Taliban has hit back at Pakistan for accusations of spike in terror attacks. The Taliban's Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi without naming Pakistan said that while one neighbour is serving as recruitment centre for terror, i.e ISIS, the other is a transit route for terror.

Taliban hits back at Pakistan over terror charge, says 'Pakistan acts as terror transit route'

Pakistan continues its crackdown on Afghan refugees, reports suggest. Islamabad is yet again planning to deport about 67,000 more Afghan migrants after Eid. Watch to know more.

Ambassador Asif Durrani says, 'Suicide attacks in Pakistan increased by 500%'

Afghanistan's ruling Taliban regime has participated in climate talks with the United Nations International donors and non-governmental organizations. For the first time, the defacto government's officials joined parallel face-to-face online sessions to discuss the impact of climate change with their Western counterparts.

Taliban joins UN climate change talks

Afghan Olympian Friba Rezayee has called on the International Olympic Committee to ban Afghanistan from the upcoming Paris Olympics scheduled in July this year due to the Taliban's human rights record. Has the IOC turned a blind eye to Taliban violations?

Paris Olympics 2024: Will IOC ban Afghanistan from Paris Olympics?

Floods caused by heavy monsoon rains in Afghanistan have destroyed crops and infrastructure. It left a number of people dead and injured.

Spring downpours cause exacerbating flash-flooding

More than 130 people have been killed in the neighbouring countries Afghanistan and Pakistan after flash floods and heavy rains swept the region over the past few days, according to officials from both countries. Meanwhile, people in Pakistan’s Balochistan are reportedly bracing for more rains in the upcoming days.&nbsp;

<h2>Situation in Pakistan&nbsp;</h2>

At least 14 more people were killed after lightning and heavy rain in Pakistan, said the country’s officials, on Wednesday (Apr 17), raising the death toll after four days of unseasonal rainfall and extreme weather to 63.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Rain kills at least 36 in Pakistan, PM Sharif orders authorities to provide aid

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Pakistan is witnessing the heaviest downpour in decades which has flooded villages on the country’s southwestern coast.&nbsp;

The death toll reported from the country’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province was highest after collapsing buildings killed 32 people, including 15 children and five women, said Khursheed Anwar, a spokesman for the Disaster Management Authority, as per the Associated Press.

Around 1,370 houses were also damaged in the province, said Anwar. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Punjab province reported 21 lighting- and collapse-related deaths.&nbsp;

Balochistan, in the country’s southwest, declared a state of emergency following flash floods and is said to be bracing for more rains in the upcoming days amid the ongoing rescue and relief operations, on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/several-parts-of-pakistan-flooded-after-heavy-rain-dozens-killed-711664">Several parts of Pakistan flooded after heavy rain, dozens killed</a>

At least 10 people have been killed in the southwestern province, according to the local officials. Zaheer Ahmed Babar, a senior official at the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) told the AP that the country is witnessing more than usual rainfall in April, due to climate change.&nbsp;

According to Babar, Balochistan has witnessed 353 per cent more rainfall than normal, while the overall rainfall has been 99 per cent higher than the average across the country.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has witnessed 90 per cent more rain than usual this month, said the PMD official. According to Babar, it is also the wettest April that the country has witnessed in the past 30 years.&nbsp;

<h2>At least 70 killed in Afghanistan&nbsp;</h2>

The death toll in Afghanistan also rose to 70, on Wednesday, after extreme rainfall and&nbsp;devastating flash floods across 23 provinces in the country, as per media reports citing local officials.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/were-uaes-flash-floods-result-of-cloud-seeding-712244">Were UAE's flash floods result of cloud seeding?</a>

Mullah Janan Sayeq, a spokesman for the Ministry of Disaster Management, on Wednesday, said that at least 2,500 animals have died and more than 2,000 houses, three mosques, and four schools have been damaged, reported the AP.

This comes a day after the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in Afghanistan, in a post on X said more than 1,200 families have been affected due to the floods and that the UN and its partners are “assessing the impact and related needs and providing assistance.”

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

More than 130 people have been killed in the neighbouring countries Afghanistan and Pakistan after flash floods and heavy rains swept the region over the past few days, according to officials from both countries.

More than 130 people have been killed in the neighbouring countries Afghanistan and Pakistan after flash floods and heavy rains swept the region over the past few days, according to officials from both countries. Meanwhile, people in Pakistan’s Balochistan are reportedly bracing for more rains in the upcoming days. Situation in Pakistan At least 14 more people were killed after lightning and heavy rain in Pakistan, said the country’s officials, on Wednesday (Apr 17), raising the death toll after four days of unseasonal rainfall and extreme weather to 63. WATCH | Rain kills at least 36 in Pakistan, PM Sharif orders authorities to provide aid Pakistan is witnessing the heaviest downpour in decades which has flooded villages on the country’s southwestern coast. The death toll reported from the country’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province was highest after collapsing buildings killed 32 people, including 15 children and five women, said Khursheed Anwar, a spokesman for the Disaster Management Authority, as per the Associated Press. Around 1,370 houses were also damaged in the province, said Anwar. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Punjab province reported 21 lighting- and collapse-related deaths. Balochistan, in the country’s southwest, declared a state of emergency following flash floods and is said to be bracing for more rains in the upcoming days amid the ongoing rescue and relief operations, on Wednesday. Also Read | Several parts of Pakistan flooded after heavy rain, dozens killed At least 10 people have been killed in the southwestern province, according to the local officials. Zaheer Ahmed Babar, a senior official at the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) told the AP that the country is witnessing more than usual rainfall in April, due to climate change. According to Babar, Balochistan has witnessed 353 per cent more rainfall than normal, while the overall rainfall has been 99 per cent higher than the average across the country. Meanwhile, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has witnessed 90 per cent more rain than usual this month, said the PMD official. According to Babar, it is also the wettest April that the country has witnessed in the past 30 years. At least 70 killed in Afghanistan The death toll in Afghanistan also rose to 70, on Wednesday, after extreme rainfall and devastating flash floods across 23 provinces in the country, as per media reports citing local officials. Also Read | Were UAE's flash floods result of cloud seeding? Mullah Janan Sayeq, a spokesman for the Ministry of Disaster Management, on Wednesday, said that at least 2,500 animals have died and more than 2,000 houses, three mosques, and four schools have been damaged, reported the AP. This comes a day after the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in Afghanistan, in a post on X said more than 1,200 families have been affected due to the floods and that the UN and its partners are “assessing the impact and related needs and providing assistance.” (With inputs from agencies)

More than 130 people killed in Afghanistan and Pakistan flash floods after heavy rains

Afghanistan's Taliban government confirmed that heavy flooding due to seasonal rains has killed dozens and injured at least 27 over three days last week.&nbsp;

Flash floods hit Kabul and several other provinces across Afghanistan, said Abdullah Janan Saiq, the Taliban’s spokesman for the State Ministry for Natural Disaster Management.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-claims-it-killed-dozens-of-pakistanis-involved-in-attacks-inside-afghanistan-675403">Taliban claims it killed dozens of Pakistanis involved in attacks inside Afghanistan</a>

Saiq added more than 600 houses were either partially or completely destroyed, while around 200 livestock perished.

The flooding also damaged around 800 hectares of agricultural land and more than 85 kilometres (53 miles) of roads, Saiq said.

<h2>Afghanistan flash floods: Which provinces are affected?</h2>

Western Farah, Herat, southern Zabul and Kandahar are among the provinces that suffered the most damage, he added.

The weather department has warned that more rain is expected in the coming days in most of Afghanistan’s 34 provinces.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/death-toll-in-afghanistan-earthquake-surpasses-2400-as-rescue-efforts-gain-pace-644306">Death toll in Afghanistan earthquake surpasses 2,400 as rescue efforts gain pace</a>

Since the Taliban ousted democratically-elected President Ashraf Ghani's government in August 2021 after the US-led Western forces concluded their withdrawal, the flow of foreign aid to the country located at the crossroads of south and central Asia has drastically diminished.&nbsp;

Earlier in February, at least 25 people were killed in a landslide after heavy snowfall in eastern Afghanistan in February. About 60 were killed in subsequent precipitation till the beginning of March which conventionally marks the end of winter in the country.&nbsp;

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The United Nations last year warned that "Afghanistan is experiencing major swings in extreme weather conditions".

The changes in weather patterns in Afghanistan are a function of ongoing climate change events across the world. After being ravaged by decades of war, Afghanistan ranks among the nations least prepared to face climate change.

(With inputs from agencies)

Afghanistan's Taliban government confirmed that heavy flooding due to seasonal rains has killed dozens and injured at least 27 over three days last week. Flash floods hit Kabul and several other provinces across Afghanistan, said Abdullah Janan Saiq, the Taliban’s spokesman for the State Ministry for Natural Disaster Management.

Afghanistan's Taliban government confirmed that heavy flooding due to seasonal rains has killed dozens and injured at least 27 over three days last week. Flash floods hit Kabul and several other provinces across Afghanistan, said Abdullah Janan Saiq, the Taliban’s spokesman for the State Ministry for Natural Disaster Management. Also read | Taliban claims it killed dozens of Pakistanis involved in attacks inside Afghanistan Saiq added more than 600 houses were either partially or completely destroyed, while around 200 livestock perished. The flooding also damaged around 800 hectares of agricultural land and more than 85 kilometres (53 miles) of roads, Saiq said. Afghanistan flash floods: Which provinces are affected? Western Farah, Herat, southern Zabul and Kandahar are among the provinces that suffered the most damage, he added. The weather department has warned that more rain is expected in the coming days in most of Afghanistan’s 34 provinces. Also read | Death toll in Afghanistan earthquake surpasses 2,400 as rescue efforts gain pace Since the Taliban ousted democratically-elected President Ashraf Ghani's government in August 2021 after the US-led Western forces concluded their withdrawal, the flow of foreign aid to the country located at the crossroads of south and central Asia has drastically diminished. Earlier in February, at least 25 people were killed in a landslide after heavy snowfall in eastern Afghanistan in February. About 60 were killed in subsequent precipitation till the beginning of March which conventionally marks the end of winter in the country. × The United Nations last year warned that "Afghanistan is experiencing major swings in extreme weather conditions". The changes in weather patterns in Afghanistan are a function of ongoing climate change events across the world. After being ravaged by decades of war, Afghanistan ranks among the nations least prepared to face climate change. (With inputs from agencies)

Afghanistan: Dozens dead in flash floods, seasonal rain fury

An internal rift is seemingly brewing in the Taliban. In a rare instance, two senior Taliban leaders Hibatullah Akhundzada & Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani have resorted to criticism of each other.

Rift within Taliban?: Differences between Akhunzada & Haqqani? Tension among influential leaders

Pakistan continues its crackdown on Afghan refugees, reports suggest. Islamabad is yet again planning to deport about 67,000 more Afghan migrants after Eid.

Pakistan deports Afghanistan refugees, plan to target illegal Afghans residing in Pak

Heavy rains are ravaging different parts of the world. While at least 17 people were killed in Oman due to flash floods, at least 33 people died in the floods in Afghanistan. Streets were also flooded as heavy rain and wind hit Bahrain.

Heavy rains cause flash floods, several killed | WION Climate Tracker

Watch the top headlines of the hour: - Sydney: Bishop stabbed during Sermon - 33 killed in Afghanistan floods - India forecasts above average monsoon - Europe defence stocks rise - Gold pauses after record high

Sydney: Bishop stabbed during Sermon | 33 killed in Afghanistan floods

At least 33 people have been killed over three days of heavy rains and flash flooding in Afghanistan. The government’s disaster management department said that heavy rains were responsible for flash floods which caused high human and financial losses.

Is climate change to be blamed for the floods?

India on Friday (Apr 12) reacted to indications that suggested that the Taliban government in Afghanistan has been taking steps towards returning lands to Sikhs and Hindus that were taken from them.&nbsp;

During a weekly media briefing, the official spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal, said that it is a "positive development".&nbsp;

"We have also seen reports. If the Taliban administration has decided to restore property rights to Hindus and Sikhs from Afghanistan," Jaiswal said.&nbsp;

"I mean, who are their nationals, it is something which is a positive development. That is how we look at it," he added.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-man-arrested-after-he-axes-wife-seven-children-to-death-710496">Unable to feed family, Pak man kills wife and seven kids with axe</a>&nbsp;

Recent media reports claimed that the Taliban justice ministry has come up with some solutions for the property problems that the minorities were facing and that property rights have been restored to the Hindus, and the Sikhs.&nbsp;

Kabul-based Ariana News on March 10 reported that the Land-Grabbing Prevention and Restitution Commission has started investigating cases of usurped land belonging to Hindu and Sikh communities across the country.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imf-chief-says-pakistan-seeking-potential-follow-up-loan-program-710263">IMF chief says Pakistan seeking potential follow-up loan program</a>&nbsp;

News agencies&nbsp;said that the Ministry of Justice issued a&nbsp;statement instructing&nbsp;technical teams in the capital and in provinces to identify usurped land belonging to Hindu and Sikh communities and land at risk of being grabbed.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

India on Friday (Apr 12) reacted to indications that suggested that the Taliban government in Afghanistan has been taking steps towards returning lands to Sikhs and Hindus that were taken from them.

India on Friday (Apr 12) reacted to indications that suggested that the Taliban government in Afghanistan has been taking steps towards returning lands to Sikhs and Hindus that were taken from them. During a weekly media briefing, the official spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal, said that it is a "positive development". "We have also seen reports. If the Taliban administration has decided to restore property rights to Hindus and Sikhs from Afghanistan," Jaiswal said. "I mean, who are their nationals, it is something which is a positive development. That is how we look at it," he added. Also read: Unable to feed family, Pak man kills wife and seven kids with axe Recent media reports claimed that the Taliban justice ministry has come up with some solutions for the property problems that the minorities were facing and that property rights have been restored to the Hindus, and the Sikhs. Kabul-based Ariana News on March 10 reported that the Land-Grabbing Prevention and Restitution Commission has started investigating cases of usurped land belonging to Hindu and Sikh communities across the country. Also read: IMF chief says Pakistan seeking potential follow-up loan program News agencies said that the Ministry of Justice issued a statement instructing technical teams in the capital and in provinces to identify usurped land belonging to Hindu and Sikh communities and land at risk of being grabbed. (With inputs from agencies)

India reacts to Taliban restoring property rights to Afghan Hindus, Sikhs

#Gravitas | India's engagement with the Taliban regime in Afghanistan is starting to bear fruit. In a further effort to engage with India, the Taliban regime is undertaking policy efforts to return private land to displaced Hindu and Sikh minorities in the country.

Gravitas: Taliban Restores Land Illegally Taken by Warlords to Displaced Afghan Hindus and Sikhs

Pakistan's crack down on Afghan migrants, to deport them after Eid

Pakistan will reportedly raise the issue of the alleged use of Afghan soil for&nbsp;the recent terrorist attacks targeting Chinese engineers with the Taliban following a probe pointing to a&nbsp;possible Afghan link in the matter.

Six people, including five Chinese engineers, were killed in a suicide attack in Besham, a remote area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on March 26. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack but a report in Pakistan's Express Tribune newspaper suggested that a network linked to the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) was behind the incident.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-afghanistan-set-to-discuss-trade-normalisation-in-kabul-talks-703881">Pakistan, Afghanistan set to discuss trade normalisation in Kabul talks</a>

An explosive-laden vehicle parked on the roadside was blown up right when a convoy transporting Chinese engineers to the Dasu hydroelectric project site from Islamabad was passing by.&nbsp;

The March 26 attack was the second attack on Chinese workers at the same hydroelectric project. A similar terrorist attack killed 13 people, including nine engineers in July 2021.

Also watch |&nbsp;Pakistan PM Sharif visits Chinese engineers working on Dam project in Dasu

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The report in the Express Tribune claimed that Pakistani authorities have made certain arrests based on the SIM card recovered from the suicide bomber, "who is thought to be an Afghan national".&nbsp;

It added that the car used in the terrorist attack was non-custom paid and smuggled into Pakistan through the Chaman border.&nbsp;

The report further added that people familiar with the development say that there is no doubt that Afghan soil was used in the attack on Chinese engineers. This is why, they say, Pakistan will take up the matter through diplomatic channels with Afghan authorities.

<h2>What would it mean?</h2>

If an Afghan link is established to the attack on the Chinese, it may mean the deterioration of ties between Beijing and Kabul.&nbsp;

China is the only country that has accepted a full-time Taliban-appointed ambassador, in an unprecedented recognition of Afghanistan's Taliban rulers.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan will reportedly raise the issue of the alleged use of Afghan soil for the recent terrorist attacks targeting Chinese engineers with the Taliban following a probe pointing to a possible Afghan link in the matter.

Pakistan will reportedly raise the issue of the alleged use of Afghan soil for the recent terrorist attacks targeting Chinese engineers with the Taliban following a probe pointing to a possible Afghan link in the matter. Six people, including five Chinese engineers, were killed in a suicide attack in Besham, a remote area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on March 26. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack but a report in Pakistan's Express Tribune newspaper suggested that a network linked to the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) was behind the incident. Also read | Pakistan, Afghanistan set to discuss trade normalisation in Kabul talks An explosive-laden vehicle parked on the roadside was blown up right when a convoy transporting Chinese engineers to the Dasu hydroelectric project site from Islamabad was passing by. The March 26 attack was the second attack on Chinese workers at the same hydroelectric project. A similar terrorist attack killed 13 people, including nine engineers in July 2021. Also watch | Pakistan PM Sharif visits Chinese engineers working on Dam project in Dasu × The report in the Express Tribune claimed that Pakistani authorities have made certain arrests based on the SIM card recovered from the suicide bomber, "who is thought to be an Afghan national". It added that the car used in the terrorist attack was non-custom paid and smuggled into Pakistan through the Chaman border. The report further added that people familiar with the development say that there is no doubt that Afghan soil was used in the attack on Chinese engineers. This is why, they say, Pakistan will take up the matter through diplomatic channels with Afghan authorities. What would it mean? If an Afghan link is established to the attack on the Chinese, it may mean the deterioration of ties between Beijing and Kabul. China is the only country that has accepted a full-time Taliban-appointed ambassador, in an unprecedented recognition of Afghanistan's Taliban rulers. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan to raise issue of Afghan soil being used for terror attacks with Taliban

Russia said on Tuesday it had important matters to discuss with Afghanistan's Taliban leaders and was working to remove the Taliban from its list of banned terrorist organizations. Watch in for more details!

Russia says it is working to remove Taliban from terror organisation list

An old landmine, supposedly laid during decades-old conflict in Afghanistan, exploded overnight in the southeastern part of the nation, killing nine children - five girls and four boys - a provincial official said Monday (Apr 1).&nbsp;

According to the provincial head of the information and culture department, Hamidullah Nisar, the "unexploded mine" went off on Sunday as a group of young boys and girls were playing with it in the district of Geru, in Ghazni province.&nbsp;

"An unexploded mine left over from the time of the Russian invasion went off when they were playing with it. Unfortunately, it killed nine children," Nisar told AFP.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-pm-slams-opposition-over-anti-india-campaign-and-calls-for-burn-your-wives-indian-sarees-706471">Bangladesh PM dares opposition amidst anti-India campaign: 'Burn your wives' Indian sarees'</a>&nbsp;

Local police from the region said that the children were aged from four to 10 years.&nbsp;

Nisar claimed that the ordnance was left over from the time of the Russian invasion of Afghanistan in the 1980s.

The United Nations in Kabul said Monday that tens of thousands of civilians, including women and children, in Afghanistan, had been killed or injured by landmines and explosives.&nbsp;

It posted on X that UN&nbsp;"#MinAction partners have cleared 3,011 km2 (1,162 mi2) of land." It stressed&nbsp;that "more work"&nbsp;was needed to protect Afghans.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-enforces-red-carpet-ban-at-official-events-to-cut-costs-amid-economic-crisis-706218">Pak enforces red carpet ban at official events to cut expenses amid economic crisis</a>&nbsp;

Afghanistan has suffered decades of conflicts from the Soviet invasion in 1979, after that the civil war, and the 20-year Taliban insurgency against foreign-backed governments.&nbsp;

During that time, different parts of the nation were littered with unexploded mines, grenades and mortars from conflict&nbsp;spanning decades.&nbsp;

However, since the Taliban seized power in August 2021, ending the insurgency, violence has reduced dramatically across the country. But remnants of the past still haunt the nation.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

An old landmine, supposedly laid during decades-old conflict in Afghanistan, exploded overnight in the southeastern part of the nation, killing nine children - five girls and four boys - a provincial official said Monday (Apr 1).

An old landmine, supposedly laid during decades-old conflict in Afghanistan, exploded overnight in the southeastern part of the nation, killing nine children - five girls and four boys - a provincial official said Monday (Apr 1). According to the provincial head of the information and culture department, Hamidullah Nisar, the "unexploded mine" went off on Sunday as a group of young boys and girls were playing with it in the district of Geru, in Ghazni province. "An unexploded mine left over from the time of the Russian invasion went off when they were playing with it. Unfortunately, it killed nine children," Nisar told AFP. Also read: Bangladesh PM dares opposition amidst anti-India campaign: 'Burn your wives' Indian sarees' Local police from the region said that the children were aged from four to 10 years. Nisar claimed that the ordnance was left over from the time of the Russian invasion of Afghanistan in the 1980s. The United Nations in Kabul said Monday that tens of thousands of civilians, including women and children, in Afghanistan, had been killed or injured by landmines and explosives. It posted on X that UN "#MinAction partners have cleared 3,011 km2 (1,162 mi2) of land." It stressed that "more work" was needed to protect Afghans. Also read: Pak enforces red carpet ban at official events to cut expenses amid economic crisis Afghanistan has suffered decades of conflicts from the Soviet invasion in 1979, after that the civil war, and the 20-year Taliban insurgency against foreign-backed governments. During that time, different parts of the nation were littered with unexploded mines, grenades and mortars from conflict spanning decades. However, since the Taliban seized power in August 2021, ending the insurgency, violence has reduced dramatically across the country. But remnants of the past still haunt the nation. (With inputs from agencies)

Old landmine explodes in southeastern Afghanistan; nine children killed

Taliban’s supreme leader Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada has vowed to revive stoning women to death in public for crimes like adultery. According to Akhundzada, women’s rights as advocated by the international community are against the Taliban’s interpretation of Islamic sharia. All this and much more in Inside South Asia.

Taliban to stone women in public for adultery

Declaring a war against Western Democracy, the Taliban have&nbsp;announced that it will soon start stoning women to death for adultery.&nbsp;

The radical group's Supreme Leader Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada vowed this in a voice message broadcast on state TV on Saturday (Mar 23).

<h2>Alarming declaration</h2>

Labelling Western human rights defenders 'representatives of the devil', Akhundzada&nbsp;made the alarming declaration that the group will implement harsh punishments — including being stoned to death — against women.

"You say it's a violation of women's rights when we stone them to death. But we will soon implement the punishment for adultery," he said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-afghanistan-set-to-discuss-trade-normalisation-in-kabul-talks-703881">Pakistan, Afghanistan set to discuss trade normalisation in Kabul talks</a>

He defiantly stated that despite Western objections, the Taliban would "flog women in public. We will stone them to death in public."

"These are all against your democracy, but we will continue doing it," he said, adding that they were deemed necessary by the Taliban to uphold their interpretation of Islamic law.

"We both say we defend human rights—we do it as God's representative and you as the devil's," he declared in his harshest comments&nbsp;since taking over Kabul in August 2021.

<h2>Taliban 2.0</h2>

Akhundzada's remarks represent a stark departure from the more moderate image the "new" Taliban have&nbsp;sought to portray since seizing power in Afghanistan in 2021.&nbsp;

The announcement underscores the challenges faced by Afghan women under Taliban rule and raises concerns about the group's commitment to human rights.

In his voice message, Akhundzada said that the women's rights advocated by the "Westerners" were against the Taliban's interpretation of Islamic Sharia.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-condemn-reckless-air-strikes-by-pakistan-that-killed-eight-including-women-and-children-701533">Taliban condemn 'reckless' air strikes by Pakistan that it claims killed eight, including women and children</a>

"Do women want the rights that Westerners are talking about?" he asked.

"They are against Sharia and clerics’ opinions, the clerics who toppled Western democracy."

Emphasising that Taliban foot soldiers must oppose the West, he added, "I told the Mujahedin that we tell the Westerners that we fought against you for 20 years, and we will fight 20 and even more years against you."

"We will bring Sharia to this land," said the Taliban supreme leader, who had not been seen in public since the Taliban seized control of Kabul.

<h2>'Imprisoned' women</h2>

His remarks have incited outrage among women, who have called for increased pressure from the international community.

Watch |&nbsp;Taliban: Afghan women will be stoned to death for adultery

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Talking to the Telegraph, Tala, a former civil servant, said: "The money that they receive from the international community as humanitarian aid is just feeding them against women."

Calling Afghanistan a "prison" that the Taliban are making "smaller…every passing day," she added, "I don’t feel safe and secure in Afghanistan."

"Each morning starts with a barrage of notices and orders imposing restrictions and stringent rules on women, stripping away even the smallest joys and extinguishing hope for a brighter future," she said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Declaring a war against Western Democracy, the Taliban have announced that it will soon start stoning women to death for adultery. The radical group's Supreme Leader Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada vowed this in a voice message broadcast on state TV on Saturday (Mar 23).

Declaring a war against Western Democracy, the Taliban have announced that it will soon start stoning women to death for adultery. The radical group's Supreme Leader Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada vowed this in a voice message broadcast on state TV on Saturday (Mar 23). Alarming declaration Labelling Western human rights defenders 'representatives of the devil', Akhundzada made the alarming declaration that the group will implement harsh punishments — including being stoned to death — against women. "You say it's a violation of women's rights when we stone them to death. But we will soon implement the punishment for adultery," he said. Also read | Pakistan, Afghanistan set to discuss trade normalisation in Kabul talks He defiantly stated that despite Western objections, the Taliban would "flog women in public. We will stone them to death in public." "These are all against your democracy, but we will continue doing it," he said, adding that they were deemed necessary by the Taliban to uphold their interpretation of Islamic law. "We both say we defend human rights—we do it as God's representative and you as the devil's," he declared in his harshest comments since taking over Kabul in August 2021. Taliban 2.0 Akhundzada's remarks represent a stark departure from the more moderate image the "new" Taliban have sought to portray since seizing power in Afghanistan in 2021. The announcement underscores the challenges faced by Afghan women under Taliban rule and raises concerns about the group's commitment to human rights. In his voice message, Akhundzada said that the women's rights advocated by the "Westerners" were against the Taliban's interpretation of Islamic Sharia. Also read | Taliban condemn 'reckless' air strikes by Pakistan that it claims killed eight, including women and children "Do women want the rights that Westerners are talking about?" he asked. "They are against Sharia and clerics’ opinions, the clerics who toppled Western democracy." Emphasising that Taliban foot soldiers must oppose the West, he added, "I told the Mujahedin that we tell the Westerners that we fought against you for 20 years, and we will fight 20 and even more years against you." "We will bring Sharia to this land," said the Taliban supreme leader, who had not been seen in public since the Taliban seized control of Kabul. 'Imprisoned' women His remarks have incited outrage among women, who have called for increased pressure from the international community. Watch | Taliban: Afghan women will be stoned to death for adultery Talking to the Telegraph, Tala, a former civil servant, said: "The money that they receive from the international community as humanitarian aid is just feeding them against women." Calling Afghanistan a "prison" that the Taliban are making "smaller…every passing day," she added, "I don’t feel safe and secure in Afghanistan." "Each morning starts with a barrage of notices and orders imposing restrictions and stringent rules on women, stripping away even the smallest joys and extinguishing hope for a brighter future," she said. (With inputs from agencies)

Taliban supreme leader says women will soon be stoned to death for adultery

Buoyed Afghanistan coach Ashley Westwood has rubbed salt into the Indian wounds by claiming that his rag-tag team should have won the first leg in Saudi Arabia as well. The Khorasan Lions tamed the Blue Tigers at their home stadium in Guwahati on Tuesday (Mar 26) night to dent India's hopes of entering the next round of World Cup qualifiers.&nbsp;&nbsp;

India&nbsp;went down 1-2 against the Afghan side, despite leading the game, courtesy of a penalty kick goal from veteran forward Sunil Chettri.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“We remained confident even when we were trailing. To be honest, we also could have won the earlier match. We were always the dominant side in the match,” Westwood said, referring to the first-leg&nbsp;which ended in a goalless draw.

“It was unlucky at 0-0 in the last game. We could have won that if we took our chances. I was not under pressure at 1-0 at half-time because I knew we would score. I never felt pressured because I always believed in the boys, and I am glad we got the result,” he added.

Westwood coached a win despite missing some of the key players of the team. A bitter pay dispute with the football association resulted in a strike by 18 Afghan players prior to the World Cup qualifiers, which forced Westwood to assemble a makeshift team to mount a challenge against the superior-ranked Indian team.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/embarrassing-shambolic-fans-seethe-after-afghanistan-beat-india-2-1-in-world-cup-qualifiers-watch-704566">Also read | ‘Embarrassing, shambolic’: Fans seethe after Afghanistan beat India 2-1 in World Cup Qualifiers&nbsp;</a>

<h2>Stimac blames players</h2>

While Westwood was all praise for his team, his Indian counterpart Igor Stimac once again reiterated that the players and their intensity was perhaps the undoing.&nbsp;

“Yes, we lost the game, of course. I accept the responsibility. I’m the coach at the end of the day. But we are second in our group. And look what we are creating. We are not playing poor football. We are playing decent football. We need much more support as a team, and as a unit, to provide more. As I said two days ago, we’re going to qualify.”

On the eve of the match, Stimac had vowed to resign if he failed to take the Indian side to the next round. After the match, there were chants of 'Stimac Out' in the stadium as well as a sustained online campaign where fans demanded that Stimac leave the job.&nbsp;

Despite being at the helm for more than five years now, Stimac has failed to instill a clear philosophy in the team. The lack of identity was truly on display on Tuesday as Afghanistan constantly played the Indian team off the park.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Buoyed Afghanistan coach Ashley Westwood has rubbed salt into the Indian wounds by claiming that his rag-tag team should have won the first leg in Saudi Arabia as well.

Buoyed Afghanistan coach Ashley Westwood has rubbed salt into the Indian wounds by claiming that his rag-tag team should have won the first leg in Saudi Arabia as well. The Khorasan Lions tamed the Blue Tigers at their home stadium in Guwahati on Tuesday (Mar 26) night to dent India's hopes of entering the next round of World Cup qualifiers. India went down 1-2 against the Afghan side, despite leading the game, courtesy of a penalty kick goal from veteran forward Sunil Chettri. “We remained confident even when we were trailing. To be honest, we also could have won the earlier match. We were always the dominant side in the match,” Westwood said, referring to the first-leg which ended in a goalless draw. “It was unlucky at 0-0 in the last game. We could have won that if we took our chances. I was not under pressure at 1-0 at half-time because I knew we would score. I never felt pressured because I always believed in the boys, and I am glad we got the result,” he added. Westwood coached a win despite missing some of the key players of the team. A bitter pay dispute with the football association resulted in a strike by 18 Afghan players prior to the World Cup qualifiers, which forced Westwood to assemble a makeshift team to mount a challenge against the superior-ranked Indian team. Also read | ‘Embarrassing, shambolic’: Fans seethe after Afghanistan beat India 2-1 in World Cup Qualifiers Stimac blames players While Westwood was all praise for his team, his Indian counterpart Igor Stimac once again reiterated that the players and their intensity was perhaps the undoing. “Yes, we lost the game, of course. I accept the responsibility. I’m the coach at the end of the day. But we are second in our group. And look what we are creating. We are not playing poor football. We are playing decent football. We need much more support as a team, and as a unit, to provide more. As I said two days ago, we’re going to qualify.” On the eve of the match, Stimac had vowed to resign if he failed to take the Indian side to the next round. After the match, there were chants of 'Stimac Out' in the stadium as well as a sustained online campaign where fans demanded that Stimac leave the job. Despite being at the helm for more than five years now, Stimac has failed to instill a clear philosophy in the team. The lack of identity was truly on display on Tuesday as Afghanistan constantly played the Indian team off the park. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Should’ve won first leg too’: Afghanistan coach Westwood rubs salt in India’s wounds after WC qualifiers win

Afghan women will be stoned to death for adultery, declares Taliban leader in new audio. Taliban’s supreme leader mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada purportedly vowed a harsh implementation of the Islamic code of Shariah.

Taliban: Afghan women will be stoned to death for adultery

A delegation from Pakistan's commerce ministry is scheduled to visit Afghanistan on Monday (Mar 25) to tackle bilateral trade-related issues. Pakistan's foreign ministry spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch confirmed that Secretary Commerce Khurrum Agha would lead the delegation on a two-day trip to Afghanistan starting March 25 to engage in discussions concerning trade matters.

Baloch highlighted Pakistan's commitment to fostering trade and people-to-people connections with Afghanistan and underlined the importance of addressing mutual concerns.

Joining Agha in the delegation are key officials including Maria Qazi, Dr&nbsp;Wajid Ali Khan and Khushal Khan.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-launches-bid-for-non-permanent-unsc-seat-for-2025-26-703581">Pakistan launches bid for non-permanent UNSC seat for 2025-26</a>

Afghanistan also acknowledged the impending visit. Spokesman for the Afghan commerce ministry, Abdul Salam Jawad, said that Minister of Industry and Commerce Nooruddin Azizi would lead the Afghan delegation.

Jawad highlighted the intention to discuss bilateral and transit trade issues, particularly focusing on addressing the ban on certain transit items which has adversely affected trade flows.&nbsp;

“We will take up the issue of a ban on several transit items. Pakistan has banned the import of certain items under the transit agreement. Around 50 percent of transit trade has been decreased due to this ban and shifted to Iran,” Jawad said.

<h2>Pakistan-Afghanistan strained ties&nbsp;</h2>

The upcoming talks come in the wake of strained relations between the two nations following Pakistani airstrikes in Afghanistan targeting alleged Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan militants. The incident followed a terrorist attack on a Pakistani Army outpost.

Khan Jan Alkozai of the Pak-Afghan Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry expressed optimism that the Pakistani government would address Afghan importers' concerns.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/maldives-seeks-debt-relief-from-india-after-insisting-on-troop-withdrawal-703245">Maldives seeks debt relief from India after insisting on troop withdrawal</a>

Additionally, Pakistani traders also pointed at the importance of facilitating transit and bilateral trade with Afghanistan, citing mutual benefits for both nations.

The history of Pak-Afghan relations has seen fluctuations, with incidents like the temporary closure of the Torkham border crossing in February 2023 due to escalated tensions.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/three-killed-12-injured-in-suicide-bombing-in-afghanistans-kandahar-702950">Three killed, 12 injured in suicide bombing in Afghanistan's Kandahar</a>

Recent engagements between diplomatic representatives from both countries aim at de-escalating tensions and revitalising various aspects of bilateral relations.

However, challenges persist, with Pakistan urging the Taliban government in Kabul to take stronger action against anti-Pakistani groups, especially the TTP, allegedly harboured in Afghanistan.

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pakistan-seriously-considering-reviving-trade-with-india-fm-ishaq-dar-703874">Pakistan 'seriously' considering reviving trade with India: FM Ishaq Dar</a>

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These talks also occur amid international concerns over the Taliban's governance in Afghanistan and Pakistan's efforts to address security challenges.

(With inputs from agencies)

A delegation from Pakistan's commerce ministry is scheduled to visit Afghanistan on Monday (Mar 25) to tackle bilateral trade-related issues. Pakistan's foreign ministry spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch confirmed that Secretary Commerce Khurrum Agha would lead the delegation on a two-day trip to Afghanistan starting March 25 to engage in discussions concerning trade matters.

A delegation from Pakistan's commerce ministry is scheduled to visit Afghanistan on Monday (Mar 25) to tackle bilateral trade-related issues. Pakistan's foreign ministry spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch confirmed that Secretary Commerce Khurrum Agha would lead the delegation on a two-day trip to Afghanistan starting March 25 to engage in discussions concerning trade matters. Baloch highlighted Pakistan's commitment to fostering trade and people-to-people connections with Afghanistan and underlined the importance of addressing mutual concerns. Joining Agha in the delegation are key officials including Maria Qazi, Dr Wajid Ali Khan and Khushal Khan. Also Read | Pakistan launches bid for non-permanent UNSC seat for 2025-26 Afghanistan also acknowledged the impending visit. Spokesman for the Afghan commerce ministry, Abdul Salam Jawad, said that Minister of Industry and Commerce Nooruddin Azizi would lead the Afghan delegation. Jawad highlighted the intention to discuss bilateral and transit trade issues, particularly focusing on addressing the ban on certain transit items which has adversely affected trade flows. “We will take up the issue of a ban on several transit items. Pakistan has banned the import of certain items under the transit agreement. Around 50 percent of transit trade has been decreased due to this ban and shifted to Iran,” Jawad said. Pakistan-Afghanistan strained ties The upcoming talks come in the wake of strained relations between the two nations following Pakistani airstrikes in Afghanistan targeting alleged Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan militants. The incident followed a terrorist attack on a Pakistani Army outpost. Khan Jan Alkozai of the Pak-Afghan Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry expressed optimism that the Pakistani government would address Afghan importers' concerns. Also Read | Maldives seeks debt relief from India after insisting on troop withdrawal Additionally, Pakistani traders also pointed at the importance of facilitating transit and bilateral trade with Afghanistan, citing mutual benefits for both nations. The history of Pak-Afghan relations has seen fluctuations, with incidents like the temporary closure of the Torkham border crossing in February 2023 due to escalated tensions. Also Read | Three killed, 12 injured in suicide bombing in Afghanistan's Kandahar Recent engagements between diplomatic representatives from both countries aim at de-escalating tensions and revitalising various aspects of bilateral relations. However, challenges persist, with Pakistan urging the Taliban government in Kabul to take stronger action against anti-Pakistani groups, especially the TTP, allegedly harboured in Afghanistan. Watch | Pakistan 'seriously' considering reviving trade with India: FM Ishaq Dar × These talks also occur amid international concerns over the Taliban's governance in Afghanistan and Pakistan's efforts to address security challenges. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan, Afghanistan set to discuss trade normalisation in Kabul talks

Pakistan-Afghanistan tensions have escalated. Pakistan carries out airstrikes in Afghanistan. Afghanistan claims to strike back. Islamabad accuses Kabul of sheltering terrorists. The neighbouring countries have traded blame over who is responsible for a recent spate of Islamist militant attacks in Pakistan. Pakistan says the attacks were launched from Afghan soil. Why are both countries at loggerheads? Find out.

Why are Pakistan and Afghanistan fighting?

The school year in Afghanistan started Wednesday but without girls whom the Taliban barred from attending classes beyond the sixth grade, making it the only country with restrictions on female education.

Afghanistan’s school year starts without girls

Afghanistan: Another academic year begins with no girls, no freedom for girls to dream

Two former top US Generals have blamed the Biden Administration for the chaotic departure of US forces from Afghanistan. Watch to know more!

Top former US Generals on Kabul withdrawal: Poor planning led to chaos

The top two former&nbsp;US generals who&nbsp;led the chaotic evacuation of US forces in Afghanistan as it fell to Taliban control in August 2021 squarely blamed the disastrous American exit on&nbsp;the Biden administration's inadequate planning and delayed orders. Earlier, the Biden administration had blamed its predecessor Trump administration, and their agreement with the Taliban for the disastrous exit of US forces from Afghanistan.&nbsp;

The rare public testimony by the retired generals Mark Milley and Kenneth ‘Frank’ McKenzie Jr put out in public domain the&nbsp;discord and disagreements between the military leadership and the Biden administration during the final days of US' presence in Afghanistan.

<h2>US forces in Afghanistan were over three times short of adviced deployment</h2>

The US military had adviced maintaining a presence of at least 2,500 service members in Afghanistan to uphold stability in the wake of the Doha agreement that was signed between the Taliban and the United States.

General Milley told the US House Foreign Affairs Committee while referring to the situation in Afghanistan in the&nbsp;immediate days before August 14 when the Taliban took control of Kabul: "The Afghan security forces were collapsing in the various provincial capitals and although there were some still in and around Kabul, so the general situation at that point was 750 U.S. soldiers in-and-around the embassy."

These revelations contrast with an internal White House review, which cited constraints imposed by previous withdrawal agreements&nbsp;— such as the Trump-negotiated&nbsp;'Agreement for Bringing Peace to Afghanistan' signed between the United States and the Taliban in Doha — for the tumultuous&nbsp;Aug 14 withdrawal of the US forces.

Also watch |&nbsp;Top former US Generals testify on US troop's withdrawal from Afghanistan

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The review placed blame on the military, adding&nbsp;that top commanders had assured they had ample resources to handle the evacuation.

Thirteen US service members were killed in a suicide bombing at Kabul airport's Abbey Gate as the Taliban seized control of Afghanistan. Taliban later said that a local Islamic State offshoot was responsible for the&nbsp;attack.

Thousands of Afghans and US citizens scrambled to board US military flights for evacuation amid the frenzy that took over Afghanistan as the Taliban displaced democratically-elected Ashraf Ghani government in Kabul.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/explained-taliban-have-put-afghan-clock-back-to-1990s-autocracy-un-report-603152">Explained | Taliban have put Afghan clock back to 1990s’ autocracy: UN report</a>

Ultimately, over 130,000 civilians were rescued before the final US military aircraft departed.

"On August 14, the non-combatant evacuation operation decision was made by the Department of State," Milley recounted.

"But the State Department’s decision came too late. The fundamental mistake was the timing of the State Department – too slow and too late," he further said.

Milley, as the top highest-ranking military officer at the time, had advocated for maintaining a residual force to support Afghanistan's special forces and retain control of Bagram Air Base for critical leverage against Taliban advances.

(With inputs from agencies)

The top two former US generals who led the chaotic evacuation of US forces in Afghanistan as it fell to Taliban control in August 2021 squarely blamed the disastrous American exit on the Biden administration's inadequate planning and delayed orders.

The top two former US generals who led the chaotic evacuation of US forces in Afghanistan as it fell to Taliban control in August 2021 squarely blamed the disastrous American exit on the Biden administration's inadequate planning and delayed orders. Earlier, the Biden administration had blamed its predecessor Trump administration, and their agreement with the Taliban for the disastrous exit of US forces from Afghanistan. The rare public testimony by the retired generals Mark Milley and Kenneth ‘Frank’ McKenzie Jr put out in public domain the discord and disagreements between the military leadership and the Biden administration during the final days of US' presence in Afghanistan. US forces in Afghanistan were over three times short of adviced deployment The US military had adviced maintaining a presence of at least 2,500 service members in Afghanistan to uphold stability in the wake of the Doha agreement that was signed between the Taliban and the United States. General Milley told the US House Foreign Affairs Committee while referring to the situation in Afghanistan in the immediate days before August 14 when the Taliban took control of Kabul: "The Afghan security forces were collapsing in the various provincial capitals and although there were some still in and around Kabul, so the general situation at that point was 750 U.S. soldiers in-and-around the embassy." These revelations contrast with an internal White House review, which cited constraints imposed by previous withdrawal agreements — such as the Trump-negotiated 'Agreement for Bringing Peace to Afghanistan' signed between the United States and the Taliban in Doha — for the tumultuous Aug 14 withdrawal of the US forces. Also watch | Top former US Generals testify on US troop's withdrawal from Afghanistan × The review placed blame on the military, adding that top commanders had assured they had ample resources to handle the evacuation. Thirteen US service members were killed in a suicide bombing at Kabul airport's Abbey Gate as the Taliban seized control of Afghanistan. Taliban later said that a local Islamic State offshoot was responsible for the attack. Thousands of Afghans and US citizens scrambled to board US military flights for evacuation amid the frenzy that took over Afghanistan as the Taliban displaced democratically-elected Ashraf Ghani government in Kabul. Also read | Explained | Taliban have put Afghan clock back to 1990s’ autocracy: UN report Ultimately, over 130,000 civilians were rescued before the final US military aircraft departed. "On August 14, the non-combatant evacuation operation decision was made by the Department of State," Milley recounted. "But the State Department’s decision came too late. The fundamental mistake was the timing of the State Department – too slow and too late," he further said. Milley, as the top highest-ranking military officer at the time, had advocated for maintaining a residual force to support Afghanistan's special forces and retain control of Bagram Air Base for critical leverage against Taliban advances. (With inputs from agencies)

'Too little, too late': Ex-US generals point to Biden admin's failures for Kabul's quick fall to Taliban

US: Top former Generals say failures of Biden administration drove fall of Kabul

Top former US Generals testify on US troop's withdrawal from Afghanistan

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