The Moscow format meeting is all set to begin today (October 20) in Russia. This is the first Moscow format dialogue since the Taliban seized control of Afghanistan in August.

India, Taliban to meet at Moscow format in Russia on October 20

The crucial Moscow format summit on the Afghanistan situation was held in Russia today, representatives of 10 countries were in attendance and so was the Taliban delegation. The agenda entailed the formation of an inclusive government and consolidating international partners towards preventing humanitarian and economic crises.

Moscow Meet: Taliban looks forward to secure international recognition

The crucial Moscow format summit on the Afghanistan crisis was held today in Russia, representatives of 10 countries were in attendance and so was the Taliban administration. As Moscow holds the meet over the Afghan crisis, Sergey Lavrov, Russian Foreign Minister stated that he recognises the Taliban's efforts.

Russian FM Sergey Lavrov addresses Moscow meet; summit to explore inclusive govt, prevent crises

The crucial Moscow format summit on the Afghanistan crisis is underway. Representatives of 10 countries are in attendance so is the Taliban administration, Anas Mallick brings you more.

Afghanistan crisis: Moscow format meeting underway, Taliban gets an invitation

The crucial Moscow format summit on the Afghanistan crisis is underway, representatives of 10 countries are in attendance and so is the Taliban administration. As Moscow holds the meet over the Afghan crisis, Sergey Lavrov, Russian Foreign Minister stated that he recognises Taliban's efforts.

Moscow summit on Afghanistan situation held in Russia, threat of ISIS flagged as a major concern

Indian officials reportedly met Taliban Deputy Prime Minister Abdul Salam Hanafi at the Moscow format meeting and offered humanitarian aid to the regime in Kabul. This would be the first time India has officially announced aid for Afghanistan after the August 15 takeover of Kabul by the Taliban.

Moscow Format meet: India, Taliban hold talks

On the heels of the crucial Moscow format talks, Pakistan foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has met the Taliban's acting PM Mullah Hasan Akhund and the deputy CM Abdul Salam Hanafi for bilateral talks. Our correspondent Anas Mallick brings you all the latest developments.

Pakistan FM Shah Mahmood Qureshi, interim Afghan PM Mullah Hasan Akhund hold bilateral talks

The Deputy US Treasury Secretary, Wally Adeyemo, stated&nbsp;that the Taliban would have no access to Afghan central bank reserves, which are primarily held in the US.&nbsp;

But US has assured Afghans that it is committed to providing humanitarian aid and that the Taliban must help the distribution process.

According to Khaama Press, US Deputy Finance Minister Wally Adeyemo emphasised the need of sustaining pressure on the Taliban while emphasising that the Afghan people should not be harmed.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-russia-calls-for-humanitarian-aid-as-it-hosts-taliban-422322">Also read | Afghanistan: Russia calls for humanitarian aid as it hosts Taliban</a>

"We believe that it's essential that we maintain our sanctions against the Taliban but at the same time find ways for legitimate humanitarian assistance to get to the Afghan people. That's exactly what we're doing," Adeyemo told the Senate Banking Committee, according to the report. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/amid-soaring-fuel-prices-and-dwindling-cash-reserves-in-afghanistan-taliban-say-all-is-well-421995">Also read | Amid soaring fuel prices and dwindling cash reserves in Afghanistan, Taliban say ‘all is well’</a>

He emphasised that the US is committed to providing humanitarian supplies to Afghans and that the Taliban must help the distribution process.&nbsp; 
 
Watch | Gravitas: Taliban celebrate suicide bombers

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-taliban-celebrate-suicide-bombers-422473/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"We will continue to assert our restrictions on Haqqani network and the Taliban, but will continue humanitarian aids to Afghan people," added Adeyemo. 
 
Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-are-not-terrorists-us-has-a-wrong-understanding-zabihullah-mujahid-to-wion-421788">&nbsp;Taliban are not terrorists, US has a wrong understanding: Zabihullah Mujahid to WION</a>

After the US froze the central bank's $9 billion in assets outside of Afghanistan in August, as the Taliban seized over the nation and now face an exploding economic crisis, the Taliban requested for access to the funds.

The Taliban has been unable to seize the Afghan central bank's almost $10 billion in reserves, as previously revealed by Insider.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The Deputy US Treasury Secretary, Wally Adeyemo, stated that the Taliban would have no access to Afghan central bank reserves, which are primarily held in the US.

The Deputy US Treasury Secretary, Wally Adeyemo, stated that the Taliban would have no access to Afghan central bank reserves, which are primarily held in the US. But US has assured Afghans that it is committed to providing humanitarian aid and that the Taliban must help the distribution process. According to Khaama Press, US Deputy Finance Minister Wally Adeyemo emphasised the need of sustaining pressure on the Taliban while emphasising that the Afghan people should not be harmed. Also read | Afghanistan: Russia calls for humanitarian aid as it hosts Taliban "We believe that it's essential that we maintain our sanctions against the Taliban but at the same time find ways for legitimate humanitarian assistance to get to the Afghan people. That's exactly what we're doing," Adeyemo told the Senate Banking Committee, according to the report. Also read | Amid soaring fuel prices and dwindling cash reserves in Afghanistan, Taliban say ‘all is well’ He emphasised that the US is committed to providing humanitarian supplies to Afghans and that the Taliban must help the distribution process. Watch | Gravitas: Taliban celebrate suicide bombers "We will continue to assert our restrictions on Haqqani network and the Taliban, but will continue humanitarian aids to Afghan people," added Adeyemo. Also read | Taliban are not terrorists, US has a wrong understanding: Zabihullah Mujahid to WION After the US froze the central bank's $9 billion in assets outside of Afghanistan in August, as the Taliban seized over the nation and now face an exploding economic crisis, the Taliban requested for access to the funds. The Taliban has been unable to seize the Afghan central bank's almost $10 billion in reserves, as previously revealed by Insider. (With inputs from agencies)

We will not let the Taliban access the money: US on releasing Afghan frozen assets

On the heels of the Moscow format talks, Pakistan foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has arrived in Kabul, he is expected to meet senior Taliban leaders. Our correspondent Anas Mallick has been tracking all the developments.

Pakistan minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi arrives in Kabul; border management, refugee crisis on agenda

On the heels of the Moscow format talks, Pakistan foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has arrived in Kabul, and he is expected to meet senior Taliban leaders. Our correspondent Anas Mallick has been tracking all the developments.

Afghanistan: Pakistan foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi arrives in Kabul

Several journalists covering the women’s rights protest were allegedly attacked by the Taliban on Thursday morning and were prevented from covering their demonstration.

Wearing colourful headscarves, a group of about 20 women marched from near the ministry of education to the ministry of finance in the Afghan capital, chanting slogans, “Don't politicise education.”

The women held placards saying: “We don't have the rights to study and work”, and “Joblessness, poverty, hunger”, as they walked with their arms in the air.

According to news agency AFP, during the protest one foreign journalist was struck with the butt of a rifle by one Taliban fighter, who swore and kicked the photographer in the back as another punched him.

<img alt="Taliban members stop women protesting for women's rights in Kabul on October 21, 2021" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0dadb129-a167-4800-9359-d62e2625c455" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/taliban_1.jpg" />

At least two more journalists were hit as they scattered, pursued by Taliban fighters swinging fists and launching kicks.

Zahra Mohammadi, one of the protest organisers, said the women were marching despite the risks they face.

“The situation is that the Taliban don't respect anything: not journalists — foreign and local —or women,” AFP quoted Zahra as saying.

“The schools must reopen to girls. But the Taliban took this right from us.”

The protesters have been agitating against Taliba’s decision to keep the high school closed for girls and banning women from returning to work.

“My message to all girls and women is this: 'Don't be afraid of the Taliban, even if your family doesn't allow you to leave your home. Don't be afraid. Go out, make sacrifices, fight for your rights,” Zahra said.

“We have to make this sacrifice so that the next generation will be in peace.”

(With inputs from agencies)

Several journalists covering the women’s rights protest were allegedly attacked by the Taliban on Thursday morning and were prevented from covering their demonstration.

Several journalists covering the women’s rights protest were allegedly attacked by the Taliban on Thursday morning and were prevented from covering their demonstration. Wearing colourful headscarves, a group of about 20 women marched from near the ministry of education to the ministry of finance in the Afghan capital, chanting slogans, “Don't politicise education.” The women held placards saying: “We don't have the rights to study and work”, and “Joblessness, poverty, hunger”, as they walked with their arms in the air. According to news agency AFP, during the protest one foreign journalist was struck with the butt of a rifle by one Taliban fighter, who swore and kicked the photographer in the back as another punched him. At least two more journalists were hit as they scattered, pursued by Taliban fighters swinging fists and launching kicks. Zahra Mohammadi, one of the protest organisers, said the women were marching despite the risks they face. “The situation is that the Taliban don't respect anything: not journalists — foreign and local —or women,” AFP quoted Zahra as saying. “The schools must reopen to girls. But the Taliban took this right from us.” The protesters have been agitating against Taliba’s decision to keep the high school closed for girls and banning women from returning to work. “My message to all girls and women is this: 'Don't be afraid of the Taliban, even if your family doesn't allow you to leave your home. Don't be afraid. Go out, make sacrifices, fight for your rights,” Zahra said. “We have to make this sacrifice so that the next generation will be in peace.” (With inputs from agencies)

Taliban assault journalists covering women’s rights protest in Kabul

A beauty salon in Taliban-controlled Kabul has became a place where women can relax among themselves outside the household and share their woes. Salon owner Mohadessa has kept her beauty salon open despite threats from Afghanistan's new rulers.

This beauty salon shielding women In Taliban-controlled Kabul

In pics | Beauty salon—a safe haven for women in Taliban's Kabul

Sirajuddin Haqqani, the Home Minister of Taliban's interim government has been seen with either his face covered or secured in public photographs, which raises the question that what is he afraid of?

Is the US looking to capture or kill Sirajuddin Haqqani?

India is participating in the Moscow Format meeting on Afghanistan on 20th October, 2021. The meeting will be attended by the representatives of 10 countries, including Russia, China, Pakistan, India, Afghanistan’s neighbouring countries in Central Asia and a high-level delegation from Taliban.&nbsp;

This is the first meeting of the Moscow Format being held since the Taliban captured power by force on 15th August this year, and also the first collective interaction between the Taliban and regional players since then. The meeting therefore should provide an important opportunity to convey the expectations of the international community from Taliban and listen to the Taliban’s perspective and if possible lay a road map for the stabilisation of Afghanistan.&nbsp;

The invitation to India and India’s acceptance are significant in more than one sense. For the first time India would be face-to-face with Taliban delegation within the Moscow format, and it is second &nbsp;officially &nbsp;acknowledged interaction with Taliban since the formation of an interim government in Kabul.

The first interaction took place when Taliban’s representative Stanekzai met India’s Ambassador to Qatar, at the Indian Embassy in Doha on August 31. The meeting was projected as one with limited objective of the safe evacuation of the Indian nationals from Afghanistan and to convey India’s concerns over the presence of anti-India terror outfits in Afghanistan.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/two-months-of-taliban-20-challenges-and-threats-420937">Two months of Taliban 2.0: Challenges and threats</a>

It is noteworthy that India has been invited to participate in a dialogue with Taliban, despite the known fact that India has questioned the legitimacy of the interim government in Kabul, and expressed its serious apprehensions over the possible misuse of the Afghan soil for acts of terrorism in the region and beyond.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/why-is-taliban-interior-minister-haqqanis-face-being-blurred-in-public-photographs-422333">Why is Taliban interior minister Haqqani's face being blurred in public photographs?</a>

The invitation therefore reflects the acknowledgement on the part of other regional players that India can play an important role in the stabilisation of the situation in Afghanistan, and it cannot be excluded from any collective processes which aim at handling the situation arising out of the Taliban’s take-over.

From India’s perspective, the participation in Moscow Format is justified for more than one reason.&nbsp;

Firstly, the agenda of the Moscow Format meeting as revealed by the Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, is in tune with India’s own priorities and also in line with the demands placed on Taliban through the UNSC Resolution 2593 of 30th August.&nbsp;

For instance, Lavrov was reported to have said,"We encourage them (Taliban) &nbsp;to live up to the promises they made when they came to power, including ensuring that the government is inclusive not only along the ethnic lines, but also along the political lines, so that the full range of political beliefs of the society is reflected in the government's composition”. &nbsp;

He further said that the meeting would focus on the developments related to the political and security situation in Afghanistan, and on the consolidation of the efforts by the international community to prevent humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan. Significantly, Lavrov is also reported to have said that the recognition of the Taliban-led government in Kabul was not on the agenda.

Further, and perhaps more importantly, India remained by and large excluded from the processes which were meant to shape the future road-map of Afghanistan, even though India made a valuable contribution towards the reconstruction and development of Afghanistan by investing over $3bn in nearly 500 big and small infrastructure projects during the tenure of the elected governments in Afghanistan. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/opinion-us-military-presence-in-the-middle-east-the-less-the-better-420728">Opinion | US military presence in the Middle East: The less the better</a>

Despite being a strategic partner of the USA, India was not kept informed on certain aspects of the deal which the Trump Administration struck with the Taliban on 29th February, 2020. Being a part of the Moscow Format therefore offers an opportunity to stay in the game and remain relevant in a strategic space where India’s adversaries namely Pakistan and China appear to have an edge at this point of time.

It is abundantly clear that India has no intention to sit on the fence and watch in silence, which can only deprive it of the chance to influence the future course of developments in Afghanistan. It must be underlined in this context that India has reportedly invited the National Security Advisors of the countries in the region including China, Russia, Pakistan, Tajikistan etc. for a meeting on Afghanistan in November this year.

In short India appears to have taken a right decision to participate in the Moscow Format meeting; it would be erroneous to interpret it as softening of India’s attitude towards Taliban or dilution of its principled stand or as a prelude to its recognition of the Taliban-led government in Kabul. It may, however, not be easy for India to push its point of view in the presence of Pakistan and China. The absence of the USA (which has decided to pull out of the meeting for the time being) would also mean the absence of support from a like-minded partner, though it would not be easy for the adversaries also to sideline India, considering that India can persist on its own and also count on the support from Russia and Iran and some Central Asian countries.

It would be interesting to watch the outcome of the Moscow Format meeting even if it is unlikely to resolve all the issues at hand.&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

India is participating in the Moscow Format meeting on Afghanistan on 20th October, 2021. The meeting will be attended by the representatives of 10 countries, including Russia, China, Pakistan, India, Afghanistan’s neighbouring countries in Central Asia and a high-level delegation from Taliban.

India is participating in the Moscow Format meeting on Afghanistan on 20th October, 2021. The meeting will be attended by the representatives of 10 countries, including Russia, China, Pakistan, India, Afghanistan’s neighbouring countries in Central Asia and a high-level delegation from Taliban. This is the first meeting of the Moscow Format being held since the Taliban captured power by force on 15th August this year, and also the first collective interaction between the Taliban and regional players since then. The meeting therefore should provide an important opportunity to convey the expectations of the international community from Taliban and listen to the Taliban’s perspective and if possible lay a road map for the stabilisation of Afghanistan. The invitation to India and India’s acceptance are significant in more than one sense. For the first time India would be face-to-face with Taliban delegation within the Moscow format, and it is second officially acknowledged interaction with Taliban since the formation of an interim government in Kabul. The first interaction took place when Taliban’s representative Stanekzai met India’s Ambassador to Qatar, at the Indian Embassy in Doha on August 31. The meeting was projected as one with limited objective of the safe evacuation of the Indian nationals from Afghanistan and to convey India’s concerns over the presence of anti-India terror outfits in Afghanistan. Also Read | Two months of Taliban 2.0: Challenges and threats It is noteworthy that India has been invited to participate in a dialogue with Taliban, despite the known fact that India has questioned the legitimacy of the interim government in Kabul, and expressed its serious apprehensions over the possible misuse of the Afghan soil for acts of terrorism in the region and beyond. Also Read | Why is Taliban interior minister Haqqani's face being blurred in public photographs? The invitation therefore reflects the acknowledgement on the part of other regional players that India can play an important role in the stabilisation of the situation in Afghanistan, and it cannot be excluded from any collective processes which aim at handling the situation arising out of the Taliban’s take-over. From India’s perspective, the participation in Moscow Format is justified for more than one reason. Firstly, the agenda of the Moscow Format meeting as revealed by the Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, is in tune with India’s own priorities and also in line with the demands placed on Taliban through the UNSC Resolution 2593 of 30th August. For instance, Lavrov was reported to have said,"We encourage them (Taliban) to live up to the promises they made when they came to power, including ensuring that the government is inclusive not only along the ethnic lines, but also along the political lines, so that the full range of political beliefs of the society is reflected in the government's composition”. He further said that the meeting would focus on the developments related to the political and security situation in Afghanistan, and on the consolidation of the efforts by the international community to prevent humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan. Significantly, Lavrov is also reported to have said that the recognition of the Taliban-led government in Kabul was not on the agenda. Further, and perhaps more importantly, India remained by and large excluded from the processes which were meant to shape the future road-map of Afghanistan, even though India made a valuable contribution towards the reconstruction and development of Afghanistan by investing over $3bn in nearly 500 big and small infrastructure projects during the tenure of the elected governments in Afghanistan. Also Read | Opinion | US military presence in the Middle East: The less the better Despite being a strategic partner of the USA, India was not kept informed on certain aspects of the deal which the Trump Administration struck with the Taliban on 29th February, 2020. Being a part of the Moscow Format therefore offers an opportunity to stay in the game and remain relevant in a strategic space where India’s adversaries namely Pakistan and China appear to have an edge at this point of time. It is abundantly clear that India has no intention to sit on the fence and watch in silence, which can only deprive it of the chance to influence the future course of developments in Afghanistan. It must be underlined in this context that India has reportedly invited the National Security Advisors of the countries in the region including China, Russia, Pakistan, Tajikistan etc. for a meeting on Afghanistan in November this year. In short India appears to have taken a right decision to participate in the Moscow Format meeting; it would be erroneous to interpret it as softening of India’s attitude towards Taliban or dilution of its principled stand or as a prelude to its recognition of the Taliban-led government in Kabul. It may, however, not be easy for India to push its point of view in the presence of Pakistan and China. The absence of the USA (which has decided to pull out of the meeting for the time being) would also mean the absence of support from a like-minded partner, though it would not be easy for the adversaries also to sideline India, considering that India can persist on its own and also count on the support from Russia and Iran and some Central Asian countries. It would be interesting to watch the outcome of the Moscow Format meeting even if it is unlikely to resolve all the issues at hand. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Opinion | Moscow talks are a chance for India to influence Afghan situation

Troika plus meeting in Moscow on the Afghanistan situation has been concluded. According to a Russian foreign ministry statement, Russia, China and Pakistan have agreed to provide humanitarian aid and economic support to Afghanistan.

Troika plus meeting: Russia, China and Pak agree to give aid for Afghanistan

In an effort to eradicate polio and boost health measures for children in Afghanistan, the Taliban government has agreed to restart a door-to-door vaccination program next month, and will allow women to be frontline workers in the drive, health officials announced Tuesday.

The announcement, by the World Health Organization and United Nations Children’s Fund, is a breakthrough in a country that has been called the “world’s polio capital,” a place where vaccinators have faced the twin challenges of a lack of access to patients and deadly violence.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/as-need-in-afghanistan-grows-dire-aid-groups-plead-for-help-417450">As need in Afghanistan grows dire, aid groups plead for help</a>

The five-day nationwide program to distribute the polio vaccine, which is given orally and in multiple doses, will begin Nov. 8, according to officials. The drive aims to reach about 10 million children, according to Dr Hamid Jafari, head of polio eradication for the WHO’s eastern Mediterranean region.

More than 3.3 million children had previously “remained inaccessible to vaccination campaigns,” according to the statement announcing the drive. Children who are 6 months to 59 months old will also be given vitamin A supplements during the campaign, officials said.

Word of the agreement comes as the Taliban have been showing some limited flexibility in dealings with the outside world as the government seeks desperately needed aid amid an ailing economy and increasing food scarcity.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-urge-us-eu-to-end-existing-sanctions-to-avoid-refugee-crisis-420503" hreflang="en">Taliban urge US, EU to 'end existing sanctions' to avoid refugee crisis</a>

“We welcome WHO’s effort to launch its polio vaccination campaign in Afghanistan and are ready to help and coordinate,” Bilal Karimi, a Taliban spokesman, said. “Women can also participate in this campaign and work closely with health workers to provide vaccinations to our people.”

In addition to this polio vaccination program, set to start in early November, “all parties have agreed on the need to immediately start measles and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19 vaccination</a> campaigns,” the statement from the U.N. and WHO said. A second polio vaccination program in Afghanistan will be synchronized with one in neighboring Pakistan that is scheduled to begin in December, it said.

Half a dozen more vaccination programs are scheduled to begin next year, according to Jafari.

In announcing the vaccination program, health officials said the Taliban “expressed their commitment” to allow women to be frontline workers in the drive and “for providing security and assuring the safety of all health workers across the country.”

Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-beauty-salon-a-safe-haven-for-women-in-talibans-kabul-422222" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-beauty-salon-a-safe-haven-for-women-in-talibans-kabul-422222&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiNrdOC9tjzAhV1gtgFHVUKBP4QFnoECAkQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw3Ht5fNFOukGXXpuajQtbbx" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-beauty-salon-a-safe-haven-for-women-in-talibans-kabul-422222" target="_blank">In pics | Beauty salon—a safe haven for women in&nbsp;Taliban's&nbsp;Kabul</a>

Jafari said that tens of thousands of women were expected to work in the vaccination effort, as vaccinators, supervisors and managers.

The announcement comes after several attacks on polio vaccinators this year, stifling efforts to inoculate children against the disease. In June, at least five members of two polio vaccination teams were killed in one day during separate attacks in Jalalabad in eastern Afghanistan. In the same city, three women working for the government’s polio vaccine campaign were shot dead in late March.

“UNICEF is outraged by this attack,” the organization said at the time. “Frontline health workers should never be a target of violence.”

Around the same time of the shootings, there was an explosion at the city’s regional hospital, near the compound where the vaccines are stored, officials said.

While no group took responsibility for these attacks, the Islamic State Khorasan, also known as ISIS-K, was active in the east and had claimed responsibility for similar attacks on women and civil society leaders in the area.

Watch |&nbsp;Taliban reward suicide bombers' kin

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/taliban-reward-suicide-bombers-kin-422296/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan in August, two decades after the U.S.-led invasion of the country drove the group from power. The new government has committed to providing protection to health care workers.

Health officials welcomed the Taliban’s support for the program. In the past, the movement expressed skepticism of door-to-door vaccination drives, saying they believed some vaccinators acted as spies in certain parts of the country. Elsewhere, the Taliban allowed vaccinators to carry out their work in districts under their control.

“We’ve been working with them for decades,” Jafari said, noting that the Taliban had controlled large parts of the country during their exile from power. The Taliban “have always been supportive of polio vaccination and eradication,” he said.

Dr. Ahmed al-Mandhari, the WHO’s regional director for the Eastern Mediterranean, said, “The urgency with which the Taliban leadership wants the polio campaign to proceed demonstrates a joint commitment to maintain the health system and restart essential immunizations to avert further outbreaks of preventable diseases.”

Restarting this vaccination program, said George Laryea-Adjei, UNICEF’s regional director for South Asia, is “a step closer toward achieving our shared hope of eradicating polio in the region.”

In an effort to eradicate polio and boost health measures for children in Afghanistan, the Taliban government has agreed to restart a door-to-door vaccination program next month, and will allow women to be frontline workers in the drive, health officials announced Tuesday.

In an effort to eradicate polio and boost health measures for children in Afghanistan, the Taliban government has agreed to restart a door-to-door vaccination program next month, and will allow women to be frontline workers in the drive, health officials announced Tuesday. The announcement, by the World Health Organization and United Nations Children’s Fund, is a breakthrough in a country that has been called the “world’s polio capital,” a place where vaccinators have faced the twin challenges of a lack of access to patients and deadly violence. Also read | As need in Afghanistan grows dire, aid groups plead for help The five-day nationwide program to distribute the polio vaccine, which is given orally and in multiple doses, will begin Nov. 8, according to officials. The drive aims to reach about 10 million children, according to Dr Hamid Jafari, head of polio eradication for the WHO’s eastern Mediterranean region. More than 3.3 million children had previously “remained inaccessible to vaccination campaigns,” according to the statement announcing the drive. Children who are 6 months to 59 months old will also be given vitamin A supplements during the campaign, officials said. Word of the agreement comes as the Taliban have been showing some limited flexibility in dealings with the outside world as the government seeks desperately needed aid amid an ailing economy and increasing food scarcity. Also read | Taliban urge US, EU to 'end existing sanctions' to avoid refugee crisis “We welcome WHO’s effort to launch its polio vaccination campaign in Afghanistan and are ready to help and coordinate,” Bilal Karimi, a Taliban spokesman, said. “Women can also participate in this campaign and work closely with health workers to provide vaccinations to our people.” In addition to this polio vaccination program, set to start in early November, “all parties have agreed on the need to immediately start measles and COVID-19 vaccination campaigns,” the statement from the U.N. and WHO said. A second polio vaccination program in Afghanistan will be synchronized with one in neighboring Pakistan that is scheduled to begin in December, it said. Half a dozen more vaccination programs are scheduled to begin next year, according to Jafari. In announcing the vaccination program, health officials said the Taliban “expressed their commitment” to allow women to be frontline workers in the drive and “for providing security and assuring the safety of all health workers across the country.” Also read | In pics | Beauty salon—a safe haven for women in Taliban's Kabul Jafari said that tens of thousands of women were expected to work in the vaccination effort, as vaccinators, supervisors and managers. The announcement comes after several attacks on polio vaccinators this year, stifling efforts to inoculate children against the disease. In June, at least five members of two polio vaccination teams were killed in one day during separate attacks in Jalalabad in eastern Afghanistan. In the same city, three women working for the government’s polio vaccine campaign were shot dead in late March. “UNICEF is outraged by this attack,” the organization said at the time. “Frontline health workers should never be a target of violence.” Around the same time of the shootings, there was an explosion at the city’s regional hospital, near the compound where the vaccines are stored, officials said. While no group took responsibility for these attacks, the Islamic State Khorasan, also known as ISIS-K, was active in the east and had claimed responsibility for similar attacks on women and civil society leaders in the area. Watch | Taliban reward suicide bombers' kin The Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan in August, two decades after the U.S.-led invasion of the country drove the group from power. The new government has committed to providing protection to health care workers. Health officials welcomed the Taliban’s support for the program. In the past, the movement expressed skepticism of door-to-door vaccination drives, saying they believed some vaccinators acted as spies in certain parts of the country. Elsewhere, the Taliban allowed vaccinators to carry out their work in districts under their control. “We’ve been working with them for decades,” Jafari said, noting that the Taliban had controlled large parts of the country during their exile from power. The Taliban “have always been supportive of polio vaccination and eradication,” he said. Dr. Ahmed al-Mandhari, the WHO’s regional director for the Eastern Mediterranean, said, “The urgency with which the Taliban leadership wants the polio campaign to proceed demonstrates a joint commitment to maintain the health system and restart essential immunizations to avert further outbreaks of preventable diseases.” Restarting this vaccination program, said George Laryea-Adjei, UNICEF’s regional director for South Asia, is “a step closer toward achieving our shared hope of eradicating polio in the region.”

Taliban allow polio vaccine programme to restart in Afghanistan

Of late, Sirajuddin&nbsp;Haqqani, the interior minister of the Taliban's interim government in Afghanistan, is being seen either with his face concealed or digitally blurred&nbsp;in public photographs.

Haqqani, a top leader of the&nbsp;Haqqani&nbsp;Network that has strong links with the Pakistani military, distributed 10,000 Afghanis (about $110) and clothes to the families of suicide attackers and promised them a plot of land during a meeting held at Intercontinental Hotel in Kabul on Monday. Photos posted on Twitter by pro-Taliban accounts showed the event was attended by hundreds of men. Haqqani himself was featured in several of the photos. However, his face was blurred or he was photographed from the rear.

This reportedly is being done to hide the traces of information on his whereabouts and activities, which poses a question: what is&nbsp;Haqqani afraid of?

Does the man who is in charge of the internal security of Afghanistan, and a designated terrorist behind the dreaded Haqqani Network, is afraid of US special forces or intelligence agencies?

Is every move of his being watched by US security establishment?

However, the likelihood of any of these outcomes is admittedly slim.

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The Interior Minister of the Taliban's interim government, Siraj Haqqani has been seen with face covered in public photographs. What is Haqqani afraid of? Is the US looking to capture or kill Haqqani?<a href="https://twitter.com/SaroyaHem?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SaroyaHem</a> tells you more 
 
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According to sources, the violent comeback of Islamic State Khorasan (ISIS-K) in Afghanistan is the possible reason why the Haqqani Network’s chief is shunning from sharing pictures of his public appearances.

It is said that the rising targeted attacks and indiscriminate suicide bombings may cause a rift or establish factions among the Taliban, which might trigger exodus of its fighters to join the ISIS-K.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-haqqani-networks-anas-haqqani-says-india-is-not-a-true-friend-413565">Afghanistan: Haqqani network's Anas Haqqani says India is 'not a true friend'</a>

The militant group has been seeking to grow its influence in the restive region, posing a risk to the Taliban’s control.

The ISIS-K has upped the ante after the sudden withdrawal of US forces from Afghanistan. The terrorist group has been carrying out indiscriminate suicide attacks across Afghanistan, targeting minorities.

On October 15, a group of suicide bombers attacked a Shiite mosque in southern Afghanistan, triggering explosions that killed dozens of people during crowded Friday prayers.

According to the Associated Press, Hafiz Sayeed, the Taliban’s chief for Kandahar's department of culture and information, said 47 people had been killed and at least 70 wounded in the attack.

Also read |&nbsp;'<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/he-smashed-the-idol-of-somnath-taliban-leader-anas-haqqani-praises-mahmud-ghaznavi-418613">He smashed the idol of Somnath': Taliban leader Anas Haqqani praises Mahmud Ghaznavi</a>

The attack appeared to bear the hallmarks of last week's suicide bombing at a Shiite mosque in northern Kunduz province that killed at least 45 people and wounded dozens more — timed for maximum casualties during Friday prayers that typically attract the largest number of worshippers.

The earlier attack was claimed by the Islamic State Khorasan, or ISIS-K, which views Shiite Muslims as apostates and opposes the Taliban regime.

While the Taliban have pledged to restore order in Afghanistan after decades of war, since they seized full control of the country in August, the ISIS affiliate has increased attacks in the country.

(With inputs from agencies)

Of late, Sirajuddin Haqqani, the interior minister of the Taliban's interim government in Afghanistan, is being seen either with his face concealed or digitally blurred in public photographs.

Of late, Sirajuddin Haqqani, the interior minister of the Taliban's interim government in Afghanistan, is being seen either with his face concealed or digitally blurred in public photographs. Haqqani, a top leader of the Haqqani Network that has strong links with the Pakistani military, distributed 10,000 Afghanis (about $110) and clothes to the families of suicide attackers and promised them a plot of land during a meeting held at Intercontinental Hotel in Kabul on Monday. Photos posted on Twitter by pro-Taliban accounts showed the event was attended by hundreds of men. Haqqani himself was featured in several of the photos. However, his face was blurred or he was photographed from the rear. This reportedly is being done to hide the traces of information on his whereabouts and activities, which poses a question: what is Haqqani afraid of? Does the man who is in charge of the internal security of Afghanistan, and a designated terrorist behind the dreaded Haqqani Network, is afraid of US special forces or intelligence agencies? Is every move of his being watched by US security establishment? However, the likelihood of any of these outcomes is admittedly slim. The Interior Minister of the Taliban's interim government, Siraj Haqqani has been seen with face covered in public photographs. What is Haqqani afraid of? Is the US looking to capture or kill Haqqani?@SaroyaHem tells you more For more videos, visit: https://t.co/AXC5qRcEPB pic.twitter.com/5ZGerIOF5y — WION (@WIONews) October 20, 2021 × According to sources, the violent comeback of Islamic State Khorasan (ISIS-K) in Afghanistan is the possible reason why the Haqqani Network’s chief is shunning from sharing pictures of his public appearances. It is said that the rising targeted attacks and indiscriminate suicide bombings may cause a rift or establish factions among the Taliban, which might trigger exodus of its fighters to join the ISIS-K. Also read | Afghanistan: Haqqani network's Anas Haqqani says India is 'not a true friend' The militant group has been seeking to grow its influence in the restive region, posing a risk to the Taliban’s control. The ISIS-K has upped the ante after the sudden withdrawal of US forces from Afghanistan. The terrorist group has been carrying out indiscriminate suicide attacks across Afghanistan, targeting minorities. On October 15, a group of suicide bombers attacked a Shiite mosque in southern Afghanistan, triggering explosions that killed dozens of people during crowded Friday prayers. According to the Associated Press, Hafiz Sayeed, the Taliban’s chief for Kandahar's department of culture and information, said 47 people had been killed and at least 70 wounded in the attack. Also read | 'He smashed the idol of Somnath': Taliban leader Anas Haqqani praises Mahmud Ghaznavi The attack appeared to bear the hallmarks of last week's suicide bombing at a Shiite mosque in northern Kunduz province that killed at least 45 people and wounded dozens more — timed for maximum casualties during Friday prayers that typically attract the largest number of worshippers. The earlier attack was claimed by the Islamic State Khorasan, or ISIS-K, which views Shiite Muslims as apostates and opposes the Taliban regime. While the Taliban have pledged to restore order in Afghanistan after decades of war, since they seized full control of the country in August, the ISIS affiliate has increased attacks in the country. (With inputs from agencies)

Why is Taliban interior minister Haqqani's face being blurred in public photographs?

Russia on Wednesday called&nbsp;for humanitarian support to Afghanistan as it hosted the Taliban for an international conference. Russia regretted that the US was not part of the discussion. Washington has skipped the Moscow meeting citing technical reasons but has said it plans to join similar talks in the future.

“We are convinced that it is time to mobilise the resources of the international community to provide Kabul with effective financial humanitarian support, including to prevent a humanitarian crisis and reduce migration flows," Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told reporters before the start of talks with Taliban, Chinese and Pakistani officials.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sirajuddin-haqqani-top-taliban-minister-praises-suicide-bombers-422088">Sirajuddin Haqqani, top Taliban minister, praises suicide bombers</a>

Russia's keenness to hold talks is partly inspired by its attempt to fill the power vacuum created by withdrawal of US forces from Afghanistan. Russia fears that any instability in Afghanistan may spill over to central Asian countries which were part of the Soviet Union.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/under-taliban-kabuls-drug-addicts-forced-into-withdrawal-422264">Under Taliban, Kabul's drug addicts forced into withdrawal</a>

Moscow is also concerned about possible flow of migrant flow.

“We call on the Taliban movement – and we discussed this with their distinguished delegation - to prevent the use of Afghanistan’s territory against third countries, most importantly neighbours," Lavrov said.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-two-people-injured-in-explosion-in-kabuls-dehmazang-locality-422311">Afghanistan: Two people injured in explosion in Kabul's Dehmazang locality</a>

Russia fought its own war in Afghanistan in the 1980s and has close military and political ties with former Soviet Central Asian states that border Afghanistan.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russia on Wednesday called for humanitarian support to Afghanistan as it hosted the Taliban for an international conference. Russia regretted that the US was not part of the discussion.

Russia on Wednesday called for humanitarian support to Afghanistan as it hosted the Taliban for an international conference. Russia regretted that the US was not part of the discussion. Washington has skipped the Moscow meeting citing technical reasons but has said it plans to join similar talks in the future. “We are convinced that it is time to mobilise the resources of the international community to provide Kabul with effective financial humanitarian support, including to prevent a humanitarian crisis and reduce migration flows," Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told reporters before the start of talks with Taliban, Chinese and Pakistani officials. Also Read | Sirajuddin Haqqani, top Taliban minister, praises suicide bombers Russia's keenness to hold talks is partly inspired by its attempt to fill the power vacuum created by withdrawal of US forces from Afghanistan. Russia fears that any instability in Afghanistan may spill over to central Asian countries which were part of the Soviet Union. Also Read | Under Taliban, Kabul's drug addicts forced into withdrawal Moscow is also concerned about possible flow of migrant flow. “We call on the Taliban movement – and we discussed this with their distinguished delegation - to prevent the use of Afghanistan’s territory against third countries, most importantly neighbours," Lavrov said. Also Read | Afghanistan: Two people injured in explosion in Kabul's Dehmazang locality Russia fought its own war in Afghanistan in the 1980s and has close military and political ties with former Soviet Central Asian states that border Afghanistan. (With inputs from agencies)

Afghanistan: Russia calls for humanitarian aid as it hosts Taliban

The Ministry of Interior reported that at least two persons were injured in a bomb assault in Kabul, Afghanistan, on Wednesday, October 20.

Qari Saeed Khosty, a spokesperson for the Kabul Zoo, stated on Twitter that a hand grenade was thrown from the Kabul Zoo at Taliban security troops stationed in Dehmazang Square, Dehmazang neighbourhood in Police District 3 in Kabul.

According to Qari, a search effort is now underway to find the perpetrators of the incident following the explosion.&nbsp;

Local witnesses told Xinhua that the explosion was an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) blast targeting a Taliban pickup truck moving through the traffic circle near the Kabul police headquarters.

According to the witness, the explosion occurred at 7:50 a.m. (local time) with a loud blast, sparking fear among the onlookers and spewing grey smoke into the sky.

It is worth noting that no organisation has claimed credit for this incident as of yet.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The Ministry of Interior reported that at least two persons were injured in a bomb assault in Kabul, Afghanistan, on Wednesday, October 20. Qari Saeed Khosty, a spokesperson for the Kabul Zoo, stated on Twitter that a hand grenade was thrown from the Kabul Zoo at Taliban security troops stationed in Dehmazang Square, Dehmazang neighbourhood in Police District 3 in Kabul.

The Ministry of Interior reported that at least two persons were injured in a bomb assault in Kabul, Afghanistan, on Wednesday, October 20. Qari Saeed Khosty, a spokesperson for the Kabul Zoo, stated on Twitter that a hand grenade was thrown from the Kabul Zoo at Taliban security troops stationed in Dehmazang Square, Dehmazang neighbourhood in Police District 3 in Kabul. According to Qari, a search effort is now underway to find the perpetrators of the incident following the explosion. Local witnesses told Xinhua that the explosion was an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) blast targeting a Taliban pickup truck moving through the traffic circle near the Kabul police headquarters. According to the witness, the explosion occurred at 7:50 a.m. (local time) with a loud blast, sparking fear among the onlookers and spewing grey smoke into the sky. It is worth noting that no organisation has claimed credit for this incident as of yet. (With inputs from agencies)

Afghanistan: Two people injured in explosion in Kabul's Dehmazang locality

With shaved heads, oversized tunics and the terrified gaze of the hunted, the drug addicts rounded up by the Taliban brace for 45 days of painful withdrawal.

For some, the hardliners&nbsp;raids may potentially help them cast off the yoke of addiction.

But for many the stay at Kabul's Ibn Sina centre will just mark a short change of scene, marked by a brutal approach to forcing users off their powerful dependence.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/malala-sends-letter-to-taliban-one-month-after-girls-school-ban-421804">Malala sends letter to Taliban one month after girls school ban</a>

Before the Taliban marched into Kabul on August 15, police in the capital would sometimes arrest addicts and transfer them to the centre.

But since the hardline Islamists took control, the frequency of raids on areas where addicts gather appears to have increased.

Hundreds of users shelter in squalid conditions at Pul-e-Sukhta, under a bridge in western Kabul synonymous with hard drugs and violent crime.

They recognise the rehab clinic's ambulance, and those who can lift themselves off the fetid ground stagger down the rubbish-strewn Paghman River to avoid capture, while many are too intoxicated to wake up.

Two Taliban fighters, armed with M16 and AK-47 rifles, prod the comatose heroin and methamphetamine users with their gun barrels as outreach workers wrestle with men before forcing them to the vehicle.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-are-not-terrorists-us-has-a-wrong-understanding-zabihullah-mujahid-to-wion-421788">Taliban are not terrorists, US has a wrong understanding: Zabihullah Mujahid to WION</a>

Raw sewage runs straight into the boggy river bed, and the stench of urine, faeces and vomit in the crowded drug den is overwhelming.

Cushions, blankets, sandbags and tarpaulins make up the ramshackle camp, which is littered with the addicts' paraphernalia: syringes, wraps, foil and pipes.

The gunmen fire a few shots into the air to assert their authority and shock the addicts, before about 20 are rounded up and whisked away.

<h2>Searches and checks&nbsp;</h2>

During their 45-day rehabilitation stay at the 1,000-bed centre, the men spend their time lying on cots in large dormitories or crouched in the yard, soaking up the autumn sun.&nbsp;

There is little methadone available to help wean the opium and heroin addicts, and nothing to remove the withdrawal pains for those being weaned off of meth, doctors say.

This morning, Emal, 36, shuffles into the registration room.

A volunteer, who like many others working here is a former addict, opens his logbook.

- Name? Emal.

- Your father's name? Abdul Matin.

- Married? Yes. I have three children, two girls and one boy.

- Working? Not currently.

- What drugs do you take? Crystal (meth).

- Have you been here before? Yes, three times. This is my fourth. I was discharged 10 days ago.

As Emal leaves, 22-year-old Bilal Ahmad, skinny and jittery, takes a seat. He is also addicted to meth, and has been through the programme before, "one or one and a half year years ago".

"I am happy to be here," he tells AFP, casting fearful, furtive glances around the room that indicate he is not. "In 45 days, God willing, we can go home."

The men are searched carefully when they arrive.&nbsp;

"Open your mouth. Wider. Lift your tongue," another member of staff at the clinic tells the new arrivals, before checking their shoes and clothes for traces of drugs.

In groups of six, they then shuffle to the tiled building that houses the showers.

There their baggy khaki tunics and trousers are removed and they are handed a packet of shampoo, but no towel.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-should-first-seek-internal-legitimacy-to-receive-international-recognition-ex-afghan-president-karzai-421686">Taliban should first seek internal legitimacy to receive international recognition: Ex-Afghan president Karzai</a>

When they emerge, dripping, they are handed over to a team of barbers who shave their heads to prevent the spread of lice, but leave their scraggy beards.

Some are taken to rooms lined with five beds, while others are ushered into a dormitory where around 30 men of all ages are already lying on top of their covers.

One childishly plays a bamboo flute. Another gestures to his mouth indicating that he is hungry.&nbsp;

<h2>'Terrible problem'&nbsp;</h2>

Poppy cultivation was banned under the Taliban's last rule in the 1990s, but the export of heroin from Taliban-controlled areas provided the hardliners with billions of dollars during their insurgency against the United States and the Western-backed government.

With poppies cheap and easy to grow, Afghanistan provides around 90 percent of the world's production of heroin.

Crystal methamphetamine production has also surged, created from the ephedra plant which grows wild in the country.

According to anti-narcotics experts, 11 percent of Afghanistan's 34 million population are drug users, with four to six percent addicted.

Since sweeping back into power, the Taliban have promised not to allow narcotics production.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-may-obtain-nuclear-weapons-from-pakistan-says-former-us-national-security-advisor-john-bolton-416597">Taliban may obtain nuclear weapons from Pakistan, says former US national security advisor John Bolton</a>

"It is the policy of the Islamic Emirate," said Doctor Ahmad Zoher Sultani, who heads the centre located in an old US army base.

For now, the staff in the centre are all working without pay. Salaries have not been paid out for four months as Afghanistan's economy teeters on the verge of collapse.

Sultani says he was worried that the Taliban would shut his clinic when they first seized power.

"Their intentions towards us were not clear," he told AFP, adding though that the country's new rulers had "quickly told us they wanted us to continue."

In signs he is adapting to the new regime, the doctor has since mid-August swapped out his Western suit and tie for the traditional shalwar kameez, and has removed all of the photographs that once filled the walls of his office.

"Drugs are a terrible problem," he said.

With shaved heads, oversized tunics and the terrified gaze of the hunted, the drug addicts rounded up by the Taliban brace for 45 days of painful withdrawal. For some, the hardliners raids may potentially help them cast off the yoke of addiction.

With shaved heads, oversized tunics and the terrified gaze of the hunted, the drug addicts rounded up by the Taliban brace for 45 days of painful withdrawal. For some, the hardliners raids may potentially help them cast off the yoke of addiction. But for many the stay at Kabul's Ibn Sina centre will just mark a short change of scene, marked by a brutal approach to forcing users off their powerful dependence. Also Read | Malala sends letter to Taliban one month after girls school ban Before the Taliban marched into Kabul on August 15, police in the capital would sometimes arrest addicts and transfer them to the centre. But since the hardline Islamists took control, the frequency of raids on areas where addicts gather appears to have increased. Hundreds of users shelter in squalid conditions at Pul-e-Sukhta, under a bridge in western Kabul synonymous with hard drugs and violent crime. They recognise the rehab clinic's ambulance, and those who can lift themselves off the fetid ground stagger down the rubbish-strewn Paghman River to avoid capture, while many are too intoxicated to wake up. Two Taliban fighters, armed with M16 and AK-47 rifles, prod the comatose heroin and methamphetamine users with their gun barrels as outreach workers wrestle with men before forcing them to the vehicle. Also Read | Taliban are not terrorists, US has a wrong understanding: Zabihullah Mujahid to WION Raw sewage runs straight into the boggy river bed, and the stench of urine, faeces and vomit in the crowded drug den is overwhelming. Cushions, blankets, sandbags and tarpaulins make up the ramshackle camp, which is littered with the addicts' paraphernalia: syringes, wraps, foil and pipes. The gunmen fire a few shots into the air to assert their authority and shock the addicts, before about 20 are rounded up and whisked away. Searches and checks During their 45-day rehabilitation stay at the 1,000-bed centre, the men spend their time lying on cots in large dormitories or crouched in the yard, soaking up the autumn sun. There is little methadone available to help wean the opium and heroin addicts, and nothing to remove the withdrawal pains for those being weaned off of meth, doctors say. This morning, Emal, 36, shuffles into the registration room. A volunteer, who like many others working here is a former addict, opens his logbook. - Name? Emal. - Your father's name? Abdul Matin. - Married? Yes. I have three children, two girls and one boy. - Working? Not currently. - What drugs do you take? Crystal (meth). - Have you been here before? Yes, three times. This is my fourth. I was discharged 10 days ago. As Emal leaves, 22-year-old Bilal Ahmad, skinny and jittery, takes a seat. He is also addicted to meth, and has been through the programme before, "one or one and a half year years ago". "I am happy to be here," he tells AFP, casting fearful, furtive glances around the room that indicate he is not. "In 45 days, God willing, we can go home." The men are searched carefully when they arrive. "Open your mouth. Wider. Lift your tongue," another member of staff at the clinic tells the new arrivals, before checking their shoes and clothes for traces of drugs. In groups of six, they then shuffle to the tiled building that houses the showers. There their baggy khaki tunics and trousers are removed and they are handed a packet of shampoo, but no towel. Also Read | Taliban should first seek internal legitimacy to receive international recognition: Ex-Afghan president Karzai When they emerge, dripping, they are handed over to a team of barbers who shave their heads to prevent the spread of lice, but leave their scraggy beards. Some are taken to rooms lined with five beds, while others are ushered into a dormitory where around 30 men of all ages are already lying on top of their covers. One childishly plays a bamboo flute. Another gestures to his mouth indicating that he is hungry. 'Terrible problem' Poppy cultivation was banned under the Taliban's last rule in the 1990s, but the export of heroin from Taliban-controlled areas provided the hardliners with billions of dollars during their insurgency against the United States and the Western-backed government. With poppies cheap and easy to grow, Afghanistan provides around 90 percent of the world's production of heroin. Crystal methamphetamine production has also surged, created from the ephedra plant which grows wild in the country. According to anti-narcotics experts, 11 percent of Afghanistan's 34 million population are drug users, with four to six percent addicted. Since sweeping back into power, the Taliban have promised not to allow narcotics production. Also Read | Taliban may obtain nuclear weapons from Pakistan, says former US national security advisor John Bolton "It is the policy of the Islamic Emirate," said Doctor Ahmad Zoher Sultani, who heads the centre located in an old US army base. For now, the staff in the centre are all working without pay. Salaries have not been paid out for four months as Afghanistan's economy teeters on the verge of collapse. Sultani says he was worried that the Taliban would shut his clinic when they first seized power. "Their intentions towards us were not clear," he told AFP, adding though that the country's new rulers had "quickly told us they wanted us to continue." In signs he is adapting to the new regime, the doctor has since mid-August swapped out his Western suit and tie for the traditional shalwar kameez, and has removed all of the photographs that once filled the walls of his office. "Drugs are a terrible problem," he said.

Under Taliban, Kabul's drug addicts forced into withdrawal

20 years back, the Taliban blew up the iconic Buddhas of Bamiyan. Today, their fighters stand guard at the same site. Will the wounds of the 2001 cultural genocide be reopened? Mariam Wardak tells you.

South Asia Diary | The Taliban return to Bamiyan

Sirajuddin Haqqani, a US-listed terrorist and a senior figure in Afghanistan's Taliban government is being seen either with his face concealed in public photographs, but why? Listen in.

Afghanistan: Sirajuddin Haqqani limits public appearances, seen with face covered

Ahead of crucial Moscow format talks involving Taliban on Wednesday, the Indian envoy to Russia DB Venkatesh Varma has said both India and Russia "recognize common threats emanating from Afghanistan probably more than any other set of countries". Moscow format of consultations on Afghanistan involves 10 countries, including India, Pakistan, China and will focus on humanitarian crisis emerging in the country and formation of an inclusive government. A joint statement will be adopted after the meeting that is to start around 12 noon local time.

"India and Russia, I believe, may have travelled along different roads - we were not part of the Doha &amp; Troika processes but our destination is common," said the Indian envoy as he spoke to Russia's Kommersant newspaper.

When it comes to the ongoing developments in Afghanistan. Both India and Russia have not recognized the govt announced by Taliban as worries mount over humanitarian crisis emerging in the country with the onset of the winters.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sirajuddin-haqqani-top-taliban-minister-praises-suicide-bombers-422088">Sirajuddin Haqqani, top Taliban minister, praises suicide bombers</a>

Since the fall of Afghan govt led by Ashraf Ghani and Taliban takeover of the country in August, both the countries have had number of conversations on the issues. Russian President Putin spoke to Prime Minister Modi in August following which Secretary of the Russian Security Council General Patrushev visited India and had discussions with Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval.

Asked if Taliban will wipe out terrorism from Afghan territory, envoy Varma said, "In the last several months, unfortunately we have seen that Afghanistan is a story of broken promises. Whether the Taliban will stand by their commitments and back words with deeds - we will wait and see."

International concern has been mounting over Afghan territory being used by terror groups. United Nations Security Council Resolution 2593 passed under India's presidency of the security council in August specially mentioned that the country's territory should not be used to shelter and train terrorists among other things.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/amid-soaring-fuel-prices-and-dwindling-cash-reserves-in-afghanistan-taliban-say-all-is-well-421995">Amid soaring fuel prices and dwindling cash reserves in Afghanistan, Taliban say ‘all is well’</a>

Interestingly, the Indian Envoy pointed out how, "India was not allowed to participate in" in Troika plus talks on Afghanistan involving Russia, US, China, plus Pakistan. It is well known that Islamabad was not keen on New Delhi being present in the talks led by Russia.&nbsp;

He also highlighted while Troika plus talks and Doha process "pursued certain objectives" when it comes to Afghanistan "reality turned out to be quite different from what was originally envisaged", tangentially referring to their failure.

Meanwhile, in first official confirmation by the Indian side, the envoy said, "India will be hosting a high-level meeting of NSAs of regional countries in Afghanistan in November".&nbsp;

India has sent invite to Russia, China, Pakistan, Iran, Uzbekistan and other countries in the region for the talks which is seen as a significant outreach by New Delhi on the issue.

Ahead of crucial Moscow format talks involving Taliban on Wednesday, the Indian envoy to Russia DB Venkatesh Varma has said both India and Russia "recognize common threats emanating from Afghanistan probably more than any other set of countries".

Ahead of crucial Moscow format talks involving Taliban on Wednesday, the Indian envoy to Russia DB Venkatesh Varma has said both India and Russia "recognize common threats emanating from Afghanistan probably more than any other set of countries". Moscow format of consultations on Afghanistan involves 10 countries, including India, Pakistan, China and will focus on humanitarian crisis emerging in the country and formation of an inclusive government. A joint statement will be adopted after the meeting that is to start around 12 noon local time. "India and Russia, I believe, may have travelled along different roads - we were not part of the Doha & Troika processes but our destination is common," said the Indian envoy as he spoke to Russia's Kommersant newspaper. When it comes to the ongoing developments in Afghanistan. Both India and Russia have not recognized the govt announced by Taliban as worries mount over humanitarian crisis emerging in the country with the onset of the winters. Also Read | Sirajuddin Haqqani, top Taliban minister, praises suicide bombers Since the fall of Afghan govt led by Ashraf Ghani and Taliban takeover of the country in August, both the countries have had number of conversations on the issues. Russian President Putin spoke to Prime Minister Modi in August following which Secretary of the Russian Security Council General Patrushev visited India and had discussions with Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. Asked if Taliban will wipe out terrorism from Afghan territory, envoy Varma said, "In the last several months, unfortunately we have seen that Afghanistan is a story of broken promises. Whether the Taliban will stand by their commitments and back words with deeds - we will wait and see." International concern has been mounting over Afghan territory being used by terror groups. United Nations Security Council Resolution 2593 passed under India's presidency of the security council in August specially mentioned that the country's territory should not be used to shelter and train terrorists among other things. Also Read | Amid soaring fuel prices and dwindling cash reserves in Afghanistan, Taliban say ‘all is well’ Interestingly, the Indian Envoy pointed out how, "India was not allowed to participate in" in Troika plus talks on Afghanistan involving Russia, US, China, plus Pakistan. It is well known that Islamabad was not keen on New Delhi being present in the talks led by Russia. He also highlighted while Troika plus talks and Doha process "pursued certain objectives" when it comes to Afghanistan "reality turned out to be quite different from what was originally envisaged", tangentially referring to their failure. Meanwhile, in first official confirmation by the Indian side, the envoy said, "India will be hosting a high-level meeting of NSAs of regional countries in Afghanistan in November". India has sent invite to Russia, China, Pakistan, Iran, Uzbekistan and other countries in the region for the talks which is seen as a significant outreach by New Delhi on the issue.

India, Russia recognise common threats coming from Afghanistan: Indian envoy to Russia

Due to logistical issues, the United States will not attend the "Troika Plus" meeting in Moscow this week, according to State Department spokesperson Ned Price at a press conference on Monday.

"We will not participate in the Moscow talks. The Troika Plus has been an effective, constructive forum. We look forward to engaging in that forum going forward, but we’re not in a position to take part this week … It’s just logistically difficult for us to take part this week, " Price said.

Russia, China, the United States, and Pakistan comprise the Troika Plus configuration. 
 
Watch | South Asia Diary | The Taliban return to Bamiyan

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On Friday, Russian Special Presidential Representative for Afghanistan Zamir Kabulov stated that the objective of the talks was to reach an agreement on a shared perspective on Afghanistan's changing situation.

The meeting is set to take place on October 19. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/malala-sends-letter-to-taliban-one-month-after-girls-school-ban-421804">Also read | Malala sends letter to Taliban one month after girls school ban</a>

The US has been pushing governments not to recognise the Taliban administration in the hopes of gaining influence on important issues, including women's and girls' rights.

Price declined to elaborate on the practical problems that prevented the US from participating.

The discussions come amid an increasing disagreement over the number of diplomats the US is permitted to accredit in Moscow, despite Presidents Joe Biden and Vladimir Putin agreeing in June to pursue collaboration in other areas.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Due to logistical issues, the United States will not attend the "Troika Plus" meeting in Moscow this week, according to State Department spokesperson Ned Price at a press conference on Monday.

Due to logistical issues, the United States will not attend the "Troika Plus" meeting in Moscow this week, according to State Department spokesperson Ned Price at a press conference on Monday. "We will not participate in the Moscow talks. The Troika Plus has been an effective, constructive forum. We look forward to engaging in that forum going forward, but we’re not in a position to take part this week … It’s just logistically difficult for us to take part this week, " Price said. Russia, China, the United States, and Pakistan comprise the Troika Plus configuration. Watch | South Asia Diary | The Taliban return to Bamiyan On Friday, Russian Special Presidential Representative for Afghanistan Zamir Kabulov stated that the objective of the talks was to reach an agreement on a shared perspective on Afghanistan's changing situation. The meeting is set to take place on October 19. Also read | Malala sends letter to Taliban one month after girls school ban The US has been pushing governments not to recognise the Taliban administration in the hopes of gaining influence on important issues, including women's and girls' rights. Price declined to elaborate on the practical problems that prevented the US from participating. The discussions come amid an increasing disagreement over the number of diplomats the US is permitted to accredit in Moscow, despite Presidents Joe Biden and Vladimir Putin agreeing in June to pursue collaboration in other areas. (With inputs from agencies)

US will not attend Moscow talks on Afghanistan this week: Ned Price

Sirajuddin Haqqani, a US-listed terrorist and a senior figure in Afghanistan's Taliban government praised suicide bombers at a meeting with families of the 'martyrs' in Kabul. Haqqani is interior minister in the Taliban government. He carries a bounty of USD 10 million for his arrest.

Pro-Taliban social media accounts and local media on Tuesday published images of the minister praying and embracing men in a glitzy ballroom at an upscale hotel in Kabul.

"Haqqani praised the jihad and sacrifice of the martyrs and mujahideen" calling them the "heroes of Islam and the country", Afghan state broadcaster RTA reported.

It said Sirajuddin "stressed that we must refrain from any betrayal of the aspirations of the martyrs", and promised $125 and a plot of land for each family.

In January 2018, the Intercontinental Hotel in which the meeting was held was stormed by Taliban gunmen, who opened fire on guests and staff and took dozens hostage.

Formed by Sirajuddin's father Jalaluddin, the Haqqani network is the most feared faction of the Taliban, blamed for some of the deadliest attacks in Afghanistan during the last two decades.

Thanks to their financial and military strength -- and a reputation for ruthlessness -- the network is considered semi-autonomous while remaining within the Taliban fold.

Suicide bomb attacks, or martyrdom operations as the Taliban called them, were a tactic first employed by the group in the early years of their insurgency against the former US-backed government, with the military and NATO convoys often targets.

(With inputs from agencies)

Sirajuddin Haqqani, a US-listed terrorist and a senior figure in Afghanistan's Taliban government praised suicide bombers at a meeting with families of the 'martyrs' in Kabul.

Sirajuddin Haqqani, a US-listed terrorist and a senior figure in Afghanistan's Taliban government praised suicide bombers at a meeting with families of the 'martyrs' in Kabul. Haqqani is interior minister in the Taliban government. He carries a bounty of USD 10 million for his arrest. Pro-Taliban social media accounts and local media on Tuesday published images of the minister praying and embracing men in a glitzy ballroom at an upscale hotel in Kabul. "Haqqani praised the jihad and sacrifice of the martyrs and mujahideen" calling them the "heroes of Islam and the country", Afghan state broadcaster RTA reported. It said Sirajuddin "stressed that we must refrain from any betrayal of the aspirations of the martyrs", and promised $125 and a plot of land for each family. In January 2018, the Intercontinental Hotel in which the meeting was held was stormed by Taliban gunmen, who opened fire on guests and staff and took dozens hostage. Formed by Sirajuddin's father Jalaluddin, the Haqqani network is the most feared faction of the Taliban, blamed for some of the deadliest attacks in Afghanistan during the last two decades. Thanks to their financial and military strength -- and a reputation for ruthlessness -- the network is considered semi-autonomous while remaining within the Taliban fold. Suicide bomb attacks, or martyrdom operations as the Taliban called them, were a tactic first employed by the group in the early years of their insurgency against the former US-backed government, with the military and NATO convoys often targets. (With inputs from agencies)

Sirajuddin Haqqani, top Taliban minister, praises suicide bombers

Russia announced fresh talks on the crisis unfolding in Afghanistan. Moscow, Washington DC, Beijing ad Islamabad were all set to meet, however, United States decided to skip it citing logistical reasons. For more analysis on the Indian PM's speech, Dilip Sinha, a former envoy to UN joins for an exclusive conversation.

Dilip Sinha, former envoy to UN in conversation with WION on PM Modi's message to the Taliban & more

Russia announced fresh talks on the crisis unfolding in Afghanistan. Moscow, Washington DC, Beijing ad Islamabad were all set to meet, however, United States decided to skip it citing logistical reasons.

Afghanistan | 'We're not in a position take part,' US cites issues for skipping Moscow talks

As the situation in Afghanistan remains precarious, India has proposed to host an NSA-level meet on Afghanistan, which is likely to take place in November. Key stakeholders like Russia and Pakistan have been invited.

India: NSA level meet on Afghanistan scheduled for next month

India is all set host-person NSA meeting on Afghanistan, which will be the first-of-its-kind dialogue to be hosted by Delhi. WION's Anas Mallick joins on the special broadcast from Kabul.

India proposes NSA-level meet on Afghanistan; Pakistan, Russia invited

Denying that there is no shortage of fuel in Afghanistan, the Taliban-led government on Tuesday told WION that they have made adequate arrangements to replenish their fuel supplies and stressed that there will be a drop in the prices in the coming days.

Speaking exclusively to WION, spokesperson of Taliban finance ministry, Ahmad Wali Haqmal, said, “There is nothing we are short of. About two to three days ago over 200 trucks filled with fuel entered our soil from Turkmenistan and Iran, and soon it will reach every corner of Afghanistan. In the coming 5 to 10 days, we will also see a decrease in the rate of fuel.”

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-will-not-attend-moscow-talks-on-afghanistan-this-week-ned-price-421914">US will not attend Moscow talks on Afghanistan this week: Ned Price</a>

When asked regarding the delay in payment to the employees and dwindling cash reserves, the Taliban spokesman said that the dues have been paid.

“The ministry of Finance is committed to pay salaries of all the staff. 90% of the staff have received salaries and the payment for the rest is under process. So, we will pay all the salaries. And with regards to the availability of cash (reserves), the Afghanistan banks know how much we have,” Haqmal said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/malala-sends-letter-to-taliban-one-month-after-girls-school-ban-421804">Malala sends letter to Taliban one month after girls school ban</a>

Under the Taliban-led government, the residents of Afghanistan have been struggling to make ends meet with the price of basic commodities skyrocketing,&nbsp;Russia’s TASS news agency reported.

According to reports, fuel prices have risen by 20 per cent to 40 per cent since early August.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-are-not-terrorists-us-has-a-wrong-understanding-zabihullah-mujahid-to-wion-421788">&nbsp;Taliban are not terrorists, US has a wrong understanding: Zabihullah Mujahid to WION</a>

Food costs have also risen as a result of food imports from Pakistan and Iran and on account of rising fuel prices.

A Kabul resident remarked that flour costs have gone up by 30 per cent, while vegetables and cereals are dearer by 50 per cent. Medicines are also hard to come by.

Restrictions on cash withdrawals from banks and ATMs have further accentuated their problems. Not more than 20,000 Afghanis ($200) can be withdrawn from banks per week, the Taliban government has dictated. The value of the Afghan currency has also fallen.

“The issue of survival is now at the forefront, and the threat of misery is the primary cause of our despair,” a Kabul resident said, as quoted by TASS.

Denying that there is no shortage of fuel in Afghanistan, the Taliban-led government on Tuesday told WION that they have made adequate arrangements to replenish their fuel supplies and stressed that there will be a drop in the prices in the coming days.

Denying that there is no shortage of fuel in Afghanistan, the Taliban-led government on Tuesday told WION that they have made adequate arrangements to replenish their fuel supplies and stressed that there will be a drop in the prices in the coming days. Speaking exclusively to WION, spokesperson of Taliban finance ministry, Ahmad Wali Haqmal, said, “There is nothing we are short of. About two to three days ago over 200 trucks filled with fuel entered our soil from Turkmenistan and Iran, and soon it will reach every corner of Afghanistan. In the coming 5 to 10 days, we will also see a decrease in the rate of fuel.” Also read | US will not attend Moscow talks on Afghanistan this week: Ned Price When asked regarding the delay in payment to the employees and dwindling cash reserves, the Taliban spokesman said that the dues have been paid. “The ministry of Finance is committed to pay salaries of all the staff. 90% of the staff have received salaries and the payment for the rest is under process. So, we will pay all the salaries. And with regards to the availability of cash (reserves), the Afghanistan banks know how much we have,” Haqmal said. Also read | Malala sends letter to Taliban one month after girls school ban Under the Taliban-led government, the residents of Afghanistan have been struggling to make ends meet with the price of basic commodities skyrocketing, Russia’s TASS news agency reported. According to reports, fuel prices have risen by 20 per cent to 40 per cent since early August. Also read | Taliban are not terrorists, US has a wrong understanding: Zabihullah Mujahid to WION Food costs have also risen as a result of food imports from Pakistan and Iran and on account of rising fuel prices. A Kabul resident remarked that flour costs have gone up by 30 per cent, while vegetables and cereals are dearer by 50 per cent. Medicines are also hard to come by. Restrictions on cash withdrawals from banks and ATMs have further accentuated their problems. Not more than 20,000 Afghanis ($200) can be withdrawn from banks per week, the Taliban government has dictated. The value of the Afghan currency has also fallen. “The issue of survival is now at the forefront, and the threat of misery is the primary cause of our despair,” a Kabul resident said, as quoted by TASS.

Amid soaring fuel prices and dwindling cash reserves in Afghanistan, Taliban say ‘all is well’

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