In a provocative gesture, the Taliban has rewarded plots, cash to the relatives of suicide bombers who attacked the US and Afghan soldiers. The Taliban's acting interior minister, Sirajuddin Haqqani, called them "heroes of Islam and the country".

Afghanistan Crisis: Sirajuddin Haqqani hails suicide bombers as 'Heroes'

Its been well over 2 months since the Taliban took over control of Afghanistan since then country has been plagued with multiple economic crises. From the falling value of its currency to increasing fuel prices. WION correspondent Anas Mallick spoke to the Taliban finance ministry spokesperson, listen to this exclusive conversation.

Taliban's finance ministry spokesperson speaks to WION on rising fuel prices

Afghanistan is inching closer to famine the winters are fast approaching and aid agencies have now ramped up food deliveries amid fears that the nation's already fragile economy would collapse.

Afghanistan, braces for harsh winter, mountainous regions will remain cut of due to snowfall

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for unhindered & immediate access to humanitarian aid in Afghanistan. The G20 leaders agreed to keep a 'laser focus' on anti-terror operations in the country. WION's Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: G20 says 'laser-focused' on terror in Afghanistan

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will virtually participate in the G20 Extraordinary Leaders' Summit, which has been organized to discuss the situation in Afghanistan. The agenda of the meeting will include a discussion on response to humanitarian needs and access to basic services and livelihood.

PM Modi to address G20 summit on Afghanistan

People in Afghanistan are still clamoring to leave the country, crowds of people desperate to get travel documents gathered at the passport office in Kabul.

Months of passport delay restricted Afghans trying to leave Kabul

Why are the Taliban stripping away so many of Afghan women’s hard-won freedoms?

That may seem like a facetious question. When the Taliban ruled the country in the 1990s, after all, their regime was known for having some of the world’s harshest restrictions on women. The group still adheres to a fundamentalist vision of Islamic society.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/times-have-changed-pictures-of-afghan-women-before-taliban-rule-go-viral-406508">'Times have changed': Pictures of Afghan women before Taliban rule go viral</a>

But ideology is only part of the story.

Every group has a range of beliefs, and not all of them become priorities for governance. Some Taliban officials, particularly those who conducted peace negotiations and favoured international engagement, have suggested that this iteration of Taliban governance might be less restrictive toward women. And there are certainly economic incentives, as the resumption of international aid would be based at least in part on human rights considerations.

None of that has seemed to make a difference thus far. Although some Taliban officials continue to say that conditions will improve, women are still being kept from workplaces and schools. Each week seems to bring a new report of restrictions.

In that light, the Taliban’s decision to restrict women’s freedom begins to look like a political choice as much as it is a matter of ideology. Understanding why the Taliban might see that choice as rewarding, experts say, offers insight into the group’s state-building efforts, and to the nature of the society, they now rule again.

The Insecurity of Taliban Security

“I did not for a minute believe that the Taliban had changed,” said Muqaddesa Yourish, a former deputy minister of commerce who fled to the United States with her family when the Taliban took power. “If anything has changed about them, it is that they know how to deal with the West.”

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/women-teachers-face-uncertain-future-after-taliban-bans-them-from-schools-417874">Women teachers face uncertain future after Taliban bans them from schools</a>

Less than two months after the Taliban seized control of Afghanistan, their promised allowances for women in the workplace and schools have yet to appear. Most women are still banned from going to work, a supposedly temporary measure the Taliban claim is necessary for security.

The leadership is using the same wording in describing when women might be allowed to attend public universities. And when secondary schools reopened, the Taliban directed boys to return to the classroom but said nothing about girls, which families across the country understood as a directive that girls should stay home.

Groups like the Taliban often struggle to make the transition from violent insurgency to actual governance, said Dipali Mukhopadhyay, a researcher at the University of Minnesota who studies rebel governance in Afghanistan, Syria and elsewhere.

They do not have the experience, funding or personnel to deliver sophisticated government services. Instead, their main strength is controlling security — using their status as the country’s most powerful violent group to operate a kind of country-level protection racket, exchanging public safety for obedience.

“We shouldn’t buy this narrative that they are an alternative to the previous government because they are providing security,” said Metra Mehran, co-founder of the Feminine Perspectives Campaign, which sought to bring women’s voices into peace negotiations. “They’re not providing security; they’ve just stopped killing us.”

Mukhopadhyay echoed that sentiment. “That’s the cornerstone of understanding what the Taliban is offering: security and also the threat of force,” she said. “But people, particularly women, know that form of security comes with an ideology attached to it.”

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/as-need-in-afghanistan-grows-dire-aid-groups-plead-for-help-417450">As need in Afghanistan grows dire, aid groups plead for help</a>

Viewed through that lens, restricting women’s freedom serves as a powerful demonstration of the Taliban’s power. When women and girls vanish from offices and schools, it shows that the Taliban have enough power — and implicitly, enough capacity and willingness to use violence — to dramatically reengineer public spaces.

Mukhopadhyay noted that the Taliban had not only dismantled the Ministry for Women’s Affairs, but had also replaced it with the Ministry for Vice and Virtue, the feared religious police known for their public beatings of women who went out without a male relative or were dressed in something other than a burqa.

“That’s a very potent symbol of who’s winning within the Taliban right now,” she said.

‘The Talib in Every Man’

But marketing is only part of the story. Despite support and funding for gender-equality efforts during 20 years of US-backed governments, Afghan women’s freedoms have always been fragile.

Yourish said she has always sensed that many Afghan men were uncomfortable with women in public life. Although her own father and husband were supportive of her career, she said, they often seemed like outliers.

In the final days before the Taliban took power, Yourish said, she and her friends traded stories of how “the Talib in every man is coming out,” she said. Male strangers approached her and other women on the street, shouting cryptic threats like “your days will be over soon,” she said. She could sense women’s progress crumbling, she said, even before the previous government fell.

Also read |&nbsp;​​​​​​​<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/watch-taliban-fire-shots-at-kabul-women-protesting-for-right-to-study-417115">Watch: Taliban fire shots at Kabul women protesting for right to study</a>

On paper and in the tables of foreign aid budgets, gender equality was a priority for two decades. And there were substantial improvements for many women, especially those who were educated and lived in more urban areas.

But Afghanistan remains a deeply patriarchal society. The Taliban’s promise to return to “traditional” values, in which women are subordinate to their male relatives, is an attractive offer to many Afghan men.

Alice Evans, a researcher at King’s College London who studies women’s economic and social progress, said women’s rights were caught in a “patrilineal trap.”

Societies where family wealth passes through the male line traditionally place a high value on brides’ chastity, Evans said. “Girls are then closely policed to improve their marriage prospects and family honor,” she said, and norms develop that keep women out of public life.

The dynamic is self-reinforcing: Families do not want to risk deviating from social norms on their own, so everyone ends up stuck in a system in which women have to stay close to home.

To get out of that trap, women’s wages have to become high enough that the benefits of working outweigh the risks to family honour, Evans said. In East Asia, for instance, rapid industrialization raised women’s potential earnings, effectively buying them out of the honour-based rules that constrained them to the home.

That did not happen in Afghanistan, where economic productivity and employment languished despite the influx of aid. Women’s wages did not rise enough, in enough places, to outweigh their families’ honor-based concerns, or to transform social norms.

Also read |&nbsp;​​​​​​​<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wion-exclusive-life-under-taliban-women-run-studio-forced-to-shut-down-in-kabul-417039">WION exclusive- Life under Taliban: Women-run studio forced to shut down in Kabul</a>

That may strengthen the Taliban. Rebel groups that are seen as grounded in local communities and values tend to be more successful, Mukhopadhyay said. For conservative Afghans, particularly men, restricting women’s freedom may be a way for the Taliban to claim they support local values.

But it could still backfire, Mukhopadhyay said, if restrictions are so extreme that Afghans see them as overreach by leaders who do not understand how the country has changed. For decades, “the Talibs were living across the border in Pakistan,” she said. “Their perceptions of Islam, and modernity, are not the same as those of people in Afghanistan.”

Women’s employment did become widespread enough that many families relied, at least partly, on their income, said Manizha Wafeq, co-founder and president of the Afghanistan Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Their earnings have vanished in recent weeks as a result of Taliban restrictions, and that could cut into the public’s acceptance of their rule.

“It’s already an economic crisis for the whole country,” Wafeq said. “People are already trying to figure out how to feed their families.”

Why are the Taliban stripping away so many of Afghan women’s hard-won freedoms? That may seem like a facetious question. When the Taliban ruled the country in the 1990s, after all, their regime was known for having some of the world’s harshest restrictions on women.

Why are the Taliban stripping away so many of Afghan women’s hard-won freedoms? That may seem like a facetious question. When the Taliban ruled the country in the 1990s, after all, their regime was known for having some of the world’s harshest restrictions on women. The group still adheres to a fundamentalist vision of Islamic society. Also read | 'Times have changed': Pictures of Afghan women before Taliban rule go viral But ideology is only part of the story. Every group has a range of beliefs, and not all of them become priorities for governance. Some Taliban officials, particularly those who conducted peace negotiations and favoured international engagement, have suggested that this iteration of Taliban governance might be less restrictive toward women. And there are certainly economic incentives, as the resumption of international aid would be based at least in part on human rights considerations. None of that has seemed to make a difference thus far. Although some Taliban officials continue to say that conditions will improve, women are still being kept from workplaces and schools. Each week seems to bring a new report of restrictions. In that light, the Taliban’s decision to restrict women’s freedom begins to look like a political choice as much as it is a matter of ideology. Understanding why the Taliban might see that choice as rewarding, experts say, offers insight into the group’s state-building efforts, and to the nature of the society, they now rule again. The Insecurity of Taliban Security “I did not for a minute believe that the Taliban had changed,” said Muqaddesa Yourish, a former deputy minister of commerce who fled to the United States with her family when the Taliban took power. “If anything has changed about them, it is that they know how to deal with the West.” Also read | Women teachers face uncertain future after Taliban bans them from schools Less than two months after the Taliban seized control of Afghanistan, their promised allowances for women in the workplace and schools have yet to appear. Most women are still banned from going to work, a supposedly temporary measure the Taliban claim is necessary for security. The leadership is using the same wording in describing when women might be allowed to attend public universities. And when secondary schools reopened, the Taliban directed boys to return to the classroom but said nothing about girls, which families across the country understood as a directive that girls should stay home. Groups like the Taliban often struggle to make the transition from violent insurgency to actual governance, said Dipali Mukhopadhyay, a researcher at the University of Minnesota who studies rebel governance in Afghanistan, Syria and elsewhere. They do not have the experience, funding or personnel to deliver sophisticated government services. Instead, their main strength is controlling security — using their status as the country’s most powerful violent group to operate a kind of country-level protection racket, exchanging public safety for obedience. “We shouldn’t buy this narrative that they are an alternative to the previous government because they are providing security,” said Metra Mehran, co-founder of the Feminine Perspectives Campaign, which sought to bring women’s voices into peace negotiations. “They’re not providing security; they’ve just stopped killing us.” Mukhopadhyay echoed that sentiment. “That’s the cornerstone of understanding what the Taliban is offering: security and also the threat of force,” she said. “But people, particularly women, know that form of security comes with an ideology attached to it.” Also read | As need in Afghanistan grows dire, aid groups plead for help Viewed through that lens, restricting women’s freedom serves as a powerful demonstration of the Taliban’s power. When women and girls vanish from offices and schools, it shows that the Taliban have enough power — and implicitly, enough capacity and willingness to use violence — to dramatically reengineer public spaces. Mukhopadhyay noted that the Taliban had not only dismantled the Ministry for Women’s Affairs, but had also replaced it with the Ministry for Vice and Virtue, the feared religious police known for their public beatings of women who went out without a male relative or were dressed in something other than a burqa. “That’s a very potent symbol of who’s winning within the Taliban right now,” she said. ‘The Talib in Every Man’ But marketing is only part of the story. Despite support and funding for gender-equality efforts during 20 years of US-backed governments, Afghan women’s freedoms have always been fragile. Yourish said she has always sensed that many Afghan men were uncomfortable with women in public life. Although her own father and husband were supportive of her career, she said, they often seemed like outliers. In the final days before the Taliban took power, Yourish said, she and her friends traded stories of how “the Talib in every man is coming out,” she said. Male strangers approached her and other women on the street, shouting cryptic threats like “your days will be over soon,” she said. She could sense women’s progress crumbling, she said, even before the previous government fell. Also read | Watch: Taliban fire shots at Kabul women protesting for right to study On paper and in the tables of foreign aid budgets, gender equality was a priority for two decades. And there were substantial improvements for many women, especially those who were educated and lived in more urban areas. But Afghanistan remains a deeply patriarchal society. The Taliban’s promise to return to “traditional” values, in which women are subordinate to their male relatives, is an attractive offer to many Afghan men. Alice Evans, a researcher at King’s College London who studies women’s economic and social progress, said women’s rights were caught in a “patrilineal trap.” Societies where family wealth passes through the male line traditionally place a high value on brides’ chastity, Evans said. “Girls are then closely policed to improve their marriage prospects and family honor,” she said, and norms develop that keep women out of public life. The dynamic is self-reinforcing: Families do not want to risk deviating from social norms on their own, so everyone ends up stuck in a system in which women have to stay close to home. To get out of that trap, women’s wages have to become high enough that the benefits of working outweigh the risks to family honour, Evans said. In East Asia, for instance, rapid industrialization raised women’s potential earnings, effectively buying them out of the honour-based rules that constrained them to the home. That did not happen in Afghanistan, where economic productivity and employment languished despite the influx of aid. Women’s wages did not rise enough, in enough places, to outweigh their families’ honor-based concerns, or to transform social norms. Also read | WION exclusive- Life under Taliban: Women-run studio forced to shut down in Kabul That may strengthen the Taliban. Rebel groups that are seen as grounded in local communities and values tend to be more successful, Mukhopadhyay said. For conservative Afghans, particularly men, restricting women’s freedom may be a way for the Taliban to claim they support local values. But it could still backfire, Mukhopadhyay said, if restrictions are so extreme that Afghans see them as overreach by leaders who do not understand how the country has changed. For decades, “the Talibs were living across the border in Pakistan,” she said. “Their perceptions of Islam, and modernity, are not the same as those of people in Afghanistan.” Women’s employment did become widespread enough that many families relied, at least partly, on their income, said Manizha Wafeq, co-founder and president of the Afghanistan Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Their earnings have vanished in recent weeks as a result of Taliban restrictions, and that could cut into the public’s acceptance of their rule. “It’s already an economic crisis for the whole country,” Wafeq said. “People are already trying to figure out how to feed their families.”

Why the Taliban’s repression of women may be more tactical than ideological

In pursuit of dreams, Afghan girls' football squad find new home in Cristiano Ronaldo's homeland

The health care system in Afghanistan is on the brink of collapse, international aid groups warned this week, threatening to deepen the country’s humanitarian crisis just as temperatures begin dropping.

Thousands of health care facilities have run out of essential medicines. Afghan doctors have not been paid in two months, with no paychecks in sight. And in recent weeks, there has been a surge of cases of measles and diarrhea, according to the World Health Organization.

For two decades, aid from the World Bank and other international donors propped up the country’s health care system, but after the Taliban seized power, they froze $600 million in health care aid.

Now, just over a month into Taliban rule, the toll is becoming clear.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/watch-taliban-fire-shots-at-kabul-women-protesting-for-right-to-study-417115">Watch: Taliban fire shots at Kabul women protesting for right to study</a>

“We are deeply concerned that Afghanistan faces imminent collapse of health services and worsening hunger if aid and money do not flow into the country within weeks,” Alexander Matheou, Asia Pacific director of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, said at a news conference Thursday. “Afghanistan’s looming harsh winter threatens greater misery and hardships.”

The unfolding health care crisis has underscored how quickly basic services have unraveled as international donors struggle with how to dispense badly needed aid to the country under Taliban rule.

Foreign aid once made up nearly 75 per cent&nbsp;of the country’s public expenditures, according to the World Bank, but after the militants seized control on August 15, the US froze over $9 billion in the Afghan Central Bank’s American accounts, and major international funders like the World Bank and International Monetary Fund paused disbursements.

They fear that the Taliban will reimpose the brutal repression of their first reign, from 1996 to 2001. Aid groups and foreign governments have talked of finding a way to funnel money and supplies into Afghanistan without placing them in Taliban hands, but until then, ordinary Afghans are paying a heavy price.

“There needs to be some solution to the financial flows into Afghanistan to ensure that at least salaries can be paid, and that essential supplies — power and water being two of them — can be procured,” Matheou said Thursday.

Last week, the United States cleared the way for some aid to flow to Afghanistan, issuing two general licenses to allow US&nbsp;government and certain international organisations like the United Nations to engage with the Taliban to provide humanitarian assistance.

That should ease the flow of agricultural goods, medicines and other critical resources while maintaining economic sanctions against the Taliban.

“Treasury is committed to facilitating the flow of humanitarian assistance to the people of Afghanistan and other activities that support their basic human needs,” Andrea Gacki, director of the US&nbsp;Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control, said in a statement.

But with winter rapidly approaching, humanitarian organisations have begun making urgent appeals to international donors.

“Over the past 20 years, significant health gains have been made in Afghanistan in reducing maternal and child mortality, to end polio and more.” Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the director-general of the World Health Organization, said last week. “Those gains are now at severe risk.”

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies is looking for $38 million to fund health care and other emergency services across Afghanistan. And on Wednesday, the U.N. spokesman, Stéphane Dujarric, appealed to donors to help the organisation hit its goal of $606 million to pay for humanitarian programs through the end of the year. So far, that appeal is only 22 per cent&nbsp;funded.

Still, the international community remains deeply divided over the issue of providing aid to the Taliban-run government.

Some countries and aid organisations have demanded that the new government meet certain conditions — like guaranteeing women’s rights — in return for aid. Others have warned that making aid conditional risks plunging the country into a humanitarian disaster.

More than half a million Afghans were driven from their homes during the Taliban’s four-month military campaign this summer, and many of them are still living in makeshift camps. A drought that has enveloped much of the country has caused a dire food shortage, according to the World Food Program. And the country faces a major economic crisis with the Taliban cut off from both international banking systems and the foreign aid that propped up the previous government.

Around 18 million Afghans, almost half the population, are now in urgent need of humanitarian assistance, according to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

On Wednesday, the World Health Organization warned that two-thirds of the roughly 2,300 health care facilities it supports have run out of essential medicines. Only about 400 are now functioning.

Those facilities, the backbone of the country’s health care system, are part of a $600 million project administered by the World Bank and funded by the US Agency for International Development, the European Union and others.

An additional 2,500 health facilities are also no longer working, Matheou said. More than 20,000 health workers are out of work, either because the facilities closed or their salaries were frozen.

That has stoked fears about a surge in deaths from basic medical ailments, and of a crippling brain drain as doctors look for work elsewhere or leave the country.

“Our doctors have not received their salaries for three months now,” said Dr. Mohammad Farid Rasouli, who works in the anesthesia ward at Aliabad Hospital in Kabul. For now, the hospital’s medical staff has been reporting to work each day, he said, but “if we don’t receive our salaries, there is a possibility we will leave our duties.”

Afghans across the country are feeling the pressure.

“I have a head injury and kidney problems, but don’t have money to go see the doctor,” said Noor Muhammad, 55. “If I don’t pay, no one is going to help me.”

The health care system in Afghanistan is on the brink of collapse, international aid groups warned this week, threatening to deepen the country’s humanitarian crisis just as temperatures begin dropping.

The health care system in Afghanistan is on the brink of collapse, international aid groups warned this week, threatening to deepen the country’s humanitarian crisis just as temperatures begin dropping. Thousands of health care facilities have run out of essential medicines. Afghan doctors have not been paid in two months, with no paychecks in sight. And in recent weeks, there has been a surge of cases of measles and diarrhea, according to the World Health Organization. For two decades, aid from the World Bank and other international donors propped up the country’s health care system, but after the Taliban seized power, they froze $600 million in health care aid. Now, just over a month into Taliban rule, the toll is becoming clear. Also read | Watch: Taliban fire shots at Kabul women protesting for right to study “We are deeply concerned that Afghanistan faces imminent collapse of health services and worsening hunger if aid and money do not flow into the country within weeks,” Alexander Matheou, Asia Pacific director of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, said at a news conference Thursday. “Afghanistan’s looming harsh winter threatens greater misery and hardships.” The unfolding health care crisis has underscored how quickly basic services have unraveled as international donors struggle with how to dispense badly needed aid to the country under Taliban rule. Foreign aid once made up nearly 75 per cent of the country’s public expenditures, according to the World Bank, but after the militants seized control on August 15, the US froze over $9 billion in the Afghan Central Bank’s American accounts, and major international funders like the World Bank and International Monetary Fund paused disbursements. They fear that the Taliban will reimpose the brutal repression of their first reign, from 1996 to 2001. Aid groups and foreign governments have talked of finding a way to funnel money and supplies into Afghanistan without placing them in Taliban hands, but until then, ordinary Afghans are paying a heavy price. “There needs to be some solution to the financial flows into Afghanistan to ensure that at least salaries can be paid, and that essential supplies — power and water being two of them — can be procured,” Matheou said Thursday. Last week, the United States cleared the way for some aid to flow to Afghanistan, issuing two general licenses to allow US government and certain international organisations like the United Nations to engage with the Taliban to provide humanitarian assistance. That should ease the flow of agricultural goods, medicines and other critical resources while maintaining economic sanctions against the Taliban. “Treasury is committed to facilitating the flow of humanitarian assistance to the people of Afghanistan and other activities that support their basic human needs,” Andrea Gacki, director of the US Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control, said in a statement. But with winter rapidly approaching, humanitarian organisations have begun making urgent appeals to international donors. “Over the past 20 years, significant health gains have been made in Afghanistan in reducing maternal and child mortality, to end polio and more.” Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the director-general of the World Health Organization, said last week. “Those gains are now at severe risk.” The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies is looking for $38 million to fund health care and other emergency services across Afghanistan. And on Wednesday, the U.N. spokesman, Stéphane Dujarric, appealed to donors to help the organisation hit its goal of $606 million to pay for humanitarian programs through the end of the year. So far, that appeal is only 22 per cent funded. Still, the international community remains deeply divided over the issue of providing aid to the Taliban-run government. Some countries and aid organisations have demanded that the new government meet certain conditions — like guaranteeing women’s rights — in return for aid. Others have warned that making aid conditional risks plunging the country into a humanitarian disaster. More than half a million Afghans were driven from their homes during the Taliban’s four-month military campaign this summer, and many of them are still living in makeshift camps. A drought that has enveloped much of the country has caused a dire food shortage, according to the World Food Program. And the country faces a major economic crisis with the Taliban cut off from both international banking systems and the foreign aid that propped up the previous government. Around 18 million Afghans, almost half the population, are now in urgent need of humanitarian assistance, according to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. On Wednesday, the World Health Organization warned that two-thirds of the roughly 2,300 health care facilities it supports have run out of essential medicines. Only about 400 are now functioning. Those facilities, the backbone of the country’s health care system, are part of a $600 million project administered by the World Bank and funded by the US Agency for International Development, the European Union and others. An additional 2,500 health facilities are also no longer working, Matheou said. More than 20,000 health workers are out of work, either because the facilities closed or their salaries were frozen. That has stoked fears about a surge in deaths from basic medical ailments, and of a crippling brain drain as doctors look for work elsewhere or leave the country. “Our doctors have not received their salaries for three months now,” said Dr. Mohammad Farid Rasouli, who works in the anesthesia ward at Aliabad Hospital in Kabul. For now, the hospital’s medical staff has been reporting to work each day, he said, but “if we don’t receive our salaries, there is a possibility we will leave our duties.” Afghans across the country are feeling the pressure. “I have a head injury and kidney problems, but don’t have money to go see the doctor,” said Noor Muhammad, 55. “If I don’t pay, no one is going to help me.”

As need in Afghanistan grows dire, aid groups plead for help

Afghanistan has been under severe stress in the past few months, ever since the Taliban outfit took over from the government. However, the Taliban group had made it clear that they will allow the senior men's cricket team to function without any interference from their end. Thus, the Afghanistan's men's cricket team is set to take part in the forthcoming T20 World Cup, which will commence from October 17 in the UAE. However,&nbsp;things could still go downhill for the Asian side if they play under the Taliban flag.&nbsp;

In case, Afghanistan goes ahead and decides to take part under the Taliban flag, the repercussions could be huge for them as the International Cricket Council (ICC) can ban the team from participating in the marquee event and suspend them as well.

After the removal of executive director Hamid Shinwari by Taliban rulers, the talks doing the rounds are that the men’s cricket team might play under the Taliban flag in the seventh edition of the T20 WC. For the unversed, all 16 participating countries are required to submit the flags under which they will be playing in the coming few days. Hence, all eyes are on Afghanistan. The ICC might set up a meeting soon if the Rashid Khan-starrer&nbsp;participate under the Taliban flag; where a board meeting could then vote to suspend the team.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/shahid-afridi-makes-glaring-remark-says-taliban-outfit-have-entered-afghanistan-with-positive-mindset-409575">Shahid Afridi makes glaring remark, says Taliban outfit have entered Afghanistan with 'positive mindset'</a>

At present, some of the Afghanistan players are busy involved in the second and final leg of the IPL 2021 edition, being held in the UAE which will be followed by the T20 WC. Thus, it remains to be seen what action will the ICC take if Afghanistan turn up under the Taliban flag for the showpiece event.

Afghanistan has been under severe stress in the past few months, ever since the Taliban outfit took over from the government. However, the Taliban group had made it clear that they will allow the senior men's cricket team to function without any interference from their end.

Afghanistan has been under severe stress in the past few months, ever since the Taliban outfit took over from the government. However, the Taliban group had made it clear that they will allow the senior men's cricket team to function without any interference from their end. Thus, the Afghanistan's men's cricket team is set to take part in the forthcoming T20 World Cup, which will commence from October 17 in the UAE. However, things could still go downhill for the Asian side if they play under the Taliban flag. In case, Afghanistan goes ahead and decides to take part under the Taliban flag, the repercussions could be huge for them as the International Cricket Council (ICC) can ban the team from participating in the marquee event and suspend them as well. After the removal of executive director Hamid Shinwari by Taliban rulers, the talks doing the rounds are that the men’s cricket team might play under the Taliban flag in the seventh edition of the T20 WC. For the unversed, all 16 participating countries are required to submit the flags under which they will be playing in the coming few days. Hence, all eyes are on Afghanistan. The ICC might set up a meeting soon if the Rashid Khan-starrer participate under the Taliban flag; where a board meeting could then vote to suspend the team. ALSO READ | Shahid Afridi makes glaring remark, says Taliban outfit have entered Afghanistan with 'positive mindset' At present, some of the Afghanistan players are busy involved in the second and final leg of the IPL 2021 edition, being held in the UAE which will be followed by the T20 WC. Thus, it remains to be seen what action will the ICC take if Afghanistan turn up under the Taliban flag for the showpiece event.

T20 World Cup: Afghanistan faces potential ICC ban if they play mega event under Taliban flag: Reports

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has admitted for the first time that he is the father of six children.

He made the revelation in an interview and joked that he has to ''change a lot of nappies.''

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-usa-direct-uk-pm-boris-johnson-visits-the-white-house-amid-row-with-france-414792/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Previously, Johnson had refused to share the details of his personal life with the media and the public.

However, after having announced that his wife Carrie is expecting her second child with him, he shed light on his family and children.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/bezos-wont-pay-taxes-as-an-act-of-kindness-says-johnson-after-meeting-amazon-founder-414844">Also read |&nbsp;Bezos won't pay taxes as an act of kindness, says Johnson after meeting Amazon founder</a>

Johnson had conceived a daughter during an extramarital relationship and has been divorced twice. He has four children from his second wife Marina Wheeler.

Praising the sacrifice of the British army during the Kabul evacuation during the interview, Johnson said they acted with utmost professionalism.

''It was an amazing operation. It was never going to be easy to pull out of a country like Afghanistan after 20 years of war.''

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/johnson-cautious-over-fulfilling-un-climate-fund-pledges-414349">Also read |&nbsp;Johnson cautious over fulfilling UN climate fund pledges</a>

Defending the criticism of the British government during the Kabul evacuation, Johnson also said that it is not possible to spend all of its time to run a country by proxy.

Johnson said the UK owed the US military "a bid debt" for "the incredible professionalism and sacrifice." He also called the operation a "massive success."

A submarine deal the United States and Britain recently announced with Australia came at France's expense, sparking France to withdraw its ambassadors to the United States and Australia and cancel a defense meeting with Britain.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has admitted for the first time that he is the father of six children. He made the revelation in an interview and joked that he has to ''change a lot of nappies.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has admitted for the first time that he is the father of six children. He made the revelation in an interview and joked that he has to ''change a lot of nappies.'' Previously, Johnson had refused to share the details of his personal life with the media and the public. However, after having announced that his wife Carrie is expecting her second child with him, he shed light on his family and children. Also read | Bezos won't pay taxes as an act of kindness, says Johnson after meeting Amazon founder Johnson had conceived a daughter during an extramarital relationship and has been divorced twice. He has four children from his second wife Marina Wheeler. Praising the sacrifice of the British army during the Kabul evacuation during the interview, Johnson said they acted with utmost professionalism. ''It was an amazing operation. It was never going to be easy to pull out of a country like Afghanistan after 20 years of war.'' Also read | Johnson cautious over fulfilling UN climate fund pledges Defending the criticism of the British government during the Kabul evacuation, Johnson also said that it is not possible to spend all of its time to run a country by proxy. Johnson said the UK owed the US military "a bid debt" for "the incredible professionalism and sacrifice." He also called the operation a "massive success." A submarine deal the United States and Britain recently announced with Australia came at France's expense, sparking France to withdraw its ambassadors to the United States and Australia and cancel a defense meeting with Britain.

'Changing a lot of nappies': UK PM Boris Johnson admits he has 6 children

Cricket fans in Afghanistan will not get to watch the UAE leg of the Indian Premier League (IPL) as the ruling Taliban has banned the broadcast of the matches in the country terming the content as "anti-Islamic". 
 
The second leg of the IPL started on Sunday but the cricket fanatic people of Afghanistan did not get to watch the matches as the Taliban has issued a diktat to the local media against showing the IPL because of the presence of women as cheerleaders and among the watching public in UAE. 
 
Former broadcaster and journalist Fawad Aman, who has served as spokesperson of the Ministry of Defence, termed the ban imposed by the Taliban on IPL as "ridiculous". 
 
"Ridiculous: Taliban have banned the broadcasting of Indian Premier League (IPL) in Afghanistan. Taliban have warned that Afghan media outlets should not broadcast the Indian Cricket League due to girls dancing and the presence of female audience and spectators in stadiums," he tweeted. 
 
Journalist and former Afghanistan Cricket Board media manager M Ibrahim Momand said the live broadcast of the IPL matches was banned because the content was deemed to be "anti-Islam". 
 
"Afghanistan national (TV) will not broadcast the @IPL as usual as it was reportedly banned to live telecast as the matches resumed tonight due to possible anti-Islam contents, girls dancing &amp; the attendance of barred hair women in the Stadium by the Islamic Emirates of the Taliban," he tweeted before the opening match of this leg of IPL. 
 
Ever since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan, women have been banned from working in offices or participating in sports activities as that is considered anti-Islam. 
 
Cricket Australia have called off a one-off Test against the Afghanistan men`s team because of the Taliban`s opposition to women`s participation in sports.

Cricket fans in Afghanistan will not get to watch the UAE leg of the Indian Premier League (IPL) as the ruling Taliban has banned the broadcast of the matches in the country terming the content as "anti-Islamic".

Cricket fans in Afghanistan will not get to watch the UAE leg of the Indian Premier League (IPL) as the ruling Taliban has banned the broadcast of the matches in the country terming the content as "anti-Islamic". The second leg of the IPL started on Sunday but the cricket fanatic people of Afghanistan did not get to watch the matches as the Taliban has issued a diktat to the local media against showing the IPL because of the presence of women as cheerleaders and among the watching public in UAE. Former broadcaster and journalist Fawad Aman, who has served as spokesperson of the Ministry of Defence, termed the ban imposed by the Taliban on IPL as "ridiculous". "Ridiculous: Taliban have banned the broadcasting of Indian Premier League (IPL) in Afghanistan. Taliban have warned that Afghan media outlets should not broadcast the Indian Cricket League due to girls dancing and the presence of female audience and spectators in stadiums," he tweeted. Journalist and former Afghanistan Cricket Board media manager M Ibrahim Momand said the live broadcast of the IPL matches was banned because the content was deemed to be "anti-Islam". "Afghanistan national (TV) will not broadcast the @IPL as usual as it was reportedly banned to live telecast as the matches resumed tonight due to possible anti-Islam contents, girls dancing & the attendance of barred hair women in the Stadium by the Islamic Emirates of the Taliban," he tweeted before the opening match of this leg of IPL. Ever since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan, women have been banned from working in offices or participating in sports activities as that is considered anti-Islam. Cricket Australia have called off a one-off Test against the Afghanistan men`s team because of the Taliban`s opposition to women`s participation in sports.

Taliban bans broadcast of IPL 2021 matches in Afghanistan

Afghanistan’s youth women's football team players, along with their families, have reached the neighbouring country Pakistan and will now look to seek political asylum in third countries amid growing concerns over the status of female athletes under the new Taliban government in Kabul.

Ever since the Taliban outfit took over in Kabul, Afghanistan, they have remained firm on their stance to not allow women athletes to continue with their respective sports, adding to their woes and creating a huge outrage among the sporting fraternity.

As many as 81 people, including female players of several youth teams, their coaches and family members touched down in Pakistan,&nbsp;via the Torkham border. On Thursday (September 16), 34 more are expected to arrive in the country.

"They will go to some other country after 30 days as several international organizations are working towards settling them in any other country, including the UK, US and Australia," said Umar Zia, a senior Pakistan Football Federation official.&nbsp;The team will stay put at the FIFA House, situated inside Gaddafi Sports Complex in Lahore.

For the unversed, even during the earlier Taliban rule -- from 1996&nbsp;to 2001 -- women were kept behind and not allowed to take part in work and education whereas girls were banned to attend school. Hence, sports was also out of reach for the female athletes and everything remains the same this time around as well.

Recently, a Taliban representative told Australian broadcaster SBS on why the Afghan women's cricket team won't be allowed to take part in their sport, whereas the men's cricket team have their full support. "Islam and the Islamic Emirate do not allow women to play cricket or play the kind of sports where they get exposed," SBS quoted the deputy head of the Taliban's cultural commission, Ahmadullah Wasiq, as saying.

Given the stance of the Taliban government, the female athletes still confined in Kabul remain clueless about their future amid the huge unrest in their homeland. While the women's football team has started the procedure to leave their home country, the next move of the Afghan female cricket team is awaited as Taliban regime remains firm on their decision and isn't willing to sympathise with them at any cost.&nbsp;

Afghanistan’s youth women's football team players, along with their families, have reached the neighbouring country Pakistan and will now look to seek political asylum in third countries amid growing concerns over the status of female athletes under the new Taliban government in Kabul.

Afghanistan’s youth women's football team players, along with their families, have reached the neighbouring country Pakistan and will now look to seek political asylum in third countries amid growing concerns over the status of female athletes under the new Taliban government in Kabul. Ever since the Taliban outfit took over in Kabul, Afghanistan, they have remained firm on their stance to not allow women athletes to continue with their respective sports, adding to their woes and creating a huge outrage among the sporting fraternity. As many as 81 people, including female players of several youth teams, their coaches and family members touched down in Pakistan, via the Torkham border. On Thursday (September 16), 34 more are expected to arrive in the country. "They will go to some other country after 30 days as several international organizations are working towards settling them in any other country, including the UK, US and Australia," said Umar Zia, a senior Pakistan Football Federation official. The team will stay put at the FIFA House, situated inside Gaddafi Sports Complex in Lahore. For the unversed, even during the earlier Taliban rule -- from 1996 to 2001 -- women were kept behind and not allowed to take part in work and education whereas girls were banned to attend school. Hence, sports was also out of reach for the female athletes and everything remains the same this time around as well. Recently, a Taliban representative told Australian broadcaster SBS on why the Afghan women's cricket team won't be allowed to take part in their sport, whereas the men's cricket team have their full support. "Islam and the Islamic Emirate do not allow women to play cricket or play the kind of sports where they get exposed," SBS quoted the deputy head of the Taliban's cultural commission, Ahmadullah Wasiq, as saying. Given the stance of the Taliban government, the female athletes still confined in Kabul remain clueless about their future amid the huge unrest in their homeland. While the women's football team has started the procedure to leave their home country, the next move of the Afghan female cricket team is awaited as Taliban regime remains firm on their decision and isn't willing to sympathise with them at any cost.

Afghan female youth football players arrive in Pakistan, to seek political asylum in third countries following unrest back home

In a strongly worded statement, Afghan envoy to United Nations Ghulam Isaczai has called the announcement by Taliban of the new Afghan govt "anything but inclusive", pointing out that the group must "realize that pacification of the country and true peace can only be established if they pursue an inclusive and participatory government" in the war-torn country.&nbsp;

Taliban on Tuesday announced a new government for the country, led by prime minister Mullah Mohammad Hasan Akhund, two&nbsp;deputies, Abdul Ghani Bradar, Abdul Salam Hanafi, interior minister Siraj Haqqani, foreign minister Amir Muttaqi.

17 out of the 33 members of the new Afghan government are on the United Nations terror list.&nbsp;The Taliban government is dominated by Pashtuns and has no major representation of the country's major minority groups like Tajiks, Hazaras, Uzbeks. There is also no representation of women in the cabinet, something which is on expected lines.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-will-judge-taliban-by-its-actions-says-us-on-new-government-411468" hreflang="en">We will judge Taliban by its actions, says US on new government</a>

Speaking at High-Level Forum on the Culture of Peace, Isaczai said,"&nbsp;Afghan people, especially our youth who have only known a free and democratic Afghanistan, will not accept a governing structure that excludes women and minorities, eliminates constitutional rights for all, and does not protect the gains of the past."

Calling the Taliban's regime as "repressive", the Afghan envoy highlighted that the group, "unseated the elected Government of Afghanistan and gained power through violence and are seeking to reinstate their so-called Islamic Emirate" which is "in violation of the resolution passed by this Assembly less than nine months ago."

August month saw rapid advancement by the Taliban, with Kabul falling on August 15. The pace of Taliban advancement shocked the international community. What followed was a mass exodus of people, foreigners, and Afghans alike leaving the country.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/exclusive-pakistan-will-face-consequences-of-its-actions-in-afghanistan-warns-ex-iran-president-mahmoud-ahmadinejad-411375">EXCLUSIVE: Support to Taliban will haunt Pak, warns ex-Iran prez Ahmadinejad</a>

The envoy said, "Taliban may have won the war but have yet to win peace and the hearts of minds of millions of Afghans.". He also made a mention of the ongoing Taliban military offensive in Panjshir, saying, that the group, "continue to choose war over peace as a way of resolving their differences with those who oppose" which is witnessed in the "brutal offensive against the people of Panjshir and suppression of women peacefully demonstrating across cities in Afghanistan."

Tuesday saw massive protests in the Afghan capital Kabul, with protestors chanting anti-Pakistan slogans. Taliban was seen shooting in the air and beating women to disperse the crowd. The anti-Pakistani protests came days after chief of Pakistan's notorious spy agency ISI Lieutenant General Faiz Hameed was seen in a Kabul hotel lobby. He was in the country reports suggest to help the Taliban in the formation of an inclusive government.&nbsp;

He called on UN Member states to "reject the reinstatement of the Islamic Emirate" and hold "Taliban to account for their violations of international human rights and humanitarian law, insist on an inclusive government, and draw a fundamental red line regarding the Taliban’s treatment of women and girls, and respect for their rights."

Important to remember, Myanmar's envoy to UN Kyaw Moe Tun in February speaking on behalf of Aung San Suu Kyi govt called on the international community to end the military coup in his country. The country saw a coup on February 1.&nbsp;

This month will see significant developments on Afghanistan at the UN, which included a discussion on&nbsp;United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) on September 9,&nbsp;a decision on its extension on September 17,&nbsp;and on September 21&nbsp;a&nbsp;decision&nbsp;on extension on continuing the relaxation or imposing a travel ban on Taliban leaders who are on UN terror list.

A key&nbsp;decision&nbsp;will be on who will represent Afghanistan at the high-level week of the UNGA later this month. A credential committee, whose new members will be announced on September 14 by President of the 76th session of UNGA Maldives foreign minister&nbsp;Abdulla Shahid will take the call. US, Russia, and China are permanent members of the credentials&nbsp;committee.

In a strongly worded statement, Afghan envoy to United Nations Ghulam Isaczai has called the announcement by Taliban of the new Afghan govt "anything but inclusive", pointing out that the group must "realize that pacification of the country and true peace can only be established if they pursue an inclusive and participatory government" in the war-torn country.

In a strongly worded statement, Afghan envoy to United Nations Ghulam Isaczai has called the announcement by Taliban of the new Afghan govt "anything but inclusive", pointing out that the group must "realize that pacification of the country and true peace can only be established if they pursue an inclusive and participatory government" in the war-torn country. Taliban on Tuesday announced a new government for the country, led by prime minister Mullah Mohammad Hasan Akhund, two deputies, Abdul Ghani Bradar, Abdul Salam Hanafi, interior minister Siraj Haqqani, foreign minister Amir Muttaqi. 17 out of the 33 members of the new Afghan government are on the United Nations terror list. The Taliban government is dominated by Pashtuns and has no major representation of the country's major minority groups like Tajiks, Hazaras, Uzbeks. There is also no representation of women in the cabinet, something which is on expected lines. Also read | We will judge Taliban by its actions, says US on new government Speaking at High-Level Forum on the Culture of Peace, Isaczai said," Afghan people, especially our youth who have only known a free and democratic Afghanistan, will not accept a governing structure that excludes women and minorities, eliminates constitutional rights for all, and does not protect the gains of the past." Calling the Taliban's regime as "repressive", the Afghan envoy highlighted that the group, "unseated the elected Government of Afghanistan and gained power through violence and are seeking to reinstate their so-called Islamic Emirate" which is "in violation of the resolution passed by this Assembly less than nine months ago." August month saw rapid advancement by the Taliban, with Kabul falling on August 15. The pace of Taliban advancement shocked the international community. What followed was a mass exodus of people, foreigners, and Afghans alike leaving the country. Also read | EXCLUSIVE: Support to Taliban will haunt Pak, warns ex-Iran prez Ahmadinejad The envoy said, "Taliban may have won the war but have yet to win peace and the hearts of minds of millions of Afghans.". He also made a mention of the ongoing Taliban military offensive in Panjshir, saying, that the group, "continue to choose war over peace as a way of resolving their differences with those who oppose" which is witnessed in the "brutal offensive against the people of Panjshir and suppression of women peacefully demonstrating across cities in Afghanistan." Tuesday saw massive protests in the Afghan capital Kabul, with protestors chanting anti-Pakistan slogans. Taliban was seen shooting in the air and beating women to disperse the crowd. The anti-Pakistani protests came days after chief of Pakistan's notorious spy agency ISI Lieutenant General Faiz Hameed was seen in a Kabul hotel lobby. He was in the country reports suggest to help the Taliban in the formation of an inclusive government. He called on UN Member states to "reject the reinstatement of the Islamic Emirate" and hold "Taliban to account for their violations of international human rights and humanitarian law, insist on an inclusive government, and draw a fundamental red line regarding the Taliban’s treatment of women and girls, and respect for their rights." Important to remember, Myanmar's envoy to UN Kyaw Moe Tun in February speaking on behalf of Aung San Suu Kyi govt called on the international community to end the military coup in his country. The country saw a coup on February 1. This month will see significant developments on Afghanistan at the UN, which included a discussion on United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) on September 9, a decision on its extension on September 17, and on September 21 a decision on extension on continuing the relaxation or imposing a travel ban on Taliban leaders who are on UN terror list. A key decision will be on who will represent Afghanistan at the high-level week of the UNGA later this month. A credential committee, whose new members will be announced on September 14 by President of the 76th session of UNGA Maldives foreign minister Abdulla Shahid will take the call. US, Russia, and China are permanent members of the credentials committee.

Taliban government is anything but inclusive says Afghan envoy to UN Isaczai

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken testified in front of Congress for the second day. This time he fielded questions on the last airstrike conducted by the United States and whether the strike had killed an aid worker rather than an Islamic state militant.

United States: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken testifies before Congress once again

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) is committed to promoting women`s game in the country and is optimistic their one-off test against Australia in November will go ahead, new chairman Azizullah Fazli has told Reuters. 
 
The ACB fears being isolated after Cricket Australia (CA) threatened to scrap a test match against the men`s team if Afghanistan`s new Taliban government did not allow women to play the sport. 
 
The Australian board said driving the growth of women`s cricket was "incredibly important" to it but Fazli said the CA communication was result of a "misunderstanding" which was being cleared up. 
 
"We officially talked with them and the issue regarding the test match will be resolved," Fazli said. A Cricket Australia spokesman confirmed they were in "regular dialogue with the ACB" but said that, as things stand, the board`s position on the Hobart test had not changed from last week. 
 
The row was sparked when a Taliban representative last week told Australian broadcaster SBS that he did not think women would be allowed to play cricket because it was "not necessary" and would be against Islam. Fazli, who returned as the ACB chairman last month in the first major cricket development in the country since the Taliban took control, said he was still awaiting instructions from the government on the future of women`s cricket. 
 
"The new government of Afghanistan is focusing on its priority programmes," the administrator said. "They haven`t told us anything regarding women cricket (but) we are committed to maintaining and supporting women cricket." 
 
When the Taliban last ruled Afghanistan two decades ago, girls were not allowed to attend school and women were banned from work and education. 
 
The governing International Cricket Council (ICC) will discuss the issue at its next board meeting in November. 
 
Australia test captain Tim Paine said last week that other countries might refuse to play Afghanistan in the men`s Twenty20 World Cup, which begins next month, because of the issue. 
 
Fazli ruled out such a prospect.&nbsp; "There`s no threat to Afghanistan`s participation in the T20 World Cup," he said. "We are already beginning our camp preparation. As a full-member team, our international relation with other full-member countries is very good." 
 
The ACB also found themselves in an awkward situation last week when Rashid Khan stepped down as captain of the Twenty20 World Cup squad, saying the selectors had not consulted him before picking the team. 
 
Fazli said fellow all-rounder Mohammad Nabi would now lead the side in the showpiece tournament in the United Arab Emirates. "Mohammad Nabi is a senior team player, and now he is the captain," he added. "He knows his team members very well."

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) is committed to promoting women`s game in the country and is optimistic their one-off test against Australia in November will go ahead, new chairman Azizullah Fazli has told Reuters.

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) is committed to promoting women`s game in the country and is optimistic their one-off test against Australia in November will go ahead, new chairman Azizullah Fazli has told Reuters. The ACB fears being isolated after Cricket Australia (CA) threatened to scrap a test match against the men`s team if Afghanistan`s new Taliban government did not allow women to play the sport. The Australian board said driving the growth of women`s cricket was "incredibly important" to it but Fazli said the CA communication was result of a "misunderstanding" which was being cleared up. "We officially talked with them and the issue regarding the test match will be resolved," Fazli said. A Cricket Australia spokesman confirmed they were in "regular dialogue with the ACB" but said that, as things stand, the board`s position on the Hobart test had not changed from last week. The row was sparked when a Taliban representative last week told Australian broadcaster SBS that he did not think women would be allowed to play cricket because it was "not necessary" and would be against Islam. Fazli, who returned as the ACB chairman last month in the first major cricket development in the country since the Taliban took control, said he was still awaiting instructions from the government on the future of women`s cricket. "The new government of Afghanistan is focusing on its priority programmes," the administrator said. "They haven`t told us anything regarding women cricket (but) we are committed to maintaining and supporting women cricket." When the Taliban last ruled Afghanistan two decades ago, girls were not allowed to attend school and women were banned from work and education. The governing International Cricket Council (ICC) will discuss the issue at its next board meeting in November. Australia test captain Tim Paine said last week that other countries might refuse to play Afghanistan in the men`s Twenty20 World Cup, which begins next month, because of the issue. Fazli ruled out such a prospect. "There`s no threat to Afghanistan`s participation in the T20 World Cup," he said. "We are already beginning our camp preparation. As a full-member team, our international relation with other full-member countries is very good." The ACB also found themselves in an awkward situation last week when Rashid Khan stepped down as captain of the Twenty20 World Cup squad, saying the selectors had not consulted him before picking the team. Fazli said fellow all-rounder Mohammad Nabi would now lead the side in the showpiece tournament in the United Arab Emirates. "Mohammad Nabi is a senior team player, and now he is the captain," he added. "He knows his team members very well."

Afghanistan board committed to women's cricket, optimistic on Hobart Test vs Australia

Afghan crisis seems to be deepening day by day. Now, the Kabul's flea markets are buzzing with desperate Afghans, who are trying to leave the county or facing cash crunch in these difficult times. &nbsp;

Afghans are being forced to sell their belongings at low prices to fund their escape from Taliban rule or just to pay for food. &nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Afghan women post photos in traditional attire to protest Taliban's burqa order

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There are several plates, glasses, kitchen appliances, 1990s television sets, old Singer sewing machines, rolled-up carpets, second-hand sofas and beds up for sale in these outdoor bazaars. &nbsp; &nbsp;

After the Taliban took control of the country, Afghans say the job opportunities have dried up. The citizens are allowed to withdraw $200 per week only from bank accounts, which means cash is in short supply. &nbsp;

Mohammad Ehsan, a resident who was trying to sell two blankets, said, "We don't have anything to eat, we are poor and we are forced to sell these things."

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/uyghur-linked-etim-group-has-left-afghanistan-taliban-to-china-412735" hreflang="en">Uyghur-linked ETIM group has left Afghanistan: Taliban to China</a>&nbsp;

The building project where Ehsan worked as a labourer has been cancelled or put on hold. "Rich people were in Kabul, but now everybody has escaped," Ehsan told AFP. &nbsp;

Ehsan is one of many Afghans, who come to the flea markets, to sell what they can spare directly to buyers. They could be seen carrying their possessions on their backs or rolling them along on street carts. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Afghan crisis seems to be deepening day by day. Now, the Kabul's flea markets are buzzing with desperate Afghans, who are trying to leave the county or facing cash crunch in these difficult times.

Afghan crisis seems to be deepening day by day. Now, the Kabul's flea markets are buzzing with desperate Afghans, who are trying to leave the county or facing cash crunch in these difficult times. Afghans are being forced to sell their belongings at low prices to fund their escape from Taliban rule or just to pay for food. Watch: Afghan women post photos in traditional attire to protest Taliban's burqa order × There are several plates, glasses, kitchen appliances, 1990s television sets, old Singer sewing machines, rolled-up carpets, second-hand sofas and beds up for sale in these outdoor bazaars. After the Taliban took control of the country, Afghans say the job opportunities have dried up. The citizens are allowed to withdraw $200 per week only from bank accounts, which means cash is in short supply. Mohammad Ehsan, a resident who was trying to sell two blankets, said, "We don't have anything to eat, we are poor and we are forced to sell these things." Also Read | Uyghur-linked ETIM group has left Afghanistan: Taliban to China The building project where Ehsan worked as a labourer has been cancelled or put on hold. "Rich people were in Kabul, but now everybody has escaped," Ehsan told AFP. Ehsan is one of many Afghans, who come to the flea markets, to sell what they can spare directly to buyers. They could be seen carrying their possessions on their backs or rolling them along on street carts. (With inputs from agencies)

Amid cash crunch, fleeing Afghans sell possessions at Kabul's busy bazaars

Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud has expressed hope of ''stability'' in Afghanistan after the Taliban announced the formation of a new government.

Without commenting on the Taliban's approach to governance, he said that Saudi Arabia will support ''the choices that the Afghan people make regarding the future of their country, away from external interference.''

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Minister of Foreign Affairs H.H Prince <a href="https://twitter.com/FaisalbinFarhan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FaisalbinFarhan</a>, participated in the virtual ministerial meeting on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Afghanistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Afghanistan</a>. <a href="https://t.co/2UqHVC4pGm">pic.twitter.com/2UqHVC4pGm</a>
— Foreign Ministry 🇸🇦 (@KSAmofaEN) <a href="https://twitter.com/KSAmofaEN/status/1435855998086955008?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 9, 2021</a></blockquote>
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He added that the advent of a caretaker government will help Afghanistan is a “step in the right direction towards achieving security and stability, rejecting violence and extremism, building a bright future in line with these aspirations.”

Reaffirming its support to Afghanistan, the kingdom has pledged to provide aid and assistance during its ''difficult time.''

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/new-taliban-govt-issues-decree-over-future-protests-411999/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Saudi Arabia had also expressed condolences towards the Afghan people who died during the fatal twin blast at Kabul airport.

The country was among the three nations that accepted the legitimacy of the Taliban regime from 1996 to 2001 in Afghanistan. The other two countries were Pakistan and United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The Western countries have expressed their disapproval against the election of several wanted and hardlines in the Taliban cabinet.

The all-male interim government has raised doubts that it will receive recognition by the West.

Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud has expressed hope of ''stability'' in Afghanistan after the Taliban announced the formation of a new government.

Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud has expressed hope of ''stability'' in Afghanistan after the Taliban announced the formation of a new government. Without commenting on the Taliban's approach to governance, he said that Saudi Arabia will support ''the choices that the Afghan people make regarding the future of their country, away from external interference.'' Minister of Foreign Affairs H.H Prince @FaisalbinFarhan, participated in the virtual ministerial meeting on #Afghanistan. pic.twitter.com/2UqHVC4pGm — Foreign Ministry 🇸🇦 (@KSAmofaEN) September 9, 2021 × He added that the advent of a caretaker government will help Afghanistan is a “step in the right direction towards achieving security and stability, rejecting violence and extremism, building a bright future in line with these aspirations.” Reaffirming its support to Afghanistan, the kingdom has pledged to provide aid and assistance during its ''difficult time.'' Saudi Arabia had also expressed condolences towards the Afghan people who died during the fatal twin blast at Kabul airport. The country was among the three nations that accepted the legitimacy of the Taliban regime from 1996 to 2001 in Afghanistan. The other two countries were Pakistan and United Arab Emirates (UAE). The Western countries have expressed their disapproval against the election of several wanted and hardlines in the Taliban cabinet. The all-male interim government has raised doubts that it will receive recognition by the West.

Saudi Arabia shows support for Taliban's new government in Afghanistan

Taliban spokesman Sayed Zekrullah Hashimi has said in an interview that women cannot be ministers and they should restrict themselves to giving birth.

Speaking to TOLO news, Hashimi said “Women protesters can’t represent all women in Afghanistan."

He compared the hypothetical situation of a woman in the cabinet with a necklace they cannot carry.

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A Taliban spokesman on <a href="https://twitter.com/TOLOnews?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TOLOnews</a>: "A woman can't be a minister, it is like you put something on her neck that she can't carry. It is not necessary for a woman to be in the cabinet, they should give birth &amp; women protesters can't represent all women in AFG." 
Video with subtitles👇 <a href="https://t.co/CFe4MokOk0">pic.twitter.com/CFe4MokOk0</a>
— Natiq Malikzada (@natiqmalikzada) <a href="https://twitter.com/natiqmalikzada/status/1435928332718067718?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 9, 2021</a></blockquote>
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It comes after hundreds of women are taking to the streets of Afghanistan to protest against the non-inclusive interim government formed by the Taliban which includes hardlines and several terrorists on the FBI's wanted list.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/taliban-fighter-points-gun-at-afghan-woman-protesting-against-non-inclusive-government-411547#afghanistans-tiananmen-square-moment-411535">Also see|&nbsp;Taliban fighter points gun at Afghan woman protesting against non-inclusive government</a>

The Taliban are facing global backlash for not including any women in the new Afghanistan government even though they had promised to respect them and their rights.

Western countries have accused the Taliban of portraying a moderate image towards women as a condition for aid and investment.

During their regime from 1996 to 2001, the Taliban had banned girls from attending school and working. They had to cover themselves by wearing a hijab and burqa and could not step outside of their houses without a male attendant. 
&nbsp;

Taliban spokesman Sayed Zekrullah Hashimi has said in an interview that women cannot be ministers and they should restrict themselves to giving birth. Speaking to TOLO news, Hashimi said “Women protesters can’t represent all women in Afghanistan.

Taliban spokesman Sayed Zekrullah Hashimi has said in an interview that women cannot be ministers and they should restrict themselves to giving birth. Speaking to TOLO news, Hashimi said “Women protesters can’t represent all women in Afghanistan." He compared the hypothetical situation of a woman in the cabinet with a necklace they cannot carry. A Taliban spokesman on @TOLOnews: "A woman can't be a minister, it is like you put something on her neck that she can't carry. It is not necessary for a woman to be in the cabinet, they should give birth & women protesters can't represent all women in AFG." Video with subtitles👇 pic.twitter.com/CFe4MokOk0 — Natiq Malikzada (@natiqmalikzada) September 9, 2021 × It comes after hundreds of women are taking to the streets of Afghanistan to protest against the non-inclusive interim government formed by the Taliban which includes hardlines and several terrorists on the FBI's wanted list. Also see| Taliban fighter points gun at Afghan woman protesting against non-inclusive government The Taliban are facing global backlash for not including any women in the new Afghanistan government even though they had promised to respect them and their rights. Western countries have accused the Taliban of portraying a moderate image towards women as a condition for aid and investment. During their regime from 1996 to 2001, the Taliban had banned girls from attending school and working. They had to cover themselves by wearing a hijab and burqa and could not step outside of their houses without a male attendant.

Watch | Women cannot be ministers, they should give birth, says Taliban spokesman

Taliban on Tuesday announced its government which included several listed individuals in the terrorist list.

Those&nbsp;listed in the terrorist list&nbsp;included Afghanistan's interior minister Sirajuddin Haqqani and Khalil Haqqani who was named minister of refugees. The Haqqani Network was categorised as a terrorist group by the United States.

Sirajuddin Haqqani is one of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-will-judge-taliban-by-its-actions-says-us-on-new-government-411468">FBI's</a> most wanted men due to his links in suicide attacks and Al Qaeda ties. Abdul Ghani Baradar was named the Taliban government's new deputy of state.

Watch:

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Baradar was earlier arrested and imprisoned in Pakistan in 2010 and had become the head of the Taliban's political office in Doha after his release in 2018 as he spearheaded the talks with the US government with the former Trump administration.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/paying-homage-to-old-guard-taliban-name-caretaker-afghanistan-cabinet-411402">Also Read:&nbsp;Paying homage to old guard, Taliban name caretaker Afghanistan cabinet</a>

Muhammad Hassan Akhund was named the head of state, he was earlier blacklisted by the UN.&nbsp;At least five of the newly appointed members are on the UN-designated list of terrorists. Mullah Mohammad Hassan Akhund is on the &nbsp;UN-sanctioned list.

Abdul Salam Hanafi was&nbsp;also named the deputy head of state. He&nbsp;is the second deputy prime minister after Abdul Ghani Baradar.

Mullah Mohammad Yaqoob, is the son of Taliban's founder Mullah Omar, was named the defence minister.&nbsp;

Haibatullah Akhundzada is a hardline cleric whose son was a suicide bomber. Akhundzada was an early member. He had served as the chief of the Taliban's justice system. In 2001, in the wake of the US invasion of Afghanistan and the ouster of the Taliban after the September 11 attacks, Akhundzada had reportedly fled to Pakistan where he taught and preached at a mosque for 15 years.

Sirajuddin Haqqani was wanted by the US in connection with a deadly 2008 attack on a Kabul hotel. Mullah Hasan Akhund, an ethnic Pashtun from the southern Afghan province of Kandahar has been named as prime minister.

Akhund like many in the Taliban leadership derives much of his prestige from his close link to the movement's late founder Mullah Omar. Akhund is long time chief of the Taliban's powerful decision-making body Rehbari Shura. He was the foreign minister and then deputy prime minister when the Taliban were last in power and like many of the incoming cabinet&nbsp;is under UN sanctions.

Akhund is believed to be at least in his mid-60s and possibly older. &nbsp;Khairallah Khairkhawa was named the minister for information and culture and Amir Muttaqi will be the new foreign affairs minister.

Din Muhammad Hanif was named the minister for economic affairs. Noor Muhammad Saqib has been named the minister of Hajj affairs and Mullah Fazil Mazloom, the deputy defence minister. Noorullah Nuri was named the minister for borders and tribal affairs

Abdul Haq Wasiq is the new intelligence chief and Abdul Latif Mansoor was named the minister for water and power.

Sher Muhammad Abbas Stanekzai was named the deputy foreign minister. Essa Akhund who was earlier the minister for water and power holds the same portfolio in the government. Najibullah Haqqani was named the minister for communications 
and Rehmatullah Najeeb was named as the deputy intelligence chief.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Taliban on Tuesday announced its government which included several listed individuals in the terrorist list. Those listed in the terrorist list included Afghanistan's interior minister Sirajuddin Haqqani and Khalil Haqqani who was named minister of refugees.

Taliban on Tuesday announced its government which included several listed individuals in the terrorist list. Those listed in the terrorist list included Afghanistan's interior minister Sirajuddin Haqqani and Khalil Haqqani who was named minister of refugees. The Haqqani Network was categorised as a terrorist group by the United States. Sirajuddin Haqqani is one of the FBI's most wanted men due to his links in suicide attacks and Al Qaeda ties. Abdul Ghani Baradar was named the Taliban government's new deputy of state. Watch: Baradar was earlier arrested and imprisoned in Pakistan in 2010 and had become the head of the Taliban's political office in Doha after his release in 2018 as he spearheaded the talks with the US government with the former Trump administration. Also Read: Paying homage to old guard, Taliban name caretaker Afghanistan cabinet Muhammad Hassan Akhund was named the head of state, he was earlier blacklisted by the UN. At least five of the newly appointed members are on the UN-designated list of terrorists. Mullah Mohammad Hassan Akhund is on the UN-sanctioned list. Abdul Salam Hanafi was also named the deputy head of state. He is the second deputy prime minister after Abdul Ghani Baradar. Mullah Mohammad Yaqoob, is the son of Taliban's founder Mullah Omar, was named the defence minister. Haibatullah Akhundzada is a hardline cleric whose son was a suicide bomber. Akhundzada was an early member. He had served as the chief of the Taliban's justice system. In 2001, in the wake of the US invasion of Afghanistan and the ouster of the Taliban after the September 11 attacks, Akhundzada had reportedly fled to Pakistan where he taught and preached at a mosque for 15 years. Sirajuddin Haqqani was wanted by the US in connection with a deadly 2008 attack on a Kabul hotel. Mullah Hasan Akhund, an ethnic Pashtun from the southern Afghan province of Kandahar has been named as prime minister. Akhund like many in the Taliban leadership derives much of his prestige from his close link to the movement's late founder Mullah Omar. Akhund is long time chief of the Taliban's powerful decision-making body Rehbari Shura. He was the foreign minister and then deputy prime minister when the Taliban were last in power and like many of the incoming cabinet is under UN sanctions. Akhund is believed to be at least in his mid-60s and possibly older. Khairallah Khairkhawa was named the minister for information and culture and Amir Muttaqi will be the new foreign affairs minister. Din Muhammad Hanif was named the minister for economic affairs. Noor Muhammad Saqib has been named the minister of Hajj affairs and Mullah Fazil Mazloom, the deputy defence minister. Noorullah Nuri was named the minister for borders and tribal affairs Abdul Haq Wasiq is the new intelligence chief and Abdul Latif Mansoor was named the minister for water and power. Sher Muhammad Abbas Stanekzai was named the deputy foreign minister. Essa Akhund who was earlier the minister for water and power holds the same portfolio in the government. Najibullah Haqqani was named the minister for communications and Rehmatullah Najeeb was named as the deputy intelligence chief. (With inputs from Agencies)

Taliban government: Sirajuddin Haqqani on FBI wanted list, other key members on UN blacklist

After consultations with partners on how to show a united front to the hardline new administration in Afghanistan, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken cautioned that the Taliban would have to earn legitimacy from the rest of the world.&nbsp;

"The Taliban seek international legitimacy. Any legitimacy — any support — will have to be earned, " Blinken told reporters at the US air base in Ramstein, Germany, after leading a 20-nation ministerial meeting on the Afghan crisis.

Standing beside him, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said the international community expected the Taliban to respect human rights, especially women's rights, to allow humanitarian supplies into the country, and to let individuals who wanted to leave to do so.

Maas stated that the talks on Wednesday were "the beginning point for international coordination" in dealing with the Taliban.

The virtual summit was attended by European allies as well as Pakistan, a long-time Taliban supporter.

Initial reactions showed that the new administration could have trouble gaining the international support that the new authorities so sorely need to prevent a financial crisis.

The interior minister is Sirajuddin Haqqani, who is wanted by the FBI for questioning.

The declaration came just hours after the Taliban shot their weapons into the air to disperse protestors in Kabul's capital and arrested several journalists, marking the second time in less than a week that harsh measures were employed to disperse a demonstration.&nbsp;

The US State Department expressed concern that the Cabinet consisted solely of Taliban, no women, and individuals with a questionable track record, but stated that the new administration's actions would be judged.

Maas stated that Germany is prepared to provide humanitarian aid through the United Nations and that it will continue to communicate with the Taliban in order to guarantee the departure of former employees and others from Afghanistan.

He went on to say that any commitment beyond that would be contingent on the Taliban's actions.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

After consultations with partners on how to show a united front to the hardline new administration in Afghanistan, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken cautioned that the Taliban would have to earn legitimacy from the rest of the world.

After consultations with partners on how to show a united front to the hardline new administration in Afghanistan, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken cautioned that the Taliban would have to earn legitimacy from the rest of the world. "The Taliban seek international legitimacy. Any legitimacy — any support — will have to be earned, " Blinken told reporters at the US air base in Ramstein, Germany, after leading a 20-nation ministerial meeting on the Afghan crisis. Standing beside him, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said the international community expected the Taliban to respect human rights, especially women's rights, to allow humanitarian supplies into the country, and to let individuals who wanted to leave to do so. Maas stated that the talks on Wednesday were "the beginning point for international coordination" in dealing with the Taliban. The virtual summit was attended by European allies as well as Pakistan, a long-time Taliban supporter. Initial reactions showed that the new administration could have trouble gaining the international support that the new authorities so sorely need to prevent a financial crisis. The interior minister is Sirajuddin Haqqani, who is wanted by the FBI for questioning. The declaration came just hours after the Taliban shot their weapons into the air to disperse protestors in Kabul's capital and arrested several journalists, marking the second time in less than a week that harsh measures were employed to disperse a demonstration. The US State Department expressed concern that the Cabinet consisted solely of Taliban, no women, and individuals with a questionable track record, but stated that the new administration's actions would be judged. Maas stated that Germany is prepared to provide humanitarian aid through the United Nations and that it will continue to communicate with the Taliban in order to guarantee the departure of former employees and others from Afghanistan. He went on to say that any commitment beyond that would be contingent on the Taliban's actions. (With inputs from agencies)

Any legitimacy, any support 'will have to be earned': Blinken to Taliban

Sheikh Molvi Noorullah Munir, the Taliban government's Minister of Education, has declared that PhD and master's degrees are not useful because mullahs do not have them, even though they are "the greatest of all."

A video of Afghanistan's Education Minister is now being widely shared on Twitter, wherein he is seen talking of education policy and of master's degrees and PhD.

"No PhD degree, master's degree is valuable today. You see that the Mullahs and Taliban that are in power, have no PhD, MA, or even a high school degree, but are the greatest of all, " Sheikh Molvi Noorullah Munir is heard saying in the video. The remarks, as expected, drew huge criticism. 
&nbsp;

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This is the Minister of Higher Education of the Taliban -- says No Phd degree, master's degree is valuable today. You see that the Mullahs &amp; Taliban that are in the power, have no Phd, MA or even a high school degree, but are the greatest of all. <a href="https://t.co/gr3UqOCX1b">pic.twitter.com/gr3UqOCX1b</a>
— Said Sulaiman Ashna (@sashna111) <a href="https://twitter.com/sashna111/status/1435300979352739842?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 7, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-government-lists-agenda-on-sharia-law-media-quality-foreign-policy-411556">Also read: Taliban government lists agenda on Sharia law, media quality &amp; foreign policy</a>

On Tuesday, the Taliban announced a hardline interim government led by Mullah Mohammad Hasan Akhund, with high-profile Taliban members sharing crucial posts, including the interior minister, who is a specially designated global terrorist of the dangerous Haqqani Network. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-government-sirajuddin-haqqani-on-fbi-wanted-list-other-key-members-on-un-blacklist-411531">Also read | Taliban government: Sirajuddin Haqqani on FBI wanted list, other key members on UN blacklist</a> 
 
Mullah Hasan, the head of the Taliban's influential decision-making body, the 'Rehbari Shura,' will serve as Acting Prime Minister, with Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar as his deputy in the "new Islamic government," according to Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/taliban-fighter-points-gun-at-afghan-woman-protesting-against-non-inclusive-government-411547">In Pics: Taliban fighter points gun at Afghan woman protesting against non-inclusive government</a>

Meanwhile, since the Taliban took power in Afghanistan, female and male university students have been divided in a class by curtains.

As institutions around the country started classes following the Taliban takeover and the withdrawal of US troops, photos of students being segregated emerged.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Sheikh Molvi Noorullah Munir, the Taliban government's Minister of Education, has declared that PhD and master's degrees are not useful because mullahs do not have them, even though they are "the greatest of all.

Sheikh Molvi Noorullah Munir, the Taliban government's Minister of Education, has declared that PhD and master's degrees are not useful because mullahs do not have them, even though they are "the greatest of all." A video of Afghanistan's Education Minister is now being widely shared on Twitter, wherein he is seen talking of education policy and of master's degrees and PhD. "No PhD degree, master's degree is valuable today. You see that the Mullahs and Taliban that are in power, have no PhD, MA, or even a high school degree, but are the greatest of all, " Sheikh Molvi Noorullah Munir is heard saying in the video. The remarks, as expected, drew huge criticism. This is the Minister of Higher Education of the Taliban -- says No Phd degree, master's degree is valuable today. You see that the Mullahs & Taliban that are in the power, have no Phd, MA or even a high school degree, but are the greatest of all. pic.twitter.com/gr3UqOCX1b — Said Sulaiman Ashna (@sashna111) September 7, 2021 × Also read: Taliban government lists agenda on Sharia law, media quality & foreign policy On Tuesday, the Taliban announced a hardline interim government led by Mullah Mohammad Hasan Akhund, with high-profile Taliban members sharing crucial posts, including the interior minister, who is a specially designated global terrorist of the dangerous Haqqani Network. Also read | Taliban government: Sirajuddin Haqqani on FBI wanted list, other key members on UN blacklist Mullah Hasan, the head of the Taliban's influential decision-making body, the 'Rehbari Shura,' will serve as Acting Prime Minister, with Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar as his deputy in the "new Islamic government," according to Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid. In Pics: Taliban fighter points gun at Afghan woman protesting against non-inclusive government Meanwhile, since the Taliban took power in Afghanistan, female and male university students have been divided in a class by curtains. As institutions around the country started classes following the Taliban takeover and the withdrawal of US troops, photos of students being segregated emerged. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch | Taliban Education Minister says PhD and Master's degrees worthless, mullahs greatest without them

Taliban fighter points gun at Afghan woman protesting against non-inclusive government

The Taliban on Tuesday announced UN-sanctioned Taliban veteran, Mullah&nbsp;Mohammad Hassan Akhund as the leader of their new government while giving key positions to some of the movement's top figures. At least five of the newly appointed members are on the UN-designated list of terrorists.&nbsp;

<img alt="Mullah Mohammad Hassan Akhund" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="95799b06-ef6c-4b28-895a-11542481ae6b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/WhatsApp%20Image%202021-09-07%20at%208.42.12%20PM.jpeg" />

Mullah Mohammad Hassan Akhund, Prime Minister

Chief spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid told a press conference that Taliban co-founder Abdul Ghani&nbsp;Baradar&nbsp;will be the deputy leader.&nbsp;

In 2010, the ISI arrested and imprisoned him in Pakistan. In 2018, upon the request of the Trump administration, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar was released from a Pakistani prison and thereafter he became the head of the Taliban's political office in Doha.

<img alt="Abdul Ghani Baradar" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="30e3919b-6cca-4667-9611-d595a57451c2" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/WhatsApp%20Image%202021-09-07%20at%208.07.11%20PM.jpeg" />

Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, Deputy Prime Minister

Mullah&nbsp;Yaqub, the son of the Taliban founder and late supreme leader&nbsp;Mullah&nbsp;Omar, was named defence&nbsp;minister.&nbsp;

The position of the interior minister was given to Sirajuddin Haqqani, the leader of the feared Haqqani network who also doubled up as a Taliban deputy leader.

<img alt="Siraj Haqqani" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="33795323-4871-471b-b2fd-e6ef206c222f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/WhatsApp%20Image%202021-09-07%20at%208.16.56%20PM.jpeg" />

Sirajuddin Haqqani, Interior Minister

"The cabinet is not complete, it is just acting," Mujahid said at the Government Information and Media Centre in Kabul.

"We will try to take people from other parts of the country."

The hardline Islamists, who swept to power last month, have been expected to announce a government since the US-led evacuation was completed at the end of August.

They have promised an "inclusive" government that represents Afghanistan's complex ethnic makeup -- though women are unlikely to be included at the top levels.

Amir Khan Muttaqi, a Taliban negotiator in Doha and member of the first regime's cabinet, was named foreign minister.

<img alt="Amir Khan Muttaqi" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="53908fff-bd43-4d12-a06e-c10db5730ce0" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/E-sO4zNXEAssuty.jpeg" />

Amir Khan Muttaqi, Foreign minister

As they transition from insurgent group to governing power, the Taliban have a series of major issues to address, including looming financial and humanitarian crises. &nbsp; 
 
Some other appointments as per our&nbsp;reports include:

<img alt="Zabiullah Mujahid (Deputy Information Minister)" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7c50fe5b-a936-4c9c-9864-80a6b85f53ea" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/552.jpeg" />

Zabiullah Mujahid, Deputy Information Minister

&nbsp;

<img alt="Khairulla Khairkhwa (Information Minister) " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="34fe7697-748c-4562-beb1-5505cae31a2d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/WhatsApp%20Image%202021-09-07%20at%208.05.35%20PM.jpeg" />

Khaiulla Khairkhwa, Information MInister

&nbsp;

<img alt="Alhaj Mullah Fazel Akhund" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="aa8149cd-9134-4a41-9c2c-8a6a122177f6" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/WhatsApp%20Image%202021-09-07%20at%208.16.31%20PM.jpeg" />

Alhaj Mullah Fazel Akhund, Chief of Army staff

&nbsp;

<img alt="Abdul Hakim" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="00cbb936-6757-4bc6-b7a4-7237d8e13b44" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/WhatsApp%20Image%202021-09-07%20at%208.08.30%20PM%20%281%29.jpeg" />

Abdul Hakim, Minister&nbsp;of Justice

 
<img alt="Mullah Abdul Salam Hanafi (Deputy for Council of Ministers)" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="126a37e5-2483-47bb-8059-726627aa9281" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Hanafi111.JPG" /> 
Mullah Abdul Salam Hanafi (Deputy for Council of Ministers)

(With inputs from agencies)

The Taliban on Tuesday announced UN-sanctioned Taliban veteran, Mullah Mohammad Hassan Akhund as the leader of their new government while giving key positions to some of the movement's top figures.

The Taliban on Tuesday announced UN-sanctioned Taliban veteran, Mullah Mohammad Hassan Akhund as the leader of their new government while giving key positions to some of the movement's top figures. At least five of the newly appointed members are on the UN-designated list of terrorists. Mullah Mohammad Hassan Akhund, Prime Minister Chief spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid told a press conference that Taliban co-founder Abdul Ghani Baradar will be the deputy leader. In 2010, the ISI arrested and imprisoned him in Pakistan. In 2018, upon the request of the Trump administration, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar was released from a Pakistani prison and thereafter he became the head of the Taliban's political office in Doha. Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, Deputy Prime Minister Mullah Yaqub, the son of the Taliban founder and late supreme leader Mullah Omar, was named defence minister. The position of the interior minister was given to Sirajuddin Haqqani, the leader of the feared Haqqani network who also doubled up as a Taliban deputy leader. Sirajuddin Haqqani, Interior Minister "The cabinet is not complete, it is just acting," Mujahid said at the Government Information and Media Centre in Kabul. "We will try to take people from other parts of the country." The hardline Islamists, who swept to power last month, have been expected to announce a government since the US-led evacuation was completed at the end of August. They have promised an "inclusive" government that represents Afghanistan's complex ethnic makeup -- though women are unlikely to be included at the top levels. Amir Khan Muttaqi, a Taliban negotiator in Doha and member of the first regime's cabinet, was named foreign minister. Amir Khan Muttaqi, Foreign minister As they transition from insurgent group to governing power, the Taliban have a series of major issues to address, including looming financial and humanitarian crises. Some other appointments as per our reports include: Zabiullah Mujahid, Deputy Information Minister Khaiulla Khairkhwa, Information MInister Alhaj Mullah Fazel Akhund, Chief of Army staff Abdul Hakim, Minister of Justice Mullah Abdul Salam Hanafi (Deputy for Council of Ministers) (With inputs from agencies)

Listed terrorists among Taliban's new government

India and Russia have a common position when it comes to Afghanistan. NSA Ajit Doval is set to meet secretary of Russian security council today to discuss the Afghanistan crisis.

India, Russia hold talks on crisis in Afghanistan

With the new government in place in Afghanistan, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-will-judge-taliban-by-its-actions-says-us-on-new-government-411468">Taliban's </a>supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada said that the government will work towards upholding Sharia law.

"In the future, all matters of governance and life in Afghanistan will be regulated by the laws of the Holy Sharia,"&nbsp;Akhundzada said in a statement.

Akhundzada added that the new leadership would ensure peace and development and that the Islamic Emirate has no problem with anyone. The Taliban leader also asserted that all will take part in strengthening the system and will rebuild the&nbsp;war-torn country.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/taliban-fighter-points-gun-at-afghan-woman-protesting-against-non-inclusive-government-411547">In Pics: Taliban fighter points gun at Afghan woman protesting against non-inclusive government</a>

"I assure all the countrymen that the figures will work hard towards upholding Islamic rules and Sharia law in the country. The Islamic Emirate has no problem with anyone. Everyone will take part in strengthening the system and Afghanistan and in this way, we will rebuild our war-torn country," Akhundzada said.

Watch:

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On the foreign policy, the statement said Afghanistan wants a healthy relationship with the world based on mutual respect while adding that it was committed to upholding all international laws and treaties not in conflict with Islamic law. It also assured that the country will not be used to harm any other country and promised safety for foreign diplomats, NGOs and businesses in the country.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-government-sirajuddin-haqqani-on-fbi-wanted-list-other-key-members-on-un-blacklist-411531">Also Read: In govt, Sirajuddin Haqqani on FBI wanted list</a>

The new government also promised to work towards improving media quality in the country and said that it is their duty to have impartiality in broadcasts but with the caveat that it should be in line with both Islamic law and take into account "national interests".

The 33 member Taliban cabinet has one Uzbek - Abdul Salam Hanafi who is the deputy head of state and two Tjiks - Qari Fasih, the Army chief and Qari Din Muhammad Hanif, the economic affairs minister.

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The 33 member Taliban cabinet has 1 Uzbek - Abdul Salam Hanafi, The deputy head of State and 2 Tajiks - Qari Fasih, the Army Chief and Qari Din Muhammad Hanif, The Economic Affairs minister - the inclusivity as per Taliban. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Afghanistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Afghanistan</a>
— Anas Mallick (@AnasMallick) <a href="https://twitter.com/AnasMallick/status/1435497966945673217?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 8, 2021</a></blockquote>
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There was no mention of any policies towards women's rights in Akhundzada's statement even as the Taliban promised an inclusive government none of the government appointees were women.

In fact, all the top positions were handed to leaders from the Taliban and the Haqqani Network which is the most violent branch of the Taliban known for devastating suicide attacks.

In Herat, demonstrators marched and waved the Afghan flag as some chanted "freedom". Two people were reportedly killed as the Taliban dispersed the crowd.

In Kabul, there were anti-Pakistan protests as Taliban guards fired shots to disperse the crowds. There were no reports of any casualties, however, the Taliban warned the public against taking to the streets saying that until the laws for protests have been explained&nbsp;no one should protest.

(With inputs from Agencies)

With the new government in place in Afghanistan, the Taliban's supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada said that the government will work towards upholding Sharia law.

With the new government in place in Afghanistan, the Taliban's supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada said that the government will work towards upholding Sharia law. "In the future, all matters of governance and life in Afghanistan will be regulated by the laws of the Holy Sharia," Akhundzada said in a statement. Akhundzada added that the new leadership would ensure peace and development and that the Islamic Emirate has no problem with anyone. The Taliban leader also asserted that all will take part in strengthening the system and will rebuild the war-torn country. In Pics: Taliban fighter points gun at Afghan woman protesting against non-inclusive government "I assure all the countrymen that the figures will work hard towards upholding Islamic rules and Sharia law in the country. The Islamic Emirate has no problem with anyone. Everyone will take part in strengthening the system and Afghanistan and in this way, we will rebuild our war-torn country," Akhundzada said. Watch: On the foreign policy, the statement said Afghanistan wants a healthy relationship with the world based on mutual respect while adding that it was committed to upholding all international laws and treaties not in conflict with Islamic law. It also assured that the country will not be used to harm any other country and promised safety for foreign diplomats, NGOs and businesses in the country. Also Read: In govt, Sirajuddin Haqqani on FBI wanted list The new government also promised to work towards improving media quality in the country and said that it is their duty to have impartiality in broadcasts but with the caveat that it should be in line with both Islamic law and take into account "national interests". The 33 member Taliban cabinet has one Uzbek - Abdul Salam Hanafi who is the deputy head of state and two Tjiks - Qari Fasih, the Army chief and Qari Din Muhammad Hanif, the economic affairs minister. The 33 member Taliban cabinet has 1 Uzbek - Abdul Salam Hanafi, The deputy head of State and 2 Tajiks - Qari Fasih, the Army Chief and Qari Din Muhammad Hanif, The Economic Affairs minister - the inclusivity as per Taliban. #Afghanistan — Anas Mallick (@AnasMallick) September 8, 2021 × There was no mention of any policies towards women's rights in Akhundzada's statement even as the Taliban promised an inclusive government none of the government appointees were women. In fact, all the top positions were handed to leaders from the Taliban and the Haqqani Network which is the most violent branch of the Taliban known for devastating suicide attacks. In Herat, demonstrators marched and waved the Afghan flag as some chanted "freedom". Two people were reportedly killed as the Taliban dispersed the crowd. In Kabul, there were anti-Pakistan protests as Taliban guards fired shots to disperse the crowds. There were no reports of any casualties, however, the Taliban warned the public against taking to the streets saying that until the laws for protests have been explained no one should protest. (With inputs from Agencies)

Taliban government lists agenda on Sharia law, media quality & foreign policy

Qatar's ruling Emir and the visiting US&nbsp;secretaries of state and defense discussed developments in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/cpec-is-useful-look-forward-to-implementing-afghanistans-part-taliban-411279">Afghanistan&nbsp;</a>and efforts to enhance security there, the Emir's court said on Monday.

Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani&nbsp;received US&nbsp;Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin after their arrival in Doha earlier in the day.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/four-americans-leave-afghanistan-by-land-us-diplomats-receive-nationals-411251">Also Read:&nbsp;Four Americans leave Afghanistan by land; US diplomats receive nationals</a>

The visit came as Washington sought support for the evacuation of Americans and "at-risk" Afghans left behind in&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;after the Taliban takeover and for building a consensus among allies on how to respond to the Taliban.

State Department spokesman Ned Price said in a statement Blinken and Austin thanked al-Thani "for Qatar’s extraordinary support in facilitating the safe transit of US&nbsp;citizens, our partners, and other Afghans at-risk."

Price added they discussed other "bilateral issues and initiatives to promote regional security and prosperity."

Qatar's ruling Emir and the visiting US secretaries of state and defense discussed developments in Afghanistan and efforts to enhance security there, the Emir's court said on Monday.

Qatar's ruling Emir and the visiting US secretaries of state and defense discussed developments in Afghanistan and efforts to enhance security there, the Emir's court said on Monday. Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani received US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin after their arrival in Doha earlier in the day. Also Read: Four Americans leave Afghanistan by land; US diplomats receive nationals The visit came as Washington sought support for the evacuation of Americans and "at-risk" Afghans left behind in Afghanistan after the Taliban takeover and for building a consensus among allies on how to respond to the Taliban. State Department spokesman Ned Price said in a statement Blinken and Austin thanked al-Thani "for Qatar’s extraordinary support in facilitating the safe transit of US citizens, our partners, and other Afghans at-risk." Price added they discussed other "bilateral issues and initiatives to promote regional security and prosperity."

Blinken discusses transit of US citizens from Afghanistan with Qatar's Emir

Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid has expressed the desire to join China-Pakistan Economic Corridor(CPEC) as the militant group consolidates its hold over<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/four-americans-leave-afghanistan-by-land-us-diplomats-receive-nationals-411251"> Afghanistan</a>.

The move comes as representatives from the Taliban and China met in Kabul on Monday.

Abdul Salam Hanifi, an official from the Taliban's political office met with the Chinese ambassador to Kabul, Wang Yu, as the two purportedly discussed bilateral issues.

Watch:

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Reports said the ambassador pledged China's continued humanitarian aid to the Taliban. Beijing had reiterated a similar stance earlier on the Afghan issue as the country grapples with crisis after the US exit from the region.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin also expressed support to Afghanistan on forming an "open, inclusive and broadly representative government". &nbsp;

"China's position on the Afghan issue is clear and consistent. We have always respected Afghanistan's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity," Wang Wenbin said.

"We always support Afghanistan in forming an open, inclusive and broadly representative government which follows moderate and prudent domestic and foreign policies and resolutely combats terrorist forces in all forms," the foreign ministry spokesman added.

Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid earlier on Monday had said that the Taliban hopes for cooperation with China in many fields including economy, trade, infrastructure and natural gas.

"CPEC is a useful project and we look forward to implementing Afghanistan’s part of the project," Mujahid said.

CPEC is a part of China's most ambitious 'Belt and Road Initiative(BRI) project aimed at renewing the country's historic trade routes in the coastal countries of Southeast Asia.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid has expressed the desire to join China-Pakistan Economic Corridor(CPEC) as the militant group consolidates its hold over Afghanistan.

Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid has expressed the desire to join China-Pakistan Economic Corridor(CPEC) as the militant group consolidates its hold over Afghanistan. The move comes as representatives from the Taliban and China met in Kabul on Monday. Abdul Salam Hanifi, an official from the Taliban's political office met with the Chinese ambassador to Kabul, Wang Yu, as the two purportedly discussed bilateral issues. Watch: Reports said the ambassador pledged China's continued humanitarian aid to the Taliban. Beijing had reiterated a similar stance earlier on the Afghan issue as the country grapples with crisis after the US exit from the region. Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin also expressed support to Afghanistan on forming an "open, inclusive and broadly representative government". "China's position on the Afghan issue is clear and consistent. We have always respected Afghanistan's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity," Wang Wenbin said. "We always support Afghanistan in forming an open, inclusive and broadly representative government which follows moderate and prudent domestic and foreign policies and resolutely combats terrorist forces in all forms," the foreign ministry spokesman added. Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid earlier on Monday had said that the Taliban hopes for cooperation with China in many fields including economy, trade, infrastructure and natural gas. "CPEC is a useful project and we look forward to implementing Afghanistan’s part of the project," Mujahid said. CPEC is a part of China's most ambitious 'Belt and Road Initiative(BRI) project aimed at renewing the country's historic trade routes in the coastal countries of Southeast Asia. (With inputs from Agencies)

CPEC is useful, look forward to implementing Afghanistan’s part: Taliban

A week after US troops left Afghanistan, the Biden administration organised land evacuation of four Americans who crossed over to a "third country". They were received by American diplomats.

Meanwhile,&nbsp;Israel carried out airstrikes against Gaza even as the Israeli army blamed Hamas for the balloons and said that it targeted locations that belonged to the militant group.

In sports,&nbsp;Virat Kohli-led India occupied&nbsp;the top spot in the ICC World Test Championship points table after their 157-run win over England in the fourth Test. Here's the overall standing&nbsp;

Click on the headlines to know more

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/four-americans-leave-afghanistan-by-land-us-diplomats-receive-nationals-411251">Four Americans leave Afghanistan by land; US diplomats receive nationals</a>

<img alt="Kabul airport" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6b67d271-4a14-4dfe-aa2d-8fa364d9ba00" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/News1_0.jpg" />

The US nationals who left Afghanistan by land were received by diplomats in a "third country"

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-launches-airstrikes-in-gaza-after-incendiary-balloon-attacks-411250">Israel launches airstrikes in Gaza after incendiary balloon attacks</a>&nbsp;

<img alt="Israel's Gaza airstrike" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4be8f086-5381-4765-9cae-30788481d580" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Gaza1.jpg" />

Witnesses have been quoted to say that Israeli army also fired artillery in north Gaza

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-vs-england-heres-how-the-world-test-championship-points-table-stands-after-virat-kohli-co-take-2-1-lead-over-joe-root-led-hosts-411258">India vs England: Here's how the World Test Championship points table stands</a>

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Virat Kohli-led India occupied&nbsp;the top spot in the ICC World Test Championship points table after their 157-run win over England in the fourth Test.

&nbsp;

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A week after US troops left Afghanistan, the Biden administration organised land evacuation of four Americans who crossed over to a "third country". They were received by American diplomats.

A week after US troops left Afghanistan, the Biden administration organised land evacuation of four Americans who crossed over to a "third country". They were received by American diplomats. Meanwhile, Israel carried out airstrikes against Gaza even as the Israeli army blamed Hamas for the balloons and said that it targeted locations that belonged to the militant group. In sports, Virat Kohli-led India occupied the top spot in the ICC World Test Championship points table after their 157-run win over England in the fourth Test. Here's the overall standing Click on the headlines to know more Four Americans leave Afghanistan by land; US diplomats receive nationals The US nationals who left Afghanistan by land were received by diplomats in a "third country" Israel launches airstrikes in Gaza after incendiary balloon attacks Witnesses have been quoted to say that Israeli army also fired artillery in north Gaza India vs England: Here's how the World Test Championship points table stands Virat Kohli-led India occupied the top spot in the ICC World Test Championship points table after their 157-run win over England in the fourth Test. Watch: Gravitas - "BBC behaving shamelessly": South Asian Expert Christine Fair

Morning news brief: Israel launches airstrikes in Gaza & more

The US evacuated four Americans from Afghanistan via an overland route. This is the first US extraction since pullout. Roughly, 124,000 people were evacuated by US from Kabul last month.

US evacuates Americans from Afghanistan after troop withdrawal

After over a week after leaving the country, four Americans left <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/endgame-was-not-something-that-anybody-saw-coming-jaishankar-on-afghanistan-411221">Afghanistan</a> by land into a neighbouring country with Taliban's knowledge, reports said.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken informed about the development asserting that the "Taliban did not impede them". According to reports over 100 Americans remain in Afghanistan, however, thousands of interpreters and "at-risk" Afghans are believed to be still in Afghanistan.

The American citizens were received by diplomats in the "third country", US officials said. US Representative Ronny Jackson said they belonged to Texas asserting that they left "after 2 weeks &amp; multiple life-threatening attempts."

Watch:

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It was the first departure organised by the US since their August 31 military departure from Afghanistan which took place at the stroke of midnight.

After the chaos at Kabul airport last week amid the US evacuation, land routes out of Afghanistan is being increasingly looked upon as the key to transport the rest of the nationals by the US.

The US-led airlift which concluded last week had transported 124,000 people which included nationals from other countries including several thousand Afghans.

The US had earlier listed 100 countries who were ready to help Afghans reach destinations outside Afghanistan, but the neighbouring countries did not figure in the list.

The US said it was closely monitoring the Taliban and was holding the militant group to its promise of allowing safe passage to nationals still in the country.

(With inputs from Agencies)

After over a week after leaving the country, four Americans left Afghanistan by land into a neighbouring country with Taliban's knowledge, reports said. Secretary of State Antony Blinken informed about the development asserting that the "Taliban did not impede them".

After over a week after leaving the country, four Americans left Afghanistan by land into a neighbouring country with Taliban's knowledge, reports said. Secretary of State Antony Blinken informed about the development asserting that the "Taliban did not impede them". According to reports over 100 Americans remain in Afghanistan, however, thousands of interpreters and "at-risk" Afghans are believed to be still in Afghanistan. The American citizens were received by diplomats in the "third country", US officials said. US Representative Ronny Jackson said they belonged to Texas asserting that they left "after 2 weeks & multiple life-threatening attempts." Watch: It was the first departure organised by the US since their August 31 military departure from Afghanistan which took place at the stroke of midnight. After the chaos at Kabul airport last week amid the US evacuation, land routes out of Afghanistan is being increasingly looked upon as the key to transport the rest of the nationals by the US. The US-led airlift which concluded last week had transported 124,000 people which included nationals from other countries including several thousand Afghans. The US had earlier listed 100 countries who were ready to help Afghans reach destinations outside Afghanistan, but the neighbouring countries did not figure in the list. The US said it was closely monitoring the Taliban and was holding the militant group to its promise of allowing safe passage to nationals still in the country. (With inputs from Agencies)

Four Americans leave Afghanistan by land; US diplomats receive nationals