The Taliban administration has initiated programs to provide land and housing to returning refugees and internally displaced people. It has recently started a five-year plan, which said it is “preparing the ground for the dignified and safe return of Afghan refugees”. In January 2025, the Ministry of Urban Development and Housing allocated 13,895 acres across Kabul, Kandahar, Bamiyan, Panjshir, and other provinces to establish new settlements for returning Afghan refugees.&nbsp;<h2>Likelihood of dignified and safe return</h2>Millions of Afghans have been expelled from Pakistan and Iran. According to UNHCR estimation, 3.4 million refugees have been deported since 2023, with nearly 1.5 million being deported in 2024 alone. Pakistan is by far the largest contributor; it has already forced 1 million Afghans back. Iran regularly deports Afghans, who are consistently blamed for the economic woes of the country. During the 12-day conflict, the regular deportation jumped from a few thousand to 30,000 daily. Between January and June 2025, almost 1 million Afghans returned, with over 250,000 returning from Iran alone in June.Human rights groups have raised concerns about the influx of refugees returning to Afghanistan and its ability to provide shelter and sufficient financial resources. The Taliban's rule has seen restrictions on women's employment and education, making the process of aid delivery and economic recovery tougher. The broader humanitarian response remains inadequate. A joint UNAMA and OHCHR report on July 2025 documents abuses against individuals involuntarily returned to Afghanistan, especially women, former government officials, media figures, and civil society activists. These abuses range from imprisonment, detention, torture, breaking bones, public flogging, mock execution and waterboarding.On August 30, 2021, the United States withdrew from Afghanistan, ending a 20-year-long war. The US troops left Kabul after a chaotic evacuation following the takeover of Kabul by the Taliban on August 15, prompting the collapse of the Afghan government. The Doha agreement of 2020 had earlier set the premise for the US troops' withdrawal. &nbsp;Since the US withdrawal, the World Bank and the IMF have suspended funding, and the US froze $9 billion of foreign reserves, creating a crisis. According to the Afghanistan Peace Campaign, nearly 24 million Afghans rely on humanitarian assistance. The annual aid to the country of $3.8 billion per year pledged by donors in the Afghanistan Reconstruction Trust Fund has dropped to $300 million in early 2025, &nbsp;and the country is facing 47.3 per cent poverty, 18.6 per cent unemployment and 36.9 per cent food insecurity.&nbsp;Taliban recently took back refugees from Britain, Germany and also refused to take payments, but said they will accept aid for rehabilitation. A senior Taliban official said to the Telegraph that Afghanistan “is home to all Afghans” regardless of their legal status abroad.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Four years after the US withdrawal, the Taliban launched a housing plan for returning Afghan refugees amid poverty, socioeconomic crisis, aid cuts, and an ongoing humanitarian crisis

The Taliban administration has initiated programs to provide land and housing to returning refugees and internally displaced people. It has recently started a five-year plan, which said it is “preparing the ground for the dignified and safe return of Afghan refugees”. In January 2025, the Ministry of Urban Development and Housing allocated 13,895 acres across Kabul, Kandahar, Bamiyan, Panjshir, and other provinces to establish new settlements for returning Afghan refugees. Likelihood of dignified and safe return Millions of Afghans have been expelled from Pakistan and Iran. According to UNHCR estimation, 3.4 million refugees have been deported since 2023, with nearly 1.5 million being deported in 2024 alone. Pakistan is by far the largest contributor; it has already forced 1 million Afghans back. Iran regularly deports Afghans, who are consistently blamed for the economic woes of the country. During the 12-day conflict, the regular deportation jumped from a few thousand to 30,000 daily. Between January and June 2025, almost 1 million Afghans returned, with over 250,000 returning from Iran alone in June. Human rights groups have raised concerns about the influx of refugees returning to Afghanistan and its ability to provide shelter and sufficient financial resources. The Taliban's rule has seen restrictions on women's employment and education, making the process of aid delivery and economic recovery tougher. The broader humanitarian response remains inadequate. A joint UNAMA and OHCHR report on July 2025 documents abuses against individuals involuntarily returned to Afghanistan, especially women, former government officials, media figures, and civil society activists. These abuses range from imprisonment, detention, torture, breaking bones, public flogging, mock execution and waterboarding. On August 30, 2021, the United States withdrew from Afghanistan, ending a 20-year-long war. The US troops left Kabul after a chaotic evacuation following the takeover of Kabul by the Taliban on August 15, prompting the collapse of the Afghan government. The Doha agreement of 2020 had earlier set the premise for the US troops' withdrawal. Since the US withdrawal, the World Bank and the IMF have suspended funding, and the US froze $9 billion of foreign reserves, creating a crisis. According to the Afghanistan Peace Campaign, nearly 24 million Afghans rely on humanitarian assistance. The annual aid to the country of $3.8 billion per year pledged by donors in the Afghanistan Reconstruction Trust Fund has dropped to $300 million in early 2025, and the country is facing 47.3 per cent poverty, 18.6 per cent unemployment and 36.9 per cent food insecurity. Taliban recently took back refugees from Britain, Germany and also refused to take payments, but said they will accept aid for rehabilitation. A senior Taliban official said to the Telegraph that Afghanistan “is home to all Afghans” regardless of their legal status abroad.

Four years after the US withdrawal, the Taliban launched a housing plan for returning Afghan refugees amid poverty, socioeconomic crisis, aid cuts, and an ongoing humanitarian crisis

Four years after US withdrawal, Taliban focuses on housing for returning afghan refugees

Airstrikes attributed to Pakistan have struck Afghanistan’s eastern provinces of Nangarhar and Khost, killing at least three civilians and injuring seven others, according to Taliban authorities. The strikes damaged homes and prompted the Taliban foreign ministry to summon the Pakistani ambassador, condemning the attacks as a provocative act. Pakistan has yet to comment on the incident.

Afghanistan accuses Pakistan of deadly air-strikes | 3 children dead, 7 wounded

Taliban says it is "ready and willing" to work with, United Kingdom PM hopeful Nigel Farage. This comes after Farage and his fellow Reform UK politician Zia Yusuf unveiled a plan called "Operation Restoring Justice", under which they pledged the deportation of 600,000 asylum seekers if their party comes to power. Under the plan, they've proposed a £2 billion ($2.68 billion) reserve — of the total £10 billion ($13.4 billion) cost of the programme — to forge return agreements with foreign governments like Afghanistan and Eritrea.<h2>What did Farage's Reform UK propose?</h2>Under the £10 billion "Operation Restoring Justice" the party wants to deport 600,000 asylum seekers. Of this £2 billion ($2.68 billion) would be earmarked for return arrangements with foreign nations like Eritrea and Afghanistan. Yusuf noted that the plan was quite reasonable, given that the UK already pays Afghanistan £151 million (around $202 million) annually in foreign aid. "It's not a drop in the ocean for Afghanistan. It's certainly not a drop in the ocean for Eritrea. These are the two countries that are top of the list for boat crossings." He added that "the notion that Afghans top the list in terms of foreign nationals crossing the Channel illegally, while this country gives £151 million of aid to Afghanistan — we don’t think that’s fair."Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/california-governor-newsom-insinuates-trump-has-dementia-drags-musk-s-ai-grok-into-trolling-potus-1756275649900">California Governor Newsom insinuates Trump has dementia; drags Musk's AI Grok into trolling POTUS</a><h2>What did Taliban say?</h2>Talking to the Telegraph, a Kabul-based senior Taliban official said that the Afghan rulers were ready to work with Farage and accept deported Afghans. However, the group indicated that it would not accept payments directly in return to deal, but that it would accept aid to support the returned migrants."We are ready and willing to receive and embrace whoever he [Nigel Farage] sends us. We are prepared to work with anyone who can help end the struggles of Afghan refugees, as we know many of them do not have a good life abroad," said the official who chose was not named. The Talibani official insisted that they won't "take money to accept our own people," adding, "but we welcome aid to support newcomers, since there are challenges in accommodating and feeding those returning from Iran and Pakistan."Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-reveals-who-could-replace-fed-governor-lisa-cook-as-she-readies-to-battle-firing-in-court-1756262180423">Trump reveals who could replace Fed Governor Lisa Cook as she readies to battle&nbsp;firing&nbsp;in&nbsp;court</a>“Afghanistan is home to all Afghans, and the Islamic Emirate is determined to make this country a place where everyone – those already here, those returning, or those being sent back from the West by Mr Farage or anyone else – can live with dignity." The official as per the report also suggested that given Farage's "different views" it may be easier to negotiate with him if he became PM.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Taliban officials say they are "ready and willing" to work with Nigel Farage should he become the UK's prime minister, after his Reform UK party unveiled a plan to deport 600,000 asylum seekers.

Taliban says it is "ready and willing" to work with, United Kingdom PM hopeful Nigel Farage. This comes after Farage and his fellow Reform UK politician Zia Yusuf unveiled a plan called "Operation Restoring Justice", under which they pledged the deportation of 600,000 asylum seekers if their party comes to power. Under the plan, they've proposed a £2 billion ($2.68 billion) reserve — of the total £10 billion ($13.4 billion) cost of the programme — to forge return agreements with foreign governments like Afghanistan and Eritrea. What did Farage's Reform UK propose? Under the £10 billion "Operation Restoring Justice" the party wants to deport 600,000 asylum seekers. Of this £2 billion ($2.68 billion) would be earmarked for return arrangements with foreign nations like Eritrea and Afghanistan. Yusuf noted that the plan was quite reasonable, given that the UK already pays Afghanistan £151 million (around $202 million) annually in foreign aid. "It's not a drop in the ocean for Afghanistan. It's certainly not a drop in the ocean for Eritrea. These are the two countries that are top of the list for boat crossings." He added that "the notion that Afghans top the list in terms of foreign nationals crossing the Channel illegally, while this country gives £151 million of aid to Afghanistan — we don’t think that’s fair." Also read | California Governor Newsom insinuates Trump has dementia; drags Musk's AI Grok into trolling POTUS What did Taliban say? Talking to the Telegraph, a Kabul-based senior Taliban official said that the Afghan rulers were ready to work with Farage and accept deported Afghans. However, the group indicated that it would not accept payments directly in return to deal, but that it would accept aid to support the returned migrants. "We are ready and willing to receive and embrace whoever he [Nigel Farage] sends us. We are prepared to work with anyone who can help end the struggles of Afghan refugees, as we know many of them do not have a good life abroad," said the official who chose was not named. The Talibani official insisted that they won't "take money to accept our own people," adding, "but we welcome aid to support newcomers, since there are challenges in accommodating and feeding those returning from Iran and Pakistan." Also read | Trump reveals who could replace Fed Governor Lisa Cook as she readies to battle firing in court “Afghanistan is home to all Afghans, and the Islamic Emirate is determined to make this country a place where everyone – those already here, those returning, or those being sent back from the West by Mr Farage or anyone else – can live with dignity." The official as per the report also suggested that given Farage's "different views" it may be easier to negotiate with him if he became PM.

Taliban officials say they are "ready and willing" to work with Nigel Farage should he become the UK's prime minister, after his Reform UK party unveiled a plan to deport 600,000 asylum seekers.

Taliban says 'ready and willing' to work with UK Reform Party's Farage and accept deported Afghans

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has announced a controversial five-year plan to detain and deport up to 600,000 migrants, if his party wins the next UK general election. Unveiled as Operation Restoring Justice, the proposal would block asylum claims from small boat arrivals, establish returns deals with countries like Afghanistan, and impose sanctions on non-cooperative nations. Farage argues this would stop illegal crossings "within days" by removing incentives.
The party says it would allocate £2 billion to fund the operation. Critics say the plan raises serious legal, logistical, and humanitarian questions.

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage floats his own immigration policy

China hosted a trilateral meeting with Pakistan and Taliban leaders in Kabul, aiming to ease tensions and expand the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) into Afghanistan. As Islamabad and Kabul seek diplomatic normalization, analysts question China’s ability to navigate historic mistrust and security risks in the region.

Counter terrorism': China's message to Taliban | Wang Yi expresses concern

The death toll from a bus crash in western Afghanistan has risen to 79, after two survivors died from their injuries, an interim Taliban administration official said.

The incident occurred late on Tuesday in Herat province’s Guzara district, when a passenger bus carrying Afghan returnees from Iran struck a motorcycle and a fuel truck, triggering a huge fire.

Afghanistan bus crash: Bus carrying deported migrants to Kabul crashes with truck 

Afghanistan marks 106th anniversary of independence from the British 

The death toll from a bus crash in western Afghanistan has risen to 79, after two survivors died from their injuries, an interim Taliban administration official said.

The incident occurred late on Tuesday in Herat province’s Guzara district, when a passenger bus carrying Afghan returnees from Iran struck a motorcycle and a fuel truck, triggering a huge fire

Afghanistan: 79 dead in bus crash tragedy in Herat province

Afghanistan faces a brutal climate reality. Kabul, a city of over six million people, could become the first modern city to run out of water in the next five years, a new report has warned.
Fields are gone, villages washed away, can the country survive this?

Afghanistan floods worsen water crisis, thousands forced from their homes

Afghanistan: Bus tragedy reported in Herat province, 79 reported dead 

A tragic bus crash in western Afghanistan killed at least 79 people, including 17 children. The bus was carrying Afghan migrants deported from Iran, the BBC reported, citing a Taliban interior ministry spokesperson. Most of the people killed, were on the bus, which was en route to Kabul.The bus was travelling from Iran to the Afghan capital on late Tuesday, when it collided with a motorbike and another vehicle in the western province of Herat near the Iranian border, a senior Afghan government official, Ahmadullah Muttaqi said.“The car was carrying fuel and it caught fire after a head-on collision with the bus, fully loaded with passengers,” he said.He added, “The bus also caught fire and the majority of people on the bus died of burn injuries.”"All the passengers were migrants who had boarded the vehicle in Islam Qala," provincial governor spokesman Mohammad Yousuf Saeedi told news agency AFP, referring to a town near the Afghanistan–Iran border.According to the Herat police, the accident happened because of the bus driver's "excessive speed and negligence."Muttaqi also said that these Afghan refugees were returning home after spending a long time in Iran, but they could not reach their destination as their bus met with a tragic accident.These Afghan migrants are among hundreds of thousands of Afghans who have returned in the last months from Iran and Pakistan, after the announcement of a crackdown in October 2024, claiming that they were living illegally.Since the 1970s, millions of people have fled Afghanistan for Iran and Pakistan, due to several reasons. The Afghan migrants have complained that in both countries, they have faced systematic discrimination and violence.According to UN human rights officials, over two million people have returned to Afghanistan from Iran and Pakistan since the start of the year, including more than 1.8 million from Iran and almost 400,000 from Pakistan.However, the authorities in Iran and Pakistan denied that they are specifically targeting Afghans.&nbsp;

In the tragic accident, 17 children died, who were mostly on board the bus as they were returning from Iran. The official said that the car was carrying fuel and it caught fire after a head-on collision with the bus. 

A tragic bus crash in western Afghanistan killed at least 79 people, including 17 children. The bus was carrying Afghan migrants deported from Iran, the BBC reported, citing a Taliban interior ministry spokesperson. Most of the people killed, were on the bus, which was en route to Kabul. The bus was travelling from Iran to the Afghan capital on late Tuesday, when it collided with a motorbike and another vehicle in the western province of Herat near the Iranian border, a senior Afghan government official, Ahmadullah Muttaqi said. “The car was carrying fuel and it caught fire after a head-on collision with the bus, fully loaded with passengers,” he said. He added, “The bus also caught fire and the majority of people on the bus died of burn injuries.” "All the passengers were migrants who had boarded the vehicle in Islam Qala," provincial governor spokesman Mohammad Yousuf Saeedi told news agency AFP, referring to a town near the Afghanistan–Iran border. According to the Herat police, the accident happened because of the bus driver's "excessive speed and negligence." Muttaqi also said that these Afghan refugees were returning home after spending a long time in Iran, but they could not reach their destination as their bus met with a tragic accident. These Afghan migrants are among hundreds of thousands of Afghans who have returned in the last months from Iran and Pakistan, after the announcement of a crackdown in October 2024, claiming that they were living illegally. Since the 1970s, millions of people have fled Afghanistan for Iran and Pakistan, due to several reasons. The Afghan migrants have complained that in both countries, they have faced systematic discrimination and violence. According to UN human rights officials, over two million people have returned to Afghanistan from Iran and Pakistan since the start of the year, including more than 1.8 million from Iran and almost 400,000 from Pakistan. However, the authorities in Iran and Pakistan denied that they are specifically targeting Afghans.

In the tragic accident, 17 children died, who were mostly on board the bus as they were returning from Iran. The official said that the car was carrying fuel and it caught fire after a head-on collision with the bus.&nbsp;

At least 79 Afghan deportees from Iran killed in deadly accident after bus blasts into flames

A Humanitarian Crisis is Unfolding in Afghanistan,

Where Climate Change, Not Conflict, Has Become the Leading Driver of Displacement....

Years of Relentless Drought and Sudden, Devastating Floods Are Forcing Families to Abandon Their Homes and Communities....

400,000 displaced by environmental disasters

The capital of Afghanistan, which has a population of over six million people, might become the first modern city to run out of water by 2030. The nonprofit Mercy Corps, in a report, stressed that Kabul is running dry and its water reserves are emptying nearly twice as quickly as they are being filled.&nbsp;The groundwater levels in the Afghan capital have dropped drastically due to over-extraction and climate change effects.&nbsp;Kabul, however, is surrounded by snowy mountains and three rivers, and it was never known as a dry city. But, since its population grew nearly sixfold over the last 25 years, no decent water management system has been set up for the residents.&nbsp;Notably, at least 700,000 Afghans are displaced every year because of climate change, according to a United Nations report. While one-third of Afghanistan's population doesn't have access to clean drinking water.&nbsp;To bring a change and help the distressed people in Afghanistan, international donors have financed multiple dam projects as well as initiatives, but either it was never implemented or were abruptly stopped during the Taliban takeover in 2021.&nbsp;“Kabul has been struggling with water issues for two decades, but it was never a priority,” said Najibullah Sadid, an expert on water resources. “Now the wells are drying up, and it’s an emergency.”&nbsp;According to the report, Kabul's aquifers will become dry in the next five years, which might pose an existential threat to the Afghan capital. It can further cause the displacement of around three million Afghan people.&nbsp;Moreover, up to 80 per cent of groundwater is believed to be unsafe, with high levels of sewage, arsenic and salinity.<h2>Residents complain</h2>Karimi, a tailor in Kabul, said that they are fighting for water, stressing that it is like gold for them. “We are increasingly fighting because water is like gold for us,” he said as he pushed a wheelbarrow filled with 40 gallons of water that his family of five would use for household chores.&nbsp;A former head of the City Council and a retired mechanical engineer Zahir, told the New York Times that the well had run dry years ago and the public pipe to his two-story house was spluttering water only every three days.He further urged the Taliban to keep Kabul afloat, but added, "Where is the money for that?"&nbsp;

Kabul, however, is surrounded by snowy mountains and three rivers, and it was never known as a dry city. But, since its population grew nearly sixfold over the last 25 years, no decent water management system has been set up for the residents.

The capital of Afghanistan, which has a population of over six million people, might become the first modern city to run out of water by 2030. The nonprofit Mercy Corps, in a report, stressed that Kabul is running dry and its water reserves are emptying nearly twice as quickly as they are being filled. The groundwater levels in the Afghan capital have dropped drastically due to over-extraction and climate change effects. Kabul, however, is surrounded by snowy mountains and three rivers, and it was never known as a dry city. But, since its population grew nearly sixfold over the last 25 years, no decent water management system has been set up for the residents. Notably, at least 700,000 Afghans are displaced every year because of climate change, according to a United Nations report. While one-third of Afghanistan's population doesn't have access to clean drinking water. To bring a change and help the distressed people in Afghanistan, international donors have financed multiple dam projects as well as initiatives, but either it was never implemented or were abruptly stopped during the Taliban takeover in 2021. “Kabul has been struggling with water issues for two decades, but it was never a priority,” said Najibullah Sadid, an expert on water resources. “Now the wells are drying up, and it’s an emergency.” According to the report, Kabul's aquifers will become dry in the next five years, which might pose an existential threat to the Afghan capital. It can further cause the displacement of around three million Afghan people. Moreover, up to 80 per cent of groundwater is believed to be unsafe, with high levels of sewage, arsenic and salinity. Residents complain Karimi, a tailor in Kabul, said that they are fighting for water, stressing that it is like gold for them. “We are increasingly fighting because water is like gold for us,” he said as he pushed a wheelbarrow filled with 40 gallons of water that his family of five would use for household chores. A former head of the City Council and a retired mechanical engineer Zahir, told the New York Times that the well had run dry years ago and the public pipe to his two-story house was spluttering water only every three days. He further urged the Taliban to keep Kabul afloat, but added, "Where is the money for that?"

Kabul, however, is surrounded by snowy mountains and three rivers, and it was never known as a dry city. But, since its population grew nearly sixfold over the last 25 years, no decent water management system has been set up for the residents.

Kabul's DAY Zero soon? Afghan capital might run out of water by 2030

Four years after the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan, the country continues to face severe challenges. Economic hardship, human rights violations, and widespread insecurity have left the Afghan people struggling for survival, with little relief or hope for the future.


Four Years Under Taliban Rule: Afghanistan Faces Continued Hardship

Four years after the Taliban returned to power, Afghanistan faces deepening economic struggles, erosion of human rights, and fading hope for its people. 


Four Years Of Taliban 2.0: Economy, Rights, Hope Plumb New Depths

The United States blocked a planned visit by Afghanistan's Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi to Pakistan by refusing to approve a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) travel ban exemption, according to a report by Dawn.According to Dawn, Muttaqi was scheduled to visit Pakistan on August 4 as part of a recent push to improve relations between Kabul and Islamabad. The engagement followed Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar's earlier visit to Kabul, which had been facilitated by China.Citing diplomatic sources, Dawn said that as the Afghan foreign minister is under international sanctions, he is barred from foreign travel without a special waiver from the UN sanctions committee. The committee, set up under UNSC Resolution 1988 (2011), oversees travel bans, asset freezes, and arms embargoes on Taliban-linked figures.The Dawn report stated that Washington delayed its decision until the last moment before ultimately refusing to grant the waiver, effectively scuttling the trip.Dawn noted that the US decision is believed to have been influenced by concerns over the Taliban government's growing closeness with China.When asked at a recent briefing whether the US had blocked Muttaqi's travel, the State Department said, "We do not comment on rumours," Dawn reported.Pakistan's Foreign Office, however, did not directly confirm the US role. At a weekly media briefing, Foreign Office spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan told reporters there were "certain procedural issues" being worked out and maintained that no official dates had been confirmed for Muttaqi's visit. As quoted by Dawn, he added, "Once these procedural matters are resolved, we look forward to welcoming the Afghan foreign minister to Pakistan."The Dawn report also highlighted that the US has often clashed with China and Russia in the UNSC sanctions committee, with Beijing and Moscow supporting more lenient travel exemptions for Taliban officials.Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for the WION&nbsp;audience.

Washington delayed its decision until the last moment before ultimately refusing to grant the waiver, effectively scuttling the trip, according to reports. 

The United States blocked a planned visit by Afghanistan's Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi to Pakistan by refusing to approve a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) travel ban exemption, according to a report by Dawn. According to Dawn, Muttaqi was scheduled to visit Pakistan on August 4 as part of a recent push to improve relations between Kabul and Islamabad. The engagement followed Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar's earlier visit to Kabul, which had been facilitated by China. Citing diplomatic sources, Dawn said that as the Afghan foreign minister is under international sanctions, he is barred from foreign travel without a special waiver from the UN sanctions committee. The committee, set up under UNSC Resolution 1988 (2011), oversees travel bans, asset freezes, and arms embargoes on Taliban-linked figures. The Dawn report stated that Washington delayed its decision until the last moment before ultimately refusing to grant the waiver, effectively scuttling the trip. Dawn noted that the US decision is believed to have been influenced by concerns over the Taliban government's growing closeness with China. When asked at a recent briefing whether the US had blocked Muttaqi's travel, the State Department said, "We do not comment on rumours," Dawn reported. Pakistan's Foreign Office, however, did not directly confirm the US role. At a weekly media briefing, Foreign Office spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan told reporters there were "certain procedural issues" being worked out and maintained that no official dates had been confirmed for Muttaqi's visit. As quoted by Dawn, he added, "Once these procedural matters are resolved, we look forward to welcoming the Afghan foreign minister to Pakistan." The Dawn report also highlighted that the US has often clashed with China and Russia in the UNSC sanctions committee, with Beijing and Moscow supporting more lenient travel exemptions for Taliban officials. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for the WION audience.

Washington delayed its decision until the last moment before ultimately refusing to grant the waiver, effectively scuttling the trip, according to reports.&nbsp;

US allegedly blocks Afghan's foreign minister Pakistan visit over UN travel ban waiver

Iran has deported hundreds of thousands of Afghans in recent months, alleging national security concerns. This comes after the authorities in March gave a deadline to Afghans to return to their homeland by July. More than four million undocumented refugees from Afghanistan had been living in Iran after they fled conflict in their country. According to the United Nations, about 50,000 people were returning daily in early July.&nbsp;Iran’s immigration crackdown comes amid the widespread accusations suggesting that Afghans have links with the intelligence agency Mossad, with several individuals being arrested for espionage.&nbsp;Tehran may be “looking for scapegoats” for its shortcomings in the war against Israel, an expert told the BBC. “The Iranian government is very embarrassed by their security failures", which show Iran "was very thoroughly penetrated by Israeli intelligence,” said Barnett Rubin, who served as senior adviser to the US Department of State. “So they had to find someone to blame.”&nbsp;Some critics have also suggested that the Iranian government is seeking legitimacy by accusing undocumented Afghans of espionage to deport them.On June 13, when Israel launched an attack on Iran’s nuclear and military facilities, the government urged citizens to report any suspicious activities that could be linked to Israeli operatives. Following this, several people, including Afghans, were detained in alleged connection to the Israeli attacks.&nbsp;The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps on June 18 said that 18 Afghans were arrested in Mashhad for building drones for Israel, according to Afghan Witness, an independent monitoring group. However, the provincial deputy security chief later said that the arrests had no connections to drone-making or Israeli links and were solely made for being in the country illegally.&nbsp;According to the UN Refugee Agency, more than 1.5 million Afghans have left Iran since January. Meanwhile, the Taliban’s Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation told the BBC that over 918,000 Afghans, some of whom had been in Iran for generations, returned between 22 June - 22 July.&nbsp;Since the 1970s, millions of Afghans have fled to Iran and Pakistan, most of whom did so at the time of the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979 and when the Taliban took over in 2021. Afghans also face hate crimes in Iran, which have been heightened by social media in recent years.&nbsp;Experts have warned that Afghanistan does not have the capacity to accommodate the growing number of nationals who are being forcibly returned from Iran and Pakistan during the time of economic crisis in the country.

Iran’s immigration crackdown comes amid the widespread accusations suggesting that Afghans have links with the intelligence agency Mossad, with several individuals being arrested for espionage.

Iran has deported hundreds of thousands of Afghans in recent months, alleging national security concerns. This comes after the authorities in March gave a deadline to Afghans to return to their homeland by July. More than four million undocumented refugees from Afghanistan had been living in Iran after they fled conflict in their country. According to the United Nations, about 50,000 people were returning daily in early July. Iran’s immigration crackdown comes amid the widespread accusations suggesting that Afghans have links with the intelligence agency Mossad, with several individuals being arrested for espionage. Tehran may be “looking for scapegoats” for its shortcomings in the war against Israel, an expert told the BBC. “The Iranian government is very embarrassed by their security failures", which show Iran "was very thoroughly penetrated by Israeli intelligence,” said Barnett Rubin, who served as senior adviser to the US Department of State. “So they had to find someone to blame.” Some critics have also suggested that the Iranian government is seeking legitimacy by accusing undocumented Afghans of espionage to deport them. On June 13, when Israel launched an attack on Iran’s nuclear and military facilities, the government urged citizens to report any suspicious activities that could be linked to Israeli operatives. Following this, several people, including Afghans, were detained in alleged connection to the Israeli attacks. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps on June 18 said that 18 Afghans were arrested in Mashhad for building drones for Israel, according to Afghan Witness, an independent monitoring group. However, the provincial deputy security chief later said that the arrests had no connections to drone-making or Israeli links and were solely made for being in the country illegally. According to the UN Refugee Agency, more than 1.5 million Afghans have left Iran since January. Meanwhile, the Taliban’s Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation told the BBC that over 918,000 Afghans, some of whom had been in Iran for generations, returned between 22 June - 22 July. Since the 1970s, millions of Afghans have fled to Iran and Pakistan, most of whom did so at the time of the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979 and when the Taliban took over in 2021. Afghans also face hate crimes in Iran, which have been heightened by social media in recent years. Experts have warned that Afghanistan does not have the capacity to accommodate the growing number of nationals who are being forcibly returned from Iran and Pakistan during the time of economic crisis in the country.

Iran’s immigration crackdown comes amid the widespread accusations suggesting that Afghans have links with the intelligence agency Mossad, with several individuals being arrested for espionage.

Why is Iran deporting hundreds of thousands of Afghans, accusing them of being ‘Israeli spies’?

The British couple, Barbie and Peter Reynolds, have now been imprisoned in Afghanistan for around six months, being put in underground cells and facing fire situations. Their son, Jonathan, stressed that his parents' health has been deteriorating and they need to get to the hospital immediately.&nbsp;During their time in prison, the elderly couple was even kept in the underground cells, with no sunlight for six weeks. Peter, 80, has been chained and shackled and had convulsions on the floor recently.&nbsp;Barbie, who is 75 years old, has suffered from malnourishment and has reported that her hands and feet have turned blue.&nbsp;“There’s a chance they die in there, and it’s escalating pretty fast,” their youngest son, Jonathan, 45, said. “They need to get to the hospital immediately.”&nbsp;The couple was arrested on February 1, but is being held without any charges. Their family has been trying hard to get the couple out of prison.&nbsp;Earlier, they were allowed to call their family regularly from prison, but now, for more than a month, there has been no contact.&nbsp;Barbie and Peter lived in Afghanistan for 18 years, as they ran educational programs and training. Since the Taliban gained control in 2021, they have banned education for girls over 12 years of age.&nbsp;The United Nations has intervened for the couple and warned them that they might die in "degrading conditions" if they do not receive hospital treatment soon. Last week, officials from the British Foreign Office met with the elderly couple; however, there has been no official confirmation of their release yet.&nbsp;Earlier, Peter said that he would not leave prison without Joya, an Afghan interpreter who was arrested alongside the couple and has since been released.&nbsp;“Dad was like: ‘You’ll have to kill me. Do not let him stay in here. He has done nothing wrong,” Jonathan recalled what his dad said. “I think they could have maybe gotten out a lot earlier, but those kinds of demands, although selfless, made it more difficult.”&nbsp;Jonathan said that some people on social media might have misperceived the case. “I have seen people saying: ‘Let them die there, we’re not using British taxpayer money on this,’” he said.&nbsp;“But this is not just an emotional plea from some adult kids saying: ‘Somebody help my parents because they were on vacation in a place they shouldn’t have been.’ That’s not what this is …. They know full well the risks, but they are being held in an unjust manner, and they are innocent," Jonathan added. &nbsp;

Son of British couple imprisoned in Afghan prison, has urged for hospital treatment for his parents amid their "deteriorating health". Jonathan even stressed that his parent might die there given the escalating situation in the prison. 

The British couple, Barbie and Peter Reynolds, have now been imprisoned in Afghanistan for around six months, being put in underground cells and facing fire situations. Their son, Jonathan, stressed that his parents' health has been deteriorating and they need to get to the hospital immediately. During their time in prison, the elderly couple was even kept in the underground cells, with no sunlight for six weeks. Peter, 80, has been chained and shackled and had convulsions on the floor recently. Barbie, who is 75 years old, has suffered from malnourishment and has reported that her hands and feet have turned blue. “There’s a chance they die in there, and it’s escalating pretty fast,” their youngest son, Jonathan, 45, said. “They need to get to the hospital immediately.” The couple was arrested on February 1, but is being held without any charges. Their family has been trying hard to get the couple out of prison. Earlier, they were allowed to call their family regularly from prison, but now, for more than a month, there has been no contact. Barbie and Peter lived in Afghanistan for 18 years, as they ran educational programs and training. Since the Taliban gained control in 2021, they have banned education for girls over 12 years of age. The United Nations has intervened for the couple and warned them that they might die in "degrading conditions" if they do not receive hospital treatment soon. Last week, officials from the British Foreign Office met with the elderly couple; however, there has been no official confirmation of their release yet. Earlier, Peter said that he would not leave prison without Joya, an Afghan interpreter who was arrested alongside the couple and has since been released. “Dad was like: ‘You’ll have to kill me. Do not let him stay in here. He has done nothing wrong,” Jonathan recalled what his dad said. “I think they could have maybe gotten out a lot earlier, but those kinds of demands, although selfless, made it more difficult.” Jonathan said that some people on social media might have misperceived the case. “I have seen people saying: ‘Let them die there, we’re not using British taxpayer money on this,’” he said. “But this is not just an emotional plea from some adult kids saying: ‘Somebody help my parents because they were on vacation in a place they shouldn’t have been.’ That’s not what this is …. They know full well the risks, but they are being held in an unjust manner, and they are innocent," Jonathan added.

Son of British couple imprisoned in Afghan prison, has urged for hospital treatment for his parents amid their "deteriorating health". Jonathan even stressed that his parent might die there given the escalating situation in the prison.&nbsp;

'Chained, shackled, might die there': Son of elderly UK couple jailed in Afghanistan urges hospital treatment for his parents

The United Kingdom on Tuesday (Jul 15) revealed a secret scheme involving thousands of Afghans, who worked for the UK government, and their families were relocated to Britain after a data breach in 2022 that put their lives at risk. Speaking in the parliament after the UK High Court lifted a gag order banning reports of the scheme, Defence Minister John Healey described how a “serious departmental error” could have put the lives of nearly 19,000 Afghans “at stake”.&nbsp;In February 2022, a spreadsheet containing names and details of about 19,000 people from Afghanistan seeking relocation to the UK was accidentally leaked by a British official, Healey said. This incident happened just six months after the Taliban took over Kabul.&nbsp;<h2>‘Serious departmental error’</h2>&nbsp;“This was a serious departmental error,” said Healey, adding that “lives may have been at stake.” The previous Conservative government launched a secret programme to help those “judged to be at the highest risk of reprisals by the Taliban,” he said.&nbsp;Under the programme, the Afghan Response Route, some 900 Afghans and 3,600 family members have been brought to the UK or are in transit at a cost of around £400 million ($535.7 million), Healey said. They are among 36,000 Afghans who were accepted by Britain under different schemes since the fall of Kabul in 2021.&nbsp;Healey, Labour’s opposition defence spokesman, was briefed about the programme in 2023. However, the Conservative government asked a court to impose a “super-injunction” to ban any mention of the scheme in parliament or by the media. The Labour Party came into power in July last year, when the scheme was in full swing.&nbsp;<h2>Minister offers ‘sincere apology’</h2>&nbsp;The defence secretary offered a “sincere apology” for the data breach that “should never have happened. In his statement to the Commons, he said that he felt “deeply concerned about the lack of transparency” around the data breach, adding that he had been “deeply uncomfortable to be constrained from reporting to this house”.&nbsp;“Ministers decided not to tell parliamentarians at an earlier stage about the data incident, as the widespread publicity would increase the risk of the Taliban obtaining the dataset,” he added.&nbsp;After becoming the defence minister in the new Labour government, Haley ordered a review of the scheme, which concluded there was “very little intent by the Taliban to conduct a campaign of retribution.”&nbsp;The minister said that the programme has now been closed. “From today, there will be no new ARR offers of relocation to Britain, the route is now closed,” he said. “However, we will honour the 600 invitations already made to any named person still in Afghanistan and their immediate family. When this nation makes a promise, we should keep it.”

The minister said that the programme has now been closed. “From today, there will be no new ARR offers of relocation to Britain, the route is now closed,” he said. Healey, Labour’s opposition defence spokesman, was briefed about the programme in 2023. 

The United Kingdom on Tuesday (Jul 15) revealed a secret scheme involving thousands of Afghans, who worked for the UK government, and their families were relocated to Britain after a data breach in 2022 that put their lives at risk. Speaking in the parliament after the UK High Court lifted a gag order banning reports of the scheme, Defence Minister John Healey described how a “serious departmental error” could have put the lives of nearly 19,000 Afghans “at stake”. In February 2022, a spreadsheet containing names and details of about 19,000 people from Afghanistan seeking relocation to the UK was accidentally leaked by a British official, Healey said. This incident happened just six months after the Taliban took over Kabul. ‘Serious departmental error’ “This was a serious departmental error,” said Healey, adding that “lives may have been at stake.” The previous Conservative government launched a secret programme to help those “judged to be at the highest risk of reprisals by the Taliban,” he said. Under the programme, the Afghan Response Route, some 900 Afghans and 3,600 family members have been brought to the UK or are in transit at a cost of around £400 million ($535.7 million), Healey said. They are among 36,000 Afghans who were accepted by Britain under different schemes since the fall of Kabul in 2021. Healey, Labour’s opposition defence spokesman, was briefed about the programme in 2023. However, the Conservative government asked a court to impose a “super-injunction” to ban any mention of the scheme in parliament or by the media. The Labour Party came into power in July last year, when the scheme was in full swing. Minister offers ‘sincere apology’ The defence secretary offered a “sincere apology” for the data breach that “should never have happened. In his statement to the Commons, he said that he felt “deeply concerned about the lack of transparency” around the data breach, adding that he had been “deeply uncomfortable to be constrained from reporting to this house”. “Ministers decided not to tell parliamentarians at an earlier stage about the data incident, as the widespread publicity would increase the risk of the Taliban obtaining the dataset,” he added. After becoming the defence minister in the new Labour government, Haley ordered a review of the scheme, which concluded there was “very little intent by the Taliban to conduct a campaign of retribution.” The minister said that the programme has now been closed. “From today, there will be no new ARR offers of relocation to Britain, the route is now closed,” he said. “However, we will honour the 600 invitations already made to any named person still in Afghanistan and their immediate family. When this nation makes a promise, we should keep it.”

The minister said that the programme has now been closed. “From today, there will be no new ARR offers of relocation to Britain, the route is now closed,” he said. Healey, Labour’s opposition defence spokesman, was briefed about the programme in 2023.&nbsp;

‘Serious departmental error’: UK reveals $535 million secret scheme to relocate 19,000 Afghans after data leak

Taliban has a peaceful message for America - in a video featuring hostages. A video was shared online by a few Taliban-linked accounts in an effort to promote tourism in Afghanistan - ruled by the Islamic extremists. The video was aimed at rebranding Afghanistan as a peaceful, tourist-friendly place. But the only twist is, the makers use dark humour to do so. The viral 50-second clip was created by Yosaf Aryubi, founder of Raza Afghanistan, a tour agency that offers travel packages to international visitors, according to The Independent. It starts with a scene mimicking a hostage situation. It showed three men kneeling with black bags on their hands and faces covered with them, while three men stood behind with guns. &nbsp;“We have one message for America,” one of them said. Then suddenly, he removes the black bag from one of the "hostages" and the man smiles and says, “Welcome to Afghanistan,” while showing his thumb to the camera.&nbsp;The video came amid persistent warnings from the US government, which strongly advises its citizens against travelling to the country.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">شاهد الرسالة القوية التي وجّهها شباب أفغانستان إلى الولايات المتحدة!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%D8%A3%D9%81%D8%BA%D8%A7%D9%86%D8%B3%D8%AA%D8%A7%D9%86_%D8%A8%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D8%B1%D8%A8%D9%8A?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#أفغانستان_بالعربي</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%D8%A7%D9%81%D8%BA%D8%A7%D9%86%D8%B3%D8%AA%D8%A7%D9%86?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#افغانستان</a> <a href="https://t.co/W3LrrNJy88">pic.twitter.com/W3LrrNJy88</a>&mdash; أفغانستان بالعربي (@afghanarabc) <a href="https://twitter.com/afghanarabc/status/1941486419668762740?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The video further showed a montage of armed men smiling, giving peace signs to the camera. In one shot, the camera zooms in on a rifle labelled “Property of US Government” as a man chuckles, noting, “It's not even on safety." The video also showed foreigners enjoying a lavish Afghan meal. A parrot perches on a diner's head, a flower is tucked into a gun barrel, and the stunning Afghan countryside is seen on full display in the video.&nbsp;Why the video?&nbsp;The makers, Yosaf, grew up in the US and keep travelling to Kabul and California. He told The Independent that the video was meant to challenge the Western perception of Taliban-ruled Afghanistan. “It mocks how most of the West sees Afghanistan and then shows a bit of the reality that our guests experience,” he told the news agency.&nbsp;

 The viral 50-second clip was created by Yosaf Aryubi, founder of Raza Afghanistan, a tour agency that offers travel packages to international visitors, according to The Independent. It starts with a scene mimicking a hostage situation.

Taliban has a peaceful message for America - in a video featuring hostages. A video was shared online by a few Taliban-linked accounts in an effort to promote tourism in Afghanistan - ruled by the Islamic extremists. The video was aimed at rebranding Afghanistan as a peaceful, tourist-friendly place. But the only twist is, the makers use dark humour to do so. The viral 50-second clip was created by Yosaf Aryubi, founder of Raza Afghanistan, a tour agency that offers travel packages to international visitors, according to The Independent. It starts with a scene mimicking a hostage situation. It showed three men kneeling with black bags on their hands and faces covered with them, while three men stood behind with guns. “We have one message for America,” one of them said. Then suddenly, he removes the black bag from one of the "hostages" and the man smiles and says, “Welcome to Afghanistan,” while showing his thumb to the camera. The video came amid persistent warnings from the US government, which strongly advises its citizens against travelling to the country.

&nbsp;The viral 50-second clip was created by Yosaf Aryubi, founder of Raza Afghanistan, a tour agency that offers travel packages to international visitors, according to The Independent. It starts with a scene mimicking a hostage situation.

'We have one message for America': Taliban 'welcomes' US tourists - in video featuring hostages. YES, you read it right

India has abstained from a vote on the draft United Nations General Assembly resolution on Afghanistan. This is significant as India slowly makes overtures to the Taliban-led regime in Afghanistan. The Indian envoy to the UN opposed punitive measures against Afghanistan. &nbsp;Without mentioning Pakistan directly, India asked for coordinated efforts against terrorist groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad and their sponsors. Stressing on its longstanding ties with Afghanistan, India expressed commitment to meeting the war-torn country's humanitarian and developmental needs.<h2>India opposes punishment-based approach to Afghanistan</h2>At the vote on Monday (July 7), India's &nbsp;Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, &nbsp;said a “business as usual” approach will not provide the desired outcomes for the Afghan people.&nbsp; &nbsp;“An approach focused only on punitive measures, in our view, is unlikely to succeed," Harish said. "The United Nations and the broader international community have adopted more balanced and nuanced approaches in other post-conflict contexts.”<h2>India hints at Pakistan-based terrorism at UN vote on Afghanistan</h2>While stressing that India was ‘closely monitoring the security situation in Afghanistan, Harish sought coordinated international efforts to ensure that entities like Al Qaeda, ISIL, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Jaish-e-Mohammed, “along with their regional sponsors who facilitate their operations,” no longer exploit Afghan territory for terrorism. This was an indirect reference to Pakistan.<h2>India highlights its humanitarian aid for Afghanistan</h2>Harish said India's immediate priorities in Afghanistan were humanitarian assistance and capacity building', while sharing that India had supported more than &nbsp;500 development projects in the country. India also provided humanitarian aid like wheat, medicines, vaccines and pesticides, Harish noted. “We have been working closely with UN agencies to support the Afghan people in critical areas such as health, food security, education and sports.”&nbsp; He also highlighted India's drug rehabilitation programmes in Afghanistan in partnership with the UNODC, the UN anti-narcotics agency.The Indian envoy also noted how India continues to provide scholarships for Afghans, which have supported 2,000 students since 2023, including 600 girls and women.<h2>What did the UN resolution on Afghanistan say?</h2>Introduced by Germany, the UNGA draft resolution on ‘The situation in Afghanistan’ was adopted with 116 votes in favour; two against. India was among 12 abstentions in the vote on the resolution, which recognised Afghanistan’s role as a “land bridge in Asia” critical for regional economic development and stability.&nbsp; The resolution noted the importance of regional cooperation and contributions from neighbouring countries such as India in supporting Afghan education and development.&nbsp; It asked the Taliban to establish cooperation mechanisms with interested&nbsp;

The Indian envoy to the UN opposed punitive measures against Afghanistan.  Stressing on its longstanding ties with Afghanistan, India expressed commitment to meeting the war-torn country's humanitarian and developmental needs.

India has abstained from a vote on the draft United Nations General Assembly resolution on Afghanistan. This is significant as India slowly makes overtures to the Taliban-led regime in Afghanistan. The Indian envoy to the UN opposed punitive measures against Afghanistan. Without mentioning Pakistan directly, India asked for coordinated efforts against terrorist groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad and their sponsors. Stressing on its longstanding ties with Afghanistan, India expressed commitment to meeting the war-torn country's humanitarian and developmental needs. India opposes punishment-based approach to Afghanistan At the vote on Monday (July 7), India's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, said a “business as usual” approach will not provide the desired outcomes for the Afghan people. “An approach focused only on punitive measures, in our view, is unlikely to succeed," Harish said. "The United Nations and the broader international community have adopted more balanced and nuanced approaches in other post-conflict contexts.” India hints at Pakistan-based terrorism at UN vote on Afghanistan While stressing that India was ‘closely monitoring the security situation in Afghanistan, Harish sought coordinated international efforts to ensure that entities like Al Qaeda, ISIL, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Jaish-e-Mohammed, “along with their regional sponsors who facilitate their operations,” no longer exploit Afghan territory for terrorism. This was an indirect reference to Pakistan. India highlights its humanitarian aid for Afghanistan Harish said India's immediate priorities in Afghanistan were humanitarian assistance and capacity building', while sharing that India had supported more than 500 development projects in the country. India also provided humanitarian aid like wheat, medicines, vaccines and pesticides, Harish noted. “We have been working closely with UN agencies to support the Afghan people in critical areas such as health, food security, education and sports.” He also highlighted India's drug rehabilitation programmes in Afghanistan in partnership with the UNODC, the UN anti-narcotics agency. The Indian envoy also noted how India continues to provide scholarships for Afghans, which have supported 2,000 students since 2023, including 600 girls and women. What did the UN resolution on Afghanistan say? Introduced by Germany, the UNGA draft resolution on ‘The situation in Afghanistan’ was adopted with 116 votes in favour; two against. India was among 12 abstentions in the vote on the resolution, which recognised Afghanistan’s role as a “land bridge in Asia” critical for regional economic development and stability. The resolution noted the importance of regional cooperation and contributions from neighbouring countries such as India in supporting Afghan education and development. It asked the Taliban to establish cooperation mechanisms with interested

The Indian envoy to the UN opposed punitive measures against Afghanistan. &nbsp;Stressing on its longstanding ties with Afghanistan, India expressed commitment to meeting the war-torn country's humanitarian and developmental needs.

In India's abstention from UN resolution vote on Afghanistan, a hint at Pakistan-sponsored terrorism

Kabul could become the first modern city to run out of water in the next five years, with groundwater level dropping significantly due to over-extraction and the effects of climate change. According to a report by Mercy Corps, Kabul’s aquifer levels have plummeted by 82 – 98 feet in the last 10 years. The extraction level of water has exceeded natural reserves by a staggering 44 million cubic metres a year. The report said that according to UNICEF, nearly half of Kabul's underground bore wells are already dry. The reports project that if the current trend is followed, then Kabul will be dry by 2030. It also discloses that groundwater is believed to be unsafe, with high levels of sewage, arsenic and salinity.&nbsp;<h2>Why is Kabul in a water crisis?</h2>Firstly, a decade-long Soviet War in Afghanistan and a two-decade-long US intervention in Kabul have left the country in disarray. It forced people to move to Kabul as governance in the rest of the country suffered. Years of war have left the country in a poorly governed state. Weak governance and sanctions have compounded the problem; much of the aid that was allotted to the nation was used for security reasons. Since the Taliban's return to power, there have been efforts to manage the water crisis, but Western sanctions have made it difficult for the authorities.&nbsp;“In well-managed cities, such impacts are mitigated through robust water governance and infrastructure. Kabul lacks such capacity, and the current authorities are unable to address the problem without external support,” said Aseem Mayar, a former lecturer at Kabul Polytechnic University, as quoted by Al Jazeera.“The three rivers — Kabul river, Paghman river and Logar river—that replenish Kabul’s groundwater rely heavily on snow and glacier meltwater from the Hindu Kush mountains,” mentioned the report. ”However, between October 2023 to January 2024, Afghanistan only received only 45 to 60 percent of the average precipitation during the peak winter season compared to previous years."The prediction is based on the increasing difference between the groundwater recharge and the annual water extraction. “It reflects a worst-case scenario that could materialise by 2030 if no effective interventions are made,” &nbsp;said &nbsp;Mayar. Even though it is impossible to predict the exact date of the running out of water. But the crisis is dire.The majority of the Afghan population relies on borewells. According to the National Statistics Directorate, there are approximately 310,000 drilled wells and 120,000 unregulated bore wells in Kabul. According to a UN report of 23, around 49 per cent of the bore wells in Kabul are dry, and the rest of them are working at 60 per cent efficiency. As water becomes less people who can afford it, they dig deeper. Thus making less water available for poorer people. Water crisis exposes the divide between the city’s rich and poor.&nbsp;<h2>How can this crisis be addressed?</h2>"Artificial groundwater recharge and the development of basic water infrastructure around the city are urgently needed. Once these foundations are in place, a citywide water supply network can gradually be developed,” said Mayar.“Sanctions restrict Afghanistan’s access to essential resources, technology, and funding needed for water infrastructure development and maintenance,” said Mayar.The Afghan government needs to renew ageing water pipes t bring in water to the city from nearby rivers. They also need to recharge underground aquifers with the construction of check dams and reservoirs.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Kabul is at a dire water crisis, with the growing gap between groundwater recharge and the annual water extraction. A report by Mercy Corps predicts that Kabul will run out of water by 2030. 

Kabul could become the first modern city to run out of water in the next five years, with groundwater level dropping significantly due to over-extraction and the effects of climate change. According to a report by Mercy Corps, Kabul’s aquifer levels have plummeted by 82 – 98 feet in the last 10 years. The extraction level of water has exceeded natural reserves by a staggering 44 million cubic metres a year. The report said that according to UNICEF, nearly half of Kabul's underground bore wells are already dry. The reports project that if the current trend is followed, then Kabul will be dry by 2030. It also discloses that groundwater is believed to be unsafe, with high levels of sewage, arsenic and salinity. Why is Kabul in a water crisis? Firstly, a decade-long Soviet War in Afghanistan and a two-decade-long US intervention in Kabul have left the country in disarray. It forced people to move to Kabul as governance in the rest of the country suffered. Years of war have left the country in a poorly governed state. Weak governance and sanctions have compounded the problem; much of the aid that was allotted to the nation was used for security reasons. Since the Taliban's return to power, there have been efforts to manage the water crisis, but Western sanctions have made it difficult for the authorities. “In well-managed cities, such impacts are mitigated through robust water governance and infrastructure. Kabul lacks such capacity, and the current authorities are unable to address the problem without external support,” said Aseem Mayar, a former lecturer at Kabul Polytechnic University, as quoted by Al Jazeera. “The three rivers — Kabul river, Paghman river and Logar river—that replenish Kabul’s groundwater rely heavily on snow and glacier meltwater from the Hindu Kush mountains,” mentioned the report. ”However, between October 2023 to January 2024, Afghanistan only received only 45 to 60 percent of the average precipitation during the peak winter season compared to previous years." The prediction is based on the increasing difference between the groundwater recharge and the annual water extraction. “It reflects a worst-case scenario that could materialise by 2030 if no effective interventions are made,” said Mayar. Even though it is impossible to predict the exact date of the running out of water. But the crisis is dire. The majority of the Afghan population relies on borewells. According to the National Statistics Directorate, there are approximately 310,000 drilled wells and 120,000 unregulated bore wells in Kabul. According to a UN report of 23, around 49 per cent of the bore wells in Kabul are dry, and the rest of them are working at 60 per cent efficiency. As water becomes less people who can afford it, they dig deeper. Thus making less water available for poorer people. Water crisis exposes the divide between the city’s rich and poor. How can this crisis be addressed? "Artificial groundwater recharge and the development of basic water infrastructure around the city are urgently needed. Once these foundations are in place, a citywide water supply network can gradually be developed,” said Mayar. “Sanctions restrict Afghanistan’s access to essential resources, technology, and funding needed for water infrastructure development and maintenance,” said Mayar. The Afghan government needs to renew ageing water pipes t bring in water to the city from nearby rivers. They also need to recharge underground aquifers with the construction of check dams and reservoirs.

Kabul is at a dire water crisis, with the growing gap between groundwater recharge and the annual water extraction. A report by Mercy Corps predicts that Kabul will run out of water by 2030.&nbsp;

Kabul to become first big city without water by 2030, amid conflict, climate change and government failure

Amid India's continued humanitarian assistance to Afghans, India last week organised a five-day "Jaipur Foot" camp was organised in Kabul. The camp was organised by Jaipur-based NGO Shree Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Sahayata Samiti (BMVSS) which is known for providing artificial limbs, calipers and other assistive devices. India's Ministry of External Affairs, in a statement, said that the "camp saw an enthusiastic response".&nbsp;Hafiz Umari, an Afghan national, took to social media and said, "Due to the efforts of Minister Dr. Sahib Ahrar and other officials, Indian doctors have fitted artificial limbs for 100 disabled Afghan citizens in Kabul".&nbsp;&nbsp;But he added, "Many more individuals in Afghanistan remain in need of prosthetics, and it seems this program is nearing its conclusion. We call on the authorities to engage with India to prolong this initiative, so that more disabled Afghans who still lack proper artificial limbs can benefit from this important support".

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%D9%85%D9%87%D9%85%D9%87?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#مهمه</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%D8%BA%D9%88%DA%9A%D8%AA%D9%86%D9%87?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#غوښتنه</a> د هند او افغانستان تعلقات دې دائمي او پراخ شي!!! د ځوان وزیر ډاکتر صاحب احرار او نورو مسؤلینو په هڅو د هند هېواد د ډاکترانو له لوري کابل کې 100 تنه معلولو هېوادواللو ته مصنوعي پښې جوړي شوې. دا چې یاده پروسه لنډمهاله وه او داسې بریښي چې پای ته رسېدلې ده. زموږ زیات… <a href="https://t.co/Grkvokh4LP">pic.twitter.com/Grkvokh4LP</a>&mdash; Hafiz Umari (@HafizUmari313) <a href="https://twitter.com/HafizUmari313/status/1939392009413754967?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 29, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

This is not the first such camp organised by India in partnership with BMVSS. In the past, both sides in cooperation organised camps in countries like Malawi, Iraq, Nepal, Egypt, Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Syria etc. In October 2018, the ‘India for Humanity’ initiative was launched to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and under this NGO Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Sahayata Samiti popularly known as "Jaipur Foot" provded year-long series of artificial limb fitment camps in a number of countries.&nbsp;India has been reaching out to Afghanistan, especially with humanitarian support. India has so far dispatched several shipments consisting of 50,000 MTs of wheat, 300 tons of medicines, 27 tons of earthquake relief aid, 40,000 litres of pesticides, 100 million polio doses, 1.5 million doses of COVID Vaccine, 11,000 units of hygiene kits for the drug de-addiction programme, 500 units of winter clothing and 1.2 tons of stationery kits, etc. In response to the request from the Afghan side, India has agreed to provide further material support in the first instance to the health sector and for the rehabilitation of refugees.

Amid India's continued humanitarian assistance to Afghans, India last week organised a five-day "Jaipur Foot" camp was organised in Kabul. 

Amid India's continued humanitarian assistance to Afghans, India last week organised a five-day "Jaipur Foot" camp was organised in Kabul. The camp was organised by Jaipur-based NGO Shree Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Sahayata Samiti (BMVSS) which is known for providing artificial limbs, calipers and other assistive devices. India's Ministry of External Affairs, in a statement, said that the "camp saw an enthusiastic response". Hafiz Umari, an Afghan national, took to social media and said, "Due to the efforts of Minister Dr. Sahib Ahrar and other officials, Indian doctors have fitted artificial limbs for 100 disabled Afghan citizens in Kabul". But he added, "Many more individuals in Afghanistan remain in need of prosthetics, and it seems this program is nearing its conclusion. We call on the authorities to engage with India to prolong this initiative, so that more disabled Afghans who still lack proper artificial limbs can benefit from this important support".

Amid India's continued humanitarian assistance to Afghans, India last week organised a five-day "Jaipur Foot" camp was organised in Kabul.&nbsp;

India provides prosthetic limbs to Afghans

The Afghan capital, Kabul, is close to becoming the first modern city to get completely run out of water. A report by the NGO Mercy Corps warned that water levels in Afghanistan’s largest city have dropped by up to 30 metres over the past decade. This came as a result of rapid urbanisation and climate breakdown, the report claimed.&nbsp;Also, 50 per cent of Kabul's boreholes – the primary source of drinking water for residents - have dried out. &nbsp;Water extraction currently exceeds the natural recharge rate by 44m cubic metres each year.&nbsp;If the situation remains unresolved, all of Kabul’s aquifers will run dry as early as 2030, posing an existential threat to the city’s seven million inhabitants.&nbsp;Dayne Curry, Afghanistan country director for Mercy Corps said, “There should be a committed effort to document this better and to draw international attention to the need to address the crisis.”&nbsp;“No water means people leave their communities, so for the international community to not address the water needs of Afghanistan will only result in more migration and more hardship for the Afghan people,” he added.&nbsp;The report also said Kabul is likely to go through water contamination challenges. It said that Kabul’s 80 per cent groundwater is deemed unsafe.&nbsp;As per The Guardian, up to 30 per cent income of Kabul residents goes to water. Some are even in debt due to spending on water.&nbsp;“Afghanistan is facing a lot of problems, but this water scarcity is one of the hardest,” Nazifa, a teacher living in the Khair Khana neighbourhood of Kabul, told the British newspaper. “Every household is facing difficulty, especially those with low income. Adequate, good quality, well water just doesn’t exist,” she added.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Kabul to run out of water by 2030? Here is all you need to know about latest warning 


The Afghan capital, Kabul, is close to becoming the first modern city to get completely run out of water. A report by the NGO Mercy Corps warned that water levels in Afghanistan’s largest city have dropped by up to 30 metres over the past decade. This came as a result of rapid urbanisation and climate breakdown, the report claimed. Also, 50 per cent of Kabul's boreholes – the primary source of drinking water for residents - have dried out. Water extraction currently exceeds the natural recharge rate by 44m cubic metres each year. If the situation remains unresolved, all of Kabul’s aquifers will run dry as early as 2030, posing an existential threat to the city’s seven million inhabitants. Dayne Curry, Afghanistan country director for Mercy Corps said, “There should be a committed effort to document this better and to draw international attention to the need to address the crisis.” “No water means people leave their communities, so for the international community to not address the water needs of Afghanistan will only result in more migration and more hardship for the Afghan people,” he added. The report also said Kabul is likely to go through water contamination challenges. It said that Kabul’s 80 per cent groundwater is deemed unsafe. As per The Guardian, up to 30 per cent income of Kabul residents goes to water. Some are even in debt due to spending on water. “Afghanistan is facing a lot of problems, but this water scarcity is one of the hardest,” Nazifa, a teacher living in the Khair Khana neighbourhood of Kabul, told the British newspaper. “Every household is facing difficulty, especially those with low income. Adequate, good quality, well water just doesn’t exist,” she added.

Kabul is close to becoming the first modern city to get completely run out of water. A report by the NGO Mercy Corps warned that water levels in Afghanistan’s largest city have dropped by up to 30 metres over the past decade.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Kabul to run out of water by 2030? Here’s all you need to know about latest warning

The Donald Trump administration has launched a Pentagon investigation into the 2021 withdrawal of US forces from Afghanistan.In a memo, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said that he has concluded that a "comprehensive review" was needed to ensure that a "complete picture is provided to the American people".Pentagon chief Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, in his memo, said that the review would ensure that accountability for the troop withdrawal was met.“On August 26, 2021, President Biden's administration led a chaotic withdrawal of U.S. military and embassy officials from Afghanistan that led to the deaths of 13 U.S. service members and 170 civilians in a suicide bombing at the Kabul International Airport's Abbey Gate.”"I have concluded that we need to conduct a comprehensive review to ensure that accountability for this event is met and that the complete picture is provided to the American people," stated the memo.What happened during the US withdrawal from Afghanistan? Here's the timeline.<h3>11 September 2001</h3>The US is devastated by a massive terrorist strike. Four commercial airliners were hijacked by Al-Qaeda operatives, who then crashed three of them into the World Trade Centre in New York. The fourth one crashed into a field in Pennsylvania thanks to brave passengers.Around three thousand people died in the terror attack.In the aftermath, US President George W. Bush vowed to "win the war against terrorism".Nineteen hijackers were involved in the attack, none of them Afghan citizens.The Bush government zeroed in on Al-Qaeda and its leader, Osama bin Laden, who was located in Afghanistan. The US called on the Taliban regime to "deliver to the United States authorities all the leaders of al-Qaeda who hide in your land" or share in their fate.<h3>18 September 2001</h3>President George Bush signed into law a joint resolution authorising the use of force against the terrorists involved in the 9/11 attack.<h3>7 October 2001</h3>With British support, the US launched "Operation Enduring Freedom" and began a bombing campaign against Taliban forces. In the early phase, the US mainly carried out air strikes on al-Qaeda and Taliban forces. 12 days later, the first wave of conventional ground forces arrives.<h3>November 2001</h3>In a series of losses, the Taliban regime starts to unravel rapidly, with their strongholds crumbling.<h3>14 November 2001</h3>The UN Security Council (UNSC) passes Resolution 1378, calling for a "central role" for the United Nations in establishing a transitional administration and inviting member states to send peacekeeping forces to promote stability and aid delivery.<h3>December 2001</h3>Following the fall of Kabul in November 2001, with UN backing, major Afghan factions signed the Bonn Agreement and installed Hamid Karzai as the interim administration head and created an international peacekeeping force to maintain security in Kabul. Following this, UNSC Resolution 1386 on December 20 establishes the International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF.<h3>December 2001</h3>Taliban collapse and the fall can be tied to the surrender of Kandahar.<h3>March 2002</h3>The US launches its first major ground assault, called Operation Anaconda, against 800 al-Qaeda and Taliban fighters in the Shah-i-Kot Valley south of the city of Gardez (Paktia Province).<h3>April 2002</h3>President Bush calls for the reconstruction of Afghanistan.Speaking at the Virginia Military Institute, he said, “By helping to build an Afghanistan that is free from this evil and is a better place in which to live, we are working in the best traditions of George Marshall.”Between 2001 and 2009, the US Congress granted $38 billion in humanitarian and reconstruction assistance.<h3>1 May 2011</h3>Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden was killed in Pakistan by US forces. Following this, the then-President Barack Obama prepared to announce the withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan but was met with arguments for sustained military engagement.<h3>22 June 2011</h3>President Obama outlines a plan to withdraw thirty-three thousand troops by the summer of 2012—the surge troops sent in December 2009—including ten thousand by the end of 2011.<h3>November 2011</h3>The US marks ten years of war in Afghanistan. The war toll includes casualties of 1,800 US troop members and $444 billion in spending.<h3>June 2013</h3>Following peace talks, Afghan forces take the lead in security responsibility nationwide. The US-led coalition, meanwhile, switches to military training and special operations-driven counterterrorism. Talks continued in Doha, Qatar, between the Taliban and the US.<h3>27 May 2014</h3>President Obama announces a timetable for US troop withdrawal – to be completed by the end of 2016. The first phase of the plan calls for 9,800 troops to remain in Afghanistan, conducting operations against al-Qaeda and training Afghan forces.<h3>September 2014</h3>Newly elected Afghan president Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, a top Taliban official, and his chief opponent Abdullah Abdullah signed a power-sharing agreement.<h3>21 August 2017</h3>US President Donald Trump, in an address to troops in Arlington, Virginia, signals a prolonged Afghan war. He said that though his "original instinct was to pull out", He will instead press on with an open-ended military commitment aimed at preventing the emergence of "a vacuum for terrorists".<h3>29 February 2020</h3>The US and the Taliban sign an agreement paving the way for peace in Afghanistan and the drawdown of US troops from Afghanistan. The agreement includes guarantees from the Taliban that the country would not be used for terrorist activities.<h3>17 November 2020</h3>Before the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden, the then-acting US Defence Secretary Christopher C. Miller announced that the number of troops in Afghanistan would be halved to 2,500 by mid-January.<h3>14 April 2021</h3>Newly inaugurated President Joe Biden announces the US will withdraw all its troops by 11 September 2021. "It's time to end America’s longest war," he said.<h3>15 August 2021</h3>Taliban takeover of Kabul and the presidential palace. Leaders of the terror group say they will hold talks with Afghan officials to form an "open, inclusive Islamic government".<h3>26 August 2021</h3>12 members of the US military are killed and 18 are injured in an attack outside the Kabul airport amid "chaotic" troop withdrawal. At least 170 Afghans were also killed. The Islamic State in Khorasan claims responsibility, and several days later, the United States launches an air strike targeting a suspected plotter from the group.<h3>30 August 2021</h3>After twenty years of war, the last of the US military departs from Afghanistan, leaving the nation under its Taliban rulers.

Hegseth said that he has concluded that a "comprehensive review" was needed to ensure that a "complete picture is provided to the American people". What happened during the US withdrawal from Afghanistan? From the 9/11 attack to the end of US' 20-year war, here's a timeline 

The Donald Trump administration has launched a Pentagon investigation into the 2021 withdrawal of US forces from Afghanistan. In a memo, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said that he has concluded that a "comprehensive review" was needed to ensure that a "complete picture is provided to the American people". Pentagon chief Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, in his memo, said that the review would ensure that accountability for the troop withdrawal was met. “On August 26, 2021, President Biden's administration led a chaotic withdrawal of U.S. military and embassy officials from Afghanistan that led to the deaths of 13 U.S. service members and 170 civilians in a suicide bombing at the Kabul International Airport's Abbey Gate.” "I have concluded that we need to conduct a comprehensive review to ensure that accountability for this event is met and that the complete picture is provided to the American people," stated the memo. What happened during the US withdrawal from Afghanistan? Here's the timeline. 11 September 2001 The US is devastated by a massive terrorist strike. Four commercial airliners were hijacked by Al-Qaeda operatives, who then crashed three of them into the World Trade Centre in New York. The fourth one crashed into a field in Pennsylvania thanks to brave passengers. Around three thousand people died in the terror attack. In the aftermath, US President George W. Bush vowed to "win the war against terrorism". Nineteen hijackers were involved in the attack, none of them Afghan citizens. The Bush government zeroed in on Al-Qaeda and its leader, Osama bin Laden, who was located in Afghanistan. The US called on the Taliban regime to "deliver to the United States authorities all the leaders of al-Qaeda who hide in your land" or share in their fate. 18 September 2001 President George Bush signed into law a joint resolution authorising the use of force against the terrorists involved in the 9/11 attack. 7 October 2001 With British support, the US launched "Operation Enduring Freedom" and began a bombing campaign against Taliban forces. In the early phase, the US mainly carried out air strikes on al-Qaeda and Taliban forces. 12 days later, the first wave of conventional ground forces arrives. November 2001 In a series of losses, the Taliban regime starts to unravel rapidly, with their strongholds crumbling. 14 November 2001 The UN Security Council (UNSC) passes Resolution 1378, calling for a "central role" for the United Nations in establishing a transitional administration and inviting member states to send peacekeeping forces to promote stability and aid delivery. December 2001 Following the fall of Kabul in November 2001, with UN backing, major Afghan factions signed the Bonn Agreement and installed Hamid Karzai as the interim administration head and created an international peacekeeping force to maintain security in Kabul. Following this, UNSC Resolution 1386 on December 20 establishes the International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF. December 2001 Taliban collapse and the fall can be tied to the surrender of Kandahar. March 2002 The US launches its first major ground assault, called Operation Anaconda, against 800 al-Qaeda and Taliban fighters in the Shah-i-Kot Valley south of the city of Gardez (Paktia Province). April 2002 President Bush calls for the reconstruction of Afghanistan. Speaking at the Virginia Military Institute, he said, “By helping to build an Afghanistan that is free from this evil and is a better place in which to live, we are working in the best traditions of George Marshall.” Between 2001 and 2009, the US Congress granted $38 billion in humanitarian and reconstruction assistance. 1 May 2011 Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden was killed in Pakistan by US forces. Following this, the then-President Barack Obama prepared to announce the withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan but was met with arguments for sustained military engagement. 22 June 2011 President Obama outlines a plan to withdraw thirty-three thousand troops by the summer of 2012—the surge troops sent in December 2009—including ten thousand by the end of 2011. November 2011 The US marks ten years of war in Afghanistan. The war toll includes casualties of 1,800 US troop members and $444 billion in spending. June 2013 Following peace talks, Afghan forces take the lead in security responsibility nationwide. The US-led coalition, meanwhile, switches to military training and special operations-driven counterterrorism. Talks continued in Doha, Qatar, between the Taliban and the US. 27 May 2014 President Obama announces a timetable for US troop withdrawal – to be completed by the end of 2016. The first phase of the plan calls for 9,800 troops to remain in Afghanistan, conducting operations against al-Qaeda and training Afghan forces. September 2014 Newly elected Afghan president Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, a top Taliban official, and his chief opponent Abdullah Abdullah signed a power-sharing agreement. 21 August 2017 US President Donald Trump, in an address to troops in Arlington, Virginia, signals a prolonged Afghan war. He said that though his "original instinct was to pull out", He will instead press on with an open-ended military commitment aimed at preventing the emergence of "a vacuum for terrorists". 29 February 2020 The US and the Taliban sign an agreement paving the way for peace in Afghanistan and the drawdown of US troops from Afghanistan. The agreement includes guarantees from the Taliban that the country would not be used for terrorist activities. 17 November 2020 Before the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden, the then-acting US Defence Secretary Christopher C. Miller announced that the number of troops in Afghanistan would be halved to 2,500 by mid-January. 14 April 2021 Newly inaugurated President Joe Biden announces the US will withdraw all its troops by 11 September 2021. "It's time to end America’s longest war," he said. 15 August 2021 Taliban takeover of Kabul and the presidential palace. Leaders of the terror group say they will hold talks with Afghan officials to form an "open, inclusive Islamic government". 26 August 2021 12 members of the US military are killed and 18 are injured in an attack outside the Kabul airport amid "chaotic" troop withdrawal. At least 170 Afghans were also killed. The Islamic State in Khorasan claims responsibility, and several days later, the United States launches an air strike targeting a suspected plotter from the group. 30 August 2021 After twenty years of war, the last of the US military departs from Afghanistan, leaving the nation under its Taliban rulers.

Hegseth said that he has concluded that a "comprehensive review" was needed to ensure that a "complete picture is provided to the American people". What happened during the US withdrawal from Afghanistan? From the 9/11 attack to the end of US' 20-year war, here's a timeline&nbsp;

Trump admin launches review of US troops' withdrawal from Afghanistan: Timeline from 9/11 attack to end of '20-year-war' | WION Explains

Afghanistan has welcomed the decision to upgrade diplomatic relations with Pakistan, where the Taliban government's foreign minister is due to travel in the coming days, his office said on Saturday.The move signals easing tensions between the neighbouring countries, as relations between the Taliban authorities and Pakistan – already rocky – have cooled in recent months, fuelled by security concerns and a campaign by Islamabad to expel tens of thousands of Afghans.Pakistan's top diplomat on Friday said the charge d'affaires stationed in Kabul would be elevated to the rank of ambassador, with Kabul later announcing its representative in Islamabad would also be upgraded."This elevation in diplomatic representation between Afghanistan &amp; Pakistan paves the way for enhanced bilateral cooperation in multiple domains," the Aghan foreign ministry said on X.Kabul's Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi is due to visit Pakistan "in the coming days", ministry spokesman Zia Ahmad Takal told AFP.Muttaqi met with Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar in May in Beijing as part of a trilateral meeting with their Chinese counterpart Wang Yi.Wang afterwards announced Kabul and Islamabad's intention to exchange ambassadors and expressed Beijing's willingness "to continue to assist with improving Afghanistan-Pakistan ties".Dar hailed the "positive trajectory" of Pakistan-Afghanistan relations on Friday, saying the upgrading of their representatives would "promote further exchanges between two fraternal countries".Only a handful of countries -- including China -- have agreed to host Taliban government ambassadors since their return to power in 2021, with no country yet formally recognising the administration.Russia last month said it would also accredit a Taliban government ambassador, days after removing the group's "terrorist" designation.&nbsp;

The move signals easing tensions between the neighbouring countries, as relations between the Taliban authorities and Pakistan – already rocky – have cooled in recent months, fuelled by security concerns and a campaign by Islamabad to expel tens of thousands of Afghans.

Afghanistan has welcomed the decision to upgrade diplomatic relations with Pakistan, where the Taliban government's foreign minister is due to travel in the coming days, his office said on Saturday. The move signals easing tensions between the neighbouring countries, as relations between the Taliban authorities and Pakistan – already rocky – have cooled in recent months, fuelled by security concerns and a campaign by Islamabad to expel tens of thousands of Afghans. Pakistan's top diplomat on Friday said the charge d'affaires stationed in Kabul would be elevated to the rank of ambassador, with Kabul later announcing its representative in Islamabad would also be upgraded. "This elevation in diplomatic representation between Afghanistan & Pakistan paves the way for enhanced bilateral cooperation in multiple domains," the Aghan foreign ministry said on X. Kabul's Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi is due to visit Pakistan "in the coming days", ministry spokesman Zia Ahmad Takal told AFP. Muttaqi met with Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar in May in Beijing as part of a trilateral meeting with their Chinese counterpart Wang Yi. Wang afterwards announced Kabul and Islamabad's intention to exchange ambassadors and expressed Beijing's willingness "to continue to assist with improving Afghanistan-Pakistan ties". Dar hailed the "positive trajectory" of Pakistan-Afghanistan relations on Friday, saying the upgrading of their representatives would "promote further exchanges between two fraternal countries". Only a handful of countries -- including China -- have agreed to host Taliban government ambassadors since their return to power in 2021, with no country yet formally recognising the administration. Russia last month said it would also accredit a Taliban government ambassador, days after removing the group's "terrorist" designation.

The move signals easing tensions between the neighbouring countries, as relations between the Taliban authorities and Pakistan – already rocky – have cooled in recent months, fuelled by security concerns and a campaign by Islamabad to expel tens of thousands of Afghans.

Afghanistan welcomes upgraded diplomatic ties with Pakistan

Donald Trump's Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has launched a Pentagon investigation into the 2021 withdrawal of US forces from Afghanistan.The chaotic withdrawal has long been a target of Republican criticism, and in a memo, Hegseth said that he has concluded that a "comprehensive review" was needed to ensure that a "complete picture is provided to the American people".<h2>Pete Hegseth's push for accountability</h2>In his memo, the Pentagon chief wrote that the review would ensure that accountability for the troop withdrawal was met.“On August 26, 2021. President Biden's administration led a chaotic withdrawal of U.S. military and embassy officials from Afghanistan that led to the deaths of 13 U.S. service members and 170 civilians in a suicide bombing at the Kabul International Airport's Abbey Gate.”"I have concluded that we need to conduct a comprehensive review to ensure that accountability for this event is met and that the complete picture is provided to the American people," stated the memo.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Memo regarding the Review of the U.S. Military Withdrawal from Afghanistan. <a href="https://t.co/2V7Dt8biOm">pic.twitter.com/2V7Dt8biOm</a>&mdash; Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth (@SecDef) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecDef/status/1924885591075795254?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 20, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

According to it, a special review panel will be tasked with "thoroughly" examining the events that led to what it calls "one of America's darkest and deadliest international moments".It will examine "previous investigations, to include but not limited to, findings of fact, sources, witnesses, and analyse the decision-making that led to one of America's darkest and deadliest international moments"."This team will ensure ACCOUNTABILITY to the American people and the warfighters of our great Nation," it added.<h2>The 2021 withdrawal</h2>In August 2021, after a 20-year stint in Afghanistan, US troops were pulled from the nation by the then-US president.Announcing the withdrawal, Biden at the time said that American troops were sent to Afghanistan to "make sure al Qaeda could not use Afghanistan as a base from which to attack us again," and not for "nation building"."We went to Afghanistan almost 20 years ago with clear goals: get those who attacked us on September 11th, 2001, and make sure al Qaeda could not use Afghanistan as a base from which to attack us again," he said."We did that. &nbsp;We severely degraded al Qaeda in Afghanistan. We never gave up the hunt for Osama bin Laden, and we got him. &nbsp;That was a decade ago," said Biden, adding "Our mission in Afghanistan was never supposed to have been nation-building. It was never supposed to be creating a unified, centralised democracy.""Our only vital national interest in Afghanistan remains today what it has always been: preventing a terrorist attack on American homeland."The US troop withdrawal paved the way for the Taliban to return to power, two decades after their first government was toppled by American forces in the wake of the September 11 attacks.

The chaotic withdrawal has long been a target of Republican criticism, and in a memo, Hegseth said that he has concluded that a "comprehensive review" was needed to ensure that a "complete picture is provided to the American people".

Donald Trump's Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has launched a Pentagon investigation into the 2021 withdrawal of US forces from Afghanistan. The chaotic withdrawal has long been a target of Republican criticism, and in a memo, Hegseth said that he has concluded that a "comprehensive review" was needed to ensure that a "complete picture is provided to the American people". Pete Hegseth's push for accountability In his memo, the Pentagon chief wrote that the review would ensure that accountability for the troop withdrawal was met. “On August 26, 2021. President Biden's administration led a chaotic withdrawal of U.S. military and embassy officials from Afghanistan that led to the deaths of 13 U.S. service members and 170 civilians in a suicide bombing at the Kabul International Airport's Abbey Gate.” "I have concluded that we need to conduct a comprehensive review to ensure that accountability for this event is met and that the complete picture is provided to the American people," stated the memo.

The chaotic withdrawal has long been a target of Republican criticism, and in a memo, Hegseth said that he has concluded that a "comprehensive review" was needed to ensure that a "complete picture is provided to the American people".

Trump admin launches Pentagon review of 'chaotic' 2021 US troops' withdrawal from Afghanistan under Joe Biden

New Delhi: India plans to give humanitarian assistance to Afghan refugees who have been expelled by Pakistan. Pakistan has been expelling Afghan refugees as part of a repatriation campaign that intensified in 2023, citing security concerns and economic pressures. The deportations have sparked humanitarian concerns.
Both sides are also discussing having India-supported development projects in Afghanistan. In the past, India has played an instrumental role in building dams, cricket stadiums, and community development projects in the country.
The development comes amid the first ever talks between India&rsquo;s External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and Afghan Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi. The Afghan Acting Foreign Minister spoke to India&rsquo;s foreign minister just ahead of his scheduled visits to Iran and China slated for next week.
Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jaishankar-thanks-taliban-for-condemning-pahalgam-attack-holds-first-high-level-talks-since-2021-afghanistan-takeover-operation-sindoor-pakistan-9073712">Pakistan on 'probation,' faces 'strict punishment' without behaviour change warns Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh</a>
During the talks, the Afghan side condemned the Pahalgam terror attack and rejected the Pakistani misinformation that Indian missiles reached Afghanistan. The readout said, &ldquo;India welcomed his firm rejection of recent attempts to create distrust between India and Afghanistan through false and baseless reports.&rdquo;
Afghanistan also hopes for Indian visas for its traders. An Afghan readout said, &ldquo;Discussions focused on strengthening bilateral relations, trade, and elevating the level of diplomatic ties.&rdquo;
Trade has been a key part of the engagement. ⁠Both sides are considering to enhance bilateral trade from the current $ 1 billion. The Indian side also granted clearance, as a special gesture, for entry of 160 Afghan trucks carrying dry fruits and nuts through Attari. This despite the Wagah-Attari border being effectively closed for India-Pakistan trade.
Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/from-al-qaeda-terrorist-to-trumps-tough-attractive-guy-story-of-syrian-president-ahmed-al-sharaa-9073460" target="_blank" rel="noopener">From al-Qaeda terrorist to Trump's 'tough attractive guy': Story of Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa</a>
The talks between the foreign ministers is an elevation in terms of the engagement between India and Afghanistan. The Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met Afghan Acting FM Muttaqi in January, while Joint Secretary Anand Prakash, who is the head of MEA's Pakistan, Afghanistan &amp; Iran (PAI) division, held a meeting with Muttaqi and his team in the last week of April.
India has been a long-standing partner of Afghanistan. Since 2021, India has sent 50,000 tonnes of wheat, 350 tonnes of medicines, 40,000 litres of Malathion and 28 tonnes of earthquake relief material to Afghanistan. Delhi has also provided 2000 online scholarships for Afghan students, something that has been welcomed by Kabul.

India News | Afghanistan: After the talks, the Indian MEA readout said, “India welcomed his firm rejection of recent attempts to create distrust between India and Afghanistan through false and baseless reports.”

New Delhi: India plans to give humanitarian assistance to Afghan refugees who have been expelled by Pakistan. Pakistan has been expelling Afghan refugees as part of a repatriation campaign that intensified in 2023, citing security concerns and economic pressures. The deportations have sparked humanitarian concerns. Both sides are also discussing having India-supported development projects in Afghanistan. In the past, India has played an instrumental role in building dams, cricket stadiums, and community development projects in the country. The development comes amid the first ever talks between India’s External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and Afghan Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi. The Afghan Acting Foreign Minister spoke to India’s foreign minister just ahead of his scheduled visits to Iran and China slated for next week. Also Read | Pakistan on 'probation,' faces 'strict punishment' without behaviour change warns Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh During the talks, the Afghan side condemned the Pahalgam terror attack and rejected the Pakistani misinformation that Indian missiles reached Afghanistan. The readout said, “India welcomed his firm rejection of recent attempts to create distrust between India and Afghanistan through false and baseless reports.” Afghanistan also hopes for Indian visas for its traders. An Afghan readout said, “Discussions focused on strengthening bilateral relations, trade, and elevating the level of diplomatic ties.” Trade has been a key part of the engagement. ⁠Both sides are considering to enhance bilateral trade from the current $ 1 billion. The Indian side also granted clearance, as a special gesture, for entry of 160 Afghan trucks carrying dry fruits and nuts through Attari. This despite the Wagah-Attari border being effectively closed for India-Pakistan trade. Also read | From al-Qaeda terrorist to Trump's 'tough attractive guy': Story of Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa The talks between the foreign ministers is an elevation in terms of the engagement between India and Afghanistan. The Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met Afghan Acting FM Muttaqi in January, while Joint Secretary Anand Prakash, who is the head of MEA's Pakistan, Afghanistan & Iran (PAI) division, held a meeting with Muttaqi and his team in the last week of April. India has been a long-standing partner of Afghanistan. Since 2021, India has sent 50,000 tonnes of wheat, 350 tonnes of medicines, 40,000 litres of Malathion and 28 tonnes of earthquake relief material to Afghanistan. Delhi has also provided 2000 online scholarships for Afghan students, something that has been welcomed by Kabul.

India, Afghanistan working on humanitarian assistance to Afghan refugees, trade, development cooperation

As US President Donald Trump has once again claimed of China occupying the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/bagram-airbase">Bagram Airbase</a> in Afghanistan, the major military airfield has come under the spotlight. Trump has also stressed that the US is going to keep the airbase.&nbsp;
Earlier this month, as well as today, the US president reinstated that the US will keep the big Air Force base, which is just an hour away from where China makes its nuclear weapons.&nbsp;
He also said that the US cannot give up on one of the biggest airbases in the world, among the strongest and longest runways anywhere in the world.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-occupies-it-now-us-president-donald-trump-says-us-will-keep-control-of-bagram-airbase-in-afghanistan-9071816">'You know who occupies it, CHINA': Trump stresses US will keep Bagram Airbase in Afghanistan</a>
<h2>Story of Bagram Airbase&nbsp;</h2>
Bagram Airbase is a major military airfield, located in the Parwan province of Afghanistan. The largest air base in Afghanistan lies about 60 km north of Kabul in the Parwan province.&nbsp;
It has a significant strategic importance as it has served major US and NATO military operations in Afghanistan for many years.&nbsp;
The airbase was built by the Soviet Union in 1950 and the USSR had control over it during the early days of the Cold War. During the Soviet-Afghan war, the airbase was fortified and started lodging military personnel from the USSR.
The US came in the picturee in 1959, when then US President Dwight Eisenhower paid a visit to Afghanistan and landed in Bagram.
WATCH | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/afghanistan-taliban-rejects-chinese-presence-as-trump-vows-bagram-takeover-8774510">Afghanistan: Taliban rejects Chinese presence as Trump vows bagram takeover</a>&nbsp;
In 1990, the Soviets withdrew from Afghanistan, and the airbase was left abandoned. It then became the frontline between the Taliban and the Northern Alliance military. However, during the conflict, the airbase was severely damaged.&nbsp;
Later in 2001 after the 9/11 terror attack, the US and its Western allies took over the Afghan airfield. For the next 20 years, they controlled the Bagram airbase, claiming that they were using it for America's "War on terrorism".&nbsp;
In 2020, the US and the Taliban signed a deal to withdraw international forces from Afghanistan by May 2021.&nbsp;
The last American aircraft took off from the Kabul airport on August 30, 2021, and the US forces vacated Bagram on July 2. The airbase formally was handed over to the Taliban on August 15.&nbsp;
The base is currently under Taliban control, however, the US has been stressing that China made the entry into Afghanistan's airbase after they left.&nbsp;
Earlier this year in March, Trump made similar claims of China making its nuclear missiles, an hour away from the airbase. To this, the Taliban issued a statement denying the claims.&nbsp;
"Bagram is controlled by the Islamic Emirate (Taliban), not China. Chinese troops are not present here, nor do we have any such pact with any country,&rdquo; it said.
WATCH | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-president-trump-claims-china-controls-bagram-air-base-pledges-to-reclaim-it-9030025">US President Trump claims China controls Bagram air base, pledges to reclaim it</a>

US president reinstated that the US will keep the big Air Force base, which is just an hour away from where China makes its nuclear weapons. WORLD

As US President Donald Trump has once again claimed of China occupying the Bagram Airbase in Afghanistan, the major military airfield has come under the spotlight. Trump has also stressed that the US is going to keep the airbase. Earlier this month, as well as today, the US president reinstated that the US will keep the big Air Force base, which is just an hour away from where China makes its nuclear weapons. He also said that the US cannot give up on one of the biggest airbases in the world, among the strongest and longest runways anywhere in the world. Also read: 'You know who occupies it, CHINA': Trump stresses US will keep Bagram Airbase in Afghanistan Story of Bagram Airbase Bagram Airbase is a major military airfield, located in the Parwan province of Afghanistan. The largest air base in Afghanistan lies about 60 km north of Kabul in the Parwan province. It has a significant strategic importance as it has served major US and NATO military operations in Afghanistan for many years. The airbase was built by the Soviet Union in 1950 and the USSR had control over it during the early days of the Cold War. During the Soviet-Afghan war, the airbase was fortified and started lodging military personnel from the USSR. The US came in the picturee in 1959, when then US President Dwight Eisenhower paid a visit to Afghanistan and landed in Bagram. WATCH | Afghanistan: Taliban rejects Chinese presence as Trump vows bagram takeover In 1990, the Soviets withdrew from Afghanistan, and the airbase was left abandoned. It then became the frontline between the Taliban and the Northern Alliance military. However, during the conflict, the airbase was severely damaged. Later in 2001 after the 9/11 terror attack, the US and its Western allies took over the Afghan airfield. For the next 20 years, they controlled the Bagram airbase, claiming that they were using it for America's "War on terrorism". In 2020, the US and the Taliban signed a deal to withdraw international forces from Afghanistan by May 2021. The last American aircraft took off from the Kabul airport on August 30, 2021, and the US forces vacated Bagram on July 2. The airbase formally was handed over to the Taliban on August 15. The base is currently under Taliban control, however, the US has been stressing that China made the entry into Afghanistan's airbase after they left. Earlier this year in March, Trump made similar claims of China making its nuclear missiles, an hour away from the airbase. To this, the Taliban issued a statement denying the claims. "Bagram is controlled by the Islamic Emirate (Taliban), not China. Chinese troops are not present here, nor do we have any such pact with any country,” it said. WATCH | US President Trump claims China controls Bagram air base, pledges to reclaim it

Trump wants to play US vs China over Bagram Airbase: Story of military airfield in Afghanistan that Biden left in 2021

US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/donald-trump-0">Donald Trump</a> said that the United States will keep Bagram Airbase in Afghanistan, stressing, "We will not give it up."
Trump was addressing the US troops at the Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar, in view of American air capability in the region.&nbsp;
"Russia Ukraine would have never started, October 7th would have never happened...We wouldn't have had the disaster of Afghanistan...but we were getting out with dignity and strength," Trump said.&nbsp;
He stressed that it is just an hour away from China, claiming that China occupies it.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-iran-nuclear-deal-getting-close-military-strike-may-be-averted-9070951">Trump says Iran nuclear deal 'getting close,' military strike may be averted</a>
"We are going to keep Bagram Airbase, we are not going to give that up because its one hour away from China. You know who occupies it now, China," he added.&nbsp;
&ldquo;Sadly, over the last four years, we saw a collapse in Afghanistan. And what happened on October 7th, the war in Ukraine, violence unleashed by wokeness and weakness.&rdquo;
Trump was addressing the Al-Udeid Air Base, which was the major stage ground during the US wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, housing around 8,000 US troops.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/qatar-a-lago-banner-seen-near-trumps-palm-beach-home-amid-controversy-over-400-mn-qatari-jet-9069570">'Qatar-a-Lago' banner seen near Trump's Palm beach home amid controversy over $400-mn Qatari jet: See pics</a>
The US president stressed that he would never hesitate to wield American power if required to defend the US or its partners.
&ldquo;As president, my priority is to end conflicts, not start them, but I will never hesitate to wield American power if it&rsquo;s necessary to defend the United States of America or our partners,&rdquo; Trump said. &ldquo;And this is one of our great partners right here&rdquo; in Qatar.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/largest-order-of-jets-in-boeing-history-what-is-the-200-bn-deal-between-us-aerospace-and-qatar-airways-us-president-donald-trump-qatar-emir-9069551">'Largest order of jets in Boeing history': What is the $200 bn deal between US aerospace and Qatar Airways</a>

"We are going to keep Bagram Airbase, we are not going to give that up because its one hour away from China. You know who occupies it now, China," he said. WORLD

US President Donald Trump said that the United States will keep Bagram Airbase in Afghanistan, stressing, "We will not give it up." Trump was addressing the US troops at the Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar, in view of American air capability in the region. "Russia Ukraine would have never started, October 7th would have never happened...We wouldn't have had the disaster of Afghanistan...but we were getting out with dignity and strength," Trump said. He stressed that it is just an hour away from China, claiming that China occupies it. Also read: Trump says Iran nuclear deal 'getting close,' military strike may be averted "We are going to keep Bagram Airbase, we are not going to give that up because its one hour away from China. You know who occupies it now, China," he added. “Sadly, over the last four years, we saw a collapse in Afghanistan. And what happened on October 7th, the war in Ukraine, violence unleashed by wokeness and weakness.” Trump was addressing the Al-Udeid Air Base, which was the major stage ground during the US wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, housing around 8,000 US troops. Also read: 'Qatar-a-Lago' banner seen near Trump's Palm beach home amid controversy over $400-mn Qatari jet: See pics The US president stressed that he would never hesitate to wield American power if required to defend the US or its partners. “As president, my priority is to end conflicts, not start them, but I will never hesitate to wield American power if it’s necessary to defend the United States of America or our partners,” Trump said. “And this is one of our great partners right here” in Qatar. Also read: 'Largest order of jets in Boeing history': What is the $200 bn deal between US aerospace and Qatar Airways

'You know who occupies it, CHINA': Trump stresses US will keep Bagram Airbase in Afghanistan

Amid ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan and both the country's actions against each other in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack, New Delhi's point-person on Afghanistan Anand Prakash held talks with Taliban's acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in Kabul. They discussed political and trade issues and the Afghan&nbsp;foreign minister emphasised the expansion of political and economic relations with India. Just a day after the meeting, the Taliban issued a statement saying that Afghanistan is &ldquo;no threat to India.&rdquo;
With India-Pakistan ties at the brink of collapsing, and trade routes shut, New Delhi and Kabul attempt to build trust in what could be an uncertain future for Afghanistan amid geopolitical rivalry between two nuclear armed-nations.
<h2>Why Afghanistan might bear the burnt of worsening Indo-Pak relations?</h2>
Afghanistan, in the past, has been caught in the crossfire between India and Pakistan. As per reports, during the Kargil war when the Taliban was close to Islamabad, India supported anti-Taliban forces (Northern Alliance), escalating proxy dynamics. After the Uri attack in 2016, India became more vocal about cross-border terrorism, including in Afghanistan. Similarly, after the 2019 Pulwama attack, India increased intelligence cooperation with Afghan authorities intending to keep an eye on the activities of Pakistan-based terror organisation, reports suggest.
With the fallout of India-Pakistan relations, Afghanistan fears regional polarisation as its soil can be used for proxy activities by Pakistan-based terrorist organisations like Jaish-e-Mohammed(JeM) or Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). It is a tricky situation in Afghanistan as it cannot take sides amid the big geopolitical rivalry, even as it might be the biggest loser with its stability at stake.
India has viewed the Taliban with scepticism due to its historical links with Pakistan&rsquo;s ISI and past hostility. Scrutinising the Taliban and its activities will be among the top priorities for the intelligence agencies and Kabul is aware of this. It would not want its territory to be used as a base for anti-India groups inviting the ire of New Delhi. There's also a fear of American-made weapons making their way to J&amp;K from Afghanistan. As per reports, these weapons were found in Pulwama in 2017-2018 and in areas of Kishtwar-Kathua in 2022-2024. Taking the cue, the Taliban was quick to condemn the Pahalgam terror attack, adding that "such incidents undermine efforts to ensure regional security and stability." India, meanwhile, is likely to take a dual-track approach in its ties with Kabul - New Delhi will engage selectively for strategic presence while preparing for increased security risks if Pakistan tries to exploit Afghan territory.
Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-navy-fighter-jet-worth-60-million-lost-at-sea-after-it-fell-off-aircraft-carrier-during-houthi-attack-9013905">US Navy fighter jet worth $60 million lost at sea after it fell off aircraft carrier during Houthi attack</a>
<h2>Afghan trade affected due to Indo-Pak fallout</h2>
The geographical dependence of Kabul on Pakistan for trade with India becomes another drawback amid the India-Pakistan fallout. India has shut the Attari border with Pakistan - it was used for a large portion of Afghan exports and imports to/from India. Now, Afghanistan has limited alternatives, such as the Chabahar Port in Iran, which India has helped develop to bypass Pakistan. However, Chabahar is still under-utilized and more expensive, making it a less viable full replacement in the short term. Additionally, India and Pakistan tensions will hamper regional cooperation through SAARC or other trade frameworks, isolating Afghanistan and reducing its access to broader South Asian markets. Thus, Afghanistan&rsquo;s already fragile economy might be harmed further due to higher costs, delays and regional isolation. Apart from trade, Kabul would also not want the halting of humanitarian aid (food, medical supplies) by India.&nbsp;
Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pahalgam-terror-attack-live-india-slams-pakistan-over-pahalgam-terror-attack-all-updates-9012721">Pahalgam Terror Attack LIVE: Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif's X profile 'withheld' in India after ban on Pak's YT channels</a>
<h2>Pressure on Taliban from Pakistan?</h2>
The Taliban will also face pressure from the Pakistani side as Pak-based terrorist groups might try to reconnect with Taliban factions. If Kabul aligns with New Delhi, Pakistan would resort to airstrikes similar to what they did in December 2024 in the name of targeting the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan&nbsp; (TTP), which is ideologically aligned with the Afghan Taliban but is viewed as a direct threat by Islamabad. Kabul also fears that ISI's covert support to anti-Taliban elements will destabilise their government. Moreover, the future of millions of Afghan refugees in Pakistan also hangs by a thread in the current situation.&nbsp;
Nevertheless, for its quest to gain international legitimacy and to show itself as a party opposed to global terrorism, the Taliban has to avoid overt alignment with Pakistan&rsquo;s anti-India agenda. How the Taliban-led Afghanistan government balances the two nuclear-armed nations in the midst of this geopolitical rivalry remains to be seen.
Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/spooked-by-india-nawaz-sharif-warns-pakistan-pm-against-aggressive-position-after-pahalgam-terror-attack-9012835">'Spooked' by India? Nawaz Sharif warns Pakistan PM against "aggressive position" after Pahalgam terror attack</a>
<h2>Afghanistan and Taliban relations</h2>
India has not yet recognised the Taliban regime in Afghanistan and has been pitching for the formation of a truly inclusive government in Kabul besides insisting that Afghan soil must not be used for any terrorist activities against any country. New Delhi had withdrawn its officials from the embassy after the Taliban seized power in August 2021 following concerns over their security. In June 2022, India re-established its diplomatic presence in Kabul by deploying a "technical team" to its embassy in the Afghan capital. Besides this, India has also been pitching for providing unimpeded humanitarian aid to Afghanistan to address the unfolding humanitarian crisis in the country.
Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/i-think-it-has-been-misinterpreted-pak-defence-minister-takes-u-turn-from-imminent-military-incursion-remarks-says-havent-said-anything-9013132">'It has been misinterpreted': Pak defence minister takes U-turn from 'imminent' military incursion remark, says 'haven't said anything...'</a>
&nbsp;

World | How the Taliban-led Afghanistan government balances the two nuclear-armed nations amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan after Pahalgam terror attack  remains to be seen.

Amid ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan and both the country's actions against each other in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack, New Delhi's point-person on Afghanistan Anand Prakash held talks with Taliban's acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in Kabul. They discussed political and trade issues and the Afghan foreign minister emphasised the expansion of political and economic relations with India. Just a day after the meeting, the Taliban issued a statement saying that Afghanistan is “no threat to India.” With India-Pakistan ties at the brink of collapsing, and trade routes shut, New Delhi and Kabul attempt to build trust in what could be an uncertain future for Afghanistan amid geopolitical rivalry between two nuclear armed-nations. Why Afghanistan might bear the burnt of worsening Indo-Pak relations? Afghanistan, in the past, has been caught in the crossfire between India and Pakistan. As per reports, during the Kargil war when the Taliban was close to Islamabad, India supported anti-Taliban forces (Northern Alliance), escalating proxy dynamics. After the Uri attack in 2016, India became more vocal about cross-border terrorism, including in Afghanistan. Similarly, after the 2019 Pulwama attack, India increased intelligence cooperation with Afghan authorities intending to keep an eye on the activities of Pakistan-based terror organisation, reports suggest. With the fallout of India-Pakistan relations, Afghanistan fears regional polarisation as its soil can be used for proxy activities by Pakistan-based terrorist organisations like Jaish-e-Mohammed(JeM) or Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). It is a tricky situation in Afghanistan as it cannot take sides amid the big geopolitical rivalry, even as it might be the biggest loser with its stability at stake. India has viewed the Taliban with scepticism due to its historical links with Pakistan’s ISI and past hostility. Scrutinising the Taliban and its activities will be among the top priorities for the intelligence agencies and Kabul is aware of this. It would not want its territory to be used as a base for anti-India groups inviting the ire of New Delhi. There's also a fear of American-made weapons making their way to J&K from Afghanistan. As per reports, these weapons were found in Pulwama in 2017-2018 and in areas of Kishtwar-Kathua in 2022-2024. Taking the cue, the Taliban was quick to condemn the Pahalgam terror attack, adding that "such incidents undermine efforts to ensure regional security and stability." India, meanwhile, is likely to take a dual-track approach in its ties with Kabul - New Delhi will engage selectively for strategic presence while preparing for increased security risks if Pakistan tries to exploit Afghan territory. Read More | US Navy fighter jet worth $60 million lost at sea after it fell off aircraft carrier during Houthi attack Afghan trade affected due to Indo-Pak fallout The geographical dependence of Kabul on Pakistan for trade with India becomes another drawback amid the India-Pakistan fallout. India has shut the Attari border with Pakistan - it was used for a large portion of Afghan exports and imports to/from India. Now, Afghanistan has limited alternatives, such as the Chabahar Port in Iran, which India has helped develop to bypass Pakistan. However, Chabahar is still under-utilized and more expensive, making it a less viable full replacement in the short term. Additionally, India and Pakistan tensions will hamper regional cooperation through SAARC or other trade frameworks, isolating Afghanistan and reducing its access to broader South Asian markets. Thus, Afghanistan’s already fragile economy might be harmed further due to higher costs, delays and regional isolation. Apart from trade, Kabul would also not want the halting of humanitarian aid (food, medical supplies) by India. Read More | Pahalgam Terror Attack LIVE: Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif's X profile 'withheld' in India after ban on Pak's YT channels Pressure on Taliban from Pakistan? The Taliban will also face pressure from the Pakistani side as Pak-based terrorist groups might try to reconnect with Taliban factions. If Kabul aligns with New Delhi, Pakistan would resort to airstrikes similar to what they did in December 2024 in the name of targeting the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which is ideologically aligned with the Afghan Taliban but is viewed as a direct threat by Islamabad. Kabul also fears that ISI's covert support to anti-Taliban elements will destabilise their government. Moreover, the future of millions of Afghan refugees in Pakistan also hangs by a thread in the current situation. Nevertheless, for its quest to gain international legitimacy and to show itself as a party opposed to global terrorism, the Taliban has to avoid overt alignment with Pakistan’s anti-India agenda. How the Taliban-led Afghanistan government balances the two nuclear-armed nations in the midst of this geopolitical rivalry remains to be seen. Read More | 'Spooked' by India? Nawaz Sharif warns Pakistan PM against "aggressive position" after Pahalgam terror attack Afghanistan and Taliban relations India has not yet recognised the Taliban regime in Afghanistan and has been pitching for the formation of a truly inclusive government in Kabul besides insisting that Afghan soil must not be used for any terrorist activities against any country. New Delhi had withdrawn its officials from the embassy after the Taliban seized power in August 2021 following concerns over their security. In June 2022, India re-established its diplomatic presence in Kabul by deploying a "technical team" to its embassy in the Afghan capital. Besides this, India has also been pitching for providing unimpeded humanitarian aid to Afghanistan to address the unfolding humanitarian crisis in the country. Read More | 'It has been misinterpreted': Pak defence minister takes U-turn from 'imminent' military incursion remark, says 'haven't said anything...'

India, Taliban hold talks in Kabul: Why Afghanistan might bear the brunt of worsening India-Pakistan relations

afghanistan

Afghanistan, News on Afghanistan, stories on Afghanistan, articles on Afghanistan, Afghanistan stories at Wion, Afghanistan news, Afghanistan latest news

afghanistan

Four years after US withdrawal, Taliban focuses on housing for returning afghan refugees

Afghanistan accuses Pakistan of deadly air-strikes | 3 children dead, 7 wounded

Taliban says 'ready and willing' to work with Farage and accept deported Afghans

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage floats his own immigration policy

Counter terrorism': China's message to Taliban | Wang Yi expresses concern

Afghanistan bus crash: Bus carrying deported migrants to Kabul crashes with truck

Afghanistan marks 106th anniversary of independence from the British

Afghanistan: 79 dead in bus crash tragedy in Herat province

Afghanistan floods worsen water crisis, thousands forced from their homes

Afghanistan: Bus tragedy reported in Herat province, 79 reported dead

At least 79 Afghan deportees from Iran killed in deadly accident

400,000 displaced by environmental disasters

Kabul's DAY Zero soon? Afghan capital might run out of water by 2030

Four Years Under Taliban Rule: Afghanistan Faces Continued Hardship

Four Years Of Taliban 2.0: Economy, Rights, Hope Plumb New Depths

US allegedly blocks Afghan's FM Pakistan visit over UN travel ban waiver

Why is Iran deporting hundreds of thousands of Afghans?

'Might die there': Son of UK couple jailed in Afghan, shares his parents' ordeal

Serious departmental error: UK reveals secret scheme to relocate 19,000 Afghans

Taliban 'welcomes' US tourists - in video featuring hostages

Why did India abstain from Afghanistan UN resolution vote? Opposed to…

Kabul to become first big city without water by 2030, amid climate change

India provides prosthetic limbs to Afghans

Kabul to run out of water by 2030? Here’s all you need to know about latest warning

Trump admin launches review of US troops' withdrawal from Afghanistan: Timeline from 9/11 attack to end of '20-year-war' | WION Explains

Afghanistan welcomes upgraded diplomatic ties with Pakistan