US Secretary of State Antony Blinken&nbsp;held talks with Pakistan&nbsp;over Afghanistan on the sidelines of UN General Assembly on Thursday. He said he believed the world was united on pressing the Taliban.

Blinken met his Pakistani counterpart Shah Mehmood Qureshi. Pakistan is the key ally of Taliban regime. Blinken also held talks with ministers of four other veto-wielding Security Council members including China and Russia.

"I think there is very strong unity of approach and unity of purpose," Blinken told reporters.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/new-taliban-guidelines-stir-fear-about-the-future-of-press-freedom-41537">New Taliban guidelines stir fear about the future of press freedom</a>

US State Department said that Bliken highlighted "the importance of coordinating our diplomatic engagement" in talks with Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi.

Pakistan has been speaking in favour of engagement with Taliban and unfreezing of Afghan assets. However, Qureshi has said that&nbsp;there was no rush to recognise a new Taliban government, a step opposed by Western nations.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-leader-says-executions-will-return-in-afghanistan-415399">Taliban leader says executions will return in Afghanistan</a>

Qureshi, opening his meeting with Blinken, said, "We have to find a way of collectively working to achieve our common objective, which is peace and stability."

China and Russia have both moved to engage with the Taliban but have also stopped short of recognition and have longstanding concerns about Islamic extremism.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/after-taliban-sacks-v-c-around-70-teaching-staff-of-kabul-university-resign-415340">After Taliban sacks V-C, around 70 teaching staff of Kabul University resign</a>

The Taliban swept through Afghanistan last month after President Joe Biden withdrew US troops, saying there was no point in extending America's longest war beyond 20 years.

(With inputs from agencies)

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken held talks with Pakistan over Afghanistan on the sidelines of UN General Assembly on Thursday. He said he believed the world was united on pressing the Taliban.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken held talks with Pakistan over Afghanistan on the sidelines of UN General Assembly on Thursday. He said he believed the world was united on pressing the Taliban. Blinken met his Pakistani counterpart Shah Mehmood Qureshi. Pakistan is the key ally of Taliban regime. Blinken also held talks with ministers of four other veto-wielding Security Council members including China and Russia. "I think there is very strong unity of approach and unity of purpose," Blinken told reporters. Also Read | New Taliban guidelines stir fear about the future of press freedom US State Department said that Bliken highlighted "the importance of coordinating our diplomatic engagement" in talks with Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi. Pakistan has been speaking in favour of engagement with Taliban and unfreezing of Afghan assets. However, Qureshi has said that there was no rush to recognise a new Taliban government, a step opposed by Western nations. Also Read | Taliban leader says executions will return in Afghanistan Qureshi, opening his meeting with Blinken, said, "We have to find a way of collectively working to achieve our common objective, which is peace and stability." China and Russia have both moved to engage with the Taliban but have also stopped short of recognition and have longstanding concerns about Islamic extremism. Also Read | After Taliban sacks V-C, around 70 teaching staff of Kabul University resign The Taliban swept through Afghanistan last month after President Joe Biden withdrew US troops, saying there was no point in extending America's longest war beyond 20 years. (With inputs from agencies)

Blinken speaks to Pak foreign minister Qureshi; Afghanistan on agenda

Concerns are growing at the increased constraints the Taliban government has placed on the news media in Afghanistan, after officials issued a new framework of rules for journalists that critics say open the door for censorship and repression.

Qari Muhammad Yousuf Ahmadi, interim director of the Government Media and Information Center and a longtime Taliban spokesperson, unveiled 11 rules for journalists this week. They include directives against publishing topics that are in conflict with Islam or insulting to national personalities, and also instruct journalists to produce news reports in coordination with the government media office.

The once-vibrant media industry in Afghanistan has been in free fall since the Taliban seized control last month. Many Afghan journalists fled the country, fearing repression and violence from the new rulers, while dozens more have gone into hiding and are still seeking a way out of Afghanistan.

More than 100 local media companies and radio stations around the country have stopped operating, having been closed down, taken over by the Taliban or forced out of business for lack of funding, according to local media. Some of the most prominent newspapers have had to cease print operations and now publish only online, amid the country’s sharp economic downturn.

A US-based press freedom organisation, the Committee to Protect Journalists, has been focused on the emergency response to help Afghan reporters and to track violence against journalists by the Taliban.

“Journalists are just frightened,” said Steven Butler, who manages the organization’s Asia program. He said the organization had been receiving hundreds of emails from journalists asking for help.

In early September in Kabul, the Taliban rounded up scores of demonstrators and journalists covering demonstrations against the new government, subjecting them to abuse in overcrowded jails, according to journalists who were present. Photos showed the backs of two detained reporters covered with bruises and gashes from being whipped with cables, prompting an international outcry.

More than a dozen Afghan journalists and media workers interviewed by The New York Times earlier this month described living with a sense of fear and self-censorship — while struggling to deliver news despite the Taliban releasing little information.

The new rules announced by the Taliban have done little to calm the nervousness of members of the media and advocates for journalists.

Another press freedom organization, Reporters Without Borders, called the rules “spine-chilling” in a statement Thursday, and warned that although some of them — such as calls for truth and balance — might seem reasonable, as a whole the rules were “extremely dangerous because they open the way to censorship and persecution.”

In its statement, the group noted that while some clauses were similar to the wording in Afghanistan’s national media law, the Taliban had dropped any mention of conforming with international standards and press freedom conventions.

The Taliban did not respond to a request for comment.

Some of the rules could be used coercively, Christophe Deloire, secretary-general of Reporters Without Borders, said in the statement. “They bode ill for the future of journalistic independence and pluralism in Afghanistan.”

Butler said the vagueness of the rules, and their lack of standards, would allow them to be misused.

“You don’t really know what it means or how it will be interpreted,” he said. “A lot of countries across the region have rules that are similarly vague, and they are used on a regular basis to go after journalists, to put them into jail.

“Are we going to assume that the Taliban is going to be better behaved than these other governments that claim to be democracies?” Butler said. “It is hard to be optimistic about that one.”

Concerns are growing at the increased constraints the Taliban government has placed on the news media in Afghanistan, after officials issued a new framework of rules for journalists that critics say open the door for censorship and repression.

Concerns are growing at the increased constraints the Taliban government has placed on the news media in Afghanistan, after officials issued a new framework of rules for journalists that critics say open the door for censorship and repression. Qari Muhammad Yousuf Ahmadi, interim director of the Government Media and Information Center and a longtime Taliban spokesperson, unveiled 11 rules for journalists this week. They include directives against publishing topics that are in conflict with Islam or insulting to national personalities, and also instruct journalists to produce news reports in coordination with the government media office. The once-vibrant media industry in Afghanistan has been in free fall since the Taliban seized control last month. Many Afghan journalists fled the country, fearing repression and violence from the new rulers, while dozens more have gone into hiding and are still seeking a way out of Afghanistan. More than 100 local media companies and radio stations around the country have stopped operating, having been closed down, taken over by the Taliban or forced out of business for lack of funding, according to local media. Some of the most prominent newspapers have had to cease print operations and now publish only online, amid the country’s sharp economic downturn. A US-based press freedom organisation, the Committee to Protect Journalists, has been focused on the emergency response to help Afghan reporters and to track violence against journalists by the Taliban. “Journalists are just frightened,” said Steven Butler, who manages the organization’s Asia program. He said the organization had been receiving hundreds of emails from journalists asking for help. In early September in Kabul, the Taliban rounded up scores of demonstrators and journalists covering demonstrations against the new government, subjecting them to abuse in overcrowded jails, according to journalists who were present. Photos showed the backs of two detained reporters covered with bruises and gashes from being whipped with cables, prompting an international outcry. More than a dozen Afghan journalists and media workers interviewed by The New York Times earlier this month described living with a sense of fear and self-censorship — while struggling to deliver news despite the Taliban releasing little information. The new rules announced by the Taliban have done little to calm the nervousness of members of the media and advocates for journalists. Another press freedom organization, Reporters Without Borders, called the rules “spine-chilling” in a statement Thursday, and warned that although some of them — such as calls for truth and balance — might seem reasonable, as a whole the rules were “extremely dangerous because they open the way to censorship and persecution.” In its statement, the group noted that while some clauses were similar to the wording in Afghanistan’s national media law, the Taliban had dropped any mention of conforming with international standards and press freedom conventions. The Taliban did not respond to a request for comment. Some of the rules could be used coercively, Christophe Deloire, secretary-general of Reporters Without Borders, said in the statement. “They bode ill for the future of journalistic independence and pluralism in Afghanistan.” Butler said the vagueness of the rules, and their lack of standards, would allow them to be misused. “You don’t really know what it means or how it will be interpreted,” he said. “A lot of countries across the region have rules that are similarly vague, and they are used on a regular basis to go after journalists, to put them into jail. “Are we going to assume that the Taliban is going to be better behaved than these other governments that claim to be democracies?” Butler said. “It is hard to be optimistic about that one.”

New Taliban guidelines stir fear about the future of press freedom

One of the founders of the Taliban and the chief enforcer of its harsh interpretation of Islamic law when they last ruled Afghanistan said the hard-line movement will once again carry out executions and amputations of hands, though perhaps not in public.

Taliban leader: Strict punishments will return

The United Nations Security Council has decided to extend the waiver on travel ban imposed on over a dozen top Taliban officials. The exemption on the travel ban is solely for the purpose of allowing travels required to participate in peace and reconciliation process.

United Nations Security Council extends waiver on Taliban's travel ban

Attacks on the Taliban continues, in the latest at least five people including two Taliban members have been killed in two separate incidents in Jalalabad, no group has taken any responsibility.

Afghanistan: After weekend of violence, fresh attacks take place in Jalalabad

The Bagram airbase has been left abandoned. The notorious prison inside is locally referred to as Afghanistan's Guantanamo. Anas Mallick travelled inside this airbase to give us a tour of what's left inside.

Exclusive: WION goes inside the abandoned Bagram airbase

Attackers struck Taliban vehicles in eastern Afghanistan on Wednesday, witnesses said, killing at least two fighters and three civilians in the latest violence since the group’s takeover of the country in mid-August. Watch this report for more details.

Afghanistan: Unidentified gunmen opened fire on Taliban vehicle

Bagram is located about an hour's drive from Afghanistan's capital city of Kabul. It is known mainly for three things - the famous Bagram airbase, Bagram prison and the market outside which usually had smuggled foreign goods. Watch this ground report for more details.

Afghanistan: Heart of US Military power Bagram is now a ghost town

In an attempt to deepen “friendly and cooperative” relations with the Taliban in the future, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi calls for lifting of several unilateral sanctions or restrictions on Afghanistan.

Watch:&nbsp;

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In a statement, the Chinese foreign ministry said, economic sanctions on Afghanistan must end. It cited the foreign minister at a virtual G20 foreign ministers' meeting on Afghanistan on Wednesday. &nbsp;

The minister said, Afghanistan's foreign exchange reserves are national assets, which should belong to the country's people and be used by its own people, and not be used as a bargaining chip to exert pressure on the country. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-new-kernel-estimation-chinese-scientists-conclude-coronavirus-first-appeared-in-us-415168" hreflang="en">In new 'Kernel estimation', Chinese scientists conclude coronavirus first appeared in US</a>

Earlier, Beijing said it welcomed the end of "three weeks of anarchy" in Afghanistan with the establishment of a new interim government in Kabul, calling on the Taliban to restore order in the country. It also said the new government would help bring stability. &nbsp;

At a press briefing, foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin had said, "China attaches great importance to the announcement by the Taliban of the establishment of an interim government and some important personnel arrangements." &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/united-nations-security-council-extends-talibans-travel-ban-waiver-415118" hreflang="en">United Nations Security Council extends Taliban's travel ban waiver</a>&nbsp;

"This has ended more than three weeks of anarchy in Afghanistan and is a necessary step to restore order and rebuild the country," added Wenbin. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In an attempt to deepen “friendly and cooperative” relations with the Taliban in the future, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi calls for lifting of several unilateral sanctions or restrictions on Afghanistan.

In an attempt to deepen “friendly and cooperative” relations with the Taliban in the future, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi calls for lifting of several unilateral sanctions or restrictions on Afghanistan. Watch: × In a statement, the Chinese foreign ministry said, economic sanctions on Afghanistan must end. It cited the foreign minister at a virtual G20 foreign ministers' meeting on Afghanistan on Wednesday. The minister said, Afghanistan's foreign exchange reserves are national assets, which should belong to the country's people and be used by its own people, and not be used as a bargaining chip to exert pressure on the country. Also Read: In new 'Kernel estimation', Chinese scientists conclude coronavirus first appeared in US Earlier, Beijing said it welcomed the end of "three weeks of anarchy" in Afghanistan with the establishment of a new interim government in Kabul, calling on the Taliban to restore order in the country. It also said the new government would help bring stability. At a press briefing, foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin had said, "China attaches great importance to the announcement by the Taliban of the establishment of an interim government and some important personnel arrangements." Also Read: United Nations Security Council extends Taliban's travel ban waiver "This has ended more than three weeks of anarchy in Afghanistan and is a necessary step to restore order and rebuild the country," added Wenbin. (With inputs from agencies)

Lift unilateral sanctions or restrictions on Afghanistan, says Chinese FM Wang Yi

On the sidelines of the annual high-level UN General Assembly session, Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday discussed issues relating to Afghanistan and the Indo-Pacific during his bilateral meetings with global counterparts. &nbsp;

The Indian external affairs minister, who arrived on Monday to participate at the high-level 76th session of the UN General Assembly, started the day with a meeting with French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Yves Le Drian. &nbsp;

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Jaishankar tweeted on Tuesday, "Began the day meeting with our strategic partner France. A comprehensive discussion with FM @JY_LeDrian on Afghanistan, Indo-Pacific and other contemporary issues. India and France are solid partners in the UN Security Council." &nbsp;&nbsp;

The minister then held a bilateral meeting with Iran's Minister of Foreign Affairs H Amirabdollahian. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/in-first-address-at-un-general-assembly-2021-us-president-joe-biden-says-ended-afghan-war-to-enter-new-era-of-diplomacy-414726" hreflang="en">In first address at UN General Assembly 2021, US President Joe Biden says ended Afghan war to enter new era of diplomacy &nbsp;</a>

In a tweet, Jaishankar said, "Good to meet FM @Amirabdolahian of Iran again. Continued our conversation on strengthening bilateral cooperation." He added that the meeting reaffirmed our convergence on regional issues. &nbsp;

The Indian minister also met Egypt's Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry in the UN headquarters on the sidelines of the UNGA. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-announce-expansion-to-interim-cabinet-fail-to-include-women-again-despite-outcry-414741" hreflang="en">Taliban&nbsp;announce expansion to&nbsp;interim Cabinet, fail to include women again despite outcry</a>

"Good to meet FM Sameh Shoukry of Egypt. Agreed to take forward our bilateral cooperation. Exchanged views on the GERD issue and Afghanistan," the minister said. &nbsp;

Jaishankar also met his Australian counterpart Marise Payne. "Met our Quad partner Australia. Took forward strategic conversations with FM @Marisepayne from our last meeting. Was apprised of recent developments in the Indo-Pacific," he said. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

On the sidelines of the annual high-level UN General Assembly session, Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday discussed issues relating to Afghanistan and the Indo-Pacific during his bilateral meetings with global counterparts.

On the sidelines of the annual high-level UN General Assembly session, Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday discussed issues relating to Afghanistan and the Indo-Pacific during his bilateral meetings with global counterparts. The Indian external affairs minister, who arrived on Monday to participate at the high-level 76th session of the UN General Assembly, started the day with a meeting with French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Yves Le Drian. Watch: × Jaishankar tweeted on Tuesday, "Began the day meeting with our strategic partner France. A comprehensive discussion with FM @JY_LeDrian on Afghanistan, Indo-Pacific and other contemporary issues. India and France are solid partners in the UN Security Council." The minister then held a bilateral meeting with Iran's Minister of Foreign Affairs H Amirabdollahian. Also Read: In first address at UN General Assembly 2021, US President Joe Biden says ended Afghan war to enter new era of diplomacy In a tweet, Jaishankar said, "Good to meet FM @Amirabdolahian of Iran again. Continued our conversation on strengthening bilateral cooperation." He added that the meeting reaffirmed our convergence on regional issues. The Indian minister also met Egypt's Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry in the UN headquarters on the sidelines of the UNGA. Also Read: Taliban announce expansion to interim Cabinet, fail to include women again despite outcry "Good to meet FM Sameh Shoukry of Egypt. Agreed to take forward our bilateral cooperation. Exchanged views on the GERD issue and Afghanistan," the minister said. Jaishankar also met his Australian counterpart Marise Payne. "Met our Quad partner Australia. Took forward strategic conversations with FM @Marisepayne from our last meeting. Was apprised of recent developments in the Indo-Pacific," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

On UNGA sidelines, Jaishankar discusses Afghanistan, Indo-Pacific in bilateral meetings 

The Taliban are demanding an invite to the UN. Their foreign minister wants to address the General Assembly. Will the UN relent or will the envoy of the ousted Afghan government be allowed to speak? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas US Edition: Taliban want to speak at UNGA

Afghanistan's Bagram military base built by the Americans has been left abandoned. The notorious detention centre is locally referred to as Afghanistan's Guantanamo. Those who were held there feared they would never leave. And many who did leave have never been the same since. WION's Anas Mallick travelled to this abandoned airbase to give us a sense of what is left behind.

Exclusive: Notorious Bagram prison that once held thousands now empty

The Taliban, which recently took power in Afghanistan, have reportedly asked the United Nations to allow their foreign minister to represent the country and deliver a speech at the UN General Assembly that is currently being held in New York.

Afghanistan's Taliban wants to address the UN General Assembly meeting this week

America's botch-up in Afghanistan has derailed the fight against terrorism. How will South Asia deal with an unstable Afghanistan? Palki Sharma discusses with a special panel of guests.

Gravitas US Edition: How should South Asia deal with an unstable Afghanistan?

At the UN, President Joe Biden declared that the US is opening an era of relentless diplomacy in Afghanistan. But, countries in South Asia are facing the consequences. Today, India seizes $2.7 billion of heroin from Afghanistan in Gujarat. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas US Edition: India seizes $2.7 billion of heroin from Afghanistan in Gujarat

The Taliban's foreign minister has asked to address world leaders at United Nations General Assembly, a UN spokesman said on Tuesday. The UN is yet to decide who will represent Afghanistan at the world body.

A nine-member credentials committee will now rule on the dueling requests, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric told AFP, but it is unclear whether the committee will meet before the end of the convocation on Monday.

Dujarric said that UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres received a letter from Taliban-appointed Amir Khan Muttaqi "requesting to participate" in the high-level debate.

The letter was dated Monday September 20, the day before the session got underway. The letter lists Muttaqi as "Minister of Foreign Affairs," said Dujarric.

The letter did not specify whether Muttaqi wanted to travel to New York to speak or whether the Taliban would submit a recorded video message, as many leaders are doing this year due to Covid-19.

The letter also indicated that Ghulam Isaczai "no longer represents" Afghanistan at the United Nations.

He was the ambassador to the UN of the Afghan government ousted from power in August as US military troops exited the country, ending their 20-year war.

The letter said that the Taliban had nominated their Doha-based spokesman Suhail Shaheen as Afghanistan's permanent representative to the UN.

The note, which had the letterhead "Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, Ministry of Foreign Affairs," said that former president Ashraf Ghani was "ousted" on August 15, the day he fled the country.

"Countries across the world no longer recognize him as president," the letter said, according to the UN.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/in-first-address-at-un-general-assembly-2021-us-president-joe-biden-says-ended-afghan-war-to-enter-new-era-of-diplomacy-414726">UN General Assembly 2021: US President Joe Biden says ended Afghan war to enter new era of diplomacy</a>

The UN spokesman also said that Secretary-General Guterres had received a separate letter from Isaczai, dated September 15, containing the list of Afghanistan's delegation for the session.

That letter listed Isaczai as Afghanistan's permanent representative, Dujarric said.

"These two communications have been sent by the secretariat, after consultation with the office of the president of the General Assembly, to the members of the credentials committee of the 76th session of the General Assembly," he said.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-general-assembly-2021-alarm-to-wake-up-world-key-points-from-strong-speech-by-secretary-general-antonio-guterres-414680">Key points from strong speech by Secretary General Antonio Guterres</a>

The committee is made up of Russia, China, the United States, Sweden, South Africa, Sierra Leone, Chile, Bhutan and the Bahamas.

The committee has in the past refrained from making a decision and instead referred it to the General Assembly for a vote, a diplomatic source told AFP.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-general-assembly-2021-biden-raises-xinjiang-human-rights-abuse-issue-in-maiden-speech-414711">UN General Assembly 2021 | Biden raises Xinjiang human rights abuse issue in maiden speech</a>

No government has yet recognized the Taliban government, first demanding that it meet commitments on human rights, but some have made positive noises.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Taliban's foreign minister has asked to address world leaders at United Nations General Assembly, a UN spokesman said on Tuesday. The UN is yet to decide who will represent Afghanistan at the world body.

The Taliban's foreign minister has asked to address world leaders at United Nations General Assembly, a UN spokesman said on Tuesday. The UN is yet to decide who will represent Afghanistan at the world body. A nine-member credentials committee will now rule on the dueling requests, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric told AFP, but it is unclear whether the committee will meet before the end of the convocation on Monday. Dujarric said that UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres received a letter from Taliban-appointed Amir Khan Muttaqi "requesting to participate" in the high-level debate. The letter was dated Monday September 20, the day before the session got underway. The letter lists Muttaqi as "Minister of Foreign Affairs," said Dujarric. The letter did not specify whether Muttaqi wanted to travel to New York to speak or whether the Taliban would submit a recorded video message, as many leaders are doing this year due to Covid-19. The letter also indicated that Ghulam Isaczai "no longer represents" Afghanistan at the United Nations. He was the ambassador to the UN of the Afghan government ousted from power in August as US military troops exited the country, ending their 20-year war. The letter said that the Taliban had nominated their Doha-based spokesman Suhail Shaheen as Afghanistan's permanent representative to the UN. The note, which had the letterhead "Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, Ministry of Foreign Affairs," said that former president Ashraf Ghani was "ousted" on August 15, the day he fled the country. "Countries across the world no longer recognize him as president," the letter said, according to the UN. Also Read: UN General Assembly 2021: US President Joe Biden says ended Afghan war to enter new era of diplomacy The UN spokesman also said that Secretary-General Guterres had received a separate letter from Isaczai, dated September 15, containing the list of Afghanistan's delegation for the session. That letter listed Isaczai as Afghanistan's permanent representative, Dujarric said. "These two communications have been sent by the secretariat, after consultation with the office of the president of the General Assembly, to the members of the credentials committee of the 76th session of the General Assembly," he said. Also Read: Key points from strong speech by Secretary General Antonio Guterres The committee is made up of Russia, China, the United States, Sweden, South Africa, Sierra Leone, Chile, Bhutan and the Bahamas. The committee has in the past refrained from making a decision and instead referred it to the General Assembly for a vote, a diplomatic source told AFP. Also Read: UN General Assembly 2021 | Biden raises Xinjiang human rights abuse issue in maiden speech No government has yet recognized the Taliban government, first demanding that it meet commitments on human rights, but some have made positive noises. (With inputs from agencies)

Taliban want to address UN General Assembly, appoint new envoy

The Taliban's new foreign minister has asked to address world leaders at the 76th United Nations General Assembly in New York. Watch this report for more details.

Afghanistan's new Foreign Minister asks to address UNGA

Indian officials have seized nearly 3 tonnes of heroin at western Indian port in a major drug bust. The heroin originated from Afghanistan and was sent to India from an Iranian port. The street price of the huge consignment is USD 2.7 billion.

India's Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) seized the drug at Mundra port in Indian state of Gujarat. The contraband was mixed with talc stone powder

The address of the company it was intended to reach to was of Vijaywada. But senior police officers from the city said that the drug was meant to head to Delhi

The Police Commissioner said on verification with the investigating agencies, it was learnt that Govindaraju Durga Purna Vaishali, a resident of Chennai, had taken GST registration in August 2020 on the address D No 23-14-16, Satyanarayanapuram. Machavaram Sudhakar, a resident of Chennai, is the husband of Vaishali. The building is owned by Vaishali`s mother Govindaraju Taraka.

"It is learnt that Vaishali has taken a import and export license (IEC Code) from Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) for export and import purpose. It is also learnt that both wife and husband (Sudhakar and Vaishali) have been residing in Chennai for the past many years," he said.

"The smuggled heroin in the guise of talcum powder that landed at Mundra Port is intended to reach Delhi, but not to Vijayawada as alleged in some sections of media. So far no activity except using the Vijayawada house address for obtaining above licenses has come to notice. However, further enquiries are being conducted," he added.

It was learnt that investigating agencies conducted raids and searched in Ahmedabad, Delhi, and Chennai.

(With inputs from agencies)

Indian officials have seized nearly 3 tonnes of heroin at western Indian port in a major drug bust. The heroin originated from Afghanistan and was sent to India from an Iranian port.

Indian officials have seized nearly 3 tonnes of heroin at western Indian port in a major drug bust. The heroin originated from Afghanistan and was sent to India from an Iranian port. The street price of the huge consignment is USD 2.7 billion. India's Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) seized the drug at Mundra port in Indian state of Gujarat. The contraband was mixed with talc stone powder The address of the company it was intended to reach to was of Vijaywada. But senior police officers from the city said that the drug was meant to head to Delhi The Police Commissioner said on verification with the investigating agencies, it was learnt that Govindaraju Durga Purna Vaishali, a resident of Chennai, had taken GST registration in August 2020 on the address D No 23-14-16, Satyanarayanapuram. Machavaram Sudhakar, a resident of Chennai, is the husband of Vaishali. The building is owned by Vaishali`s mother Govindaraju Taraka. "It is learnt that Vaishali has taken a import and export license (IEC Code) from Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) for export and import purpose. It is also learnt that both wife and husband (Sudhakar and Vaishali) have been residing in Chennai for the past many years," he said. "The smuggled heroin in the guise of talcum powder that landed at Mundra Port is intended to reach Delhi, but not to Vijayawada as alleged in some sections of media. So far no activity except using the Vijayawada house address for obtaining above licenses has come to notice. However, further enquiries are being conducted," he added. It was learnt that investigating agencies conducted raids and searched in Ahmedabad, Delhi, and Chennai. (With inputs from agencies)

Heroin from Afghanistan worth USD 2.7 billion seized in India

Molavi Hamdullah Nomani, the Taliban-appointed Kabul Mayor speaks exclusively to the WION. During the conversation, he stated that the crime rate in Kabul at zero since the Taliban takeover. Watch this report for more details.

Kabul Mayor: Crime rate in Kabul at zero since the Taliban takeover

The 76th Session of the UN General Assembly is in progress from 14th September. Undoubtedly the event held annually is the largest gathering of world leaders, and provides a platform to discuss, debate, and identify the key issues of global concern. An attempt is also made to reach a consensus on the ways and means of addressing and resolving these issues.

This makes it a desirable global body that can set the basic norms of global governance. Opinions, however, differ on the effectiveness of the world body to translate the lofty declarations of intent into concrete actions and deliver as per the expectations of the global community.&nbsp;

When the Heads of State/Government from all over the world met last year on the landmark occasion of the 75th anniversary of the foundation of the United Nations, they were candid in admitting that the world envisaged by the UN’s founders 75 years ago has not yet been realised.

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Some of the important observations included that the world is plagued by growing inequality, poverty, hunger, armed conflicts, terrorism, insecurity, climate change, and pandemics, and the people are forced to make dangerous journeys in search of refuge and safety.&nbsp;

The world leaders, therefore, made twelve commitments: 1. Leave no one behind, 2. Protect our planet, 3. Promote peace and prevent conflicts, 4. Abide by international law and ensure justice. 5. Place women and girls at the center,6. Build trust, 7. Improve digital cooperation, 8. Upgrade the UN, 9.Ensure sustainable financing, 10 Boost partnerships,11. Listen to and work with youth, and 12. Be prepared.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/president-biden-pm-modis-meeting-will-strengthen-deep-ties-says-us-ahead-of-unga-414562">President Biden, PM Modi's meeting will strengthen deep ties, says US ahead of UNGA</a> 
 
As a follow-up to the twelve commitments of the global leaders, the UN Secretary-General unveiled, on the eve of the inauguration of the current session, a &nbsp;report titled &nbsp;“Our Common Agenda”, said to have been prepared after extensive consultations. &nbsp;

Prima-facie, it is difficult to disagree on any of the twelve objectives identified by the global leaders. But as they say proverbially, the taste of the pudding is in eating it. We therefore need to wait for a while to see how much the UN will succeed in the realisation of these noble intentions.

Going by the past track record, the UN has to its credit some notable achievements in selected areas such as Sustainable Development Goals, Climate Change, monitoring the proliferation of nuclear weapons etc. However, the promotion of peace and security, prevention of conflicts, ensuring that all member states abide by the international law and the UN’s reform are some of the important areas where the UN’s delivery so far has been less than satisfactory.&nbsp;

<img alt="UN peacekeeping" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b684d16c-43d2-4cd3-af90-8715f2267d9e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_9KQ6UW.jpg" />

In the recent past, there have been at least three instances when the UN failed to prevent or halt the serious escalation in the historic on-going armed conflicts, which caused substantial loss of human lives and severe damage to property, besides rendering several thousand people as internally displaced or as refugees.&nbsp;

These conflicts include: the Armenia-Azerbaijan war over Nagorno-Karabakh, Israel-Palestine conflict, and most recently the takeover by force of Afghanistan by the Taliban some of whose “ministers” in the so-called interim government are UN-designated terrorists.

<img alt="Taliban" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b35b4222-d70e-4794-a6d7-20350c7a9ee3" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_9N6786.jpg" />

In all these and many other similar cases the events were influenced or controlled and ultimately settled by a handful of global players outside the framework of the UN, while the world body and by implications the rest of the global community remained a silent spectator.&nbsp;

Take for instance the case of Afghanistan. After fighting the Taliban for nearly two decades the US- a world power and celebrated democracy- finally entered into a formal agreement (29th February 2020) with the Taliban– an ultra-conservative, fundamentalist, radical, extremist terror organisation.&nbsp;

What followed is now etched in world history the making of which was watched by the international community in silence, without shedding a tear over the victory of bullet over ballot. The UN Security Council Statements/Resolution (2593) issued/adopted since the Taliban’s take-over on 15th August are anything but critical of the Taliban.

There is no condemnation of the Taliban; instead, in an implied de-facto recognition of the Taliban, the UN appears to be pleading with the Taliban to comply with the expectations of the international community and form an inclusive government, not to allow the Afghan territory being used for terror activities, ensure observance of human rights etc.

No warning has been given as to what could be the consequences of non-observance of the UNSC resolution.

So the pertinent question that arises is: is the UN a too powerless and helpless body that it cannot prevent or resolve conflicts. The answer to this seemingly difficult question is rather simple: the UN is not a superstate presiding over 192 sovereign member states. It can be effective only to the extent it is allowed to be.&nbsp;

Often, the decisions of the UNGA/UNSC or other UN organs are overshadowed by the conflict of interests and proxy wars between a handful of international powers, particularly the five veto-wielding members of the UNSC, who more often pull in different directions rather than being on the same page on issues of strategic and security dimensions.&nbsp;

The UN has but only two weapons at its disposal: the punitive weapon of economic sanctions and the weapon for the positive intervention through International Peace Keeping Force. Once again, neither of these weapons can be deployed unless there is a consensus between these all-powerful players. Net result is the unilateral actions taken by certain individual countries which do not necessarily reflect the collective wish of the international community.

It is therefore not without a reason that India along with some other like-minded countries has repeatedly called for serious reforms in the UN and other global institutional mechanisms to make them truly representatives and relevant to the realities of the 21st century.

Notwithstanding the debatable issue of the usefulness or otherwise of the United Nations, all eyes are as usual now set on the General Debate, scheduled to take place from Tuesday, September 21 to Monday, September 27, including Saturday, September 25. Despite the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, over 100 Heads of State or Government are expected to travel to New York to address the UNGA. Many of them are very likely to &nbsp; go &nbsp;beyond &nbsp;the &nbsp;main theme:, “Building Resilience through Hope – to Recover from COVID-19, Rebuild Sustainably, Respond to the needs of the Planet, Respect the rights of people and Revitalize the United Nations.”&nbsp;

The leaders have traditionally used this opportunity to address both the domestic and international audience and reveal their priorities and policy approaches, besides messaging their friends, allies and adversaries. At the end of the day, each of the national statement will be assigned a reference number and added to the UN archives but for keen and interested observers there will be much to read between the lines to gauge the mind-set of those who matter in international affairs.&nbsp;

In short, the UN is a desirable world body which in present circumstances requires a complete overhauling so that it can deliver as per the expectations of the international community.

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

The 76th Session of the UN General Assembly is in progress from 14th September. Undoubtedly the event held annually is the largest gathering of world leaders, and provides a platform to discuss, debate, and identify the key issues of global concern.

The 76th Session of the UN General Assembly is in progress from 14th September. Undoubtedly the event held annually is the largest gathering of world leaders, and provides a platform to discuss, debate, and identify the key issues of global concern. An attempt is also made to reach a consensus on the ways and means of addressing and resolving these issues. This makes it a desirable global body that can set the basic norms of global governance. Opinions, however, differ on the effectiveness of the world body to translate the lofty declarations of intent into concrete actions and deliver as per the expectations of the global community. When the Heads of State/Government from all over the world met last year on the landmark occasion of the 75th anniversary of the foundation of the United Nations, they were candid in admitting that the world envisaged by the UN’s founders 75 years ago has not yet been realised. × Some of the important observations included that the world is plagued by growing inequality, poverty, hunger, armed conflicts, terrorism, insecurity, climate change, and pandemics, and the people are forced to make dangerous journeys in search of refuge and safety. The world leaders, therefore, made twelve commitments: 1. Leave no one behind, 2. Protect our planet, 3. Promote peace and prevent conflicts, 4. Abide by international law and ensure justice. 5. Place women and girls at the center,6. Build trust, 7. Improve digital cooperation, 8. Upgrade the UN, 9.Ensure sustainable financing, 10 Boost partnerships,11. Listen to and work with youth, and 12. Be prepared. Also Read | President Biden, PM Modi's meeting will strengthen deep ties, says US ahead of UNGA As a follow-up to the twelve commitments of the global leaders, the UN Secretary-General unveiled, on the eve of the inauguration of the current session, a report titled “Our Common Agenda”, said to have been prepared after extensive consultations. Prima-facie, it is difficult to disagree on any of the twelve objectives identified by the global leaders. But as they say proverbially, the taste of the pudding is in eating it. We therefore need to wait for a while to see how much the UN will succeed in the realisation of these noble intentions. Going by the past track record, the UN has to its credit some notable achievements in selected areas such as Sustainable Development Goals, Climate Change, monitoring the proliferation of nuclear weapons etc. However, the promotion of peace and security, prevention of conflicts, ensuring that all member states abide by the international law and the UN’s reform are some of the important areas where the UN’s delivery so far has been less than satisfactory. In the recent past, there have been at least three instances when the UN failed to prevent or halt the serious escalation in the historic on-going armed conflicts, which caused substantial loss of human lives and severe damage to property, besides rendering several thousand people as internally displaced or as refugees. These conflicts include: the Armenia-Azerbaijan war over Nagorno-Karabakh, Israel-Palestine conflict, and most recently the takeover by force of Afghanistan by the Taliban some of whose “ministers” in the so-called interim government are UN-designated terrorists. In all these and many other similar cases the events were influenced or controlled and ultimately settled by a handful of global players outside the framework of the UN, while the world body and by implications the rest of the global community remained a silent spectator. Take for instance the case of Afghanistan. After fighting the Taliban for nearly two decades the US- a world power and celebrated democracy- finally entered into a formal agreement (29th February 2020) with the Taliban– an ultra-conservative, fundamentalist, radical, extremist terror organisation. What followed is now etched in world history the making of which was watched by the international community in silence, without shedding a tear over the victory of bullet over ballot. The UN Security Council Statements/Resolution (2593) issued/adopted since the Taliban’s take-over on 15th August are anything but critical of the Taliban. There is no condemnation of the Taliban; instead, in an implied de-facto recognition of the Taliban, the UN appears to be pleading with the Taliban to comply with the expectations of the international community and form an inclusive government, not to allow the Afghan territory being used for terror activities, ensure observance of human rights etc. No warning has been given as to what could be the consequences of non-observance of the UNSC resolution. So the pertinent question that arises is: is the UN a too powerless and helpless body that it cannot prevent or resolve conflicts. The answer to this seemingly difficult question is rather simple: the UN is not a superstate presiding over 192 sovereign member states. It can be effective only to the extent it is allowed to be. Often, the decisions of the UNGA/UNSC or other UN organs are overshadowed by the conflict of interests and proxy wars between a handful of international powers, particularly the five veto-wielding members of the UNSC, who more often pull in different directions rather than being on the same page on issues of strategic and security dimensions. The UN has but only two weapons at its disposal: the punitive weapon of economic sanctions and the weapon for the positive intervention through International Peace Keeping Force. Once again, neither of these weapons can be deployed unless there is a consensus between these all-powerful players. Net result is the unilateral actions taken by certain individual countries which do not necessarily reflect the collective wish of the international community. It is therefore not without a reason that India along with some other like-minded countries has repeatedly called for serious reforms in the UN and other global institutional mechanisms to make them truly representatives and relevant to the realities of the 21st century. Notwithstanding the debatable issue of the usefulness or otherwise of the United Nations, all eyes are as usual now set on the General Debate, scheduled to take place from Tuesday, September 21 to Monday, September 27, including Saturday, September 25. Despite the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, over 100 Heads of State or Government are expected to travel to New York to address the UNGA. Many of them are very likely to go beyond the main theme:, “Building Resilience through Hope – to Recover from COVID-19, Rebuild Sustainably, Respond to the needs of the Planet, Respect the rights of people and Revitalize the United Nations.” The leaders have traditionally used this opportunity to address both the domestic and international audience and reveal their priorities and policy approaches, besides messaging their friends, allies and adversaries. At the end of the day, each of the national statement will be assigned a reference number and added to the UN archives but for keen and interested observers there will be much to read between the lines to gauge the mind-set of those who matter in international affairs. In short, the UN is a desirable world body which in present circumstances requires a complete overhauling so that it can deliver as per the expectations of the international community. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Opinion | A reflection on effectiveness of UN as UNGA begins

Two persons were arrested&nbsp;while further search&nbsp;is taking place across India, in connection with the seizure of around 3,000 kgs of heroin, originating from Afghanistan, from a port in India's Gujarat state.

The authorities also suspect the involvement of an Afghan national, whose whereabouts are currently being traced.

According to India’s Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), the 3,000 kgs&nbsp;drug—valued at $2.7 billion in the international market—was seized from Mundra port. The contraband was mixed with talc stone powder.

The officials acted after receiving “specific intelligence” that the drugs were being shipped from Bandar Abbas Port in Iran via two containers, weighing 40 tonnes.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/heroin-from-afghanistan-worth-usd-27-billion-seized-in-india-414584">Heroin from Afghanistan worth USD 2.7 billion seized in India</a>

“Specific intelligence was developed that a consignment imported by M/s Aashi Trading Company, Vijaywada, declared as semi-processed Talc stones originating shipped from Bandar Abbas Port to Mundra Port is suspected to contain narcotics drugs. Intelligence indicated that these drugs have originated from Afghanistan,” the officers said in a statement.

The DRI official informed&nbsp;that 1999.579 kgs were recovered from the first container and 988.64 kgs&nbsp;from the second container, totalling to 2988.219 kgs of heroin.

The officers found that the drug was heroin after conducting a laboratory test.

“The examination was conducted in presence of experts from Forensics Science Lab (FSL), Gandhinagar. During the examination, suspected narcotics drugs were recovered from both the containers. The FSL conducted tests and confirmed the presence of heroin,” it added.

The officers are conducting searches in Ahmedabad, Delhi, Chennai, Gandhidham and Mandvi in Gujarat.

<h2>Afghanistan—World’s narco-state</h2>

The latest haul by the Indian authorities brings back the focus on Afghanistan, from where the seized heroin originated.

Afghanistan is the world’s biggest illicit opiate supplier. The poppy crops—the raw ingredient of opium and its derivative heroin— had played a key role in helping the Taliban fund its insurgency against the Western forces, cementing the country’s longtime position as the world’s leading producer of opium.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/lack-of-money-may-push-afghan-authorities-to-turn-to-drug-trafficking-putin-413767">Lack of money may push Afghan authorities to turn to drug trafficking: Putin</a>

According to the data shared by United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the area covered under poppy cultivation expanded from 8,000 hectares in 2001 to 224,000 hectares in 2020.

The gum harvested from poppies is turned into heroin and then shipped to Central Asia, Europe and the United States— where the demand remains in high.

According to the UNODC, the opium economy in Afghanistan is estimated at $1.2 billion to $2.1 billion annually, accounting for 6 to 11 per cent of the Afghan Gross Domestic Production (GDP).

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistans-women-judges-fear-reprisal-stay-in-hiding-414427">Afghanistan's women judges fear reprisal, stay in hiding &nbsp;</a>&nbsp;

The UN agency estimates Afghanistan's drug kingpins to account for 80 per cent of global opium and heroin supplies.

<h2>Taliban's tryst with opium</h2>

Intoxicants including narcotic drugs are, notably, ‘haraam’ in Islam. Yet, the Taliban which claim to fight in the name of religion has refrained from banning opium.

According to an American official quoted in the US Special Inspector General for Afghanistan (SIGAR) report released in May 2021, the militia group derives up to 60 per cent of its annual revenue from the illegal narcotics trade,

An investigation by the BBC found that the Taliban's annual income surged to $400 million from 2011 onwards and is estimated to have peaked at $1.5 billion by 2018-end.

As per UN officials, the Taliban are expected to have earned more than $400 million between 2018 and 2019 from the drug trade, Reuters reported.

However, ever since it took over Afghanistan, the Taliban had been repeatedly stressing that their new government won’t allow the production of narcotics drug.

Speaking at a first press conference on September 12, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid promised that the new government would not turn the world's leading producer of opium into a fully-fledged narco-state.

“We are assuring our countrymen and women and the international community, we will not have any narcotics produced," Mujahid told reporters in Kabul.

“From now on, nobody’s going to get involved (in the heroin trade), nobody can be involved in drug smuggling.”

(With inputs from agencies)

Two persons were arrested while further search is taking place across India, in connection with the seizure of around 3,000 kgs of heroin, originating from Afghanistan, from a port in India's Gujarat state.

Two persons were arrested while further search is taking place across India, in connection with the seizure of around 3,000 kgs of heroin, originating from Afghanistan, from a port in India's Gujarat state. The authorities also suspect the involvement of an Afghan national, whose whereabouts are currently being traced. According to India’s Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), the 3,000 kgs drug—valued at $2.7 billion in the international market—was seized from Mundra port. The contraband was mixed with talc stone powder. The officials acted after receiving “specific intelligence” that the drugs were being shipped from Bandar Abbas Port in Iran via two containers, weighing 40 tonnes. Also read | Heroin from Afghanistan worth USD 2.7 billion seized in India “Specific intelligence was developed that a consignment imported by M/s Aashi Trading Company, Vijaywada, declared as semi-processed Talc stones originating shipped from Bandar Abbas Port to Mundra Port is suspected to contain narcotics drugs. Intelligence indicated that these drugs have originated from Afghanistan,” the officers said in a statement. The DRI official informed that 1999.579 kgs were recovered from the first container and 988.64 kgs from the second container, totalling to 2988.219 kgs of heroin. The officers found that the drug was heroin after conducting a laboratory test. “The examination was conducted in presence of experts from Forensics Science Lab (FSL), Gandhinagar. During the examination, suspected narcotics drugs were recovered from both the containers. The FSL conducted tests and confirmed the presence of heroin,” it added. The officers are conducting searches in Ahmedabad, Delhi, Chennai, Gandhidham and Mandvi in Gujarat. Afghanistan—World’s narco-state The latest haul by the Indian authorities brings back the focus on Afghanistan, from where the seized heroin originated. Afghanistan is the world’s biggest illicit opiate supplier. The poppy crops—the raw ingredient of opium and its derivative heroin— had played a key role in helping the Taliban fund its insurgency against the Western forces, cementing the country’s longtime position as the world’s leading producer of opium. Also read | Lack of money may push Afghan authorities to turn to drug trafficking: Putin According to the data shared by United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the area covered under poppy cultivation expanded from 8,000 hectares in 2001 to 224,000 hectares in 2020. The gum harvested from poppies is turned into heroin and then shipped to Central Asia, Europe and the United States— where the demand remains in high. According to the UNODC, the opium economy in Afghanistan is estimated at $1.2 billion to $2.1 billion annually, accounting for 6 to 11 per cent of the Afghan Gross Domestic Production (GDP). Also read | Afghanistan's women judges fear reprisal, stay in hiding The UN agency estimates Afghanistan's drug kingpins to account for 80 per cent of global opium and heroin supplies. Taliban's tryst with opium Intoxicants including narcotic drugs are, notably, ‘haraam’ in Islam. Yet, the Taliban which claim to fight in the name of religion has refrained from banning opium. According to an American official quoted in the US Special Inspector General for Afghanistan (SIGAR) report released in May 2021, the militia group derives up to 60 per cent of its annual revenue from the illegal narcotics trade, An investigation by the BBC found that the Taliban's annual income surged to $400 million from 2011 onwards and is estimated to have peaked at $1.5 billion by 2018-end. As per UN officials, the Taliban are expected to have earned more than $400 million between 2018 and 2019 from the drug trade, Reuters reported. However, ever since it took over Afghanistan, the Taliban had been repeatedly stressing that their new government won’t allow the production of narcotics drug. Speaking at a first press conference on September 12, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid promised that the new government would not turn the world's leading producer of opium into a fully-fledged narco-state. “We are assuring our countrymen and women and the international community, we will not have any narcotics produced," Mujahid told reporters in Kabul. “From now on, nobody’s going to get involved (in the heroin trade), nobody can be involved in drug smuggling.” (With inputs from agencies)

Massive drug haul: Indian authorities reveal how heroin worth $2.7 bn was busted on way from Afghanistan

After the Taliban takeover, Afghanistan has witnessed several attacks from ISIS-K, now the Taliban has given a statement that they know how to neutralize ISIS-K. Watch this video for more details.

Taliban: Know how to neutralize Islamic State Khorasan

Girls in Afghanistan have been given ray of hope, the Taliban has stated that girls and women in Afghanistan will be allowed to return to school as soon as possible. So far, the world has been helplessly watching the systematic exclusion of women in public places.

Afghanistan: Taliban says 'girls to return to school soon'

As France deals with the fallout from Australia's cancellation of a $40 billion French submarine deal, French President Emmanuel Macron and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed co-operating over the Indo-Pacific region on Tuesday. &nbsp;

Watch:

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A statement from Macron’s office said, the two leaders held a phone conversation on Tuesday. In the call, they also discussed various issues, such as the crisis in Afghanistan. &nbsp;

PM Modi also tweeted, "Spoke with my friend President&nbsp;@EmmanuelMacron&nbsp;on the situation in Afghanistan. We also discussed closer collaboration between India and France in the Indo-Pacific. We place great value on our Strategic Partnership with France, including in the UNSC."

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Spoke with my friend President <a href="https://twitter.com/EmmanuelMacron?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EmmanuelMacron</a> on the situation in Afghanistan. We also discussed closer collaboration between India and France in the Indo-Pacific. We place great value on our Strategic Partnership with France, including in the UNSC.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1440293420212260877?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 21, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to ensure an open and inclusive Indo-Pacific area. They also looked to promote regional stability and the rule of law, while ruling out any form of hegemony. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/before-trade-talks-eu-seeks-apology-from-australia-over-frances-treatment-in-aukus-row-414641" hreflang="en">Before trade talks, EU seeks apology from Australia over France’s treatment in Aukus row</a>

Macron reiterated France's commitment to contribute in strengthening India's strategic autonomy, including its industrial and technological base, within the framework of a close relationship based on trust and mutual respect between two strategic partners. He said bilateral cooperation in all areas, in particular on the economic front, will be strengthened. &nbsp;

The leaders said the authorities in power in Afghanistan need to sever links with international terror organisations, allow humanitarian organisations to operate throughout the country and respect the fundamental rights of Afghan women and men. Also let the evacuation operations continue unhindered. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/first-modi-biden-meet-to-focus-on-afghanistan-terrorism-bolstering-indo-us-ties-foreign-secretary-414633" hreflang="en">First Modi-Biden meet to focus on Afghanistan, terrorism, bolstering Indo-US ties: Foreign Secretary</a>

Both the leaders assured to maintain regular exchanges to coordinate upstream of the next deadlines, in particular the G20 and COP 26 on the climate, and will continue their joint actions against the pandemic. Macron welcomed India’s decision to resume deliveries of vaccines to COVAX. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

As France deals with the fallout from Australia's cancellation of a $40 billion French submarine deal, French President Emmanuel Macron and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed co-operating over the Indo-Pacific region on Tuesday.

As France deals with the fallout from Australia's cancellation of a $40 billion French submarine deal, French President Emmanuel Macron and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed co-operating over the Indo-Pacific region on Tuesday. Watch: × A statement from Macron’s office said, the two leaders held a phone conversation on Tuesday. In the call, they also discussed various issues, such as the crisis in Afghanistan. PM Modi also tweeted, "Spoke with my friend President @EmmanuelMacron on the situation in Afghanistan. We also discussed closer collaboration between India and France in the Indo-Pacific. We place great value on our Strategic Partnership with France, including in the UNSC." Spoke with my friend President @EmmanuelMacron on the situation in Afghanistan. We also discussed closer collaboration between India and France in the Indo-Pacific. We place great value on our Strategic Partnership with France, including in the UNSC. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 21, 2021 × The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to ensure an open and inclusive Indo-Pacific area. They also looked to promote regional stability and the rule of law, while ruling out any form of hegemony. Also Read: Before trade talks, EU seeks apology from Australia over France’s treatment in Aukus row Macron reiterated France's commitment to contribute in strengthening India's strategic autonomy, including its industrial and technological base, within the framework of a close relationship based on trust and mutual respect between two strategic partners. He said bilateral cooperation in all areas, in particular on the economic front, will be strengthened. The leaders said the authorities in power in Afghanistan need to sever links with international terror organisations, allow humanitarian organisations to operate throughout the country and respect the fundamental rights of Afghan women and men. Also let the evacuation operations continue unhindered. Also Read: First Modi-Biden meet to focus on Afghanistan, terrorism, bolstering Indo-US ties: Foreign Secretary Both the leaders assured to maintain regular exchanges to coordinate upstream of the next deadlines, in particular the G20 and COP 26 on the climate, and will continue their joint actions against the pandemic. Macron welcomed India’s decision to resume deliveries of vaccines to COVAX. (With inputs from agencies)

In call, French President Emmanuel Macron, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi discuss Indo-Pacific, Afghanistan

The Taliban said on Tuesday that they admire Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan`s efforts for peace, stability and an inclusive government in Afghanistan, the Express Tribune reported. 
 
"We do not see the positive statements of Prime Minister Imran Khan as interference in the internal matters of Afghanistan," said the spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, Zabiullah Mujahid, at a news conference in Kabul. 
 
The spokesperson added that Pakistan, Qatar and China are playing an active role for stability in Afghanistan. 
 
"We will welcome the role of the countries which are interested to work with good intent for peace and stability in Afghanistan," he added, the report said. 
 
"We are heading towards an inclusive government. More people from different ethnicities, including Hazaras, technocrats and educated people, have been inducted in the interim cabinet. The cabinet formation is not complete yet and more people will be included in it," Mujahid said. 
 
Responding to a question, the spokesperson expressed confidence that economic activities would soon resume in the country. 
 
Ahead of talks on Afghanistan at the UN General Assembly, Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has said that the most urgent priority is averting an even deeper economic collapse of the neighbouring nation that could trigger a humanitarian catastrophe. 
 
On September 3, the Taliban had heaped praise on Pakistan for its longstanding contributions towards the people of Afghanistan.

The Taliban said on Tuesday that they admire Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan`s efforts for peace, stability and an inclusive government in Afghanistan, the Express Tribune reported.

The Taliban said on Tuesday that they admire Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan`s efforts for peace, stability and an inclusive government in Afghanistan, the Express Tribune reported. "We do not see the positive statements of Prime Minister Imran Khan as interference in the internal matters of Afghanistan," said the spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, Zabiullah Mujahid, at a news conference in Kabul. The spokesperson added that Pakistan, Qatar and China are playing an active role for stability in Afghanistan. "We will welcome the role of the countries which are interested to work with good intent for peace and stability in Afghanistan," he added, the report said. "We are heading towards an inclusive government. More people from different ethnicities, including Hazaras, technocrats and educated people, have been inducted in the interim cabinet. The cabinet formation is not complete yet and more people will be included in it," Mujahid said. Responding to a question, the spokesperson expressed confidence that economic activities would soon resume in the country. Ahead of talks on Afghanistan at the UN General Assembly, Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has said that the most urgent priority is averting an even deeper economic collapse of the neighbouring nation that could trigger a humanitarian catastrophe. On September 3, the Taliban had heaped praise on Pakistan for its longstanding contributions towards the people of Afghanistan.

Taliban admire Pakistan PM Imran Khan's efforts for Afghanistan

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has warned of spiralling economic crisis in Afghanistan. Watch this report to know more.

Pakistan lobbies for more funds to be given to Taliban

The ISIS-K has claimed responsibility for the attacks against the Taliban in the Afghan city of Jalalabad. Watch this video for more details.

7 killed, at least 30 injured in Jalalabad blasts

In the latest sign of Taliban gradually veering away from their initial assurance of respecting women's rights, Kabul's acting Mayor Hamdullah Nohmani has been quoted as saying that only those women who were doing jobs males couldn't do were allowed by Taliban to return to work. He mentioned "female public toilets in bazaars" while referring to such jobs &nbsp;

"Initially we allowed all of them to be present at their duties on time, but then the Islamic Emirate decided it was necessary that for some time their work must stop," he said as per CNN, "Then we only allowed those females whom we needed, I mean for jobs which males couldn't do, or which is not a man's job ... For example, there are public female toilets in bazaars."

The mayor has announced an order instructing women to stay home and only those whose jobs can't be done by men to go on duty.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-women-take-to-streets-in-kabul-vow-to-fight-for-rights-414222">Afghan women take to streets in Kabul, vow to fight for rights</a>

After they captured power in Afghanistan, the Taliban said that they would respect women's rights in accordance with the Sharia. Although they said that women could attend universities, the gradual steps taken in due course of time raised many questions.

Images of male and female university students seperated by a partition in a classroom made news everywhere.

On Friday, the education ministry ordered male secondary school students and teachers to go back to school. No mention was made of girl students. This has raised fears that Taliban may once again take a stand against women's education.

Kabul mayor's words came on the same day when Afghan women <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-women-take-to-streets-in-kabul-vow-to-fight-for-rights-414222">took to street to demand their rights</a>. Over a dozen women held placards and marched on Kabul street on Sunday (September 19).

In the latest sign of Taliban gradually veering away from their initial assurance of respecting women's rights, Kabul's acting Mayor Hamdullah Nohmani has been quoted as saying that only those women who were doing jobs males couldn't do were allowed by Taliban to return to work.

In the latest sign of Taliban gradually veering away from their initial assurance of respecting women's rights, Kabul's acting Mayor Hamdullah Nohmani has been quoted as saying that only those women who were doing jobs males couldn't do were allowed by Taliban to return to work. He mentioned "female public toilets in bazaars" while referring to such jobs "Initially we allowed all of them to be present at their duties on time, but then the Islamic Emirate decided it was necessary that for some time their work must stop," he said as per CNN, "Then we only allowed those females whom we needed, I mean for jobs which males couldn't do, or which is not a man's job ... For example, there are public female toilets in bazaars." The mayor has announced an order instructing women to stay home and only those whose jobs can't be done by men to go on duty. Also Read | Afghan women take to streets in Kabul, vow to fight for rights After they captured power in Afghanistan, the Taliban said that they would respect women's rights in accordance with the Sharia. Although they said that women could attend universities, the gradual steps taken in due course of time raised many questions. Images of male and female university students seperated by a partition in a classroom made news everywhere. On Friday, the education ministry ordered male secondary school students and teachers to go back to school. No mention was made of girl students. This has raised fears that Taliban may once again take a stand against women's education. Kabul mayor's words came on the same day when Afghan women took to street to demand their rights. Over a dozen women held placards and marched on Kabul street on Sunday (September 19).

Only job for women is cleaning female bathrooms, says Kabul's acting mayor: Report

World leaders are returning to the United Nation for the general assembly. The UNGA will be looking to build momentum to reach an ambitious climate agreement with the focus will be on boosting efforts to fight the covid-19 pandemic, seek unity after the Taliban took over Afghanistan, all this in the shadow of tensions between the United States, China and Russia.

WION USA Direct: Climate, Covid-19, Afghanistan Crisis- top agenda at 76th UNGA meet

Islamic State- Khorasan claims attacks against Taliban in Jalalabad

I would expect India to support the resistance, says Amina Zia Massoud, and she spokes on various important issues. Watch this video for more details.

Afghanistan Dialogues | Amina Zia Massoud: India has been Afghanistan's all-weather friend

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