Limitations often breed resilience...And women in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan testify to that fact. Despite losing jobs...Women in Afghanistan are turning to entrepreneurship to sustain themselves and their families. Our next report delves into this inspiring struggle for economic independence. Take a look...

Afghan Women Turn to Entrepreneurship Amid Taliban Restrictions

A breath of fresh air for Afghan women whose rights have been trampled by archaic Taliban laws. Women in the Herat province are harvesting the saffron crop, and are making a difference too - both for a hugely successful industry as well as themselves.

Afghan Women Harvest Saffron; Breath Of Fresh Air In Afghanistan

Many Afghan women find solace in the saffron industry, which provides a way to support their families and earn a living. Over 80 percent of the Saffron harvest activities are performed by women in the country. Watch this report for more details!

Saffron Companies Rely on Afghan Women to Harvest the Flowers

Afghan pomegranate farmers in Kandahar are facing significant financial hardship as Pakistan increases tariffs on fresh fruit. In 2024, the tax on a ton of pomegranates surged to $360 from $68 last year.

Afghan Pomegranate Exports Drop as Pakistan Increases Tariffs

India's point person for Afghanistan held a historic meeting with the Taliban's defense minister, marking a significant diplomatic development in India's engagement with Afghanistan's new rulers. The meeting signals a potential shift in India's approach to the Taliban-led government, amid growing concerns over regional security, humanitarian aid, and stability in Afghanistan. This is the first direct high-level interaction between Indian officials and Taliban leadership since the group’s return to power in 2021.

India-Taliban: India's Envoy for Afghanistan Meets Taliban Defense Minister For The First Time

A former wife of legendary US boxer Muhammad Ali arrived in the Afghan capital, a Taliban government official said Friday, to reportedly open a stadium in a country where women are barred from sports.

The head of the Taliban government's sports directorate, Ahmadullah Wasiq, told AFP that Khalilah Camacho-Ali, who was married to the boxer for a decade from 1967, had arrived in Kabul.

State media cited the directorate as saying she was in the city "to build a sports stadium to be named 'Pirozi' (victory in Dari) and a sports association named after Muhammad Ali".

Born Belinda Boyd in 1950 in the United States, Camacho-Ali, like her world champion boxer ex-husband, converted to Islam after they married.

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Muhammad Ali himself visited Kabul in 2002, a year after the US forces overthrew the first Taliban government, visiting a girls' school in his role as a United Nations peace ambassador.

Since the Taliban government came to power in Afghanistan in 2021, they have imposed a strict interpretation of Islamic law, with women bearing the brunt of restrictions the United Nations have called "gender apartheid", including blocking women from participating in sports.

During the Taliban's first rule from 1996 to 2001, public executions in sports stadiums were common.

Public corporal punishment has continued since their return to power and at least two public executions have been held in a sports stadium.

The authorities have recently set restrictions on combat sports as well, saying free fighting such as in Mixed Martial Arts was un-Islamic.

Camacho-Ali is a martial artist, as well as an actress and author, according to her website.

Ali was born Cassius Clay in the southeastern state of Kentucky and is known as both a sporting great and for his role in fighting for civil rights for African Americans. He died in 2016.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

A former wife of legendary US boxer Muhammad Ali arrived in the Afghan capital, a Taliban government official said Friday, to reportedly open a stadium in a country where women are barred from sports.

A former wife of legendary US boxer Muhammad Ali arrived in the Afghan capital, a Taliban government official said Friday, to reportedly open a stadium in a country where women are barred from sports. The head of the Taliban government's sports directorate, Ahmadullah Wasiq, told AFP that Khalilah Camacho-Ali, who was married to the boxer for a decade from 1967, had arrived in Kabul. State media cited the directorate as saying she was in the city "to build a sports stadium to be named 'Pirozi' (victory in Dari) and a sports association named after Muhammad Ali". Born Belinda Boyd in 1950 in the United States, Camacho-Ali, like her world champion boxer ex-husband, converted to Islam after they married. ALSO READ: Real Madrid is not intimidated by table-toppers Barcelona, says Carlo Ancelotti ahead of El Clasico Muhammad Ali himself visited Kabul in 2002, a year after the US forces overthrew the first Taliban government, visiting a girls' school in his role as a United Nations peace ambassador. Since the Taliban government came to power in Afghanistan in 2021, they have imposed a strict interpretation of Islamic law, with women bearing the brunt of restrictions the United Nations have called "gender apartheid", including blocking women from participating in sports. During the Taliban's first rule from 1996 to 2001, public executions in sports stadiums were common. Public corporal punishment has continued since their return to power and at least two public executions have been held in a sports stadium. The authorities have recently set restrictions on combat sports as well, saying free fighting such as in Mixed Martial Arts was un-Islamic. Camacho-Ali is a martial artist, as well as an actress and author, according to her website. Ali was born Cassius Clay in the southeastern state of Kentucky and is known as both a sporting great and for his role in fighting for civil rights for African Americans. He died in 2016. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Muhammad Ali’s ex-wife arrives in Afghanistan to open a stadium: Taliban

Former wife of the legendary boxer Muhammad Ali is reportedly opening a stadium in Afghanistan, a country where women are barred from Sports. Watch our report to know more.

Muhammad Ali's Ex -Wife To Build A Stadium

On October 14, Afghanistan's Taliban Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice announced plans to implement a law banning news media from publishing images of living beings. According to the ministry's spokesperson, Saiful Islam Khyber, the rule will be enforced gradually across the country by encouraging people to follow the belief that depicting living creatures is against Islamic law. This comes after the Taliban's judiciary introduced legislation formalizing their strict interpretations of Islamic law. While not all aspects of the new law have been strictly enforced yet, Taliban officials themselves continue to post images of people on social media.

Bangladesh: Afghan Taliban Vow To Implement Media Ban On Images Of Living Things

On this day, October 7, 2001, 23 years ago, the US invasion of Afghanistan commenced, with air strikes on 31 targets against the Taliban. The war in Afghanistan lasted nearly 20 years, the longest in American history.

Gravitas Recall | October 7, 2001: US Invasion of Afghanistan Begins

Russia’s Foreign Ministry said on Friday that a decision to remove the Taliban from a list of terrorist organisations had been “taken at the highest level”. Watch in for more details!

Russia to Drop Taliban From Terror Groups List

American actor Meryl Streep addressed the United Nations General Assembly and showed solidarity with Afghan women and girls. She said that a squirrel has more rights than a girl in Afghanistan. Here is the story of a bunch of Afghan women who have managed to restart their lives in Scotland. Will the Taliban be ever held accountable for gender discrimination?

Meryl Streep Takes on the Taliban: Highlight the Condition of Afghan Women

The Taliban are to be taken to the international court of justice for gender discrimination by Canada, Australia, Germany and the Netherlands in a groundbreaking move. The move announced at the UN general assembly is the first time the ICJ, based in The Hague, has been used by one country to take another to court over gender discrimination.

Afghanistan's Taliban Government To Face Legal Action Over Women's Rights At ICJ

Afghanistan's Taliban government has said that it is Keen to join the BRICS economic Forum. The summit of emerging economies that includes Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa will meet next month in the southwestern Russian city. Watch to know more.

Afghanistan Looking To Expand Relations

Afghanistan Keen To Join BRICS Forum

Rahmanullah Gurbaz hit a superb century before leg-spin magician Rashid Khan marked his 26th birthday by taking five wickets as Afghanistan thrashed South Africa by 177 runs in the second one-day international on Friday.

Gurbaz hit 105 as Afghanistan made 311-4 before the Proteas lost nine wickets for 61 runs to be bowled out for just 134 in the 35th over.

It was the seventh century in the 22-year-old's Gurbaz's ODI career and included 10 fours and three sixes.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/multan-not-karachi-to-host-second-england-test-as-pcb-approves-revised-schedule-760408">Multan, not Karachi, to host second England Test as PCB approves revised schedule</a>

"I had a hamstring injury but I try my best to stay on the ground and do my best for the team," said man-of-the-match Rashid after taking 5-19.&nbsp;

"It was a great opportunity for us to win the series against a big team, so I had to stay till the end."

Two days after winning the first ODI by six wickets, Afghanistan made a bright start as the openers capitalised on winning the toss.&nbsp;

Gurbaz and Riaz Hassan added 88 for the first wicket before Aiden Markram had Hassan leg before for 29.&nbsp;

That brought in Rahmat Shah (50) who shared a 101-run partnership with Gurbaz before the opener fell shortly after reaching his milestone, bowled by Nandre Burger for 105.&nbsp;

The innings slowed with that dismissal although Azmatullah Omarzai&nbsp;hit the accelerator with a rapid, undefeated 50-ball 86 which included six sixes, to ensure an awkward chase for the Proteas.

In reply, South Africa's openers, skipper Temba Bavuma, who top-scored with 38, and Tony de Zorzi (31) put on 73 for the first wicket.

But once they had departed, the Proteas fell apart.

Leg-spin star Rashid took 5-19 from nine overs and was ably supported by rookie off-spinner Nangeyalia Kharote who enjoyed figures of 4-26 in just just his third ODI appearance.

"I think the job for openers is to lay the foundation but wickets started falling and we came unstuck against spin," said Bavuma.

"It was not a good enough performance. We were not able to take ten wickets and that's a conversation we need to have. They were a lot better than us clinically."

Rashid's haul took his career total to 190 wickets in the format.

He dismissed middle-order dangermen Tristan Stubbs (five), Kyle Verreynne (two) and Wiaan Mulder (two) for the addition of just eight runs in back-to-back overs.

With the series wrapped up, Afghanistan will look to complete a whitewash in the third and final match in Sharjah on Sunday.

Disclaimer:&nbsp;This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz hit a superb century before leg-spin magician Rashid Khan marked his 26th birthday by taking five wickets as Afghanistan thrashed South Africa by 177 runs in the second one-day international on Friday.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz hit a superb century before leg-spin magician Rashid Khan marked his 26th birthday by taking five wickets as Afghanistan thrashed South Africa by 177 runs in the second one-day international on Friday. Gurbaz hit 105 as Afghanistan made 311-4 before the Proteas lost nine wickets for 61 runs to be bowled out for just 134 in the 35th over. It was the seventh century in the 22-year-old's Gurbaz's ODI career and included 10 fours and three sixes. Also Read: Multan, not Karachi, to host second England Test as PCB approves revised schedule "I had a hamstring injury but I try my best to stay on the ground and do my best for the team," said man-of-the-match Rashid after taking 5-19. "It was a great opportunity for us to win the series against a big team, so I had to stay till the end." Two days after winning the first ODI by six wickets, Afghanistan made a bright start as the openers capitalised on winning the toss. Gurbaz and Riaz Hassan added 88 for the first wicket before Aiden Markram had Hassan leg before for 29. That brought in Rahmat Shah (50) who shared a 101-run partnership with Gurbaz before the opener fell shortly after reaching his milestone, bowled by Nandre Burger for 105. The innings slowed with that dismissal although Azmatullah Omarzai hit the accelerator with a rapid, undefeated 50-ball 86 which included six sixes, to ensure an awkward chase for the Proteas. In reply, South Africa's openers, skipper Temba Bavuma, who top-scored with 38, and Tony de Zorzi (31) put on 73 for the first wicket. But once they had departed, the Proteas fell apart. Leg-spin star Rashid took 5-19 from nine overs and was ably supported by rookie off-spinner Nangeyalia Kharote who enjoyed figures of 4-26 in just just his third ODI appearance. "I think the job for openers is to lay the foundation but wickets started falling and we came unstuck against spin," said Bavuma. "It was not a good enough performance. We were not able to take ten wickets and that's a conversation we need to have. They were a lot better than us clinically." Rashid's haul took his career total to 190 wickets in the format. He dismissed middle-order dangermen Tristan Stubbs (five), Kyle Verreynne (two) and Wiaan Mulder (two) for the addition of just eight runs in back-to-back overs. With the series wrapped up, Afghanistan will look to complete a whitewash in the third and final match in Sharjah on Sunday. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

SA vs AFG: Gurbaz, Rashid star as Afghanistan take unassailable series lead with win in second ODI

Amid Afghanistan's crumbling economy, Afghan youth are taking up odd jobs like dismantling electronics to extract specks of gold. An easier access in recent years to acid necessary in the hazardous process has sparked a small revival in the trade. Without the use of gloves or protective masks, the men use pliers or their bare hands to dismantle televisions, computers, or mobile phones that have arrived in dumpsters from Japan, Hong Kong, or Dubai. Here is the story from the border town of Spin Boldak.

Hazardous gold trade in Afghanistan

The Afghanistan Taliban has responded to Islamabad's fury after an official office regime remained seated during the Pakistani national anthem. Watch in for more details!

Afghan Taliban Responds to Pak's Fury: Afghan Consulate Defends Actions Of Its Acting Consul General

A major diplomatic standoff erupted between Pakistan and Afghanistan Tuesday (Sep 17) after a senior Afghan official remained seated in a Peshawar conference when the national anthem of the host nation was played. The Rehmat-ul-Alameen Conference was held in Peshawar and the event saw the attendance of Afghan consular officials.

The event, hosted by the KP government, was held in honour of the Holy Prophet on the occasion of Eid-i-Miladun Nabi.

But a major controversy erupted when Afghan official Hafiz Mohibullah Shakir and his colleague didn’t get up from their seats when the Pakistani national anthem was being played.

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The recent refusal of Afghan diplomats to stand for the Pakistani national anthem in Peshawar is not just an act of disrespect; it is a clear affront to the spirit of diplomacy and mutual respect that nations should uphold. Such behavior undermines the essence of international… <a href="https://t.co/7zM9MXAxB2">pic.twitter.com/7zM9MXAxB2</a>
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Pakistan Foreign Office (FO) was quick to condemn the “reprehensible disrespect” shown towards its national anthem.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwj1tMuAy8qIAxXoj68BHSSKOkoQxfQBKAB6BAgPEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistans-special-representative-for-afghanistan-asif-durrani-steps-down-758552" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistans-special-representative-for-afghanistan-asif-durrani-steps-down-758552&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj1tMuAy8qIAxXoj68BHSSKOkoQxfQBKAB6BAgPEAE">Pakistan’s special representative for Afghanistan Asif Durrani steps down</a>

A statement issued by FO Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said: “The disrespect of host country’s national anthem is against diplomatic norms. This act of acting consul general of Afghanistan is reprehensible.”

She added that Pakistan was taking up the matter with higher Afghan authorities in Islamabad and Kabul.

Following the incident, some experts are now calling for Shakir to be declared persona non grata and expelled from the country.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwj1tMuAy8qIAxXoj68BHSSKOkoQxfQBKAB6BAgSEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-imran-khan-questioned-by-fia-over-alleged-anti-state-post-investigation-ongoing-758781" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-imran-khan-questioned-by-fia-over-alleged-anti-state-post-investigation-ongoing-758781&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj1tMuAy8qIAxXoj68BHSSKOkoQxfQBKAB6BAgSEAE">Pakistan: Imran Khan questioned by FIA over alleged anti-state post; investigation underway</a>

The KP government also came under heavy fire for extending invitation to Afghan officials.

The incident comes at a time when the relationship between Kabul and Islamabad is faring at an all-time low.

Islamabad continues to accuse the Taliban of hosting the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which has been responsible for a surge in terrorist attacks across Pakistan.

Last week, a major clash erupted between Pakistani security forces and Afghan troops near the Kurram district. The showdown resulted in eight casualties on the Afghan side, including two key commanders.

(With inputs from agencies)

A major diplomatic standoff erupted between Pakistan and Afghanistan Tuesday (Sep 17) after a senior Afghan official remained seated in a Peshawar conference when the national anthem of the host nation was played.

A major diplomatic standoff erupted between Pakistan and Afghanistan Tuesday (Sep 17) after a senior Afghan official remained seated in a Peshawar conference when the national anthem of the host nation was played. The Rehmat-ul-Alameen Conference was held in Peshawar and the event saw the attendance of Afghan consular officials. The event, hosted by the KP government, was held in honour of the Holy Prophet on the occasion of Eid-i-Miladun Nabi. But a major controversy erupted when Afghan official Hafiz Mohibullah Shakir and his colleague didn’t get up from their seats when the Pakistani national anthem was being played. The recent refusal of Afghan diplomats to stand for the Pakistani national anthem in Peshawar is not just an act of disrespect; it is a clear affront to the spirit of diplomacy and mutual respect that nations should uphold. Such behavior undermines the essence of international… pic.twitter.com/7zM9MXAxB2 — Mamoon Rasheed (@mamoonjagal) September 17, 2024 × Pakistan Foreign Office (FO) was quick to condemn the “reprehensible disrespect” shown towards its national anthem. Also read: Pakistan’s special representative for Afghanistan Asif Durrani steps down A statement issued by FO Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said: “The disrespect of host country’s national anthem is against diplomatic norms. This act of acting consul general of Afghanistan is reprehensible.” She added that Pakistan was taking up the matter with higher Afghan authorities in Islamabad and Kabul. Following the incident, some experts are now calling for Shakir to be declared persona non grata and expelled from the country. Also read: Pakistan: Imran Khan questioned by FIA over alleged anti-state post; investigation underway The KP government also came under heavy fire for extending invitation to Afghan officials. The incident comes at a time when the relationship between Kabul and Islamabad is faring at an all-time low. Islamabad continues to accuse the Taliban of hosting the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which has been responsible for a surge in terrorist attacks across Pakistan. Last week, a major clash erupted between Pakistani security forces and Afghan troops near the Kurram district. The showdown resulted in eight casualties on the Afghan side, including two key commanders. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan condemns ‘disrespect’ as Afghan officials remain seated during national anthem

Pakistan’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, Ambassador Asif Durrani, a retired foreign service officer has stepped down from his current role. Sources say his last day in office was on Wednesday (Sep 11).

Durrani who has served as Pakistan’s Ambassador to Iran and the&nbsp;United Arab Emirates&nbsp;(UAE), was appointed to the position in May 2023 after his predecessor Sadiq Khan resigned from the position.&nbsp;

Sources say that Durrani opted to leave the position citing personal reasons and that he has gone back to being a senior fellow at an Islamabad-based think tank, a position he held before taking the role as the Special Representative on Afghanistan.

As a special representative, Durrani’s tenure was marred by challenges when it came to the bilateral aspect of the Pakistan-Afghanistan relationship. While outstanding issues on visas, one document regime, and transit trade were resolved to a greater extent between the two countries during his tenure, at the same time the issue of terrorism continued to dominate the tumultuous trajectory of the bilateral relationship.

While continuing to press on the issue of girls' education, Ambassador Durrani was of the opinion internally that one issue should not dominate the course of engagement with neighbours&nbsp;next door, in this case, the Taliban, especially when they are now a geopolitical reality by being in charge of Afghanistan.

Watch |&nbsp;Ambassador Asif Durrani says, 'Suicide attacks in Pakistan increased by 500%'

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In his five&nbsp;visits to Afghanistan and over a dozen in-person meetings with the Taliban representatives in Kabul, Doha, and elsewhere, Ambassador Durrani stressed the Taliban's need to give up terrorism as a tool for enabling and forcing them to talk with neighbours.

During Ambassador Durrani’s tenure, Pakistan&nbsp;first conducted&nbsp;an air raid on&nbsp;Afghanistan in March this year, following a deadly terror attack inside Pakistani territory on their military.

Ambassador Durrani was appointed as Special Representative in May 2023 by the then PDM government.&nbsp;He was retained in the same role by the caretaker government and continued to be in the position when the incumbent government&nbsp;formally&nbsp;took charge in March 2024, earlier this year following elections.

Pakistan’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, Ambassador Asif Durrani, a retired foreign service officer has stepped down from his current role. Sources say his last day in office was on Wednesday (Sep 11).

Pakistan’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, Ambassador Asif Durrani, a retired foreign service officer has stepped down from his current role. Sources say his last day in office was on Wednesday (Sep 11). Durrani who has served as Pakistan’s Ambassador to Iran and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), was appointed to the position in May 2023 after his predecessor Sadiq Khan resigned from the position. Sources say that Durrani opted to leave the position citing personal reasons and that he has gone back to being a senior fellow at an Islamabad-based think tank, a position he held before taking the role as the Special Representative on Afghanistan. As a special representative, Durrani’s tenure was marred by challenges when it came to the bilateral aspect of the Pakistan-Afghanistan relationship. While outstanding issues on visas, one document regime, and transit trade were resolved to a greater extent between the two countries during his tenure, at the same time the issue of terrorism continued to dominate the tumultuous trajectory of the bilateral relationship. While continuing to press on the issue of girls' education, Ambassador Durrani was of the opinion internally that one issue should not dominate the course of engagement with neighbours next door, in this case, the Taliban, especially when they are now a geopolitical reality by being in charge of Afghanistan. Watch | Ambassador Asif Durrani says, 'Suicide attacks in Pakistan increased by 500%' × In his five visits to Afghanistan and over a dozen in-person meetings with the Taliban representatives in Kabul, Doha, and elsewhere, Ambassador Durrani stressed the Taliban's need to give up terrorism as a tool for enabling and forcing them to talk with neighbours. During Ambassador Durrani’s tenure, Pakistan first conducted an air raid on Afghanistan in March this year, following a deadly terror attack inside Pakistani territory on their military. Ambassador Durrani was appointed as Special Representative in May 2023 by the then PDM government. He was retained in the same role by the caretaker government and continued to be in the position when the incumbent government formally took charge in March 2024, earlier this year following elections.

Pakistan’s special representative for Afghanistan Asif Durrani steps down

The Daesh/ISIS terrorist group claimed responsibility Thursday for an attack on Shia Hazaras In Afghanistan that left at least 14 people dead. The group announced its involvement through a social media post.

Afghanistan shooting target Hazara Shiite Community

Afghanistan all-rounder Rashid Khan will return from a back injury in this month's three-match one-day series against South Africa, while batter Ibrahim Zadran has been ruled out with an ankle sprain, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) said on Thursday.

Khan was ruled out of this week's one-off test against New Zealand, with the match in India's Greater Noida washed out for the fourth day straight.

Bowler Naveed Zadran, who also missed the New Zealand test with a side strain, is also back in the squad, the ACB added.

Afghanistan, who play home matches outside their country, will host the ODIs against South Africa at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in the United Arab Emirates on Sept. 18, 20 and 22.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/duleep-trophy-2024-ishan-kishan-makes-eye-catching-return-to-domestic-cricket-with-111-run-knock-for-india-c-758164">Duleep Trophy 2024: Ishan Kishan makes eye-catching return to domestic cricket with 111-run knock for India C</a>

<h2>Afghanistan Squad:</h2>

Hashmatullah Shahidi (captain), Rahmat Shah, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ikram Alikhil, Abdul Malik, Riaz Hassan, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan, Nangyal Kharoti, Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar, Fazal Haq Farooqi, Bilal Sami, Naveed Zadran and Farid Ahmad Malik

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Afghanistan all-rounder Rashid Khan will return from a back injury in this month's three-match one-day series against South Africa, while batter Ibrahim Zadran has been ruled out with an ankle sprain, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) said on Thursday.

Afghanistan all-rounder Rashid Khan will return from a back injury in this month's three-match one-day series against South Africa, while batter Ibrahim Zadran has been ruled out with an ankle sprain, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) said on Thursday. Khan was ruled out of this week's one-off test against New Zealand, with the match in India's Greater Noida washed out for the fourth day straight. Bowler Naveed Zadran, who also missed the New Zealand test with a side strain, is also back in the squad, the ACB added. Afghanistan, who play home matches outside their country, will host the ODIs against South Africa at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in the United Arab Emirates on Sept. 18, 20 and 22. ALSO READ | Duleep Trophy 2024: Ishan Kishan makes eye-catching return to domestic cricket with 111-run knock for India C Afghanistan Squad: Hashmatullah Shahidi (captain), Rahmat Shah, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ikram Alikhil, Abdul Malik, Riaz Hassan, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan, Nangyal Kharoti, Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar, Fazal Haq Farooqi, Bilal Sami, Naveed Zadran and Farid Ahmad Malik Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Afghanistan's Rashid Khan to return from injury for South Africa ODI series

As the race for the White House heats up, the Republicans in Congress have published a long awaited report blaming the Biden administration for the chaotic US withdrawal from Afghanistan. Watch to know more.

13 Americans were killed in attack during US withdrawal

Report on US withdrawal from Afghanistan

A clash between Pakistani security forces and the Afghan Taliban near the Kurram district border led to the deaths of eight Afghan soldiers, including two key commanders. Watch in for more details!

Taliban, Pakistan forces clash: Two 'key' Afghan Taliban commanders killed in border clash

Taliban, Pakistan forces clash: Eight Afghan troops killed in border clash near Kurram district

US House of Representatives&nbsp;Republicans on Monday (Sep 9) are set to release a long-awaited critical report blasting President Joe Biden for the 2021 military withdrawal from Afghanistan.

The report claims that "America's credibility on the world stage was severely damaged" with the withdrawal and that Biden failed to mitigate the "likely consequences of the decision" to withdraw, made by the previous administration of Donald Trump.

Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:88,&quot;y&quot;:131,&quot;w&quot;:579,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:121,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1968}" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/honeymoon-period-over-for-harris-trump-leads-among-likely-voters-in-fresh-poll-756917">Honeymoon period over for Harris? Trump leads among likely voters in fresh poll</a>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:167,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2004}">The failings of Afghanistan withdrawal</h2>

The report, a result of a three-year investigation led by Representative Michael McCaul, the Republican chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, slams the Biden administration on many counts, including for its delayed decision to evacuate non-combatants — formally ordered only on Aug. 16.

Additionally, it claims&nbsp;that the administration did not effectively communicate within departments in Washington or among officials in Afghanistan, and mishandled the paperwork for the departure of eligible Afghan civilians.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/largest-attack-on-us-soil-since-911-pakistani-citizen-who-planned-terrorist-attack-in-ny-on-oct-7-756903">'Largest attack on US soil since 9/11': Pakistani citizen who planned terrorist attack in NY on Oct 7</a>

"America’s credibility on the world stage was severely damaged after we abandoned Afghan allies to Taliban reprisal killings — the people of Afghanistan we had promised to protect," states the report, adding that&nbsp;"the moral injury to America’s veterans and those still serving remains a stain on this administration’s legacy."

The report also&nbsp;highlights the shared concerns of military leaders who believed the US should have kept troops in the country and continued the war launched in 2001 after the 9/11 (September 11) attacks.

"Biden's decision to withdraw all US troops was not based on the security situation, the Doha agreement, or the advice of his senior national security advisors or our allies," claims the report.

"Rather, it was premised on his longstanding and unyielding opinion that the United States should no longer be in Afghanistan."

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:413,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2250}">Democrats clap back</h2>

As the issue of 9/11 gets increasingly politicised ahead of the November elections, Democrats, as per the news agency AFP, slammed the Republican report as an attempt to upset the upcoming presidential elections.

"If they have had three years to assess what happened, why are they delivering a report after Labor Day in a presidential election year?" asked Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg during an interview with CNN.

Biden's party contends that some blame for the messy withdrawal lies with Trump, who started the withdrawal process in 2020.

(With inputs from agencies)

US House of Representatives Republicans on Monday (Sep 9) are set to release a long-awaited critical report blasting President Joe Biden for the 2021 military withdrawal from Afghanistan.

US House of Representatives Republicans on Monday (Sep 9) are set to release a long-awaited critical report blasting President Joe Biden for the 2021 military withdrawal from Afghanistan. The report claims that "America's credibility on the world stage was severely damaged" with the withdrawal and that Biden failed to mitigate the "likely consequences of the decision" to withdraw, made by the previous administration of Donald Trump. Also read | Honeymoon period over for Harris? Trump leads among likely voters in fresh poll The failings of Afghanistan withdrawal The report, a result of a three-year investigation led by Representative Michael McCaul, the Republican chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, slams the Biden administration on many counts, including for its delayed decision to evacuate non-combatants — formally ordered only on Aug. 16. Additionally, it claims that the administration did not effectively communicate within departments in Washington or among officials in Afghanistan, and mishandled the paperwork for the departure of eligible Afghan civilians. Also read | 'Largest attack on US soil since 9/11': Pakistani citizen who planned terrorist attack in NY on Oct 7 "America’s credibility on the world stage was severely damaged after we abandoned Afghan allies to Taliban reprisal killings — the people of Afghanistan we had promised to protect," states the report, adding that "the moral injury to America’s veterans and those still serving remains a stain on this administration’s legacy." The report also highlights the shared concerns of military leaders who believed the US should have kept troops in the country and continued the war launched in 2001 after the 9/11 (September 11) attacks. "Biden's decision to withdraw all US troops was not based on the security situation, the Doha agreement, or the advice of his senior national security advisors or our allies," claims the report. "Rather, it was premised on his longstanding and unyielding opinion that the United States should no longer be in Afghanistan." Democrats clap back As the issue of 9/11 gets increasingly politicised ahead of the November elections, Democrats, as per the news agency AFP, slammed the Republican report as an attempt to upset the upcoming presidential elections. "If they have had three years to assess what happened, why are they delivering a report after Labor Day in a presidential election year?" asked Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg during an interview with CNN. Biden's party contends that some blame for the messy withdrawal lies with Trump, who started the withdrawal process in 2020. (With inputs from agencies)

Republican report slams Biden for 2021 Afghanistan withdrawal, damaging 'America's credibility’

The US House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee on Tuesday (September 3) issued a subpoena to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, demanding that he testify on September 19 about the US withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021.

Chairman Michael McCaul, who leads the committee, said in a letter that Blinken's refusal to attend voluntarily prompted the subpoena. It added that if he does not comply, Blinken&nbsp;could face contempt charges.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-charges-top-hamas-leaders-for-october-7-attack-on-israel-755663">US charges top Hamas leaders for October 7 attack on Israel</a>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:152,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1838}">Blinken wasn't available</h2>

The State Department, as per Reuters, responded to the letter and said that Blinken was unavailable on the proposed dates but had offered "reasonable alternatives" for a public hearing.&nbsp;

Department spokesperson Matthew Miller expressed disappointment over the subpoena, calling it "unnecessary" given Blinken's previous cooperation, which included over 14 testimonies — including four before McCaul's committee. He also said that the US Secretary of State had provided McCaul's committee with nearly 20,000 pages of department documents, multiple high-level briefings and transcribed interviews.

"It is disappointing that instead of continuing to engage with the Department in good faith, the Committee instead has issued yet another unnecessary subpoena," said Miller in a statement.

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McCaul argued that based on testimonies from current and former State Department officials, it was clear that Blinken was "the final decision maker" on the Afghanistan withdrawal. Thus, he was key to the committee's investigation. He insisted Blinken’s testimony would inform potential legislation that could&nbsp;prevent future mishandling of similar situations.

"You are therefore in a position to inform the Committee’s consideration of potential legislation aimed at helping prevent the catastrophic mistakes of the withdrawal, including potential reforms to the Department's legislative authorisation," said the letter.

The subpoena comes as the political debate surrounding the Afghanistan withdrawal intensifies amid the 2024 elections.

(With inputs from agencies)

The US House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee on Tuesday (September 3) issued a subpoena to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, demanding that he testify on September 19 about the US withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021.

The US House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee on Tuesday (September 3) issued a subpoena to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, demanding that he testify on September 19 about the US withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021. Chairman Michael McCaul, who leads the committee, said in a letter that Blinken's refusal to attend voluntarily prompted the subpoena. It added that if he does not comply, Blinken could face contempt charges. Also read | US charges top Hamas leaders for October 7 attack on Israel Blinken wasn't available The State Department, as per Reuters, responded to the letter and said that Blinken was unavailable on the proposed dates but had offered "reasonable alternatives" for a public hearing. Department spokesperson Matthew Miller expressed disappointment over the subpoena, calling it "unnecessary" given Blinken's previous cooperation, which included over 14 testimonies — including four before McCaul's committee. He also said that the US Secretary of State had provided McCaul's committee with nearly 20,000 pages of department documents, multiple high-level briefings and transcribed interviews. "It is disappointing that instead of continuing to engage with the Department in good faith, the Committee instead has issued yet another unnecessary subpoena," said Miller in a statement. Also read | New York Governor Hochul’s ex-aide indicted for being Chinese agent McCaul argued that based on testimonies from current and former State Department officials, it was clear that Blinken was "the final decision maker" on the Afghanistan withdrawal. Thus, he was key to the committee's investigation. He insisted Blinken’s testimony would inform potential legislation that could prevent future mishandling of similar situations. "You are therefore in a position to inform the Committee’s consideration of potential legislation aimed at helping prevent the catastrophic mistakes of the withdrawal, including potential reforms to the Department's legislative authorisation," said the letter. The subpoena comes as the political debate surrounding the Afghanistan withdrawal intensifies amid the 2024 elections. (With inputs from agencies)

US House subpoenas Blinken to testify on America's exit from Afghanistan

Al Qaeda has reportedly set up nine new terrorist camps in Afghanistan in 2024 as the Taliban continues to foster terror in South Asia in violation of the Doha Agreement it signed with the United States months before August 2021, when the democratically-elected Ashraf Ghani government was ousted from power as the US-led western forces left the landlocked nation.&nbsp;

"These are training centres; these are recruitment centres," Ali Maisam Nazary, the top diplomat for Afghanistan’s National Resistance Front (NRF) based in the country’s Panjshir Valley north of Kabul, was quoted as saying by the Foreign Policy.&nbsp;

"The Taliban have even allowed al Qaeda to build bases and munitions depots in the heart of the Panjshir Valley. [That’s] something unheard of, something impossible even in the 1990s for al Qaeda to have achieved."

Nazary further said that since the fall of Afghanistan to the Taliban in August 2021, terror groups, including al Qaeda, the Islamic State’s Khorasan branch, Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan (TTP), and the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, have exploded in size and scope, as the country’s unguarded borders have allowed foreign fighters from Arab countries, Central Asian neighbours, and Europe to pour into Afghanistan.&nbsp;

Also watch |&nbsp;Taliban representatives in Qatar meet UN officials

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Nazary said that 21 known terror groups are currently operating inside Afghanistan.

WION has extensively reported on the fostering of terrorism in Afghanistan in the recent past after the Taliban stormed to power.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-talibans-pakistani-offshoot-gets-refuge-in-former-al-qaeda-hideouts-un-report-740432">Afghan Taliban's Pakistani offshoot gets refuge in former Al-Qaeda hideouts: UN report</a>

The Taliban is helping Al-Qaeda rebuild its operational capability even amid a crisis of leadership after its leader Al-Zawahiri’s death in 2022, a UN report said in June 2023.&nbsp;

With no significant political opposition, the Taliban's unchecked authority has allowed foreign terrorist fighters sheltered by the group to become an increasingly significant security threat to neighbouring countries.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/explained-taliban-have-put-afghan-clock-back-to-1990s-autocracy-un-report-603152">Explained | Taliban have put Afghan clock back to 1990s’ autocracy: UN report</a>

Terror groups control much—if not all—of Afghanistan’s border, Nazary told Foreign Policy. "Al Qaeda didn’t have any presence in northern Afghanistan in 2001," he said. "Today, al Qaeda has a presence throughout the country, and the other terrorist forces."&nbsp;

The country has become an "open black market" of leftover weapons, many of them American, he added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Al Qaeda has reportedly set up nine new terrorist camps in Afghanistan in 2024 as the Taliban continues to foster terror in South Asia in violation of the Doha Agreement it signed with the United States months before August 2021, when the democratically-elected Ashraf Ghani government was ousted from power as the US-led western forces left the landlocked nation.

Al Qaeda has reportedly set up nine new terrorist camps in Afghanistan in 2024 as the Taliban continues to foster terror in South Asia in violation of the Doha Agreement it signed with the United States months before August 2021, when the democratically-elected Ashraf Ghani government was ousted from power as the US-led western forces left the landlocked nation. "These are training centres; these are recruitment centres," Ali Maisam Nazary, the top diplomat for Afghanistan’s National Resistance Front (NRF) based in the country’s Panjshir Valley north of Kabul, was quoted as saying by the Foreign Policy. "The Taliban have even allowed al Qaeda to build bases and munitions depots in the heart of the Panjshir Valley. [That’s] something unheard of, something impossible even in the 1990s for al Qaeda to have achieved." Nazary further said that since the fall of Afghanistan to the Taliban in August 2021, terror groups, including al Qaeda, the Islamic State’s Khorasan branch, Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan (TTP), and the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, have exploded in size and scope, as the country’s unguarded borders have allowed foreign fighters from Arab countries, Central Asian neighbours, and Europe to pour into Afghanistan. Also watch | Taliban representatives in Qatar meet UN officials × Nazary said that 21 known terror groups are currently operating inside Afghanistan. WION has extensively reported on the fostering of terrorism in Afghanistan in the recent past after the Taliban stormed to power. Also read | Afghan Taliban's Pakistani offshoot gets refuge in former Al-Qaeda hideouts: UN report The Taliban is helping Al-Qaeda rebuild its operational capability even amid a crisis of leadership after its leader Al-Zawahiri’s death in 2022, a UN report said in June 2023. With no significant political opposition, the Taliban's unchecked authority has allowed foreign terrorist fighters sheltered by the group to become an increasingly significant security threat to neighbouring countries. Also read | Explained | Taliban have put Afghan clock back to 1990s’ autocracy: UN report Terror groups control much—if not all—of Afghanistan’s border, Nazary told Foreign Policy. "Al Qaeda didn’t have any presence in northern Afghanistan in 2001," he said. "Today, al Qaeda has a presence throughout the country, and the other terrorist forces." The country has become an "open black market" of leftover weapons, many of them American, he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Taliban-ruled Afghanistan turns Al-Qaeda haven with bases, munitions depots in heart of Panjshir Valley

Former United States President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump's campaign was warned not to take photographs at Arlington National Cemetery before the altercation, during a wreath-laying ceremony, reported the Associated Press (AP) citing a defence official, on Thursday (Aug 29).&nbsp;

Trump was invited to Arlington, a resting place for over 400,000 service members, veterans and their families, by some of the families of the 13 service members who lost their lives in the Kabul airport bombing three years ago.&nbsp;

The Republican presidential candidate&nbsp;has been facing severe criticism after he was seen giving a thumbs up and smiling pose in a photo at America's most sacred cemetery. Netizens have been reacting to the image since then.&nbsp;

An anti-Trump group, The Lincoln Project, posted, "Trump today with thumbs up at the grave of a soldier. Disgraceful."&nbsp;

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Trump today with thumbs up at the grave of a soldier. Disgraceful. <a href="https://t.co/scwq6bVhFF">pic.twitter.com/scwq6bVhFF</a>
— The Lincoln Project (@ProjectLincoln) <a href="https://twitter.com/ProjectLincoln/status/1828116237408207121?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 26, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/they-made-it-difficult-trump-blames-biden-harris-for-july-assassination-attempt-754125">Also read:&nbsp;‘They made it difficult...,’ Trump blames Biden, Harris for July assassination attempt</a>

This comes a day after NPR reported, citing a relevant source, that two Trump campaign staff members "verbally abused and pushed" aside a cemetery official who tried to stop them from filming and photographing in Section 60, where the military personnel who were killed during the war of Afghanistan and Iraq, were buried.&nbsp;

The defence official, on a condition of anonymity, discussed the matter and said that the Trump campaign was initially warned about not taking photographs in Section 60 before their arrival and the altercation.&nbsp;

<h2>Cemetery officials respond</h2>

However, cemetery officials responded to the inquiry and shared a statement, stating, that “an incident” had occurred and a report had been filed, but it did not address details of what had happened. Moreover, they declined to share the report.

“Federal law prohibits political campaign or election-related activities within Army National Military Cemeteries, to include photographers, content creators or any other persons attending for purposes, or in direct support of a partisan political candidate’s campaign,” the cemetery officials’ statement said.&nbsp;

“Arlington National Cemetery reinforced and widely shared this law and its prohibitions with all participants. We can confirm there was an incident, and a report was filed," it added.&nbsp;

<h2>'Private photographer was permitted on the premises'</h2>

On the contrary, Trump's spokesperson Steven Cheung said the Republican presidential candidate's team was permitted to have a photographer. He further contested the allegation that a campaign staffer pushed a cemetery official.&nbsp;

“The fact is that a private photographer was permitted on the premises and for whatever reason, an unnamed individual, clearly suffering from a mental health episode, decided to physically block members of President Trump’s team during a very solemn ceremony,” he said.

Watch |&nbsp;Former US President Donald Trump hints at reconsidering debate

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Additionally, a key Trump campaign advisor, Chris LaCivita, said that the&nbsp;campaign posted a message signed by relatives of two of the service members killed in the bombing saying, “the president and his team conducted themselves with nothing but the utmost respect and dignity for all of our service members, especially our beloved children."

In a statement, he said, “For a despicable individual to physically prevent President Trump’s team from accompanying him to this solemn event is a disgrace and does not deserve to represent the hollowed grounds of Arlington National Cemetery. Whoever this individual is, spreading these lies is dishonouring the men and women of our armed forces.”

(With inputs from agencies)

Former United States President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump's campaign was warned not to take photographs at Arlington National Cemetery before the altercation, during a wreath-laying ceremony, reported the Associated Press (AP) citing a defence official, on Thursday (Aug 29).

Former United States President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump's campaign was warned not to take photographs at Arlington National Cemetery before the altercation, during a wreath-laying ceremony, reported the Associated Press (AP) citing a defence official, on Thursday (Aug 29). Trump was invited to Arlington, a resting place for over 400,000 service members, veterans and their families, by some of the families of the 13 service members who lost their lives in the Kabul airport bombing three years ago. The Republican presidential candidate has been facing severe criticism after he was seen giving a thumbs up and smiling pose in a photo at America's most sacred cemetery. Netizens have been reacting to the image since then. An anti-Trump group, The Lincoln Project, posted, "Trump today with thumbs up at the grave of a soldier. Disgraceful." Trump today with thumbs up at the grave of a soldier. Disgraceful. pic.twitter.com/scwq6bVhFF — The Lincoln Project (@ProjectLincoln) August 26, 2024 × Also read: ‘They made it difficult...,’ Trump blames Biden, Harris for July assassination attempt This comes a day after NPR reported, citing a relevant source, that two Trump campaign staff members "verbally abused and pushed" aside a cemetery official who tried to stop them from filming and photographing in Section 60, where the military personnel who were killed during the war of Afghanistan and Iraq, were buried. The defence official, on a condition of anonymity, discussed the matter and said that the Trump campaign was initially warned about not taking photographs in Section 60 before their arrival and the altercation. Cemetery officials respond However, cemetery officials responded to the inquiry and shared a statement, stating, that “an incident” had occurred and a report had been filed, but it did not address details of what had happened. Moreover, they declined to share the report. “Federal law prohibits political campaign or election-related activities within Army National Military Cemeteries, to include photographers, content creators or any other persons attending for purposes, or in direct support of a partisan political candidate’s campaign,” the cemetery officials’ statement said. “Arlington National Cemetery reinforced and widely shared this law and its prohibitions with all participants. We can confirm there was an incident, and a report was filed," it added. 'Private photographer was permitted on the premises' On the contrary, Trump's spokesperson Steven Cheung said the Republican presidential candidate's team was permitted to have a photographer. He further contested the allegation that a campaign staffer pushed a cemetery official. “The fact is that a private photographer was permitted on the premises and for whatever reason, an unnamed individual, clearly suffering from a mental health episode, decided to physically block members of President Trump’s team during a very solemn ceremony,” he said. Watch | Former US President Donald Trump hints at reconsidering debate × Additionally, a key Trump campaign advisor, Chris LaCivita, said that the campaign posted a message signed by relatives of two of the service members killed in the bombing saying, “the president and his team conducted themselves with nothing but the utmost respect and dignity for all of our service members, especially our beloved children." In a statement, he said, “For a despicable individual to physically prevent President Trump’s team from accompanying him to this solemn event is a disgrace and does not deserve to represent the hollowed grounds of Arlington National Cemetery. Whoever this individual is, spreading these lies is dishonouring the men and women of our armed forces.” (With inputs from agencies)

Trump campaign was warned not to take 'disgraceful' photo at Arlington cemetery

The United Nations has slammed Taliban's new restrictions on women. The Taliban has issued a new set of laws that have imposed tighter restrictions on women approved by Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada, putting a ban on their voices and making it mandatory for them to cover even their bare faces in public.

UN slams new Taliban restrictions: Women can't sing, read or travel alone

The United Nations mission in Afghanistan on Sunday (August 25) expressed concern over a new morality law recently ratified by the Taliban. The latest "morality" law places severe restrictions on women, forcing them to "ensure her voice is not heard" and penalising them if they don't.

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:84,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1773}">UN's criticism of the law</h2>

Roza Otunbayeva, head of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), criticised the law for granting "moral inspectors" significant discretionary power.&nbsp;

She pointed out that these inspectors could "threaten and detain anyone based on broad and sometimes vague lists of infractions".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sharia-rule-a-lifelong-responsibility-akhundzada-on-three-years-of-taliban-rule-in-afghanistan-750426">Sharia rule a 'lifelong responsibility': Akhundzada on three years of Taliban rule in Afghanistan</a>

"After decades of war and in the midst of a terrible humanitarian crisis, the Afghan people deserve much better than being threatened or jailed if they happen to be late for prayers, glance at a member of the opposite sex who is not a family member, or possess a photo of a loved one," she said.

As per AFP, while many of these restraints were already in place informally, this law formalises further constraints on their rights.&nbsp;

Otunbayeva said the new law "extends the already intolerable restrictions on the rights of Afghan women and girls, with even the sound of a female voice outside the home apparently deemed a moral violation". The UN has previously described the treatment of Afghan women as "gender apartheid".

She also raised concerns about the implications for religious and press freedoms. The law prohibits media from publishing content deemed "hostile to Sharia law and religion" or "that shows living beings".

However, UNAMA acknowledged some positive elements within the law, including protections against the abuse of orphans and the prohibition of "bacha bazi", a practice where boys are sexually exploited by older men.

Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:82,&quot;y&quot;:506,&quot;w&quot;:355,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:115,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2195}" href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistans-taliban-govt-enacts-vice-and-virtue-law-752612">Afghanistan's Taliban govt enacts 'vice and virtue' law</a>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:541,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2230}">Taliban's new vice and virtue law</h2>

The law, which was codified with 35 articles, introduces strict behavioural guidelines based on the Taliban's interpretation of Sharia (Islamic law).&nbsp;

Women, in particular, face severe restrictions under the new law, with mandates to cover their faces and bodies when outside and to remain unheard in public.&nbsp;

It also enforces punishments ranging from warnings and fines to detentions, depending on the severity of the perceived infractions, all under the authority of the Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice.

(With inputs from agencies)

The United Nations mission in Afghanistan on Sunday (August 25) expressed concern over a new morality law recently ratified by the Taliban. The latest "morality" law places severe restrictions on women, forcing them to "ensure her voice is not heard" and penalising them if they don't.

The United Nations mission in Afghanistan on Sunday (August 25) expressed concern over a new morality law recently ratified by the Taliban. The latest "morality" law places severe restrictions on women, forcing them to "ensure her voice is not heard" and penalising them if they don't. UN's criticism of the law Roza Otunbayeva, head of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), criticised the law for granting "moral inspectors" significant discretionary power. She pointed out that these inspectors could "threaten and detain anyone based on broad and sometimes vague lists of infractions". Also read | Sharia rule a 'lifelong responsibility': Akhundzada on three years of Taliban rule in Afghanistan "After decades of war and in the midst of a terrible humanitarian crisis, the Afghan people deserve much better than being threatened or jailed if they happen to be late for prayers, glance at a member of the opposite sex who is not a family member, or possess a photo of a loved one," she said. As per AFP, while many of these restraints were already in place informally, this law formalises further constraints on their rights. Otunbayeva said the new law "extends the already intolerable restrictions on the rights of Afghan women and girls, with even the sound of a female voice outside the home apparently deemed a moral violation". The UN has previously described the treatment of Afghan women as "gender apartheid". She also raised concerns about the implications for religious and press freedoms. The law prohibits media from publishing content deemed "hostile to Sharia law and religion" or "that shows living beings". However, UNAMA acknowledged some positive elements within the law, including protections against the abuse of orphans and the prohibition of "bacha bazi", a practice where boys are sexually exploited by older men. Also read | Afghanistan's Taliban govt enacts 'vice and virtue' law Taliban's new vice and virtue law The law, which was codified with 35 articles, introduces strict behavioural guidelines based on the Taliban's interpretation of Sharia (Islamic law). Women, in particular, face severe restrictions under the new law, with mandates to cover their faces and bodies when outside and to remain unheard in public. It also enforces punishments ranging from warnings and fines to detentions, depending on the severity of the perceived infractions, all under the authority of the Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice. (With inputs from agencies)

UN concerned about Taliban's new vice and virtue law, the discretionary power it gives 'moral inspectors'

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