have become a common phenomenon in the country. The Taliban has previously tried to prevent journalists from covering the march, organised against the "mysterious murders of young people, particularly the country's former soldiers", according to social media invitations.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Taliban on Friday released 14 women prisoners in Kabul in a bid to tackle global pressure. Office of Prisons Administration (OPA) of the Taliban announced that they have freed 14 women from the female prison in Kabul.

The Taliban on Friday released 14 women prisoners in Kabul in a bid to tackle global pressure. Office of Prisons Administration (OPA) of the Taliban announced that they have freed 14 women from the female prison in Kabul. A statement issued by OPA to local media read, "14 women prisoners were released on Thursday, February 3 as a result of an assessment conducted by a five-member delegation." This comes in as concerns grow over the disappearance of two women activists in Afghanistan. This is second such instance. Zahra Mohammadi and Mursal Ayar are the two female activists who went missing two days ago. The US special envoy for Afghan women, Rina Amiri, on Twitter said, "These unjust detentions must stop. If the Taliban seek legitimacy from the Afghan people and the world they must respect Afghans' human rights - especially for women - including the freedom of expression and immediately release these women, their relatives and other activists." Also read | Taliban warn against women's rights activism after two activists were seized from their homes Earlier, Taliban authorities had warned that they have all the rights to crack down on dissent and jailed protestors. This happened after two women activists noted that two of their comrades were seized from their homes after they took part in a few demonstrations. According to reports by AFP, Tamana Zaryabi Paryani and Parwana Ibrahimkhel were abducted from their homes in Kabul. Taliban government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid has denied that any women were being held. However, he said that the authorities had the right "to arrest and detain dissidents or those who break the law". "Nobody should create turmoil, because it disrupts peace and order," he said while speaking to AFP. Ever since the Taliban took over Afghanistan, the situation has not been so good, especially for women. Demonstrations held by women have become a common phenomenon in the country. The Taliban has previously tried to prevent journalists from covering the march, organised against the "mysterious murders of young people, particularly the country's former soldiers", according to social media invitations. (With inputs from agencies)

Taliban releases 14 women prisoners in Kabul amid global pressure

<p>A Taliban spokesman&nbsp;said on Wednesday that group's fighters will no longer be allowed to carry their weapons to amusement parks in Afghanistan. It is being seen as another attempt by the group to soften their image.</p>

<p>Taliban fighters, many of whom have spent most of their lives in a 20-year insurgency against a US-backed government, flocked to amusement parks in Afghan cities in towns after they took over in August.</p>

<p>"Mujahideen of the Islamic Emirate are not allowed to enter amusement parks with weapons, military uniforms and vehicles," the main Taliban spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, said on Twitter.</p>

<p>"(They) are obliged to abide by all the rules and regulations of amusement parks."</p>

<p>The Taliban earned a reputation as uncompromising and often brutal enforcers of their strict ways then they last ruled, between 1996 and 2001.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/un-expresses-concern-about-abductions-following-womens-rights-protest-in-kabul-449705">UN expresses concern about abductions following women's rights protest in Kabul</a></strong></p>

<p>However, after their recent power grab in August 2021, the group has made efforts to project a moderate face. The interim cabinet formed by the Taliban is grappling with a looming humanitarian crisis. Millions of dollars of funds, earmarked for Afghan central bank under the previous regime have been frozen internationally.</p>

<p>Of particular attraction for Taliban fighters was one of Kabul's largest amusement parks and a waterside park at the Qargha reservoir, in the city's western outskirts.</p>

<p>Fighters clutching automatic rifles queued for up carousel and swinging pirate ship rides - with regular visitors looking on nervously.</p>

<p>Most of the fighters Reuters spoke to then had never been to Kabul until the Taliban took control of the capital on Aug. 15, and some were eager to visit the amusement park before returning to duties around the country.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A Taliban spokesman said on Wednesday that group's fighters will no longer be allowed to carry their weapons to amusement parks in Afghanistan. It is being seen as another attempt by the group to soften their image.

A Taliban spokesman said on Wednesday that group's fighters will no longer be allowed to carry their weapons to amusement parks in Afghanistan. It is being seen as another attempt by the group to soften their image. Taliban fighters, many of whom have spent most of their lives in a 20-year insurgency against a US-backed government, flocked to amusement parks in Afghan cities in towns after they took over in August. "Mujahideen of the Islamic Emirate are not allowed to enter amusement parks with weapons, military uniforms and vehicles," the main Taliban spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, said on Twitter. "(They) are obliged to abide by all the rules and regulations of amusement parks." The Taliban earned a reputation as uncompromising and often brutal enforcers of their strict ways then they last ruled, between 1996 and 2001. Also Read | UN expresses concern about abductions following women's rights protest in Kabul However, after their recent power grab in August 2021, the group has made efforts to project a moderate face. The interim cabinet formed by the Taliban is grappling with a looming humanitarian crisis. Millions of dollars of funds, earmarked for Afghan central bank under the previous regime have been frozen internationally. Of particular attraction for Taliban fighters was one of Kabul's largest amusement parks and a waterside park at the Qargha reservoir, in the city's western outskirts. Fighters clutching automatic rifles queued for up carousel and swinging pirate ship rides - with regular visitors looking on nervously. Most of the fighters Reuters spoke to then had never been to Kabul until the Taliban took control of the capital on Aug. 15, and some were eager to visit the amusement park before returning to duties around the country. (With inputs from agencies)

No guns in amusement parks, Taliban tell its fighters

<p>United Nations Human Rights Office on Tuesday expressed concern over kidnapping of six individuals who disappeared earlier this month in Kabul, capital of Afghanistan. The abductions took place following recent women's rights protests.</p>

<p>On January 19, Parwana Ibrahim Khil and her brother-in-law were abducted while travelling in Kabul, while Tamana Paryani and her three sisters disappeared from their home.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Both women had taken part in a peaceful demonstration on January 16 calling for respect for women`s rights.Since then, there have been reports coming in of house searches of other women in relation to their participation in protests.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The lack of clear information on the location and well-being of these and other individuals perpetuates a climate of fear and uncertainty.These reports have also brought into focus what appears to be a pattern of arbitrary arrests and detentions, as well as torture and ill-treatment, of civil society activists, journalists and media workers, and former Government and security forces personnel in Afghanistan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We are very alarmed at the continued disappearance of six people who were abducted in Kabul two weeks ago in connection with the recent women`s rights protests... Despite the de facto authorities` announcement on Saturday of an investigation into the disappearance of these individuals, there is still no confirmed information on their whereabouts," UN Human Rights Office Spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani told a press briefing in Geneva.</p>

<p>She also called on the Taliban "to publicly report on the findings of their investigation into the abduction and disappearance of these women activists and their relatives, to take all possible measures to ensure their safe and immediate release, and to hold those responsible to account.</p>

<p>"Since the Taliban seized power in Kabul in August last year, the international community repeatedly expressed concern for women`s rights in Afghanistan. Afghan women have staged several protests in the country since the outfit came to power to demand rights, including work and education."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


United Nations Human Rights Office on Tuesday expressed concern over kidnapping of six individuals who disappeared earlier this month in Kabul, capital of Afghanistan.

United Nations Human Rights Office on Tuesday expressed concern over kidnapping of six individuals who disappeared earlier this month in Kabul, capital of Afghanistan. The abductions took place following recent women's rights protests. On January 19, Parwana Ibrahim Khil and her brother-in-law were abducted while travelling in Kabul, while Tamana Paryani and her three sisters disappeared from their home. Both women had taken part in a peaceful demonstration on January 16 calling for respect for women`s rights.Since then, there have been reports coming in of house searches of other women in relation to their participation in protests. The lack of clear information on the location and well-being of these and other individuals perpetuates a climate of fear and uncertainty.These reports have also brought into focus what appears to be a pattern of arbitrary arrests and detentions, as well as torture and ill-treatment, of civil society activists, journalists and media workers, and former Government and security forces personnel in Afghanistan. "We are very alarmed at the continued disappearance of six people who were abducted in Kabul two weeks ago in connection with the recent women`s rights protests... Despite the de facto authorities` announcement on Saturday of an investigation into the disappearance of these individuals, there is still no confirmed information on their whereabouts," UN Human Rights Office Spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani told a press briefing in Geneva. She also called on the Taliban "to publicly report on the findings of their investigation into the abduction and disappearance of these women activists and their relatives, to take all possible measures to ensure their safe and immediate release, and to hold those responsible to account. "Since the Taliban seized power in Kabul in August last year, the international community repeatedly expressed concern for women`s rights in Afghanistan. Afghan women have staged several protests in the country since the outfit came to power to demand rights, including work and education." (With inputs from agencies)

UN expresses concern about abductions following women's rights protest in Kabul

<p>Public universities in Afghanistan opened for the first time on Wednesday (February 2) since the Taliban took power last year. Female students were seen heading back to campus just as the male students.</p>

<p>The Taliban administration has not officially announced its plan for female university students, but Khalil Ahmad Bihsudwal, head of Nangarhar University, told Reuters, male and female students at the institution would attend separate classes, a practice already in place in many provinces.</p>

<p>Reuters quoted a witness in eastern Jalalabad city to say that female students were entering via a separate door at Nangarhar University. It is one of the large government universities opening this week.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/no-guns-in-amusement-parks-taliban-tells-its-fighters-449907">No guns in amusement parks, Taliban tells its fighters</a></strong></p>

<p>One student said he was happy to return to campus. "We hoped that the universities would start again, and we could continue our studies," said Shamsullah Wakilzai.</p>

<p>Another, Junaidullah Mohammadi, said university life had resumed as normal. "The only change we see is that the class hours have changed, girls and boys study separately," he said.</p>

<p>Under their previous rule from 1996 to 2001, the hardline Islamist Taliban barred women and girls from education. The group says it has changed since resuming power on Aug. 15, but school-aged girls in many provinces have still not been allowed to return to school.</p>

<p>The international community has made education of girls and women a key part of its demands as the Taliban seek more foreign aid and the unfreezing of overseas assets.</p>

<p>An education official who asked not be named because he was not authorised to speak to the media told Reuters that universities had been given different options to keep female students isolated, including separated classes and staggered operating hours.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Khalil Ahmad Bihsudwal, the head of Nangarhar University, told Reuters male and female students at the institution would attend separate classes, a practice already in place in many provinces. Only universities in warmer provinces opened on Wednesday. Tertiary institutions in colder areas, including Kabul, are due to resume on Feb. 26.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Public universities in Afghanistan opened for the first time on Wednesday (February 2) since the Taliban took power last year. Female students were seen heading back to campus just as the male students.

Public universities in Afghanistan opened for the first time on Wednesday (February 2) since the Taliban took power last year. Female students were seen heading back to campus just as the male students. The Taliban administration has not officially announced its plan for female university students, but Khalil Ahmad Bihsudwal, head of Nangarhar University, told Reuters, male and female students at the institution would attend separate classes, a practice already in place in many provinces. Reuters quoted a witness in eastern Jalalabad city to say that female students were entering via a separate door at Nangarhar University. It is one of the large government universities opening this week. Also Read | No guns in amusement parks, Taliban tells its fighters One student said he was happy to return to campus. "We hoped that the universities would start again, and we could continue our studies," said Shamsullah Wakilzai. Another, Junaidullah Mohammadi, said university life had resumed as normal. "The only change we see is that the class hours have changed, girls and boys study separately," he said. Under their previous rule from 1996 to 2001, the hardline Islamist Taliban barred women and girls from education. The group says it has changed since resuming power on Aug. 15, but school-aged girls in many provinces have still not been allowed to return to school. The international community has made education of girls and women a key part of its demands as the Taliban seek more foreign aid and the unfreezing of overseas assets. An education official who asked not be named because he was not authorised to speak to the media told Reuters that universities had been given different options to keep female students isolated, including separated classes and staggered operating hours. Khalil Ahmad Bihsudwal, the head of Nangarhar University, told Reuters male and female students at the institution would attend separate classes, a practice already in place in many provinces. Only universities in warmer provinces opened on Wednesday. Tertiary institutions in colder areas, including Kabul, are due to resume on Feb. 26. (With inputs from agencies)

Female students seen going to classes as Afghan universities reopen

The Afghan envoy to Delhi Farid Mamundzay has welcomed the provision of Rs 200 crore made in the Indian budget on Tuesday for his country. The announcement comes even as August last year saw Taliban takeover of Afghanistan, and there hasn't been any recognition of the regime in Kabul by India. In the past as well, Indian budget has seen allocation for Afghanistan, and for other countries in the region. Financial year 2021-2022 saw allocation of Rs 350 crore for the country. Afghan envoy Farid Mamundzay speaking to WION's sidhant Sibal, he said that the announcement "comes at a very crucial time, at a time when many countries have turned back to Afghanistan and India has been forthcoming to support Afghan people in the difficult time". He highlighted that the "Rs 200 crore rupees assistance for development, is something we greatly appreciate and additionally Rs 100 crore budget for the development of Chabahar port is yet another initiative that has been welcomed by the Afghan business community, so we thank the Indian govt for usual generosity and India is proving to be formidable and tested partner." Since 2001, after US invasion India had emerged as Afghanistan biggest aid supporter in the region and has been involved in mega infrastructure projects in the country including Afghan parliament and the India Afghanistan friendship dam in Herat.

Envoy Farid Lauds Rs 200 Crore provision for Afghanistan in the India Budget

<p>The Afghan envoy to Delhi, Farid Mamundzay, has welcomed the provision of Rs 2 billion made in the Indian budget on Tuesday for his country.</p>

<p>The announcement comes even as August last year saw a Taliban takeover of Afghanistan, and there hasn't been any recognition of the Kabul regime by India.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the past as well, the Indian budget has seen allocations for Afghanistan and for other countries in the region. The financial years 2021–2022 saw an allocation of Rs 3.5 billion for the country.</p>

<p>Speaking to WION, Afghan envoy&nbsp;Farid Mamundzay, said that the announcement "comes at a very crucial time, at a time when many countries have turned back to Afghanistan and India has been forthcoming to support the Afghan people in this difficult time".</p>

<p>He highlighted that the "Rs 200 crore rupees assistance for development is something we greatly appreciate, and additionally, the Rs 1 billion budget for the development of Chabahar port is yet another initiative that has been welcomed by the Afghan business community, so we thank the Indian government for its usual generosity, and India is proving to be a formidable and tested partner."</p>

<p>Since 2001, after the US invasion, India has emerged as Afghanistan's biggest supporter in the region and has been involved in mega infrastructure projects in the country, including the Afghan parliament and the India-Afghan friendship dam in Herat.</p>

<p>The envoy said India will start delivering the promised 50,000 MT of wheat consignments to the Afghan people, likely between February 10th&nbsp;and February 12th.</p>

<p>He said,&nbsp;"India is going to deliver 50,000 MT of wheat in the next week or two, and is going to start delivery, which should be completed by months' time." Pakistan has given all the assurances that we, the Afghan side and India, required to start the delivery of&nbsp;​operation".</p>

<p>New&nbsp;Delhi has already sent 6 tonnes of medical supplies and half a million COVID vaccines to Afghan people in the last 6 weeks. The assistance has been welcomed by the Taliban as well, even though the humanitarian situation in the country remains precarious.</p>

<p>And despite the Taliban takeover and the upheaval in the country, trade connectivity between India and Afghanistan continues.&nbsp;The envoy explained that in the last 9 months, "trade has intrinsically increased." We have not seen any downfall in trade, and even if you look at the demand of the Taliban, it is larger or greater than the recognition of banking, focus on more releases of foreign reserves, and they have an understanding of the significance of foreign reserves."</p>

<p>Bilateral trade between India and Afghanistan is around 1.5 billion dollars, which can be doubled in a few years' time. According to Indian government estimates, in 2019, Afghanistan shipped around 700 tonnes of agricultural and mineral products to India through Chabahar port.&nbsp;The Afghan embassy on Wednesday organised a trade meeting. Last month, the envoy visited the northern Indian state of Punjab, which has many trading linkages with Afghanistan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Asked about the political situation in Afghanistan, the envoy said, "We are hopeful our senior former leaders, like President Karzai and Dr. Abdullah, who still happen to be in Kabul and still talking to the Taliban. The international community is in talks with the Taliban. " He stated that "we hope that the Taliban will begin to open up to the idea of an inclusive government; there have been recent positive developments by allowing the opening of girls' schools and allowing females to attend universities," and that "promises" would materialise in the coming weeks, as well as discussion on the formation of an inclusive government in the coming spring. So there is some optimism. "&nbsp;</p>


The Afghan envoy to Delhi, Farid Mamundzay, has welcomed the provision of Rs 2 billion made in the Indian budget on Tuesday for his country. The announcement comes even as August last year saw a Taliban takeover of Afghanistan, and there hasn't been any recognition of the Kabul regime by India.

The Afghan envoy to Delhi, Farid Mamundzay, has welcomed the provision of Rs 2 billion made in the Indian budget on Tuesday for his country. The announcement comes even as August last year saw a Taliban takeover of Afghanistan, and there hasn't been any recognition of the Kabul regime by India. In the past as well, the Indian budget has seen allocations for Afghanistan and for other countries in the region. The financial years 2021–2022 saw an allocation of Rs 3.5 billion for the country. Speaking to WION, Afghan envoy Farid Mamundzay, said that the announcement "comes at a very crucial time, at a time when many countries have turned back to Afghanistan and India has been forthcoming to support the Afghan people in this difficult time". He highlighted that the "Rs 200 crore rupees assistance for development is something we greatly appreciate, and additionally, the Rs 1 billion budget for the development of Chabahar port is yet another initiative that has been welcomed by the Afghan business community, so we thank the Indian government for its usual generosity, and India is proving to be a formidable and tested partner." Since 2001, after the US invasion, India has emerged as Afghanistan's biggest supporter in the region and has been involved in mega infrastructure projects in the country, including the Afghan parliament and the India-Afghan friendship dam in Herat. The envoy said India will start delivering the promised 50,000 MT of wheat consignments to the Afghan people, likely between February 10th and February 12th. He said, "India is going to deliver 50,000 MT of wheat in the next week or two, and is going to start delivery, which should be completed by months' time." Pakistan has given all the assurances that we, the Afghan side and India, required to start the delivery of operation". New Delhi has already sent 6 tonnes of medical supplies and half a million COVID vaccines to Afghan people in the last 6 weeks. The assistance has been welcomed by the Taliban as well, even though the humanitarian situation in the country remains precarious. And despite the Taliban takeover and the upheaval in the country, trade connectivity between India and Afghanistan continues. The envoy explained that in the last 9 months, "trade has intrinsically increased." We have not seen any downfall in trade, and even if you look at the demand of the Taliban, it is larger or greater than the recognition of banking, focus on more releases of foreign reserves, and they have an understanding of the significance of foreign reserves." Bilateral trade between India and Afghanistan is around 1.5 billion dollars, which can be doubled in a few years' time. According to Indian government estimates, in 2019, Afghanistan shipped around 700 tonnes of agricultural and mineral products to India through Chabahar port. The Afghan embassy on Wednesday organised a trade meeting. Last month, the envoy visited the northern Indian state of Punjab, which has many trading linkages with Afghanistan. Asked about the political situation in Afghanistan, the envoy said, "We are hopeful our senior former leaders, like President Karzai and Dr. Abdullah, who still happen to be in Kabul and still talking to the Taliban. The international community is in talks with the Taliban. " He stated that "we hope that the Taliban will begin to open up to the idea of an inclusive government; there have been recent positive developments by allowing the opening of girls' schools and allowing females to attend universities," and that "promises" would materialise in the coming weeks, as well as discussion on the formation of an inclusive government in the coming spring. So there is some optimism. "

Envoy Farid lauds Rs 2 billion provision for Afghanistan in Indian budget

In the 1970s, around 100,000 Sikhs lived in Afghanistan. Today, around 140 remain. Threatened by the Taliban's return, these last Afghan Sikhs face a difficult choice: stay or leave. Mariam Wardak tells you more.

South Asia Diary: Stay or leave? Dilemma for last Afghan Sikhs

The Afghan economy has been struggling for decades. But since the Taliban took over things have become worse. The Afghans who are in desperation are forced to take extreme steps.

Desperate Afghans take extreme steps for survival

<p>India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Saturday that the country had sent fourth batch of medical assistance to Afghanistan. The supply contains three tonnes of medicines.</p>

<p>"As part of our ongoing humanitarian assistance, India supplied the fourth batch of medical assistance consisting of 3 tonnes of essential life-saving medicines to Afghanistan. The same was handed over to the Indira Gandhi Hospital, Kabul," the MEA said in a statement on Saturday.</p>

<p>The ministry said that India was committed to continuing the special relationship it has with people of Afghanistan and for providing humanitarian assistance.</p>

<p>"We had already supplied three shipments of medical assistance, consisting of 500,000 doses of COVID vaccine and essential life-saving medicines to Afghanistan. The same was handed over to the WHO and India Gandhi Children Hospital, Kabul," the statement added.</p>

<p>The 500,000 doses of Covid vaccines were part of 1.6 tonnes of medical supply</p>

<p>The Ministry also informed that in the coming weeks India would be supplying more batches of humanitarian assistance consisting of medicines and foodgrains for the people of Afghanistan</p>

<p>India had supplied the third batch of medical assistance consisting of two tonnes of essential life-saving medicines to Afghanistan on January 7.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Saturday that the country had sent fourth batch of medical assistance to Afghanistan. The supply contains three tonnes of medicines.

India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Saturday that the country had sent fourth batch of medical assistance to Afghanistan. The supply contains three tonnes of medicines. "As part of our ongoing humanitarian assistance, India supplied the fourth batch of medical assistance consisting of 3 tonnes of essential life-saving medicines to Afghanistan. The same was handed over to the Indira Gandhi Hospital, Kabul," the MEA said in a statement on Saturday. The ministry said that India was committed to continuing the special relationship it has with people of Afghanistan and for providing humanitarian assistance. "We had already supplied three shipments of medical assistance, consisting of 500,000 doses of COVID vaccine and essential life-saving medicines to Afghanistan. The same was handed over to the WHO and India Gandhi Children Hospital, Kabul," the statement added. The 500,000 doses of Covid vaccines were part of 1.6 tonnes of medical supply The Ministry also informed that in the coming weeks India would be supplying more batches of humanitarian assistance consisting of medicines and foodgrains for the people of Afghanistan India had supplied the third batch of medical assistance consisting of two tonnes of essential life-saving medicines to Afghanistan on January 7. (With inputs from agencies)

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<p>United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday told the security council on Wednesday that Afghanistan is "hanging by a thread'. He urged countries to authorise all transactions needed to carry out humanitarian activities.</p>

<p>He also made a case for suspension of any rules or conditions that constricted "lifesaving" aid operations. He said millions in Afghanistan were suffering extreme hunger and education and social services were on the brink of collapse. Lack of liquidity limited capacity of the UN and aid groups to reach people in need, he said.</p>

<p>"We need to give financial institutions and commercial partners legal assurance that they can work with humanitarian operators without fear of breaching sanctions," said Guterres, noting that the 15-member council last month adopted a humanitarian exemption to U.N. sanctions tied to Afghanistan.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-destroying-lives-of-lgbtq-people-in-afghanistan-report-447765">Taliban 'destroying lives' of LGBTQ+ people in Afghanistan: Report</a></strong></p>

<p>About $ 9.5 billion of Afghan central bank funds remain frozen abroad. International development support has dried up since Taliban seized power in the country last August.</p>

<p>"There is compelling evidence of an emerging environment of intimidation and a deterioration in respect for human rights. This suggests that the consolidation of government authority may be leading toward control of the population by fear," the U.N. special envoy on Afghanistan, Deborah Lyons, told the council.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-warn-against-womens-rights-activism-after-two-activists-were-seized-from-their-homes-446896">Taliban warn against women's rights activism after two activists were seized from their homes</a></strong></p>

<p>In December, donors to a frozen World Bank-administered Afghan Reconstruction Trust Fund agreed to transfer $280 million to the World Food Program and UN children's agency UNICEF to support nutrition and health in Afghanistan. Guterres said the remaining $1.2 billion in the fund needed "to be freed up urgently to help Afghanistan's people survive the winter."</p>

<p>The US ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, told the council that Washington had moved to ensure that U.S. sanctions do not impede humanitarian activity and it is examining various options to ease the liquidity crunch."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday told the security council on Wednesday that Afghanistan is "hanging by a thread'. He urged countries to authorise all transactions needed to carry out humanitarian activities.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday told the security council on Wednesday that Afghanistan is "hanging by a thread'. He urged countries to authorise all transactions needed to carry out humanitarian activities. He also made a case for suspension of any rules or conditions that constricted "lifesaving" aid operations. He said millions in Afghanistan were suffering extreme hunger and education and social services were on the brink of collapse. Lack of liquidity limited capacity of the UN and aid groups to reach people in need, he said. "We need to give financial institutions and commercial partners legal assurance that they can work with humanitarian operators without fear of breaching sanctions," said Guterres, noting that the 15-member council last month adopted a humanitarian exemption to U.N. sanctions tied to Afghanistan. Also Read | Taliban 'destroying lives' of LGBTQ+ people in Afghanistan: Report About $ 9.5 billion of Afghan central bank funds remain frozen abroad. International development support has dried up since Taliban seized power in the country last August. "There is compelling evidence of an emerging environment of intimidation and a deterioration in respect for human rights. This suggests that the consolidation of government authority may be leading toward control of the population by fear," the U.N. special envoy on Afghanistan, Deborah Lyons, told the council. Also Read | Taliban warn against women's rights activism after two activists were seized from their homes In December, donors to a frozen World Bank-administered Afghan Reconstruction Trust Fund agreed to transfer $280 million to the World Food Program and UN children's agency UNICEF to support nutrition and health in Afghanistan. Guterres said the remaining $1.2 billion in the fund needed "to be freed up urgently to help Afghanistan's people survive the winter." The US ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, told the council that Washington had moved to ensure that U.S. sanctions do not impede humanitarian activity and it is examining various options to ease the liquidity crunch." (With inputs from agencies)

Afghanistan 'hanging by a thread', UN chief Antonio Guterres tells Security Council

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<p>At United Nations Security Council meeting on Afghanistan, India has reiterated its commitment to provide humanitarian aid to the strife-torn region.</p>

<p>Indian envoy to United Nations T S Tirumurti said, "We remain steadfast in our commitment towards humanitarian assistance to the people of Afghanistan."</p>

<p>India has so far sent three shipments of aid, including medicines and Covid vaccines, which has been handed over to the WHO and Indira Gandhi Children Hospital in Kabul.</p>

<p>He underscored New Delhi’s commitment to provide 50,000 MT of wheat and lifesaving medicines and one million doses of Covid vaccines to the Afghan people.</p>

<p>The delivery of the wheat is expected to be started next month as India and Pakistan work on the modalities on the use of Afghan trucks to transfer the assistance. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The Indian envoy said, "As a contiguous neighbour and a long-standing partner of Afghanistan, recent developments, particularly the deteriorating humanitarian situation continue to be of concern.”</p>

<p>Last year, under India's chairmanship of the UNSC in August, resolution 2593 was passed that called for an inclusive government in Kabul, one that also upholds the human rights of women, children and minorities.</p>

<p>The resolution was adopted days after the Taliban takeover of Kabul in the same month.</p>

<p>Envoy Tirumurti called on the council to ensure against any “possible diversion of funds and misuse of exemptions from sanctions”, adding that the "humanitarian assistance for Afghanistan should be direct and without any hindrance.”</p>

<p>With the onset of winters, there have been widespread concerns of a growing humanitarian disaster.</p>

<p>The international community has been rushing to support the Afghan people but, it has also raised concern over the possibility of Taliban leadership diverting those aid for itself.</p>

<p>“The humanitarian assistance should be based on principles of neutrality, impartiality, and independence and disbursement of the aid should be non-discriminatory and accessible to all, irrespective of ethnicity, religion or political belief and should reach the most vulnerable first —including women, children, and minorities,” Tirumurti said.</p>


At United Nations Security Council meeting on Afghanistan, India has reiterated its commitment to provide humanitarian aid to the strife-torn region. Indian envoy to United Nations T S Tirumurti said, "We remain steadfast in our commitment towards humanitarian assistance to the people of Afghanistan.

At United Nations Security Council meeting on Afghanistan, India has reiterated its commitment to provide humanitarian aid to the strife-torn region. Indian envoy to United Nations T S Tirumurti said, "We remain steadfast in our commitment towards humanitarian assistance to the people of Afghanistan." India has so far sent three shipments of aid, including medicines and Covid vaccines, which has been handed over to the WHO and Indira Gandhi Children Hospital in Kabul. He underscored New Delhi’s commitment to provide 50,000 MT of wheat and lifesaving medicines and one million doses of Covid vaccines to the Afghan people. The delivery of the wheat is expected to be started next month as India and Pakistan work on the modalities on the use of Afghan trucks to transfer the assistance. The Indian envoy said, "As a contiguous neighbour and a long-standing partner of Afghanistan, recent developments, particularly the deteriorating humanitarian situation continue to be of concern.” Last year, under India's chairmanship of the UNSC in August, resolution 2593 was passed that called for an inclusive government in Kabul, one that also upholds the human rights of women, children and minorities. The resolution was adopted days after the Taliban takeover of Kabul in the same month. Envoy Tirumurti called on the council to ensure against any “possible diversion of funds and misuse of exemptions from sanctions”, adding that the "humanitarian assistance for Afghanistan should be direct and without any hindrance.” With the onset of winters, there have been widespread concerns of a growing humanitarian disaster. The international community has been rushing to support the Afghan people but, it has also raised concern over the possibility of Taliban leadership diverting those aid for itself. “The humanitarian assistance should be based on principles of neutrality, impartiality, and independence and disbursement of the aid should be non-discriminatory and accessible to all, irrespective of ethnicity, religion or political belief and should reach the most vulnerable first —including women, children, and minorities,” Tirumurti said.

At UNSC, India reiterates its commitment to humanitarian aid for Afghanistan

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