Afghans have been forced to flee the country due to Taliban's takeover. They hope to get evacuated and safely reach their destinations.

Afghans face tough situations while trying to flee the country

The Australian government have stepped in and have evacuated several sportswomen and athletes from Afghanistan that is now under the control of the Taliban, the global football players' union said on Tuesday.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/medics-who-saved-christian-eriksen-at-euros-to-receive-uefa-presidents-award-408120" hreflang="en">Medics who saved Christian Eriksen at Euros to receive UEFA President's Award</a>

With the Taliban seizing power in Afghanistan, the fate of women in the nation became a major concern. Taliban rule is based on Sharia Laws, which would have a negative influence on women's rights in the country.&nbsp;

Afghanistan's former women's football team captain, Khalida Popal, said that some women had been beaten and heard gunshots as they fled.

She took to Twitter and posted a picture of a group huddled together in an aircraft, and another showing them walking on the tarmac with bags on their backs.&nbsp;

"The 75 players and some family members are out of Afghanistan," she wrote.&nbsp;

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Sleepless nights, being on the call all the time answering questions. Handling media, motiving players to keep fighting &amp; not give up even there were gunfires, they were beaten. Was tough. The 75 players and some family members are out of Afghanistan. Teamwork. Work continues. <a href="https://t.co/wv5WUF10Wd">pic.twitter.com/wv5WUF10Wd</a>
— Khalida Popal (@khalida_popal) <a href="https://twitter.com/khalida_popal/status/1430076019260674048?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 24, 2021</a></blockquote>
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"Sleepless nights, being on the call all the time answering questions. Handling media, motiving players to keep fighting &amp; not give up even there were gunfires, they were beaten. Was tough."

The International Federation of Professional Footballers (FIFPro) said the evacuated Afghan sportswomen had been "in a position of danger" and "many athletes" were still at risk.

A statement on FIFPro's website expressed gratitude for the Australian government's evacuation efforts.

"These young women, both as athletes and activists, have been in a position of danger and on behalf of their peers around the world we thank the international community for coming to their aid," FIFPro said in the statement.

FIFPro did not say what the final destination of the women was, although the union tweeted on Sunday that several countries and groups were involved.&nbsp;

"We are grateful for the assistance of governments, military and human rights groups who are collaborating closely with us to evacuate women footballers and other athletes from Afghanistan."

The Australian government have stepped in and have evacuated several sportswomen and athletes from Afghanistan that is now under the control of the Taliban, the global football players' union said on Tuesday.

The Australian government have stepped in and have evacuated several sportswomen and athletes from Afghanistan that is now under the control of the Taliban, the global football players' union said on Tuesday. ALSO READ: Medics who saved Christian Eriksen at Euros to receive UEFA President's Award With the Taliban seizing power in Afghanistan, the fate of women in the nation became a major concern. Taliban rule is based on Sharia Laws, which would have a negative influence on women's rights in the country. Afghanistan's former women's football team captain, Khalida Popal, said that some women had been beaten and heard gunshots as they fled. She took to Twitter and posted a picture of a group huddled together in an aircraft, and another showing them walking on the tarmac with bags on their backs. "The 75 players and some family members are out of Afghanistan," she wrote. Sleepless nights, being on the call all the time answering questions. Handling media, motiving players to keep fighting & not give up even there were gunfires, they were beaten. Was tough. The 75 players and some family members are out of Afghanistan. Teamwork. Work continues. pic.twitter.com/wv5WUF10Wd — Khalida Popal (@khalida_popal) August 24, 2021 × "Sleepless nights, being on the call all the time answering questions. Handling media, motiving players to keep fighting & not give up even there were gunfires, they were beaten. Was tough." The International Federation of Professional Footballers (FIFPro) said the evacuated Afghan sportswomen had been "in a position of danger" and "many athletes" were still at risk. A statement on FIFPro's website expressed gratitude for the Australian government's evacuation efforts. "These young women, both as athletes and activists, have been in a position of danger and on behalf of their peers around the world we thank the international community for coming to their aid," FIFPro said in the statement. FIFPro did not say what the final destination of the women was, although the union tweeted on Sunday that several countries and groups were involved. "We are grateful for the assistance of governments, military and human rights groups who are collaborating closely with us to evacuate women footballers and other athletes from Afghanistan."

Australian government evacuates at-risk sportswomen from Taliban-controlled Afghanistan

A&nbsp;barber&nbsp;working in the Afghan capital of&nbsp;Kabul&nbsp;said on Wednesday, that he was scared of what Taliban rule could mean for his trade in the future.

"There is no work, and in the previous system of the Islamic Emirate, our work was against the law, and they said that men's make-up and tattoos are not allowed, so the clientele is very low, everyone is scared and I work in fear, and their (Taliban) law has not been implemented yet, whether we will be allowed to work or not." said Mohammad Amin Noori.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/commander-of-afghan-army-speaks-out-we-were-betrayed-by-politics-and-presidents-408279" hreflang="en">Commander of Afghan army speaks out: We were betrayed by politics and presidents</a>

Other residents said they hoped for more jobs and opportunities under the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/taliban">Taliban</a>.

It comes as western countries rushed to complete the evacuation of thousands of people from Afghanistan as the Aug. 31 deadline for the withdrawal of foreign troops drew closer with no sign that the Taliban rulers might allow an extension.

The Taliban said all foreign evacuations must be completed by Aug. 31 and asked the United States to stop urging talented Afghans to leave, while also trying to persuade people at the airport to go home, assuring them that they had nothing to fear.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/fleeing-an-uncertain-future-afghan-all-girl-robotics-team-members-land-in-mexico-408255" hreflang="en">Fleeing an uncertain future, Afghan all-girl robotics team members land in Mexico</a>

While the focus is now on those people trying to flee, the risk of starvation, disease and persecution is rising for the rest of the population after the chaotic exodus from&nbsp;Kabul&nbsp;airport ends, aid agencies say.

A barber working in the Afghan capital of Kabul said on Wednesday, that he was scared of what Taliban rule could mean for his trade in the future. "There is no work, and in the previous system of the Islamic Emirate, our work was against the law, and they said that men's make-up and tattoos are not allowed, so the clientele is very low, everyone is scared and I work in fear, and their (Taliban) law has not been implemented yet, whether we will be allowed to work or not.

A barber working in the Afghan capital of Kabul said on Wednesday, that he was scared of what Taliban rule could mean for his trade in the future. "There is no work, and in the previous system of the Islamic Emirate, our work was against the law, and they said that men's make-up and tattoos are not allowed, so the clientele is very low, everyone is scared and I work in fear, and their (Taliban) law has not been implemented yet, whether we will be allowed to work or not." said Mohammad Amin Noori. Also read | Commander of Afghan army speaks out: We were betrayed by politics and presidents Other residents said they hoped for more jobs and opportunities under the Taliban. It comes as western countries rushed to complete the evacuation of thousands of people from Afghanistan as the Aug. 31 deadline for the withdrawal of foreign troops drew closer with no sign that the Taliban rulers might allow an extension. The Taliban said all foreign evacuations must be completed by Aug. 31 and asked the United States to stop urging talented Afghans to leave, while also trying to persuade people at the airport to go home, assuring them that they had nothing to fear. Also read | Fleeing an uncertain future, Afghan all-girl robotics team members land in Mexico While the focus is now on those people trying to flee, the risk of starvation, disease and persecution is rising for the rest of the population after the chaotic exodus from Kabul airport ends, aid agencies say.

Kabul barber fears uncertain future under Taliban rule while residents hope for jobs

The pace of evacuations has sped up. Scenes of heartache danger and desperation grow on the edges of the Hamid Karzai airport. WION's Anas Mallick reached the evacuation center to show us the process on the ground and the situation in Kabul.

WION ground report from inside Kabul airport

Two US congressmen revealed on Tuesday (local time) that they violated official orders against travel to Kabul. The two congressmen, Democratic Seth Moulton and Republican Peter Meijer are Iraq war veterans. The revelation elicited an angry reaction from Democratic leader of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi.

"Today with @RepMeijer I visited Kabul airport to conduct oversight on the evacuation," said Moulton. The two men are veterans of the Iraq war.

"We did this visit in secret to reduce risks and impact on the mission and we insisted on leaving in a plane that was not full, in a seat designated for crew so that we didn’t take a seat from someone else," Moulton continued on Twitter late Tuesday.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nearly-100-afghan-evacuees-may-have-ties-with-islamic-state-reports-408262">Nearly 100 Afghan evacuees may have ties with Islamic State: Reports</a>

Kabul airport is still witnessing scenes of chaos as huge crowds are trying to board the flights going out of Afghanistan. More than 80,000 people have been evacuated since August 14.

Time is running out to save the rest, with an August 31 deadline set by US President Joe Biden looming, and the Taliban saying they will refuse to extend it.&nbsp;

The two representatives flew to the Middle East on their own and then traveled on a military plane from a US-allied country to Kabul, all without coordinating with US diplomats or military command, American media reported.

The goal of the operation was to push Biden to extend the August 31 evacuation cutoff date, according to the two men.

"After talking with commanders on the ground and seeing the situation here, it is obvious that because we started the evacuation so late, that no matter what we do, we won’t get everyone out on time, even by September 11," Moulton tweeted.

Biden said Tuesday during a press conference that the United States would meet the August 31 deadline but stressed that meeting that cutoff would depend on cooperation from the Taliban.

The United States deployed fresh troops to help with evacuations. But that 6,000-plus contingent, as well as hundreds of US officials, 600 Afghan troops and the equipment, will have to be flown out.

Despite the harrowing scenes at Kabul airport, the Taliban have ruled out any extension to next Tuesday's deadline to pull out foreign troops, describing it as "a red line."

(With inputs from agencies)

Two US congressmen revealed on Tuesday (local time) that they violated official orders against travel to Kabul. The two congressmen, Democratic Seth Moulton and Republican Peter Meijer are Iraq war veterans.

Two US congressmen revealed on Tuesday (local time) that they violated official orders against travel to Kabul. The two congressmen, Democratic Seth Moulton and Republican Peter Meijer are Iraq war veterans. The revelation elicited an angry reaction from Democratic leader of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi. "Today with @RepMeijer I visited Kabul airport to conduct oversight on the evacuation," said Moulton. The two men are veterans of the Iraq war. "We did this visit in secret to reduce risks and impact on the mission and we insisted on leaving in a plane that was not full, in a seat designated for crew so that we didn’t take a seat from someone else," Moulton continued on Twitter late Tuesday. Also Read | Nearly 100 Afghan evacuees may have ties with Islamic State: Reports Kabul airport is still witnessing scenes of chaos as huge crowds are trying to board the flights going out of Afghanistan. More than 80,000 people have been evacuated since August 14. Time is running out to save the rest, with an August 31 deadline set by US President Joe Biden looming, and the Taliban saying they will refuse to extend it. The two representatives flew to the Middle East on their own and then traveled on a military plane from a US-allied country to Kabul, all without coordinating with US diplomats or military command, American media reported. The goal of the operation was to push Biden to extend the August 31 evacuation cutoff date, according to the two men. "After talking with commanders on the ground and seeing the situation here, it is obvious that because we started the evacuation so late, that no matter what we do, we won’t get everyone out on time, even by September 11," Moulton tweeted. Biden said Tuesday during a press conference that the United States would meet the August 31 deadline but stressed that meeting that cutoff would depend on cooperation from the Taliban. The United States deployed fresh troops to help with evacuations. But that 6,000-plus contingent, as well as hundreds of US officials, 600 Afghan troops and the equipment, will have to be flown out. Despite the harrowing scenes at Kabul airport, the Taliban have ruled out any extension to next Tuesday's deadline to pull out foreign troops, describing it as "a red line." (With inputs from agencies)

US lawmakers violate orders, travel to Kabul during airlift

Briefing the media for the second time after its capture of Afghanistan, the Taliban spokesperson said the United States should stop evacuating skilled Afghans, and warned Western forces against extending the August 31 deadline for airlifts out of the country.

Taliban: US must stick to August 31 deadline, Afghans not allowed to go to airport

Afghans are growing desperate to escape life under the Taliban's rule. This comes as US President Joe Biden makes it official that US-led evacuations will end next week. Many Afghans fear a repeat of the brutal five-year Taliban regime that was toppled in 2001.

United Nations body calls Afghanistan a perfect storm

The leaders of G7 nations held an emergency meeting on the Afghanistan crisis. The meeting was called in response to the chaotic events in Kabul. The G7 leaders made a joint decision to hold the Taliban accountable for terrorism and human rights abuses in the country.

G7 Leaders: Taliban will be held accountable for terrorism and rights abuses in Afghanistan

Afghans are growing desperate to escape life under the Taliban's rule. This comes as US President Joe Biden makes it official that US-led evacuations will end next week. On the second hand, World Health Organization is running out of medical supplies in Afghanistan, and WHO is also concerned about rising COVID cases in the country.

WHO running out Of medical supplies In Afghanistan

The Panjshir Valley has become Afghanistan's bastion of resistance. It is the only province to not have fallen to the Taliban. The terror group has surrounded the valley. An Anti-Taliban force is training to fight. Palki Sharma brings you a report.

Gravitas: Panjshir Valley: Only province to not have fallen to the Taliban

Times change, but they changed VERY quickly for Afghanistan. It was anticipated that Taliban would recapture power after USA's hasty retreat but the pace of it has surprised everyone. The deposed Afghan president himself is in UAE and thousands of Afghans have escaped the country fearing the Taliban rule.

That the government has collapsed is a known fact, but what are all the ministers doing now is not common knowledge. A former Afghan minister being seen delivering pizzas is hence creating a lot of buzz online.

Photos of Afghanistan's former information and technology minister Syed Ahmad Shah Saadat in an orange shirt and on a bicycle did rounds on social media on Wednesday. The photos reportedly were taken when he was delivering pizza in Germany. Some of the images were tweeted by Al Jazeera Arabia.

The pics were reportedly clicked by a local journalist

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Vor ein paar Tagen lernte ich einen Mann kennen, der behauptete, vor zwei Jahren afghanischer Kommunikationsminister gewesen zu sein. Ich fragte, was er in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Leipzig?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Leipzig</a> mache. „Ich fahre für Lieferando Essen aus.“ <a href="https://t.co/nafutTTXqP">pic.twitter.com/nafutTTXqP</a>
— Josa Mania-Schlegel (@JosaMania) <a href="https://twitter.com/JosaMania/status/1428983082724569097?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 21, 2021</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

It was reported that Saadat himself confirmed to Sky News that the images doing rounds were of him.

Reportedly an Oxford graduate, Saadat joined Ashraf Ghani's cabinet in 2018. He served for two years before quitting. He then arrived in Germany in 2020.

Times change, but they changed VERY quickly for Afghanistan. It was anticipated that Taliban would recapture power after USA's hasty retreat but the pace of it has surprised everyone.

Times change, but they changed VERY quickly for Afghanistan. It was anticipated that Taliban would recapture power after USA's hasty retreat but the pace of it has surprised everyone. The deposed Afghan president himself is in UAE and thousands of Afghans have escaped the country fearing the Taliban rule. That the government has collapsed is a known fact, but what are all the ministers doing now is not common knowledge. A former Afghan minister being seen delivering pizzas is hence creating a lot of buzz online. Photos of Afghanistan's former information and technology minister Syed Ahmad Shah Saadat in an orange shirt and on a bicycle did rounds on social media on Wednesday. The photos reportedly were taken when he was delivering pizza in Germany. Some of the images were tweeted by Al Jazeera Arabia. The pics were reportedly clicked by a local journalist Vor ein paar Tagen lernte ich einen Mann kennen, der behauptete, vor zwei Jahren afghanischer Kommunikationsminister gewesen zu sein. Ich fragte, was er in #Leipzig mache. „Ich fahre für Lieferando Essen aus.“ pic.twitter.com/nafutTTXqP — Josa Mania-Schlegel (@JosaMania) August 21, 2021 × It was reported that Saadat himself confirmed to Sky News that the images doing rounds were of him. Reportedly an Oxford graduate, Saadat joined Ashraf Ghani's cabinet in 2018. He served for two years before quitting. He then arrived in Germany in 2020.

Former Afghanistan minister now delivers pizzas in Germany: Report

The crowds continue to swell at the Kabul airport. Even the Former Chief of the Afghan Army was seen waiting in line outside the airport. A team WION managed to get inside to assess the evacuation effort. Palki Sharma tells you what they saw.

Gravitas: Former Afghan Army Chief stands in line outside Kabul airport, wants to leave

The Taliban are appointing ministers and mayors even before revealing the make-up of the new regime. Reports say a council will rule Afghanistan, instead of an emir. The Taliban have a country to rule, but no idea how to. Palki Sharma tells you why.

Gravitas: What will the Taliban regime look like?

In the first week following the Taliban conquest of Kabul, COVID-19 vaccinations in Afghanistan have dropped by 80%, the U.N. agency UNICEF said, warning that half of the few doses delivered to the country so far are close to expiry.

The Taliban seized control of the Afghan capital on Aug. 15, having already captured most of the country earlier in the month after the United States decided to withdraw military forces after 20 years of war.

Since the Taliban takeover "there's been an 80% drop in people reached with COVID-19 vaccines," a spokesperson for UNICEF told Reuters. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/satellite-images-show-desperate-afghans-converging-at-kabul-airport-407935">Also read | Satellite images show desperate Afghans converging at Kabul airport</a> 
 
In the week starting on Aug. 15, 30,500 people had been vaccinated in 23 of the 34 provinces of the country, whereas the previous week 134,600 people were inoculated in 30 provinces, according to figures provided by UNICEF, which coordinates the rollout of COVID-19 shots distributed across the world by the World Health Organization (WHO) vaccine programme Covax. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nearly-100-afghan-evacuees-may-have-ties-with-isis-reports-408262">Also read | Nearly 100 Afghan evacuees may have ties with ISIS: Reports</a>

"The drop is understandable, as, in situations of chaos, conflict and emergency, people will prioritize their safety and security first," the UNICEF spokesperson said, noting the U.N. agency has been calling on all Afghan healthcare workers, including women, to return to work.

The spokesperson declined to comment about whether the drop in inoculations was also the result of the Taliban's possible vaccine scepticism but warned about risks caused by a protracted slowdown in the vaccination campaign.

Nearly 2 million doses of the Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine delivered to Afghanistan, which is about half of the total so far, expire in November, the UNICEF spokesperson said.

WHO data show that only 1.2 million doses had been administered as of Aug. 20 in Afghanistan, which has a population of 40 million.

Gavi, which co-leads Covax with the WHO, said the programme has so far delivered over 4 million doses to Afghanistan.

"Our priority today is to work with UNICEF and WHO country offices (..) to ensure our ability to continue the country's COVID-19 vaccination programme," a Gavi spokesperson told Reuters, declining to comment on whether vaccinations had been hampered by the Taliban.

In the first week following the Taliban conquest of Kabul, COVID-19 vaccinations in Afghanistan have dropped by 80%, the U.N. agency UNICEF said, warning that half of the few doses delivered to the country so far are close to expiry.

In the first week following the Taliban conquest of Kabul, COVID-19 vaccinations in Afghanistan have dropped by 80%, the U.N. agency UNICEF said, warning that half of the few doses delivered to the country so far are close to expiry. The Taliban seized control of the Afghan capital on Aug. 15, having already captured most of the country earlier in the month after the United States decided to withdraw military forces after 20 years of war. Since the Taliban takeover "there's been an 80% drop in people reached with COVID-19 vaccines," a spokesperson for UNICEF told Reuters. Also read | Satellite images show desperate Afghans converging at Kabul airport In the week starting on Aug. 15, 30,500 people had been vaccinated in 23 of the 34 provinces of the country, whereas the previous week 134,600 people were inoculated in 30 provinces, according to figures provided by UNICEF, which coordinates the rollout of COVID-19 shots distributed across the world by the World Health Organization (WHO) vaccine programme Covax. Also read | Nearly 100 Afghan evacuees may have ties with ISIS: Reports "The drop is understandable, as, in situations of chaos, conflict and emergency, people will prioritize their safety and security first," the UNICEF spokesperson said, noting the U.N. agency has been calling on all Afghan healthcare workers, including women, to return to work. The spokesperson declined to comment about whether the drop in inoculations was also the result of the Taliban's possible vaccine scepticism but warned about risks caused by a protracted slowdown in the vaccination campaign. Nearly 2 million doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine delivered to Afghanistan, which is about half of the total so far, expire in November, the UNICEF spokesperson said. WHO data show that only 1.2 million doses had been administered as of Aug. 20 in Afghanistan, which has a population of 40 million. Gavi, which co-leads Covax with the WHO, said the programme has so far delivered over 4 million doses to Afghanistan. "Our priority today is to work with UNICEF and WHO country offices (..) to ensure our ability to continue the country's COVID-19 vaccination programme," a Gavi spokesperson told Reuters, declining to comment on whether vaccinations had been hampered by the Taliban.

UN sees massive drop in COVID vaccinations in Afghanistan after Taliban takeover

In his first comments on Afghanistan, India's Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat has said that "Taliban takeover was anticipated" but the "time line surprised us".

On August 15, Taliban took over the Afghan national capital Kabul as the then Afghan president Ashraf Ghani left the country.&nbsp;

"Everything that has happened was something that was anticipated, only the timelines have changed. From the Indian preceptive, we were anticipating Taliban takeover of Afghanistan. Yes, the timeline certainly surprised us because we were anticipating this thing happening couple of months down the line but it is much the same — the same Taliban which was there 20 years ago."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/all-is-well-in-cyberspace-websites-of-ousted-afghanistan-govt-are-still-up-a-week-after-taliban-takeover-408189" hreflang="en">All is well? Websites of ousted Afghan govt still up despite Taliban takeover</a>

Since then, India has evacuated a large number of its nationals and opened the gates for Afghans, particularly the minority Sikhs and Hindus. Over the weekend, two&nbsp;Afghan Sikh MPs — Anarkali Honaryar and Narendra Singh Khalsa — also reached Delhi even as fears grow if Taiban will respect the minority rights.

The top Indian General highlighted Indian concerns over terror saying, "We were concerned about how terrorist activity from Afghanistan could overflow into India. So to that extend, our contingency planning had been ongoing and we are prepared for it."

As of now, the main worry is that Pakistan-based terror groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed might establish safe haven in the country under Taliban rule. India has raised the matter at several multilateral meetings including the United Nations and&nbsp;BRICS.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-exclusive-resistance-movement-will-never-die-in-afghanistan-says-ahmad-wali-massoud-408207">WATCH |</a>

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He dismissed any relation between Indo-Pacific and Afghan crisis impacting each other saying, "Indo pacific is on different plane all together. Dealing with Afghanistan, Taliban, terrorism, from that perspective is something which we are all together fighting the global war on terrorism,"&nbsp;explaining that any support from Quad on dealing with terror "will be welcomed".

India, along with US, have been strong supporter of Indo-Pacific vision that sees Indian and Pacific ocean as one construct but China sees this with suspicion.&nbsp;"Indo pacific should not be looked through same prism (as Afghanistan) — they are two&nbsp;different issues. Yes, there is&nbsp;challenge to security in the region, both pose challenge to security, but they are on two different planes and those two parallel lines are unlikely to meet,"&nbsp;Rawat pointed.

In his first comments on Afghanistan, India's Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat has said that "Taliban takeover was anticipated" but the "time line surprised us".

In his first comments on Afghanistan, India's Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat has said that "Taliban takeover was anticipated" but the "time line surprised us". On August 15, Taliban took over the Afghan national capital Kabul as the then Afghan president Ashraf Ghani left the country. "Everything that has happened was something that was anticipated, only the timelines have changed. From the Indian preceptive, we were anticipating Taliban takeover of Afghanistan. Yes, the timeline certainly surprised us because we were anticipating this thing happening couple of months down the line but it is much the same — the same Taliban which was there 20 years ago." Also read | All is well? Websites of ousted Afghan govt still up despite Taliban takeover Since then, India has evacuated a large number of its nationals and opened the gates for Afghans, particularly the minority Sikhs and Hindus. Over the weekend, two Afghan Sikh MPs — Anarkali Honaryar and Narendra Singh Khalsa — also reached Delhi even as fears grow if Taiban will respect the minority rights. The top Indian General highlighted Indian concerns over terror saying, "We were concerned about how terrorist activity from Afghanistan could overflow into India. So to that extend, our contingency planning had been ongoing and we are prepared for it." As of now, the main worry is that Pakistan-based terror groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed might establish safe haven in the country under Taliban rule. India has raised the matter at several multilateral meetings including the United Nations and BRICS. WATCH | He dismissed any relation between Indo-Pacific and Afghan crisis impacting each other saying, "Indo pacific is on different plane all together. Dealing with Afghanistan, Taliban, terrorism, from that perspective is something which we are all together fighting the global war on terrorism," explaining that any support from Quad on dealing with terror "will be welcomed". India, along with US, have been strong supporter of Indo-Pacific vision that sees Indian and Pacific ocean as one construct but China sees this with suspicion. "Indo pacific should not be looked through same prism (as Afghanistan) — they are two different issues. Yes, there is challenge to security in the region, both pose challenge to security, but they are on two different planes and those two parallel lines are unlikely to meet," Rawat pointed.

Anticipated Taliban takeover but timeline surprised us, says India's Chief of Defence Staff Bipin Rawat

Ahmad Wali Massoud, the brother of the legendary anti-Taliban warlord&nbsp;Ahmad Shah Massoud, said on Wednesday that resistance would not die in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

Speaking exclusively with WION, Massoud described the situation in Afghanistan as "chaotic".

"There is no government...People are panicking, they are running for their lives. Everyone wants to come out of Kabul and different cities," he said.

With surprising speed, Taliban took control of&nbsp;Afghanistan on August 15, following&nbsp;pullout of US troops.&nbsp;

However, Massoud asserted that resistance to Taliban rule had already started, with Panjshir Valley being at the core of the resistance.

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Panjshir Valley lies north of Kabul and is famed for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/opinion-panjshir-valley-a-graveyard-for-invaders-408018">being extremely hard to conquer</a>. Taliban forces have surrounded it but they have not been able to enter and are calling for negotiations.

Massoud warned that if a political solution is not found, the resistance will not remain limited to Panjshir Valley and will spread to entire country.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/opinion-panjshir-valley-a-graveyard-for-invaders-408018">Also Read |&nbsp;&nbsp;Panjshir Valley: A graveyard for invaders</a>

He said that the younger generation, women and civil society were already part of the resistance.

He was dismissive of Taliban's recent statements about their new rule being different than the last one.

"At the moment they have not shown if they are different than the old Taliban," he said.

Taliban's previous rule was marked by their hardcore religious views and opposition to women's rights.

Ahmad Wali Massoud, the brother of the legendary anti-Taliban warlord Ahmad Shah Massoud, said on Wednesday that resistance would not die in Afghanistan. Speaking exclusively with WION, Massoud described the situation in Afghanistan as "chaotic".

Ahmad Wali Massoud, the brother of the legendary anti-Taliban warlord Ahmad Shah Massoud, said on Wednesday that resistance would not die in Afghanistan. Speaking exclusively with WION, Massoud described the situation in Afghanistan as "chaotic". "There is no government...People are panicking, they are running for their lives. Everyone wants to come out of Kabul and different cities," he said. With surprising speed, Taliban took control of Afghanistan on August 15, following pullout of US troops. However, Massoud asserted that resistance to Taliban rule had already started, with Panjshir Valley being at the core of the resistance. × Panjshir Valley lies north of Kabul and is famed for being extremely hard to conquer. Taliban forces have surrounded it but they have not been able to enter and are calling for negotiations. Massoud warned that if a political solution is not found, the resistance will not remain limited to Panjshir Valley and will spread to entire country. Also Read | Panjshir Valley: A graveyard for invaders He said that the younger generation, women and civil society were already part of the resistance. He was dismissive of Taliban's recent statements about their new rule being different than the last one. "At the moment they have not shown if they are different than the old Taliban," he said. Taliban's previous rule was marked by their hardcore religious views and opposition to women's rights.

Exclusive: Resistance will not die in Afghanistan, says late anti-Taliban leader's brother

Five members of an all-girl Afghan robotics team arrived in Mexico on Tuesday evening, fleeing an uncertain future at home after the recent collapse of the U.S.-backed government and takeover by the Taliban militant group.

"We give you the warmest welcome to Mexico," said Mexican Deputy Foreign Minister Martha Delgado as she greeted them during a news conference at Mexico City's international airport.

The Taliban seized power in Afghanistan last week as the United States and its allies withdrew troops from the country. The White House and U.S. allies are racing to complete the evacuation of all foreigners and vulnerable Afghans before the expiry of an August 31 deadline agreed with the Taliban, U.S. President Joe Biden said this week.&nbsp;

The team, made up of girls and women as young as 14, has been heralded for winning international awards for its robots and started work in March on an open-source, low-cost ventilator as the coronavirus pandemic hit the war-torn nation.

The Taliban, which previously barred girls from schools and women from working when they ruled Afghanistan in the late 1990s, has promised to prioritize women's rights and girls' education.

Mexico has pledged to aid Afghan women and girls. Mexico's Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard said on Twitter on Aug. 18 that the country had begun "processing of the first refugee applications of Afghan citizens, especially women and girls who have requested it," with the aid of Guillermo Puente Ordorica, Ambassador of Mexico in Iran.

Tuesday's safe arrival in Mexico was made possible by an "extensive international effort and coordination from a group of volunteers" who helped the girls, according to a volunteer who requested anonymity for fear of the safety of the families that remain under Taliban control.

The foreign ministry invited press to the arrival gates at Mexico City's airport at 3 a.m. local time on Wednesday, saying a "large group of people from Afghanistan is expected to arrive" and Ebrard will offer a message.

Other members of the robotics team landed in Qatar in recent days.

Five members of an all-girl Afghan robotics team arrived in Mexico on Tuesday evening, fleeing an uncertain future at home after the recent collapse of the U.S.-backed government and takeover by the Taliban militant group.

Five members of an all-girl Afghan robotics team arrived in Mexico on Tuesday evening, fleeing an uncertain future at home after the recent collapse of the U.S.-backed government and takeover by the Taliban militant group. "We give you the warmest welcome to Mexico," said Mexican Deputy Foreign Minister Martha Delgado as she greeted them during a news conference at Mexico City's international airport. The Taliban seized power in Afghanistan last week as the United States and its allies withdrew troops from the country. The White House and U.S. allies are racing to complete the evacuation of all foreigners and vulnerable Afghans before the expiry of an August 31 deadline agreed with the Taliban, U.S. President Joe Biden said this week. The team, made up of girls and women as young as 14, has been heralded for winning international awards for its robots and started work in March on an open-source, low-cost ventilator as the coronavirus pandemic hit the war-torn nation. The Taliban, which previously barred girls from schools and women from working when they ruled Afghanistan in the late 1990s, has promised to prioritize women's rights and girls' education. Mexico has pledged to aid Afghan women and girls. Mexico's Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard said on Twitter on Aug. 18 that the country had begun "processing of the first refugee applications of Afghan citizens, especially women and girls who have requested it," with the aid of Guillermo Puente Ordorica, Ambassador of Mexico in Iran. Tuesday's safe arrival in Mexico was made possible by an "extensive international effort and coordination from a group of volunteers" who helped the girls, according to a volunteer who requested anonymity for fear of the safety of the families that remain under Taliban control. The foreign ministry invited press to the arrival gates at Mexico City's airport at 3 a.m. local time on Wednesday, saying a "large group of people from Afghanistan is expected to arrive" and Ebrard will offer a message. Other members of the robotics team landed in Qatar in recent days.

Fleeing an uncertain future, Afghan all-girl robotics team members land in Mexico

Since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan, several countries have been running evacuation flights for their citizens and passport holders. While the world is applauding this humanitarian help, some people might be misusing it for selfish reasons.

Now, United States government officials have warned that nearly 100 Afghan evacuees are on intelligence agency watch lists and may be related to terrorist groups like Islamic State.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/anticipated-taliban-takeover-but-timeline-surprised-us-cds-bipin-rawat-408238" hreflang="en">Anticipated Taliban takeover but timeline surprised us: CDS Bipin Rawat</a>

As per western media reports, as many as 100 Afghan evacuees who have been rescued from Kabul and are potential candidates for Special Immigration Visas (SIV) may have close ties with ISIS.

These evacuated people were flagged by an intelligence agency as people who have been on their watch list. They were identified through the US government’s automated biometric identification system, as per a government official.

However, no official comment has been given by the US government on this matter.

"Intelligence, law enforcement, and counterterrorism professionals are conducting screening and security vetting for all SIV applicants and other vulnerable Afghans before they are allowed into the United States," the State Department spokesperson was quoted as saying by the Daily Mail. "We are surging resources to evaluate each case and process these as efficiently as possible to protect homeland security."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-campaigns-to-saveafghanwomen-408135">WATCH |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-campaigns-to-saveafghanwomen-408135/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

As of now, the identified evacuees are being treated as possible matches, and the confirmation about their association with terrorist organisations is still pending.

The US government claims that all Afghan evacuees are being screened by US Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) using facial recognition, fingerprint and iris scanner and being matched with the law enforcement databases.

However, some media reports have also stated that the CBP is struggling to keep up with the incoming number of evacuees. "CBP on the ground has old tech and they don't know how to use it, integrate it. And there's not enough people to process' all of the evacuees,"&nbsp;an official told a western media house.

Since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan, several countries have been running evacuation flights for their citizens and passport holders. While the world is applauding this humanitarian help, some people might be misusing it for selfish reasons.

Since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan, several countries have been running evacuation flights for their citizens and passport holders. While the world is applauding this humanitarian help, some people might be misusing it for selfish reasons. Now, United States government officials have warned that nearly 100 Afghan evacuees are on intelligence agency watch lists and may be related to terrorist groups like Islamic State. Also read | Anticipated Taliban takeover but timeline surprised us: CDS Bipin Rawat As per western media reports, as many as 100 Afghan evacuees who have been rescued from Kabul and are potential candidates for Special Immigration Visas (SIV) may have close ties with ISIS. These evacuated people were flagged by an intelligence agency as people who have been on their watch list. They were identified through the US government’s automated biometric identification system, as per a government official. However, no official comment has been given by the US government on this matter. "Intelligence, law enforcement, and counterterrorism professionals are conducting screening and security vetting for all SIV applicants and other vulnerable Afghans before they are allowed into the United States," the State Department spokesperson was quoted as saying by the Daily Mail. "We are surging resources to evaluate each case and process these as efficiently as possible to protect homeland security." WATCH | As of now, the identified evacuees are being treated as possible matches, and the confirmation about their association with terrorist organisations is still pending. The US government claims that all Afghan evacuees are being screened by US Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) using facial recognition, fingerprint and iris scanner and being matched with the law enforcement databases. However, some media reports have also stated that the CBP is struggling to keep up with the incoming number of evacuees. "CBP on the ground has old tech and they don't know how to use it, integrate it. And there's not enough people to process' all of the evacuees," an official told a western media house.

Nearly 100 Afghan evacuees may have ties with Islamic State: Reports

Afghanistan: US-Led evacuations to conclude next week

The world has been watching heartbreaking scenes coming from Afghanistan. Around 16,000 Afghans were evacuated by the US in 24 hours from the Kabul International Airport. What about those left behind?

Afghanistan: What will happen to those left behind ?

In flack for mishandling the Afghanistan crisis, British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab dismissed all allegations against him of not dealing with the issue effectively.

British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab dismisses calls to resign

Five members of an all-girl Afghan robotics team arrived in Mexico, fleeing an uncertain future at home after the recent collapse of the US-backed government and takeover by the Taliban militant group.

Members of Afghan all-girls Robotics team reaches Mexico

Ahmad Wali Massoud, Founder and President of Massoud Foundation, speaks with WION on the ongoing situation of Afghanistan. Watch this report to know more.

Founder and President of Massoud foundation, Ahmad Wali Massoud speaks with WION

The trade between Pakistan and Afghanistan has grown by 50% in the previous week following the Taliban's capture of Afghan borders and dry ports.&nbsp;

Despite the difficulties in transit, Afghanistan's chamber of commerce and industry reported that trade had increased, according to local media sources.&nbsp;

According to Khan Jan Alokozai, the chamber's deputy, challenges in the transit sector remain obvious due to bank closures, but Afghanistan's exports and Pakistan's imports have increased.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/watch-taliban-will-help-pakistan-conquer-kashmir-leader-of-imran-khans-party-408045">Watch | Taliban will help Pakistan conquer Kashmir: Leader of Imran Khan’s party</a> 
 
Meanwhile, on Monday, August 23, members of Afghanistan's chamber of business and investment met with Taliban members and voiced their concerns about the private sector, which the Taliban promised to address.

Iran has also stated that it has expanded gas and oil exports in response to the Taliban's request.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-are-normal-civilians-pakistan-cant-hunt-them-down-pm-imran-khan-401633">Also read | Taliban are 'normal civilians': PM Imran Khan</a>

Spokesperson of Afghanistan Islamic Emirate AIE Zabiullah Mujahid in a gathering on Monday said that they are focused on the economic situation and are working hard to implement the schemes they have prepared.

In a rare move, AIE’s commission for economic and financial affairs has directed customs not to allow the export of metals until another announcement.

According to the commission, foreign countries are paying less for the metal, but domestic manufacturing and businesses want large quantities.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the World Bank said on Tuesday that it was suspending financial assistance to Afghanistan due to concerns over the plight of women under Taliban control.

The Afghan economy is increasingly reliant on foreign aid, and food costs are growing.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The trade between Pakistan and Afghanistan has grown by 50% in the previous week following the Taliban's capture of Afghan borders and dry ports. Despite the difficulties in transit, Afghanistan's chamber of commerce and industry reported that trade had increased, according to local media sources.

The trade between Pakistan and Afghanistan has grown by 50% in the previous week following the Taliban's capture of Afghan borders and dry ports. Despite the difficulties in transit, Afghanistan's chamber of commerce and industry reported that trade had increased, according to local media sources. According to Khan Jan Alokozai, the chamber's deputy, challenges in the transit sector remain obvious due to bank closures, but Afghanistan's exports and Pakistan's imports have increased. Watch | Taliban will help Pakistan conquer Kashmir: Leader of Imran Khan’s party Meanwhile, on Monday, August 23, members of Afghanistan's chamber of business and investment met with Taliban members and voiced their concerns about the private sector, which the Taliban promised to address. Iran has also stated that it has expanded gas and oil exports in response to the Taliban's request. Also read | Taliban are 'normal civilians': PM Imran Khan Spokesperson of Afghanistan Islamic Emirate AIE Zabiullah Mujahid in a gathering on Monday said that they are focused on the economic situation and are working hard to implement the schemes they have prepared. In a rare move, AIE’s commission for economic and financial affairs has directed customs not to allow the export of metals until another announcement. According to the commission, foreign countries are paying less for the metal, but domestic manufacturing and businesses want large quantities. Meanwhile, the World Bank said on Tuesday that it was suspending financial assistance to Afghanistan due to concerns over the plight of women under Taliban control. The Afghan economy is increasingly reliant on foreign aid, and food costs are growing. (With inputs from agencies)

After Taliban's takeover, Afghanistan-Pakistan trade increased by 50%

Former Afghan envoy to the UK and founder of the Massoud foundation Ahmad Wali Massoud speaks exclusively to WION divulging the details about the current situation in Afghanistan.

WION Exclusive: 'Resistance movement will never die in Afghanistan', says Ahmad Wali Massoud

Afghanistan’s first female Sikh MP, Anarkali Kaur Honaryar, who reached Delhi on Sunday, expressed concerns over the developing situation in her country, asking the international community to support and speak up.

Speaking to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal in Delhi, she said, "Why is the world silent? Are the people of Afghanistan not human? Aren’t they supposed to live a safe life? Every 15 years or 20 years, we become refugees. We Afghans build homes, only to be destroyed again. "

Anarkali reached India on an IAF plane from Kabul, a week after the national capital fell to the Taliban. She broke down while speaking. "The country is the motherland, and in her lap is where we find love (Vatan, Desh maa hai, unki god&nbsp;mai pyar hai). I hope things will be all right, and we will go back to our country.".

Anarkali is a doctor by profession and is the first non-Muslim member of the Afghan national assembly. A graduate of Kabul University, she has been a member of the Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission and was awarded the UNESCO-Madanjeet Singh Prize for the Promotion of Tolerance and Non-Violence.

WION: You had to leave your country and take refuge in another one. How have things changed for you?

Anarkali Kaur Honaryar: I never thought that one day, I would be forced to live in a different country, that too, in a matter of one week. The situation changed so drastically for us. We always thought that the Afghan peace process would bring good results. We thought that the Taliban who fought with the government would one day surrender. We thought that the peace process would bring good results for women, minorities, the Hindus and the Sikhs in Afghanistan.

WION: We have started a campaign for women in Afghanistan. Do you think problems will increase for women under Taliban rule?

Anarkali Kaur Honaryar: We told the international community that before the situation takes a drastic turn, they should help us. But no one listened. They all said the Taliban had changed. Now, everyone is saying the Taliban will never change. NATO military forces have left Afghanistan, but they now feel it was not the right decision. In the last 20 years, we received monetary support from the US, India for development related works. It was their taxpayers’ money. Kabul airport was also developed with the help of aid from other countries. But when I left the airport, it did not look the same as it was used to. We have worked hard in the last 20 years, but now there is a growing perception among the people of Afghanistan that we have gone 100 years back. Everyone, including me, is depressed. Even though I have safely arrived here, my thoughts are with the people of Afghanistan who have to live in such a bad situation. People are finding ways to leave Afghanistan.

WION: Do you have anything to say to the Indian government?

Anarkali Kaur Honaryar: I would like to express my gratitude to the Indian government, PM Modi, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the Indian Air Force (IAF) and especially to Puneet Singh Chandhok (president of the Indian World Forum, an organisation coordinating the evacuation efforts with the MEA and the IAF). He was in constant contact with me. He found every way to get us back. There were days when we didn’t have food and shelter. He was there with us all day and night and responded every time we called. The situation was so bad that we didn’t even have time to pack up our things as we were under attack by Taliban militants. We had kids with us.

WION: Do you hope to go to Afghanistan soon? Have you been offered Indian citizenship?

Anarkali Kaur Honaryar: I don’t know how long we will stay here. It can only be speculated. So far, we were provided a visa by the Indian government as soon as we arrived here. Even though I am scared, I do want to visit my country. I studied and worked there. It is our right to save our country, but we have nothing in our hands. I never thought that I would have to leave the country in such a condition. I hope things get back to normal soon.

WION: Who do you think is responsible for the crisis in Afghanistan?

Anarkali Kaur Honaryar: Let things go normal. The truth will come out, eventually. Everyone knows why Afghanistan is going through such a crisis. We all know who supported the Afghanistan government, and who supported the Taliban.

Afghanistan’s first female Sikh MP, Anarkali Kaur Honaryar, who reached Delhi on Sunday, expressed concerns over the developing situation in her country, asking the international community to support and speak up.

Afghanistan’s first female Sikh MP, Anarkali Kaur Honaryar, who reached Delhi on Sunday, expressed concerns over the developing situation in her country, asking the international community to support and speak up. Speaking to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal in Delhi, she said, "Why is the world silent? Are the people of Afghanistan not human? Aren’t they supposed to live a safe life? Every 15 years or 20 years, we become refugees. We Afghans build homes, only to be destroyed again. " Anarkali reached India on an IAF plane from Kabul, a week after the national capital fell to the Taliban. She broke down while speaking. "The country is the motherland, and in her lap is where we find love (Vatan, Desh maa hai, unki god mai pyar hai). I hope things will be all right, and we will go back to our country.". Anarkali is a doctor by profession and is the first non-Muslim member of the Afghan national assembly. A graduate of Kabul University, she has been a member of the Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission and was awarded the UNESCO-Madanjeet Singh Prize for the Promotion of Tolerance and Non-Violence. WION: You had to leave your country and take refuge in another one. How have things changed for you? Anarkali Kaur Honaryar: I never thought that one day, I would be forced to live in a different country, that too, in a matter of one week. The situation changed so drastically for us. We always thought that the Afghan peace process would bring good results. We thought that the Taliban who fought with the government would one day surrender. We thought that the peace process would bring good results for women, minorities, the Hindus and the Sikhs in Afghanistan. WION: We have started a campaign for women in Afghanistan. Do you think problems will increase for women under Taliban rule? Anarkali Kaur Honaryar: We told the international community that before the situation takes a drastic turn, they should help us. But no one listened. They all said the Taliban had changed. Now, everyone is saying the Taliban will never change. NATO military forces have left Afghanistan, but they now feel it was not the right decision. In the last 20 years, we received monetary support from the US, India for development related works. It was their taxpayers’ money. Kabul airport was also developed with the help of aid from other countries. But when I left the airport, it did not look the same as it was used to. We have worked hard in the last 20 years, but now there is a growing perception among the people of Afghanistan that we have gone 100 years back. Everyone, including me, is depressed. Even though I have safely arrived here, my thoughts are with the people of Afghanistan who have to live in such a bad situation. People are finding ways to leave Afghanistan. WION: Do you have anything to say to the Indian government? Anarkali Kaur Honaryar: I would like to express my gratitude to the Indian government, PM Modi, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the Indian Air Force (IAF) and especially to Puneet Singh Chandhok (president of the Indian World Forum, an organisation coordinating the evacuation efforts with the MEA and the IAF). He was in constant contact with me. He found every way to get us back. There were days when we didn’t have food and shelter. He was there with us all day and night and responded every time we called. The situation was so bad that we didn’t even have time to pack up our things as we were under attack by Taliban militants. We had kids with us. WION: Do you hope to go to Afghanistan soon? Have you been offered Indian citizenship? Anarkali Kaur Honaryar: I don’t know how long we will stay here. It can only be speculated. So far, we were provided a visa by the Indian government as soon as we arrived here. Even though I am scared, I do want to visit my country. I studied and worked there. It is our right to save our country, but we have nothing in our hands. I never thought that I would have to leave the country in such a condition. I hope things get back to normal soon. WION: Who do you think is responsible for the crisis in Afghanistan? Anarkali Kaur Honaryar: Let things go normal. The truth will come out, eventually. Everyone knows why Afghanistan is going through such a crisis. We all know who supported the Afghanistan government, and who supported the Taliban.

‘Why is world silent?’, asks Afghanistan’s first female Sikh MP

The Organisation of Islamic cooperation urged the Taliban to prevent Afghanistan from becoming a terror haven. But OIC stops short of punishing terror-backing members like Pakistan. Palki Sharma tells you why these divisions render OIC toothless.

Gravitas: Muslim world divided on Taliban

Thousands of Afghan refugees are fleeing the Taliban's brutal rule. Where are these refugees going? Which countries have agreed to take them? Palki Sharma gets you a comprehensive report.

Where are Afghan refugees going?

Afghanistan's first female Sikh MP Anarkali Kaur Honaryar who reached Delhi on Sunday expressed concerns over the developing situation in her country asked the international community to support and speak up. Speaking to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal in Delhi, she said, "The world is silent, why? are people of Afghanistan not human, aren't they supposed to be safe. Every 15 years or so, or 20 years, we become a refugee, why Afghans built their homes, only to be destroyed".

'Why is world silent?', asks Afghan's First Female Sikh MP Anarkali Kaur Honaryar

An Afghan mayor, who fled to Germany after the Taliban takeover, &nbsp;revealed on Tuesday that the Taliban had a list of persons who took a liberal stance during past internationally recognised governments.

Zarifa Ghafari, one of Afghanistan's first female mayors, recounted the Taliban looking for her at her home and assaulting the security officers stationed there.

The former mayor of Maidan Shahr, which is located west of Kabul, stated that Afghanistan will always be theirs, regardless of who governs the country.&nbsp;

"Afghanistan was ours &amp; it'll remain ours no matter who comes. If women like me are not there now, it's because... just like a tiger who takes two steps back to come back with more force...We have to show to the world the real face of Taliban in Afghanistan, " ANI quoted Ghafari as saying.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> "Afghanistan was ours &amp; it'll remain ours... If women like me are now not there it's because... Just like a tiger who takes two steps back to come back with more force," says Zarifa Ghafari who was one of the country's first female mayors of Maidan Shahr, Afghanistan <a href="https://t.co/Fx42eNQq9J">pic.twitter.com/Fx42eNQq9J</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1430199495946477569?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 24, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The status of women in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan has become one of the most hotly debated topics in recent days, especially after it became clear that the Taliban would run the country.&nbsp;

"They have a list of people who took a liberal approach earlier…Do you know why they (Taliban) are killing people like me? Because they don't want other people to know what they are. They don't want Afghans to stand against them, " Ghafari said.

"I want to talk to the Taliban leaders. I am taking responsibility. I even forget the death of my father. I want to negotiate with them on behalf of every unspoken woman, " she added.

She also addressed the involvement of outside actors such as Pakistan in the ongoing issue.

Pakistan has been accused of assisting the Taliban in their offensive against government forces for a long time.

"Pakistan's role is crystal clear, and every Afghan kid understands it," she stated.&nbsp;

In March 2020, the Trump administration presented Ghafari with the International Women of Courage Award, during which she warned that Afghan women are "always worried for the future" since they "have not forgotten the Taliban's reign."

At the age of 26, Ghafari made history when she became the youngest and first female mayor in Afghanistan's Maidan Wardak province.

Ghafari, like other women who have managed to break free, is now frightened about the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan.

(With inputs from agencies)

An Afghan mayor, who fled to Germany after the Taliban takeover, revealed on Tuesday that the Taliban had a list of persons who took a liberal stance during past internationally recognised governments.

An Afghan mayor, who fled to Germany after the Taliban takeover, revealed on Tuesday that the Taliban had a list of persons who took a liberal stance during past internationally recognised governments. Zarifa Ghafari, one of Afghanistan's first female mayors, recounted the Taliban looking for her at her home and assaulting the security officers stationed there. The former mayor of Maidan Shahr, which is located west of Kabul, stated that Afghanistan will always be theirs, regardless of who governs the country. "Afghanistan was ours & it'll remain ours no matter who comes. If women like me are not there now, it's because... just like a tiger who takes two steps back to come back with more force...We have to show to the world the real face of Taliban in Afghanistan, " ANI quoted Ghafari as saying. #WATCH "Afghanistan was ours & it'll remain ours... If women like me are now not there it's because... Just like a tiger who takes two steps back to come back with more force," says Zarifa Ghafari who was one of the country's first female mayors of Maidan Shahr, Afghanistan pic.twitter.com/Fx42eNQq9J — ANI (@ANI) August 24, 2021 × The status of women in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan has become one of the most hotly debated topics in recent days, especially after it became clear that the Taliban would run the country. "They have a list of people who took a liberal approach earlier…Do you know why they (Taliban) are killing people like me? Because they don't want other people to know what they are. They don't want Afghans to stand against them, " Ghafari said. "I want to talk to the Taliban leaders. I am taking responsibility. I even forget the death of my father. I want to negotiate with them on behalf of every unspoken woman, " she added. She also addressed the involvement of outside actors such as Pakistan in the ongoing issue. Pakistan has been accused of assisting the Taliban in their offensive against government forces for a long time. "Pakistan's role is crystal clear, and every Afghan kid understands it," she stated. In March 2020, the Trump administration presented Ghafari with the International Women of Courage Award, during which she warned that Afghan women are "always worried for the future" since they "have not forgotten the Taliban's reign." At the age of 26, Ghafari made history when she became the youngest and first female mayor in Afghanistan's Maidan Wardak province. Ghafari, like other women who have managed to break free, is now frightened about the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan's role in Afghan crisis is clear, every child knows this: Female Afghan mayor

The World Health Organization's (WHO) health supplies in Afghanistan are only adequate to last one week, according to Ahmed Al-Mandhari, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean.&nbsp;

The WHO has 500 metric tonnes of supplies intended for Afghanistan waiting in a storage in Dubai, but the current circumstances at Kabul airport make shipping these important products impossible at this time, according to the official.&nbsp;

"WHO now only has enough supplies in the country to last for one week. Yesterday, 70% of these supplies were released to health facilities, "Al-Mandhari told a press briefing.

The agency was encouraged by feedback from countries offering flights to bring the supplies in and was hoping for progress this week, said Richard Brennan, the WHO's regional emergency director.

"We're in negotiations with three or four countries ... I think we will be able to secure flights, " he said.

After a major scaling back, the WHO was stabilising its operations, Brennan said.

"We have had some encouraging signs and encouraging communications, that the Taliban authorities have made it clear that they want the United Nations to stay, that they want continuity of health services," he said.

"We remain cautiously optimistic that we will be able to get our operation back on an increasing scale over the coming weeks."

According to the United Nations, more than 18 million people, or more than half of Afghanistan's population, require humanitarian assistance to survive.

(With inputs from agencies)

The World Health Organization's (WHO) health supplies in Afghanistan are only adequate to last one week, according to Ahmed Al-Mandhari, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean.

The World Health Organization's (WHO) health supplies in Afghanistan are only adequate to last one week, according to Ahmed Al-Mandhari, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean. The WHO has 500 metric tonnes of supplies intended for Afghanistan waiting in a storage in Dubai, but the current circumstances at Kabul airport make shipping these important products impossible at this time, according to the official. "WHO now only has enough supplies in the country to last for one week. Yesterday, 70% of these supplies were released to health facilities, "Al-Mandhari told a press briefing. The agency was encouraged by feedback from countries offering flights to bring the supplies in and was hoping for progress this week, said Richard Brennan, the WHO's regional emergency director. "We're in negotiations with three or four countries ... I think we will be able to secure flights, " he said. After a major scaling back, the WHO was stabilising its operations, Brennan said. "We have had some encouraging signs and encouraging communications, that the Taliban authorities have made it clear that they want the United Nations to stay, that they want continuity of health services," he said. "We remain cautiously optimistic that we will be able to get our operation back on an increasing scale over the coming weeks." According to the United Nations, more than 18 million people, or more than half of Afghanistan's population, require humanitarian assistance to survive. (With inputs from agencies)

WHO medical supplies in Afghanistan to last 7 more days: Official 

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