The United Nations human rights council has voted to appoint a special rapporteur on Afghanistan. This decision was taken to probe allegations of violations by the Taliban and other actors in power. The vote concluded with 28 in favour and five against. China, Pakistan and Russia voted against the probe into Taliban leaders.

United Nations human rights council votes to appoint special rapporteur on Afghanistan

Poland's envoy to India Adam Burakowski has warned of a humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, and his country is willing to "contribute to humanitarian aid". The Polish embassy in Delhi is accredited to Afghanistan and played a key role in coordination of the evacuation in August when Taliban took over the country.

Speaking to WION's Sidhant Sibal, envoy Burakowski highlighted how Poland&nbsp;"evacuated around 1300 people from Afghanistan, Afghan nationals. These are people who worked with our mission in Afghanistan, our embassy when it was there."

The envoy welcomed the "decision of the government of India to be more open for foreign nationals".

Indian government has announced that foreign tourist will be allowed from November 15&nbsp;for those on chartered flights as Covid situation eases.

Interestingly, the Polish envoy also talked about polish artist Stefan Norblin who has decorated Indian palaces, including the Umaid Bhawan palace in Jodhpur. The artist left Poland after the country was attacked during World War II and has been working &nbsp;for Maharajah Umaid Singh of Jodhpur in India. He designed the art deco murals at the famous Umaid Bhawan palace.

WION: How has Poland helped in evacuation process from Afghanistan? 
Adam Burakowski: Our embassies are very few embassies accredited to Afghanistan from Delhi,&nbsp;that is why we are observing the situation in Afghanistan very closely. The fall of Kabul on August 15 was a big surprise and shock for us,&nbsp;as for other countries and Afghanistan itself. So, from the very beginning, we started to plan the evacuation of people who helped us during our 20 years of involvement in NATO mission in Afghanistan. We sent military planes to Poland&nbsp;to take back people to Poland. We evacuated around 1,300 people from Afghanistan, Afghan nationals. These are people who worked with our mission in Afghanistan, our embassy when it was there. It closed down in 2014 and also Polish military contingent. Also, civilians in Ghanzi province, where we made many development projects in Ghazni. We evacuated these people, and those who worked with our allies, such as NATO, EU delegation, and other countries like Lithuania. It was a big scale operation that lasted for 11 days and we reached this number of 1,300 Afghans. We also cooperated very closely with&nbsp;Mr Tahir Qadiry who was the head of mission of Afghanistan in Delhi and then he moved to Poland as an envoy. Ambassador Tahir was very active and even had press conference with our PM about the whole development. We consider the evacuation as success. We consider our 20 years in Afghanistan as a success because Poland contributed much on development of Afghanistan —&nbsp;education, empowerment of women and also people to people contacts. Afghanistan is very important country for us still and we are observing the situation very closely.

WION: How do you see the situation in Afghanistan under the Taliban government&nbsp;which is seen as non inclusive, with no minorities such as the Hazaras, no women? 
Adam Burakowski: We are in European Union, and we are discussing with our partners on whole situation, and will take call on the situation together and how to deal with current admin of Taliban in Afghanistan. As you mentioned, the government&nbsp;is definitely not inclusive and it is also up to Taliban what they want to do. We will be observing this very closely.&nbsp;We are afraid of potential humanitarian crisis because winter is coming and economy is down because of this sudden takeover by Taliban. Also, we are ready to contribute to humanitarian aid.&nbsp;

WION:&nbsp;How have your talks&nbsp;been with India? 
Adam Burakowski: We have constant discussions with the MEA about the development in Afghanistan. We are to a very large extent very like-minded in many aspects of the current situation in Afghanistan.

WION: How do you see ties with India? 
Adam Burakowski: Our relationship has always been very friendly. It was impacted by Covid, and just yesterday we welcomed the decision of the government&nbsp;of India to be more open for foreign nationals. Just before the Covid, we had a direct flight from Delhi to Warsaw. It was a big success, the demand was very high. We would like to restore it as soon as possible.&nbsp;

WION: About the connect between the two countries, we know Polish artist Stefan Norblin has been the decorator of indian palaces, including the Umaid Bhawan palace in Jodhpur. Can you throw some light about&nbsp;his life and times. 
Adam Burakowski: Stefan Norblin was a polish artist and very active in Poland. He was multi-talented and when the World War II broke out, and Poland was attacked by Nazi Germany and Soviet Union, he escaped and finally reached India and got orders from few maharajas, the biggest one in jodhpur. He designed part of Umaid Bhawan in Jodhpur and it was started by Maharaja of Jodhpur, Umaid Singh. He designed the luxurious suites of the palace, the Maharaja and Maharani suites and made series of painting depicting Indian mythology in art deco style. The polish artist contributed to the final look of Umaid Bhawan, one of the biggest palaces in India. His pictures are in the museum there. Polish team came to restore the painting and they are in good shape. I would like to welcome everyone to Jodhpur and look at the pictures.

Poland's envoy to India Adam Burakowski has warned of a humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, and his country is willing to "contribute to humanitarian aid". The Polish embassy in Delhi is accredited to Afghanistan and played a key role in coordination of the evacuation in August when Taliban took over the country.

Poland's envoy to India Adam Burakowski has warned of a humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, and his country is willing to "contribute to humanitarian aid". The Polish embassy in Delhi is accredited to Afghanistan and played a key role in coordination of the evacuation in August when Taliban took over the country. Speaking to WION's Sidhant Sibal, envoy Burakowski highlighted how Poland "evacuated around 1300 people from Afghanistan, Afghan nationals. These are people who worked with our mission in Afghanistan, our embassy when it was there." The envoy welcomed the "decision of the government of India to be more open for foreign nationals". Indian government has announced that foreign tourist will be allowed from November 15 for those on chartered flights as Covid situation eases. Interestingly, the Polish envoy also talked about polish artist Stefan Norblin who has decorated Indian palaces, including the Umaid Bhawan palace in Jodhpur. The artist left Poland after the country was attacked during World War II and has been working for Maharajah Umaid Singh of Jodhpur in India. He designed the art deco murals at the famous Umaid Bhawan palace. WION: How has Poland helped in evacuation process from Afghanistan? Adam Burakowski: Our embassies are very few embassies accredited to Afghanistan from Delhi, that is why we are observing the situation in Afghanistan very closely. The fall of Kabul on August 15 was a big surprise and shock for us, as for other countries and Afghanistan itself. So, from the very beginning, we started to plan the evacuation of people who helped us during our 20 years of involvement in NATO mission in Afghanistan. We sent military planes to Poland to take back people to Poland. We evacuated around 1,300 people from Afghanistan, Afghan nationals. These are people who worked with our mission in Afghanistan, our embassy when it was there. It closed down in 2014 and also Polish military contingent. Also, civilians in Ghanzi province, where we made many development projects in Ghazni. We evacuated these people, and those who worked with our allies, such as NATO, EU delegation, and other countries like Lithuania. It was a big scale operation that lasted for 11 days and we reached this number of 1,300 Afghans. We also cooperated very closely with Mr Tahir Qadiry who was the head of mission of Afghanistan in Delhi and then he moved to Poland as an envoy. Ambassador Tahir was very active and even had press conference with our PM about the whole development. We consider the evacuation as success. We consider our 20 years in Afghanistan as a success because Poland contributed much on development of Afghanistan — education, empowerment of women and also people to people contacts. Afghanistan is very important country for us still and we are observing the situation very closely. WION: How do you see the situation in Afghanistan under the Taliban government which is seen as non inclusive, with no minorities such as the Hazaras, no women? Adam Burakowski: We are in European Union, and we are discussing with our partners on whole situation, and will take call on the situation together and how to deal with current admin of Taliban in Afghanistan. As you mentioned, the government is definitely not inclusive and it is also up to Taliban what they want to do. We will be observing this very closely. We are afraid of potential humanitarian crisis because winter is coming and economy is down because of this sudden takeover by Taliban. Also, we are ready to contribute to humanitarian aid. WION: How have your talks been with India? Adam Burakowski: We have constant discussions with the MEA about the development in Afghanistan. We are to a very large extent very like-minded in many aspects of the current situation in Afghanistan. WION: How do you see ties with India? Adam Burakowski: Our relationship has always been very friendly. It was impacted by Covid, and just yesterday we welcomed the decision of the government of India to be more open for foreign nationals. Just before the Covid, we had a direct flight from Delhi to Warsaw. It was a big success, the demand was very high. We would like to restore it as soon as possible. WION: About the connect between the two countries, we know Polish artist Stefan Norblin has been the decorator of indian palaces, including the Umaid Bhawan palace in Jodhpur. Can you throw some light about his life and times. Adam Burakowski: Stefan Norblin was a polish artist and very active in Poland. He was multi-talented and when the World War II broke out, and Poland was attacked by Nazi Germany and Soviet Union, he escaped and finally reached India and got orders from few maharajas, the biggest one in jodhpur. He designed part of Umaid Bhawan in Jodhpur and it was started by Maharaja of Jodhpur, Umaid Singh. He designed the luxurious suites of the palace, the Maharaja and Maharani suites and made series of painting depicting Indian mythology in art deco style. The polish artist contributed to the final look of Umaid Bhawan, one of the biggest palaces in India. His pictures are in the museum there. Polish team came to restore the painting and they are in good shape. I would like to welcome everyone to Jodhpur and look at the pictures.

Polish envoy to India Adam Burakowski warns of humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan

US Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction John Sopko on Wednesday, said that the office will look into accusations that former Afghanistan president Ashraf Ghani fled the country with large sums of money. Ghani has denied the reports but speculation persists

Ashraf Ghani fled Kabul as Taliban closed in on the outskirts of the Afghan capital in August. He was bitterly criticised for his action.

Now, the US Congress has instructed Sopko's team to look into the claims of Ghani fleeing with a lot of money.

"We haven't proven that yet. We're looking into that. Actually, the Oversight and Government Reform Committee has asked us to look into that," Sopko told a House of Representatives subcommittee.

Also Read | <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>

Sopko's Office of the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) has long been investigating fraud, waste and abuse during America's massive state-building effort, which came to an ignoble end after 20 years with the Taliban takeover.

Sopko suggested to the House Foreign Affairs Committee subcommittee that oversees development aid that the failure of the U.S. project shouldn't have been a surprise, given rampant corruption and mismanagement.

"Corruption grew so pervasive that it ultimately threatened the security and reconstruction mission in Afghanistan," he told the House panel.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/1-million-afghan-children-at-risk-of-dying-due-to-acute-malnutrition-un-officials-418603">1 million Afghan children at risk of dying due to acute malnutrition: UN officials</a>

The congressional hearing was one in the series of hearings looking at US withdrawal from Afghanistan which caused utter mayhem and paved path for return of Taliban.

"We can apply the lessons learned in other conflict zones," Representative Joaquin Castro, the subcommittee's Democratic chairman, said.

The United States and other countries have cut off almost all aid to Afghanistan.

"These are trying times for all of us who care about the future of the Afghan people, especially the Afghans that aided the US and its allies over the past 20 years," Sopko said.

(With inputs from agencies)

US Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction John Sopko on Wednesday, said that the office will look into accusations that former Afghanistan president Ashraf Ghani fled the country with large sums of money.

US Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction John Sopko on Wednesday, said that the office will look into accusations that former Afghanistan president Ashraf Ghani fled the country with large sums of money. Ghani has denied the reports but speculation persists Ashraf Ghani fled Kabul as Taliban closed in on the outskirts of the Afghan capital in August. He was bitterly criticised for his action. Now, the US Congress has instructed Sopko's team to look into the claims of Ghani fleeing with a lot of money. "We haven't proven that yet. We're looking into that. Actually, the Oversight and Government Reform Committee has asked us to look into that," Sopko told a House of Representatives subcommittee. Also Read | 'He smashed the idol of Somnath': Taliban leader Anas Haqqani praises Mahmud Ghaznavi Sopko's Office of the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) has long been investigating fraud, waste and abuse during America's massive state-building effort, which came to an ignoble end after 20 years with the Taliban takeover. Sopko suggested to the House Foreign Affairs Committee subcommittee that oversees development aid that the failure of the U.S. project shouldn't have been a surprise, given rampant corruption and mismanagement. "Corruption grew so pervasive that it ultimately threatened the security and reconstruction mission in Afghanistan," he told the House panel. Also Read | 1 million Afghan children at risk of dying due to acute malnutrition: UN officials The congressional hearing was one in the series of hearings looking at US withdrawal from Afghanistan which caused utter mayhem and paved path for return of Taliban. "We can apply the lessons learned in other conflict zones," Representative Joaquin Castro, the subcommittee's Democratic chairman, said. The United States and other countries have cut off almost all aid to Afghanistan. "These are trying times for all of us who care about the future of the Afghan people, especially the Afghans that aided the US and its allies over the past 20 years," Sopko said. (With inputs from agencies)

Did Ashraf Ghani flee Afghanistan with a lot of money? US watchdog to investigate

The situation in Afghanistan and Chinese aggressive actions were among the key focus areas during the conversation between US Deputy Secretary of state Wendy Sherman and foreign secretary Harsh Shringla. This was the first visit by any senior Biden administration official to India after the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to US.&nbsp;

Foreign secretary Harsh Shringla at US-India Business Council or USIBC event, sitting alongside deputy secretary of state said,"There is an organic growth and momentum in the bilateral relations, given the deep stakes and investments in India-US relations by a multitude of stakeholders on both sides" and "this relationship is one of our most important. India considers its relationship with US of paramount importance"

The visit essentially starts the more sectoral meetings between the 2 countries. The meetings of Defense Policy Group, Economic and Financial Partnership dialogue, Trade Policy Forum, dialogues on counter-terrorism and designations and the 2+2 ministerial will take place soon. The Indian finance minister and the defence secretary will soon visit US.

Calling partnership between US and India "indispensable", Wendy Sherman at USIBC event explained, "many of the challenges we face...can't be solved by anyone nation alone. It takes, it will take the 2 largest democracies in the world, India and the US to meet those challenges"

During the meeting, both saw "meetings of mind" on Afghanistan. While legitimacy to Taliban &nbsp;did came up during talks it is unlikely that the US would take any call as the situation was still evolving.

Taliban has gone back on many of its promises. The promises included forming an inclusive government. There is no representation to women and minorities.

Pakistan's support for terrorism remained New Delhi's concern and it had a good understanding with US on this.

Sources pointed out that, "India and US are speaking from the same page" when it comes to Islamabad's continued support to terrorism. Indian side also mentioned how terror groups from Pakistan are moving into Afghan territories. Fear remains that Afghanistan could become a safe haven for terrorists under Taliban rule. Of more than 30 members of Taliban cabinet, 17 are on the United Nations terror list.

Topic of China was also part of the discussion between the two sides. New Delhi gave its assessment, particularly on developments at Line of Actual Control. US mentioned talks in Geneva, and its policy towards Beijing-- the 3C-- Compete, Cooperate and Challenge. The talks also saw some discussion on India-South Africa proposal on patent wavier on Covid vaccines at WTO, for which Washington reiterated its support. Interestingly, there was no mention of the AUKUS deal between US, UK and Australia which riled up France. Under the deal Australia gets nuclear submarines, a development that comes amid increasingly assertive moves from China.

In Delhi, the US deputy secretary of state also met India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and NSA Ajit Doval. A state dept readout said, "They discussed regional developments, including in Afghanistan, Myanmar, and the People’s Republic of China".

The situation in Afghanistan and Chinese aggressive actions were among the key focus areas during the conversation between US Deputy Secretary of state Wendy Sherman and foreign secretary Harsh Shringla.

The situation in Afghanistan and Chinese aggressive actions were among the key focus areas during the conversation between US Deputy Secretary of state Wendy Sherman and foreign secretary Harsh Shringla. This was the first visit by any senior Biden administration official to India after the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to US. Foreign secretary Harsh Shringla at US-India Business Council or USIBC event, sitting alongside deputy secretary of state said,"There is an organic growth and momentum in the bilateral relations, given the deep stakes and investments in India-US relations by a multitude of stakeholders on both sides" and "this relationship is one of our most important. India considers its relationship with US of paramount importance" The visit essentially starts the more sectoral meetings between the 2 countries. The meetings of Defense Policy Group, Economic and Financial Partnership dialogue, Trade Policy Forum, dialogues on counter-terrorism and designations and the 2+2 ministerial will take place soon. The Indian finance minister and the defence secretary will soon visit US. Calling partnership between US and India "indispensable", Wendy Sherman at USIBC event explained, "many of the challenges we face...can't be solved by anyone nation alone. It takes, it will take the 2 largest democracies in the world, India and the US to meet those challenges" During the meeting, both saw "meetings of mind" on Afghanistan. While legitimacy to Taliban did came up during talks it is unlikely that the US would take any call as the situation was still evolving. Taliban has gone back on many of its promises. The promises included forming an inclusive government. There is no representation to women and minorities. Pakistan's support for terrorism remained New Delhi's concern and it had a good understanding with US on this. Sources pointed out that, "India and US are speaking from the same page" when it comes to Islamabad's continued support to terrorism. Indian side also mentioned how terror groups from Pakistan are moving into Afghan territories. Fear remains that Afghanistan could become a safe haven for terrorists under Taliban rule. Of more than 30 members of Taliban cabinet, 17 are on the United Nations terror list. Topic of China was also part of the discussion between the two sides. New Delhi gave its assessment, particularly on developments at Line of Actual Control. US mentioned talks in Geneva, and its policy towards Beijing-- the 3C-- Compete, Cooperate and Challenge. The talks also saw some discussion on India-South Africa proposal on patent wavier on Covid vaccines at WTO, for which Washington reiterated its support. Interestingly, there was no mention of the AUKUS deal between US, UK and Australia which riled up France. Under the deal Australia gets nuclear submarines, a development that comes amid increasingly assertive moves from China. In Delhi, the US deputy secretary of state also met India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and NSA Ajit Doval. A state dept readout said, "They discussed regional developments, including in Afghanistan, Myanmar, and the People’s Republic of China".

Afghanistan, China key focus during Sherman-Shringla talks in Delhi

The Taliban have been desperate to get international recognition as the official government of Afghanistan. America and the United Nations have allowed limited humanitarian assistance into the country. WION tells you more.

US and UN allow limited humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan

Minorities are under attack in Taliban's Afghanistan: +Men from the Taliban vandalised a Sikh shrine in Kabul +A Taliban leader hailed Ghaznavi for "smashing Somnath idol" +Ethnic Hazaras have been massacred Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Taliban Attack Gurudwara, Hail Ghaznavi who plundered Somnath

Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, the co-founder of Taliban and the Deputy Prime Minister in the new Afghanistan government, has returned to capital Kabul and assumed his duties.

Taliban co-founder and Afghan Deputy PM Mullah Baradar, returns to Kabul from Kandahar

The office of the US Special inspector general for Afghanistan reconstruction has said that it will be looking into allegations that former Afghan president Ashraf Ghani. It was alleged that Ghani took millions of dollars with him when he left the country.

Office of US Special inspector general to look into allegations against  former Afghan president

India based former prime minister of Afghanistan Ahmad shah Ahmadzai is on his way to Kabul via Pakistan on medical grounds. Ahmad Shah Ahmadzai was the acting prime minister of Afghanistan in the Mujahid era, from 1995-1996 under the President Burhanuddin Rabbani. He left the country when Taliban took over of Kabul in 1996 and had been living in exile till the fall of Taliban in 2001.

Musa Ahmadzai, his son, confirmed that his father is leaving and will pass through Wagah border and will reach Afghanistan via Pakistan. He also spoke about the health of his father. They will be using Torkham border crossing to cross over to Afghanistan. Ahmadzai who was in the Afghan govt during the 1992-1996 period in various capacities, also stood for elections in 2004 in Afghanistan. In a post-communist Afghanistan, Ahmadzai was a close associate of President Burhanuddin Rabbani.

India has given him clearance for his travel via Wagah, while Pakistan issued a transit visa. Interestingly, Islamabad received request for transit visa for Ahmadzai and his son from Taliban's deputy minister of education. Travel to Afghanistan is difficult currently as air travel is yet to be restarted at full capacity. For any Afghan living in India, easiest way is by land via Pakistan.

The Pakistani high commission in Delhi has given transit visa to several Afghan nationals in past few weeks, including relatives of those Afghans who want to send back mortal remains to home country. Estimates put the figure from 20 to 50 Pakistani transit visas to Afghan nationals in Delhi.

Since Taliban takeover of Kabul on August 15, many Afghans have left the country fearing for their lives. Over 200 Afghans, mostly from minority Hindu and Sikh communities have come to India. These include two Afghan Sikh MPs--Anarkali Kaur and Narendra Singh Kalsa.

India based former prime minister of Afghanistan Ahmad shah Ahmadzai is on his way to Kabul via Pakistan on medical grounds. Ahmad Shah Ahmadzai was the acting prime minister of Afghanistan in the Mujahid era, from 1995-1996 under the President Burhanuddin Rabbani.

India based former prime minister of Afghanistan Ahmad shah Ahmadzai is on his way to Kabul via Pakistan on medical grounds. Ahmad Shah Ahmadzai was the acting prime minister of Afghanistan in the Mujahid era, from 1995-1996 under the President Burhanuddin Rabbani. He left the country when Taliban took over of Kabul in 1996 and had been living in exile till the fall of Taliban in 2001. Musa Ahmadzai, his son, confirmed that his father is leaving and will pass through Wagah border and will reach Afghanistan via Pakistan. He also spoke about the health of his father. They will be using Torkham border crossing to cross over to Afghanistan. Ahmadzai who was in the Afghan govt during the 1992-1996 period in various capacities, also stood for elections in 2004 in Afghanistan. In a post-communist Afghanistan, Ahmadzai was a close associate of President Burhanuddin Rabbani. India has given him clearance for his travel via Wagah, while Pakistan issued a transit visa. Interestingly, Islamabad received request for transit visa for Ahmadzai and his son from Taliban's deputy minister of education. Travel to Afghanistan is difficult currently as air travel is yet to be restarted at full capacity. For any Afghan living in India, easiest way is by land via Pakistan. The Pakistani high commission in Delhi has given transit visa to several Afghan nationals in past few weeks, including relatives of those Afghans who want to send back mortal remains to home country. Estimates put the figure from 20 to 50 Pakistani transit visas to Afghan nationals in Delhi. Since Taliban takeover of Kabul on August 15, many Afghans have left the country fearing for their lives. Over 200 Afghans, mostly from minority Hindu and Sikh communities have come to India. These include two Afghan Sikh MPs--Anarkali Kaur and Narendra Singh Kalsa.

India-based ex-PM of Afghanistan on way to Kabul via Pakistan

Australia's players support the country's board over its threat to call off a Test with Afghanistan if the Taliban regime ban women from playing cricket, white ball captain Aaron&nbsp;Finch&nbsp;said on Wednesday.

Governing body Cricket Australia said it would cancel the Nov. 27 Test in Hobart if reports women in the South Asian nation would be banned from playing the game were substantiated.

"It’s a really challenging time no doubt, but we’re supportive of Cricket Australia’s position,"&nbsp;Finch&nbsp;told reporters in a media call.

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) said last month it was committed to women's cricket though it was awaiting instructions from the government on its future.

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The Afghanistan's men's squad is preparing for the Twenty20 World Cup in United Arab Emirates and Oman starting on Oct. 17.

Australia's Test captain Tim Paine said last month teams might refuse to play Afghanistan at the World Cup and questioned how the International Cricket Council, the sport's global governing body, could sanction their participation in the tournament.

The ICC will discuss Afghanistan and women's cricket at its next board meeting during the World Cup.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/western-arrogance-michael-holding-slams-england-for-pulling-out-of-pakistan-tour-says-would-not-have-done-that-to-india-418704">'Western arrogance': Michael Holding slams England for pulling out of Pakistan tour, says 'would not have done that to India'</a>

Finch&nbsp;declined to say whether Australia would feel comfortable playing the Afghans at the World Cup where they would not meet unless both teams advance to at least the semi-finals.

"That’s an ICC decision," he said.

"We’re hopeful that things can resolve itself and Afghanistan can play a huge part in international cricket.

"We’ve seen how important they are, the development of their game in Afghanistan no doubt is huge."

Australia's players support the country's board over its threat to call off a Test with Afghanistan if the Taliban regime ban women from playing cricket, white ball captain Aaron Finch said on Wednesday.

Australia's players support the country's board over its threat to call off a Test with Afghanistan if the Taliban regime ban women from playing cricket, white ball captain Aaron Finch said on Wednesday. Governing body Cricket Australia said it would cancel the Nov. 27 Test in Hobart if reports women in the South Asian nation would be banned from playing the game were substantiated. "It’s a really challenging time no doubt, but we’re supportive of Cricket Australia’s position," Finch told reporters in a media call. The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) said last month it was committed to women's cricket though it was awaiting instructions from the government on its future. ALSO READ | 'The reason why he is more successful': Gautam Gambhir opens up on Virat Kohli's playing style The Afghanistan's men's squad is preparing for the Twenty20 World Cup in United Arab Emirates and Oman starting on Oct. 17. Australia's Test captain Tim Paine said last month teams might refuse to play Afghanistan at the World Cup and questioned how the International Cricket Council, the sport's global governing body, could sanction their participation in the tournament. The ICC will discuss Afghanistan and women's cricket at its next board meeting during the World Cup. ALSO READ | 'Western arrogance': Michael Holding slams England for pulling out of Pakistan tour, says 'would not have done that to India' Finch declined to say whether Australia would feel comfortable playing the Afghans at the World Cup where they would not meet unless both teams advance to at least the semi-finals. "That’s an ICC decision," he said. "We’re hopeful that things can resolve itself and Afghanistan can play a huge part in international cricket. "We’ve seen how important they are, the development of their game in Afghanistan no doubt is huge."

Australia players back board's stance on Afghanistan Test: Aaron Finch

Afghanistan is on its way to a 'humanitarian catastrophe.'Hospitals are facing a shortage of beds. Food, medicine and fuel shortages have gripped Afghanistan.

Afghanistan on its way to a humanitarian catastrophe

In police districts across Kabul, young fighters emerging fresh from the battlefields are now patrolling the streets of the Afghan capital. Some wear the uniforms left behind by the US-assisted Afghan forces they deposed.

Taliban fighters patrol the streets to keep peace

Anas Haqqani, the Taliban's leader, paid a visit to the mausoleum of Mahmud Ghaznavi, the conqueror who stormed Gujarat's famous Somnath Temple in the 17th century and lauded him as a "great Muslim fighter."

'Ghaznavi's reign instilled pride in Taliban': Anas Haqqani praises Mahmud Ghaznavi

Diplomats from the United Kingdom have met with the Taliban government in Kabul for the first time since taking power. They discussed the humanitarian crisis and the safe return of British citizens.

UK diplomats meet Taliban leaders in Afghanistan for first time since takeover

Several people who were seeking to leave Afghanistan for medical treatment and other facilities, gathered outside the passport department in Kabul.

People complained about the passport department being closed and said that despite repeated promises to resume the operations of the department, the passport office is yet to open.

Many people who had gathered outside the closed passport office were among those who study abroad, work outside Afghanistan and the ones who are patients and have to leave the country to get medical attention, TOLOnews reported.

Pacha Gul, who travelled to Kabul from Paktia, southeastern province of Afghanistan said, "My Passport has expired, I have to go to Peshawar in Pakistan. I paid 700 dollars for only one gate pass, for the consulate. But the process doesn`t work there either and when I came here, the department is closed."

He said that he worked in Saudi Arabia. But now he is unable to travel because his passport stands expired.

Shafiq Hamdam, a university student said, "Let the passport department be opened. Some are medical patients here, some are having trade problems and some are facing educational problems."

Rostam Amerkhil, who is a resident of Afghanistan`s Wardak province urged the passport office to be reopened as it was causing trouble to the people.

"Everything is connected to the passport if they want to leave the country or stay. Let the passport office be open, don`t cause trouble for people," Amerkhil said.

The Interior Ministry of the Taliban-led government said that the department would resume its activities soon.

"Decisions have been taken in this regard. The process will begin soon," said Sayed Khosti, spokesperson for the Interior Ministry.

The upcoming cabinet meeting of the Taliban-led government would discuss the passport department`s activities, said TOLOnews quoting a source in the passport department.

Several people who were seeking to leave Afghanistan for medical treatment and other facilities, gathered outside the passport department in Kabul. People complained about the passport department being closed and said that despite repeated promises to resume the operations of the department, the passport office is yet to open.

Several people who were seeking to leave Afghanistan for medical treatment and other facilities, gathered outside the passport department in Kabul. People complained about the passport department being closed and said that despite repeated promises to resume the operations of the department, the passport office is yet to open. Many people who had gathered outside the closed passport office were among those who study abroad, work outside Afghanistan and the ones who are patients and have to leave the country to get medical attention, TOLOnews reported. Pacha Gul, who travelled to Kabul from Paktia, southeastern province of Afghanistan said, "My Passport has expired, I have to go to Peshawar in Pakistan. I paid 700 dollars for only one gate pass, for the consulate. But the process doesn`t work there either and when I came here, the department is closed." He said that he worked in Saudi Arabia. But now he is unable to travel because his passport stands expired. Shafiq Hamdam, a university student said, "Let the passport department be opened. Some are medical patients here, some are having trade problems and some are facing educational problems." Rostam Amerkhil, who is a resident of Afghanistan`s Wardak province urged the passport office to be reopened as it was causing trouble to the people. "Everything is connected to the passport if they want to leave the country or stay. Let the passport office be open, don`t cause trouble for people," Amerkhil said. The Interior Ministry of the Taliban-led government said that the department would resume its activities soon. "Decisions have been taken in this regard. The process will begin soon," said Sayed Khosti, spokesperson for the Interior Ministry. The upcoming cabinet meeting of the Taliban-led government would discuss the passport department`s activities, said TOLOnews quoting a source in the passport department.

Afghanistan: Passport department remains shut, trouble for many Afghans

Taliban’s love for radio stations is quite old. In its earlier stint at ruling Afghanistan, it used to run a radio station for various purposes. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The love seems to have grown with time. Now, it seems to have allegedly taken over a radio station in Laghman province by force as it did for the whole country a few months back. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/why-the-talibans-repression-of-women-may-be-more-tactical-than-ideological-418352" hreflang="en">Why the Taliban’s repression of women may be more tactical than ideological</a>

As per reports, the head of Radio Khyber Nawekht, a local radio station, said that a local commander affiliated with the Islamic Emirate stormed into the radio compound and took over its control after the fall of the former government.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Hamid Khyber, head of the radio station, said, “On the first day the Taliban came to power, a local commander took custody of the compound. In addition, the Taliban threatened the journalists with death. So, the operations were halted.”

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/kabul-faces-winter-blackout-as-taliban-unable-to-pay-electricity-suppliers-report-418292" hreflang="en">Kabul faces winter blackout as Taliban unable to pay electricity suppliers: Report</a> &nbsp;&nbsp;

“The broadcasting has stopped and our colleagues are facing a lot of challenges,” said Salahuddin Ahmadzai, a journalist, who works at the station. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Although the local commander is yet to provide details, the interior ministry said that an investigation is underway. &nbsp;

Saeed Khosti, spokesman, interior ministry, said, “Our request from the people is that if the Mujahideen station themselves in their houses or offices, contact the nearby officials. They will pass on the case to us.” &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Taliban’s love for radio stations is quite old. In its earlier stint at ruling Afghanistan, it used to run a radio station for various purposes. The love seems to have grown with time.

Taliban’s love for radio stations is quite old. In its earlier stint at ruling Afghanistan, it used to run a radio station for various purposes. The love seems to have grown with time. Now, it seems to have allegedly taken over a radio station in Laghman province by force as it did for the whole country a few months back. Also Read: Why the Taliban’s repression of women may be more tactical than ideological As per reports, the head of Radio Khyber Nawekht, a local radio station, said that a local commander affiliated with the Islamic Emirate stormed into the radio compound and took over its control after the fall of the former government. Hamid Khyber, head of the radio station, said, “On the first day the Taliban came to power, a local commander took custody of the compound. In addition, the Taliban threatened the journalists with death. So, the operations were halted.” Also Read: Kabul faces winter blackout as Taliban unable to pay electricity suppliers: Report “The broadcasting has stopped and our colleagues are facing a lot of challenges,” said Salahuddin Ahmadzai, a journalist, who works at the station. Although the local commander is yet to provide details, the interior ministry said that an investigation is underway. Saeed Khosti, spokesman, interior ministry, said, “Our request from the people is that if the Mujahideen station themselves in their houses or offices, contact the nearby officials. They will pass on the case to us.” (With inputs from agencies)

After Ghani govt fell, Taliban commander took over radio station in Laghman

Why are the Taliban stripping away so many of Afghan women’s hard-won freedoms?

That may seem like a facetious question. When the Taliban ruled the country in the 1990s, after all, their regime was known for having some of the world’s harshest restrictions on women. The group still adheres to a fundamentalist vision of Islamic society.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/times-have-changed-pictures-of-afghan-women-before-taliban-rule-go-viral-406508">'Times have changed': Pictures of Afghan women before Taliban rule go viral</a>

But ideology is only part of the story.

Every group has a range of beliefs, and not all of them become priorities for governance. Some Taliban officials, particularly those who conducted peace negotiations and favoured international engagement, have suggested that this iteration of Taliban governance might be less restrictive toward women. And there are certainly economic incentives, as the resumption of international aid would be based at least in part on human rights considerations.

None of that has seemed to make a difference thus far. Although some Taliban officials continue to say that conditions will improve, women are still being kept from workplaces and schools. Each week seems to bring a new report of restrictions.

In that light, the Taliban’s decision to restrict women’s freedom begins to look like a political choice as much as it is a matter of ideology. Understanding why the Taliban might see that choice as rewarding, experts say, offers insight into the group’s state-building efforts, and to the nature of the society, they now rule again.

The Insecurity of Taliban Security

“I did not for a minute believe that the Taliban had changed,” said Muqaddesa Yourish, a former deputy minister of commerce who fled to the United States with her family when the Taliban took power. “If anything has changed about them, it is that they know how to deal with the West.”

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/women-teachers-face-uncertain-future-after-taliban-bans-them-from-schools-417874">Women teachers face uncertain future after Taliban bans them from schools</a>

Less than two months after the Taliban seized control of Afghanistan, their promised allowances for women in the workplace and schools have yet to appear. Most women are still banned from going to work, a supposedly temporary measure the Taliban claim is necessary for security.

The leadership is using the same wording in describing when women might be allowed to attend public universities. And when secondary schools reopened, the Taliban directed boys to return to the classroom but said nothing about girls, which families across the country understood as a directive that girls should stay home.

Groups like the Taliban often struggle to make the transition from violent insurgency to actual governance, said Dipali Mukhopadhyay, a researcher at the University of Minnesota who studies rebel governance in Afghanistan, Syria and elsewhere.

They do not have the experience, funding or personnel to deliver sophisticated government services. Instead, their main strength is controlling security — using their status as the country’s most powerful violent group to operate a kind of country-level protection racket, exchanging public safety for obedience.

“We shouldn’t buy this narrative that they are an alternative to the previous government because they are providing security,” said Metra Mehran, co-founder of the Feminine Perspectives Campaign, which sought to bring women’s voices into peace negotiations. “They’re not providing security; they’ve just stopped killing us.”

Mukhopadhyay echoed that sentiment. “That’s the cornerstone of understanding what the Taliban is offering: security and also the threat of force,” she said. “But people, particularly women, know that form of security comes with an ideology attached to it.”

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>

Viewed through that lens, restricting women’s freedom serves as a powerful demonstration of the Taliban’s power. When women and girls vanish from offices and schools, it shows that the Taliban have enough power — and implicitly, enough capacity and willingness to use violence — to dramatically reengineer public spaces.

Mukhopadhyay noted that the Taliban had not only dismantled the Ministry for Women’s Affairs, but had also replaced it with the Ministry for Vice and Virtue, the feared religious police known for their public beatings of women who went out without a male relative or were dressed in something other than a burqa.

“That’s a very potent symbol of who’s winning within the Taliban right now,” she said.

‘The Talib in Every Man’

But marketing is only part of the story. Despite support and funding for gender-equality efforts during 20 years of US-backed governments, Afghan women’s freedoms have always been fragile.

Yourish said she has always sensed that many Afghan men were uncomfortable with women in public life. Although her own father and husband were supportive of her career, she said, they often seemed like outliers.

In the final days before the Taliban took power, Yourish said, she and her friends traded stories of how “the Talib in every man is coming out,” she said. Male strangers approached her and other women on the street, shouting cryptic threats like “your days will be over soon,” she said. She could sense women’s progress crumbling, she said, even before the previous government fell.

Also read |&nbsp;​​​​​​​<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/watch-taliban-fire-shots-at-kabul-women-protesting-for-right-to-study-417115">Watch: Taliban fire shots at Kabul women protesting for right to study</a>

On paper and in the tables of foreign aid budgets, gender equality was a priority for two decades. And there were substantial improvements for many women, especially those who were educated and lived in more urban areas.

But Afghanistan remains a deeply patriarchal society. The Taliban’s promise to return to “traditional” values, in which women are subordinate to their male relatives, is an attractive offer to many Afghan men.

Alice Evans, a researcher at King’s College London who studies women’s economic and social progress, said women’s rights were caught in a “patrilineal trap.”

Societies where family wealth passes through the male line traditionally place a high value on brides’ chastity, Evans said. “Girls are then closely policed to improve their marriage prospects and family honor,” she said, and norms develop that keep women out of public life.

The dynamic is self-reinforcing: Families do not want to risk deviating from social norms on their own, so everyone ends up stuck in a system in which women have to stay close to home.

To get out of that trap, women’s wages have to become high enough that the benefits of working outweigh the risks to family honour, Evans said. In East Asia, for instance, rapid industrialization raised women’s potential earnings, effectively buying them out of the honour-based rules that constrained them to the home.

That did not happen in Afghanistan, where economic productivity and employment languished despite the influx of aid. Women’s wages did not rise enough, in enough places, to outweigh their families’ honor-based concerns, or to transform social norms.

Also read |&nbsp;​​​​​​​<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wion-exclusive-life-under-taliban-women-run-studio-forced-to-shut-down-in-kabul-417039">WION exclusive- Life under Taliban: Women-run studio forced to shut down in Kabul</a>

That may strengthen the Taliban. Rebel groups that are seen as grounded in local communities and values tend to be more successful, Mukhopadhyay said. For conservative Afghans, particularly men, restricting women’s freedom may be a way for the Taliban to claim they support local values.

But it could still backfire, Mukhopadhyay said, if restrictions are so extreme that Afghans see them as overreach by leaders who do not understand how the country has changed. For decades, “the Talibs were living across the border in Pakistan,” she said. “Their perceptions of Islam, and modernity, are not the same as those of people in Afghanistan.”

Women’s employment did become widespread enough that many families relied, at least partly, on their income, said Manizha Wafeq, co-founder and president of the Afghanistan Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Their earnings have vanished in recent weeks as a result of Taliban restrictions, and that could cut into the public’s acceptance of their rule.

“It’s already an economic crisis for the whole country,” Wafeq said. “People are already trying to figure out how to feed their families.”

Why are the Taliban stripping away so many of Afghan women’s hard-won freedoms? That may seem like a facetious question. When the Taliban ruled the country in the 1990s, after all, their regime was known for having some of the world’s harshest restrictions on women.

Why are the Taliban stripping away so many of Afghan women’s hard-won freedoms? That may seem like a facetious question. When the Taliban ruled the country in the 1990s, after all, their regime was known for having some of the world’s harshest restrictions on women. The group still adheres to a fundamentalist vision of Islamic society. Also read | 'Times have changed': Pictures of Afghan women before Taliban rule go viral But ideology is only part of the story. Every group has a range of beliefs, and not all of them become priorities for governance. Some Taliban officials, particularly those who conducted peace negotiations and favoured international engagement, have suggested that this iteration of Taliban governance might be less restrictive toward women. And there are certainly economic incentives, as the resumption of international aid would be based at least in part on human rights considerations. None of that has seemed to make a difference thus far. Although some Taliban officials continue to say that conditions will improve, women are still being kept from workplaces and schools. Each week seems to bring a new report of restrictions. In that light, the Taliban’s decision to restrict women’s freedom begins to look like a political choice as much as it is a matter of ideology. Understanding why the Taliban might see that choice as rewarding, experts say, offers insight into the group’s state-building efforts, and to the nature of the society, they now rule again. The Insecurity of Taliban Security “I did not for a minute believe that the Taliban had changed,” said Muqaddesa Yourish, a former deputy minister of commerce who fled to the United States with her family when the Taliban took power. “If anything has changed about them, it is that they know how to deal with the West.” Also read | Women teachers face uncertain future after Taliban bans them from schools Less than two months after the Taliban seized control of Afghanistan, their promised allowances for women in the workplace and schools have yet to appear. Most women are still banned from going to work, a supposedly temporary measure the Taliban claim is necessary for security. The leadership is using the same wording in describing when women might be allowed to attend public universities. And when secondary schools reopened, the Taliban directed boys to return to the classroom but said nothing about girls, which families across the country understood as a directive that girls should stay home. Groups like the Taliban often struggle to make the transition from violent insurgency to actual governance, said Dipali Mukhopadhyay, a researcher at the University of Minnesota who studies rebel governance in Afghanistan, Syria and elsewhere. They do not have the experience, funding or personnel to deliver sophisticated government services. Instead, their main strength is controlling security — using their status as the country’s most powerful violent group to operate a kind of country-level protection racket, exchanging public safety for obedience. “We shouldn’t buy this narrative that they are an alternative to the previous government because they are providing security,” said Metra Mehran, co-founder of the Feminine Perspectives Campaign, which sought to bring women’s voices into peace negotiations. “They’re not providing security; they’ve just stopped killing us.” Mukhopadhyay echoed that sentiment. “That’s the cornerstone of understanding what the Taliban is offering: security and also the threat of force,” she said. “But people, particularly women, know that form of security comes with an ideology attached to it.” Also read | As need in Afghanistan grows dire, aid groups plead for help Viewed through that lens, restricting women’s freedom serves as a powerful demonstration of the Taliban’s power. When women and girls vanish from offices and schools, it shows that the Taliban have enough power — and implicitly, enough capacity and willingness to use violence — to dramatically reengineer public spaces. Mukhopadhyay noted that the Taliban had not only dismantled the Ministry for Women’s Affairs, but had also replaced it with the Ministry for Vice and Virtue, the feared religious police known for their public beatings of women who went out without a male relative or were dressed in something other than a burqa. “That’s a very potent symbol of who’s winning within the Taliban right now,” she said. ‘The Talib in Every Man’ But marketing is only part of the story. Despite support and funding for gender-equality efforts during 20 years of US-backed governments, Afghan women’s freedoms have always been fragile. Yourish said she has always sensed that many Afghan men were uncomfortable with women in public life. Although her own father and husband were supportive of her career, she said, they often seemed like outliers. In the final days before the Taliban took power, Yourish said, she and her friends traded stories of how “the Talib in every man is coming out,” she said. Male strangers approached her and other women on the street, shouting cryptic threats like “your days will be over soon,” she said. She could sense women’s progress crumbling, she said, even before the previous government fell. Also read | Watch: Taliban fire shots at Kabul women protesting for right to study On paper and in the tables of foreign aid budgets, gender equality was a priority for two decades. And there were substantial improvements for many women, especially those who were educated and lived in more urban areas. But Afghanistan remains a deeply patriarchal society. The Taliban’s promise to return to “traditional” values, in which women are subordinate to their male relatives, is an attractive offer to many Afghan men. Alice Evans, a researcher at King’s College London who studies women’s economic and social progress, said women’s rights were caught in a “patrilineal trap.” Societies where family wealth passes through the male line traditionally place a high value on brides’ chastity, Evans said. “Girls are then closely policed to improve their marriage prospects and family honor,” she said, and norms develop that keep women out of public life. The dynamic is self-reinforcing: Families do not want to risk deviating from social norms on their own, so everyone ends up stuck in a system in which women have to stay close to home. To get out of that trap, women’s wages have to become high enough that the benefits of working outweigh the risks to family honour, Evans said. In East Asia, for instance, rapid industrialization raised women’s potential earnings, effectively buying them out of the honour-based rules that constrained them to the home. That did not happen in Afghanistan, where economic productivity and employment languished despite the influx of aid. Women’s wages did not rise enough, in enough places, to outweigh their families’ honor-based concerns, or to transform social norms. Also read | WION exclusive- Life under Taliban: Women-run studio forced to shut down in Kabul That may strengthen the Taliban. Rebel groups that are seen as grounded in local communities and values tend to be more successful, Mukhopadhyay said. For conservative Afghans, particularly men, restricting women’s freedom may be a way for the Taliban to claim they support local values. But it could still backfire, Mukhopadhyay said, if restrictions are so extreme that Afghans see them as overreach by leaders who do not understand how the country has changed. For decades, “the Talibs were living across the border in Pakistan,” she said. “Their perceptions of Islam, and modernity, are not the same as those of people in Afghanistan.” Women’s employment did become widespread enough that many families relied, at least partly, on their income, said Manizha Wafeq, co-founder and president of the Afghanistan Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Their earnings have vanished in recent weeks as a result of Taliban restrictions, and that could cut into the public’s acceptance of their rule. “It’s already an economic crisis for the whole country,” Wafeq said. “People are already trying to figure out how to feed their families.”

Why the Taliban’s repression of women may be more tactical than ideological

In a hearty welcome, US Marines, who were deployed in Afghanistan, could be seen getting flanked by family and friends on their arrival at the home base on Sunday. &nbsp;

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These Marines belonged to the 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines Regiment. Nine Marines from their battalion had lost their lives while defending the Kabul airport in a suicide bomb attack, which killed at least 13 US service members and scores of Afghans on August 26. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/progressives-stand-firm-on-priorities-as-infrastructure-debate-continues-418182" hreflang="en">Progressives stand firm on priorities as infrastructure debate continues</a>

Although the media personnel were not given access to the returning service members or their families by the Marine Corps, some briefly spoke on their return. &nbsp;

<img alt="Brief 3" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5bfb4e91-76c6-4f03-8ed0-bd32002d49e0" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/US%20Marines%20.jpg" />

In order to protect the airport in the war-torn country, these Marines and other security personnel from the US carried out several operations. They screened people, maintained security, checked baggage and finally, evacuated thousands of people in just a few days. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/blinken-faces-an-awkward-visit-to-paris-his-second-home-418147" hreflang="en">Blinken faces an awkward visit to Paris, his ‘second home’</a>

Not just this, they also cared for several Afghan newborns while carrying out their duties. &nbsp; &nbsp;

It was one of the most chaotic US airlifts. In it, eventually 124,000 people were evacuated out of the country. It included US citizens, Afghans, who aided the US war effort and their families. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In a hearty welcome, US Marines, who were deployed in Afghanistan, could be seen getting flanked by family and friends on their arrival at the home base on Sunday.

In a hearty welcome, US Marines, who were deployed in Afghanistan, could be seen getting flanked by family and friends on their arrival at the home base on Sunday. These Marines belonged to the 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines Regiment. Nine Marines from their battalion had lost their lives while defending the Kabul airport in a suicide bomb attack, which killed at least 13 US service members and scores of Afghans on August 26. Also Read: Progressives stand firm on priorities as infrastructure debate continues Although the media personnel were not given access to the returning service members or their families by the Marine Corps, some briefly spoke on their return. In order to protect the airport in the war-torn country, these Marines and other security personnel from the US carried out several operations. They screened people, maintained security, checked baggage and finally, evacuated thousands of people in just a few days. Also Read: Blinken faces an awkward visit to Paris, his ‘second home’ Not just this, they also cared for several Afghan newborns while carrying out their duties. It was one of the most chaotic US airlifts. In it, eventually 124,000 people were evacuated out of the country. It included US citizens, Afghans, who aided the US war effort and their families. (With inputs from agencies)

US Marines deployed in Afghanistan finally return home

A Chinese think-tank recently said that the Taliban faces a series of severe challenges. This includes unity and establishing an open and inclusive government.&nbsp;

As the Taliban's interim government failed to win&nbsp;global recognition, an article in the state-run Global Times on Saturday said, "China and Pakistan must cooperate closely on the Afghan issue to persuade the Afghan Taliban to establish an open and inclusive government and implement a moderate domestic and foreign policy".

The article has been titled "Why is it essential for China, Pakistan to enhance coordination against terrorists, safeguard regional stability."

Written by the secretary-general of Research Centre for China-South Asia Cooperation at the government-run Shanghai Institutes for International Studies, Liu Zongyi, the article said, "at present, the verbal expression of the Afghan Taliban is very different from that in the past, but we do not know what specific policies they will champion in the future".

"The Afghan Taliban are now facing a series of severe challenges. First, the unity of Afghan Taliban itself. Second, whether the Afghan Taliban can establish an open and inclusive government.

The article said that China and Pakistan, as "all-weather strategic partners", must work together to maintain and promote regional security and stability.

A Chinese think-tank recently said that the Taliban faces a series of severe challenges. This includes unity and establishing an open and inclusive government. As the Taliban's interim government failed to win global recognition, an article in the state-run Global Times on Saturday said, "China and Pakistan must cooperate closely on the Afghan issue to persuade the Afghan Taliban to establish an open and inclusive government and implement a moderate domestic and foreign policy".

A Chinese think-tank recently said that the Taliban faces a series of severe challenges. This includes unity and establishing an open and inclusive government. As the Taliban's interim government failed to win global recognition, an article in the state-run Global Times on Saturday said, "China and Pakistan must cooperate closely on the Afghan issue to persuade the Afghan Taliban to establish an open and inclusive government and implement a moderate domestic and foreign policy". The article has been titled "Why is it essential for China, Pakistan to enhance coordination against terrorists, safeguard regional stability." Written by the secretary-general of Research Centre for China-South Asia Cooperation at the government-run Shanghai Institutes for International Studies, Liu Zongyi, the article said, "at present, the verbal expression of the Afghan Taliban is very different from that in the past, but we do not know what specific policies they will champion in the future". "The Afghan Taliban are now facing a series of severe challenges. First, the unity of Afghan Taliban itself. Second, whether the Afghan Taliban can establish an open and inclusive government. The article said that China and Pakistan, as "all-weather strategic partners", must work together to maintain and promote regional security and stability.

Taliban faces a series of severe challenges, says Chinese think-tank

At an event held to mark the 31st anniversary of reunification, the Germany’s Ambassador to India Walter J Lindner said on Sunday that both Berlin and&nbsp;New Delhi are very much on the same page on issues concerning Afghanistan. The diplomat also said the two countries will see closer cooperation in this regard. &nbsp;

Lindner said, "India is a very big actor there (Afghanistan)... Involved in a lot of developmental projects and Germany has been very active (there) for the last 20 years. So, we both share pretty much the same principles." &nbsp;&nbsp;

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The envoy unveiled a symbolic painting on a large wall at the iconic Sheila Theatre in Paharganj, which depicted the friendship between India and Germany. &nbsp;

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31 years ago, GER became reunited, courageous people teared down Berlin Wall. Today, as COVID makes large celebrations still impossible, we unveiled symbolic street-art painting of IND-GER friendship on this wall in middle of Delhi. Thanks to <a href="https://twitter.com/delhistreetart?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@delhistreetart</a>! Happy 3rd of Oct! <a href="https://t.co/hRBZ5KM68E">pic.twitter.com/hRBZ5KM68E</a>
— Walter J. Lindner (@AmbLindnerIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/AmbLindnerIndia/status/1444581266322427904?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 3, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Economy, student exchange, green energy, environmental protection, science and technology, and artificial intelligence will be some of the key areas of the India-Germany partnership ahead, the diplomat said. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/china-releases-new-propaganda-video-on-galwan-valley-clash-last-year-417891" hreflang="en">China releases new propaganda video on Galwan Valley clash last year</a>

Answering a query related to the India-UK row over COVID-19 vaccine certification, Lindner said, "I don't know exactly what the specifications are... Why the UK is not recognising the app from India. Weeks ago, we recognised Covishield. I myself have been vaccinated with Covishield. So, those who have been administered Covishield do not need to undergo quarantine (in Germany) or face any other restrictions." &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

At an event held to mark the 31st anniversary of reunification, the Germany’s Ambassador to India Walter J Lindner said on Sunday that both Berlin and New Delhi are very much on the same page on issues concerning Afghanistan.

At an event held to mark the 31st anniversary of reunification, the Germany’s Ambassador to India Walter J Lindner said on Sunday that both Berlin and New Delhi are very much on the same page on issues concerning Afghanistan. The diplomat also said the two countries will see closer cooperation in this regard. Lindner said, "India is a very big actor there (Afghanistan)... Involved in a lot of developmental projects and Germany has been very active (there) for the last 20 years. So, we both share pretty much the same principles." Also Read: UK wants trade, security pact with India, says Foreign Secretary Liz Truss The envoy unveiled a symbolic painting on a large wall at the iconic Sheila Theatre in Paharganj, which depicted the friendship between India and Germany. 31 years ago, GER became reunited, courageous people teared down Berlin Wall. Today, as COVID makes large celebrations still impossible, we unveiled symbolic street-art painting of IND-GER friendship on this wall in middle of Delhi. Thanks to @delhistreetart! Happy 3rd of Oct! pic.twitter.com/hRBZ5KM68E — Walter J. Lindner (@AmbLindnerIndia) October 3, 2021 × Economy, student exchange, green energy, environmental protection, science and technology, and artificial intelligence will be some of the key areas of the India-Germany partnership ahead, the diplomat said. Also Read: China releases new propaganda video on Galwan Valley clash last year Answering a query related to the India-UK row over COVID-19 vaccine certification, Lindner said, "I don't know exactly what the specifications are... Why the UK is not recognising the app from India. Weeks ago, we recognised Covishield. I myself have been vaccinated with Covishield. So, those who have been administered Covishield do not need to undergo quarantine (in Germany) or face any other restrictions." (With inputs from agencies)

India, Germany on same page over Afghanistan, says envoy Walter J Lindner

In what can be called an attack on Taliban's leaders, ‘a number of civilians’ have been reportedly killed in an explosion outside Eidgah mosque in Chaman area of Kabul on Sunday. The Taliban spokesman confirmed the incident. Some civilians had gathered at the mosque in Afghan capital to offer their condolences over the death of Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid’s mother Fateha during a memorial service.

Afghanistan: Several civilians killed in explosion outside Eidgah mosque in Kabul's Chaman

In pursuit of dreams, Afghan girls' football squad find new home in Cristiano Ronaldo's homeland

Desperation and chaos seem to grow among Afghan families as they try to flee the country. Chaos can be seen at Kabul bus terminals as residents are trying to find their way out of war-torn Afghanistan.

What's next for Afghans fleeing the Taliban?

In late August, evacuees from Afghanistan began arriving by the busload to the Fort McCoy Army base in the Midwest, carrying little more than cellphones and harrowing tales of their narrow escapes from a country they may never see again. They were greeted by soldiers, assigned rooms in white barracks and advised not to stray into the surrounding forest, lest they get lost.

More than a month later, the remote base, about 170 miles from Milwaukee, is home to 12,600 Afghan evacuees, almost half of them children, now bigger than any city in western Wisconsin’s Monroe County.

The story is much the same on seven other military installations from Texas to New Jersey. Roughly 53,000 Afghans have been living at these bases since the chaotic evacuation from Kabul, the capital, this summer that marked the end of 20 years of war. Although many Americans have turned their attention away from the largest evacuation of war refugees since Vietnam, the operation is very much a work in progress here, overseen by a host of federal agencies and thousands of US&nbsp;troops.

Although an initial group of about 2,600 people — largely former military translators and others who helped allied forces during the war — moved quickly into American communities, the vast majority remain stranded on these sprawling military way stations, uncertain of when they will be able to start the new American lives they were expecting. An additional 14,000 people are still on bases abroad, waiting for transfer to the United States.

“We built a city to house almost 13,000 guests,” said Col. Jen McDonough, deputy commander for sustainment at Fort McCoy, where about 1,600 service members are tasked with ensuring the massive operation runs smoothly.

On a recent warm fall day here, refugees played a pickup game of soccer with soldiers, young children made arts and crafts with volunteers while their mothers studied English in an adjacent classroom, and families at a warehouse rummaged through boxes of donated underwear, shirts and jackets.

Afghan evacuees said they were grateful for the warm reception they have received at the fort, but for many, the long wait has been grueling. None have left the base since arriving, unless they were green card holders or US&nbsp;citizens.

“I have asked many times about the date of departure,’’ said Farwardin Khorasani, 36, who was an interpreter at the US embassy in Kabul. He fled Afghanistan with his wife and two young daughters and hopes to relocate to Sacramento, California. “We are jobless here and have nothing to do.”

US officials say the delays are a result of a measles outbreak, medical checks and a vaccination campaign, as well as the need to complete immigration processing, which involves interviews, biometric exams and applications for work permits. Most bases in the United States are at or near capacity, and Afghan evacuees waiting on bases in the Middle East, Spain and Germany can be flown in only once space opens up.

A shortage of housing also is creating delays. Many families wish to settle where they already have friends or relatives, in places with existing Afghan communities such as California and the Washington, D.C., area. But officials have said that a dearth of affordable apartments could postpone their resettlement. On Thursday, Congress passed a short-term spending bill that included $6.3 billion to relocate and settle Afghan refugees.

Gen. Glen VanHerck, commander of the US Northern Command, which oversees the operation at Fort McCoy, said the military was prepared to accommodate arrivals on bases through the spring, giving authorities time to work through the housing shortage.

“We’ve built housing capacity and we are providing our Afghan guests the environment they need,” he said.

One of the first priorities has been to inoculate evacuees against a variety of diseases.

There have been 24 cases of measles, prompting a vaccination campaign against that illness, along with mumps, rubella and polio, an effort that is just winding down. People must wait at least 21 days after those vaccinations before receiving medical clearance to leave the bases.

Almost 85 per cent of all evacuees on bases have received the single-dose Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine against the coronavirus, and the rate of infection among the population is less than 1 per cent, VanHerck said.

The bases also have seen crime, not unlike densely packed cities.

Two Afghan evacuees are in federal custody; one has been charged with engaging in a sexual act with a minor and another was charged with assaulting his spouse, both at Fort McCoy.

The FBI is investigating an assault on a female service member by Afghan men at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas. And in Quantico, Virginia, a military police officer on guard duty reported that he had observed a 24-year-old Afghan sexually assaulting a 3-year-old Afghan girl, according to a criminal complaint.

VanHerck said the military would “continue taking all necessary measures to ensure the safety” of both those working on the base and the Afghan evacuees. He said many reports to law enforcement were made by Afghans.

The residents seen on a tightly controlled media tour of the base represented a cross-section of Afghan society.

Among them was a group of 148 young women who hoped to finish their university education in the United States, and the principal of an international school. There was an Afghan air force pilot who had learned to fly UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters in Alabama and Texas.

There were men and women from remote provinces, including a cook who had prepared food for soldiers in a far-flung outpost. Some people wore traditional Afghan attire. Others donned jeans and T-shirts. About half knew some English, but others would need to begin learning to read and write once they resettled in the United States, officials said.

Farzana Mohammadi, a member of the Afghan women’s Paralympic basketball team who has been unable to walk since she had polio as a child, said she hoped to keep playing sports and to study psychology in Seattle.

Though optimistic about her own future, “I am only thinking all the time about my parents and younger sister,” said Mohammadi, 24, whose family was still in Kabul.

About 50 to 60 people live in each two-story barracks, where single beds sit side by side. For privacy, families have improvised partitions using sheets.

There are robust security details outside the living quarters, which are clustered into “communities,” each with a center where evacuees can get personal hygiene items or learn about activities, such as town halls with military leadership.

“Grab and go” cafes offering tea, coffee and light snacks are bustling. But the eight self-service laundromats have been underutilized: Most Afghans have preferred to wash their clothing by hand and hang it out to dry on lines, which the military quickly erected.

An imam certifies that meals served at four cafeterias are halal, but the lines to buy pizza at the base exchange often stretch outside.

After weeks of being bottled up together with no timeline for leaving, there have been tensions among the residents. Fights often break out in the line to enter the cafeteria, and there are occasional arguments between people from different tribes.

Several young, single women said they were verbally harassed by Afghan men because they were on the base alone.

“We were told, ‘How are you here without your male family member? We won’t tolerate this,’” said Nilab Ibrahimy, 23, who made it to the Kabul airport in a convoy of seven buses carrying the 148 students from the Asian University for Women, based in Bangladesh, where they had all been studying before the coronavirus outbreak stranded them in Kabul.

Ibrahimy took the issue to the US military leadership, and the entire group of students was moved to another barracks housing mainly single women. There have been no problems since, she and others said.

Passing the time has been another challenge. “When we arrived here, we were sitting in our rooms doing nothing,” said Sepehra Azami, 25, who was studying economics before she fled.

Azami, Ibrahimy and another friend, Batool Bahnam, asked some mothers whether they were interested in having their children learn basic conversational English: What is your name? How are you? Thank you.

They were. Soon, adults began approaching the young women about lessons, too, and classes were added for women and men. “The demand is really high,” Azami said. “Families are struggling with language barriers.”

Mounds of clothing have been donated to the refugees, but it took until last week for every evacuee to receive items.

On Thursday, it was finally the turn of a 12-year-old boy named Nayatola. Dressed in a brown kurta pajama, he searched for clothes in his size. He ended up with an oversize white pullover. On his feet were the adult-size plastic slippers his father had brought from Afghanistan — Nayatola had no other shoes.

As the day wore on, children could be seen outside doodling with chalk. When the visitors passed by, they called out. “Hello, how are you?” a few of them shouted, trying out their new English phrases.

Abdulhadi Pageman, the former Afghan air force pilot, looked toward the warehouse where families were getting clothes. “These children are the future of the United States,” he said, talking about the children on the base. “They will be scientists, engineers. You just have to be patient.”

In late August, evacuees from Afghanistan began arriving by the busload to the Fort McCoy Army base in the Midwest, carrying little more than cellphones and harrowing tales of their narrow escapes from a country they may never see again.

In late August, evacuees from Afghanistan began arriving by the busload to the Fort McCoy Army base in the Midwest, carrying little more than cellphones and harrowing tales of their narrow escapes from a country they may never see again. They were greeted by soldiers, assigned rooms in white barracks and advised not to stray into the surrounding forest, lest they get lost. More than a month later, the remote base, about 170 miles from Milwaukee, is home to 12,600 Afghan evacuees, almost half of them children, now bigger than any city in western Wisconsin’s Monroe County. The story is much the same on seven other military installations from Texas to New Jersey. Roughly 53,000 Afghans have been living at these bases since the chaotic evacuation from Kabul, the capital, this summer that marked the end of 20 years of war. Although many Americans have turned their attention away from the largest evacuation of war refugees since Vietnam, the operation is very much a work in progress here, overseen by a host of federal agencies and thousands of US troops. Although an initial group of about 2,600 people — largely former military translators and others who helped allied forces during the war — moved quickly into American communities, the vast majority remain stranded on these sprawling military way stations, uncertain of when they will be able to start the new American lives they were expecting. An additional 14,000 people are still on bases abroad, waiting for transfer to the United States. “We built a city to house almost 13,000 guests,” said Col. Jen McDonough, deputy commander for sustainment at Fort McCoy, where about 1,600 service members are tasked with ensuring the massive operation runs smoothly. On a recent warm fall day here, refugees played a pickup game of soccer with soldiers, young children made arts and crafts with volunteers while their mothers studied English in an adjacent classroom, and families at a warehouse rummaged through boxes of donated underwear, shirts and jackets. Afghan evacuees said they were grateful for the warm reception they have received at the fort, but for many, the long wait has been grueling. None have left the base since arriving, unless they were green card holders or US citizens. “I have asked many times about the date of departure,’’ said Farwardin Khorasani, 36, who was an interpreter at the US embassy in Kabul. He fled Afghanistan with his wife and two young daughters and hopes to relocate to Sacramento, California. “We are jobless here and have nothing to do.” US officials say the delays are a result of a measles outbreak, medical checks and a vaccination campaign, as well as the need to complete immigration processing, which involves interviews, biometric exams and applications for work permits. Most bases in the United States are at or near capacity, and Afghan evacuees waiting on bases in the Middle East, Spain and Germany can be flown in only once space opens up. A shortage of housing also is creating delays. Many families wish to settle where they already have friends or relatives, in places with existing Afghan communities such as California and the Washington, D.C., area. But officials have said that a dearth of affordable apartments could postpone their resettlement. On Thursday, Congress passed a short-term spending bill that included $6.3 billion to relocate and settle Afghan refugees. Gen. Glen VanHerck, commander of the US Northern Command, which oversees the operation at Fort McCoy, said the military was prepared to accommodate arrivals on bases through the spring, giving authorities time to work through the housing shortage. “We’ve built housing capacity and we are providing our Afghan guests the environment they need,” he said. One of the first priorities has been to inoculate evacuees against a variety of diseases. There have been 24 cases of measles, prompting a vaccination campaign against that illness, along with mumps, rubella and polio, an effort that is just winding down. People must wait at least 21 days after those vaccinations before receiving medical clearance to leave the bases. Almost 85 per cent of all evacuees on bases have received the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine against the coronavirus, and the rate of infection among the population is less than 1 per cent, VanHerck said. The bases also have seen crime, not unlike densely packed cities. Two Afghan evacuees are in federal custody; one has been charged with engaging in a sexual act with a minor and another was charged with assaulting his spouse, both at Fort McCoy. The FBI is investigating an assault on a female service member by Afghan men at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas. And in Quantico, Virginia, a military police officer on guard duty reported that he had observed a 24-year-old Afghan sexually assaulting a 3-year-old Afghan girl, according to a criminal complaint. VanHerck said the military would “continue taking all necessary measures to ensure the safety” of both those working on the base and the Afghan evacuees. He said many reports to law enforcement were made by Afghans. The residents seen on a tightly controlled media tour of the base represented a cross-section of Afghan society. Among them was a group of 148 young women who hoped to finish their university education in the United States, and the principal of an international school. There was an Afghan air force pilot who had learned to fly UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters in Alabama and Texas. There were men and women from remote provinces, including a cook who had prepared food for soldiers in a far-flung outpost. Some people wore traditional Afghan attire. Others donned jeans and T-shirts. About half knew some English, but others would need to begin learning to read and write once they resettled in the United States, officials said. Farzana Mohammadi, a member of the Afghan women’s Paralympic basketball team who has been unable to walk since she had polio as a child, said she hoped to keep playing sports and to study psychology in Seattle. Though optimistic about her own future, “I am only thinking all the time about my parents and younger sister,” said Mohammadi, 24, whose family was still in Kabul. About 50 to 60 people live in each two-story barracks, where single beds sit side by side. For privacy, families have improvised partitions using sheets. There are robust security details outside the living quarters, which are clustered into “communities,” each with a center where evacuees can get personal hygiene items or learn about activities, such as town halls with military leadership. “Grab and go” cafes offering tea, coffee and light snacks are bustling. But the eight self-service laundromats have been underutilized: Most Afghans have preferred to wash their clothing by hand and hang it out to dry on lines, which the military quickly erected. An imam certifies that meals served at four cafeterias are halal, but the lines to buy pizza at the base exchange often stretch outside. After weeks of being bottled up together with no timeline for leaving, there have been tensions among the residents. Fights often break out in the line to enter the cafeteria, and there are occasional arguments between people from different tribes. Several young, single women said they were verbally harassed by Afghan men because they were on the base alone. “We were told, ‘How are you here without your male family member? We won’t tolerate this,’” said Nilab Ibrahimy, 23, who made it to the Kabul airport in a convoy of seven buses carrying the 148 students from the Asian University for Women, based in Bangladesh, where they had all been studying before the coronavirus outbreak stranded them in Kabul. Ibrahimy took the issue to the US military leadership, and the entire group of students was moved to another barracks housing mainly single women. There have been no problems since, she and others said. Passing the time has been another challenge. “When we arrived here, we were sitting in our rooms doing nothing,” said Sepehra Azami, 25, who was studying economics before she fled. Azami, Ibrahimy and another friend, Batool Bahnam, asked some mothers whether they were interested in having their children learn basic conversational English: What is your name? How are you? Thank you. They were. Soon, adults began approaching the young women about lessons, too, and classes were added for women and men. “The demand is really high,” Azami said. “Families are struggling with language barriers.” Mounds of clothing have been donated to the refugees, but it took until last week for every evacuee to receive items. On Thursday, it was finally the turn of a 12-year-old boy named Nayatola. Dressed in a brown kurta pajama, he searched for clothes in his size. He ended up with an oversize white pullover. On his feet were the adult-size plastic slippers his father had brought from Afghanistan — Nayatola had no other shoes. As the day wore on, children could be seen outside doodling with chalk. When the visitors passed by, they called out. “Hello, how are you?” a few of them shouted, trying out their new English phrases. Abdulhadi Pageman, the former Afghan air force pilot, looked toward the warehouse where families were getting clothes. “These children are the future of the United States,” he said, talking about the children on the base. “They will be scientists, engineers. You just have to be patient.”

Military bases turn into small cities as Afghans wait months for homes in US

The Taliban promised that media would be "free and independent," after taking control of Kabul. However, now the group has laid out the limits of that freedom.

Taliban's Government Media and Information Center (GMIC), Qari Muhammad Yousuf Ahmadi, while meeting several Afghan media outlets in September, announced a publishing/broadcasting guide containing 11 directives. Few rules were similar to laws and editorial policies under Afghanistan's elected government.&nbsp;

There were rules that gave the Taliban wide control over the content. These include directives saying that media should coordinate with the GMIC when preparing content and report "carefully" on events not confirmed by an official.

As per watchdogs and locals journalists, these directives are a sign that the Taliban plan to censor content inside the country. 
Sadaqat Ghorzang, a TOLOnews reporter for the eastern provinces, was quoted by VOA as saying, "The new rules plainly mean censorship."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-uses-social-media-as-a-key-tool-in-their-new-form-of-governance-here-is-all-you-need-to-know-412192">Also read |&nbsp;Taliban uses social media as a key tool in their new form of governance, here is all you need to know</a>

"It does not only create problems for journalists to do their job, which is providing information to the people, but also violates freedom of expression."

A copy of the guide, which was circulated online and discussed by media watchdogs, contained 11 rules. As per rules 1-3, media and journalists are forbidden from publishing or broadcasting anything against Islam, insulting national figures, or violating privacy. Rules 4-6 instruct journalists to follow the principles of journalism and balanced news reports and to not distort content. Rules 7-8 say that matters that have not been confirmed by officials or could have a negative impact on the public's attitude should be treated with care.

As per rule 9, media outlets have to be impartial and truthful in their coverage.

Rule 10 and 11 advise journalists to coordinate with the GMIC when working on "detailed report(s) on an issue."

RSF Secretary-General Christophe Deloire described the guidelines as "spine chilling." They can be used coercively and "bode ill for the future of journalistic independence and pluralism in Afghanistan," he said in a statement.

The Taliban promised that media would be "free and independent," after taking control of Kabul. However, now the group has laid out the limits of that freedom. Taliban's Government Media and Information Center (GMIC), Qari Muhammad Yousuf Ahmadi, while meeting several Afghan media outlets in September, announced a publishing/broadcasting guide containing 11 directives.

The Taliban promised that media would be "free and independent," after taking control of Kabul. However, now the group has laid out the limits of that freedom. Taliban's Government Media and Information Center (GMIC), Qari Muhammad Yousuf Ahmadi, while meeting several Afghan media outlets in September, announced a publishing/broadcasting guide containing 11 directives. Few rules were similar to laws and editorial policies under Afghanistan's elected government. There were rules that gave the Taliban wide control over the content. These include directives saying that media should coordinate with the GMIC when preparing content and report "carefully" on events not confirmed by an official. As per watchdogs and locals journalists, these directives are a sign that the Taliban plan to censor content inside the country. Sadaqat Ghorzang, a TOLOnews reporter for the eastern provinces, was quoted by VOA as saying, "The new rules plainly mean censorship." Also read | Taliban uses social media as a key tool in their new form of governance, here is all you need to know "It does not only create problems for journalists to do their job, which is providing information to the people, but also violates freedom of expression." A copy of the guide, which was circulated online and discussed by media watchdogs, contained 11 rules. As per rules 1-3, media and journalists are forbidden from publishing or broadcasting anything against Islam, insulting national figures, or violating privacy. Rules 4-6 instruct journalists to follow the principles of journalism and balanced news reports and to not distort content. Rules 7-8 say that matters that have not been confirmed by officials or could have a negative impact on the public's attitude should be treated with care. As per rule 9, media outlets have to be impartial and truthful in their coverage. Rule 10 and 11 advise journalists to coordinate with the GMIC when working on "detailed report(s) on an issue." RSF Secretary-General Christophe Deloire described the guidelines as "spine chilling." They can be used coercively and "bode ill for the future of journalistic independence and pluralism in Afghanistan," he said in a statement.

Taliban issues new publishing and broadcasting directives

The Taliban foreign minister hosted a group of political ambassadors in Kabul. Envoys from China, Pakistan Russia attended this meet, the country who's envoy was missing was from Qatar.

Afghanistan Crisis: Growing fiction between Qatar and Taliban?

Despite promises of free and fair media from the Taliban in Afghanistan, Afghan journalists face physical abuse, torture. Watch this report for more details.

Afghanistan journalists face physical abuse, torture

It is an open secret that Pakistan supports Taliban, however, recent developments show that these decade-long relationship might get affected, here's why!

Taliban's victory a problem for Pakistan?

After the Taliban takeover, the lives of millions of Afghans changed drastically. Those who managed to escape the Taliban rule ushered a new chapter in their life, those left behind are living like refugees in their own homeland.

Public executions back in Afghanistan, evacuated ones begin a new life

The future of Kabul airport is at stake after the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan. Pakistan is yet to resume commercial flights to Kabul whereas India is yet to resume commercial flights.

Future of Kabul airport at stake after the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan

In a hearing Wednesday on the Afghanistan withdrawal, Gen. Frank McKenzie, the Commander of the US Central Command (CENTCOM), said the military knew civilians had been hit within four or five hours of the strike -- and they knew they had hit the wrong target within days.

US drone strike killed 10 Afghan civilians

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