United Nations in a report on Tuesday claimed that civilian casualties in Afghanistan jumped after the commencement of peace talks last year.&nbsp; Currently, negotiators are meeting for the first time after weeks of inaction, Reuters reported.

Peace talks facilitated by the US began in September, but since then progress has remained very slow, with violence continuing to rise with uncertainty. International troops are expected to pull out their troops by May, as planned originally. In 2020, civilian casualties were 8,820 as per data from the United Nations' mission to Afghanistan's annual report.

This number is 15 per cent less than the previous year. Even then, the authors of the report noted a sharp increase in civilian casualties in the last 3 months of 2020 when peace talks had begun.

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"[Last year] could have been the year of peace in Afghanistan. Instead, thousands of Afghan civilians perished," said Deborah Lyons, head of UNAMA. Lyons also called for a ceasefire which the Taliban has rejected multiple times.

"Parties refusing to consider a ceasefire must recognise the devastating consequences", Lyons added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/south-asia/nato-will-not-withdraw-troops-from-afghanistan-before-time-is-right-says-stoltenberg-363879" hreflang="en">NATO will not withdraw troops from Afghanistan before 'time is right', says Stoltenberg</a>

On Tuesday, the Taliban put forward a response, claiming that "the concerns, precise information and accurate details that were shared by us have not been taken into account."

The report added how for the first time since records began, deaths and injuries had increased in the last three months of 2020, which is much higher than the last three months. For the fourth quarter, casualties were up by 45 per cent as compared to the same period in 2019.

(With inputs from Reuters)

United Nations in a report on Tuesday claimed that civilian casualties in Afghanistan jumped after the commencement of peace talks last year. Currently, negotiators are meeting for the first time after weeks of inaction, Reuters reported.

United Nations in a report on Tuesday claimed that civilian casualties in Afghanistan jumped after the commencement of peace talks last year. Currently, negotiators are meeting for the first time after weeks of inaction, Reuters reported. Peace talks facilitated by the US began in September, but since then progress has remained very slow, with violence continuing to rise with uncertainty. International troops are expected to pull out their troops by May, as planned originally. In 2020, civilian casualties were 8,820 as per data from the United Nations' mission to Afghanistan's annual report. This number is 15 per cent less than the previous year. Even then, the authors of the report noted a sharp increase in civilian casualties in the last 3 months of 2020 when peace talks had begun. Also read: NATO puts holds on Afghanistan decision, expands in Iraq "[Last year] could have been the year of peace in Afghanistan. Instead, thousands of Afghan civilians perished," said Deborah Lyons, head of UNAMA. Lyons also called for a ceasefire which the Taliban has rejected multiple times. "Parties refusing to consider a ceasefire must recognise the devastating consequences", Lyons added. Also read: NATO will not withdraw troops from Afghanistan before 'time is right', says Stoltenberg On Tuesday, the Taliban put forward a response, claiming that "the concerns, precise information and accurate details that were shared by us have not been taken into account." The report added how for the first time since records began, deaths and injuries had increased in the last three months of 2020, which is much higher than the last three months. For the fourth quarter, casualties were up by 45 per cent as compared to the same period in 2019. (With inputs from Reuters)

Violence against civilians in Afghanistan rose after commencement of peace talks: UN

The Secretary-General of North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), Jens Stoltenberg on Monday said that the alliance does not intend to withdraw troops from Afghanistan "before the time is right".

On Wednesday and Thursday, ministers of the 30 NATO member states are expected to conduct high-level talks, marking the first such event after Joe Biden took charge as US President.

The top agenda during the conference will ascertain the fate of the mission in Afghanistan, where 9,600 troops are stationed. Former US President Donald Trump had struck a deal with the Taliban, urging them to withdraw troops.

Whether the troops will continue to operate in Afghanistan depends on Biden's rejection or acceptance of the May deadline which requires pulling out all foreign forces.

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"While no ally wants to stay in Afghanistan longer than necessary, we will not leave before the time is right," Stoltenberg said during a media conference.&nbsp;

"Ministers will continue to assess the situation on the ground and monitor developments very closely", Stoltenberg added.

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US President Biden's administration claims that it is currently reviewing the deal. The Pentagon has also accused the Taliban of failing to fulfil its promises, which include reduction of attacks and severing ties with groups like Al-Qaeda. Even then, no concrete announcement on the future of deployment is expected this week.

Allies within NATO want the US to consult them more closely, fearing further cut-offs after Trump cut US troops in January. In the last few months, Taliban violence had increased in the country, and NATO ministers have been warned against seeking a "continuation of occupation and war".

The Secretary-General of North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), Jens Stoltenberg on Monday said that the alliance does not intend to withdraw troops from Afghanistan "before the time is right".

The Secretary-General of North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), Jens Stoltenberg on Monday said that the alliance does not intend to withdraw troops from Afghanistan "before the time is right". On Wednesday and Thursday, ministers of the 30 NATO member states are expected to conduct high-level talks, marking the first such event after Joe Biden took charge as US President. The top agenda during the conference will ascertain the fate of the mission in Afghanistan, where 9,600 troops are stationed. Former US President Donald Trump had struck a deal with the Taliban, urging them to withdraw troops. Whether the troops will continue to operate in Afghanistan depends on Biden's rejection or acceptance of the May deadline which requires pulling out all foreign forces. Also read: Afghanistan sends investigators to look into the massive fire at Afghan-Iran border "While no ally wants to stay in Afghanistan longer than necessary, we will not leave before the time is right," Stoltenberg said during a media conference. "Ministers will continue to assess the situation on the ground and monitor developments very closely", Stoltenberg added. Also read: Blasts spotted from space as 100 tankers destroyed in Iran-Afghanistan border US President Biden's administration claims that it is currently reviewing the deal. The Pentagon has also accused the Taliban of failing to fulfil its promises, which include reduction of attacks and severing ties with groups like Al-Qaeda. Even then, no concrete announcement on the future of deployment is expected this week. Allies within NATO want the US to consult them more closely, fearing further cut-offs after Trump cut US troops in January. In the last few months, Taliban violence had increased in the country, and NATO ministers have been warned against seeking a "continuation of occupation and war".

NATO will not withdraw troops from Afghanistan before 'time is right', says Stoltenberg

A United Nations report on Wednesday claimed that a third of those held by Afghan authorities for offences related to security and terrorism are undergoing mistreatment and torture in detention centres. 
 
The report was released jointly by the UN Mission to Afghanistan and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. It was found that the percentage of detainees facing torture had gone down over the last 15 months. Even then, the situation remains ''alarming".

From the previous two years, the percentage has fallen from 31.9 per cent to 30.3 per cent.

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"Torture can never be justified. It has lasting consequences for victims, their families and society," said Deborah Lyons, the UN Secretary-General's Special Representative for Afghanistan.

Peace talks with the Taliban are proceeding in Qatar, but militant violence continues to plague the country.&nbsp;Militant violence has resurged around the country even as peace talks proceed with the insurgent Taliban in Qatar.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/with-2500-each-us-says-lowest-troops-deployed-in-iraq-afghanistan-in-about-two-decades-356978" hreflang="en">With 2,500 each, US says lowest troops deployed in Iraq, Afghanistan in about two decades</a>

Targeted killings occur in the country almost daily, with many blaming the killings on the Taliban, who have constantly denied responsibility. On Wednesday, a blast in Kabul ended up killing a police officer. Additionally, unknown assailants killed a religious leader in the southern city of Kandahar. In addition, a judge was also killed in the eastern city of Jalalabad. 
 
The report added that efforts have been made by the government to limit the use of torture. But it added that more work is needed to end torture. The report by UN was based on interviews with 656 detainees, which were held in 63 facilities across 24 provinces between January 1, 2019 and March 31, 2020. 
&nbsp;

A United Nations report on Wednesday claimed that a third of those held by Afghan authorities for offences related to security and terrorism are undergoing mistreatment and torture in detention centres.

A United Nations report on Wednesday claimed that a third of those held by Afghan authorities for offences related to security and terrorism are undergoing mistreatment and torture in detention centres. The report was released jointly by the UN Mission to Afghanistan and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. It was found that the percentage of detainees facing torture had gone down over the last 15 months. Even then, the situation remains ''alarming". From the previous two years, the percentage has fallen from 31.9 per cent to 30.3 per cent. Also read: Afghanistan's Ghani urges Biden to up pressure on Taliban "Torture can never be justified. It has lasting consequences for victims, their families and society," said Deborah Lyons, the UN Secretary-General's Special Representative for Afghanistan. Peace talks with the Taliban are proceeding in Qatar, but militant violence continues to plague the country. Militant violence has resurged around the country even as peace talks proceed with the insurgent Taliban in Qatar. Also read: With 2,500 each, US says lowest troops deployed in Iraq, Afghanistan in about two decades Targeted killings occur in the country almost daily, with many blaming the killings on the Taliban, who have constantly denied responsibility. On Wednesday, a blast in Kabul ended up killing a police officer. Additionally, unknown assailants killed a religious leader in the southern city of Kandahar. In addition, a judge was also killed in the eastern city of Jalalabad. The report added that efforts have been made by the government to limit the use of torture. But it added that more work is needed to end torture. The report by UN was based on interviews with 656 detainees, which were held in 63 facilities across 24 provinces between January 1, 2019 and March 31, 2020.

Third of detainees in Afghanistan face torture, UN report says

Four doctors who worked at an Afghan prison with hundreds of Taliban inmates were among five people killed Tuesday when a bomb attached to their car exploded, police said. 
 
The blast happened in a southern district of the city when the doctors were travelling to the Pul-e-Charkhi prison where they worked, Kabul police spokesman Ferdaws Faramarz said. 
 
Four doctors and a passer-by were killed when a "magnetic bomb" attached to the car detonated, Faramarz said, adding that another two people were wounded. 
 
Hundreds of Taliban fighters and other criminals are incarcerated at Pul-e-Charkhi, located on the eastern outskirts of Kabul. 
 
The city has been hit by a wave of deadly violence in recent months despite the Taliban and the government engaging in peace talks. 
 
Targeted killings of prominent figures, including journalists, politicians and rights activists have also become more common recently in Kabul and other provinces. 
 
The jihadist Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for some of the recent attacks in Kabul, that killed dozens of people. 
 
Tuesday's attack came just two days after a car bomb targeting a lawmaker killed 10 people and wounded more than 50 in Kabul. 
 
Lawmaker Khan Mohammad Wardak was wounded in the blast. 
 
Days before that incident, a deputy governor of Kabul province, Mahbobullah Mohebi was killed in a similar attack. 
 
And on Monday, an Afghan journalist was shot dead by gunmen in the eastern city of Ghazni in what appeared to be a yet another targeted killing. 
 
Rahmatullah Nekzad had contributed to the Associated Press news agency since 2007 and had also previously worked with the Al-Jazeera broadcast network.

Four doctors who worked at an Afghan prison with hundreds of Taliban inmates were among five people killed Tuesday when a bomb attached to their car exploded, police said.

Four doctors who worked at an Afghan prison with hundreds of Taliban inmates were among five people killed Tuesday when a bomb attached to their car exploded, police said. The blast happened in a southern district of the city when the doctors were travelling to the Pul-e-Charkhi prison where they worked, Kabul police spokesman Ferdaws Faramarz said. Four doctors and a passer-by were killed when a "magnetic bomb" attached to the car detonated, Faramarz said, adding that another two people were wounded. Hundreds of Taliban fighters and other criminals are incarcerated at Pul-e-Charkhi, located on the eastern outskirts of Kabul. The city has been hit by a wave of deadly violence in recent months despite the Taliban and the government engaging in peace talks. Targeted killings of prominent figures, including journalists, politicians and rights activists have also become more common recently in Kabul and other provinces. The jihadist Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for some of the recent attacks in Kabul, that killed dozens of people. Tuesday's attack came just two days after a car bomb targeting a lawmaker killed 10 people and wounded more than 50 in Kabul. Lawmaker Khan Mohammad Wardak was wounded in the blast. Days before that incident, a deputy governor of Kabul province, Mahbobullah Mohebi was killed in a similar attack. And on Monday, an Afghan journalist was shot dead by gunmen in the eastern city of Ghazni in what appeared to be a yet another targeted killing. Rahmatullah Nekzad had contributed to the Associated Press news agency since 2007 and had also previously worked with the Al-Jazeera broadcast network.

'Magnetic bomb' kills five in Kabul, Afghanistan

A deputy governor of Kabul province and his aide were killed Tuesday by a bomb in the Afghan capital, officials said, the latest in a wave of targeted killings in the country.&nbsp; 
 
Mahbobullah Mohebi was killed when a bomb attached to his vehicle detonated while he was on his way to his office, the interior ministry said. 
 
Mohebi's secretary, who was travelling with him, was also killed and two bodyguards were wounded. 
 
Violence has raged across the country since the Taliban and Afghan government launched peace talks in Qatar in September. 
 
Afghanistan -- and especially Kabul -- have seen a spate of murders of prominent figures, including journalists, clerics, politicians and rights activists. 
 
Last week a female news anchor was shot dead in the eastern city of Jalalabad, the second journalist to be murdered in less than a month.&nbsp; 
 
The capital has been hit by rockets twice this month and recently battled major attacks on educational centres, including a massacre of students at a university campus.&nbsp; 
 
In a separate attack in Kabul on Tuesday, a policeman was killed and two others wounded when gunmen attacked their checkpoint, officials said. 
 
Peace talks have been paused until January, with government negotiators expected to return to Kabul from Qatar this week to meet with senior officials. 
 
Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and some other senior officials have called for talks to be moved to Afghanistan from Doha.

A deputy governor of Kabul province and his aide were killed Tuesday by a bomb in the Afghan capital, officials said, the latest in a wave of targeted killings in the country.

A deputy governor of Kabul province and his aide were killed Tuesday by a bomb in the Afghan capital, officials said, the latest in a wave of targeted killings in the country. Mahbobullah Mohebi was killed when a bomb attached to his vehicle detonated while he was on his way to his office, the interior ministry said. Mohebi's secretary, who was travelling with him, was also killed and two bodyguards were wounded. Violence has raged across the country since the Taliban and Afghan government launched peace talks in Qatar in September. Afghanistan -- and especially Kabul -- have seen a spate of murders of prominent figures, including journalists, clerics, politicians and rights activists. Last week a female news anchor was shot dead in the eastern city of Jalalabad, the second journalist to be murdered in less than a month. The capital has been hit by rockets twice this month and recently battled major attacks on educational centres, including a massacre of students at a university campus. In a separate attack in Kabul on Tuesday, a policeman was killed and two others wounded when gunmen attacked their checkpoint, officials said. Peace talks have been paused until January, with government negotiators expected to return to Kabul from Qatar this week to meet with senior officials. Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and some other senior officials have called for talks to be moved to Afghanistan from Doha.

Afghanistan: Bomb kills deputy governor in Kabul

India and Afghanistan will soon sign an agreement on the building of Shatoot dam that will provide safe drinking water to 2 million residents of Kabul city. This will be second dam India will be building in the country after the Salma or India–Afghanistan friendship dam in Herat Province of the country.

Afghanistan's top diplomat Tahir Qadiry speak at a virtual event organised by Confederation of Young Leaders (CYL) said, &nbsp;"Shatoot Dam will go ahead with the commitment of the Indian government and the Afghans will pave way for that. We are very much hoping quite soon, both the countries will sign at a bigger function, the agreement for the dam."

Explaining, "The project is very vital for us...drinkable water to Kabul citizens, we have problems with drinkable water. That project will go ahead, we have been taking all the steps from our side, and we are just waiting for the day, most probably at a very senior position will sign it"

The agreement was also talked about by External Affairs Minister during his address to the Afghanistan 2020 Conference last month. New Delhi has been involved in number of infrastructure projects in the country, like Afghan Parliament, 218 Kms road from Delaram to Zaran connecting Afghanistan to Iran, 202-km Phul-e-Khumri transmission line.

Other than that, the Afghan Chargé d'Affaires lauded New Delhi's role amidst covid pandemic and said, "Today our relationship is like one nation, it's at its best, we can never forget India's support to Afghanistan amidst Covid-19".

Amidst the pandemic, India sent 75,000 tonnes of wheat to Afghanistan and was also able to send more than 20 tonnes of life-saving medicines and other equipment to address the Covid-19 challenge.

India and Afghanistan will soon sign an agreement on the building of Shatoot dam that will provide safe drinking water to 2 million residents of Kabul city. This will be second dam India will be building in the country after the Salma or India–Afghanistan friendship dam in Herat Province of the country.

India and Afghanistan will soon sign an agreement on the building of Shatoot dam that will provide safe drinking water to 2 million residents of Kabul city. This will be second dam India will be building in the country after the Salma or India–Afghanistan friendship dam in Herat Province of the country. Afghanistan's top diplomat Tahir Qadiry speak at a virtual event organised by Confederation of Young Leaders (CYL) said, "Shatoot Dam will go ahead with the commitment of the Indian government and the Afghans will pave way for that. We are very much hoping quite soon, both the countries will sign at a bigger function, the agreement for the dam." Explaining, "The project is very vital for us...drinkable water to Kabul citizens, we have problems with drinkable water. That project will go ahead, we have been taking all the steps from our side, and we are just waiting for the day, most probably at a very senior position will sign it" The agreement was also talked about by External Affairs Minister during his address to the Afghanistan 2020 Conference last month. New Delhi has been involved in number of infrastructure projects in the country, like Afghan Parliament, 218 Kms road from Delaram to Zaran connecting Afghanistan to Iran, 202-km Phul-e-Khumri transmission line. Other than that, the Afghan Chargé d'Affaires lauded New Delhi's role amidst covid pandemic and said, "Today our relationship is like one nation, it's at its best, we can never forget India's support to Afghanistan amidst Covid-19". Amidst the pandemic, India sent 75,000 tonnes of wheat to Afghanistan and was also able to send more than 20 tonnes of life-saving medicines and other equipment to address the Covid-19 challenge.

India-Afghanistan to sign agreement on Shatoot Dam soon

The chief of United Nations High Commission&nbsp;for Refugees (UNHCR) Filippo Grandi on Monday urged the international community to continue aiding Afghanistan or risk “disastrous consequences”.

Grandi was speaking at a donors conference in Geneva, where he made his appeal after visiting Afghanistan. Right now, the country is eclipsed by violence, the risk of which continues to linger with US troops pullout happening soon.

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Grandi added that the future of millions of Afghans is dependent on the peace talks that are taking place in Qatar. He also urged the international community to commit to developing the country.

"Failure on either account would see Afghanistan slide backwards with disastrous consequences, including further displacement possibly on a large scale," Grandi said in a statement.

Every four years, donors meet to pledge aid for Afghanistan, which is heavily dependent on foreign assistance.&nbsp; Grandi claimed that 300,000 Afghans who were displaced within Afghanistan required acute humanitarian support.

Over three million people were previously displaced in the country, where nine million people have also lost their livelihoods due to COVID-19. Grandi also pushed for the culmination of peace talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban.

Also read: A<a href="http://13.235.153.162/south-asia/afghanistan-taliban-resolve-several-disputed-issues-officials-344739" hreflang="en">fghanistan, Taliban resolve several disputed issues: Officials</a>

The country’s president Ashraf Ghani had urged the world community to come up with a framework which could help Afghanistan achieve peace.

Help could "guarantee peace and political stability and contain and eliminate the interrelated threats of terrorist networks”, Ghani said in a video call.

The chief of United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) Filippo Grandi on Monday urged the international community to continue aiding Afghanistan or risk “disastrous consequences”.

The chief of United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) Filippo Grandi on Monday urged the international community to continue aiding Afghanistan or risk “disastrous consequences”. Grandi was speaking at a donors conference in Geneva, where he made his appeal after visiting Afghanistan. Right now, the country is eclipsed by violence, the risk of which continues to linger with US troops pullout happening soon. Also read: Taliban using drones to target government forces: Afghanistan spy chief Grandi added that the future of millions of Afghans is dependent on the peace talks that are taking place in Qatar. He also urged the international community to commit to developing the country. "Failure on either account would see Afghanistan slide backwards with disastrous consequences, including further displacement possibly on a large scale," Grandi said in a statement. Every four years, donors meet to pledge aid for Afghanistan, which is heavily dependent on foreign assistance. Grandi claimed that 300,000 Afghans who were displaced within Afghanistan required acute humanitarian support. Over three million people were previously displaced in the country, where nine million people have also lost their livelihoods due to COVID-19. Grandi also pushed for the culmination of peace talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban. Also read: Afghanistan, Taliban resolve several disputed issues: Officials The country’s president Ashraf Ghani had urged the world community to come up with a framework which could help Afghanistan achieve peace. Help could "guarantee peace and political stability and contain and eliminate the interrelated threats of terrorist networks”, Ghani said in a video call.

Global community must help Afghanistan to avoid 'disastrous consequences': UNHCR

Two soldiers were killed and four others wounded in a car bomb explosion hitting an army camp in Arghandai, an area on western outskirts of Kabul, capital of Afghanistan, early on Friday, an Interior Ministry official said.

"Two security force members were killed and four others wounded following an explosion in Arghandai area of Paghman district Friday morning," Tariq Arian, spokesman of Interior Ministry said.

Photos on social media show the explosion had damaged the army outpost, Tolo News reported.

No group or individual has claimed responsibility for the attack.

The attack comes as violence has increased in the country despite efforts to resume peace negotiations in Doha, Tolo news further reported.

Security forces have cordoned off the area for precautionary measures.

(With inputs from agencies)

Two soldiers were killed and four others wounded in a car bomb explosion hitting an army camp in Arghandai, an area on western outskirts of Kabul, capital of Afghanistan, early on Friday, an Interior Ministry official said.

Two soldiers were killed and four others wounded in a car bomb explosion hitting an army camp in Arghandai, an area on western outskirts of Kabul, capital of Afghanistan, early on Friday, an Interior Ministry official said. "Two security force members were killed and four others wounded following an explosion in Arghandai area of Paghman district Friday morning," Tariq Arian, spokesman of Interior Ministry said. Photos on social media show the explosion had damaged the army outpost, Tolo News reported. No group or individual has claimed responsibility for the attack. The attack comes as violence has increased in the country despite efforts to resume peace negotiations in Doha, Tolo news further reported. Security forces have cordoned off the area for precautionary measures. (With inputs from agencies)

Two killed in car bombing outside army camp in Afghanistan capital

The last thing 33-year-old Khatera saw were the three men on a motorcycle who attacked her just after she left her job at a police station in&nbsp;Afghanistan's central Ghazni province, shooting at her and stabbing her with a knife in the eyes.

Waking up in hospital, everything was dark.

"I asked the doctors, why I can't see anything? They told me that my eyes are still bandaged because of the wounds. But at that moment, I knew my eyes had been taken from me," she said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/south-asia/afghanistan-former-tv-presenter-killed-in-bomb-attack-341429" hreflang="en">Afghanistan: Former TV presenter killed in bomb attack</a>

She and local authorities blame the attack on Taliban militants - who deny involvement – and say the assailants acted on a tip-off from her father who vehemently opposed her working outside the home.

For Khatera, the attack caused not just the loss of her sight but the loss of a dream she had battled to achieve - to have an independent career. She joined the Ghazni police as an officer in its crime branch a few months ago.

"I wish I had served in police at least a year. If this had happened to me after that, it would have been less painful. It happened too soon ... I only got to work and live my dream for three months," she told Reuters.

The attack on Khatera, who only uses one name, is indicative of a growing trend, human rights activists say, of an intense and often violent backlash against women taking jobs, especially in public roles. In Khatera's case, being a police officer could have also angered the Taliban.

The rights activists believe a mix of&nbsp;Afghanistan's conservative social norms and an emboldened Taliban gaining influence while the United States withdraws its troops from the country is driving the escalation.

The Taliban are currently negotiating in Doha, Qatar, with the Afghan government to broker a peace deal in which many expect them to formally return to power, but progress is slow and there has been an uptick in fighting and attacks on officials and prominent women around the country.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/south-asia/afghanistan-forces-receive-military-vehicles-from-us-341089" hreflang="en">Afghanistan forces receive military vehicles from US</a>

In recent months, the Taliban have said they will respect women's rights under Sharia law but many educated women say they have doubts. The insurgent group has opposed a reform to add mother's names to identity cards, one of the first concrete stances they have revealed on women's rights as they engage in the peace process.

"Though the situation for Afghan women in public roles has always been perilous, the recent spike in violence across the country has made matters even worse," said Samira Hamidi, Amnesty International's&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;campaigner. "The great strides made on women's rights in&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;over more than a decade must not become a casualty of any peace deal with the Taliban."

&nbsp;

CHILDHOOD DREAM DASHED

Khatera's dream as a child was to work outside the home and after years of trying to convince her father, to no avail, she was able to find support from her husband.

But her father, she said, did not give up on his opposition.

"Many times, as I went to duty, I saw my father following me ... he started contacting the Taliban in the nearby area and asked them to prevent me from going to my job," she said.

She said that he provided the Taliban with a copy of her ID card to prove she worked for police and that he had called her throughout the day she was attacked, asking for her location.

Ghazni's police spokesman confirmed they believed the Taliban were behind the attack and that Khatera's father had been taken into custody. Reuters was unable to reach him directly for comment.

A Taliban spokesman said the group was aware of the case, but that it was a family matter and they were not involved.

Khatera and her family, including five children, are now hiding out in Kabul, where she is recovering and mourning the career she lost.

She struggles to sleep, jumps when she hears a motorbike and has had to cut off contact with her extended family, including her mother, who blame her for her father's arrest. She hopes desperately that a doctor overseas might somehow be able to partially restore her sight.

"If it is possible, I get back my eyesight, I will resume my job and serve in the police again," she said, adding in part she needed an income to avoid destitution. "But the main reason is my passion to do a job outside the home."

The last thing 33-year-old Khatera saw were the three men on a motorcycle who attacked her just after she left her job at a police station in Afghanistan's central Ghazni province, shooting at her and stabbing her with a knife in the eyes.

The last thing 33-year-old Khatera saw were the three men on a motorcycle who attacked her just after she left her job at a police station in Afghanistan's central Ghazni province, shooting at her and stabbing her with a knife in the eyes. Waking up in hospital, everything was dark. "I asked the doctors, why I can't see anything? They told me that my eyes are still bandaged because of the wounds. But at that moment, I knew my eyes had been taken from me," she said. Also read: Afghanistan: Former TV presenter killed in bomb attack She and local authorities blame the attack on Taliban militants - who deny involvement – and say the assailants acted on a tip-off from her father who vehemently opposed her working outside the home. For Khatera, the attack caused not just the loss of her sight but the loss of a dream she had battled to achieve - to have an independent career. She joined the Ghazni police as an officer in its crime branch a few months ago. "I wish I had served in police at least a year. If this had happened to me after that, it would have been less painful. It happened too soon ... I only got to work and live my dream for three months," she told Reuters. The attack on Khatera, who only uses one name, is indicative of a growing trend, human rights activists say, of an intense and often violent backlash against women taking jobs, especially in public roles. In Khatera's case, being a police officer could have also angered the Taliban. The rights activists believe a mix of Afghanistan's conservative social norms and an emboldened Taliban gaining influence while the United States withdraws its troops from the country is driving the escalation. The Taliban are currently negotiating in Doha, Qatar, with the Afghan government to broker a peace deal in which many expect them to formally return to power, but progress is slow and there has been an uptick in fighting and attacks on officials and prominent women around the country. Also read: Afghanistan forces receive military vehicles from US In recent months, the Taliban have said they will respect women's rights under Sharia law but many educated women say they have doubts. The insurgent group has opposed a reform to add mother's names to identity cards, one of the first concrete stances they have revealed on women's rights as they engage in the peace process. "Though the situation for Afghan women in public roles has always been perilous, the recent spike in violence across the country has made matters even worse," said Samira Hamidi, Amnesty International's Afghanistan campaigner. "The great strides made on women's rights in Afghanistan over more than a decade must not become a casualty of any peace deal with the Taliban." CHILDHOOD DREAM DASHED Khatera's dream as a child was to work outside the home and after years of trying to convince her father, to no avail, she was able to find support from her husband. But her father, she said, did not give up on his opposition. "Many times, as I went to duty, I saw my father following me ... he started contacting the Taliban in the nearby area and asked them to prevent me from going to my job," she said. She said that he provided the Taliban with a copy of her ID card to prove she worked for police and that he had called her throughout the day she was attacked, asking for her location. Ghazni's police spokesman confirmed they believed the Taliban were behind the attack and that Khatera's father had been taken into custody. Reuters was unable to reach him directly for comment. A Taliban spokesman said the group was aware of the case, but that it was a family matter and they were not involved. Khatera and her family, including five children, are now hiding out in Kabul, where she is recovering and mourning the career she lost. She struggles to sleep, jumps when she hears a motorbike and has had to cut off contact with her extended family, including her mother, who blame her for her father's arrest. She hopes desperately that a doctor overseas might somehow be able to partially restore her sight. "If it is possible, I get back my eyesight, I will resume my job and serve in the police again," she said, adding in part she needed an income to avoid destitution. "But the main reason is my passion to do a job outside the home."

Afghanistan: Police woman shot and blinded for getting a job

Gunmen killed at least 25&nbsp;students in Afghanistan’s Kabul University on Monday, AFP reported.

According to the witnesses and government sources, gunmen opened fire on students in the capital of Afghanistan, while they attempted to flee&nbsp;the scene.

A witness told Reuters that the gunmen were firing at every student they saw.

Also read: U<a href="http://13.235.153.162/south-asia/us-special-envoy-calls-for-urgent-reduction-of-violence-in-afghanistan-338408" hreflang="en">S special envoy calls for urgent reduction of violence in Afghanistan</a>

"They were shooting at every student they saw," Fathullah Moradi told Reuters, while adding that he was able to escape through one of the gates of the university with his friends.

The Taliban claimed that their fighters did not cause the assault, with no other group taking responsibility of the act so far.

According to witnesses, soon after the attack, an explosion took place in the area.

"At least 10 killed many others wounded," the senior government official told Reuters.

According to the Afghan Interior Ministry spokesman Tariq Arian, many attacked had infiltrated the campus and were fighting with security forces.

A police source told Reuters that at least 15 people had been injured in the event.

NATO’s Senior Civilian Representative to Afghanistan Stefano Pontecorvo condemned the assault in a statement.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/pompeo-jaishankar-discuss-indo-pacific-afghanistan-338139" hreflang="en">Pompeo-Jaishankar discuss Indo-Pacific, Afghanistan</a>

"This is the second attack on educational institutions in Kabul in 10 days. Afghan children &amp; youth need to feel safe going to school," he claimed.

Last month, an attack on an education centre had killed 24 people, most of whom were students.

Afghanistan government and Taliban negotiators are meeting in Qatar to reach a peace deal, while the United States brings its troops back.&nbsp;

Gunmen killed at least 25 students in Afghanistan’s Kabul University on Monday, AFP reported. According to the witnesses and government sources, gunmen opened fire on students in the capital of Afghanistan, while they attempted to flee the scene.

Gunmen killed at least 25 students in Afghanistan’s Kabul University on Monday, AFP reported. According to the witnesses and government sources, gunmen opened fire on students in the capital of Afghanistan, while they attempted to flee the scene. A witness told Reuters that the gunmen were firing at every student they saw. Also read: US special envoy calls for urgent reduction of violence in Afghanistan "They were shooting at every student they saw," Fathullah Moradi told Reuters, while adding that he was able to escape through one of the gates of the university with his friends. The Taliban claimed that their fighters did not cause the assault, with no other group taking responsibility of the act so far. According to witnesses, soon after the attack, an explosion took place in the area. "At least 10 killed many others wounded," the senior government official told Reuters. According to the Afghan Interior Ministry spokesman Tariq Arian, many attacked had infiltrated the campus and were fighting with security forces. A police source told Reuters that at least 15 people had been injured in the event. NATO’s Senior Civilian Representative to Afghanistan Stefano Pontecorvo condemned the assault in a statement. Also read: Pompeo-Jaishankar discuss Indo-Pacific, Afghanistan "This is the second attack on educational institutions in Kabul in 10 days. Afghan children & youth need to feel safe going to school," he claimed. Last month, an attack on an education centre had killed 24 people, most of whom were students. Afghanistan government and Taliban negotiators are meeting in Qatar to reach a peace deal, while the United States brings its troops back.

Afghanistan: Gunmen kill at least 25 students at Kabul University

In a two-hour-long bilateral meet between US Secretary of state Mike Pompeo and External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar, key focus areas were Indo-Pacific, the situation in Afghanistan and a follow up on their Tokyo discussions earlier this month.

Sources told WION, both sides, "exchanged views on current global situation and its contemporary challenges and discussed our shared concerns and interests including stability and security in Asia, and how best that can be ensured".

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-to-sign-beca-military-pact-with-us-338112" hreflang="en">India to sign BECA military pact with US</a>

This is the second meeting between the 2 ministers in a months' time and comes amidst Chinese aggressiveness not only with India but with other countries in the region. Both also had an in-person meeting earlier this month on the sidelines of the QUAD --India, US, Japan and Australia foreign minister meet in Tokyo, Japan.

Other focus areas of discussions were&nbsp;maritime security, open connectivity and resilient supply chains.&nbsp;During the meet, US Secretary of state&nbsp;shared with EAM the Trump Administration’s thinking on Afghanistan with the latter highlighting "India’s stakes and its continuing concern that decisions should be made by Afghans themselves without the use of force", sources added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajnath-singh-mark-esper-discuss-joint-service-cooperation-in-bilateral-meet-338063" hreflang="en">Rajnath Singh, Mark Esper discuss joint service cooperation in bilateral meet</a>

New Delhi also made, "clear that cross-border terrorism was completely unacceptable." This even as India has called on Pakistan to take action on terror safe havens it has been hosting, something that has gone deaf ears in Islamabad.&nbsp;

This is the fourth time US Secretary of the state is visiting India under Trump administration and how the closeness between the 2 countries.&nbsp;&nbsp;

During the meet, EAM called for "supportive policies" that helps in talent flow and underlined that a "innovation partnership is central to our future".&nbsp;&nbsp;Washington has been tightening visa rules, something that has been concerning many Indians who have been going to US for jobs, education.&nbsp;&nbsp;The number of Indian students studying in the United States has increased five years in a row, doubling from 96,000 students in the 2012- 13 academic year to more than 200,000 in 2018-19.

In a two-hour-long bilateral meet between US Secretary of state Mike Pompeo and External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar, key focus areas were Indo-Pacific, the situation in Afghanistan and a follow up on their Tokyo discussions earlier this month.

In a two-hour-long bilateral meet between US Secretary of state Mike Pompeo and External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar, key focus areas were Indo-Pacific, the situation in Afghanistan and a follow up on their Tokyo discussions earlier this month. Sources told WION, both sides, "exchanged views on current global situation and its contemporary challenges and discussed our shared concerns and interests including stability and security in Asia, and how best that can be ensured". Also read: India to sign BECA military pact with US This is the second meeting between the 2 ministers in a months' time and comes amidst Chinese aggressiveness not only with India but with other countries in the region. Both also had an in-person meeting earlier this month on the sidelines of the QUAD --India, US, Japan and Australia foreign minister meet in Tokyo, Japan. Other focus areas of discussions were maritime security, open connectivity and resilient supply chains. During the meet, US Secretary of state shared with EAM the Trump Administration’s thinking on Afghanistan with the latter highlighting "India’s stakes and its continuing concern that decisions should be made by Afghans themselves without the use of force", sources added. Also read: Rajnath Singh, Mark Esper discuss joint service cooperation in bilateral meet New Delhi also made, "clear that cross-border terrorism was completely unacceptable." This even as India has called on Pakistan to take action on terror safe havens it has been hosting, something that has gone deaf ears in Islamabad. This is the fourth time US Secretary of the state is visiting India under Trump administration and how the closeness between the 2 countries. During the meet, EAM called for "supportive policies" that helps in talent flow and underlined that a "innovation partnership is central to our future". Washington has been tightening visa rules, something that has been concerning many Indians who have been going to US for jobs, education. The number of Indian students studying in the United States has increased five years in a row, doubling from 96,000 students in the 2012- 13 academic year to more than 200,000 in 2018-19.

Pompeo-Jaishankar discuss Indo-Pacific, Afghanistan

Afghanistan's defence minister flew to the southern province of Helmand on Wednesday a day after government forces launched a counter-offensive against Taliban insurgents who have battled their way towards the provincial capital in recent days.

The fighting in the province, where US&nbsp;and British troops for years fought to clear Taliban from a string of poppy-growing districts, comes as Afghan government negotiators and the Taliban try to push forward power-sharing talks in Qatar.

In another blow for the embattled government, two defence force helicopters setting off for a military mission in Helmand crashed into each other early on Wednesday killing nine people on board, the Ministry of Defence said in a statement.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/south-asia/us-military-startled-with-trumps-announcement-of-complete-troop-withdrawal-from-afghanistan-333767" hreflang="en">US military startled with Trump's announcement of complete troop withdrawal from Afghanistan</a>

Acting Defence Minister Assadullah Khalid arrived in Helmand's capital, Lashkar Gah, to assess the situation and support the forces facing the major insurgent offensive that has overshadowed the peace talks and brought US&nbsp;air strikes.

The Taliban have seized several checkpoints and closed in on Lashkar Gah but officials said the security forces had repelled overnight Taliban attacks in the districts of Nawa and Nad Ali, with casualties on both sides.

They declined to say how many.

The Taliban assault in Helmand is testing the resolve of the government and casting doubt over the talks to end the 19 years of war since the Taliban were ousted.

The violence could also throw into question President Donald Trump's pledge last week to bring home the remaining U.S. troops by Christmas.

Thousands of civilians have been caught up in the fighting, with more than 5,000 families displaced.

One seven-month pregnant eighteen-year-old, who declined to be identified, was shot in the stomach when caught in cross-fire in Gereshk district this week.

She lost the baby.

"I hadn't even chosen a name for him," she told Reuters by telephone from hospital.

"My innocent child, gone forever."

Afghanistan's defence minister flew to the southern province of Helmand on Wednesday a day after government forces launched a counter-offensive against Taliban insurgents who have battled their way towards the provincial capital in recent days.

Afghanistan's defence minister flew to the southern province of Helmand on Wednesday a day after government forces launched a counter-offensive against Taliban insurgents who have battled their way towards the provincial capital in recent days. The fighting in the province, where US and British troops for years fought to clear Taliban from a string of poppy-growing districts, comes as Afghan government negotiators and the Taliban try to push forward power-sharing talks in Qatar. In another blow for the embattled government, two defence force helicopters setting off for a military mission in Helmand crashed into each other early on Wednesday killing nine people on board, the Ministry of Defence said in a statement. Also read: US military startled with Trump's announcement of complete troop withdrawal from Afghanistan Acting Defence Minister Assadullah Khalid arrived in Helmand's capital, Lashkar Gah, to assess the situation and support the forces facing the major insurgent offensive that has overshadowed the peace talks and brought US air strikes. The Taliban have seized several checkpoints and closed in on Lashkar Gah but officials said the security forces had repelled overnight Taliban attacks in the districts of Nawa and Nad Ali, with casualties on both sides. They declined to say how many. The Taliban assault in Helmand is testing the resolve of the government and casting doubt over the talks to end the 19 years of war since the Taliban were ousted. The violence could also throw into question President Donald Trump's pledge last week to bring home the remaining U.S. troops by Christmas. Thousands of civilians have been caught up in the fighting, with more than 5,000 families displaced. One seven-month pregnant eighteen-year-old, who declined to be identified, was shot in the stomach when caught in cross-fire in Gereshk district this week. She lost the baby. "I hadn't even chosen a name for him," she told Reuters by telephone from hospital. "My innocent child, gone forever."

Afghan defence minister flies to embattled Helmand after Taliban gains

The monsoon floods in Afghanistan have taken more than 150 lives and has affected thousands of families, who have lost their family members and livelihood.

In the city of Charikar, overnight flooding took more than 100 lives as hundreds of buildings collapsed due to the heavy flow of the rains.

People rushed back to the city to find their&nbsp;family members, but sadly returned to debris and lists of missing and dead people.

While the rescue teams reached on the spot of destruction few hours later, the local residents of the city took shovels and spades and started helping the rescue teams in saving people trapped under the debris of the fallen buildings.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/heavy-monsoon-rains-trigger-flash-floods-in-afghanistan-and-pakistan-323241">Have a look|&nbsp;Heavy monsoon rains trigger flash floods in Afghanistan and Pakistan</a>

"It is a catastrophe here with so many people dead and missing, including many children," said&nbsp;Safiullah Safi, a community leader.

As per the initial search and rescue missions, around 200 houses have been turned into debris and 600 livestock have been killed due to the heavy floods in the Parwan province alone.

The local authorities are now urging international organisations to step in and help the country which was already merely making ends meet due to a huge blow to the economy due to the coronavirus pandemic. As of now, the local authorities have managed to provide food and first aid to around 1,000 families.

The floods had also reached Pakistan, which is conducting its own rescue missions after cities drowned over the week-long heavy rains.

The monsoon floods in Afghanistan have taken more than 150 lives and has affected thousands of families, who have lost their family members and livelihood. In the city of Charikar, overnight flooding took more than 100 lives as hundreds of buildings collapsed due to the heavy flow of the rains.

The monsoon floods in Afghanistan have taken more than 150 lives and has affected thousands of families, who have lost their family members and livelihood. In the city of Charikar, overnight flooding took more than 100 lives as hundreds of buildings collapsed due to the heavy flow of the rains. People rushed back to the city to find their family members, but sadly returned to debris and lists of missing and dead people. While the rescue teams reached on the spot of destruction few hours later, the local residents of the city took shovels and spades and started helping the rescue teams in saving people trapped under the debris of the fallen buildings. Have a look| Heavy monsoon rains trigger flash floods in Afghanistan and Pakistan "It is a catastrophe here with so many people dead and missing, including many children," said Safiullah Safi, a community leader. As per the initial search and rescue missions, around 200 houses have been turned into debris and 600 livestock have been killed due to the heavy floods in the Parwan province alone. The local authorities are now urging international organisations to step in and help the country which was already merely making ends meet due to a huge blow to the economy due to the coronavirus pandemic. As of now, the local authorities have managed to provide food and first aid to around 1,000 families. The floods had also reached Pakistan, which is conducting its own rescue missions after cities drowned over the week-long heavy rains.

Afghan floods: Rescue operation resumes; authorities call for international help

Afghanistan celebrates its Independence Day on August 19. The country gained independence from the British more than a century ago.

It continues to be battered by violence and bloodshed. In the aftermath of independence, different factions battled for control of the country&nbsp;due to which common Afghans suffered the most.

On August 18,&nbsp;proud Afghans waved the national flag in Kabul on the eve of the country's Independence Day. Meanwhile, multiple rocket attacks caused chaos in the city’s diplomatic district.&nbsp;The attack forced embassies into lockdown&nbsp;and workers into safe rooms.

Here’s a timeline of Afghanistan’s independence

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In&nbsp;1747,&nbsp;Ahmad Shah Durrani captured Kandahar, Kabul and Ghazni.&nbsp;The former bodyguard of assassinated Persian ruler Nadir Shah conquered Kabul, Ghazni, Peshawar and much of modern Pakistan to lay the foundation of the Afghanistan we know today.

Durrani lost control of Punjab and Kashmir to Sikh rulers in 1819.

The death of Ayub Shah in 1823 is considered to be the end of the Durrani rule in Afghanistan

The British Indian Army invaded and conquered Kabul in 1838.

It was only in 1919 that Afghans declared independence with Emir Amanullah Khan at the helm.

In 1933, Zahir Shah became the king but the monarchy lasted only 40 years until Mohammad Daud seized power in 1973. Daud was killed 5 years later.

In 1979, Soviets invaded and installed a communist government in the country, and that is when the modern history of Afghanistan began.

In 1980, as a response to Soviets, the Americans, Saudis, Iranians, Chinese, and Pakistanis provided support to the Mujahideen fighters

Some of these radical Islamic fighters eventually banded together between 1980-1989 to give rise to the Taliban.

Other ethnic groups formed the northern alliance and fought the Taliban for control of the country.

The Soviets withdrew a decade later in 1989, and the Soviet appointed Najibullah government fell soon after.

1996 saw the Taliban capture Kabul and introduce a strict Islamic rule. As part of this, women were barred from work, and punishments like public executions, amputations, and stoning to death were introduced.

Despite the atrocities committed by them, Pakistan &amp; Saudi Arabia recognised Taliban as the legitimate government of Afghanistan in 1997.

On September 9, 2001, Ahmad Shah Masood, the leader of the opposition northern alliance was assassinated.

Two days later, terror attacks at the World Trade Center in New York reshaped the destiny of Afghanistan.&nbsp;The terror attack prompted the US led “war on terror” which marked the start of the end of the Taliban rule in Afghanistan.&nbsp;However, the bloodshed between the US assisted Afghan forces and the Taliban continues to this day.

Hamid Karzai and later Ashraf Ghani have tried to run coalition governments to provide stability in the country between 2001-14. Ghani was sworn in as the president of Afghanistan in 2014.

However, the Taliban violently opposes any government in Kabul amid&nbsp;US troop withdrawal. A&nbsp;peace deal with the terror group has failed to find a permanent solution as&nbsp;the Taliban continues&nbsp;violent opposition towards the&nbsp;government.

As Afghans celebrate more than a century of independence, there is no freedom yet from violence and bloodshed.

Afghanistan celebrates its Independence Day on August 19. The country gained independence from the British more than a century ago. It continues to be battered by violence and bloodshed.

Afghanistan celebrates its Independence Day on August 19. The country gained independence from the British more than a century ago. It continues to be battered by violence and bloodshed. In the aftermath of independence, different factions battled for control of the country due to which common Afghans suffered the most. On August 18, proud Afghans waved the national flag in Kabul on the eve of the country's Independence Day. Meanwhile, multiple rocket attacks caused chaos in the city’s diplomatic district. The attack forced embassies into lockdown and workers into safe rooms. Here’s a timeline of Afghanistan’s independence In 1747, Ahmad Shah Durrani captured Kandahar, Kabul and Ghazni. The former bodyguard of assassinated Persian ruler Nadir Shah conquered Kabul, Ghazni, Peshawar and much of modern Pakistan to lay the foundation of the Afghanistan we know today. Durrani lost control of Punjab and Kashmir to Sikh rulers in 1819. The death of Ayub Shah in 1823 is considered to be the end of the Durrani rule in Afghanistan The British Indian Army invaded and conquered Kabul in 1838. It was only in 1919 that Afghans declared independence with Emir Amanullah Khan at the helm. In 1933, Zahir Shah became the king but the monarchy lasted only 40 years until Mohammad Daud seized power in 1973. Daud was killed 5 years later. In 1979, Soviets invaded and installed a communist government in the country, and that is when the modern history of Afghanistan began. In 1980, as a response to Soviets, the Americans, Saudis, Iranians, Chinese, and Pakistanis provided support to the Mujahideen fighters Some of these radical Islamic fighters eventually banded together between 1980-1989 to give rise to the Taliban. Other ethnic groups formed the northern alliance and fought the Taliban for control of the country. The Soviets withdrew a decade later in 1989, and the Soviet appointed Najibullah government fell soon after. 1996 saw the Taliban capture Kabul and introduce a strict Islamic rule. As part of this, women were barred from work, and punishments like public executions, amputations, and stoning to death were introduced. Despite the atrocities committed by them, Pakistan & Saudi Arabia recognised Taliban as the legitimate government of Afghanistan in 1997. On September 9, 2001, Ahmad Shah Masood, the leader of the opposition northern alliance was assassinated. Two days later, terror attacks at the World Trade Center in New York reshaped the destiny of Afghanistan. The terror attack prompted the US led “war on terror” which marked the start of the end of the Taliban rule in Afghanistan. However, the bloodshed between the US assisted Afghan forces and the Taliban continues to this day. Hamid Karzai and later Ashraf Ghani have tried to run coalition governments to provide stability in the country between 2001-14. Ghani was sworn in as the president of Afghanistan in 2014. However, the Taliban violently opposes any government in Kabul amid US troop withdrawal. A peace deal with the terror group has failed to find a permanent solution as the Taliban continues violent opposition towards the government. As Afghans celebrate more than a century of independence, there is no freedom yet from violence and bloodshed.

Timeline: Afghanistan's long and bloody journey to independence

Afghanistan will convene a grand assembly of elders, known as the loya jirga, in Kabul on Friday to decide the fate of hundreds of prisoners the Taliban insist should be released before entering peace talks with the government.

A pact reached by U.S. and Taliban negotiators in Doha in February had agreed that 5,000 Taliban prisoners should be released from Afghan jails as a precondition to the militant movement holding talks with the government.

President Ashraf Ghani's government has released all but 400, saying their crimes were too grave.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="/videos/afghanistan-government-orders-release-of-500-taliban-inmates-317494" hreflang="en">Afghanistan government orders release of 500 Taliban inmates</a>

On Sunday, it declared a loya jirga, a traditional consultative gathering of elders, community leaders and politicians was needed to debate what to do with the remaining prisoners. And on Tuesday, the government fixed the date.

"These 400 are those who have been convicted in killings from two to 40 people, drug trafficking, those sentenced to death and involved in major crimes, including kidnapping," Sediq Sediqqi, a spokesman for the president, said.

He said a loya jirga, regarded in the constitutional as the highest expression of the Afghan people, was required as the president was not empowered to release prisoners convicted of such crimes.

Held under a giant tent, the loya jirga is a centuries-old institution used to build consensus among competing tribes, factions and ethnic groups and to discuss matters of national importance, traditionally convened under extraordinary circumstances.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/south-asia/at-least-24-dead-in-mass-jailbreak-in-afghanistan-scores-of-prisoners-flee-317759" hreflang="en">At least 24 dead in mass jailbreak in Afghanistan, scores of prisoners flee</a>

On Sunday, as the government and Taliban were observing the last day of three-day ceasefire for Muslim Eid holidays, Islamic State militants launched a brazen attack at a prison in eastern Nangarhar province and freed hundreds of inmates.

The violence comes at a sensitive time for Afghanistan as the U.S. attempts to usher a peace deal between Afghan government and the Taliban to end 19-year-old war.&nbsp;

Since the U.S.-Taliban agreement in Febuary, 3,560 Afghan security forces personnel have been killed in attacks by militants, thousands more have been wounded, Ghani said last week.

In the same week, U.N. Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said in a report that more than 1,280 Afghan civilians had been killed in the first six months of the year, mainly as a result of fighting between Afghan government forces and Taliban insurgents.&nbsp;

Afghanistan will convene a grand assembly of elders, known as the loya jirga, in Kabul on Friday to decide the fate of hundreds of prisoners the Taliban insist should be released before entering peace talks with the government.

Afghanistan will convene a grand assembly of elders, known as the loya jirga, in Kabul on Friday to decide the fate of hundreds of prisoners the Taliban insist should be released before entering peace talks with the government. A pact reached by U.S. and Taliban negotiators in Doha in February had agreed that 5,000 Taliban prisoners should be released from Afghan jails as a precondition to the militant movement holding talks with the government. President Ashraf Ghani's government has released all but 400, saying their crimes were too grave. Also see: Afghanistan government orders release of 500 Taliban inmates On Sunday, it declared a loya jirga, a traditional consultative gathering of elders, community leaders and politicians was needed to debate what to do with the remaining prisoners. And on Tuesday, the government fixed the date. "These 400 are those who have been convicted in killings from two to 40 people, drug trafficking, those sentenced to death and involved in major crimes, including kidnapping," Sediq Sediqqi, a spokesman for the president, said. He said a loya jirga, regarded in the constitutional as the highest expression of the Afghan people, was required as the president was not empowered to release prisoners convicted of such crimes. Held under a giant tent, the loya jirga is a centuries-old institution used to build consensus among competing tribes, factions and ethnic groups and to discuss matters of national importance, traditionally convened under extraordinary circumstances. Also read: At least 24 dead in mass jailbreak in Afghanistan, scores of prisoners flee On Sunday, as the government and Taliban were observing the last day of three-day ceasefire for Muslim Eid holidays, Islamic State militants launched a brazen attack at a prison in eastern Nangarhar province and freed hundreds of inmates. The violence comes at a sensitive time for Afghanistan as the U.S. attempts to usher a peace deal between Afghan government and the Taliban to end 19-year-old war. Since the U.S.-Taliban agreement in Febuary, 3,560 Afghan security forces personnel have been killed in attacks by militants, thousands more have been wounded, Ghani said last week. In the same week, U.N. Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said in a report that more than 1,280 Afghan civilians had been killed in the first six months of the year, mainly as a result of fighting between Afghan government forces and Taliban insurgents.

Afghan grand assembly to decide fate of Taliban prisoners on Friday

The intensive care unit at the Afghan capital's premier hospital for COVID-19 patients is a medical nightmare&nbsp;and a stark warning how the country's war-ravaged health care system risks collapsing. 
 
Family members, without protective equipment and only a few wearing face masks, help care for the patients lying in hospital beds. They say they have no choice because there are not enough nurses and other medical staff. 
 
The next-of-kin often guard their loved one's oxygen tank, fearing it could be stolen because there is a shortage of just about everything, including oxygen cylinders.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/south-asia/afghanistan-faces-grim-economic-outlook-as-pandemic-wipes-out-growth-world-bank-313765" hreflang="en">Afghanistan faces 'grim' economic outlook as pandemic wipes out growth: World Bank</a> 
 
The 100-bed Afghan-Japan Communicable Disease Hospital in western Kabul is one of only two facilities for coronavirus testing and treatment in the Afghan capital.&nbsp; 
 
Newly graduated Afghan doctors have joined the 370-member staff after many of the hospital's experienced physicians walked out a few months ago, fearing the virus. 
 
The 92-square-meter (1,000-square-foot) ICU ward has only 13 beds, and COVID-19 patients admitted here are in critical condition; few are hooked up to ventilators, some of the others rely on oxygen tanks. 
 
Assadullah, who like many Afghans goes by only one name, says he struggled to stay awake night after night at the ICU ward, guarding the tank that kept his father alive.&nbsp; 
 
In his father's final days, the relative of another patient came over, threatening to take the tank.&nbsp; 
 
"Your father is dying but mine is alive, he told me ... In such a situation, how could I have left my father alone",&nbsp;said Assadullah, who lost his father to the virus on Tuesday. 
 
Abdul Rahman, 42, feels the same way and rushes to rub his 70-year-old mother's back every time she coughs.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/south-asia/world-bank-approves-200-million-aid-for-coronavirus-hit-afghanistan-312309" hreflang="en">World Bank approves $200 million aid for coronavirus-hit Afghanistan</a> 
 
A few beds away, 64-year-old Mohammad Amin's left foot has turned black from gangrene that set in after a blood clot due to the virus. His son and wife tend to him as best they can, but they say it's exhausting. 
For the hospital's director, Hakimullah Saleh, every staffer is a hero, risking their own life to provide critical care. They face so many work challenges, he said, on top of which they sometimes have to deal with ?threats" from distraught families who feel the hospital is not doing enough. 
 
One of Saleh's heroes, Dr. Jawad Norzai, is relentless in his devotion to the patients, he said. Along with his job as chief surgeon, Norzai visits over 60 patients a day and finds the time to train new doctors, Saleh said. 
The 32-year-old Norzai got his medical diploma in 2013 and worked first for private hospitals, joining the Afghan-Japan only after hearing how many of the staff had left. Norzai said he, like many medical professionals, contracted the virus but recovered. He said he infected several of his family members but luckily, they also recovered. 
 
Another one of the Afghan-Japan doctors who recovered from the virus is Mozhgan Nazehad, 35.&nbsp; 
"I spent three nights awake because of severe pain, back pain, and lower limb pain, that pain I will never forget,"&nbsp;said Nazehad, who lives apart from her family to keep them safe. 
 
The other hospital that treats COVID-19 patients is the Ali Jenah, funded by Pakistan, a 200-bed but less-equipped facility, also in western Kabul. There is also an isolation center in the dormitory of the Kabul University, but it does not provide treatment. 
 
According to the Health Ministry, more than 1,700 medical workers&nbsp;including 40 at the Afghan-Japan hospital&nbsp;were infected while providing care to COVID-19 patients; 26 have died. 
 
Afghanistan has so far recorded almost 35,000 cases of the virus, including 1,094 deaths, with the number of infections thought to far outnumber the official tally. 
 
The International Rescue Committee warned last month that Afghanistan is on the brink of a humanitarian disaster because the government is unable to test some 80% of possible coronavirus cases. 
 
The Health Ministry said it now has the capacity to test only 2,500 people per day.&nbsp; 
 
Last month, 10,000 to 20,000 people were coming daily, asking to be tested, but the government had to turn many down. Afghanistan has one doctor for every 3,500 people, less than a fifth of the global average, according to the World Health Organization. 
 
The International Committee of the Red Cross said on Tuesday that in addition to the COVID-19 health crisis faced in Afghanistan, the socioeconomic impact of the virus could become catastrophic with 12.4 million people one third of the country's population already considered to be living at emergency&nbsp;levels of food shortages.&nbsp; 
 
Seemingly indicative of the fractured health care system, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani's special envoy for economic development, Yosuf Ghaznafar, went to Turkey when he became ill with COVID-19.&nbsp; 
 
He died of the disease there in early July, according to a statement from the presidency&nbsp;the most senior Afghan official so far to die of the virus

The intensive care unit at the Afghan capital's premier hospital for COVID-19 patients is a medical nightmare and a stark warning how the country's war-ravaged health care system risks collapsing.

The intensive care unit at the Afghan capital's premier hospital for COVID-19 patients is a medical nightmare and a stark warning how the country's war-ravaged health care system risks collapsing. Family members, without protective equipment and only a few wearing face masks, help care for the patients lying in hospital beds. They say they have no choice because there are not enough nurses and other medical staff. The next-of-kin often guard their loved one's oxygen tank, fearing it could be stolen because there is a shortage of just about everything, including oxygen cylinders. Also read: Afghanistan faces 'grim' economic outlook as pandemic wipes out growth: World Bank The 100-bed Afghan-Japan Communicable Disease Hospital in western Kabul is one of only two facilities for coronavirus testing and treatment in the Afghan capital. Newly graduated Afghan doctors have joined the 370-member staff after many of the hospital's experienced physicians walked out a few months ago, fearing the virus. The 92-square-meter (1,000-square-foot) ICU ward has only 13 beds, and COVID-19 patients admitted here are in critical condition; few are hooked up to ventilators, some of the others rely on oxygen tanks. Assadullah, who like many Afghans goes by only one name, says he struggled to stay awake night after night at the ICU ward, guarding the tank that kept his father alive. In his father's final days, the relative of another patient came over, threatening to take the tank. "Your father is dying but mine is alive, he told me ... In such a situation, how could I have left my father alone", said Assadullah, who lost his father to the virus on Tuesday. Abdul Rahman, 42, feels the same way and rushes to rub his 70-year-old mother's back every time she coughs. Also read: World Bank approves $200 million aid for coronavirus-hit Afghanistan A few beds away, 64-year-old Mohammad Amin's left foot has turned black from gangrene that set in after a blood clot due to the virus. His son and wife tend to him as best they can, but they say it's exhausting. For the hospital's director, Hakimullah Saleh, every staffer is a hero, risking their own life to provide critical care. They face so many work challenges, he said, on top of which they sometimes have to deal with ?threats" from distraught families who feel the hospital is not doing enough. One of Saleh's heroes, Dr. Jawad Norzai, is relentless in his devotion to the patients, he said. Along with his job as chief surgeon, Norzai visits over 60 patients a day and finds the time to train new doctors, Saleh said. The 32-year-old Norzai got his medical diploma in 2013 and worked first for private hospitals, joining the Afghan-Japan only after hearing how many of the staff had left. Norzai said he, like many medical professionals, contracted the virus but recovered. He said he infected several of his family members but luckily, they also recovered. Another one of the Afghan-Japan doctors who recovered from the virus is Mozhgan Nazehad, 35. "I spent three nights awake because of severe pain, back pain, and lower limb pain, that pain I will never forget," said Nazehad, who lives apart from her family to keep them safe. The other hospital that treats COVID-19 patients is the Ali Jenah, funded by Pakistan, a 200-bed but less-equipped facility, also in western Kabul. There is also an isolation center in the dormitory of the Kabul University, but it does not provide treatment. According to the Health Ministry, more than 1,700 medical workers including 40 at the Afghan-Japan hospital were infected while providing care to COVID-19 patients; 26 have died. Afghanistan has so far recorded almost 35,000 cases of the virus, including 1,094 deaths, with the number of infections thought to far outnumber the official tally. The International Rescue Committee warned last month that Afghanistan is on the brink of a humanitarian disaster because the government is unable to test some 80% of possible coronavirus cases. The Health Ministry said it now has the capacity to test only 2,500 people per day. Last month, 10,000 to 20,000 people were coming daily, asking to be tested, but the government had to turn many down. Afghanistan has one doctor for every 3,500 people, less than a fifth of the global average, according to the World Health Organization. The International Committee of the Red Cross said on Tuesday that in addition to the COVID-19 health crisis faced in Afghanistan, the socioeconomic impact of the virus could become catastrophic with 12.4 million people one third of the country's population already considered to be living at emergency levels of food shortages. Seemingly indicative of the fractured health care system, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani's special envoy for economic development, Yosuf Ghaznafar, went to Turkey when he became ill with COVID-19. He died of the disease there in early July, according to a statement from the presidency the most senior Afghan official so far to die of the virus

Families step in at Kabul COVID-19 ward to care for patients

A shallow 4.6-magnitude earthquake rocked Kabul on Monday, the US Geological Survey said, sending crowds into the streets of the Afghan capital.

There were no immediate reports of any casualties after the quake shook Kabul at 8:36 pm (1606 GMT) with such violence that some residents at first thought it was a new explosion in the war-torn city.&nbsp;

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The USGS assessed the quake's depth at 7.5 kilometres, making it a shallow temblor, and put its epicentre in Paghman district of Kabul province, less than 30 kilometres (18 miles) from the capital.

Afghanistan is frequently hit by earthquakes, especially in the Hindu Kush mountain range which lies near the junction of the Eurasian and Indian tectonic plates.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-will-cooperate-to-bring-back-peace-in-afghanistan-khalilzad-310750" hreflang="en">Taliban will cooperate to bring back peace in Afghanistan: Khalilzad</a>

In May 2018, a 6.2-magnitude earthquake was recorded in northern Afghanistan and felt as far away as Islamabad and Dushanbe.

In October 2015, a devastating 7.5-magnitude quake killed nearly 400 people in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Aid agencies have regularly stressed the need for greater disaster preparedness in Afghanistan, which remains extremely susceptible to recurring earthquakes, floods and landslides.

A shallow 4.6-magnitude earthquake rocked Kabul on Monday, the US Geological Survey said, sending crowds into the streets of the Afghan capital. There were no immediate reports of any casualties after the quake shook Kabul at 8:36 pm (1606 GMT) with such violence that some residents at first thought it was a new explosion in the war-torn city.

A shallow 4.6-magnitude earthquake rocked Kabul on Monday, the US Geological Survey said, sending crowds into the streets of the Afghan capital. There were no immediate reports of any casualties after the quake shook Kabul at 8:36 pm (1606 GMT) with such violence that some residents at first thought it was a new explosion in the war-torn city. Also read: Afghan forces kill Taliban terrorists after clash at military checkpoints The USGS assessed the quake's depth at 7.5 kilometres, making it a shallow temblor, and put its epicentre in Paghman district of Kabul province, less than 30 kilometres (18 miles) from the capital. Afghanistan is frequently hit by earthquakes, especially in the Hindu Kush mountain range which lies near the junction of the Eurasian and Indian tectonic plates. Also read: Taliban will cooperate to bring back peace in Afghanistan: Khalilzad In May 2018, a 6.2-magnitude earthquake was recorded in northern Afghanistan and felt as far away as Islamabad and Dushanbe. In October 2015, a devastating 7.5-magnitude quake killed nearly 400 people in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Aid agencies have regularly stressed the need for greater disaster preparedness in Afghanistan, which remains extremely susceptible to recurring earthquakes, floods and landslides.

Shallow 4.6-magnitude earthquake strikes Kabul

The Taliban killed at least 291 Afghan security personnel over the past week, a top government official said Monday, accusing the insurgents of unleashing a wave of violence ahead of potential talks. 
 
The past week was the "deadliest" in the country's 19 years of conflict, said Javid Faisal, spokesman for the National Security Council, even as the insurgents dismissed the latest figures. 
 
The Taliban carried out 422 attacks in 32 provinces in the past week, killing 291 security force personnel and wounding 550 others, Faisal said on Twitter.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/un-blames-afghan-forces-taliban-for-deliberately-targetting-healthcare-307559" hreflang="en">UN blames Afghan forces, Taliban for 'deliberately' targetting healthcare</a> 
 
"Taliban's commitment to reduce violence is meaningless, and their actions inconsistent with their rhetoric on peace," he said. 
 
The Taliban rejected the latest government figures. 
 
"The enemy aims to hurt the peace process and intra-Afghan talks by releasing such false reports," Zabihullah Mujahid, the Taliban's spokesman in Afghanistan, told AFP. 
 
"We did have some attacks last week, but they were mostly in defence."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/western-powers-support-afghanistans-decision-to-not-release-taliban-prisoners-307334" hreflang="en">Western powers support Afghanistan's decision to not release Taliban prisoners</a> 
 
Violence had dropped across much of Afghanistan since the Taliban announced a three-day ceasefire on May 24 to mark the Eid al-Fitr holiday, but officials have accused the insurgents of stepping up attacks in recent weeks. 
 
The latest government accusations come as Kabul and Taliban have signalled that they were getting closer to launching much-delayed peace talks. 
 
President Ashraf Ghani has vowed to complete a Taliban prisoner release that is a key condition to beginning the peace negotiations with the insurgents aimed at ending nearly two decades of war. 
 
The authorities have already released about 3,000 Taliban prisoners, and plan to further free 2,000 as stipulated in the insurgents' deal with Washington signed in February. 
 
The Taliban have said they are ready for peace talks but only after the release of the remaining 2,000 insurgents.

The Taliban killed at least 291 Afghan security personnel over the past week, a top government official said Monday, accusing the insurgents of unleashing a wave of violence ahead of potential talks.

The Taliban killed at least 291 Afghan security personnel over the past week, a top government official said Monday, accusing the insurgents of unleashing a wave of violence ahead of potential talks. The past week was the "deadliest" in the country's 19 years of conflict, said Javid Faisal, spokesman for the National Security Council, even as the insurgents dismissed the latest figures. The Taliban carried out 422 attacks in 32 provinces in the past week, killing 291 security force personnel and wounding 550 others, Faisal said on Twitter. Also read: UN blames Afghan forces, Taliban for 'deliberately' targetting healthcare "Taliban's commitment to reduce violence is meaningless, and their actions inconsistent with their rhetoric on peace," he said. The Taliban rejected the latest government figures. "The enemy aims to hurt the peace process and intra-Afghan talks by releasing such false reports," Zabihullah Mujahid, the Taliban's spokesman in Afghanistan, told AFP. "We did have some attacks last week, but they were mostly in defence." Also read: Western powers support Afghanistan's decision to not release Taliban prisoners Violence had dropped across much of Afghanistan since the Taliban announced a three-day ceasefire on May 24 to mark the Eid al-Fitr holiday, but officials have accused the insurgents of stepping up attacks in recent weeks. The latest government accusations come as Kabul and Taliban have signalled that they were getting closer to launching much-delayed peace talks. President Ashraf Ghani has vowed to complete a Taliban prisoner release that is a key condition to beginning the peace negotiations with the insurgents aimed at ending nearly two decades of war. The authorities have already released about 3,000 Taliban prisoners, and plan to further free 2,000 as stipulated in the insurgents' deal with Washington signed in February. The Taliban have said they are ready for peace talks but only after the release of the remaining 2,000 insurgents.

Taliban killed 291 Afghan security personnel in past week

Taliban fighters killed at least 12 Afghan security personnel Wednesday in a pre-dawn raid on a northern checkpoint, officials said, the latest violence claimed by the insurgents. 
 
Four security force members were also captured by the militants in the attack in Jawezjan province, said Maroof Azar, spokesman to the governor. 
 
"Twelve security personnel including army soldiers were killed, five were injured and four were captured by the Taliban," he told AFP.

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He said five Taliban fighters were killed in the fighting, which ended after Afghan security reinforcements arrived at the scene, Azar said. 
 
The ministry of defence confirmed the attack and said six of its soldiers were among the dead.&nbsp; 
 
The Taliban spokesman for the group's fighting forces, Zabihullah Mujahib, claimed the attack but gave a higher toll.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/afghanistan/afghan-government-taliban-agree-to-doha-as-venue-for-first-peace-talks-306103" hreflang="en">Afghan government, Taliban agree to Doha as venue for first peace talks</a> 
 
The latest bloodshed comes as the insurgents and the Afghan government appear to be moving closer towards potential peace negotiations. 
 
The much-delayed talks aimed at ending the conflict are expected to begin once the two sides complete an ongoing prisoner swap accelerated after a brief ceasefire last month. 
 
Officials claim the Taliban have stepped up attacks in recent days, although there has been an overall drop in violence across the country since the ceasefire ended.&nbsp;

Taliban fighters killed at least 12 Afghan security personnel Wednesday in a pre-dawn raid on a northern checkpoint, officials said, the latest violence claimed by the insurgents.

Taliban fighters killed at least 12 Afghan security personnel Wednesday in a pre-dawn raid on a northern checkpoint, officials said, the latest violence claimed by the insurgents. Four security force members were also captured by the militants in the attack in Jawezjan province, said Maroof Azar, spokesman to the governor. "Twelve security personnel including army soldiers were killed, five were injured and four were captured by the Taliban," he told AFP. Also read: Afghanistan and Myanmar drown in China's loans; Afghanistan rejects loan He said five Taliban fighters were killed in the fighting, which ended after Afghan security reinforcements arrived at the scene, Azar said. The ministry of defence confirmed the attack and said six of its soldiers were among the dead. The Taliban spokesman for the group's fighting forces, Zabihullah Mujahib, claimed the attack but gave a higher toll. Also read: Afghan government, Taliban agree to Doha as venue for first peace talks The latest bloodshed comes as the insurgents and the Afghan government appear to be moving closer towards potential peace negotiations. The much-delayed talks aimed at ending the conflict are expected to begin once the two sides complete an ongoing prisoner swap accelerated after a brief ceasefire last month. Officials claim the Taliban have stepped up attacks in recent days, although there has been an overall drop in violence across the country since the ceasefire ended.

Taliban raid on Afghan security post kills 12

A roadside bomb tore through a small bus in southern Afghanistan on Wednesday, killing nine civilians including women and children, officials said. 
 
The bombing, which occurred in Kandahar, the birthplace of the Taliban, came a day after a blast in a mosque in Kabul's fortified Green Zone killed two people including a well-known imam. 
 
Nine people died and five others were wounded when a roadside bomb struck their bus in Arghistan district of Kandahar province, provincial police spokesman Jamal Nasir Barekzai said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/mosque-blast-in-kabul-kills-2-including-an-imam-302903" hreflang="en">Mosque Blast in Kabul kills 2, including an imam</a> 
 
Several victims were women and children, said Baheer Ahmad Ahmadi, spokesman to the provincial governor, who also confirmed the toll. 
 
No one claimed the Kandahar attack, but Barekzai blamed the Taliban. 
 
In Kabul on Tuesday, an imam and a worshipper were killed in a prayer-time bombing at a popular mosque in the fortified Green Zone in Kabul. 
 
That bombing, which the Taliban condemned, came a day after seven civilians were killed in the north of the country in a roadside bombing&nbsp;authorities blamed on the insurgents. 
 
On Wednesday, the UN mission in Afghanistan said homemade bombs used by the Taliban to target Afghan security forces have killed at least 10 civilians in the past two days.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bomb-in-afghanistan-capital-targets-tv-bus-journalist-and-driver-killed-302045" hreflang="en">Bomb in Afghanistan capital targets TV bus; journalist and driver killed</a> 
 
The UN urged the militants to "stop using these illegal improvised mines". 
 
Despite these attacks, overall violence across much of Afghanistan has dropped since May 24 when the Taliban instigated a rare three-day ceasefire to mark the Eid al-Fitr holiday. 
 
Officials have acknowledged a lull in violence, though they blamed the militants for some deadly attacks in recent days. &nbsp; 
 
Before the ceasefire, violence had surged since the Taliban signed a landmark agreement with the United States in February. 
 
The deal paves the way for the withdrawal of all foreign forces by May next year. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

A roadside bomb tore through a small bus in southern Afghanistan on Wednesday, killing nine civilians including women and children, officials said. The bombing, which occurred in Kandahar, the birthplace of the Taliban, came a day after a blast in a mosque in Kabul's fortified Green Zone killed two people including a well-known imam.

A roadside bomb tore through a small bus in southern Afghanistan on Wednesday, killing nine civilians including women and children, officials said. The bombing, which occurred in Kandahar, the birthplace of the Taliban, came a day after a blast in a mosque in Kabul's fortified Green Zone killed two people including a well-known imam. Nine people died and five others were wounded when a roadside bomb struck their bus in Arghistan district of Kandahar province, provincial police spokesman Jamal Nasir Barekzai said. Also read: Mosque Blast in Kabul kills 2, including an imam Several victims were women and children, said Baheer Ahmad Ahmadi, spokesman to the provincial governor, who also confirmed the toll. No one claimed the Kandahar attack, but Barekzai blamed the Taliban. In Kabul on Tuesday, an imam and a worshipper were killed in a prayer-time bombing at a popular mosque in the fortified Green Zone in Kabul. That bombing, which the Taliban condemned, came a day after seven civilians were killed in the north of the country in a roadside bombing authorities blamed on the insurgents. On Wednesday, the UN mission in Afghanistan said homemade bombs used by the Taliban to target Afghan security forces have killed at least 10 civilians in the past two days. Also read: Bomb in Afghanistan capital targets TV bus; journalist and driver killed The UN urged the militants to "stop using these illegal improvised mines". Despite these attacks, overall violence across much of Afghanistan has dropped since May 24 when the Taliban instigated a rare three-day ceasefire to mark the Eid al-Fitr holiday. Officials have acknowledged a lull in violence, though they blamed the militants for some deadly attacks in recent days. Before the ceasefire, violence had surged since the Taliban signed a landmark agreement with the United States in February. The deal paves the way for the withdrawal of all foreign forces by May next year.

Roadside bomb kills 9 civilians in southern Afghanistan

Islamic State has confirmed Amir Mohammed Abdul Rahman al Mawli al-Salbi as its new leader, The Guardian reported based on information from two intelligence services.

Reportedly, Salbi was named the leader hours after the death of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in October. After his death, Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Quraishi was perceived as the next leader but failed to gain recognition from other senior leaders.

One of the founding members of the terror outfit, he was behind the enslavement of Iraq's Yazidi minority and has overseen operations around the globe.

Islamic State or ISIS, which was pronounced dead by many global organisations has regained traction with a new leader. Salbi was born into an Iraqi-Turkish family in the town of Tal Afar, and is one of the few non-Arabs on board. &nbsp;

<h6><img alt="ISIS" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="02d5e446-24fb-4dad-8719-7be733abc024" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design_54.jpg" /> 
 
In this file photo taken on January 13, 2020 A picture during a press tour organised by the US-led coalition fighting the remnants of the Islamic State group, shows a view of the damage at Ain al-Asad military airbase housing US and other foreign troops in the western Iraqi province of Anbar. At least 11 American troops were injured in an Iranian attack on an Iraqi base where American soldiers were deployed, US Central Command said Thursday, although the US military had previously maintained there were no casualties | AFP 
&nbsp;</h6>

He is also known by the alias Haji Abdullah, and by many as Abdullah Qardash, even though Iraqi authorities claim that Qardash was a separate ISIS figure who died two years ago.&nbsp;

An Islamic scholar, Salbi used to give religious rulings which triggered a genocide against the Yazidis. He also plundered the Nieveh Plains in northern Iraq in an IS rampage.

In the aftermath of Baghdadi's death, spies have deciphered information and found Salbi at the centre of the Islamic State decisions. He is portrayed as a hardened veteran along the same lines as Baghdadi, with unmatched loyalty towards his group.&nbsp;&nbsp;

A graduate from the University of Mosul, he holds a degree in Sharia law. Earlier in 2004, he was detained by American forces in southern Iraq where he stumbled upon Baghdadi. The Guardian reported that he has at least one offspring.

Way before Baghdadi was killed in a US military raid on October 27 in Syria, the State Department of the country had put a $5 million bounty on Salbi's head and on two other senior members of the group. With Baghdadi's deteriorating health in August, Salbi was perceived as the heir.

<h6><img alt="is" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="af2f9c98-e3f5-41be-b951-5a5cd429b62a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%281%29_60.jpg" /> 
A woman pushes a stroller next to tents at the Kurdish-run al-Hol camp for the displaced in the al-Hasakeh governorate in northeastern Syria on January 14, 2020, where families of Islamic State (IS) foreign fighters are held. Kurdish authorities in northeast Syria warned that a UN vote to scrap The Yaroubiya entry point for cross-border aid will cripple at least half of the healthcare response in an area ravaged by battles, disrupting 60 to 70 percent of medical assistance to Al-Hol", an overcrowded desert camp brimming with tens of thousands of civilians and IS families, a Kurdish aid official said | AFP 
&nbsp;</h6>

The ISIS is now witnessing a demographic shift, with most people at the helm of the organisation being youngsters who had no or very little role to play in the battle against US forces in 2004.

Islamic State had gained considerable momentum in 2014 when Baghdadi proclaimed himself a caliph of the Islamic world. However, the organisation has been regrouping lately.

In northern Iraq, Kurdish forces have warned of an increase in attacks in the central and northern areas of the country. Between December 20 and 26, ISIS claimed to have carried out 106 attacks to avenge the death of Baghdadi and the Isis propaganda chief, Abu Hassan al-Muhaji.

Governments and agencies are now looking for Salbi, by tracking his brother Adel Salbi, a representative of the political party Turkmen Iraqi Front.

Most of the remaining ISIS mechanism is stationed at Mosul, where the communities are trying to rebuild after five years of war.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-arrests-147-islamic-state-suspects-271125">Turkey arrests 147 Islamic State suspects</a>

Islamic State has confirmed Amir Mohammed Abdul Rahman al Mawli al-Salbi as its new leader, The Guardian reported based on information from two intelligence services.

Islamic State has confirmed Amir Mohammed Abdul Rahman al Mawli al-Salbi as its new leader, The Guardian reported based on information from two intelligence services. Reportedly, Salbi was named the leader hours after the death of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in October. After his death, Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Quraishi was perceived as the next leader but failed to gain recognition from other senior leaders. One of the founding members of the terror outfit, he was behind the enslavement of Iraq's Yazidi minority and has overseen operations around the globe. Islamic State or ISIS, which was pronounced dead by many global organisations has regained traction with a new leader. Salbi was born into an Iraqi-Turkish family in the town of Tal Afar, and is one of the few non-Arabs on board. In this file photo taken on January 13, 2020 A picture during a press tour organised by the US-led coalition fighting the remnants of the Islamic State group, shows a view of the damage at Ain al-Asad military airbase housing US and other foreign troops in the western Iraqi province of Anbar. At least 11 American troops were injured in an Iranian attack on an Iraqi base where American soldiers were deployed, US Central Command said Thursday, although the US military had previously maintained there were no casualties | AFP He is also known by the alias Haji Abdullah, and by many as Abdullah Qardash, even though Iraqi authorities claim that Qardash was a separate ISIS figure who died two years ago. An Islamic scholar, Salbi used to give religious rulings which triggered a genocide against the Yazidis. He also plundered the Nieveh Plains in northern Iraq in an IS rampage. In the aftermath of Baghdadi's death, spies have deciphered information and found Salbi at the centre of the Islamic State decisions. He is portrayed as a hardened veteran along the same lines as Baghdadi, with unmatched loyalty towards his group. A graduate from the University of Mosul, he holds a degree in Sharia law. Earlier in 2004, he was detained by American forces in southern Iraq where he stumbled upon Baghdadi. The Guardian reported that he has at least one offspring. Way before Baghdadi was killed in a US military raid on October 27 in Syria, the State Department of the country had put a $5 million bounty on Salbi's head and on two other senior members of the group. With Baghdadi's deteriorating health in August, Salbi was perceived as the heir. A woman pushes a stroller next to tents at the Kurdish-run al-Hol camp for the displaced in the al-Hasakeh governorate in northeastern Syria on January 14, 2020, where families of Islamic State (IS) foreign fighters are held. Kurdish authorities in northeast Syria warned that a UN vote to scrap The Yaroubiya entry point for cross-border aid will cripple at least half of the healthcare response in an area ravaged by battles, disrupting 60 to 70 percent of medical assistance to Al-Hol", an overcrowded desert camp brimming with tens of thousands of civilians and IS families, a Kurdish aid official said | AFP The ISIS is now witnessing a demographic shift, with most people at the helm of the organisation being youngsters who had no or very little role to play in the battle against US forces in 2004. Islamic State had gained considerable momentum in 2014 when Baghdadi proclaimed himself a caliph of the Islamic world. However, the organisation has been regrouping lately. In northern Iraq, Kurdish forces have warned of an increase in attacks in the central and northern areas of the country. Between December 20 and 26, ISIS claimed to have carried out 106 attacks to avenge the death of Baghdadi and the Isis propaganda chief, Abu Hassan al-Muhaji. Governments and agencies are now looking for Salbi, by tracking his brother Adel Salbi, a representative of the political party Turkmen Iraqi Front. Most of the remaining ISIS mechanism is stationed at Mosul, where the communities are trying to rebuild after five years of war. Also read: Turkey arrests 147 Islamic State suspects

Founding member Al-Salbi confirmed as Islamic State's new leader: Sources

In the land of suicide bombings, burqas, and unending war, a group of Afghans have turned to breakdancing for stress relief and self-expression -- even as fears the Taliban could yet return to power fuel worries of a renewed crackdown on the arts. &nbsp;

At the French Cultural Centre in Kabul, the group takes turns practising the basics -- toprocking, headspins, and freezes, while watching YouTube videos on their phones of famous b-boys like Lilou and Hong Ten for inspiration.&nbsp;

"Breakdancing keeps us away from stress and war. It gives us freedom. It frees our minds from the stress of living in Kabul and we forget about the war and killings," explains Murtaza Lomani, 23, from the Top Step crew.

Still, breakdancing is a rare sight in the fiercely conservative Islamic society, where traditional folk music mostly dominates the radiowaves and dancing takes place mainly at gender-segregated weddings.

The cultural centre is one of the few places in the Afghan capital where the mixed-gender Top Step crew are able to practise and feel relatively safe, Lomani says. But even here there are risks.&nbsp;

Just five years ago, the centre was attacked by the Taliban as it hosted a play about suicide bombings, where Lomani was among the injured.

Breaking barriers

For Heja Aalia, who says she is one of just four female breakdancers in Kabul, there are other worries.

"If I train outdoors in our society, people insult you," says Aalia, adding that many young women are interested in breakdancing but are unable to get permission from their families to try it out.&nbsp;

"It's really difficult for a girl to practise breakdance, especially in Afghanistan where people think dance is against Islamic culture."

The sport first originated in New York's Bronx borough in the 1970s, where "breaking" along with rap music and graffiti art formed the pillars of hip hop culture that has gone on to dominate everything from pop music to fashion worldwide in the ensuing decades.&nbsp;

But while the rest of the world was quick to embrace that culture, decades of war and hardline Taliban rule in the 1990s prevented the phenomenon from taking root in Afghanistan. &nbsp;

"Afghan society has changed a bit in recent years, the generations have changed and people are thinking positively," says Lomani, who admits that many laughed at their dance moves when they first started in 2011. &nbsp;

"But we have convinced some youth and now it is really good that we practise," he adds.&nbsp;

Fellow Top Step member Obaidullah Koofi, 24, says he first got interested in breakdancing after seeing videos online.&nbsp;

"We learn our new moves from YouTube, and YouTube is our mentor because we do not have any trainer here to... teach us," he says.&nbsp;

However there are fears that it all may change soon.&nbsp;

Taliban shuffle

After 18 years of war, the United States spent the last year locked in negotiations with the Taliban, seeking a deal that could see a gradual withdrawal of US-led forces from Afghanistan.

The deal was, temporarily at least, taken off the table after President Donald Trump declared the talks "dead" earlier this month.

Instead, Afghans are now gearing up for a presidential election set for Saturday, when incumbent Ashraf Ghani and main rival Abdullah Abdullah will be seeking a strong mandate to negotiate with the Taliban as they seek a lasting peace.&nbsp;

However Washington's desire to end its longest war has been made clear, and Afghans are still apprehensive that a hasty US exit -- with or without a deal -- might allow the long-feared Islamists, who have been resurgent on the battlefield in recent years, to regain some semblance of power in Kabul.&nbsp;

"If the Taliban come none of us can continue," says Aalia. &nbsp;

But despite those fears, and the backlash against female breakdancers, she has vowed to continue.&nbsp;

"One day if the Taliban comes, we can stop this publicly," she says.

"But we will practise breakdancing underground or secretly."&nbsp;

In the land of suicide bombings, burqas, and unending war, a group of Afghans have turned to breakdancing for stress relief and self-expression -- even as fears the Taliban could yet return to power fuel worries of a renewed crackdown on the arts.

In the land of suicide bombings, burqas, and unending war, a group of Afghans have turned to breakdancing for stress relief and self-expression -- even as fears the Taliban could yet return to power fuel worries of a renewed crackdown on the arts. At the French Cultural Centre in Kabul, the group takes turns practising the basics -- toprocking, headspins, and freezes, while watching YouTube videos on their phones of famous b-boys like Lilou and Hong Ten for inspiration. "Breakdancing keeps us away from stress and war. It gives us freedom. It frees our minds from the stress of living in Kabul and we forget about the war and killings," explains Murtaza Lomani, 23, from the Top Step crew. Still, breakdancing is a rare sight in the fiercely conservative Islamic society, where traditional folk music mostly dominates the radiowaves and dancing takes place mainly at gender-segregated weddings. The cultural centre is one of the few places in the Afghan capital where the mixed-gender Top Step crew are able to practise and feel relatively safe, Lomani says. But even here there are risks. Just five years ago, the centre was attacked by the Taliban as it hosted a play about suicide bombings, where Lomani was among the injured. Breaking barriers For Heja Aalia, who says she is one of just four female breakdancers in Kabul, there are other worries. "If I train outdoors in our society, people insult you," says Aalia, adding that many young women are interested in breakdancing but are unable to get permission from their families to try it out. "It's really difficult for a girl to practise breakdance, especially in Afghanistan where people think dance is against Islamic culture." The sport first originated in New York's Bronx borough in the 1970s, where "breaking" along with rap music and graffiti art formed the pillars of hip hop culture that has gone on to dominate everything from pop music to fashion worldwide in the ensuing decades. But while the rest of the world was quick to embrace that culture, decades of war and hardline Taliban rule in the 1990s prevented the phenomenon from taking root in Afghanistan. "Afghan society has changed a bit in recent years, the generations have changed and people are thinking positively," says Lomani, who admits that many laughed at their dance moves when they first started in 2011. "But we have convinced some youth and now it is really good that we practise," he adds. Fellow Top Step member Obaidullah Koofi, 24, says he first got interested in breakdancing after seeing videos online. "We learn our new moves from YouTube, and YouTube is our mentor because we do not have any trainer here to... teach us," he says. However there are fears that it all may change soon. Taliban shuffle After 18 years of war, the United States spent the last year locked in negotiations with the Taliban, seeking a deal that could see a gradual withdrawal of US-led forces from Afghanistan. The deal was, temporarily at least, taken off the table after President Donald Trump declared the talks "dead" earlier this month. Instead, Afghans are now gearing up for a presidential election set for Saturday, when incumbent Ashraf Ghani and main rival Abdullah Abdullah will be seeking a strong mandate to negotiate with the Taliban as they seek a lasting peace. However Washington's desire to end its longest war has been made clear, and Afghans are still apprehensive that a hasty US exit -- with or without a deal -- might allow the long-feared Islamists, who have been resurgent on the battlefield in recent years, to regain some semblance of power in Kabul. "If the Taliban come none of us can continue," says Aalia. But despite those fears, and the backlash against female breakdancers, she has vowed to continue. "One day if the Taliban comes, we can stop this publicly," she says. "But we will practise breakdancing underground or secretly."

The breakdancers of Kabul: Afghan youth busting moves

A massive explosion which killed at least 43 people and injured at least 89 was reported at an Afghan religious gathering, the country's health ministry said.&nbsp;

As per Tolo News, the explosion targeted an Ulema Council gathering at a wedding hall on Kabul's Airport road. The council had gathered to commemorate the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad. &nbsp;

A manager of Uranus Wedding Palace, which also hosts political and religious functions, told AFP a suicide bomber blew himself up in the middle of the gathering of religious scholars.&nbsp;

"The suicide bomber detonated himself inside the hall during a ceremony by religious scholar," Kabul police spokesman Basir Mujahid said, confirming the casualty toll.

There was no immediate claim&nbsp;of responsibility for the blast.

Officials at Kabul's Emergency Hospital said 30 ambulances had rushed to the blast site. The victims were taken to Kabul Emergency Hospital.&nbsp;

It follows a wave of violence across war-torn Afghanistan in recent weeks that has killed hundreds of people as militants step up attacks.&nbsp;

It is the bloodiest assault in the Afghan capital since a twin bomb attack on a wrestling club in September that killed at least 26 people.

Last month's parliamentary elections sparked a wave of deadly violence across the country, with hundreds killed or wounded in poll-related attacks.

US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad expressed hopes in Kabul on Sunday that a peace deal to end the 17-year war could be struck before the Afghan presidential election, scheduled for April.

His comments underscore an apparent increasing sense of urgency in the White House and among American diplomats for a peace deal to be done quickly.

A massive explosion which killed at least 43 people and injured at least 89 was reported at an Afghan religious gathering, the country's health ministry said. As per Tolo News, the explosion targeted an Ulema Council gathering at a wedding hall on Kabul's Airport road.

A massive explosion which killed at least 43 people and injured at least 89 was reported at an Afghan religious gathering, the country's health ministry said. As per Tolo News, the explosion targeted an Ulema Council gathering at a wedding hall on Kabul's Airport road. The council had gathered to commemorate the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad. A manager of Uranus Wedding Palace, which also hosts political and religious functions, told AFP a suicide bomber blew himself up in the middle of the gathering of religious scholars. "The suicide bomber detonated himself inside the hall during a ceremony by religious scholar," Kabul police spokesman Basir Mujahid said, confirming the casualty toll. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the blast. Officials at Kabul's Emergency Hospital said 30 ambulances had rushed to the blast site. The victims were taken to Kabul Emergency Hospital. It follows a wave of violence across war-torn Afghanistan in recent weeks that has killed hundreds of people as militants step up attacks. It is the bloodiest assault in the Afghan capital since a twin bomb attack on a wrestling club in September that killed at least 26 people. Last month's parliamentary elections sparked a wave of deadly violence across the country, with hundreds killed or wounded in poll-related attacks. US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad expressed hopes in Kabul on Sunday that a peace deal to end the 17-year war could be struck before the Afghan presidential election, scheduled for April. His comments underscore an apparent increasing sense of urgency in the White House and among American diplomats for a peace deal to be done quickly.

Afghanistan: Over 40 killed in suicide attack on religious gathering in Kabul

Multiple blasts rocked Kabul polling stations on Saturday morning as <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghans-divided-on-outcome-of-parliamentary-elections-172434">Afghans gathered</a> to vote in the parliamentary elections, AFP reported.&nbsp;

Voters were seen fleeing a school in the north of the Afghan capital after a blast, an AFP correspondent said, with witnesses reporting explosions at other polling centres.

A man told AFP "he was trying to vote but then had to run for his life after the blast" at the school that had been turned into a polling centre.

He saw several casualties evacuated.&nbsp;

Interior ministry spokesman Nasrat Rahimi confirmed another two explosions near polling centres.

There were no casualties because voters were inside the buildings, he told AFP.

At least one official said there were "fatalities and injuries" from the explosions.

In the days leading up to the poll, the Taliban issued several statements urging candidates to withdraw and voters to boycott what the group calls a "malicious American conspiracy".

Polling centers opened at 7:00 am (0230 GMT) across the war-torn country, with some 54,000 security forces deployed to ensure peaceful polling.&nbsp;

Election has been delayed in Kandahar province until October 27 after a Taliban-claimed attack on a US-Afghan security meeting that killed three people, including General Abdul Raziq.

Almost nine million people have registered to vote in the parliamentary election, which is more than three years late and only the third since the fall of the Taliban in 2001.

But the threat of militant attacks and expectations for massive fraud are expected to deter many voters from showing up at the more than 5,000 polling centers.&nbsp;

At least 10 candidates out of more than 2,500 contesting the lower-house election have been killed so far.

The poll is seen as a crucial test for next year's presidential election and an important milestone ahead of a UN meeting in Geneva in November where Afghanistan is under pressure to show progress on "democratic processes".

Multiple blasts rocked Kabul polling stations on Saturday morning as Afghans gathered to vote in the parliamentary elections, AFP reported. Voters were seen fleeing a school in the north of the Afghan capital after a blast, an AFP correspondent said, with witnesses reporting explosions at other polling centres.

Multiple blasts rocked Kabul polling stations on Saturday morning as Afghans gathered to vote in the parliamentary elections, AFP reported. Voters were seen fleeing a school in the north of the Afghan capital after a blast, an AFP correspondent said, with witnesses reporting explosions at other polling centres. A man told AFP "he was trying to vote but then had to run for his life after the blast" at the school that had been turned into a polling centre. He saw several casualties evacuated. Interior ministry spokesman Nasrat Rahimi confirmed another two explosions near polling centres. There were no casualties because voters were inside the buildings, he told AFP. At least one official said there were "fatalities and injuries" from the explosions. In the days leading up to the poll, the Taliban issued several statements urging candidates to withdraw and voters to boycott what the group calls a "malicious American conspiracy". Polling centers opened at 7:00 am (0230 GMT) across the war-torn country, with some 54,000 security forces deployed to ensure peaceful polling. Election has been delayed in Kandahar province until October 27 after a Taliban-claimed attack on a US-Afghan security meeting that killed three people, including General Abdul Raziq. Almost nine million people have registered to vote in the parliamentary election, which is more than three years late and only the third since the fall of the Taliban in 2001. But the threat of militant attacks and expectations for massive fraud are expected to deter many voters from showing up at the more than 5,000 polling centers. At least 10 candidates out of more than 2,500 contesting the lower-house election have been killed so far. The poll is seen as a crucial test for next year's presidential election and an important milestone ahead of a UN meeting in Geneva in November where Afghanistan is under pressure to show progress on "democratic processes".

Afghanistan elections: Multiple blasts rock Kabul polling stations

Afghans are widely divided on the outcomes of the parliamentary elections that are scheduled for Saturday in the militancy-plagued country amid tight security.

The elections began at 07:00 on Saturday amid the threat of violence.

A spate of domestic problems have seriously hampered Afghanistan's social and economic development for a long time. According to reports from the Afghan state media, over 50 percent of Afghans are living under the poverty line, and the unemployment rate has remained high.

Violent attacks are becoming frequent in many parts of the country, triggering deep security concerns among the public.

However, many people said that they would go to the polls, hoping that the new parliament will bring positive changes to the country.

"Yes, I will vote, because we need good parliamentary members who are well educated. I will try my best to vote for the candidates that I support. We are living in an unsafe country, and the security situation is bad, but we hope to have a good future, so I will vote," said Mohammad Yar, a university student in the capital city of Kabul.

Besides the security challenges, there are also concerns over the transparency of the vote, with some worrying that there will be frauds in the elections as there were before.

"I don't think the election is transparent, because some candidates promised to buy ballots with money from some voters, and some other candidates provided rice or oil to people during the election campaign. Therefore, the election is not transparent, and it cannot bring a good future to the people," said Yama, an automobile mechanic in Kabul.

Statistics show that nearly half of the Afghans will not be able to vote. Therefore, the result will not be so significant and persuasive.

"There is no good environment like peace in Afghanistan. More than 50 or 40 percent of Afghanistan is under control of the Taliban and other groups. So half of Afghanistan they are not possible to held election. And still there are a lot of sign of corruption in the election," said Ghulam Jelani Zwak, a political analyst.

The Afghanistan Parliament, or the National Assembly, is Afghanistan's national legislature. A total of 2,565 candidates will vie for 249 seats in the lower house, including 417 women candidates, and voters will be able to cast ballots at more than 19,000 polling stations in 33 provinces.

Afghans are widely divided on the outcomes of the parliamentary elections that are scheduled for Saturday in the militancy-plagued country amid tight security. The elections began at 07:00 on Saturday amid the threat of violence.

Afghans are widely divided on the outcomes of the parliamentary elections that are scheduled for Saturday in the militancy-plagued country amid tight security. The elections began at 07:00 on Saturday amid the threat of violence. A spate of domestic problems have seriously hampered Afghanistan's social and economic development for a long time. According to reports from the Afghan state media, over 50 percent of Afghans are living under the poverty line, and the unemployment rate has remained high. Violent attacks are becoming frequent in many parts of the country, triggering deep security concerns among the public. However, many people said that they would go to the polls, hoping that the new parliament will bring positive changes to the country. "Yes, I will vote, because we need good parliamentary members who are well educated. I will try my best to vote for the candidates that I support. We are living in an unsafe country, and the security situation is bad, but we hope to have a good future, so I will vote," said Mohammad Yar, a university student in the capital city of Kabul. Besides the security challenges, there are also concerns over the transparency of the vote, with some worrying that there will be frauds in the elections as there were before. "I don't think the election is transparent, because some candidates promised to buy ballots with money from some voters, and some other candidates provided rice or oil to people during the election campaign. Therefore, the election is not transparent, and it cannot bring a good future to the people," said Yama, an automobile mechanic in Kabul. Statistics show that nearly half of the Afghans will not be able to vote. Therefore, the result will not be so significant and persuasive. "There is no good environment like peace in Afghanistan. More than 50 or 40 percent of Afghanistan is under control of the Taliban and other groups. So half of Afghanistan they are not possible to held election. And still there are a lot of sign of corruption in the election," said Ghulam Jelani Zwak, a political analyst. The Afghanistan Parliament, or the National Assembly, is Afghanistan's national legislature. A total of 2,565 candidates will vie for 249 seats in the lower house, including 417 women candidates, and voters will be able to cast ballots at more than 19,000 polling stations in 33 provinces.

Afghans divided on outcome of parliamentary elections

Pakistan reopened its consulate in the key Afghan city of Jalalabad on Monday, over a month after shutting it amidst allegations of interference by the provincial governor in the working of its mission, a media report said.&nbsp;

Pakistan had closed down the Consulate General in Jalalabad on August 30.&nbsp;

The Pakistani embassy in Kabul had also urged Afghanistan's ministry of foreign affairs to restrain the Nangarhar provincial governor Hayatullah Hayat from interfering in the mission's affairs.

Hayat has said that no interference has been made in the affairs of Consulate General of Pakistan but steps were taken to improve the visa system in complete coordination with the Consulate General of Pakistan.

The governor of the eastern Afghan province made it clear that disgrace and humiliation was not acceptable to Afghans. The Afghan applicants were asked for Rs 5,000 to Rs 20,000 for a visa and people had lost their patience due to widespread corruption and irregularities, Hayat was quoted as saying by Pajhwok Afghan News last month.

The move to shut down the Pakistani consulate came amidst growing mistrust between the two neighbours that centers on mutual accusations that the other country does not curb deadly cross-border militant attacks.

Thousands of Afghan nationals arrived in Jalalabad to obtain Pakistani visas as the Consulate General resumed operations on Monday, the Express Tribune reported.

Taking to Twitter, Pakistan Foreign Office Spokesperson Mohammad Faisal said the consulate will resume operations after assurances by the Afghan government that the diplomatic office will be provided with necessary security.

"All visa applicants in Jalalabad and surrounding areas within the jurisdiction of the Consulate General could now apply for visa with the Consulate General with effect from Monday 8th October 2018," he wrote on Twitter.

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi expressed concern over the closure of the country's consulate in Jalalabad and was assured by his Afghan counterpart of a "positive outcome", the report said.&nbsp;

Last month, Qureshi requested his Afghan counterpart Salahuddin Rabbani to restore security arrangements allowing the consulate general to resume routine activities.

"The issue of closure of the Pakistan Consulate General in Jalalabad due to a security crisis was also discussed. Qureshi requested the Afghan Government for restoring the previous security arrangements existing till 28th August 2018, so that the Consulate General's normal functioning could be resumed at the earliest," said a Pakistani statement.

Pakistan reopened its consulate in the key Afghan city of Jalalabad on Monday, over a month after shutting it amidst allegations of interference by the provincial governor in the working of its mission, a media report said.

Pakistan reopened its consulate in the key Afghan city of Jalalabad on Monday, over a month after shutting it amidst allegations of interference by the provincial governor in the working of its mission, a media report said. Pakistan had closed down the Consulate General in Jalalabad on August 30. The Pakistani embassy in Kabul had also urged Afghanistan's ministry of foreign affairs to restrain the Nangarhar provincial governor Hayatullah Hayat from interfering in the mission's affairs. Hayat has said that no interference has been made in the affairs of Consulate General of Pakistan but steps were taken to improve the visa system in complete coordination with the Consulate General of Pakistan. The governor of the eastern Afghan province made it clear that disgrace and humiliation was not acceptable to Afghans. The Afghan applicants were asked for Rs 5,000 to Rs 20,000 for a visa and people had lost their patience due to widespread corruption and irregularities, Hayat was quoted as saying by Pajhwok Afghan News last month. The move to shut down the Pakistani consulate came amidst growing mistrust between the two neighbours that centers on mutual accusations that the other country does not curb deadly cross-border militant attacks. Thousands of Afghan nationals arrived in Jalalabad to obtain Pakistani visas as the Consulate General resumed operations on Monday, the Express Tribune reported. Taking to Twitter, Pakistan Foreign Office Spokesperson Mohammad Faisal said the consulate will resume operations after assurances by the Afghan government that the diplomatic office will be provided with necessary security. "All visa applicants in Jalalabad and surrounding areas within the jurisdiction of the Consulate General could now apply for visa with the Consulate General with effect from Monday 8th October 2018," he wrote on Twitter. Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi expressed concern over the closure of the country's consulate in Jalalabad and was assured by his Afghan counterpart of a "positive outcome", the report said. Last month, Qureshi requested his Afghan counterpart Salahuddin Rabbani to restore security arrangements allowing the consulate general to resume routine activities. "The issue of closure of the Pakistan Consulate General in Jalalabad due to a security crisis was also discussed. Qureshi requested the Afghan Government for restoring the previous security arrangements existing till 28th August 2018, so that the Consulate General's normal functioning could be resumed at the earliest," said a Pakistani statement.

Pakistan reopens consulate in Afghanistan's Jalalabad