New Delhi: In the wake of a devastating airstrike by Pakistan that killed many civilians at a drug rehabilitation centre in the Afghan capital, India has sent a consignment of emergency medical supplies to help treat the injured. The Indian government delivered a 2.5-tonne consignment of emergency medicines, medical disposables, treatment kits, and essential equipment to Afghanistan’s Ministry of Public Health. The aid arrived in Kabul shortly after the attack to support the care of survivors and those wounded in the strike.&nbsp;“India stands in solidarity with the Afghan people and will continue to extend all possible humanitarian support in this difficult hour,” India’s Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement. The assistance comes even as Delhi has been helping Afghanistan to address its health challenges, particularly amid widespread drug addiction issues.&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/MEAIndia/status/2034974274373492978/embed">https://x.com/MEAIndia/status/2034974274373492978/embed</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;The attack on 16 March targeted the Omid Addiction Treatment Hospital (also known as Omar), a 2,000-bed facility dedicated to helping those battling drug addiction. The strike by Pakistan air force, which occurred around 9:00 PM local time during the holy month of Ramadan, destroyed large parts of the complex, including patient wards and housing units. Afghan authorities reported that at least 400 people were killed and more than 250 injured, most of them vulnerable patients receiving treatment. Rescue teams continued to search the rubble for days, pulling bodies from collapsed buildings amid reports of intense fires.&nbsp;India’s response was swift and focused on humanitarian support. Dr Sharafat Zaman Amar, spokesperson for Afghanistan’s health ministry, confirmed receipt of the supplies, noting they were provided directly to aid recovery efforts at affected facilities. The medicines are intended for urgent trauma care and related needs following the incident.&nbsp;The attack marked one of the deadliest single events in the escalating conflict between the two neighbours. The attack by Pakistan saw widespread international condemnation, including by India. New Delhi had earlier strongly condemned the airstrike as a “barbaric” and “unconscionable” act of violence against civilians, calling for accountability and an end to such attacks.

The attack by Pakistan saw widespread international condemnation, including by India. New Delhi had earlier strongly condemned the airstrike as a “barbaric” and “unconscionable” act of violence against civilians, calling for accountability and an end to such attacks.

New Delhi: In the wake of a devastating airstrike by Pakistan that killed many civilians at a drug rehabilitation centre in the Afghan capital, India has sent a consignment of emergency medical supplies to help treat the injured. The Indian government delivered a 2.5-tonne consignment of emergency medicines, medical disposables, treatment kits, and essential equipment to Afghanistan’s Ministry of Public Health. The aid arrived in Kabul shortly after the attack to support the care of survivors and those wounded in the strike. “India stands in solidarity with the Afghan people and will continue to extend all possible humanitarian support in this difficult hour,” India’s Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement. The assistance comes even as Delhi has been helping Afghanistan to address its health challenges, particularly amid widespread drug addiction issues. https://x.com/MEAIndia/status/2034974274373492978/embed The attack on 16 March targeted the Omid Addiction Treatment Hospital (also known as Omar), a 2,000-bed facility dedicated to helping those battling drug addiction. The strike by Pakistan air force, which occurred around 9:00 PM local time during the holy month of Ramadan, destroyed large parts of the complex, including patient wards and housing units. Afghan authorities reported that at least 400 people were killed and more than 250 injured, most of them vulnerable patients receiving treatment. Rescue teams continued to search the rubble for days, pulling bodies from collapsed buildings amid reports of intense fires. India’s response was swift and focused on humanitarian support. Dr Sharafat Zaman Amar, spokesperson for Afghanistan’s health ministry, confirmed receipt of the supplies, noting they were provided directly to aid recovery efforts at affected facilities. The medicines are intended for urgent trauma care and related needs following the incident. The attack marked one of the deadliest single events in the escalating conflict between the two neighbours. The attack by Pakistan saw widespread international condemnation, including by India. New Delhi had earlier strongly condemned the airstrike as a “barbaric” and “unconscionable” act of violence against civilians, calling for accountability and an end to such attacks.

The attack by Pakistan saw widespread international condemnation, including by India. New Delhi had earlier strongly condemned the airstrike as a “barbaric” and “unconscionable” act of violence against civilians, calling for accountability and an end to such attacks.

India rushes emergency aid to Afghanistan after deadly Pakistan airstrike on Kabul hospital

Afghanistan has vowed to retaliate against Pakistan as authorities perform mass burials for victims of a devastating airstrike that struck a drug treatment centre in the capital, Kabul. The nation is currently preparing last rites for the hundreds killed in Monday night's strike, which flattened the Omid Addiction Treatment Hospital.&nbsp;Afghanistan's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi, on Tuesday confirmed that more than 408 individuals "under treatment" for narcotics addiction were killed and over 265 were injured in a Pakistani strike, many of whom remain in critical condition.&nbsp;Earlier in the day, two large excavators were seen digging on a hill in Kabul, AFP reported. Taliban's interior ministry spokesman Abdul Mateen Qani confirmed a mass funeral would be held there.&nbsp;"Not all 400 bodies will be buried in Kabul because some of them were transferred to their provinces," he added.&nbsp;However, Pakistan has denied Taliban government claims that the centre was deliberately targeted and said it had carried out precision strikes on "military installations and terrorist support infrastructure".&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kill-anyone-in-sight-israel-authorises-its-military-to-kill-any-high-ranking-iranian-officials-1773833858920">Kill anyone in sight: Israel authorises its military to kill any high-ranking Iranian officials</a>&nbsp;The recent Afghanistan-Pakistan conflict, termed "open war" by Islamabad, was triggered after Pakistan's Pakistan Air Force (PAF) launched airstrikes on targets in Afghanistan's Nangarhar, Paktika, and Khost provinces on what it described as terror hideouts, following the Islamabad Mosque bombing on February 6 and high casualty attacks on military checkpoints in Bajaur and Bannu Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province of northwestern Pakistan in mid-February.&nbsp;Pakistan has repeatedly alleged that its north-western neighbour backs Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and offers safe haven to militants targeting Islamabad, an accusation Afghanistan has consistently rejected.<h2>Afghanistan vows revenge</h2>Afghanistan’s Taliban government Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani has promised retribution for this week’s Pakistani airstrike that killed hundreds at a Kabul drug rehabilitation centre.&nbsp;"We will take revenge," the Taliban government minister said on Wednesday at the mass burial of some of the victims in the capital, calling those behind Monday night's bombing "criminals".&nbsp;"We are not weak and helpless. You will see the consequences of your crimes," he added.&nbsp;On Tuesday, describing Pakistan's actions as "pure oppression and an unjustified war," &nbsp;Taliban's Foreign Minister Muttaqi vowed, "reciprocal, proportionate, and legitimate defensive measures until the other side ceases its violations and refrains from its crimes".&nbsp;

Afghanistan’s Taliban government Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani has promised retribution for this week’s Pakistani airstrike that killed hundreds at a Kabul drug rehabilitation centre.

Afghanistan has vowed to retaliate against Pakistan as authorities perform mass burials for victims of a devastating airstrike that struck a drug treatment centre in the capital, Kabul. The nation is currently preparing last rites for the hundreds killed in Monday night's strike, which flattened the Omid Addiction Treatment Hospital. Afghanistan's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi, on Tuesday confirmed that more than 408 individuals "under treatment" for narcotics addiction were killed and over 265 were injured in a Pakistani strike, many of whom remain in critical condition. Earlier in the day, two large excavators were seen digging on a hill in Kabul, AFP reported. Taliban's interior ministry spokesman Abdul Mateen Qani confirmed a mass funeral would be held there. "Not all 400 bodies will be buried in Kabul because some of them were transferred to their provinces," he added. However, Pakistan has denied Taliban government claims that the centre was deliberately targeted and said it had carried out precision strikes on "military installations and terrorist support infrastructure". Also Read: Kill anyone in sight: Israel authorises its military to kill any high-ranking Iranian officials The recent Afghanistan-Pakistan conflict, termed "open war" by Islamabad, was triggered after Pakistan's Pakistan Air Force (PAF) launched airstrikes on targets in Afghanistan's Nangarhar, Paktika, and Khost provinces on what it described as terror hideouts, following the Islamabad Mosque bombing on February 6 and high casualty attacks on military checkpoints in Bajaur and Bannu Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province of northwestern Pakistan in mid-February. Pakistan has repeatedly alleged that its north-western neighbour backs Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and offers safe haven to militants targeting Islamabad, an accusation Afghanistan has consistently rejected. Afghanistan vows revenge Afghanistan’s Taliban government Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani has promised retribution for this week’s Pakistani airstrike that killed hundreds at a Kabul drug rehabilitation centre. "We will take revenge," the Taliban government minister said on Wednesday at the mass burial of some of the victims in the capital, calling those behind Monday night's bombing "criminals". "We are not weak and helpless. You will see the consequences of your crimes," he added. On Tuesday, describing Pakistan's actions as "pure oppression and an unjustified war," Taliban's Foreign Minister Muttaqi vowed, "reciprocal, proportionate, and legitimate defensive measures until the other side ceases its violations and refrains from its crimes".

Afghanistan’s Taliban government Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani has promised retribution for this week’s Pakistani airstrike that killed hundreds at a Kabul drug rehabilitation centre.

Mass funeral in Afghanistan for victims of Pakistan rehab centre strike; Taliban vows revenge

India on Saturday condemned the recent airstrikes by Pakistan in Afghanistan, terming the strikes yet another act of aggression by a Pakistani establishment that remains hostile to the idea of a sovereign Afghanistan, and reiterated India’s stance that Afghanistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity must be respected. The airstrikes by Pakistan had killed 16 civilians and injured 15 others besides damaging infrastructure in Afghanistan.Afghanistan’s ruling authorities condemned the Pakistani attacks as violations of their sovereignty. Hours after the Pakistani attacks, Afghan forces targeted Pakistani military centres.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iranian-leader-says-ukraine-now-a-legitimate-target-over-alleged-drone-support-for-israel-1773501266904">Iranian leader says Ukraine now a ‘legitimate target’ over alleged drone support for Israel</a>&nbsp;Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal shared a statement on Saturday that said, “India condemns the air strikes by Pakistan in Afghanistan’s territory, leading to the death of several civilians and destruction of civilian infrastructure. This is yet another act of aggression by a Pakistani establishment that remains hostile to the idea of a sovereign Afghanistan. India reiterates that Afghanistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity should be fully respected.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Our response to media queries on recent attacks by Pakistan on Afghanistan ⬇️ 🔗 <a href="https://t.co/jXBxyOlsfl">https://t.co/jXBxyOlsfl</a> <a href="https://t.co/mvVnVvaUZ9">pic.twitter.com/mvVnVvaUZ9</a>&mdash; Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/2032829343660126579?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The Afghan Taliban government on Friday accused Pakistan of carrying out airstrikes in Kabul and several areas in eastern Afghanistan. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/war-with-iran-entering-decisive-phase-says-israel-s-defence-minister-israel-katz-1773498890073">War with Iran entering ‘decisive phase,’ says Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz</a> Afghan government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said Pakistani aircraft also struck fuel depots belonging to the private airline Kam Air near Kandahar airport in southern Afghanistan.Islamabad denied deliberately targeting civilians and said that its operations were aimed at Pakistani Taliban militants and their support networks operating from across the border. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-hit-more-than-90-iranian-military-targets-on-kharg-island-centcom-1773491825641">US hit more than 90 Iranian military targets on Kharg Island: CENTCOM</a> Hours later, authorities in Kabul said Afghanistan’s air force had responded by targeting Pakistani military installations near Islamabad and in parts of northwestern Pakistan. Islamabad described the escalating conflict as an “open war” that raised concerns about regional stability even as the US-Israeli conflict with Iran continues. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-arrests-man-accuses-him-of-running-starlink-internet-network-report-1773427572506">Iran arrests man, accuses him of running Starlink internet network: Report</a> Pakistan accused Afghanistan’s Taliban-led government of harbouring militant groups, particularly the Pakistani Taliban (TTP), which it alleged carry out attacks inside Pakistan after crossing the porous border.

The Afghan Taliban government accused Pakistan of carrying out airstrikes in Kabul and several areas in eastern Afghanistan. Islamabad denied deliberately targeting civilians and said its operations were aimed at Pakistani Taliban militants and their support networks.

India on Saturday condemned the recent airstrikes by Pakistan in Afghanistan, terming the strikes yet another act of aggression by a Pakistani establishment that remains hostile to the idea of a sovereign Afghanistan, and reiterated India’s stance that Afghanistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity must be respected. The airstrikes by Pakistan had killed 16 civilians and injured 15 others besides damaging infrastructure in Afghanistan. Afghanistan’s ruling authorities condemned the Pakistani attacks as violations of their sovereignty. Hours after the Pakistani attacks, Afghan forces targeted Pakistani military centres. Also Read: Iranian leader says Ukraine now a ‘legitimate target’ over alleged drone support for Israel Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal shared a statement on Saturday that said, “India condemns the air strikes by Pakistan in Afghanistan’s territory, leading to the death of several civilians and destruction of civilian infrastructure. This is yet another act of aggression by a Pakistani establishment that remains hostile to the idea of a sovereign Afghanistan. India reiterates that Afghanistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity should be fully respected.”

The Afghan Taliban government accused Pakistan of carrying out airstrikes in Kabul and several areas in eastern Afghanistan. Islamabad denied deliberately targeting civilians and said its operations were aimed at Pakistani Taliban militants and their support networks.

‘Another act of aggression’: India condemns Pakistan’s airstrikes in Afghanistan

Reports citing senior Pakistani officials said that two UAVs (drones) were spotted loitering near Faizabad Interchange, the junction between Rawalpindi and Islamabad, on Friday and were shot down by air defence systems, following which authorities temporarily closed the airspace above Islamabad as a precautionary measure.&nbsp;Sources said that the drones were intercepted, and one of them fell near Faizabad and the other in Islamabad’s I-9 sector. They added that the drones were explosive-laden.The drones had possibly been launched from Afghanistan, they added.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">⚡ 🇵🇰 Airspace Alert | Islamabad–Rawalpindi Senior Pakistani officials report that two UAVs (drones) loitering near Faizabad Interchange—the junction between Rawalpindi and Islamabad—were shot down by air defence systems. Following the incident, authorities have temporarily… <a href="https://t.co/oCzB2kBe35">pic.twitter.com/oCzB2kBe35</a>&mdash; Nexus Intel (@Nexus_Intel360) <a href="https://twitter.com/Nexus_Intel360/status/2032473225985196101?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 13, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-us-close-to-critical-minerals-deal-announcement-likely-soon-ambassador-sergio-gor-1773409906075">‘India, US close to critical minerals deal, announcement likely soon:’ Ambassador Sergio Gor</a>&nbsp;Some social media users also shared videos and photos of the incident and drone remnants, though their veracity could not be confirmed.Earlier, the Pakistan Airports Authority said in a post on X, which was later deleted, that flight operations at the Islamabad International Airport experienced a “brief operational adjustment”.The statement had come after several media outlets reported that Islamabad International Airport had been closed for flights.In a later statement, the authority said that reports circulating about the closure of Islamabad’s airspace were “baseless”.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-nobody-will-hire-them-sc-turns-down-plea-on-menstrual-leaves-says-move-will-hamper-career-of-women-1773398413222">‘Nobody will hire them’: SC turns down plea on menstrual leaves, says move will hamper career of women</a>&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) clarifies that reports circulating about the closure of Islamabad’s airspace are baseless. Flight operations at Islamabad International Airport are continuing without interruption and all flights are operating according to schedule.&mdash; Pakistan Airports Authority (@Pk_PAA_Official) <a href="https://twitter.com/Pk_PAA_Official/status/2032482046246105167?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 13, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;&nbsp;“Flight operations at Islamabad International Airport are continuing without interruption and all flights are operating according to schedule,” it said.“The public is advised not to pay attention to unverified or misleading reports and to rely on official sources of PAA for authentic information,” it said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-not-laying-mines-allowed-ships-from-some-countries-to-cross-strait-of-hormuz-deputy-fm-1773341159965">‘Iran not laying mines, allowed ships from some countries to cross Strait of Hormuz’: Deputy FM</a><h2>Afghanistan conducts retaliatory drone strikes on strategic military centres</h2>&nbsp;Earlier, Afghanistan conducted retaliatory drone strikes on strategic military centres and installations of the Pakistan army in the Kohath area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, said Afghanistan’s Ministry of Defence on Friday.Pakistan’s Kohat Military Fort, a war command centre along the Durand Line, and the office of the fort’s commander sustained significant damage during the retaliatory strikes, it claimed.&nbsp;Afghanistan’s Ministry of Defence said in a post on X, “The fort’s military installations, the command centre, depots, and soldiers’ residential quarters were destroyed, resulting in significant human and material losses.”The Pakistan Air Force had struck fuel depots belonging to the private airline Kam Air near Kandahar Airport in Afghanistan.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/oil-tanker-with-indian-captain-went-dark-to-cross-high-risk-strait-of-hormuz-reach-mumbai-1773315721972">Oil tanker, with Indian captain, went ‘dark’ to cross high-risk Strait of Hormuz, reach Mumbai</a>&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">د پاکستان پوځي رژیم د بیګا شپې تجاوزونو په غبرګون کې افغان هوایي ځواکونو نن سهار د خیبر پښتونخوا کوهاټ سیمه کې د پاکستاني پوځیانو ستراتيژیک نظامي مراکز او تأسیسات په نښه کړل. په بریدونو کې د کوهاټ پوځي قلعه وویشتل شوه او <a href="https://t.co/H7qnrBoINd">pic.twitter.com/H7qnrBoINd</a>&mdash; د ملي دفاع وزارت - وزارت دفاع ملی (@MoDAfghanistan2) <a href="https://twitter.com/MoDAfghanistan2/status/2032355000433664078?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 13, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said this company provides fuel for domestic airlines and United Nations aircraft. Mujahid also accused Pakistan of previously attacking the fuel storage of a national trader named Haji Khan Zadah. Pakistani strikes that hit Afghanistan’s two largest cities, the capital Kabul and Kandahar, killing six people, claimed Taliban officials. A handle on X identified as Afghanistan’s ministry of national defence claimed that Pakistan’s “night-time” violations were met with a befitting response by Afghan forces.It wrote, “In response to the Pakistani military regime’s night-time violations of the Durand Line, Afghan air forces targeted strategic military centres and installations of Pakistani troops in the Kohat area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa this morning.” “In the attacks, the Kohat military fortress was destroyed and nearby that same fort, within two kilometres, the command centre for the Durand Line conflict and the commander's office of the military fort were also precisely targeted,” it added. The Pakistani strikes hit homes in the Afghan capital and destroyed a fuel depot at Kandahar airport.

Afghanistan conducted retaliatory drone strikes on strategic military centres and Pakistan army installations in Kohath area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Friday. Pakistan’s Kohat Military Fort, a war command centre, and the office of fort’s commander sustained significant damage in the strikes.

Reports citing senior Pakistani officials said that two UAVs (drones) were spotted loitering near Faizabad Interchange, the junction between Rawalpindi and Islamabad, on Friday and were shot down by air defence systems, following which authorities temporarily closed the airspace above Islamabad as a precautionary measure. Sources said that the drones were intercepted, and one of them fell near Faizabad and the other in Islamabad’s I-9 sector. They added that the drones were explosive-laden. The drones had possibly been launched from Afghanistan, they added.

Afghanistan conducted retaliatory drone strikes on strategic military centres and Pakistan army installations in Kohath area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Friday. Pakistan’s Kohat Military Fort, a war command centre, and the office of fort’s commander sustained significant damage in the strikes.

UAVs sighted between Rawalpindi and Islamabad, shot down; Pak denies airspace closure reports

The United States on Monday (Mar 9) designated Afghanistan as a "State Sponsor of Wrongful Detention" while demanding that the Taliban government release two American citizens. Calling on Kabul to end its "hostage diplomacy", Secretary of the US State Department Marco Rubio alleged that the Taliban continues to kidnap people "to seek policy concessions". This comes just over a week after America, for the first time, added Iran to its new "wrongful detention" blacklist. The list was created via US President Donald Trump's executive order in September 2025.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/economy/amid-iran-war-dubai-gold-at-discount-of-30-but-it-s-bad-news-for-india-here-s-why-gold-prices-latest-1772863560146">Amid Iran war Dubai selling gold at discount, but it’s bad news for India. Here’s why</a><h2>Afghanistan's "terrorist tactics"</h2>In a statement, Rubio alleged that the "Taliban continues to use terrorist tactics, kidnapping individuals for ransom or to seek policy concessions".He said that it was not safe for American citizens to travel to Afghanistan because "the Taliban continues to unjustly detain our fellow Americans and other foreign nationals."Rubio called for the release of "Dennis Coyle, Mahmoud Habibi, and all Americans unjustly detained in Afghanistan now and commit to cease the practice of hostage diplomacy forever".<h2>Who is Mahmoud Habibi?</h2>An Afghan-American citizen, Mahmoud Habibi, previously served as Afghanistan's director of civil aviation. According to US authorities, Habibi, along with dozens of other employees of his telecommunications firm, was arrested in August 2022 — a year after the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan in August 2021.Previously, the US State Department had issued a $5 million reward for any information that may lead to Habibi's return to America.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/america-s-deadliest-war-crime-investigation-finds-us-likely-responsible-for-devastating-school-strike-that-killed-150-iranian-girls-1772766411530">US investigation admits America was responsible for devastating school strike that killed over 150 Iranian girls</a><h2>Who is Dennis Coyle?</h2>Dennis Coyle is an academic from Colorado. According to the James Foley Foundation, he worked in Afghanistan for over two decades before being detained by the Taliban in January 2025.

Why has the US labelled Afghanistan a “State Sponsor of Wrongful Detention”?

Marco Rubio says the Taliban is using “hostage diplomacy” and has demanded the release of detained Americans. Who are the citizens being held? Here's all we know.

The United States on Monday (Mar 9) designated Afghanistan as a "State Sponsor of Wrongful Detention" while demanding that the Taliban government release two American citizens. Calling on Kabul to end its "hostage diplomacy", Secretary of the US State Department Marco Rubio alleged that the Taliban continues to kidnap people "to seek policy concessions". This comes just over a week after America, for the first time, added Iran to its new "wrongful detention" blacklist. The list was created via US President Donald Trump's executive order in September 2025. Also read | Amid Iran war Dubai selling gold at discount, but it’s bad news for India. Here’s why Afghanistan's "terrorist tactics" In a statement, Rubio alleged that the "Taliban continues to use terrorist tactics, kidnapping individuals for ransom or to seek policy concessions". He said that it was not safe for American citizens to travel to Afghanistan because "the Taliban continues to unjustly detain our fellow Americans and other foreign nationals." Rubio called for the release of "Dennis Coyle, Mahmoud Habibi, and all Americans unjustly detained in Afghanistan now and commit to cease the practice of hostage diplomacy forever". Who is Mahmoud Habibi? An Afghan-American citizen, Mahmoud Habibi, previously served as Afghanistan's director of civil aviation. According to US authorities, Habibi, along with dozens of other employees of his telecommunications firm, was arrested in August 2022 — a year after the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan in August 2021. Previously, the US State Department had issued a $5 million reward for any information that may lead to Habibi's return to America. Also read | US investigation admits America was responsible for devastating school strike that killed over 150 Iranian girls Who is Dennis Coyle? Dennis Coyle is an academic from Colorado. According to the James Foley Foundation, he worked in Afghanistan for over two decades before being detained by the Taliban in January 2025.

Why has the US labelled Afghanistan a “State Sponsor of Wrongful Detention”?Marco Rubio says the Taliban is using “hostage diplomacy” and has demanded the release of detained Americans. Who are the citizens being held? Here's all we know.

US slams Afghanistan for 'terrorist tactics' designates it 'State Sponsor of Wrongful Detention'

Amid military escalation between Afghanistan and Pakistan, an explosion was heard in central Kabul before dawn on Sunday (Mar 1), according to media reports. The blast was followed by multiple rounds of gunfire as the Afghan Taliban government said their forces were shooting at Pakistani aircraft.“Anti-aircraft fire is being directed at Pakistani aircraft in Kabul; residents should not be alarmed,” Taliban government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid posted on X.Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan on Friday (Feb 27) reached a boiling point with Islamabad carrying out airstrikes in parts of Kabul, Kandahar and Paktia. In response, Afghanistan launched retaliatory strikes on Islamabad.&nbsp;Pakistan has already declared “open war” against Afghanistan’s Taliban authorities. On Friday (Feb 27) Pakistan's defence minister Khawaja Asif, in a post on X, said that Islamabad's “patience has reached its limit.”Earlier on Saturday (Feb 28), Afghanistan captured a Pakistani pilot after a jet crashed in Jalalabad city. Reports suggest that the pilot managed to escape the plane crash using a parachute but was captured alive by the Afghanistani military and police.However, Islamabad's foreign ministry on Saturday said Afghanistan's military's claims of downing a Pakistani jet and capturing a pilot were “totally untrue”. Talking to AFP, the Pakistan foreign ministry spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi said, “That's a false claim. Totally untrue”.Afghan authorities accused Pakistan of killing civilians in multiple air raids, claims Islamabad has not directly addressed. Afghan officials say Pakistani shelling and air strikes have killed at least 30 civilians across the eastern provinces of Khost, Kunar and Paktika since Thursday.&nbsp;Both sides have traded heavy casualty figures that remain independently unverified. Pakistan says nearly 300 Afghan soldiers and militants have been killed, while Afghanistan claims more than 80 Pakistani troops died and 27 military posts were captured.The conflict marks a sharp escalation, with analysts noting that Pakistan’s recent strikes have targeted Afghan government facilities — a shift from previous operations aimed at militant hideouts. Diplomatic efforts by Saudi Arabia, Qatar and China have so far failed to secure a ceasefire, as Islamabad declared “open war” and Kabul called for dialogue to prevent further bloodshed.

The blast was followed by multiple rounds of gunfire as the Afghan Taliban government said their forces were shooting at Pakistani aircraft.

Amid military escalation between Afghanistan and Pakistan, an explosion was heard in central Kabul before dawn on Sunday (Mar 1), according to media reports. The blast was followed by multiple rounds of gunfire as the Afghan Taliban government said their forces were shooting at Pakistani aircraft. “Anti-aircraft fire is being directed at Pakistani aircraft in Kabul; residents should not be alarmed,” Taliban government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid posted on X. Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan on Friday (Feb 27) reached a boiling point with Islamabad carrying out airstrikes in parts of Kabul, Kandahar and Paktia. In response, Afghanistan launched retaliatory strikes on Islamabad. Pakistan has already declared “open war” against Afghanistan’s Taliban authorities. On Friday (Feb 27) Pakistan's defence minister Khawaja Asif, in a post on X, said that Islamabad's “patience has reached its limit.” Earlier on Saturday (Feb 28), Afghanistan captured a Pakistani pilot after a jet crashed in Jalalabad city. Reports suggest that the pilot managed to escape the plane crash using a parachute but was captured alive by the Afghanistani military and police. However, Islamabad's foreign ministry on Saturday said Afghanistan's military's claims of downing a Pakistani jet and capturing a pilot were “totally untrue”. Talking to AFP, the Pakistan foreign ministry spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi said, “That's a false claim. Totally untrue”. Afghan authorities accused Pakistan of killing civilians in multiple air raids, claims Islamabad has not directly addressed. Afghan officials say Pakistani shelling and air strikes have killed at least 30 civilians across the eastern provinces of Khost, Kunar and Paktika since Thursday. Both sides have traded heavy casualty figures that remain independently unverified. Pakistan says nearly 300 Afghan soldiers and militants have been killed, while Afghanistan claims more than 80 Pakistani troops died and 27 military posts were captured. The conflict marks a sharp escalation, with analysts noting that Pakistan’s recent strikes have targeted Afghan government facilities — a shift from previous operations aimed at militant hideouts. Diplomatic efforts by Saudi Arabia, Qatar and China have so far failed to secure a ceasefire, as Islamabad declared “open war” and Kabul called for dialogue to prevent further bloodshed.

The blast was followed by multiple rounds of gunfire as the Afghan Taliban government said their forces were shooting at Pakistani aircraft.

Blasts, gunfire heard in Kabul as Afghanistan says shooting Pakistani aircraft

Afghanistan has captured a Pakistani pilot after a jet crashed in Jalalabad city on Saturday (Fev 28). Reports suggest that the pilot managed to escape the plane crash using a parachute but was captured alive by the Afghanistani military and police. This comes a day after Pakistani air strikes hit other Afghan cities.According to AFP, two loud explosions were heard in eastern Afghanistan. According to an AFP journalist present on the scene, the blasts were heard from the direction of the airport in Jalalabad, the capital of Nangarhar province, which sits on the road between Kabul and the Pakistani border.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-declares-open-war-against-afghanistan-taliban-says-patience-reached-its-limit-1772154130929">'Dama Dam Mast Qalandar': Pakistan declares 'open war' against Afghanistan, says 'patience has reached its limit'</a><h2>Afghanistan confirms Pakistani pilot captured alive</h2>"A Pakistani fighter jet was shot down in the sixth district of Jalalabad city, and its pilot was captured alive," said Afghan police spokesman Tayeb Hammad. Wahidullah Mohammadi, spokesman for the military in eastern Afghanistan, confirmed the Pakistani jet was downed by Afghan forces, "and the pilot was captured alive".<h2>Pakistan says Afghanistan's claims are “totally untrue”</h2>Islamabad's foreign ministry on Saturday said Afghanistan's military's claims of downing a Pakistani jet and capturing a pilot were "totally untrue". Talking to AFP, the Pakistan foreign ministry spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi said, "That's a false claim. Totally untrue".Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/are-afghanistan-and-pakistan-headed-for-a-war-here-s-what-we-know-1772176797373">Are Afghanistan and Pakistan headed for a war? Here's what we know</a>The US had previously expressed diplomatic backing for Pakistan's stance, following Islamabad's declaration that it would continue strikes aimed at pressuring the Afghan government, which Pakistan alleges supports militancy. The Taliban government has, however, denied the allegation, and its spokesperson had earlier called for "dialogue" to resolve a previously simmering conflict that Pakistan's defence minister said on Friday was now "open war".&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Afghanistan has captured a Pakistani pilot after a jet went down in Jalalabad. Explosions were reported near the airport and Afghan officials claim the pilot was taken alive.

What happened? Scroll down to read more.

Afghanistan has captured a Pakistani pilot after a jet crashed in Jalalabad city on Saturday (Fev 28). Reports suggest that the pilot managed to escape the plane crash using a parachute but was captured alive by the Afghanistani military and police. This comes a day after Pakistani air strikes hit other Afghan cities. According to AFP, two loud explosions were heard in eastern Afghanistan. According to an AFP journalist present on the scene, the blasts were heard from the direction of the airport in Jalalabad, the capital of Nangarhar province, which sits on the road between Kabul and the Pakistani border. Also read | 'Dama Dam Mast Qalandar': Pakistan declares 'open war' against Afghanistan, says 'patience has reached its limit' Afghanistan confirms Pakistani pilot captured alive "A Pakistani fighter jet was shot down in the sixth district of Jalalabad city, and its pilot was captured alive," said Afghan police spokesman Tayeb Hammad. Wahidullah Mohammadi, spokesman for the military in eastern Afghanistan, confirmed the Pakistani jet was downed by Afghan forces, "and the pilot was captured alive". Pakistan says Afghanistan's claims are “totally untrue” Islamabad's foreign ministry on Saturday said Afghanistan's military's claims of downing a Pakistani jet and capturing a pilot were "totally untrue". Talking to AFP, the Pakistan foreign ministry spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi said, "That's a false claim. Totally untrue". Also read | Are Afghanistan and Pakistan headed for a war? Here's what we know The US had previously expressed diplomatic backing for Pakistan's stance, following Islamabad's declaration that it would continue strikes aimed at pressuring the Afghan government, which Pakistan alleges supports militancy. The Taliban government has, however, denied the allegation, and its spokesperson had earlier called for "dialogue" to resolve a previously simmering conflict that Pakistan's defence minister said on Friday was now "open war".

Afghanistan has captured a Pakistani pilot after a jet went down in Jalalabad. Explosions were reported near the airport and Afghan officials claim the pilot was taken alive.What happened? Scroll down to read more.

Pakistani pilot 'captured alive' by Afghanistan after jet shot down in Jalalabad

Pakistan on Friday (Feb 27) claimed it had killed more than 274 Taliban officials and personnel since Thursday night, along with destroying 73 posts and capturing 18. The military added that 115 tanks, armoured personnel carriers, and artillery pieces were also destroyed after its armed forces launched Operation Ghazab lil-Haq against Afghanistan in response to the Taliban's retaliatory offensive.&nbsp;Pakistan’s military spokesperson warned the Taliban that “they have to make their choice: either choose Pakistan or terrorists,” adding that “the perpetrators of terrorist incidents in Pakistan will not remain safe anywhere.”&nbsp;“I want to make one thing clear: the oppressive Afghan Taliban regime has to make a clear choice, choose between TTP, BLA, Daesh, Al-Qaeda, terrorists and terrorist organisations, and Pakistan,” the military spokesperson said.&nbsp;Pakistan’s ISPR Director General, Major General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, made these statements during a press conference. He termed the Afghan Taliban regime “the master proxy of terrorist proxies operating out of Afghanistan.”&nbsp;“This master proxy came into action last night in coordination with the terrorists of Fitna al-Khawarij (Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan),” he added.&nbsp;Twelve Pakistani soldiers were killed, and 27 were injured during the operations, while one soldier remains missing in action, according to Chaudhry.&nbsp;These statements from the Pakistani Army came after border tensions between Islamabad and Kabul escalated into what Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif termed an “open war.”&nbsp;The recent escalation followed Pakistan Air Force airstrikes at seven locations in Afghanistan on February 21 in response to major terror incidents earlier this month, including those in Bannu and Islamabad. Pakistan accused the TTP of operating from Afghan soil and alleged that the Taliban were providing safe havens to the TTP and the Islamic State-Khorasan Province (IS-KP), claims that Kabul has denied multiple times.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/leave-israel-while-flights-are-available-us-embassy-in-jerusalem-advisory-to-american-citizens-1772187926367">Leave Israel while flights are available: US Embassy in Jerusalem advisory to American citizens</a>&nbsp;On February 26, the Afghan Taliban launched a massive retaliatory land offensive. They claimed to have captured 19 Pakistani outposts, killed 55 soldiers, recovered bodies, and seized military equipment.&nbsp;Pakistan, which had long been an ally of the Taliban before relations deteriorated, called the Afghan Taliban regime an “internationally recognised terrorist organisation” responsible for last night’s aggression.&nbsp;“This aggression was carried out by this master proxy in coordination, in collusion, and in support of a terrorist organisation,” the DG ISPR said. “That’s what happened last night.”He further added that the Pakistan Army’s operation will continue and that “we are achieving the desired result.”

The recent escalation followed Pakistan Air Force airstrikes at seven locations in Afghanistan on February 21 in response to major terror incidents earlier this month, including those in Bannu and Islamabad.

Pakistan on Friday (Feb 27) claimed it had killed more than 274 Taliban officials and personnel since Thursday night, along with destroying 73 posts and capturing 18. The military added that 115 tanks, armoured personnel carriers, and artillery pieces were also destroyed after its armed forces launched Operation Ghazab lil-Haq against Afghanistan in response to the Taliban's retaliatory offensive. Pakistan’s military spokesperson warned the Taliban that “they have to make their choice: either choose Pakistan or terrorists,” adding that “the perpetrators of terrorist incidents in Pakistan will not remain safe anywhere.” “I want to make one thing clear: the oppressive Afghan Taliban regime has to make a clear choice, choose between TTP, BLA, Daesh, Al-Qaeda, terrorists and terrorist organisations, and Pakistan,” the military spokesperson said. Pakistan’s ISPR Director General, Major General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, made these statements during a press conference. He termed the Afghan Taliban regime “the master proxy of terrorist proxies operating out of Afghanistan.” “This master proxy came into action last night in coordination with the terrorists of Fitna al-Khawarij (Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan),” he added. Twelve Pakistani soldiers were killed, and 27 were injured during the operations, while one soldier remains missing in action, according to Chaudhry. These statements from the Pakistani Army came after border tensions between Islamabad and Kabul escalated into what Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif termed an “open war.” The recent escalation followed Pakistan Air Force airstrikes at seven locations in Afghanistan on February 21 in response to major terror incidents earlier this month, including those in Bannu and Islamabad. Pakistan accused the TTP of operating from Afghan soil and alleged that the Taliban were providing safe havens to the TTP and the Islamic State-Khorasan Province (IS-KP), claims that Kabul has denied multiple times. Also Read: Leave Israel while flights are available: US Embassy in Jerusalem advisory to American citizens On February 26, the Afghan Taliban launched a massive retaliatory land offensive. They claimed to have captured 19 Pakistani outposts, killed 55 soldiers, recovered bodies, and seized military equipment. Pakistan, which had long been an ally of the Taliban before relations deteriorated, called the Afghan Taliban regime an “internationally recognised terrorist organisation” responsible for last night’s aggression. “This aggression was carried out by this master proxy in coordination, in collusion, and in support of a terrorist organisation,” the DG ISPR said. “That’s what happened last night.” He further added that the Pakistan Army’s operation will continue and that “we are achieving the desired result.”

The recent escalation followed Pakistan Air Force airstrikes at seven locations in Afghanistan on February 21 in response to major terror incidents earlier this month, including those in Bannu and Islamabad.

Pakistan claims 274 Taliban fighters killed, warns Afghanistan to make ‘clear choice’

The Afghan government warned on Friday that Kabul will take “decisive action” if Pakistan continues the war it declared after Afghan forces launched attacks on Thursday night in retaliation to the killings of civilians in Pakistani airstrikes a few days ago. The Afghan government’s spokesperson, Zabihullah Mujahid, held a press conference on Friday regarding the ongoing operations of Afghan forces against the Pakistani military and said, “We have targeted important military targets in Pakistan, and this sends a message that our hand can reach their necks.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Mujahid added in the press conference broadcast by TOLOnews that reconnaissance aircraft are still flying over Afghan territory and called on the regional countries to “stop Pakistan’s atrocities and bullying.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/canadian-pm-mark-carney-lands-in-mumbai-begins-his-four-day-india-visit-1772190849004">Canadian PM Mark Carney lands in Mumbai, begins his four-day India visit</a><h2>‘Pakistani planes still flying over Afghanistan’</h2>&nbsp;The Taliban government said Pakistani surveillance aircraft were “right now” flying over Afghanistan, hours after Islamabad launched airstrikes on the key cities of Kabul and Kandahar.&nbsp;“Still, right now, Pakistani planes, reconnaissance aircraft, are flying over Afghanistan’s airspace,” government spokesman Mujahid said at a news conference in the southern city of Kandahar.&nbsp;“We have repeatedly emphasised a peaceful solution and still want the problem to be resolved through dialogue,” Mujahid said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-15-outposts-captured-40-pak-soldiers-killed-says-afghan-22-taliban-personnel-slain-in-retaliatory-action-claims-islamabad-1772133592010">‘15 outposts captured, 40 Pak soldiers killed,’ says Afghan; 22 Taliban personnel slain in retaliatory action, claims Islamabad</a><h2>‘Our good relations with India not against Pakistan’</h2>&nbsp;Mujahed also said that Afghanistan has good relations with India, but the Kabul-Delhi relations are not against Pakistan.“We have good relations with India, but these are never against Pakistan, and the Islamic Emirate is never in anyone’s power or hand,” he added.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">مجاهد: له هند سره ښې اړیکو لرو، خو دا هیڅکله د پاکستان پر ضد نه‌دي او اسلامي امارت هیڅکله د چا په واک او لاس کې نه و.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%D8%B7%D9%84%D9%88%D8%B9%E2%80%8C%D9%86%DB%8C%D9%88%D8%B2?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#طلوع‌نیوز</a> <a href="https://t.co/pExdSGljDw">pic.twitter.com/pExdSGljDw</a>&mdash; TOLOnews (@TOLOnews) <a href="https://twitter.com/TOLOnews/status/2027335878197362917?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 27, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-fruitful-discussions-to-expand-trade-ties-says-piyush-goyal-after-hosting-us-commerce-secretary-howard-lutnick-1772128131114">‘Fruitful discussions to expand trade ties’: US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick travels to India, meets Piyush Goyal</a><h2>‘We will respond to a finger with a fist’</h2><h2>&nbsp;</h2>Fasihuddin Fitrat, Chief of General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, warned the Pakistani military in another address that if Pakistan “violates” any part of Afghanistan’s territory, it will receive an even stronger and more decisive response.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">ویدیو: سخنان فصیح‌الدین فطرت، لوی‌درستیز قوای مسلح امارت اسلامی افغانستان، درباره حمله‌های انتقام‌جویانه علیه رژیم نظامی پاکستان!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%D8%B7%D9%84%D9%88%D8%B9%E2%80%8C%D9%86%DB%8C%D9%88%D8%B2?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#طلوع‌نیوز</a> <a href="https://t.co/fSbTYSG0Ee">pic.twitter.com/fSbTYSG0Ee</a>&mdash; TOLOnews (@TOLOnews) <a href="https://twitter.com/TOLOnews/status/2027335597992694227?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 27, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/danish-pm-mette-frederiksen-calls-snap-election-amid-popularity-surge-for-resisting-trump-s-bid-to-acquire-greenland-1772120220927">Danish PM Mette Frederiksen calls snap election amid popularity surge for resisting Trump’s bid to acquire Greenland</a>&nbsp;Speaking about the retaliatory attacks against Pakistan’s military, he assured that the Islamic Emirate would not leave any aggression unanswered and emphasized that “We will respond to a finger with a fist.”The Chief of Army Staff warned that if Pakistan’s military regime seeks to destabilise Afghanistan, they would not remain safe even in Islamabad or other major centres of that country.Fitrat stressed that the country’s defence forces have the capability to defend Afghanistan’s territorial integrity.

Chief of General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, Fasihuddin Fitrat, warned the Pakistani military in another address that if Pakistan “violates” any part of Afghanistan’s territory, it will receive an even stronger and more decisive response.

The Afghan government warned on Friday that Kabul will take “decisive action” if Pakistan continues the war it declared after Afghan forces launched attacks on Thursday night in retaliation to the killings of civilians in Pakistani airstrikes a few days ago. The Afghan government’s spokesperson, Zabihullah Mujahid, held a press conference on Friday regarding the ongoing operations of Afghan forces against the Pakistani military and said, “We have targeted important military targets in Pakistan, and this sends a message that our hand can reach their necks.” Mujahid added in the press conference broadcast by TOLOnews that reconnaissance aircraft are still flying over Afghan territory and called on the regional countries to “stop Pakistan’s atrocities and bullying.” Also Read: Canadian PM Mark Carney lands in Mumbai, begins his four-day India visit ‘Pakistani planes still flying over Afghanistan’ The Taliban government said Pakistani surveillance aircraft were “right now” flying over Afghanistan, hours after Islamabad launched airstrikes on the key cities of Kabul and Kandahar. “Still, right now, Pakistani planes, reconnaissance aircraft, are flying over Afghanistan’s airspace,” government spokesman Mujahid said at a news conference in the southern city of Kandahar. “We have repeatedly emphasised a peaceful solution and still want the problem to be resolved through dialogue,” Mujahid said. Also Read: ‘15 outposts captured, 40 Pak soldiers killed,’ says Afghan; 22 Taliban personnel slain in retaliatory action, claims Islamabad ‘Our good relations with India not against Pakistan’ Mujahed also said that Afghanistan has good relations with India, but the Kabul-Delhi relations are not against Pakistan. “We have good relations with India, but these are never against Pakistan, and the Islamic Emirate is never in anyone’s power or hand,” he added.

Chief of General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, Fasihuddin Fitrat, warned the Pakistani military in another address that if Pakistan “violates” any part of Afghanistan’s territory, it will receive an even stronger and more decisive response.

‘Our hand can reach their necks’: Afghanistan warns of ‘decisive’ action if Pakistan continues war

The Afghanistan government said on Thursday night that it had captured 15 Pakistani military outposts and killed several soldiers in a large-scale border offensive, describing the operation as retaliation for recent Pakistani air strikes on Afghan territory. Taliban government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said on X that Afghan forces had inflicted significant losses in attacks across the disputed Durand Line. “Several soldiers have been killed, and a number of them have been caught alive,” he wrote on X.&nbsp;He added that “the number of posts captured from the enemy has reached 15.”&nbsp;Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate, said that around 40 members of Pakistan’s military regime forces have been killed in Kunar province as a result of operations carried out by the Islamic Emirate forces, reported TOLOnews.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-fruitful-discussions-to-expand-trade-ties-says-piyush-goyal-after-hosting-us-commerce-secretary-howard-lutnick-1772128131114">‘Fruitful discussions to expand trade ties’: US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick travels to India, meets Piyush Goyal</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">BREAKING: Afghanistan has announced large-scale operations against Pakistani military forces along the border. “In response to repeated border violations and aggressive actions by Pakistani forces, extensive offensive operations have begun against Pakistani military bases and… <a href="https://t.co/Kn2WLiSkJQ">pic.twitter.com/Kn2WLiSkJQ</a>&mdash; Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) <a href="https://twitter.com/visegrad24/status/2027075737258262864?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 26, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;&nbsp;Afghanistan’s military corps in the east reported that “heavy clashes” began on Thursday night in retaliation for Pakistani air strikes earlier in the week.A military spokesman said Afghan forces in Nangarhar and Kunar provinces had launched “heavy attacks on Pakistani outposts”.Wahidullah Mohammadi, spokesman for the military in eastern Afghanistan, said, “So far, there are no casualties on the Afghan side.”Hamdullah Fitrat, the Taliban government’s deputy spokesman, confirmed that “15 outposts have been captured” by Afghan forces.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/danish-pm-mette-frederiksen-calls-snap-election-amid-popularity-surge-for-resisting-trump-s-bid-to-acquire-greenland-1772120220927">Danish PM Mette Frederiksen calls snap election amid popularity surge for resisting Trump’s bid to acquire Greenland</a><h2>‘At least 22 personnel of the Afghan Taliban regime killed’</h2>&nbsp;Pakistan accused Afghanistan of initiating the confrontation and said Afghan forces had “opened unprovoked fire on multiple locations” across the border in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.&nbsp;“Afghan Taliban miscalculated and opened unprovoked fire on multiple locations across Pakistan Afghanistan border in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which is being met with immediate, and effective response by Pakistan’s security forces,” Pakistan’s information ministry said in a post on X.&nbsp;“The Taliban regime forces are being delivered punishment in Chitral, Khyber, Mohmand, Kurram and Bajaur sectors,” it added.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-economic-forum-chief-borge-brende-quits-over-his-links-with-epstein-1772107692150">World Economic Forum chief Borge Brende quits over his links with Epstein</a>&nbsp;Security forces in Pakistan said at least 22 personnel of the Afghan Taliban regime were killed in retaliatory fire.The security forces launched operation Ghazab-lil-haqq after the Taliban regime’s unprovoked action along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, reported Geo News, citing sources.&nbsp;“Afghan Taliban’s attempts to attack Pakistani security forces’ check posts using quadcopters failed, and all quadcopters were shot down by Pakistani forces in swift and timely action,” security sources claimed.Pakistani security forces are responding with light and heavy weapons and Afghan Taliban positions were being targeted by drones, said the sources, adding, “False claims and fake videos were also being circulated on social media by the Taliban regime.”&nbsp;The latest escalation follows Pakistani military strikes along the border with Afghanistan on Sunday. Pakistan’s military said it had killed at least 70 militants in the strikes. Kabul rejected the claim and insisted that the air raids had instead killed dozens of civilians, including women and children.

The Islamic Emirate's spokesperson, Zabihullah Mujahid, said that around 40 members of Pakistan’s military regime forces have been killed in Kunar province. He added that the number of posts captured from the enemy has reached 15.

The Afghanistan government said on Thursday night that it had captured 15 Pakistani military outposts and killed several soldiers in a large-scale border offensive, describing the operation as retaliation for recent Pakistani air strikes on Afghan territory. Taliban government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said on X that Afghan forces had inflicted significant losses in attacks across the disputed Durand Line. “Several soldiers have been killed, and a number of them have been caught alive,” he wrote on X. He added that “the number of posts captured from the enemy has reached 15.” Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate, said that around 40 members of Pakistan’s military regime forces have been killed in Kunar province as a result of operations carried out by the Islamic Emirate forces, reported TOLOnews. Also Read: ‘Fruitful discussions to expand trade ties’: US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick travels to India, meets Piyush Goyal

The Islamic Emirate's spokesperson, Zabihullah Mujahid, said that around 40 members of Pakistan’s military regime forces have been killed in Kunar province. He added that the number of posts captured from the enemy has reached 15.

‘15 outposts captured, 40 Pak soldiers killed,’ says Afghan; 22 Taliban personnel slain in retaliatory action, claims Islamabad

Afghanistan has initiated offensive actions against Pakistani military positions along the border, according to Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid on Thursday (February 26). The move comes in retaliation for recent Pakistani airstrikes. “In response to repeated provocations and violations by Pakistani military circles, large-scale offensive operations have been launched against Pakistani military positions and installations along the Durand Line,” Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson for the Taliban administration, said in a post on X.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/deal-with-us-possible-if-talks-stay-confined-to-non-production-of-nuclear-weapons-ali-khamenei-s-aide-1772124755682">Deal with US possible if talks stay confined to ‘non-production of nuclear weapons’: Ali Khamenei’s aide</a>&nbsp;According to the Afghan Ministry of Defense, Afghan forces have seized 15 Pakistani military posts along the Durand Line. These include two positions in the Nawo area of Nangarhar’s Dor Baba district, three in the Anargi area of Gushteh district, and two in the Doklam area of Konar Naray district. The Afghan government stated that the operation was carried out in response to Pakistani military attacks and warned that further retaliation could follow.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-intel-on-us-deployment-aids-iran-as-talks-hover-between-war-peace-1772126951959/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-intel-on-us-deployment-aids-iran-as-talks-hover-between-war-peace-1772126951959/embed</a>&nbsp;Tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan have continued to rise, with both countries accusing each other of initiating clashes and breaching the ceasefire. Earlier, Pakistan said it had targeted hideouts belonging to Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Islamic State, Khorasan Province (ISKP) inside Afghanistan. Kabul, however, claimed that Pakistani airstrikes resulted in civilian casualties, including women and children.&nbsp;The cross-border strikes occurred just days after a suicide attacker rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into a security checkpoint in Bajaur district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, killing 11 soldiers and a child. Officials later identified the bomber as an Afghan national. In a separate incident in Bannu, another suicide blast claimed the lives of two soldiers, including a lieutenant colonel. In response to the attacks, Pakistan’s military declared that it would show no restraint and would continue pursuing those responsible “irrespective of their location,” underscoring the escalating tensions between Islamabad and Kabul.

Afghanistan launches retaliatory strikes on Pakistan, says Taliban military

Afghanistan has initiated offensive actions against Pakistani military positions along the border, according to Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid on Thursday (February 26). The move comes in retaliation for recent Pakistani airstrikes. “In response to repeated provocations and violations by Pakistani military circles, large-scale offensive operations have been launched against Pakistani military positions and installations along the Durand Line,” Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson for the Taliban administration, said in a post on X. Also Read: Deal with US possible if talks stay confined to ‘non-production of nuclear weapons’: Ali Khamenei’s aide According to the Afghan Ministry of Defense, Afghan forces have seized 15 Pakistani military posts along the Durand Line. These include two positions in the Nawo area of Nangarhar’s Dor Baba district, three in the Anargi area of Gushteh district, and two in the Doklam area of Konar Naray district. The Afghan government stated that the operation was carried out in response to Pakistani military attacks and warned that further retaliation could follow. https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-intel-on-us-deployment-aids-iran-as-talks-hover-between-war-peace-1772126951959/embed Tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan have continued to rise, with both countries accusing each other of initiating clashes and breaching the ceasefire. Earlier, Pakistan said it had targeted hideouts belonging to Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Islamic State, Khorasan Province (ISKP) inside Afghanistan. Kabul, however, claimed that Pakistani airstrikes resulted in civilian casualties, including women and children. The cross-border strikes occurred just days after a suicide attacker rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into a security checkpoint in Bajaur district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, killing 11 soldiers and a child. Officials later identified the bomber as an Afghan national. In a separate incident in Bannu, another suicide blast claimed the lives of two soldiers, including a lieutenant colonel. In response to the attacks, Pakistan’s military declared that it would show no restraint and would continue pursuing those responsible “irrespective of their location,” underscoring the escalating tensions between Islamabad and Kabul.

Afghanistan launches border offensive against Pakistan after airstrikes, Taliban spokesperson says, citing repeated provocations

Business leaders from Afghanistan and Pakistan held talks on Monday to discuss reopening the Torkham border crossing, with the aim of easing trade disruptions between the two countries, local media reported. The Taliban-run Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment said that they and Pakistani counterparts agreed to establish a joint delegation to hold talks on reopening the Torkham border crossing, Afghanistan's Khaama Press reported. In a statement, the chamber said Pakistan's Chamber of Industry offered to hold talks during a virtual meeting held on Sunday, a proposal accepted by the Afghan side to ease trade disruptions. According to the statement, a 12-member delegation from each side is expected to hold talks in Jalalabad next week to discuss practical steps forward. The chamber said the first phase would enable stranded cargo containers to cross the border, followed by talks on the full reopening of the Torkham crossing. The Torkham crossing is one of the most key trade routes between Afghanistan and Pakistan, which enables the movement of large volumes of food, fuel, and commercial goods between the two nations. On Sunday, people held a protest in the Landi Kotal area of Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to demand an immediate reopening of the Torkham border, local media reported. Traders, transporters, tribal elders, daily wagers, activists of political parties and civil society were part of the protest held under the banner of the All Borders Coordinators Council. Representatives from various organisations and groups, who were directly impacted by the border shutdown with Afghanistan since October 12, participated in the protest, the Dawn reported. While addressing the protesters, the speakers said that the border closure has caused economic murder of thousands of people, the majority of them being tribesmen, as they were fully reliant on the cross-border trade. They called the Torkham border an important business gateway to Central Asia and said that the border crossing served as an economic hub for thousands of families, as their livelihoods were linked to it. According to them, all commercial activities have stopped in the town due to the border closure. The speakers said that hundreds of families faced extreme poverty and economic problems due to border closure, with many of them forced to take loans for their survival. They urged Afghanistan and Pakistan not to link bilateral trade to political and security issues and to allow people to travel frequently on both sides of the border. "We also demand that influential tribal elders and trade representatives shall be made part of future Pak-Afghan peace and trade dialogue as they have always helped resolve thorny issues between the two countries in the past," they said.

In a statement, the chamber said Pakistan's Chamber of Industry offered to hold talks during a virtual meeting held on Sunday, a proposal accepted by the Afghan side to ease trade disruptions.

Business leaders from Afghanistan and Pakistan held talks on Monday to discuss reopening the Torkham border crossing, with the aim of easing trade disruptions between the two countries, local media reported. The Taliban-run Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment said that they and Pakistani counterparts agreed to establish a joint delegation to hold talks on reopening the Torkham border crossing, Afghanistan's Khaama Press reported. In a statement, the chamber said Pakistan's Chamber of Industry offered to hold talks during a virtual meeting held on Sunday, a proposal accepted by the Afghan side to ease trade disruptions. According to the statement, a 12-member delegation from each side is expected to hold talks in Jalalabad next week to discuss practical steps forward. The chamber said the first phase would enable stranded cargo containers to cross the border, followed by talks on the full reopening of the Torkham crossing. The Torkham crossing is one of the most key trade routes between Afghanistan and Pakistan, which enables the movement of large volumes of food, fuel, and commercial goods between the two nations. On Sunday, people held a protest in the Landi Kotal area of Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to demand an immediate reopening of the Torkham border, local media reported. Traders, transporters, tribal elders, daily wagers, activists of political parties and civil society were part of the protest held under the banner of the All Borders Coordinators Council. Representatives from various organisations and groups, who were directly impacted by the border shutdown with Afghanistan since October 12, participated in the protest, the Dawn reported. While addressing the protesters, the speakers said that the border closure has caused economic murder of thousands of people, the majority of them being tribesmen, as they were fully reliant on the cross-border trade. They called the Torkham border an important business gateway to Central Asia and said that the border crossing served as an economic hub for thousands of families, as their livelihoods were linked to it. According to them, all commercial activities have stopped in the town due to the border closure. The speakers said that hundreds of families faced extreme poverty and economic problems due to border closure, with many of them forced to take loans for their survival. They urged Afghanistan and Pakistan not to link bilateral trade to political and security issues and to allow people to travel frequently on both sides of the border. "We also demand that influential tribal elders and trade representatives shall be made part of future Pak-Afghan peace and trade dialogue as they have always helped resolve thorny issues between the two countries in the past," they said.

In a statement, the chamber said Pakistan's Chamber of Industry offered to hold talks during a virtual meeting held on Sunday, a proposal accepted by the Afghan side to ease trade disruptions.

Pakistan, Afghanistan hold talks to reopen border for trade

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has said that Islamabad’s attempts to reset ties with the Taliban regime in Afghanistan have completely failed. Tensions between Islamabad and Kabul escalated on Tuesday after the Taliban vowed to “respond appropriately” to a series of overnight border strikes that left 10 people dead and blamed Pakistan for the deaths. The strikes were launched even when the ceasefire brokered by Qatar and Turkey was still in place. &nbsp;Asif dismissed the accusations of the Afghan Taliban that Pakistan had carried out strikes inside Afghanistan and targeted civilians. “As a state, we do retaliate when required, but we never target civilians,” he said, adding “One should hope for good and not write off another until limits are crossed. But now, we are completely writing them off, and we do not expect anything good from them.”&nbsp;Pakistan has witnessed a sharp rise in terrorism since 2021, the year that the Taliban took control of Afghanistan. The ties between the neighbours have strained further since October, when the two sides engaged in clashes.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/massive-fire-breaks-out-at-35-floor-apartment-building-in-hong-kong-residents-trapped-1764149239700">Massive fire breaks out at residential building in Hong Kong, residents trapped, 4 dead</a><h2>‘Taliban neither have a code of conduct nor religion nor traditions’</h2>&nbsp;&nbsp;Asif said, “It will be folly to trust them [Afghan Taliban]. We have tried to remain civil with them…but they’ve not repaid how one should to the soil that’s provided home to two of their generations”.Asif said that Pakistan had expected the Taliban to remain dependent on them, but “the entire equation has reversed.”&nbsp;“We do react and retaliate, but civilians are not our target at all. We have a disciplined force with traditions and a code of conduct. We are not a ragtag group like the Taliban, who neither have a code of conduct nor religion nor traditions,” Asif told Pakistan-based Geo News.&nbsp;Asif said he personally welcomed the Taliban after they seized Kabul and travelled to Afghanistan several times to stabilise ties, but “none of it brought any benefit or success.”“I don’t think we have gained any dividends, successes, or changes in their behaviour from these visits; there has been no change in their attitude.”Asif said Pakistan had long exercised restraint and hoped for constructive engagement, but those expectations had now diminished.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-announces-40-billion-defence-budget-to-counter-china-s-invasion-and-to-refuse-to-submit-to-being-china-s-taiwan-1764156268611">Taiwan announces $40 billion defence budget to counter China’s invasion</a><h2>Afghan condemns strikes as ‘direct assault’ on sovereignty</h2>&nbsp;Pakistani forces conducted overnight airstrikes inside Afghan territory, hitting civilian areas in Paktika, Khost, and Kunar provinces. The strikes killed at least 10 civilians, including nine children, prompting Afghan authorities to condemn the action as a “direct assault on sovereignty.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Afghan Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said in posts on X that Islamabad attacked several areas in Khost, Kunar and Paktika provinces near the border and said that Kabul will respond as needed.&nbsp;Mustaghfir Gurbuz, a spokesman for the governor of Khost, claimed the strikes were carried out by drones and aircraft.“The Islamic Emirate strongly condemns this violation and reiterates that defending its airspace, territory, and people is its legitimate right, and it will respond appropriately at the right time,” Mujahid said in a statement.

Pakistan has witnessed a sharp rise in terrorism since 2021, when the Taliban took control of Afghanistan. Asif said Pakistan had expected the Taliban to remain dependent on them, but “the entire equation has reversed.” The ties strained further when the two nations clashed in October.

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has said that Islamabad’s attempts to reset ties with the Taliban regime in Afghanistan have completely failed. Tensions between Islamabad and Kabul escalated on Tuesday after the Taliban vowed to “respond appropriately” to a series of overnight border strikes that left 10 people dead and blamed Pakistan for the deaths. The strikes were launched even when the ceasefire brokered by Qatar and Turkey was still in place. Asif dismissed the accusations of the Afghan Taliban that Pakistan had carried out strikes inside Afghanistan and targeted civilians. “As a state, we do retaliate when required, but we never target civilians,” he said, adding “One should hope for good and not write off another until limits are crossed. But now, we are completely writing them off, and we do not expect anything good from them.” Pakistan has witnessed a sharp rise in terrorism since 2021, the year that the Taliban took control of Afghanistan. The ties between the neighbours have strained further since October, when the two sides engaged in clashes. Also Read: Massive fire breaks out at residential building in Hong Kong, residents trapped, 4 dead ‘Taliban neither have a code of conduct nor religion nor traditions’ Asif said, “It will be folly to trust them [Afghan Taliban]. We have tried to remain civil with them…but they’ve not repaid how one should to the soil that’s provided home to two of their generations”. Asif said that Pakistan had expected the Taliban to remain dependent on them, but “the entire equation has reversed.” “We do react and retaliate, but civilians are not our target at all. We have a disciplined force with traditions and a code of conduct. We are not a ragtag group like the Taliban, who neither have a code of conduct nor religion nor traditions,” Asif told Pakistan-based Geo News. Asif said he personally welcomed the Taliban after they seized Kabul and travelled to Afghanistan several times to stabilise ties, but “none of it brought any benefit or success.” “I don’t think we have gained any dividends, successes, or changes in their behaviour from these visits; there has been no change in their attitude.” Asif said Pakistan had long exercised restraint and hoped for constructive engagement, but those expectations had now diminished. Also Read: Taiwan announces $40 billion defence budget to counter China’s invasion Afghan condemns strikes as ‘direct assault’ on sovereignty Pakistani forces conducted overnight airstrikes inside Afghan territory, hitting civilian areas in Paktika, Khost, and Kunar provinces. The strikes killed at least 10 civilians, including nine children, prompting Afghan authorities to condemn the action as a “direct assault on sovereignty.” Afghan Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said in posts on X that Islamabad attacked several areas in Khost, Kunar and Paktika provinces near the border and said that Kabul will respond as needed. Mustaghfir Gurbuz, a spokesman for the governor of Khost, claimed the strikes were carried out by drones and aircraft. “The Islamic Emirate strongly condemns this violation and reiterates that defending its airspace, territory, and people is its legitimate right, and it will respond appropriately at the right time,” Mujahid said in a statement.

Pakistan has witnessed a sharp rise in terrorism since 2021, when the Taliban took control of Afghanistan. Asif said Pakistan had expected the Taliban to remain dependent on them, but “the entire equation has reversed.” The ties strained further when the two nations clashed in October.&nbsp;

Pak’s efforts to reset ties with Kabul ‘failed completely’, says Khawaja Asif, calls Taliban a ‘ragtag’ group

Pakistan Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar on Friday (Nov 21) echoed Islamabad's rhetoric from a multilateral forum, declaring India's decision to hold the Indus Water Treaty in abeyance as 'unilateral and illegal,' adding that steps to hold the treaty in abeyance are a 'real threat to regional stability. However, he conveniently avoided addressing India's concern about cross-border terror emerging from his country.&nbsp;Speaking at the Indo-Pacific Ministerial forum roundtable in Brussels, Dar, who is also serving as Foreign Minister in Pakistan, took the usual moral stance on the issue and said that water must be a source of cooperation, “and not weaponised for politics”.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-army-kills-30-militants-near-afghan-border-days-after-islamabad-court-blast-pakistan-afghan-nationals-india-1763652024036">Pakistan Army kills 30 militants near Afghan border days after Islamabad court blast</a>&nbsp;After repeating his usual rhetoric against India, Dar took aim at its Western neighbour and blamed the Afghan Taliban for the strain in ties, adding that Kabul is responsible for recent terror strikes inside Pakistan. “We desire a peaceful, stable, friendly, connected, and prosperous Afghanistan. We urge the Afghan Taliban regime to act responsibly, honour their commitments, and work towards rooting out terrorism from its soil,” he said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-extends-ban-on-indian-flights-issues-fresh-notam-till-december-24-operation-sindoor-india-pakistan-tensions-imaran-khan-1763635579849">Pakistan extends ban on Indian flights, issues fresh NOTAM till December 24</a>&nbsp;India has put the treaty on abeyance as one of the counter-measures against Pakistan in the wake of the dastardly Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives, mostly tourists. Stating its position after the Move in New Delhi in a clear message to Islamabad, "Terror and talks cannot go together; water and blood cannot flow together."&nbsp;The Indus Waters Treaty, brokered by the World Bank and signed in September 1960, divided control of the rivers between India and Pakistan, giving India the eastern rivers Ravi, Beas and Sutlej, and Pakistan the western rivers Indus, Jhelum and Chenab. Although the treaty has endured wars and tense relations, it is often criticised in India, where many believe it grants an unfair share of water rights.&nbsp;

India has put the treaty on abeyance as one of the counter-measures against Pakistan in the wake of the dastardly Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives.

Pakistan Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar on Friday (Nov 21) echoed Islamabad's rhetoric from a multilateral forum, declaring India's decision to hold the Indus Water Treaty in abeyance as 'unilateral and illegal,' adding that steps to hold the treaty in abeyance are a 'real threat to regional stability. However, he conveniently avoided addressing India's concern about cross-border terror emerging from his country. Speaking at the Indo-Pacific Ministerial forum roundtable in Brussels, Dar, who is also serving as Foreign Minister in Pakistan, took the usual moral stance on the issue and said that water must be a source of cooperation, “and not weaponised for politics”. Also Read: Pakistan Army kills 30 militants near Afghan border days after Islamabad court blast After repeating his usual rhetoric against India, Dar took aim at its Western neighbour and blamed the Afghan Taliban for the strain in ties, adding that Kabul is responsible for recent terror strikes inside Pakistan. “We desire a peaceful, stable, friendly, connected, and prosperous Afghanistan. We urge the Afghan Taliban regime to act responsibly, honour their commitments, and work towards rooting out terrorism from its soil,” he said. Also Read: Pakistan extends ban on Indian flights, issues fresh NOTAM till December 24 India has put the treaty on abeyance as one of the counter-measures against Pakistan in the wake of the dastardly Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives, mostly tourists. Stating its position after the Move in New Delhi in a clear message to Islamabad, "Terror and talks cannot go together; water and blood cannot flow together." The Indus Waters Treaty, brokered by the World Bank and signed in September 1960, divided control of the rivers between India and Pakistan, giving India the eastern rivers Ravi, Beas and Sutlej, and Pakistan the western rivers Indus, Jhelum and Chenab. Although the treaty has endured wars and tense relations, it is often criticised in India, where many believe it grants an unfair share of water rights.

India has put the treaty on abeyance as one of the counter-measures against Pakistan in the wake of the dastardly Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives.

Keeping Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance is 'real threat' to regional stability, says Pakistan Deputy PM Dar

New Delhi: The Torkham border crossing, once a throbbing artery of trade between Pakistan and Afghanistan, has become a symbol of fractured ties. The gates of the border remain closed, and with it trade. The closure was triggered by Pakistan's attack on Afghanistan, the 2nd with its neighbour in this year. Pakistan's economy, already reeling from inflation and debt, stands to lose. Afghanistan absorbs about $2 billion annually in Pakistani exports, cement, pharmaceuticals, food staples, and textiles, making it Islamabad's third-largest market after the U.S. and China. Transit fees, millions of dollars of windfall from Central Asian and European cargo funneled through Pakistan's ports such as Karachi to Kabul, are evaporating.&nbsp;Afghanistan is now accelerating a long-brewing pivot, rerouting commerce through Iran and India, and forging new economic lifelines that could reshape the region's trade dynamics. The decision marks a watershed. For decades, Pakistan dominated Afghanistan's trade, with imports through Karachi's port and crossings like Torkham, which it sought to use as leverage.&nbsp;&nbsp;Annual bilateral trade hovered around over a billion dollars, but as the political ties deteriorate amid Pakistan's belligerence, Kabul is running out of patience. Earlier this month, Afghanistan's Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Office announced, “After three months, medicines imported from Pakistan should not be cleared, and no one should be given permission to import them.”&nbsp;Over the past six months, Afghan-Iranian trade has surged to $1.626 billion, eclipsing the $1.108 billion with Pakistan, according to Afghanistan government data. Trade with Iran comes with linkages to the world as well, through the Chabahar Port. Developed with Indian support and investment, Chabahar offers a sanctions-resilient gateway to the Arabian Sea, bypassing Pakistan entirely. As India ties firm up, with its embassy in Kabul reopened and a fresh U.S. sanctions waiver for Chabahar in hand, New Delhi is ramping up exports of wheat and medicines, filling voids left by Pakistani suppliers.&nbsp;Ariana Afghan Airlines is sweetening the pot, slashing cargo rates to Delhi at $1 per kilogram for exports, and ferrying pine nuts and rugs to Indian markets. "National traders can take advantage of this important opportunity to transport their commercial goods to various countries worldwide via Ariana cargo at lower costs and actively contribute to increasing the country's exports", a statement from the Airlines said.&nbsp;Afghan businesses want more avenues of increasing trade. Jan Agha Nawid, spokesperson for the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment (ACCI) , as quoted in Tolo News, said, “We urge the government to sign long-term agreements with neighboring countries to create more trade opportunities for Afghans. Preferential tariffs and reduced transportation and transit costs can help pave the way for broader trade relations.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Last month, during a Delhi visit, Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi asked Indian investors to come to his country and announced the opening of cargo plane air connectivity between Delhi-Kabul, Amritsar-Kabul, and Amritsar-Kandahar that will help in the transfer of fresh fruits from Afghanistan to India. He backed the Chabahar port project, saying, "It is advantageous for us". This westward and eastward tilt extends to Central Asia-Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan &amp; beyond to Russia, China.&nbsp;The big trade shift by Afghanistan comes even as Pakistan's economy remains beleaguered, surviving on IMF bailouts despite being in a region of large economies. India, one of the world's largest economies, had long back cut trading ties with Pakistan over Rawalpindi's support to cross border terrorism. From 26/11 terror attacks to Pahalgam terror attack, the linkages to all major terror attacks in India are in Pakistan&nbsp;

Afghanistan is now accelerating a long-brewing pivot, rerouting commerce through Iran and India, and forging new economic lifelines. For decades, Pakistan dominated Afghanistan's trade, with imports through Karachi's port and crossings like Torkham, which it sought to use as leverage.

New Delhi: The Torkham border crossing, once a throbbing artery of trade between Pakistan and Afghanistan, has become a symbol of fractured ties. The gates of the border remain closed, and with it trade. The closure was triggered by Pakistan's attack on Afghanistan, the 2nd with its neighbour in this year. Pakistan's economy, already reeling from inflation and debt, stands to lose. Afghanistan absorbs about $2 billion annually in Pakistani exports, cement, pharmaceuticals, food staples, and textiles, making it Islamabad's third-largest market after the U.S. and China. Transit fees, millions of dollars of windfall from Central Asian and European cargo funneled through Pakistan's ports such as Karachi to Kabul, are evaporating. Afghanistan is now accelerating a long-brewing pivot, rerouting commerce through Iran and India, and forging new economic lifelines that could reshape the region's trade dynamics. The decision marks a watershed. For decades, Pakistan dominated Afghanistan's trade, with imports through Karachi's port and crossings like Torkham, which it sought to use as leverage. Annual bilateral trade hovered around over a billion dollars, but as the political ties deteriorate amid Pakistan's belligerence, Kabul is running out of patience. Earlier this month, Afghanistan's Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Office announced, “After three months, medicines imported from Pakistan should not be cleared, and no one should be given permission to import them.” Over the past six months, Afghan-Iranian trade has surged to $1.626 billion, eclipsing the $1.108 billion with Pakistan, according to Afghanistan government data. Trade with Iran comes with linkages to the world as well, through the Chabahar Port. Developed with Indian support and investment, Chabahar offers a sanctions-resilient gateway to the Arabian Sea, bypassing Pakistan entirely. As India ties firm up, with its embassy in Kabul reopened and a fresh U.S. sanctions waiver for Chabahar in hand, New Delhi is ramping up exports of wheat and medicines, filling voids left by Pakistani suppliers. Ariana Afghan Airlines is sweetening the pot, slashing cargo rates to Delhi at $1 per kilogram for exports, and ferrying pine nuts and rugs to Indian markets. "National traders can take advantage of this important opportunity to transport their commercial goods to various countries worldwide via Ariana cargo at lower costs and actively contribute to increasing the country's exports", a statement from the Airlines said. Afghan businesses want more avenues of increasing trade. Jan Agha Nawid, spokesperson for the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment (ACCI) , as quoted in Tolo News, said, “We urge the government to sign long-term agreements with neighboring countries to create more trade opportunities for Afghans. Preferential tariffs and reduced transportation and transit costs can help pave the way for broader trade relations.” Last month, during a Delhi visit, Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi asked Indian investors to come to his country and announced the opening of cargo plane air connectivity between Delhi-Kabul, Amritsar-Kabul, and Amritsar-Kandahar that will help in the transfer of fresh fruits from Afghanistan to India. He backed the Chabahar port project, saying, "It is advantageous for us". This westward and eastward tilt extends to Central Asia-Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan & beyond to Russia, China. The big trade shift by Afghanistan comes even as Pakistan's economy remains beleaguered, surviving on IMF bailouts despite being in a region of large economies. India, one of the world's largest economies, had long back cut trading ties with Pakistan over Rawalpindi's support to cross border terrorism. From 26/11 terror attacks to Pahalgam terror attack, the linkages to all major terror attacks in India are in Pakistan

Afghanistan is now accelerating a long-brewing pivot, rerouting commerce through Iran and India, and forging new economic lifelines. For decades, Pakistan dominated Afghanistan's trade, with imports through Karachi's port and crossings like Torkham, which it sought to use as leverage.

Afghanistan dumps Pakistan trade amid conflict, turns to Iran and India

The Pakistani Army allegedly fired projectiles into Afghanistan on Thursday despite the two neighbours resuming peace negotiations in Turkey to reinforce a fragile ceasefire. According to news agency AFP some sources in the Afghan military and local witnesses reported the incident of firing lasted for 10-15 minutes.&nbsp;“Pakistan used light and heavy weapons and targeted civilian areas,” an Afghan military source was quoted as saying by the news agency. Some eyewitnesses said the shelling by Pakistan lasted 10-15 minutes.&nbsp;The source also said that Afghanistan did not retaliate keeping in mind the ongoing talks in Turkey.&nbsp;“We have not retaliated yet, out of respect for the ongoing negotiations," said the military official as quoted by AFP.&nbsp;However, Pakistan Information Ministry rejected the claims saying, “We strongly reject claims circulated by the Afghan side regarding today's incident at the Pak-Afghan border at Chaman”.&nbsp;Further it said, "Firing was initiated from the Afghan side, to which our security forces responded immediately in a measured and responsible manner."<h2>Afghanistan-Pakistan Peace talks in Turkey</h2>&nbsp;Meanwhile, the third round of the Pakistan-Afghanistan talks aimed at ending the ongoing conflict, the cross-border terrorism and consolidating the fragile ceasefire will begin in Istanbul today. The delegation for this round of talks is led by Lt. Gen Asim Malik, Director General of the ISI and other senior officials from the military, intelligence agencies and the Foreign Office.&nbsp;The Taliban delegation includes General Directorate of Intelligence (GDI) chief Abdul Haq Waseq, Deputy Interior Minister Rehmatullah Najib, Taliban spokesman Suhail Shaheen, Anas Haqqani, Qahar Balkhi, Zakir Jalali, and Afghanistan’s chargé d’affaires in Ankara.&nbsp;According to media reports, both sides are looking at the implementation of the commitments from the previous rounds of talks and attempt to finalise the mechanism agreed upon in principle for the verification and monitoring to ensure peace.&nbsp;&nbsp;

According to some sources in the Afghan military and local witnesses the incident of firing lasted for 10-15 minutes.

The Pakistani Army allegedly fired projectiles into Afghanistan on Thursday despite the two neighbours resuming peace negotiations in Turkey to reinforce a fragile ceasefire. According to news agency AFP some sources in the Afghan military and local witnesses reported the incident of firing lasted for 10-15 minutes. “Pakistan used light and heavy weapons and targeted civilian areas,” an Afghan military source was quoted as saying by the news agency. Some eyewitnesses said the shelling by Pakistan lasted 10-15 minutes. The source also said that Afghanistan did not retaliate keeping in mind the ongoing talks in Turkey. “We have not retaliated yet, out of respect for the ongoing negotiations," said the military official as quoted by AFP. However, Pakistan Information Ministry rejected the claims saying, “We strongly reject claims circulated by the Afghan side regarding today's incident at the Pak-Afghan border at Chaman”. Further it said, "Firing was initiated from the Afghan side, to which our security forces responded immediately in a measured and responsible manner." Afghanistan-Pakistan Peace talks in Turkey Meanwhile, the third round of the Pakistan-Afghanistan talks aimed at ending the ongoing conflict, the cross-border terrorism and consolidating the fragile ceasefire will begin in Istanbul today. The delegation for this round of talks is led by Lt. Gen Asim Malik, Director General of the ISI and other senior officials from the military, intelligence agencies and the Foreign Office. The Taliban delegation includes General Directorate of Intelligence (GDI) chief Abdul Haq Waseq, Deputy Interior Minister Rehmatullah Najib, Taliban spokesman Suhail Shaheen, Anas Haqqani, Qahar Balkhi, Zakir Jalali, and Afghanistan’s chargé d’affaires in Ankara. According to media reports, both sides are looking at the implementation of the commitments from the previous rounds of talks and attempt to finalise the mechanism agreed upon in principle for the verification and monitoring to ensure peace.

According to some sources in the Afghan military and local witnesses the incident of firing lasted for 10-15 minutes.

Pakistan 'breaches ceasefire', fires projectiles into Afghanistan amid talks in Turkey

Amid the ongoing tensions with Pakistan, the Minister of Interior of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, Khalifa Sirajuddin Haqqani, told Islamabad that the clashes with the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) are "their own matter" and have nothing to do with Kabul. He questions why the matter was "imposed" on the Taliban. This came referring to the ongoing negotiations between Afghanistan and Pakistan."The talks that were held in Doha under the leadership of Mawlawi Yaqoob Mujahid, and now the ono=going negotiations in Türkiye. What we don't understand is if the problem is your own and you are capable of solving it, then why is it being imposed on us?" Haqqani said."We want to clarify to our fellow citizes regarding the TTP that in response to the statements made by them, all of our responsible officials except for Zabiullah Mujahid have remained silent," he added.What's happening?A massive clash erupted between Pakistan and Afghanistan forces at multiple border areas of the countries. Both sides claimed they had captured and destroyed border posts. The Taliban administration’s spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, said at least 58 Pakistani soldiers were killed in “retaliatory” attacks on Saturday (October 11). This came two days after two blasts happened in Afghanistan. The tensions between the two nations are being called the worst border clashes in recent years.Meanwhile, the Pakistani authorities claimed that their 23 soldiers were killed while the Islamabad forces killed 200 Taliban and affiliated “terrorists”. The Taliban government has accused Pakistan of being behind the bombings in Kabul and the southeastern province of Paktika two days ago. The Shehbaz Sharif government neither denied the allegations nor confirmed them.How did it all start?It all started around 10:30 pm on Saturday (October 11) when Taliban forces attacked the Pakistan border, which later converted into multiple firing at various locations in the border area. Pakistan named Angoor Adda, Bajaur, Kurram, Dir, Bahram Chah, and Chitral as the locations where the clashes erupted. They all come under the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province except Bahram Chah in Balochistan.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kurnool-bus-accident-tragedy-forensic-report-reveals-drunk-biker-caused-crash-that-killed-20-1761485010510">Did drunk biker cause Kurnool bus crash? Here’s what forensic report reveals</a>The Pakistani military on Sunday condemned what it called “the cowardly action”, saying it was aimed at destabilising the border to facilitate terrorism”.“Exercising the right of self-defence, the alert Armed Forces of Pakistan repelled the assault decisively,” Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the military’s media wing, said in a statement.

He questions why the matter was imposed on the Taliban. This came referring to the ongoing negotiations between Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Amid the ongoing tensions with Pakistan, the Minister of Interior of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, Khalifa Sirajuddin Haqqani, told Islamabad that the clashes with the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) are "their own matter" and have nothing to do with Kabul. He questions why the matter was "imposed" on the Taliban. This came referring to the ongoing negotiations between Afghanistan and Pakistan. "The talks that were held in Doha under the leadership of Mawlawi Yaqoob Mujahid, and now the ono=going negotiations in Türkiye. What we don't understand is if the problem is your own and you are capable of solving it, then why is it being imposed on us?" Haqqani said. "We want to clarify to our fellow citizes regarding the TTP that in response to the statements made by them, all of our responsible officials except for Zabiullah Mujahid have remained silent," he added. What's happening? A massive clash erupted between Pakistan and Afghanistan forces at multiple border areas of the countries. Both sides claimed they had captured and destroyed border posts. The Taliban administration’s spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, said at least 58 Pakistani soldiers were killed in “retaliatory” attacks on Saturday (October 11). This came two days after two blasts happened in Afghanistan. The tensions between the two nations are being called the worst border clashes in recent years. Meanwhile, the Pakistani authorities claimed that their 23 soldiers were killed while the Islamabad forces killed 200 Taliban and affiliated “terrorists”. The Taliban government has accused Pakistan of being behind the bombings in Kabul and the southeastern province of Paktika two days ago. The Shehbaz Sharif government neither denied the allegations nor confirmed them. How did it all start? It all started around 10:30 pm on Saturday (October 11) when Taliban forces attacked the Pakistan border, which later converted into multiple firing at various locations in the border area. Pakistan named Angoor Adda, Bajaur, Kurram, Dir, Bahram Chah, and Chitral as the locations where the clashes erupted. They all come under the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province except Bahram Chah in Balochistan. Also read: Did drunk biker cause Kurnool bus crash? Here’s what forensic report reveals The Pakistani military on Sunday condemned what it called “the cowardly action”, saying it was aimed at destabilising the border to facilitate terrorism”. “Exercising the right of self-defence, the alert Armed Forces of Pakistan repelled the assault decisively,” Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the military’s media wing, said in a statement.

He questions why the matter was "imposed" on the Taliban. This came referring to the ongoing negotiations between Afghanistan and Pakistan.

'These are your own problems': Afghan Taliban minister to Pakistan on clashes with TTP

Afghanistan, under Taliban rule, is moving forward with plans to construct dams on the Kunar river, which flows into Pakistan, potentially reducing water flow to its neighbour. The directive to begin work on these dams as soon as possible was given by Taliban Supreme Leader Mawlawi Hibatullah Akhundzada. This comes amid recent violent clashes between Afghanistan and Pakistan, which led to hundreds of deaths, further intensifying the conflict.&nbsp;This move follows a shift in India’s stance regarding water-sharing with Pakistan. In response to attacks by Pakistani-backed terrorists that killed 26 civilians in Pahalgam, India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, which governs water sharing between the two countries, particularly concerning the western rivers. The Afghan Ministry of Water and Energy announced that Akhundzada had instructed the rapid construction of dams on the Kunar River. The 480-kilometer-long river originates from Afghanistan’s Hindu Kush mountains and flows southward into Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region. If these dams are built, they could severely impact Pakistan’s water supply, as the Kunar river feeds into the Kabul River, which ultimately joins the Indus. This disruption would have far-reaching consequences for agriculture and energy in Pakistan, particularly in Punjab province.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/afghanistan-3-7-magnitude-earthquake-hits-region-1761285560240">Magnitude 3.7 earthquake jolts Afghanistan, fourth tremor reported in a month</a>&nbsp;The Taliban’s push for water sovereignty has been one of its key priorities since it took power in 2021. Afghanistan has been accelerating dam construction and hydropower projects to reduce its dependence on neighbouring countries for water and energy. However, the lack of a formal water-sharing agreement between the two countries has raised concerns in Pakistan, which fears that unilateral actions by Afghanistan could lead to a regional water crisis, further worsening Pakistan’s already strained food and energy security.&nbsp;The announcement also comes just a week after Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi visited India. There, he met with India’s Foreign Minister S Jaishankar to discuss mutual cooperation on hydropower projects, such as the India-Afghanistan Friendship Dam, which helps Afghanistan with both irrigation and electricity generation.&nbsp;In addition to the Friendship Dam, India is also supporting the Shahtoot Dam project, aimed at providing water to Kabul residents and improving agricultural productivity. Both countries emphasized the importance of sustainable water management, while India’s investments in Afghanistan’s water and energy sectors have further solidified their bilateral ties. However, with the Taliban’s new focus on water control, the region’s geopolitical situation remains tense and uncertain.

Afghanistan's Taliban government plans to build dams on Kunar river, escalating water tensions with Pakistan

Afghanistan, under Taliban rule, is moving forward with plans to construct dams on the Kunar river, which flows into Pakistan, potentially reducing water flow to its neighbour. The directive to begin work on these dams as soon as possible was given by Taliban Supreme Leader Mawlawi Hibatullah Akhundzada. This comes amid recent violent clashes between Afghanistan and Pakistan, which led to hundreds of deaths, further intensifying the conflict. This move follows a shift in India’s stance regarding water-sharing with Pakistan. In response to attacks by Pakistani-backed terrorists that killed 26 civilians in Pahalgam, India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, which governs water sharing between the two countries, particularly concerning the western rivers. The Afghan Ministry of Water and Energy announced that Akhundzada had instructed the rapid construction of dams on the Kunar River. The 480-kilometer-long river originates from Afghanistan’s Hindu Kush mountains and flows southward into Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region. If these dams are built, they could severely impact Pakistan’s water supply, as the Kunar river feeds into the Kabul River, which ultimately joins the Indus. This disruption would have far-reaching consequences for agriculture and energy in Pakistan, particularly in Punjab province. Also Read: Magnitude 3.7 earthquake jolts Afghanistan, fourth tremor reported in a month The Taliban’s push for water sovereignty has been one of its key priorities since it took power in 2021. Afghanistan has been accelerating dam construction and hydropower projects to reduce its dependence on neighbouring countries for water and energy. However, the lack of a formal water-sharing agreement between the two countries has raised concerns in Pakistan, which fears that unilateral actions by Afghanistan could lead to a regional water crisis, further worsening Pakistan’s already strained food and energy security. The announcement also comes just a week after Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi visited India. There, he met with India’s Foreign Minister S Jaishankar to discuss mutual cooperation on hydropower projects, such as the India-Afghanistan Friendship Dam, which helps Afghanistan with both irrigation and electricity generation. In addition to the Friendship Dam, India is also supporting the Shahtoot Dam project, aimed at providing water to Kabul residents and improving agricultural productivity. Both countries emphasized the importance of sustainable water management, while India’s investments in Afghanistan’s water and energy sectors have further solidified their bilateral ties. However, with the Taliban’s new focus on water control, the region’s geopolitical situation remains tense and uncertain.

Afghanistan’s Taliban regime plans to build dams on the Kunar River, escalating tensions with Pakistan over water control, following deadly clashes and regional disputes

At a time when the tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan are simmering over border issues and terrorism, a Taliban official has given an open warning to the neighbour,&nbsp;saying that they have suicide bombers at their disposal to carry out attacks if Pakistan continues to act in a way that jeopardises the sovereignty of Afghanistan.

Releasing a video on Twitter, Abdul Basir Sherzadi in the Pashto language said that Afghanistan has a history of 5,000 years and they know how to protect it. He further claimed that every Afghan hates Pakistan, according to the translation available online.

&nbsp;He further threatened to dispatch thousands of suicide bombers to Pakistan and said that the Taliban would make Islamabad their second capital

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که چيري .... باجوه ... دا فکر کوي چي مونږ به د خپل حريم څخه د افغانستان خاوره وولو يا تهديد کړو نو ښه دي واوريي ...... هتمن يي نشر کړي . <a href="https://t.co/Z1qoV6qhZn">pic.twitter.com/Z1qoV6qhZn</a>
— جنرال عبدالبصير شيرزاد (@GeneralBasir) <a href="https://twitter.com/GeneralBasir/status/1578100135032422401?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 6, 2022</a></blockquote>
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He blasted Islamabad for bestowing the ‘Quaid-e-Azam (Great Leader)’ title onto the country’s founding father Mohammad Ali Jinnah.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/node/523689" hreflang="en">US officials hold first in-person meet with Taliban since Zawahiri’s killing</a>

He said that there was nothing Islamic about Islamabad and that Pakistan must rescind the title of Quaid-e-Azam given to Jinnah as only Prophet Mohammad can be accorded such laurel, according to reports.

The video comes weeks after a skirmish erupted in the Durand Line— the boundary line between Pakistan and Afghanistan— between Taliban and Pakistani security forces when Pakistani soldiers tried to erect a military structure along the border.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/node/523657" hreflang="en">Pakistan army chief hints at peace with India without mentioning Kashmir</a>

The Pakistani military said three of its soldiers were killed and claimed casualties from the Afghan side as well.

The border, drawn during British colonial rule, has been the source of dispute between the two sides. While Afghan authorities do not recognise the demarcation, Pakistan treats it as an international frontier and has fenced it.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE: 

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At a time when the tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan are simmering over border issues and terrorism, a Taliban official has given an open warning to the neighbour, saying that they have suicide bombers at their disposal to carry out attacks if Pakistan continues to act in a way that jeopardises the sovereignty of Afghanistan.

At a time when the tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan are simmering over border issues and terrorism, a Taliban official has given an open warning to the neighbour, saying that they have suicide bombers at their disposal to carry out attacks if Pakistan continues to act in a way that jeopardises the sovereignty of Afghanistan. Releasing a video on Twitter, Abdul Basir Sherzadi in the Pashto language said that Afghanistan has a history of 5,000 years and they know how to protect it. He further claimed that every Afghan hates Pakistan, according to the translation available online. He further threatened to dispatch thousands of suicide bombers to Pakistan and said that the Taliban would make Islamabad their second capital که چيري .... باجوه ... دا فکر کوي چي مونږ به د خپل حريم څخه د افغانستان خاوره وولو يا تهديد کړو نو ښه دي واوريي ...... هتمن يي نشر کړي . pic.twitter.com/Z1qoV6qhZn — جنرال عبدالبصير شيرزاد (@GeneralBasir) October 6, 2022 × He blasted Islamabad for bestowing the ‘Quaid-e-Azam (Great Leader)’ title onto the country’s founding father Mohammad Ali Jinnah. Also read | US officials hold first in-person meet with Taliban since Zawahiri’s killing He said that there was nothing Islamic about Islamabad and that Pakistan must rescind the title of Quaid-e-Azam given to Jinnah as only Prophet Mohammad can be accorded such laurel, according to reports. The video comes weeks after a skirmish erupted in the Durand Line— the boundary line between Pakistan and Afghanistan— between Taliban and Pakistani security forces when Pakistani soldiers tried to erect a military structure along the border. Also read | Pakistan army chief hints at peace with India without mentioning Kashmir The Pakistani military said three of its soldiers were killed and claimed casualties from the Afghan side as well. The border, drawn during British colonial rule, has been the source of dispute between the two sides. While Afghan authorities do not recognise the demarcation, Pakistan treats it as an international frontier and has fenced it. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

‘Afghans hate Pakistanis…will make Islamabad second capital’: Taliban official warns in video

A study by Pakistani thinktank has stated that the rise in militancy in the country coincided with the Taliban’s increasing offensive in Afghanistan that started in May and achieved its ultimate peak when the radical organisation took over Afghanistan in mid-August.

The study conducted by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Study (PICSS) noted that the highest number of attacks in a single month in 2021 was recorded in August when 45 attacks were carried out by militants.

The average number of militant attacks in Pakistan saw a 36 per cent jump. In 2020, 16 attacks were recorded while in 2021, it soared to 25, which was the highest after 2017, the report stated.

Also read |&nbsp;90% of terrorists operating in Afghanistan targeting CPEC projects: Pak’s counter-terrorism wing chief

According to PICSS data, Balochistan was the most affected district, recording a 110 per cent rise in militancy attacks, followed by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa tribal districts with 27 per cent in 2021.

Balochistan province also recorded the most deaths (170) in 103 attacks. The highest number of injured were also reported from this region where more than 50 per cent of the total injured (331) were recorded.

The tribal districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were the second most affected region of the country which though witnessed a similar number of attacks as Balochistan (103), but saw lesser deaths (117).

In Sindh, 15 militant attacks were reported in which 23 people were killed and 29 injured. In Punjab, militants carried out 10 attacks in which 10 people were killed and 87 injured.

The militant attacks went up in 2021 in almost all administrative regions of the country except Sindh and Gilgit-Baltistan.

(With inputs from agencies)

A study by Pakistani thinktank has stated that the rise in militancy in the country coincided with the Taliban’s increasing offensive in Afghanistan that started in May and achieved its ultimate peak when the radical organisation took over Afghanistan in mid-August.

A study by Pakistani thinktank has stated that the rise in militancy in the country coincided with the Taliban’s increasing offensive in Afghanistan that started in May and achieved its ultimate peak when the radical organisation took over Afghanistan in mid-August. The study conducted by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Study (PICSS) noted that the highest number of attacks in a single month in 2021 was recorded in August when 45 attacks were carried out by militants. The average number of militant attacks in Pakistan saw a 36 per cent jump. In 2020, 16 attacks were recorded while in 2021, it soared to 25, which was the highest after 2017, the report stated. Also read | 90% of terrorists operating in Afghanistan targeting CPEC projects: Pak’s counter-terrorism wing chief According to PICSS data, Balochistan was the most affected district, recording a 110 per cent rise in militancy attacks, followed by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa tribal districts with 27 per cent in 2021. Balochistan province also recorded the most deaths (170) in 103 attacks. The highest number of injured were also reported from this region where more than 50 per cent of the total injured (331) were recorded. The tribal districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were the second most affected region of the country which though witnessed a similar number of attacks as Balochistan (103), but saw lesser deaths (117). In Sindh, 15 militant attacks were reported in which 23 people were killed and 29 injured. In Punjab, militants carried out 10 attacks in which 10 people were killed and 87 injured. The militant attacks went up in 2021 in almost all administrative regions of the country except Sindh and Gilgit-Baltistan. (With inputs from agencies)

Militancy soared in Pakistan after Taliban offensive in Afghanistan: Report

The 2500-km-long Durand Line is the international border between Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Currently, this border is burning due to cross-border firing.

Pakistani shelling has killed 15 Afghan nationals in the Spin Boldak area.&nbsp;

Women and children are among the people who were killed in the firing.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-artillery-kills-15-civilians-in-afghanistan-says-kabul-317270">Pakistan artillery kills 15 civilians in Afghanistan, says Kabul</a>

Afghanistan says 80 people have also been injured.&nbsp;

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Pakistan, on the other hand, says Afghan firing has killed four people and injured 28 others.&nbsp;

Let's understand what exactly happened.&nbsp;

The Chaman-Spin Boldak crossing is one of the most popular of the 14 entry, exit points that the two countries share.

On July 30, there were clashes between the security forces from the two sides.&nbsp;

It started after protestors tried to remove barricades to cross the border because they wanted to cross the border over for Eid.&nbsp;

The Durand Line is a porous border, especially in areas like Chaman.&nbsp;

There is free movement of daily wage labourers. At many points, the border crosses through villages.&nbsp;

But this border has been shut for weeks now because of the Wuhan virus pandemic.&nbsp;

It is a situation that villagers are not used to.

The border was briefly opened on Wednesday and Thursday to allow people to cross for Eid.

However, it was closed before everyone could cross over, which triggered a protest that soon snowballed into clashes.&nbsp;

History tells us that this line was drawn by the British and Afghan authorities question its legitimacy.&nbsp;

Afghanistan accuses Pakistan of supporting the Taliban, while Pakistan does not shy away from cross-border shelling.&nbsp;

On July 24, Afghanistan lodged a complaint with the UNSC. It was after Pakistani forces reportedly fired mortar shells into Afghanistan's Sarakano district.

Pakistan is now firing at civilians in Kandahar.

The question is: Can Pakistan not refrain from violence even during its most auspicious festival of Eid? 
&nbsp;

The 2500-km-long Durand Line is the international border between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Currently, this border is burning due to cross-border firing. Pakistani shelling has killed 15 Afghan nationals in the Spin Boldak area.

The 2500-km-long Durand Line is the international border between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Currently, this border is burning due to cross-border firing. Pakistani shelling has killed 15 Afghan nationals in the Spin Boldak area. Women and children are among the people who were killed in the firing. Also read | Pakistan artillery kills 15 civilians in Afghanistan, says Kabul Afghanistan says 80 people have also been injured. × Pakistan, on the other hand, says Afghan firing has killed four people and injured 28 others. Let's understand what exactly happened. The Chaman-Spin Boldak crossing is one of the most popular of the 14 entry, exit points that the two countries share. On July 30, there were clashes between the security forces from the two sides. It started after protestors tried to remove barricades to cross the border because they wanted to cross the border over for Eid. The Durand Line is a porous border, especially in areas like Chaman. There is free movement of daily wage labourers. At many points, the border crosses through villages. But this border has been shut for weeks now because of the Wuhan virus pandemic. It is a situation that villagers are not used to. The border was briefly opened on Wednesday and Thursday to allow people to cross for Eid. However, it was closed before everyone could cross over, which triggered a protest that soon snowballed into clashes. History tells us that this line was drawn by the British and Afghan authorities question its legitimacy. Afghanistan accuses Pakistan of supporting the Taliban, while Pakistan does not shy away from cross-border shelling. On July 24, Afghanistan lodged a complaint with the UNSC. It was after Pakistani forces reportedly fired mortar shells into Afghanistan's Sarakano district. Pakistan is now firing at civilians in Kandahar. The question is: Can Pakistan not refrain from violence even during its most auspicious festival of Eid?

Decoding the cross-border firing in Afghanistan-Pakistan border

The Pentagon or the US department of defence, in its report on Afghanistan, has said Afghanistan-Pakistan border region remains a sanctuary for various terror groups.

These groups include al-Qa’ida Core (AQ), al-Qa’ida in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS), Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT), Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), and ISIS-Khorasan (ISIS-K).&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/un-concerned-afghan-violence-aimed-at-derailing-peace-talks-310176">Also read|&nbsp;UN concerned Afghan violence aimed at derailing peace talks</a>

The report said, "Terrorist sanctuaries on both sides of the Afghanistan-Pakistan border present security challenges for both countries (Afghanistan and Pakistan), pose a threat to regional security and stability, and threaten U.S. national security interests."

Highlighting US interest in Afghanistan, the report said, Washington wants to "ensure the country is never again used as a safe haven from which terrorists can attack the United States, or our Allies or interests abroad" and "accordingly, the primary U.S. Government objective in Afghanistan is to support the Afghan government's effort to obtain a durable political settlement that ends the war and mitigates terrorist threats emanating from Afghanistan."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/want-peaceful-democratic-afghanistan-with-rights-for-women-minorities-khalid-noor-310052">Also read|&nbsp;Want peaceful, democratic Afghanistan with rights for women, minorities: Khalid Noor</a>

The report also highlighted the "close ties" al-Qa’ida's regional affiliate—al-Qa’ida in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) has maintained with Taliban.&nbsp;

Last month a United Nations report said that about 6,500 Pakistanis as foreign terrorist fighters are present in Afghanistan including 1,000 belonging to Pakistan based terror groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba.

Most of the Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba fighters are co-located with Taliban fighters and are hand in glove with them, the report said.

The UN monitoring team in its annual technical update to United Nations Security Council said, "The number of foreign terrorist fighters in search of a purpose and livelihood in Afghanistan, including up to 6,500 Pakistanis, will render this a complex challenge, which will require careful monitoring.

The Pentagon or the US department of defence, in its report on Afghanistan, has said Afghanistan-Pakistan border region remains a sanctuary for various terror groups.

The Pentagon or the US department of defence, in its report on Afghanistan, has said Afghanistan-Pakistan border region remains a sanctuary for various terror groups. These groups include al-Qa’ida Core (AQ), al-Qa’ida in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS), Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT), Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), and ISIS-Khorasan (ISIS-K). Also read| UN concerned Afghan violence aimed at derailing peace talks The report said, "Terrorist sanctuaries on both sides of the Afghanistan-Pakistan border present security challenges for both countries (Afghanistan and Pakistan), pose a threat to regional security and stability, and threaten U.S. national security interests." Highlighting US interest in Afghanistan, the report said, Washington wants to "ensure the country is never again used as a safe haven from which terrorists can attack the United States, or our Allies or interests abroad" and "accordingly, the primary U.S. Government objective in Afghanistan is to support the Afghan government's effort to obtain a durable political settlement that ends the war and mitigates terrorist threats emanating from Afghanistan." Also read| Want peaceful, democratic Afghanistan with rights for women, minorities: Khalid Noor The report also highlighted the "close ties" al-Qa’ida's regional affiliate—al-Qa’ida in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) has maintained with Taliban. Last month a United Nations report said that about 6,500 Pakistanis as foreign terrorist fighters are present in Afghanistan including 1,000 belonging to Pakistan based terror groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba. Most of the Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba fighters are co-located with Taliban fighters and are hand in glove with them, the report said. The UN monitoring team in its annual technical update to United Nations Security Council said, "The number of foreign terrorist fighters in search of a purpose and livelihood in Afghanistan, including up to 6,500 Pakistanis, will render this a complex challenge, which will require careful monitoring.

Afghan-Pak border sanctuary for terror groups: Pentagon

India is Afghanistan&#39;s most reliable regional partner, the Pentagon has said in its latest Afghan report, the first under the Trump administration.

&quot;India is providing significant training opportunities for Afghan officers and enlisted personnel. Approximately 130 Afghans travel to India each year to attend the various military academy and commissioning programs,&quot; it said in the six- monthly report to the US Congress.

&quot;India is Afghanistan&#39;s most reliable regional partner and the largest contributor of development assistance in the region, including civil development projects such as the Afghanistan-India Friendship Dam and the Afghan parliament building,&quot; the Pentagon added.

According to the report which covers the period from December 2016 to May 2017, India has donated security assistance, most notably four Mi-35 aircraft.

In May 2016, India, Iran and Afghanistan signed the Chabahar Port agreement opening a trade route into Central Asia and Europe and allowing for the bypass of Pakistan, the Pentagon said.

India enjoys close relations with Afghanistan, and both accuse common neighbour Pakistan of not doing enough to stop Islamist militants operating on its territory.

India provided development aid of Rs 221 crore to Afghanistan between April 1, 2016, and March 27, 2017, according to official figures.

India has provided military hardware and development aid to Afghanistan in recent months to better bilateral relations

India is Afghanistan's most reliable regional partner, the Pentagon has said in its latest Afghan report, the first under the Trump administration. "India is providing significant training opportunities for Afghan officers and enlisted personnel. Approximately 130 Afghans travel to India each year to attend the various military academy and commissioning programs," it said in the six- monthly report to the US Congress. "India is Afghanistan's most reliable regional partner and the largest contributor of development assistance in the region, including civil development projects such as the Afghanistan-India Friendship Dam and the Afghan parliament building," the Pentagon added. According to the report which covers the period from December 2016 to May 2017, India has donated security assistance, most notably four Mi-35 aircraft. In May 2016, India, Iran and Afghanistan signed the Chabahar Port agreement opening a trade route into Central Asia and Europe and allowing for the bypass of Pakistan, the Pentagon said. India enjoys close relations with Afghanistan, and both accuse common neighbour Pakistan of not doing enough to stop Islamist militants operating on its territory. India provided development aid of Rs 221 crore to Afghanistan between April 1, 2016, and March 27, 2017, according to official figures.

India Afghanistan's most reliable partner: Pentagon report

More than 400,000 children will drop out of school in Afghanistan this year as Pakistan&#39;s repatriation policy coupled with escalating violence is set to further wrack the education system in the war-scarred country.

Save the Children, a charity working for rights of children, put out the alarming data of nearly 1,110 Afghan dropping out of Afghan schools every day.

The projection came on a day when almost a third of 3.7 million children of the country did not turn up on the first day of school after the long winter break.

The report cited that growing influence of Taliban and Islamabad&#39;s decision to forcibly return Afghan refugees has exposed the children to child labour, exploitation, recruitment by militias and trafficking.

&quot;Today should be a happy day in Afghanistan as children go back to class for the first time after a long winter. Instead it is a day cloaked in tragedy for the millions who can&#39;t access education and are struggling to survive,&quot;&nbsp;Ana Locsin, the non governmental organisation&#39;s Afghanistan director,&nbsp;said in a statement.&nbsp;

The data is likely to exacerbate as the repatriation wave from Pakistan is set to grow bigger. In 2016, Pakistan forcibly returned 610,000 Afghan refugess and their target for this year is to repatriate a million of them.

Last year marked the deadliest year on record for&nbsp;Afghan&nbsp;children, with 923 killed as the conflict escalated across the country.

(WION)

Save the Children said Taliban's growing influence and Pakistan's repatriation policy are key reasons for the looming crisis

More than 400,000 children will drop out of school in Afghanistan this year as Pakistan's repatriation policy coupled with escalating violence is set to further wrack the education system in the war-scarred country. Save the Children, a charity working for rights of children, put out the alarming data of nearly 1,110 Afghan dropping out of Afghan schools every day. The projection came on a day when almost a third of 3.7 million children of the country did not turn up on the first day of school after the long winter break. The report cited that growing influence of Taliban and Islamabad's decision to forcibly return Afghan refugees has exposed the children to child labour, exploitation, recruitment by militias and trafficking. "Today should be a happy day in Afghanistan as children go back to class for the first time after a long winter. Instead it is a day cloaked in tragedy for the millions who can't access education and are struggling to survive," Ana Locsin, the non governmental organisation's Afghanistan director, said in a statement. The data is likely to exacerbate as the repatriation wave from Pakistan is set to grow bigger. In 2016, Pakistan forcibly returned 610,000 Afghan refugess and their target for this year is to repatriate a million of them. Last year marked the deadliest year on record for Afghan children, with 923 killed as the conflict escalated across the country. (WION)

More than 400,000 Afghan children to drop out of school this year

Here's the full text of the Amritsar declaration adopted at the 6th Heart of Asia ministerial conference

Amritsar Declaration: Complete text