Qatar will act as the United States' diplomatic representative in Afghanistan following the shuttering of its embassy during the Taliban takeover.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced on Friday that the country had signed an accord with Qatar to set up an interests section in Afghanistan.

The accord acts as an important signal of possible future direct engagement between Washington and the Taliban after two decades of war.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/troika-plus-pakistans-foreign-minister-says-afghanistan-at-brink-of-economic-collapse-428506" hreflang="en">Pakistan's foreign minister says Afghanistan at 'brink of economic collapse'</a>

Blinken said ''Qatar will establish a US interest section within its embassy in Afghanistan to provide certain consular services and monitor the condition and security of US diplomatic facilities in Afghanistan.''

"Let me again say how grateful we are for your leadership, your support on Afghanistan, but also to note that our partnership is much broader than that," Blinken told Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani.

The new agreement will into effect on December 31. It comes as the United States and other Western countries grapple with how to engage with the hardline Islamists.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-easily-won-afghanistan-because-300000-strong-army-did-not-exist-ex-finance-minister-428379" hreflang="en">Taliban took Kabul as 300,000-strong army didn't exist : Ex-Afghan minister</a>

Qatar, home to a major US military base, has played a major role both in the diplomacy and the evacuations as the United States ended its 20-year war in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

Around half of the 124,000 Westerners and Western-allied Afghans flown out in the waning days of the US military involvement transited through Qatar.&nbsp;

Since the Taliban takeover, US embassy operations in Kabul have been relocated to Qatar.&nbsp;

The United States, European countries and others are reluctant to formally recognise the Pashtun-dominated Taliban, accusing them of backtracking on pledges of political and ethnic inclusivity and to uphold the rights of women and minorities.

(With inputs from agencies)

Qatar will act as the United States' diplomatic representative in Afghanistan following the shuttering of its embassy during the Taliban takeover. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced on Friday that the country had signed an accord with Qatar to set up an interests section in Afghanistan.

Qatar will act as the United States' diplomatic representative in Afghanistan following the shuttering of its embassy during the Taliban takeover. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced on Friday that the country had signed an accord with Qatar to set up an interests section in Afghanistan. The accord acts as an important signal of possible future direct engagement between Washington and the Taliban after two decades of war. Also read | Pakistan's foreign minister says Afghanistan at 'brink of economic collapse' Blinken said ''Qatar will establish a US interest section within its embassy in Afghanistan to provide certain consular services and monitor the condition and security of US diplomatic facilities in Afghanistan.'' "Let me again say how grateful we are for your leadership, your support on Afghanistan, but also to note that our partnership is much broader than that," Blinken told Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani. The new agreement will into effect on December 31. It comes as the United States and other Western countries grapple with how to engage with the hardline Islamists. Also read | Taliban took Kabul as 300,000-strong army didn't exist : Ex-Afghan minister Qatar, home to a major US military base, has played a major role both in the diplomacy and the evacuations as the United States ended its 20-year war in Afghanistan. Around half of the 124,000 Westerners and Western-allied Afghans flown out in the waning days of the US military involvement transited through Qatar. Since the Taliban takeover, US embassy operations in Kabul have been relocated to Qatar. The United States, European countries and others are reluctant to formally recognise the Pashtun-dominated Taliban, accusing them of backtracking on pledges of political and ethnic inclusivity and to uphold the rights of women and minorities. (With inputs from agencies)

'Protecting power': Qatar to act as US diplomatic representative in Afghanistan

China has decided to skip India's 'Delhi Regional Security Dialogue on Afghanistan', a meeting of national security advisers from the region.

The Chinese government said it would not be able to attend the conclave because of scheduling issues. However, the country has conveyed its readiness to maintain contacts with India on Afghanistan through bilateral and multilateral channels.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-looks-for-practical-outcomes-at-security-czars-meet-on-afghanistan-427797">India looks for practical outcomes at 'security czars' meet on Afghanistan</a>

Pakistan had also declined to attend the National Security Advisors meeting being hosted by India, and the country's NSA Moeed Yusuf was publicly quoted as describing India as a spoiler.

On Wednesday, 10th November,&nbsp;India will be hosting, security czars of Russia, Iran and five central Asian countries, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, for security dialogue on Afghanistan.

Conclave participants will work to develop a common approach to practical cooperation in the face of growing threats from terrorism, radicalization, and drug trafficking following the Taliban takeover of Kabul.

The dialogue will be chaired by India's National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval.&nbsp;

Additionally, Doval will also hold bilateral talks with his counterparts, including those from Russia and Iran.

The participating countries, according to sources, are in very high agreement regarding the security implications of the Taliban seizing power in Afghanistan, and the focus of the dialogue will be on how to work together on practical matters.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/iran-russia-central-asia-confirm-presence-at-delhi-nsa-meet-on-afghanistan-426930">Iran, Russia, Central Asia confirm presence at Delhi NSA meet on Afghanistan</a>

The challenges posed by terrorism, radicalisation, drug trafficking, cross-border migration of people, and the threat posed by military weapons left behind by US forces will be discussed at length at the dialogue.

The security officials are also expected to discuss the cross-border movement of Afghans.

According to the MEA, India has enjoyed close and friendly relations with the people of Afghanistan and has called for a unified international response to tackle the security and humanitarian challenges Afghanistan faces.

"The forthcoming meeting is a step in that direction," it said.

Participants in the conference have not recognized the Taliban, and they all share similar concerns and worries about the situation in Afghanistan.

Watch |&nbsp;Iran, Russia confirm presence at Delhi NSA meet on Afghanistan

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-russia-confirm-presence-at-delhi-nsa-meet-on-afghanistan-427030/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

While the meeting is unlikely to result in a formal security architecture, it may lead to a gradual evolution of increased security cooperation.

According to sources, Pakistan had also refused to attend previous dialogues of the NSAs in Iran in 2018 and 2019 citing India's participation.

China has decided to skip India's 'Delhi Regional Security Dialogue on Afghanistan', a meeting of national security advisers from the region. The Chinese government said it would not be able to attend the conclave because of scheduling issues.

China has decided to skip India's 'Delhi Regional Security Dialogue on Afghanistan', a meeting of national security advisers from the region. The Chinese government said it would not be able to attend the conclave because of scheduling issues. However, the country has conveyed its readiness to maintain contacts with India on Afghanistan through bilateral and multilateral channels. Also read | India looks for practical outcomes at 'security czars' meet on Afghanistan Pakistan had also declined to attend the National Security Advisors meeting being hosted by India, and the country's NSA Moeed Yusuf was publicly quoted as describing India as a spoiler. On Wednesday, 10th November, India will be hosting, security czars of Russia, Iran and five central Asian countries, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, for security dialogue on Afghanistan. Conclave participants will work to develop a common approach to practical cooperation in the face of growing threats from terrorism, radicalization, and drug trafficking following the Taliban takeover of Kabul. The dialogue will be chaired by India's National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval. Additionally, Doval will also hold bilateral talks with his counterparts, including those from Russia and Iran. The participating countries, according to sources, are in very high agreement regarding the security implications of the Taliban seizing power in Afghanistan, and the focus of the dialogue will be on how to work together on practical matters. Also read | Iran, Russia, Central Asia confirm presence at Delhi NSA meet on Afghanistan The challenges posed by terrorism, radicalisation, drug trafficking, cross-border migration of people, and the threat posed by military weapons left behind by US forces will be discussed at length at the dialogue. The security officials are also expected to discuss the cross-border movement of Afghans. According to the MEA, India has enjoyed close and friendly relations with the people of Afghanistan and has called for a unified international response to tackle the security and humanitarian challenges Afghanistan faces. "The forthcoming meeting is a step in that direction," it said. Participants in the conference have not recognized the Taliban, and they all share similar concerns and worries about the situation in Afghanistan. Watch | Iran, Russia confirm presence at Delhi NSA meet on Afghanistan While the meeting is unlikely to result in a formal security architecture, it may lead to a gradual evolution of increased security cooperation. According to sources, Pakistan had also refused to attend previous dialogues of the NSAs in Iran in 2018 and 2019 citing India's participation.

After Pak, China NSA to also skip Delhi Regional Security Dialogue on Afghanistan hosted by India

A report by the UN food agency has revealed that as&nbsp;acute hunger spikes around the world,&nbsp;around 45 million people are living on the edge of famine in 43 countries.

Earlier this year, the World&nbsp;Food Programme (WFP) had pegged this number at 42 million. However, a&nbsp;recent assessment of food security found another three million people facing famine in Afghanistan.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/reports-of-famine-in-north-korea-as-bad-as-1990s-amid-mounting-food-insecurity-426894">Reports of famine in North Korea as bad as 1990s amid mounting food insecurity</a>

"Tens of millions of people are staring into an abyss. We've got conflict, climate change and COVID-19 driving up the numbers of the acutely hungry," WFP Executive Director David Beasley was quoted as saying.&nbsp;

After a visit to Afghanistan, where the World Food Program is increasing assistance to almost 23 million people, he said: "The latest data show there are now more than 45 million people marching towards the brink of starvation,".

"Fuel costs are up, food prices are soaring, fertiliser is more expensive, and all of this feeds into new crises like the one unfolding now in Afghanistan, as well as long-standing emergencies like Yemen and Syria," he added.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ill-donate-6-billion-if-the-un-can-prove-how-it-will-solve-world-hunger-elon-musk-425761">I'll donate $6 billion if the UN can prove how it will solve world hunger: Elon Musk</a>

It is now estimated that to avert the famine worldwide, seven billion dollars are needed, up from the estimated 6.6 billion earlier in the year. However, the WFP warns that traditional funding streams are overstretched.

The food insecurity in some areas is causing parents to make devastating choices like marrying off their children early, pulling them out of school, or feeding them locusts, wild leaves, or cactus.

"Meanwhile media reports from Afghanistan point to families reportedly being forced to sell their children in a desperate attempt to survive," it said.

Watch |&nbsp;Afghanistan inches closer to famine as winters approach

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/afghanistan-inches-closer-to-famine-as-winters-approach-420848/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Several droughts in Afghanistan were compounding an economic meltdown, pushing families to the edge.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, 12.4 million Syrians have no idea where their next meal will come from. According to the report, this is the highest number in the Syrian conflict's decade-long history.

In addition, Ethiopia, Haiti, Somalia, Angola, Kenya, and Burundi, have also witnessed an increase in acute hunger, reports the agency.

A report by the UN food agency has revealed that as acute hunger spikes around the world, around 45 million people are living on the edge of famine in 43 countries.

A report by the UN food agency has revealed that as acute hunger spikes around the world, around 45 million people are living on the edge of famine in 43 countries. Earlier this year, the World Food Programme (WFP) had pegged this number at 42 million. However, a recent assessment of food security found another three million people facing famine in Afghanistan. Also read | Reports of famine in North Korea as bad as 1990s amid mounting food insecurity "Tens of millions of people are staring into an abyss. We've got conflict, climate change and COVID-19 driving up the numbers of the acutely hungry," WFP Executive Director David Beasley was quoted as saying. After a visit to Afghanistan, where the World Food Program is increasing assistance to almost 23 million people, he said: "The latest data show there are now more than 45 million people marching towards the brink of starvation,". "Fuel costs are up, food prices are soaring, fertiliser is more expensive, and all of this feeds into new crises like the one unfolding now in Afghanistan, as well as long-standing emergencies like Yemen and Syria," he added. Also read | I'll donate $6 billion if the UN can prove how it will solve world hunger: Elon Musk It is now estimated that to avert the famine worldwide, seven billion dollars are needed, up from the estimated 6.6 billion earlier in the year. However, the WFP warns that traditional funding streams are overstretched. The food insecurity in some areas is causing parents to make devastating choices like marrying off their children early, pulling them out of school, or feeding them locusts, wild leaves, or cactus. "Meanwhile media reports from Afghanistan point to families reportedly being forced to sell their children in a desperate attempt to survive," it said. Watch | Afghanistan inches closer to famine as winters approach Several droughts in Afghanistan were compounding an economic meltdown, pushing families to the edge. Meanwhile, 12.4 million Syrians have no idea where their next meal will come from. According to the report, this is the highest number in the Syrian conflict's decade-long history. In addition, Ethiopia, Haiti, Somalia, Angola, Kenya, and Burundi, have also witnessed an increase in acute hunger, reports the agency.

'Staring into an abyss': UN says 3 million in Afghanistan, 45 million worldwide knocking at famine's door

As Kabul was falling to the Taliban in August, the young Afghan air force pilot flew his PC-12 turboprop from Afghanistan to neighbouring Tajikistan to escape. Like other Afghan officers who fled in dozens of military aircraft to Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, the pilot had faith that his American military partners would rescue him.

“We believed in the US military and government — that they would help us and get us out of this situation,” said the pilot, a lieutenant, who, like other pilots in this article, spoke on the condition of anonymity because of security concerns.

The lieutenant is among 143 Afghan pilots and crew members now detained by Tajik authorities. They are English speakers trained by the US Air Force, and they are counting on the US government or military to evacuate them and also to help evacuate their families back home in Afghanistan.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-crisis-amid-internal-conflict-and-terrorism-locals-struggle-to-get-drinking-water-427287" hreflang="en">Afghan crisis: Amid internal conflict and terrorism, locals struggle to get drinking water</a>

Several thousand other Afghan air force pilots and crew members are in hiding in Afghanistan, feeling abandoned by the US military, their longtime combat ally. They say they and their families are at risk of being hunted down and killed by the Taliban.

“I stood shoulder to shoulder with my American allies for five years — but now they have forgotten us,” an Afghan air force captain who piloted C-208 airplanes said by phone from a safe house in Kabul.

Several other pilots who spoke by phone from Afghanistan said they had heard nothing from the US government. But they said they were being assisted by their former military advisers, many of them volunteers in a group called Operation Sacred Promise, formed to help get Afghan air force personnel to safety.

Brig. Gen. David Hicks, a retired Air Force officer who is CEO of Operation Sacred Promise, said the group, formed in August, had received desperate messages from stranded pilots asking whether the US government had a plan to get them to safety.

“We found out that there was no plan by the US to do anything to get these folks out,” said Hicks, who once commanded the US-led air force training mission in Afghanistan.

He said: “The US has spent millions and millions on these highly educated and highly motivated individuals. Based on what they did fighting the Taliban, we think they deserve priority.”

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-baby-handed-to-us-soldiers-amid-chaos-at-kabul-airport-still-missing-427117" hreflang="en">Afghan baby handed to US soldiers amid chaos at Kabul airport still missing</a>

A State Department spokesperson offered no timeline on relocating Afghan pilots but said Sunday, “We are in regular communication with the government of Tajikistan, and part of those communications includes coordination in response to Afghan air force pilots.”

The spokesperson said, “The United States verified the identities of approximately 150 Afghans after gaining access to the last group in mid-October.”

The United States spent $89 billion training and equipping Afghan defense and security forces, including the Afghan air force and its elite Special Mission Wing. Many of the pilots were trained in the United States.

Some pilots and crew members and their families were evacuated with the help of the US government and military just after the Taliban takeover. But many more were unable to get out, despite attempts by their former advisers to help them.

Since mid-August, Hicks said, Operation Sacred Promise has helped evacuate about 350 Afghans. The group has vetted about 2,000 Afghan air force personnel and their relatives trying to leave the country, with about 8,000 more still to be vetted, he said.

In September, a group of Afghan pilots and crew members was evacuated from Uzbekistan with the help of the US government and Operation Sacred Promise after being detained by Uzbek authorities.

But another group of 143 Afghan air force personnel remains in detention at a sanitarium near the Tajik capital, Dushanbe. They said they were growing increasingly desperate, even though US Embassy officials in Dushanbe had recently arrived to record their biometric data as part of an effort to evacuate them.

“The morale among our colleagues here is very low,” said an Afghan air force major who flew a C-208 military plane to Tajikistan. “We are in an unknown situation, and we don’t know what will happen next to us.”

Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/wion-exclusive-life-under-taliban-they-call-women-sts-419130" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/wion-exclusive-life-under-taliban-they-call-women-sts-419130&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjwq-mH1oj0AhWRzTgGHe85CkEQFnoECAUQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw2l6nZWyfFJjXRmuas22wzA" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wion-exclusive-life-under-taliban-they-call-women-sts-419130" target="_blank">WION exclusive: Life Under&nbsp;Taliban- 'They call women s**ts'</a>

The major and several other pilots spoke on WhatsApp audio messages recorded on smuggled cellphones hidden from guards. They said they were not allowed to leave the facility, where most cellphones had been confiscated. They survive on meager food rations and receive only basic medical care, they said.

Many have not been in touch with their families in Afghanistan, some of whom do not know whether they are still alive, they said.

“We feel abandoned, but we still have hope the US will help us,” said a major who said he had piloted numerous combat missions.

The Tajikistan Embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to email messages requesting comments.

Among those held in Tajikistan is an Afghan pilot who is pregnant and said she needed prenatal care. Her husband, also a pilot, was being held with her.

“We are living like prisoners,” she said in an audio message recorded late last month. “We are fed up. We are getting weak. I’d like to request that the US government expedite our situation here.”

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-mediating-talks-between-pakistans-tehreek-e-taliban-islamabad-report-427608" hreflang="en">Taliban mediating talks between Pakistan's Tehreek-e-Taliban, Islamabad: Report</a>

During Afghanistan’s collapse, about 25% of the Afghan air force’s aircraft were flown to Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, according to an Oct. 31 report by the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction. Hicks put the number at 56 to 60 aircraft. (American forces rendered unusable 80 others at the Kabul airport in late August.)

The status of the planes is uncertain. When asked in mid-August what was being done to recover the aircraft, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin replied, “We’re focused on the airfield and getting people out safely.”

Speaking from Afghanistan, several Afghan air force pilots described moving from house to house to avoid capture by the Taliban. They said they were running out of money and did not dare look for work because they feared being discovered by Taliban officials.

An Afghan air force major who flew C-208 planes for eight years said the Taliban had confronted his relatives, demanding to know his whereabouts. Taliban fighters searched his home and interrogated his mother, said the major, who had moved with his wife and four children to a series of safe houses.

“It’s very dangerous for us here,” the major said.

Watch |&nbsp;No hope for women athletes in Afghanistan?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/no-hope-for-women-athletes-in-afghanistan-427654/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

He said he had been unable to reach anyone in the US government or military, other than his former US Air Force adviser. “It seems we aren’t so important to them anymore,” he said.

The Taliban have said there is a general amnesty for any Afghan who served in the former government or worked with the US government or military. But several Afghan air force pilots have been killed by the Taliban this year.

“They have no good options,” Hicks said. “They’re at risk of being hunted down and killed.”

A major who piloted C-208 planes and was trained at a US Air Force base in Texas said he turned down a chance to fly to Tajikistan in August because he did not want to leave his family behind. Now he and his wife and their seven children are in hiding, low on money and food.

“Our life gets worse day by day,” the major said. “We can’t stay in one place. We are always hiding — even our relatives don’t know where we are.”

Hicks said he feared the pilots and crew members in Afghanistan would soon run out of money and food, and possibly lose what freedom they have left.

“There’s no place for them to hide inside Afghanistan,” he said. “We have to realize that it’s about to be a very dark winter for these people.”

As Kabul was falling to the Taliban in August, the young Afghan air force pilot flew his PC-12 turboprop from Afghanistan to neighbouring Tajikistan to escape. Like other Afghan officers who fled in dozens of military aircraft to Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, the pilot had faith that his American military partners would rescue him.

As Kabul was falling to the Taliban in August, the young Afghan air force pilot flew his PC-12 turboprop from Afghanistan to neighbouring Tajikistan to escape. Like other Afghan officers who fled in dozens of military aircraft to Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, the pilot had faith that his American military partners would rescue him. “We believed in the US military and government — that they would help us and get us out of this situation,” said the pilot, a lieutenant, who, like other pilots in this article, spoke on the condition of anonymity because of security concerns. The lieutenant is among 143 Afghan pilots and crew members now detained by Tajik authorities. They are English speakers trained by the US Air Force, and they are counting on the US government or military to evacuate them and also to help evacuate their families back home in Afghanistan. Also read | Afghan crisis: Amid internal conflict and terrorism, locals struggle to get drinking water Several thousand other Afghan air force pilots and crew members are in hiding in Afghanistan, feeling abandoned by the US military, their longtime combat ally. They say they and their families are at risk of being hunted down and killed by the Taliban. “I stood shoulder to shoulder with my American allies for five years — but now they have forgotten us,” an Afghan air force captain who piloted C-208 airplanes said by phone from a safe house in Kabul. Several other pilots who spoke by phone from Afghanistan said they had heard nothing from the US government. But they said they were being assisted by their former military advisers, many of them volunteers in a group called Operation Sacred Promise, formed to help get Afghan air force personnel to safety. Brig. Gen. David Hicks, a retired Air Force officer who is CEO of Operation Sacred Promise, said the group, formed in August, had received desperate messages from stranded pilots asking whether the US government had a plan to get them to safety. “We found out that there was no plan by the US to do anything to get these folks out,” said Hicks, who once commanded the US-led air force training mission in Afghanistan. He said: “The US has spent millions and millions on these highly educated and highly motivated individuals. Based on what they did fighting the Taliban, we think they deserve priority.” Also read | Afghan baby handed to US soldiers amid chaos at Kabul airport still missing A State Department spokesperson offered no timeline on relocating Afghan pilots but said Sunday, “We are in regular communication with the government of Tajikistan, and part of those communications includes coordination in response to Afghan air force pilots.” The spokesperson said, “The United States verified the identities of approximately 150 Afghans after gaining access to the last group in mid-October.” The United States spent $89 billion training and equipping Afghan defense and security forces, including the Afghan air force and its elite Special Mission Wing. Many of the pilots were trained in the United States. Some pilots and crew members and their families were evacuated with the help of the US government and military just after the Taliban takeover. But many more were unable to get out, despite attempts by their former advisers to help them. Since mid-August, Hicks said, Operation Sacred Promise has helped evacuate about 350 Afghans. The group has vetted about 2,000 Afghan air force personnel and their relatives trying to leave the country, with about 8,000 more still to be vetted, he said. In September, a group of Afghan pilots and crew members was evacuated from Uzbekistan with the help of the US government and Operation Sacred Promise after being detained by Uzbek authorities. But another group of 143 Afghan air force personnel remains in detention at a sanitarium near the Tajik capital, Dushanbe. They said they were growing increasingly desperate, even though US Embassy officials in Dushanbe had recently arrived to record their biometric data as part of an effort to evacuate them. “The morale among our colleagues here is very low,” said an Afghan air force major who flew a C-208 military plane to Tajikistan. “We are in an unknown situation, and we don’t know what will happen next to us.” Also read | WION exclusive: Life Under Taliban- 'They call women s**ts' The major and several other pilots spoke on WhatsApp audio messages recorded on smuggled cellphones hidden from guards. They said they were not allowed to leave the facility, where most cellphones had been confiscated. They survive on meager food rations and receive only basic medical care, they said. Many have not been in touch with their families in Afghanistan, some of whom do not know whether they are still alive, they said. “We feel abandoned, but we still have hope the US will help us,” said a major who said he had piloted numerous combat missions. The Tajikistan Embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to email messages requesting comments. Among those held in Tajikistan is an Afghan pilot who is pregnant and said she needed prenatal care. Her husband, also a pilot, was being held with her. “We are living like prisoners,” she said in an audio message recorded late last month. “We are fed up. We are getting weak. I’d like to request that the US government expedite our situation here.” Also read | Taliban mediating talks between Pakistan's Tehreek-e-Taliban, Islamabad: Report During Afghanistan’s collapse, about 25% of the Afghan air force’s aircraft were flown to Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, according to an Oct. 31 report by the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction. Hicks put the number at 56 to 60 aircraft. (American forces rendered unusable 80 others at the Kabul airport in late August.) The status of the planes is uncertain. When asked in mid-August what was being done to recover the aircraft, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin replied, “We’re focused on the airfield and getting people out safely.” Speaking from Afghanistan, several Afghan air force pilots described moving from house to house to avoid capture by the Taliban. They said they were running out of money and did not dare look for work because they feared being discovered by Taliban officials. An Afghan air force major who flew C-208 planes for eight years said the Taliban had confronted his relatives, demanding to know his whereabouts. Taliban fighters searched his home and interrogated his mother, said the major, who had moved with his wife and four children to a series of safe houses. “It’s very dangerous for us here,” the major said. Watch | No hope for women athletes in Afghanistan? He said he had been unable to reach anyone in the US government or military, other than his former US Air Force adviser. “It seems we aren’t so important to them anymore,” he said. The Taliban have said there is a general amnesty for any Afghan who served in the former government or worked with the US government or military. But several Afghan air force pilots have been killed by the Taliban this year. “They have no good options,” Hicks said. “They’re at risk of being hunted down and killed.” A major who piloted C-208 planes and was trained at a US Air Force base in Texas said he turned down a chance to fly to Tajikistan in August because he did not want to leave his family behind. Now he and his wife and their seven children are in hiding, low on money and food. “Our life gets worse day by day,” the major said. “We can’t stay in one place. We are always hiding — even our relatives don’t know where we are.” Hicks said he feared the pilots and crew members in Afghanistan would soon run out of money and food, and possibly lose what freedom they have left. “There’s no place for them to hide inside Afghanistan,” he said. “We have to realize that it’s about to be a very dark winter for these people.”

Afghan military pilots, on the run, feel abandoned by US

Afghanistan was hit severely when the Taliban regime took over from the government, early this year, which created havoc across the country. The troubled nation saw the huge impact of the takeover from the Taliban outfit with severe unrest as many people decided to leave their homeland and fly to another country, in order to start from scratch.&nbsp;

As a result, the athletes have also suffered, mainly the female sports personalities in the country. As the Taliban regime remains firm on their stance that women of the country won't indulge in sports, the Afghanistan cricket team faced the brunt of it as their forthcoming maiden Test versus Australia -- scheduled to be held in November, 2021&nbsp;in Hobart -- got postponed by the Australian Cricket Board.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/epic-aakash-chopra-reacts-as-pakistani-actor-accuses-bcci-of-fixing-india-vs-afghanistan-t20-wc-clash-426574">EPIC! Aakash Chopra reacts as Pakistani actor accuses BCCI of 'fixing' India vs Afghanistan T20 WC clash</a>

Cricket Australia in a statement said, “Following extensive consultation with relevant stakeholders, Cricket Australia and the Afghanistan Cricket Board have agreed to postpone the inaugural men’s Test match against Afghanistan which was set to be played in Hobart on November 27.”

“CA is committed to supporting growing the game for women and men in Afghanistan and around the world, however, given the present uncertainty, CA felt it necessary to postpone the Test match until a later time when the situation is clearer,” the board said.

“CA looks forward to hosting Afghanistan players in the BBL (Big Bash League) this season, who are great ambassadors for the game, and to hosting both the Afghanistan women’s and men’s team in the not too distant future,” it added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/from-professor-to-fruit-seller-a-life-with-dignity-in-afghanistan-424155">ALSO READ |&nbsp;From professor to fruit seller : a life with dignity in Afghanistan</a>

Following the unfortunate turn of events,&nbsp;Dad Mohammad Nawak, Spokesperson, Afghan National Olympic Committee revealed -- in an interaction with www.wionnews.com's Anas Mallick, -- what the new government policy is towards women's sport and will they be allowed to participate and flourish for the country.&nbsp;

Recently we saw postponement by the Australian Cricket team under the pretext that the new govt. is not allowing (Afghan) women's cricket team to prevail. What is the new govt's policy in regards to women's sports. Will they be allowed participation?

We are trying our best that with regards to women sports, whatever Islam and Islamic Emirates policy says, we want to go ahead on the same path. And we are trying our best to ensure that there would be no discrimination and we want to be away from any discrimination. And we are trying our best to make a system for the women that is beyond any nationality, language or area for sports.

Given that all eyes are on Afghanistan regarding how their women athletes are allowed to function in the coming years, there might be reforms in place to involve them so that the sporting fraternity do not shun the troubled country completely going forward (as done by CA with regard to the one-off Test).

What does the future hold for the women athletes in Afghanistan? It remains unclear as of now. Only time will have all the answers...

Afghanistan was hit severely when the Taliban regime took over from the government, early this year, which created havoc across the country. The troubled nation saw the huge impact of the takeover from the Taliban outfit with severe unrest as many people decided to leave their homeland and fly to another country, in order to start from scratch.

Afghanistan was hit severely when the Taliban regime took over from the government, early this year, which created havoc across the country. The troubled nation saw the huge impact of the takeover from the Taliban outfit with severe unrest as many people decided to leave their homeland and fly to another country, in order to start from scratch. As a result, the athletes have also suffered, mainly the female sports personalities in the country. As the Taliban regime remains firm on their stance that women of the country won't indulge in sports, the Afghanistan cricket team faced the brunt of it as their forthcoming maiden Test versus Australia -- scheduled to be held in November, 2021 in Hobart -- got postponed by the Australian Cricket Board. ALSO READ | EPIC! Aakash Chopra reacts as Pakistani actor accuses BCCI of 'fixing' India vs Afghanistan T20 WC clash Cricket Australia in a statement said, “Following extensive consultation with relevant stakeholders, Cricket Australia and the Afghanistan Cricket Board have agreed to postpone the inaugural men’s Test match against Afghanistan which was set to be played in Hobart on November 27.” “CA is committed to supporting growing the game for women and men in Afghanistan and around the world, however, given the present uncertainty, CA felt it necessary to postpone the Test match until a later time when the situation is clearer,” the board said. “CA looks forward to hosting Afghanistan players in the BBL (Big Bash League) this season, who are great ambassadors for the game, and to hosting both the Afghanistan women’s and men’s team in the not too distant future,” it added. ALSO READ | From professor to fruit seller : a life with dignity in Afghanistan Following the unfortunate turn of events, Dad Mohammad Nawak, Spokesperson, Afghan National Olympic Committee revealed -- in an interaction with www.wionnews.com's Anas Mallick, -- what the new government policy is towards women's sport and will they be allowed to participate and flourish for the country. Recently we saw postponement by the Australian Cricket team under the pretext that the new govt. is not allowing (Afghan) women's cricket team to prevail. What is the new govt's policy in regards to women's sports. Will they be allowed participation? We are trying our best that with regards to women sports, whatever Islam and Islamic Emirates policy says, we want to go ahead on the same path. And we are trying our best to ensure that there would be no discrimination and we want to be away from any discrimination. And we are trying our best to make a system for the women that is beyond any nationality, language or area for sports. Given that all eyes are on Afghanistan regarding how their women athletes are allowed to function in the coming years, there might be reforms in place to involve them so that the sporting fraternity do not shun the troubled country completely going forward (as done by CA with regard to the one-off Test). What does the future hold for the women athletes in Afghanistan? It remains unclear as of now. Only time will have all the answers...

As Australia-Afghanistan Test gets postponed, ANOC's spokesperson sheds light on women athletes' future

In a shocking incident Forouzan Safi, a 29-year-old activist and economics lecturer has been shot dead in northern Afghanistan. Forouzan Safi’s body was identified in a morgue in the city of Mazar-I-Sharif days after she went missing on the 20 October.

29-year-old activist, economics lecturer shot dead in northern Afghanistan

On a busy street of Taimani, in the northwest of Kabul, one could see plenty of fruit sellers lined up along the streets. Just as one drives up along this street, a fruit seller, who wasn’t in this business until two&nbsp;weeks ago, stands out.

Nazar Mohammed was an assistant professor at the Kabul university at the Faculty of Fine Arts. He graduated from the Kazakh College of Fine Arts in Kazakhstan.

Afghanistan’s dire economic condition has forced him to sell bananas on the streets.&nbsp;Nazar, a father of two, lives in a joint family of 12. He is not accustomed to selling bananas, but he believes that this time won’t last forever.

Nazar is among the many teachers who continue to remain unpaid in Afghanistan for months now.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/completely-lost-for-some-afghans-returning-home-is-as-difficult-as-fleeing-423678">‘Completely lost’: For some Afghans, returning home is as difficult as fleeing</a>

The story of Nazar is one among many who scramble to make a living in the war-torn Afghanistan region, whose economy has taken a massive hit following Taliban takeover of Kabul and the resultant ouster of the civilian government.

Only five per cent of Afghan households reported having “enough food to eat”, according to a recent World Food Programme survey.

In Kabul’s Bibi Mahro area, it's 9 am as Ahsan, who used to be a teaching assistant at a private university, leaves his house. However, instead of going to a teaching institute, as his profession warrants, he goes to a busy street of the city centre called Sheher e Nau, where he is now washing cars to run his family.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/work-hard-taliban-to-offer-wheat-in-exchange-of-work-to-reduce-poverty-and-starvation-423598">'Work hard': Taliban to offer wheat in exchange of work to reduce poverty and starvation</a>

Ahsan says it’s difficult for him to make a living, he now earns 10 times lesser than what he used to. Ahsan believes that under the Taliban rule, there might be peace, but there is no place for professionals.

Watch |&nbsp;South Asia Diary: Afghanistan's heroin epidemic

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/south-asia-diary-afghanistans-heroin-epidemic-423980/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In August, the Taliban overthrew the US-backed regime and declared an interim government, vowing to restore stability.

But the Taliban still face a range of international sanctions and a campaign of bloody attacks by the Daesh (ISIS) terrorist group – while climate change has made Afghanistan’s droughts more frequent and intense.

By early next year, it is projected that 97 per cent of the population in Afghanistan will be below the poverty line.

With the Taliban continuously insisting and requesting skilled professionals to stay in the country, as the nation continues to face an acute shortage of cash and other essentials, the treatment rendered out to educators would need more than just statements to hold them back as they strive to earn with dignity and hard work.

On a busy street of Taimani, in the northwest of Kabul, one could see plenty of fruit sellers lined up along the streets. Just as one drives up along this street, a fruit seller, who wasn’t in this business until two weeks ago, stands out.

On a busy street of Taimani, in the northwest of Kabul, one could see plenty of fruit sellers lined up along the streets. Just as one drives up along this street, a fruit seller, who wasn’t in this business until two weeks ago, stands out. Nazar Mohammed was an assistant professor at the Kabul university at the Faculty of Fine Arts. He graduated from the Kazakh College of Fine Arts in Kazakhstan. Afghanistan’s dire economic condition has forced him to sell bananas on the streets. Nazar, a father of two, lives in a joint family of 12. He is not accustomed to selling bananas, but he believes that this time won’t last forever. Nazar is among the many teachers who continue to remain unpaid in Afghanistan for months now. Also read | ‘Completely lost’: For some Afghans, returning home is as difficult as fleeing The story of Nazar is one among many who scramble to make a living in the war-torn Afghanistan region, whose economy has taken a massive hit following Taliban takeover of Kabul and the resultant ouster of the civilian government. Only five per cent of Afghan households reported having “enough food to eat”, according to a recent World Food Programme survey. In Kabul’s Bibi Mahro area, it's 9 am as Ahsan, who used to be a teaching assistant at a private university, leaves his house. However, instead of going to a teaching institute, as his profession warrants, he goes to a busy street of the city centre called Sheher e Nau, where he is now washing cars to run his family. Also read | 'Work hard': Taliban to offer wheat in exchange of work to reduce poverty and starvation Ahsan says it’s difficult for him to make a living, he now earns 10 times lesser than what he used to. Ahsan believes that under the Taliban rule, there might be peace, but there is no place for professionals. Watch | South Asia Diary: Afghanistan's heroin epidemic In August, the Taliban overthrew the US-backed regime and declared an interim government, vowing to restore stability. But the Taliban still face a range of international sanctions and a campaign of bloody attacks by the Daesh (ISIS) terrorist group – while climate change has made Afghanistan’s droughts more frequent and intense. By early next year, it is projected that 97 per cent of the population in Afghanistan will be below the poverty line. With the Taliban continuously insisting and requesting skilled professionals to stay in the country, as the nation continues to face an acute shortage of cash and other essentials, the treatment rendered out to educators would need more than just statements to hold them back as they strive to earn with dignity and hard work.

From professor to fruit seller : a life with dignity in Afghanistan

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

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