Afghanistan continues to remain on the boil, there are grave concerns over the future of Afghan opposition leaders. The concerns seem to be justified as Taliban fighters have reportedly tortured and executed Rohullah Saleh, brother of former Afghanistan vice president Amrullah Saleh.

Afghanistan News: Taliban Executes Amrullah Saleh’s brother Rohullah Saleh

The United Nations has condemned the Taliban's increasingly violent response to peaceful protests including the use of live ammunition that killed several people.

Afghanistan: UN condemns Taliban's response to peaceful protest

New face of Afghanistan? Women march in support of Taliban

Afghanistan’s capital city, Kabul, has been put on high alert today as the threat of a possible terror attack looms over the city.<o:p></o:p>

On the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attack and a few days after Taliban took control of Afghanistan, the city faces danger of a possible attack from ISIS-K militants.<o:p></o:p>

This threat has come a little after sources had warned authorities against a possible truck suicide attack in a protest that took place on Thursday.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-drone-strike-may-have-killed-aid-worker-children-and-not-isis-k-militants-reports-412228">US drone strike may have killed aid worker, children, and not ISIS-K militants: Reports</a></o:p>

An attack can take place in some crowded place by ISIS-K on the anniversary of the 9/11 attack.<o:p></o:p>

Meanwhile, posters of Mullah Omar and Jalaluddin Haqqani have started popping up across Kabul now, a little after the new government was announced by Taliban.<o:p></o:p>

Jalaluddin Haqqani was the founder of the Haqqani network who died in 2018 in his home country, Afghanistan due to an unspecified terminal illness.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/afghanistan-cricket-board-chief-hints-women-can-still-play-reports-412308">Afghanistan Cricket Board chief hints women can still play: Reports</a></o:p>

Mohammed Omar, also known as Mullah Omar, was the mastermind behind the establishment of Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan in 1996 and was a commander of the Taliban. He died in 2013 but was declared dead in 2015. Sources had claimed he died of tuberculosis.<o:p></o:p>

This threat has come at a time when Taliban are gearing up to resume international flights through Kabul International Airport, days after the US withdrew its troops from the country. Taliban have also been trying to re-establish order and revive the country’s economy.<o:p></o:p>

Meanwhile, in the US, Joe Biden sent out a message of unity on the eve of 9/11 attacks.<o:p></o:p>

Afghanistan’s capital city, Kabul, has been put on high alert today as the threat of a possible terror attack looms over the city. On the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attack and a few days after Taliban took control of Afghanistan, the city faces danger of a possible attack from ISIS-K militants.

Afghanistan’s capital city, Kabul, has been put on high alert today as the threat of a possible terror attack looms over the city. On the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attack and a few days after Taliban took control of Afghanistan, the city faces danger of a possible attack from ISIS-K militants. This threat has come a little after sources had warned authorities against a possible truck suicide attack in a protest that took place on Thursday. Also read | US drone strike may have killed aid worker, children, and not ISIS-K militants: Reports An attack can take place in some crowded place by ISIS-K on the anniversary of the 9/11 attack. Meanwhile, posters of Mullah Omar and Jalaluddin Haqqani have started popping up across Kabul now, a little after the new government was announced by Taliban. Jalaluddin Haqqani was the founder of the Haqqani network who died in 2018 in his home country, Afghanistan due to an unspecified terminal illness. Also read | Afghanistan Cricket Board chief hints women can still play: Reports Mohammed Omar, also known as Mullah Omar, was the mastermind behind the establishment of Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan in 1996 and was a commander of the Taliban. He died in 2013 but was declared dead in 2015. Sources had claimed he died of tuberculosis. This threat has come at a time when Taliban are gearing up to resume international flights through Kabul International Airport, days after the US withdrew its troops from the country. Taliban have also been trying to re-establish order and revive the country’s economy. Meanwhile, in the US, Joe Biden sent out a message of unity on the eve of 9/11 attacks.

As Taliban put up posters of ex-leaders, a terror threat looms over Kabul on anniversary of 9/11 attack

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) will resume flights from Islamabad to Kabul next week, a spokesman told AFP Saturday, becoming the first foreign commercial service since the Taliban seized power last month.

Kabul airport was severely damaged during a chaotic evacuation of over 120,000 people that ended with the withdrawal of US forces on August 30. The Taliban have been scrambling to get it operating again with Qatari technical assistance.

"We have got all technical clearances for flight operations," PIA spokesman Abdullah Hafeez Khan told AFP.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wfp-93-of-afghans-do-not-eat-enough-food-412249">WATCH |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wfp-93-of-afghans-do-not-eat-enough-food-412249/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"Our first commercial plane... is scheduled to fly from Islamabad to Kabul on September 13."

Khan said the service would depend on demand.

"We have received 73 requests which is very encouraging... from humanitarian relief agencies and journalists," he said.

In the last two days Qatar Airways has operated two charter flights out of Kabul, carrying mostly foreigners and Afghans who missed being taken out during the evacuation.

An Afghan airline resumed domestic flights last week.

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) will resume flights from Islamabad to Kabul next week, a spokesman told AFP Saturday, becoming the first foreign commercial service since the Taliban seized power last month.

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) will resume flights from Islamabad to Kabul next week, a spokesman told AFP Saturday, becoming the first foreign commercial service since the Taliban seized power last month. Kabul airport was severely damaged during a chaotic evacuation of over 120,000 people that ended with the withdrawal of US forces on August 30. The Taliban have been scrambling to get it operating again with Qatari technical assistance. "We have got all technical clearances for flight operations," PIA spokesman Abdullah Hafeez Khan told AFP. WATCH | "Our first commercial plane... is scheduled to fly from Islamabad to Kabul on September 13." Khan said the service would depend on demand. "We have received 73 requests which is very encouraging... from humanitarian relief agencies and journalists," he said. In the last two days Qatar Airways has operated two charter flights out of Kabul, carrying mostly foreigners and Afghans who missed being taken out during the evacuation. An Afghan airline resumed domestic flights last week.

Pakistan's PIA to restart commercial flights to Kabul from Monday

On September 8, the Taliban announced the formation of an interim government, declaring Afghanistan as the Islamic Emirate.

Two things stood out in the selection of key figures heading the government.

One, the new cabinet consisted of Taliban members in which 14 of them were on UN Security Council’s terrorism blacklist, including acting Prime Minister Mullah Mohammad Hasan Akhund and his both deputies.

Second, the conspicuous absence of a women minister and the dropping of the post for Ministry of Women under the new regime.

According to January 2021 data from the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), an international organization of Geneva-based international organization of national parliaments, women had occupied only 6.5 per cent of ministerial positions in Afghanistan before the Taliban seized power.

Watch

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Around &nbsp;27% of the Afghan parliament was comprised of women, ranking it in line with the United States, where women make up 26.8 per cent of all members of Congress, according to the IPU.

Afghanistan’s share of women legislative members had hovered around 27 per cent since 2005, when the first session of the elected body sat after three decades. Under the 2004 Constitution, at least 68 of the 250 total seats of parliament's lower house are reserved for women, with two seats reserved for women for each of the country’s 34 provinces.

Now, the country joins the ranks of a dozen other countries where there are no women serving in high-ranking positions in government.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/aid-workers-staying-in-taliban-ruled-afghanistan-tread-a-tricky-path-411705">Aid workers staying in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan tread a tricky path</a>

They are Azerbaijan, Armenia, Brunei, North Korea, Papua New Guinea, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Vietnam and Yemen, the IPU data suggests.

According to the IPU and UN Women, the absence of women in Afghanistan's government bucks the global trend. Most countries have women in senior government positions, and the number of nations with women as heads of state or in government is at an all-time high.

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/watch-taliban-education-minister-says-phd-and-masters-degrees-worthless-mullahs-greatest-without-them-411612">Taliban Education Minister says PhD and Master's degrees worthless, mullahs greatest without them</a>

There are 22 countries that have women as the head of state or government.

Europe is home to the majority of those countries led by women, including Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Germany, Iceland and Norway.

Despite repeated assurances from the Taliban regime that they would respect the rights of the women, and that they would enjoy greater freedom under the new regime, a look at the cabinet members and some their recent controversial statements falls in contradiction to their promises.

Taliban spokesperson Sayed Zekrullah Hashimi, in an interview to Tolo News, had stated, "A woman can't be a minister, it is like you put something on her neck that she can’t carry.”

He added that it is not necessary for a woman to be in the cabinet, adding that women "should give birth".

"Women protesters can't represent all women in Afghanistan," he added.

Hashimi was responding to a series of protest organised by the women in Kabul seeking greater political rights in the government.

The Afghan women were then driven away by the Taliban who used whips and sticks against the protesters in the crackdown on dissent.

Videos and pictures&nbsp;showed the women chanting, "Long live the women of Afghanistan". Some held placards that read: "No government can deny the presence of women" and "I will sing freedom over and over."

The Taliban, according to witnesses, also beat up journalists covering the demonstration, the report said.

(With inputs from agencies)

On September 8, the Taliban announced the formation of an interim government, declaring Afghanistan as the Islamic Emirate. Two things stood out in the selection of key figures heading the government.

On September 8, the Taliban announced the formation of an interim government, declaring Afghanistan as the Islamic Emirate. Two things stood out in the selection of key figures heading the government. One, the new cabinet consisted of Taliban members in which 14 of them were on UN Security Council’s terrorism blacklist, including acting Prime Minister Mullah Mohammad Hasan Akhund and his both deputies. Second, the conspicuous absence of a women minister and the dropping of the post for Ministry of Women under the new regime. According to January 2021 data from the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), an international organization of Geneva-based international organization of national parliaments, women had occupied only 6.5 per cent of ministerial positions in Afghanistan before the Taliban seized power. Watch Around 27% of the Afghan parliament was comprised of women, ranking it in line with the United States, where women make up 26.8 per cent of all members of Congress, according to the IPU. Afghanistan’s share of women legislative members had hovered around 27 per cent since 2005, when the first session of the elected body sat after three decades. Under the 2004 Constitution, at least 68 of the 250 total seats of parliament's lower house are reserved for women, with two seats reserved for women for each of the country’s 34 provinces. Now, the country joins the ranks of a dozen other countries where there are no women serving in high-ranking positions in government. Also read | Aid workers staying in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan tread a tricky path They are Azerbaijan, Armenia, Brunei, North Korea, Papua New Guinea, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Vietnam and Yemen, the IPU data suggests. According to the IPU and UN Women, the absence of women in Afghanistan's government bucks the global trend. Most countries have women in senior government positions, and the number of nations with women as heads of state or in government is at an all-time high. Watch | Taliban Education Minister says PhD and Master's degrees worthless, mullahs greatest without them There are 22 countries that have women as the head of state or government. Europe is home to the majority of those countries led by women, including Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Germany, Iceland and Norway. Despite repeated assurances from the Taliban regime that they would respect the rights of the women, and that they would enjoy greater freedom under the new regime, a look at the cabinet members and some their recent controversial statements falls in contradiction to their promises. Taliban spokesperson Sayed Zekrullah Hashimi, in an interview to Tolo News, had stated, "A woman can't be a minister, it is like you put something on her neck that she can’t carry.” He added that it is not necessary for a woman to be in the cabinet, adding that women "should give birth". "Women protesters can't represent all women in Afghanistan," he added. Hashimi was responding to a series of protest organised by the women in Kabul seeking greater political rights in the government. The Afghan women were then driven away by the Taliban who used whips and sticks against the protesters in the crackdown on dissent. Videos and pictures showed the women chanting, "Long live the women of Afghanistan". Some held placards that read: "No government can deny the presence of women" and "I will sing freedom over and over." The Taliban, according to witnesses, also beat up journalists covering the demonstration, the report said. (With inputs from agencies)

Afghanistan among few countries with no women in top government positions: Report

The daily life of unaccompanied Afghan refugee children in Qatar is punctuated by recurring questions, "where are we going?" and "can I have some chips".

About 200 uprooted young Afghans arrived in Doha aboard flights from Kabul in recent weeks and are being hosted at a reception centre, where they grapple with the trauma of their ordeal.

They are now being cared for by Qatar Charity, a humanitarian organisation that has sought to protect and keep them out of the reach of people traffickers.

Officials are picking a path for the future of the children who have adopted new routines, playing football, exercising and enjoying arts and crafts.

"It's very hard to imagine the trauma that they've been through," said an aid worker based in the Middle East who declined to be named.

"All of them are in a state of shock and trauma, similar to what we've seen in places like Iraq or Syria with kids who have lived in (Islamic State group) areas."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-drone-strike-may-have-killed-aid-worker-children-and-not-isis-k-militants-reports-412228" hreflang="en">US drone strike may have killed aid worker, and not ISIS-K militants: Report</a>

The Taliban's shock takeover rekindled fears among Afghanistan's people of a return to the hardline rule between 1996 and 2001 which was marked by public executions, floggings and amputations for misdemeanours.

Many fled, including the youngsters, some of whom cannot recall the circumstances of their abrupt departure from their homeland, while others give contradictory accounts of how they came to be in Qatar.

According to the UN children's agency UNICEF, around 300 unaccompanied children were evacuated from Afghanistan to Qatar, Germany and other countries after August 14.

Desperate scramble

Questions are swirling about how they came to be at Kabul's airport and then embark on planes bound for Qatar, and drastically different lives, but answers are in short supply.

The US Embassy in Doha did not comment on the specifics of the children's case.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/another-successful-rescue-flight-from-afghanistan-saves-32-people-from-talibans-rule-412230">Another successful rescue flight from Afghanistan saves 32 people</a>

A French police officer who was present at the Kabul airport gates described seeing a woman "desperately throw her baby into the barbed wire towards the French special forces who recovered and handed the child to American medics".

"The baby was treated and evacuated to Doha. He was really tiny. His mother just disappeared into the crowd," he added.

The officer witnessed other dramatic scenes.

"One man arrived at the gate with three young children who he passed off as his own. They were orphans, he probably used them to get the gate open, but they were also evacuated.

"Stories like that highlight the chaos. They'll be part of the history of this fiasco."

Qatar Charity and other agencies are now taking care of the group who are mostly aged between eight and 17 years old, with the youngest housed at a separate facility.

In Doha, children were settled at accommodations, to which AFP was not granted access, and grouped by age or family group if they arrived together.

As far as possible they were also grouped according to the friendships and bonds forged during their respective journeys.

'Safe community'

"They can get attached to other children very quickly. They feel things stronger than anyone," Fatima-Zahra Bakkari, a Moroccan in charge of international cooperation for Qatar Charity.

She singled out two children aged 12 and 13 who had become inseparable in just over a week.

When the older child learnt that they were soon to move on, he offered to move out of the younger child's bedroom so they could prepare for possibly never seeing one another again.

"We all cry a lot," Bakkari said about the aid workers. "We laugh a lot too," she added recounting the occasional child waking up to "steal" a packet of crisps.

Despite their homely surroundings, the youngsters still face uncertainty.

"We tell them the time will come, we don't know when but it will come," for them to move on, said Bakkari.

Children separated from their parents are "among the most vulnerable children in the world", according to Henrietta Fore, head of UNICEF.

"It is vital that they are quickly identified and kept safe during family tracing and reunification processes."

Qatar has provided shelter, physical and psychological care, food and emotional attention.

"Then comes the delicate part," said the humanitarian official who requested anonymity.

"The-best case scenario is we manage to find first-degree relatives, a grandmother, an aunt, an uncle. But in many cases we might not be able to do that."

Qatar Charity has set up a hotline for the children to call their relatives, but for those with no one to call their carers will need to ensure they are looked after in the long-term.

"Then eventually the child can integrate in a safe community so they are equipped with the things they need to become a normal adult," the aid worker added.

The daily life of unaccompanied Afghan refugee children in Qatar is punctuated by recurring questions, "where are we going?" and "can I have some chips". About 200 uprooted young Afghans arrived in Doha aboard flights from Kabul in recent weeks and are being hosted at a reception centre, where they grapple with the trauma of their ordeal.

The daily life of unaccompanied Afghan refugee children in Qatar is punctuated by recurring questions, "where are we going?" and "can I have some chips". About 200 uprooted young Afghans arrived in Doha aboard flights from Kabul in recent weeks and are being hosted at a reception centre, where they grapple with the trauma of their ordeal. They are now being cared for by Qatar Charity, a humanitarian organisation that has sought to protect and keep them out of the reach of people traffickers. Officials are picking a path for the future of the children who have adopted new routines, playing football, exercising and enjoying arts and crafts. "It's very hard to imagine the trauma that they've been through," said an aid worker based in the Middle East who declined to be named. "All of them are in a state of shock and trauma, similar to what we've seen in places like Iraq or Syria with kids who have lived in (Islamic State group) areas." Also read | US drone strike may have killed aid worker, and not ISIS-K militants: Report The Taliban's shock takeover rekindled fears among Afghanistan's people of a return to the hardline rule between 1996 and 2001 which was marked by public executions, floggings and amputations for misdemeanours. Many fled, including the youngsters, some of whom cannot recall the circumstances of their abrupt departure from their homeland, while others give contradictory accounts of how they came to be in Qatar. According to the UN children's agency UNICEF, around 300 unaccompanied children were evacuated from Afghanistan to Qatar, Germany and other countries after August 14. Desperate scramble Questions are swirling about how they came to be at Kabul's airport and then embark on planes bound for Qatar, and drastically different lives, but answers are in short supply. The US Embassy in Doha did not comment on the specifics of the children's case. Also read | Another successful rescue flight from Afghanistan saves 32 people A French police officer who was present at the Kabul airport gates described seeing a woman "desperately throw her baby into the barbed wire towards the French special forces who recovered and handed the child to American medics". "The baby was treated and evacuated to Doha. He was really tiny. His mother just disappeared into the crowd," he added. The officer witnessed other dramatic scenes. "One man arrived at the gate with three young children who he passed off as his own. They were orphans, he probably used them to get the gate open, but they were also evacuated. "Stories like that highlight the chaos. They'll be part of the history of this fiasco." Qatar Charity and other agencies are now taking care of the group who are mostly aged between eight and 17 years old, with the youngest housed at a separate facility. In Doha, children were settled at accommodations, to which AFP was not granted access, and grouped by age or family group if they arrived together. As far as possible they were also grouped according to the friendships and bonds forged during their respective journeys. 'Safe community' "They can get attached to other children very quickly. They feel things stronger than anyone," Fatima-Zahra Bakkari, a Moroccan in charge of international cooperation for Qatar Charity. She singled out two children aged 12 and 13 who had become inseparable in just over a week. When the older child learnt that they were soon to move on, he offered to move out of the younger child's bedroom so they could prepare for possibly never seeing one another again. "We all cry a lot," Bakkari said about the aid workers. "We laugh a lot too," she added recounting the occasional child waking up to "steal" a packet of crisps. Despite their homely surroundings, the youngsters still face uncertainty. "We tell them the time will come, we don't know when but it will come," for them to move on, said Bakkari. Children separated from their parents are "among the most vulnerable children in the world", according to Henrietta Fore, head of UNICEF. "It is vital that they are quickly identified and kept safe during family tracing and reunification processes." Qatar has provided shelter, physical and psychological care, food and emotional attention. "Then comes the delicate part," said the humanitarian official who requested anonymity. "The-best case scenario is we manage to find first-degree relatives, a grandmother, an aunt, an uncle. But in many cases we might not be able to do that." Qatar Charity has set up a hotline for the children to call their relatives, but for those with no one to call their carers will need to ensure they are looked after in the long-term. "Then eventually the child can integrate in a safe community so they are equipped with the things they need to become a normal adult," the aid worker added.

Unaccompanied children evacuated from Afghanistan in Qatar limbo

The Shia Ulema Council in Afghanistan has called for an inclusive government in the country giving adequate representation to Shia Muslims and one that respects rights of all minorities. The Taliban formed an interim "Islamic Emirate" and announced a government earlier this week.

The cabinet members includes Taliban leaders many of whom are considered hardliners. Several of them, including Sirajuddin Haqqani feature on global terrorism lists. The list announced by Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid is dominated by members of the group's old guard. Not a single woman finds representation in the government.

"Our demands should be taken seriously. We want honorable officials, Jafari Jurisprudence (Shia school) should be recognized," said Ayatullah Salehi Mudaras, a member of the Shia Ulema, as quoted by TOLO News. This comes after a large gathering was held by the Shia Ulema on Tuesday.

However, Taliban appear to gain a steady hold on power in Afghanistan. Other countries appear to slowly accept the new reality.

Saudi Arabia on Thursday <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/saudi-arabia-shows-support-for-talibans-new-government-in-afghanistan-412024">said that it stood with the wishes of the Afghan people</a>. Saudi Arabia was one of the few countries that had formally recognised Taliban regime when they were in power in late 90s

Meanwhile, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/must-maintain-a-dialogue-with-taliban-says-un-secretary-general-411988">said that the world must maintain a dialogue</a> with the Taliban.

He expressed fears that hardline Islamists' return to power in Afghanistan may embolden jihadists in Sahel region of Africa.&nbsp;

"We must maintain a dialogue with the Taliban, where we affirm our principles directly -- a dialogue with a feeling of solidarity with the Afghan people," he said.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Shia Ulema Council in Afghanistan has called for an inclusive government in the country giving adequate representation to Shia Muslims and one that respects rights of all minorities.

The Shia Ulema Council in Afghanistan has called for an inclusive government in the country giving adequate representation to Shia Muslims and one that respects rights of all minorities. The Taliban formed an interim "Islamic Emirate" and announced a government earlier this week. The cabinet members includes Taliban leaders many of whom are considered hardliners. Several of them, including Sirajuddin Haqqani feature on global terrorism lists. The list announced by Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid is dominated by members of the group's old guard. Not a single woman finds representation in the government. "Our demands should be taken seriously. We want honorable officials, Jafari Jurisprudence (Shia school) should be recognized," said Ayatullah Salehi Mudaras, a member of the Shia Ulema, as quoted by TOLO News. This comes after a large gathering was held by the Shia Ulema on Tuesday. However, Taliban appear to gain a steady hold on power in Afghanistan. Other countries appear to slowly accept the new reality. Saudi Arabia on Thursday said that it stood with the wishes of the Afghan people. Saudi Arabia was one of the few countries that had formally recognised Taliban regime when they were in power in late 90s Meanwhile, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday said that the world must maintain a dialogue with the Taliban. He expressed fears that hardline Islamists' return to power in Afghanistan may embolden jihadists in Sahel region of Africa. "We must maintain a dialogue with the Taliban, where we affirm our principles directly -- a dialogue with a feeling of solidarity with the Afghan people," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Afghanistan: Shia body calls for inclusive government, minority rights

India's envoy to United Nations T.S. Tirumurti on Thursday called for an "inclusive dispensation" in Afghanistan.

His comments come days after the Taliban announced its government in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

Earlier this week the Taliban had announced a 33-member government, which is being led by Prime Minister&nbsp;Mohammad Hassan Akhund, two&nbsp;deputies, Maulavi Abdul Salam Hanafi and Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar. 17 ministers in the cabinet&nbsp;are on the United Nation's terror list.

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Speaking at the United Nations Security Meeting on Afghanistan,&nbsp;Tirumurti&nbsp;said, "inclusive dispensation" should "represents all sections of Afghan society", highlighting that a "broad-based, inclusive and representative formation" attained through an "inclusive negotiated political settlement would gain greater international acceptability and legitimacy."

The government announced by the Taliban has no representation of women,&nbsp;no representation from the Hazara community, no ethnic minorities and includes two&nbsp;members of Haqqani, a known terror group.

While the Taliban has been calling the govt, acting, not many in the international community buy that.

This was the first meeting of this month under the Irish Presidency of the security council on Afghanistan. India was the president of the council for August month and had chaired three&nbsp;meetings on Afghanistan, with a resolution being passed as well.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Indian envoy pointed out to the&nbsp;"substantial and forward-looking"&nbsp;UN Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 2593 resolution on Afghanistan being passed on August 31, which&nbsp;took into account "collective concerns" in particular on terrorism, where it has noted the "commitment of the Taliban not to allow the use of the Afghan soil for terrorism, including from terrorists and terrorist groups designated under resolution 1267."

A number of Pakistan-based international terror groups like Jaish E Mohammad and Lashkar-e-Toiba have been listed under the 1267 resolution.&nbsp;

India has pointed out its concerns regarding the use of Afghan soil&nbsp;a number of times both privately and publicly.

The last being at the BRICS summit and NSA Ajit Doval's meetings with&nbsp;visiting Secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, General Nikolay Patrushev.&nbsp;

Recalling the August resolution on Afghanistan, envoy Tirumurti pointed out that it underlined that "Afghan territory should not be used to threaten or attack any country or to shelter or train terrorists, or to plan or to finance terrorist acts" and "commitments made in this regard are respected and adhered to."

During the statement, the Indian envoy called the situation in Afghanistan "very fragile" and being an "immediate neighbour and a friend to its people", the current situation in the country is of "direct concern to us". &nbsp;

Afghanistan witnessed a Taliban takeover in August, with the pace of Taliban's advancement shocking everyone. &nbsp;Talking about the "Uncertainties abound about the future of the Afghan people", the envoy reiterated the "need for the voices of Afghan women to be heard, aspirations of Afghan children to be realized and the rights of minorities to be protected".

Kabul saw a major protest rally, many of its participants being women. Visuals from the rally showed the Taliban beating up women protestors. 2 journalists were also beaten up by the Taliban for covering the rally.&nbsp;India said that the international community needs to "come together, rise above any partisan interests" and to "stand together with the people of Afghanistan in their desire for peace, stability, and security in the country".

On United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan Mandate (UNAMA), the Indian envoy called on members of UNSC to decide the future with a focus "centered on Afghan people and their expectations from the international community to stand by them in this hour of crisis."

India's envoy to United Nations T.S. Tirumurti on Thursday called for an "inclusive dispensation" in Afghanistan. His comments come days after the Taliban announced its government in Afghanistan.

India's envoy to United Nations T.S. Tirumurti on Thursday called for an "inclusive dispensation" in Afghanistan. His comments come days after the Taliban announced its government in Afghanistan. Earlier this week the Taliban had announced a 33-member government, which is being led by Prime Minister Mohammad Hassan Akhund, two deputies, Maulavi Abdul Salam Hanafi and Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar. 17 ministers in the cabinet are on the United Nation's terror list. Speaking at the United Nations Security Meeting on Afghanistan, Tirumurti said, "inclusive dispensation" should "represents all sections of Afghan society", highlighting that a "broad-based, inclusive and representative formation" attained through an "inclusive negotiated political settlement would gain greater international acceptability and legitimacy." The government announced by the Taliban has no representation of women, no representation from the Hazara community, no ethnic minorities and includes two members of Haqqani, a known terror group. While the Taliban has been calling the govt, acting, not many in the international community buy that. This was the first meeting of this month under the Irish Presidency of the security council on Afghanistan. India was the president of the council for August month and had chaired three meetings on Afghanistan, with a resolution being passed as well. Indian envoy pointed out to the "substantial and forward-looking" UN Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 2593 resolution on Afghanistan being passed on August 31, which took into account "collective concerns" in particular on terrorism, where it has noted the "commitment of the Taliban not to allow the use of the Afghan soil for terrorism, including from terrorists and terrorist groups designated under resolution 1267." A number of Pakistan-based international terror groups like Jaish E Mohammad and Lashkar-e-Toiba have been listed under the 1267 resolution. India has pointed out its concerns regarding the use of Afghan soil a number of times both privately and publicly. The last being at the BRICS summit and NSA Ajit Doval's meetings with visiting Secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, General Nikolay Patrushev. Recalling the August resolution on Afghanistan, envoy Tirumurti pointed out that it underlined that "Afghan territory should not be used to threaten or attack any country or to shelter or train terrorists, or to plan or to finance terrorist acts" and "commitments made in this regard are respected and adhered to." During the statement, the Indian envoy called the situation in Afghanistan "very fragile" and being an "immediate neighbour and a friend to its people", the current situation in the country is of "direct concern to us". Afghanistan witnessed a Taliban takeover in August, with the pace of Taliban's advancement shocking everyone. Talking about the "Uncertainties abound about the future of the Afghan people", the envoy reiterated the "need for the voices of Afghan women to be heard, aspirations of Afghan children to be realized and the rights of minorities to be protected". Kabul saw a major protest rally, many of its participants being women. Visuals from the rally showed the Taliban beating up women protestors. 2 journalists were also beaten up by the Taliban for covering the rally. India said that the international community needs to "come together, rise above any partisan interests" and to "stand together with the people of Afghanistan in their desire for peace, stability, and security in the country". On United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan Mandate (UNAMA), the Indian envoy called on members of UNSC to decide the future with a focus "centered on Afghan people and their expectations from the international community to stand by them in this hour of crisis."

India's envoy Tirumurti calls for inclusive dispensation in Afghanistan at UNSC

The United Nations is stepping up its efforts to try and resolve the very complicated and very fluid situation that is presently underway in Afghanistan. The UNSC has held a quarterly debate on the situation in the country.

UNSC quarterly debate on the situation in Afghanistan

Taliban has been able to successfully form a cabinet that is all but inclusive. The new newly formed government has moved a step ahead in cementing its grip on Afghanistan. According to reports they are said to hold an oath-taking ceremony on the 11th of September. Remember 11th of September is the day that also marks the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks in the US in 2001.

Reports: Taliban to hold oath-taking ceremony on 9/11 anniversary

Sounding a warning on what is at stake for education in Afghanistan, UNESCO has said advances since 2001 must be upheld in the face of a looming humanitarian crisis. In a statement issued on Friday, the UN agency said that the right to education for all learners, especially girls, must be upheld.

According to a new UNESCO report, the total number of enrolled students increased from around 1 million to 10 million learners; the number of teachers increased by 58 per cent, and the female literacy rate almost doubled from 17 per cent to 30 per cent.

As per the report, progress on female enrolment was particularly striking: the number of girls in primary school increased from almost zero in 2001 to 2.5 million in 2018. In 2021, 4 out of 10 students in primary education are girls. The number of girls in higher education increased from around 5,000 in 2001 to around 90,000 in 2018, the report said.

The UNESCO report entitled "The Right to Education: What is at stake in Afghanistan?" details the progress made at all levels of the system, and sets out the wide range of constitutional and legal commitments the country made to advance the right to education.

"Since 2001, Afghanistan has ratified international normative instruments on education and women's rights and enshrined the right to education for all citizens in the Constitution, guaranteeing 9 years of compulsory education for all boys and girls," the report said.

Afghanistan's development and education challenges, however, remain colossal: the country remains among the poorest in the world and has one of the lowest Human Development Index scores.

According to the UN, half of primary school-aged children are not enrolled in school, and 93% of children in late primary are not proficient in reading.

Both the COVID-19 pandemic and the conflict have put additional strains on education development, with millions of learners affected by the closure of schools and other educational institutions, said the report.

According to the UNESCO report, the number of internally displaced persons is projected to increase, heightening the risk of learning losses among children and "generational catastrophe" which will negatively affect the sustainable development of the country for years to come.

The report warns that the combination of the lack of female teachers, severe constraints in paying teachers` salaries, and the withdrawal of international aid could have immediate and serious consequences for the continuity of education. The country is heavily reliant on international aid, which accounts for half its education expenditure.

"If a ban on co-education and males teaching females is implemented, this will deal a huge blow to women's participation in higher education and to girls education more broadly, negatively impacting their lives, work, and citizenship," according to the report.

Sounding a warning on what is at stake for education in Afghanistan, UNESCO has said advances since 2001 must be upheld in the face of a looming humanitarian crisis.

Sounding a warning on what is at stake for education in Afghanistan, UNESCO has said advances since 2001 must be upheld in the face of a looming humanitarian crisis. In a statement issued on Friday, the UN agency said that the right to education for all learners, especially girls, must be upheld. According to a new UNESCO report, the total number of enrolled students increased from around 1 million to 10 million learners; the number of teachers increased by 58 per cent, and the female literacy rate almost doubled from 17 per cent to 30 per cent. As per the report, progress on female enrolment was particularly striking: the number of girls in primary school increased from almost zero in 2001 to 2.5 million in 2018. In 2021, 4 out of 10 students in primary education are girls. The number of girls in higher education increased from around 5,000 in 2001 to around 90,000 in 2018, the report said. The UNESCO report entitled "The Right to Education: What is at stake in Afghanistan?" details the progress made at all levels of the system, and sets out the wide range of constitutional and legal commitments the country made to advance the right to education. "Since 2001, Afghanistan has ratified international normative instruments on education and women's rights and enshrined the right to education for all citizens in the Constitution, guaranteeing 9 years of compulsory education for all boys and girls," the report said. Afghanistan's development and education challenges, however, remain colossal: the country remains among the poorest in the world and has one of the lowest Human Development Index scores. According to the UN, half of primary school-aged children are not enrolled in school, and 93% of children in late primary are not proficient in reading. Both the COVID-19 pandemic and the conflict have put additional strains on education development, with millions of learners affected by the closure of schools and other educational institutions, said the report. According to the UNESCO report, the number of internally displaced persons is projected to increase, heightening the risk of learning losses among children and "generational catastrophe" which will negatively affect the sustainable development of the country for years to come. The report warns that the combination of the lack of female teachers, severe constraints in paying teachers` salaries, and the withdrawal of international aid could have immediate and serious consequences for the continuity of education. The country is heavily reliant on international aid, which accounts for half its education expenditure. "If a ban on co-education and males teaching females is implemented, this will deal a huge blow to women's participation in higher education and to girls education more broadly, negatively impacting their lives, work, and citizenship," according to the report.

Amid looming humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, critical gains on education must be upheld: UN

Afghanistan's very first female Ambassador to the United States Roya Rahmani has in fact blamed the former government for the Taliban's takeover.

Former Afghan Envoy to US Roya Rahmani blames former Afghan govt for Taliban take

After a week of intense fighting, the Panjshir Valley has fallen to the Taliban. Watch this report to know more.

Afghanistan: Slain Commander Ahmad Shah Massoud's tomb vandalised

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has urged the Australian cricket board to not penalise the men's cricket team over Taliban rulers' suggestion that they might ban women from the sport.&nbsp;

Recently, a Taliban official said it was "not necessary" for women to play any sport as it would be against Islam if women players faced a situation where their face and body might be "uncovered".&nbsp;

Responding to the same, Cricket Australia (CA) on Thursday said it would cancel the historic maiden Test between the two countries, which was&nbsp;scheduled to take place in November.&nbsp;

As per ICC rules, all Test playing nations must have a women's team as well.&nbsp;

Now, the Afghan board's CEO Hamid Shinwari released a lengthy statement as he expressed "shock and immense disappointment" at the potential cancellation of the Australia-Afghanistan Test. He said it is "sudden and unexpected" and called it a "knee-jerk reaction".

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-is-a-huge-financial-issue-hanging-over-the-game-nasser-hussain-on-fifth-test-being-called-off-412154">'IPL is a huge financial issue hanging over the game': Nasser Hussain on fifth Test being called off</a>

"The ACB is powerless to change the culture and religious environment of Afghanistan," Shinwari said in a statement. "Do not isolate us and avoid penalising us," he added.&nbsp;

"We ask Cricket Australia and the whole cricketing world to keep the door open for us, walk with us, do not isolate us and avoid penalising us for our cultural and religious environment," Shinwari said.&nbsp;

"We accept that CA sees cricket as 'a sport for all and we support the game unequivocally for women at every level'. We understand, too, why 'if recent media reports that women's cricket will not be supported in Afghanistan are substantiated', CA might believe they have 'no alternative' but to refuse to host the scheduled test match," he said.

IN PICS | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/taliban-and-afghan-flags-side-by-side-as-fans-enjoy-a-game-of-cricket-at-kabul-international-stadium-410681">Taliban and Afghan flags side by side as fans enjoy a game of cricket at Kabul International Stadium</a>

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We ask Cricket Australia and the whole cricketing world to keep the door open for us, walk with us, do not isolate us and avoid penalising us for our cultural and religious environment. 
 
Press release: <a href="https://t.co/4zgYdzbWzI">https://t.co/4zgYdzbWzI</a>
— Hamid Shinwari (@hamidshinwari03) <a href="https://twitter.com/hamidshinwari03/status/1436293777065496581?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 10, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Shinwari said it fears that if other countries follow CA, then Afghanistan will be alienated from the cricket world and the game may cease to exist in the country.

"If the CA decides to cancel the test match and isolate the Afghan men's national team, it will have no impact upon those cultural and religious values as they stand. The spokesman for the government has unequivocally stated this," he said.

It said the Taliban's diktat regarding women's participation in cricket was not substantially different to the ACB's cultural and religious environment during the earlier governments.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bcci-releases-statement-over-cancellation-of-fifth-test-between-india-and-england-412114" hreflang="en">BCCI releases statement over cancellation of fifth Test between India and England</a>

"ICC has been aware of our cultural and religious environment and it has taken a balanced, diplomatic, sensitive and considerate approach as we have worked to develop every aspect of the game of cricket in our country despite the situations we have faced."

"We believe that the ICC has had the forethought to recognise and accept that we have been doing all we can to grow cricket in the traditional cultural, religious and changing political environments of our country."

"The alternative to cancellation of the test match would be for CA to take the same approach as the ICC. A considered, balanced, 'cricket diplomacy' would be far more productive for Afghanistan and for cricket than a sudden 'knee jerk' reaction," he added.&nbsp;

ACB chairman Azizullah Fazli, however, told AFP he had spoken with Cricket Australia on Friday.&nbsp;

"I asked them to keep cricket out of politics," he said. "Talks are ongoing and I am hopeful that, God willing, the Test match will be played on time."

Read the statement here:

<img alt="Hamid Shinwari" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="726c8b91-9c67-4e29-bb98-2f44b4097d04" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/hamid.PNG" />

Recently, Australia Test captain Tim Paine said it would be "impossible" for Afghanistan to compete in next month's T20 World Cup as other countries might refuse to play against them following Taliban's ban on women's cricket in the war-ravaged country.&nbsp;

Paine backed the decision of Cricket Australia (CA) which all but confirmed on Thursday that the men team's season-opening Test against Afghanistan, slated to start on November 27, will be scrapped due to the Taliban's order.&nbsp;

"I don't think we want to be associated with countries that are taking opportunities or things off literally half their population," Paine was quoted as saying on SEN radio.&nbsp;

"I'd imagine it's impossible (for Afghanistan to take part) if teams are pulling out of playing against them and governments are not letting them travel to our shores.&nbsp;

"How a team like that can be allowed to play in an ICC-sanctioned event is going to be very, very hard to see," he added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has urged the Australian cricket board to not penalise the men's cricket team over Taliban rulers' suggestion that they might ban women from the sport.

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has urged the Australian cricket board to not penalise the men's cricket team over Taliban rulers' suggestion that they might ban women from the sport. Recently, a Taliban official said it was "not necessary" for women to play any sport as it would be against Islam if women players faced a situation where their face and body might be "uncovered". Responding to the same, Cricket Australia (CA) on Thursday said it would cancel the historic maiden Test between the two countries, which was scheduled to take place in November. As per ICC rules, all Test playing nations must have a women's team as well. Now, the Afghan board's CEO Hamid Shinwari released a lengthy statement as he expressed "shock and immense disappointment" at the potential cancellation of the Australia-Afghanistan Test. He said it is "sudden and unexpected" and called it a "knee-jerk reaction". ALSO READ | 'IPL is a huge financial issue hanging over the game': Nasser Hussain on fifth Test being called off "The ACB is powerless to change the culture and religious environment of Afghanistan," Shinwari said in a statement. "Do not isolate us and avoid penalising us," he added. "We ask Cricket Australia and the whole cricketing world to keep the door open for us, walk with us, do not isolate us and avoid penalising us for our cultural and religious environment," Shinwari said. "We accept that CA sees cricket as 'a sport for all and we support the game unequivocally for women at every level'. We understand, too, why 'if recent media reports that women's cricket will not be supported in Afghanistan are substantiated', CA might believe they have 'no alternative' but to refuse to host the scheduled test match," he said. IN PICS | Taliban and Afghan flags side by side as fans enjoy a game of cricket at Kabul International Stadium 2/2 We ask Cricket Australia and the whole cricketing world to keep the door open for us, walk with us, do not isolate us and avoid penalising us for our cultural and religious environment. Press release: https://t.co/4zgYdzbWzI — Hamid Shinwari (@hamidshinwari03) September 10, 2021 × Shinwari said it fears that if other countries follow CA, then Afghanistan will be alienated from the cricket world and the game may cease to exist in the country. "If the CA decides to cancel the test match and isolate the Afghan men's national team, it will have no impact upon those cultural and religious values as they stand. The spokesman for the government has unequivocally stated this," he said. It said the Taliban's diktat regarding women's participation in cricket was not substantially different to the ACB's cultural and religious environment during the earlier governments. ALSO READ: BCCI releases statement over cancellation of fifth Test between India and England "ICC has been aware of our cultural and religious environment and it has taken a balanced, diplomatic, sensitive and considerate approach as we have worked to develop every aspect of the game of cricket in our country despite the situations we have faced." "We believe that the ICC has had the forethought to recognise and accept that we have been doing all we can to grow cricket in the traditional cultural, religious and changing political environments of our country." "The alternative to cancellation of the test match would be for CA to take the same approach as the ICC. A considered, balanced, 'cricket diplomacy' would be far more productive for Afghanistan and for cricket than a sudden 'knee jerk' reaction," he added. ACB chairman Azizullah Fazli, however, told AFP he had spoken with Cricket Australia on Friday. "I asked them to keep cricket out of politics," he said. "Talks are ongoing and I am hopeful that, God willing, the Test match will be played on time." Read the statement here: Recently, Australia Test captain Tim Paine said it would be "impossible" for Afghanistan to compete in next month's T20 World Cup as other countries might refuse to play against them following Taliban's ban on women's cricket in the war-ravaged country. Paine backed the decision of Cricket Australia (CA) which all but confirmed on Thursday that the men team's season-opening Test against Afghanistan, slated to start on November 27, will be scrapped due to the Taliban's order. "I don't think we want to be associated with countries that are taking opportunities or things off literally half their population," Paine was quoted as saying on SEN radio. "I'd imagine it's impossible (for Afghanistan to take part) if teams are pulling out of playing against them and governments are not letting them travel to our shores. "How a team like that can be allowed to play in an ICC-sanctioned event is going to be very, very hard to see," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

'Do not isolate us': Afghanistan cricket board urges to keep game 'out of politics'

Taliban began their mission to change Afghanistan as they replaced the US Embassy wall flag with the Taliban flag and changed Hamid Karzai International Airport's name with Kabul International airport.

Taliban begin their mission to change Afghanistan

Leg-spinner Rashid Khan stepped down as Afghanistan T20 captain shortly after the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) named their team for the ICC Men`s T20 World Cup to be held in the UAE and Oman in October-November this year. The all-rounder announced the news minutes after his country confirmed their World Cup squad late on Thursday (September 9). 
 
"The selection committee and ACB (Afghanistan Cricket Board) has not obtained my consent for the team which has been announced by ACB media," Rashid Khan said in a statement on social media. 
 
"As the captain and responsible person for the nation I reserve the right to be part of the selection of the team. I am taking the decision of stepping down from the role as the captain of Afghanistan T20 side effective immediately." 
 
Mohammad Nabi is expected to take the captaincy role for the World Cup. 
 
Rashid Khan was part of a spin-heavy roster announced for the prestigious tournament, joining fellow all-rounders Mohammad Nabi and Sharafuddin Ashraf in the squad. 
 
Front-line spinners Qais Ahmad and Mujeeb Ur Rahman were also selected. 
 
Afghanistan will get their tournament underway in Sharjah on October 25 against one of two of the qualifying teams in Group B. Rashid and company will also face India, New Zealand and Pakistan in the group stage. 
 
T20 squad: Rashid Khan, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Hazratullah Zazai, Usman Ghani, Asghar Afghan, Mohammad Nabi, Najibullah Zadran, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Mohammad Shahzad, Mujeeb ur Rahman, Karim Janat, Gulbadin Naib, Naveen ul Haq, Hamid Hassan, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Dawlat Zadran, Shapoor Zadran and Qais Ahmed. 
 
Reserves: Afsar Zazai and Farid Ahmed Malik. 
&nbsp;

Leg-spinner Rashid Khan stepped down as Afghanistan T20 captain shortly after the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) named their team for the ICC Men`s T20 World Cup to be held in the UAE and Oman in October-November this year.

Leg-spinner Rashid Khan stepped down as Afghanistan T20 captain shortly after the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) named their team for the ICC Men`s T20 World Cup to be held in the UAE and Oman in October-November this year. The all-rounder announced the news minutes after his country confirmed their World Cup squad late on Thursday (September 9). "The selection committee and ACB (Afghanistan Cricket Board) has not obtained my consent for the team which has been announced by ACB media," Rashid Khan said in a statement on social media. "As the captain and responsible person for the nation I reserve the right to be part of the selection of the team. I am taking the decision of stepping down from the role as the captain of Afghanistan T20 side effective immediately." Mohammad Nabi is expected to take the captaincy role for the World Cup. Rashid Khan was part of a spin-heavy roster announced for the prestigious tournament, joining fellow all-rounders Mohammad Nabi and Sharafuddin Ashraf in the squad. Front-line spinners Qais Ahmad and Mujeeb Ur Rahman were also selected. Afghanistan will get their tournament underway in Sharjah on October 25 against one of two of the qualifying teams in Group B. Rashid and company will also face India, New Zealand and Pakistan in the group stage. T20 squad: Rashid Khan, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Hazratullah Zazai, Usman Ghani, Asghar Afghan, Mohammad Nabi, Najibullah Zadran, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Mohammad Shahzad, Mujeeb ur Rahman, Karim Janat, Gulbadin Naib, Naveen ul Haq, Hamid Hassan, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Dawlat Zadran, Shapoor Zadran and Qais Ahmed. Reserves: Afsar Zazai and Farid Ahmed Malik.

Rashid Khan steps down as Afghanistan skipper for T20 World Cup, Mohammad Nabi named captain

Under the Taliban's new interim government Afghanistan has woken up to a new order. Watch this report to know more.

New Taliban govt issues decree over future protests

Countries across the globe have been reacting to the appointment of the Haqqanis in the new Taliban cabinet. The European Commission spokesperson voiced his disapproval saying that the group had not kept their promise to form an inclusive government.

EU says Taliban broke promise on inclusive government

The Taliban has asked the US to remove Haqqani leaders from its terror blacklist. They say de-listing was promised in the 2020 Doha Agreement.

Taliban claims blacklist from violation of Doha agreement

United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres pleaded for countries to continue dialogue with the Taliban. He said this during an interview with AFP on Thursday. He expressed fears that hardline Islamists' return to power in Afghanistan may embolden jihaidists in Sahel region of Africa.&nbsp;

"We must maintain a dialogue with the Taliban, where we affirm our principles directly -- a dialogue with a feeling of solidarity with the Afghan people," he said.

"Our duty is to extend our solidarity to a people who suffer greatly, where millions and millions risk dying of hunger," added the secretary-general.

He said that the world must avoid an "econnomic collapse" in Afghanistan.

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&nbsp;

Guterres said there were "no guarantees" about what might come out of talks but that discussions are a must "if we want Afghanistan not to be a center of terrorism, if we want women and girls to not lose all the rights acquired during the previous period, if we want different ethnic groups to be able to feel represented."

Without calling for the lifting of international sanctions or the release of Afghan funds frozen around the world, the UN head predicted that "financial instruments" would allow Afghanistan's economy "to breathe."

"Until now, in the discussions that we have had, there is at least a receptivity to talk," added Guterres, who does not rule out going to Afghanistan one day if conditions are right.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-20-changed-visas-painted-walls-new-airport-names-hint-at-changed-afghanistan-411938">Taliban 2.0? Changed visas, painted walls, new airport names hint at changed Afghanistan</a>

What the UN wishes is "an inclusive government," where all components of Afghan society are represented, and "this first preliminary government" announced a few days ago "does not give that impression," he added, regretfully.

He said Afghanistan must be governed "in peace and stability, with the rights of the people respected."

Guterres added that the Taliban wants recognition, financial support and sanctions to be abolished.&nbsp; 
"That gives a certain leverage to the international community," he said.

Asked about the risks of an Afghanistan-like scenario occurring in the Sahel, the secretary-general said he feared the "psychological and real impact" of what happened in recent weeks.

"There is a real danger. (Some) terrorist groups may feel enthusiastic about what happened and have ambitions beyond what they thought a few months ago," he warned.

(With inputs from agencies)

United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres pleaded for countries to continue dialogue with the Taliban. He said this during an interview with AFP on Thursday.

United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres pleaded for countries to continue dialogue with the Taliban. He said this during an interview with AFP on Thursday. He expressed fears that hardline Islamists' return to power in Afghanistan may embolden jihaidists in Sahel region of Africa. "We must maintain a dialogue with the Taliban, where we affirm our principles directly -- a dialogue with a feeling of solidarity with the Afghan people," he said. "Our duty is to extend our solidarity to a people who suffer greatly, where millions and millions risk dying of hunger," added the secretary-general. He said that the world must avoid an "econnomic collapse" in Afghanistan. × Guterres said there were "no guarantees" about what might come out of talks but that discussions are a must "if we want Afghanistan not to be a center of terrorism, if we want women and girls to not lose all the rights acquired during the previous period, if we want different ethnic groups to be able to feel represented." Without calling for the lifting of international sanctions or the release of Afghan funds frozen around the world, the UN head predicted that "financial instruments" would allow Afghanistan's economy "to breathe." "Until now, in the discussions that we have had, there is at least a receptivity to talk," added Guterres, who does not rule out going to Afghanistan one day if conditions are right. Also Read | Taliban 2.0? Changed visas, painted walls, new airport names hint at changed Afghanistan What the UN wishes is "an inclusive government," where all components of Afghan society are represented, and "this first preliminary government" announced a few days ago "does not give that impression," he added, regretfully. He said Afghanistan must be governed "in peace and stability, with the rights of the people respected." Guterres added that the Taliban wants recognition, financial support and sanctions to be abolished. "That gives a certain leverage to the international community," he said. Asked about the risks of an Afghanistan-like scenario occurring in the Sahel, the secretary-general said he feared the "psychological and real impact" of what happened in recent weeks. "There is a real danger. (Some) terrorist groups may feel enthusiastic about what happened and have ambitions beyond what they thought a few months ago," he warned. (With inputs from agencies)

'Must maintain a dialogue with Taliban', says UN Secretary General

South Korean actor Jung Woo Sung is doing his bit to support refugees from Afghanistan. The South Korean actor who is the Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has made a generous donation to support refugees.&nbsp; 
 
The actor has reportedly donated approximately 85,777 USD to the Korean delegation of UNHCR for the emergency aid of the Afghan refugees. 
 
Nearly 590, 0000 people have been displaced after the Taliban took over the government in Afghanistan.&nbsp; 
More than half of the country's population needs aid during this difficult period.&nbsp; 
 
Woo Sung says that he felt the need to help after seeing&nbsp;heartbreaking visuals of the refugees on the internet. While speaking to Soompi the actor said, “I hope this is of at least a little bit of help to the people of Afghanistan, who are enduring hardship after losing their homes due to recent events, and to the UNHCR, who are working in dangerous conditions for these citizens.” 
 
“This is a time when the entire world should be paying attention to the humanitarian tragedy occurring in Afghanistan right now. We must listen to the desperation of people who cannot take refuge in their own country amidst these various dangers and tragic circumstances, and we must unite for them” he added. 
 
The actor is known for his philanthropic work. Before this, he has donated to help people from several countries, including, Nepal, Bangladesh, Malaysia, South Sudan and more. 
 
He had also helped the people of Rohingya in Myanmar.&nbsp;

South Korean actor Jung Woo Sung is doing his bit to support refugees from Afghanistan. The South Korean actor who is the Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has made a generous donation to support refugees.

South Korean actor Jung Woo Sung is doing his bit to support refugees from Afghanistan. The South Korean actor who is the Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has made a generous donation to support refugees. The actor has reportedly donated approximately 85,777 USD to the Korean delegation of UNHCR for the emergency aid of the Afghan refugees. Nearly 590, 0000 people have been displaced after the Taliban took over the government in Afghanistan. More than half of the country's population needs aid during this difficult period. Woo Sung says that he felt the need to help after seeing heartbreaking visuals of the refugees on the internet. While speaking to Soompi the actor said, “I hope this is of at least a little bit of help to the people of Afghanistan, who are enduring hardship after losing their homes due to recent events, and to the UNHCR, who are working in dangerous conditions for these citizens.” “This is a time when the entire world should be paying attention to the humanitarian tragedy occurring in Afghanistan right now. We must listen to the desperation of people who cannot take refuge in their own country amidst these various dangers and tragic circumstances, and we must unite for them” he added. The actor is known for his philanthropic work. Before this, he has donated to help people from several countries, including, Nepal, Bangladesh, Malaysia, South Sudan and more. He had also helped the people of Rohingya in Myanmar.

South Korean actor Jung Woo Sung donates to support Afghan refugees

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the BRICS summit today. In a joint statement, the BRICS leaders said that Afghan territory should not be used to carry out attacks against other countries. Can the BRICS come together to tame the potential terror threat from Afghanistan? Palki Sharma brings you a report.

Gravitas: BRICS nations back India's views on the situation in Afghanistan

The Taliban are showing their true colours. After quashing women's rights & beating up journalists - The Taliban have banned protests. Afghans will now have to seek approval before a protest. Even slogans and banners will now have to be approved. Palki Sharma has more.

Gravitas: This is how the Taliban punishes protesters

The Taliban has asked the US to remove Haqqani leaders from its terror blacklist. They say de-listing was promised in the 2020 Doha Agreement. What does the Doha deal say about de-listing? What else did the US concede? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: Taliban ask US to de-list Haqqani terrorists

India and Russia have decided to coordinate their strategies on Afghanistan. Moscow is concerned about instability in Central Asia, while New Delhi worries about Pak-sponsored terror in South Asia. Palki Sharma tells you more about this strategic convergence.

Gravitas: India, Russia to contain Afghan terror threat

Amid the Afghanistan crisis, China is provoking India at the border. The PLA has conducted a major drill in Tibet. The Chinese military is trying to project strength at the border. But, all is not well within the PLA. Palki Sharma gets you the details.

Gravitas: Amid Afghanistan crisis, China provokes India at the border

It has been more than 10 days since the last American soldiers left Afghanistan. But there is still a little bit of America is thriving on the streets of the country. WION's Anas Mallick brings you a ground report from Kabul's bush market.

Kabul's bush market dwindles as US troop withdrawal

Taliban is infamous for inhumane treatment, especially towards the people who dare question the terrorist groups. Following the same thought process, Taliban have started brutally attacking journalists.<o:p></o:p>

Earlier reports had claimed that all international journalists were being targeted by militants of Taliban. However, local journalists have now come ahead and accused the 'new and improved' Taliban of brutally beating up reporters.<o:p></o:p>

In an interview with BBC, reporters and correspondents in Afghanistan have revealed that a lot of them were detained, beaten up, tortured and flogged by militants of Taliban for reporting about the ongoing protests in Afghanistan.

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ویدیوی اختصاصی از جریان بازداشت مرتضا صمدی در هرات به دستم رسیده است. طالبان نمی‌توانند زندان‌های شان را از جوانان ما پر کنند. ما بی‌شماریم و بندی‌خانه‌های شما کافی نخواهد بود. خبرنگاری و عکاسی جرم نیست. مرتضا باید آزاد باشد <a href="https://t.co/iWPGuhC92w">pic.twitter.com/iWPGuhC92w</a>
— Musadiq Parsa (@MusadiqParsa) <a href="https://twitter.com/MusadiqParsa/status/1436079112943194118?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 9, 2021</a></blockquote>
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"One of the Taliban put his foot on my head and crushed my face against the concrete," said Nematullah Naqdi, a photojournalist for the Etilaatroz newspaper. He explained that when the militants noticed him taking pictures of protests, they approached him and tried to take his camera from him. The incident started heating up and they started attacking him.

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After that, him and his colleague, Taqi Daryabi, were taken to a local district police station where they were whipped, flogged with electric cables and brutally beaten up with batons.<o:p></o:p>

"Eight of them came and they started beating me,"&nbsp;Daryabi recounted. "Using sticks, police sticks, rubber - whatever they had in their hands. The scar on my face is from shoes where they kicked me in the face."

<o:p><img alt="Afghan journalists" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="118e7b57-dc5f-48d9-8c13-1e8115fe30e6" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Afghan%20journalists.jpg" /></o:p>

Both of them were soon released without any explanation. It is not just these two photojournalists; at least 12 other journalists have faced similar brutality by Taliban in the past two days.<o:p></o:p>

"The Taliban is quickly proving that earlier promises to allow Afghanistan’s independent media to continue operating freely and safely are worthless,"&nbsp;said Steven Butler, CPJ’s Asia program coordinator. "We urge the Taliban to live up to those earlier promises, to stop beating and detaining reporters doing their job, and allow the media to work freely without fear of reprisal."<o:p></o:p>

Taliban is infamous for inhumane treatment, especially towards the people who dare question the terrorist groups. Following the same thought process, Taliban have started brutally attacking journalists.

Taliban is infamous for inhumane treatment, especially towards the people who dare question the terrorist groups. Following the same thought process, Taliban have started brutally attacking journalists. Earlier reports had claimed that all international journalists were being targeted by militants of Taliban. However, local journalists have now come ahead and accused the 'new and improved' Taliban of brutally beating up reporters. In an interview with BBC, reporters and correspondents in Afghanistan have revealed that a lot of them were detained, beaten up, tortured and flogged by militants of Taliban for reporting about the ongoing protests in Afghanistan. ویدیوی اختصاصی از جریان بازداشت مرتضا صمدی در هرات به دستم رسیده است. طالبان نمی‌توانند زندان‌های شان را از جوانان ما پر کنند. ما بی‌شماریم و بندی‌خانه‌های شما کافی نخواهد بود. خبرنگاری و عکاسی جرم نیست. مرتضا باید آزاد باشد pic.twitter.com/iWPGuhC92w — Musadiq Parsa (@MusadiqParsa) September 9, 2021 × "One of the Taliban put his foot on my head and crushed my face against the concrete," said Nematullah Naqdi, a photojournalist for the Etilaatroz newspaper. He explained that when the militants noticed him taking pictures of protests, they approached him and tried to take his camera from him. The incident started heating up and they started attacking him. After that, him and his colleague, Taqi Daryabi, were taken to a local district police station where they were whipped, flogged with electric cables and brutally beaten up with batons. "Eight of them came and they started beating me," Daryabi recounted. "Using sticks, police sticks, rubber - whatever they had in their hands. The scar on my face is from shoes where they kicked me in the face." Both of them were soon released without any explanation. It is not just these two photojournalists; at least 12 other journalists have faced similar brutality by Taliban in the past two days. "The Taliban is quickly proving that earlier promises to allow Afghanistan’s independent media to continue operating freely and safely are worthless," said Steven Butler, CPJ’s Asia program coordinator. "We urge the Taliban to live up to those earlier promises, to stop beating and detaining reporters doing their job, and allow the media to work freely without fear of reprisal."

Broken promises? Taliban resort to beating journalists in name of 'free media'

The Taliban took out a victory parade in Afghanistan on Thursday, showcasing their weapons, advanced military equipment, explosives, vehicles, and helicopters. The parade was led by Taliban’s suicide bombers exhibiting car bombs, barrel bombs, vest explosives, mines, and other advanced weapons. WION brings you the anatomy of suicide bombings.

After capturing Afghanistan, Taliban holds victory parade led by suicide bombers

Afghanistan continues to be in internal turmoil following the takeover by the Taliban. On Wednesday, the group confirmed that women would not be allowed to participate in any sporting activities. WION speaks to Sanam Wahidi, Women Rights Activist for more perspective.

'Women's rights will take a backseat in Afghanistan', says Sanam Wahidi

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