Afghanistan dropped curtains on their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign with a one-sided victory over Canada as they won by 82 runs. Playing at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, there was no fairytale story for Afghanistan this time as they were eliminated in the group stage of the T20 World Cup. The Asian side had famously reached the semifinal of the 2024 T20 World Cup but settled for a third-place finish in Group D in the ongoing tournament with two wins in four matches.<h2>Afghanistan win dead-rubber</h2>Riding on Ibrahim Zadran's fantastic knock and a clinical bowling display led by Mohammad Nabi, Afghanistan outplayed Canada in all departments to secure a comprehensive win. Put into bat, Afghanistan's opening pair once again started well, putting on 47 runs. However, star batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz fell for 30, and Afghanistan slipped to 49/2 in the power play.&nbsp;Ibrahim Zadran led the Afghanistan rebuild with a gritty half-century, his second successive fifty at the World Cup. His 95-run partnership with Sediqullah Atal (44) gave Afghanistan the perfect platform to launch the final few overs. Carrying the bat through, Zadran scored his personal best knock of 95 off 56, which is also the highest score by an Afghanistan player in this edition of the World Cup. In a well-paced innings, he struck seven fours and five sixes. Afghanistan posted a challenging score of 200/4 in 20 overs.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-chris-gayle-to-brendon-mccullum-5-batters-to-score-fastest-t20-world-cup-hundreds-rilee-rossouw-ahmed-shehzad-1768553361691">From Chris Gayle to Brendon McCullum, 5 batters to score fastest T20 World Cup hundreds</a>&nbsp;For Canada, Jaskarandeep Singh was the most successful bowler and ended with 3/52 in four overs. Chasing 201, the last match centurion, Yuvraj Samra departed for 17 runs off 14 balls, with three fours by off-spinner Mohammad Nabi. Captain Dilpreet Bajwa (13) was clean bowled by Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and Navneet Dhailwal departed after a five-ball duck to Azmatullah Omarzai. Canada crawled to 34/3 in six overs.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/meet-indians-to-score-most-runs-in-each-of-last-5-t20-world-cups-ft-virat-kohli-kl-rahul-rohit-sharma-2026-t20-world-cup-1768479871185">Meet Indians to score most runs in each of last 5 T20 World Cups ft Virat Kohli</a>&nbsp;Wickets continued to fall for Canada after the power play. Mohammad Nabi removed Nicholas Kirton (20) during the eighth over, and wicketkeeper-batter Shreyas Movva (2) was dismissed to Rashid Khan in the next over as Canada reached 48/5 in nine overs. Saad Bin Zafar (28), Dilon Heyliger (3), Jaskaran Singh (7*) and Ansh Patel (2*) also had forgetfull day as Canada crawled to 118/8 in 20 overs, losing the one-sided contest by 82 runs.&nbsp;For Afghanistan, Mohammad Nabi (4/7), captain Rashid Khan (2/19), Azmatullah Omarzai (1/18) and Mujeeb Ur Rahman (1/23) were among the wicket takers.&nbsp;

Playing at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, there was no fairytale story for Afghanistan this time as they were eliminated in the group stage of the T20 World Cup. 

Afghanistan dropped curtains on their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign with a one-sided victory over Canada as they won by 82 runs. Playing at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, there was no fairytale story for Afghanistan this time as they were eliminated in the group stage of the T20 World Cup. The Asian side had famously reached the semifinal of the 2024 T20 World Cup but settled for a third-place finish in Group D in the ongoing tournament with two wins in four matches. Afghanistan win dead-rubber Riding on Ibrahim Zadran's fantastic knock and a clinical bowling display led by Mohammad Nabi, Afghanistan outplayed Canada in all departments to secure a comprehensive win. Put into bat, Afghanistan's opening pair once again started well, putting on 47 runs. However, star batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz fell for 30, and Afghanistan slipped to 49/2 in the power play. Ibrahim Zadran led the Afghanistan rebuild with a gritty half-century, his second successive fifty at the World Cup. His 95-run partnership with Sediqullah Atal (44) gave Afghanistan the perfect platform to launch the final few overs. Carrying the bat through, Zadran scored his personal best knock of 95 off 56, which is also the highest score by an Afghanistan player in this edition of the World Cup. In a well-paced innings, he struck seven fours and five sixes. Afghanistan posted a challenging score of 200/4 in 20 overs. ALSO READ | From Chris Gayle to Brendon McCullum, 5 batters to score fastest T20 World Cup hundreds For Canada, Jaskarandeep Singh was the most successful bowler and ended with 3/52 in four overs. Chasing 201, the last match centurion, Yuvraj Samra departed for 17 runs off 14 balls, with three fours by off-spinner Mohammad Nabi. Captain Dilpreet Bajwa (13) was clean bowled by Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and Navneet Dhailwal departed after a five-ball duck to Azmatullah Omarzai. Canada crawled to 34/3 in six overs. ALSO READ | Meet Indians to score most runs in each of last 5 T20 World Cups ft Virat Kohli Wickets continued to fall for Canada after the power play. Mohammad Nabi removed Nicholas Kirton (20) during the eighth over, and wicketkeeper-batter Shreyas Movva (2) was dismissed to Rashid Khan in the next over as Canada reached 48/5 in nine overs. Saad Bin Zafar (28), Dilon Heyliger (3), Jaskaran Singh (7*) and Ansh Patel (2*) also had forgetfull day as Canada crawled to 118/8 in 20 overs, losing the one-sided contest by 82 runs. For Afghanistan, Mohammad Nabi (4/7), captain Rashid Khan (2/19), Azmatullah Omarzai (1/18) and Mujeeb Ur Rahman (1/23) were among the wicket takers.

Playing at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, there was no fairytale story for Afghanistan this time as they were eliminated in the group stage of the T20 World Cup.&nbsp;

T20 World Cup 2026: Afghanistan drop curtains with one-sided win over Canada, finish third in Group D

Afghanistan has released three Pakistani soldiers who were captured on October 12, 2025, during the clashes. The move came on the onset of Ramadan, when the soldiers were handed over to the respected delegation that came from the brotherly country of Saudi Arabia to maintain positive relations.&nbsp;"In line with the policy of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, which emphasizes maintaining positive relations with all countries, and in respect for the arrival of the blessed month of Ramadan; a month of divine mercy and forgiveness; and in order to give a positive response to the request of the brotherly country of Saudi Arabia, as well as on the occasion of hosting the negotiating team that arrived in Kabul on Monday, three Pakistani soldiers who had been captured on October 12, 2025, during clashes with the Pakistani side, were released and handed over to the respected delegation that came from the brotherly country of Saudi Arabia," Deputy Spokesperson of Afghanistan Hamdullah said in a post on X.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">د افغانستان اسلامي امارت د هغې تګلارې له مخې چې له ټولو هېوادونو سره د مثبتو اړیکو پر درلودلو ټینګار کوي، د روژې د مبارکې میاشتې د رارسېدو په احترام چې د الهي رحمتونو او بښنې میاشت ده، د ورور هیواد سعودي عربستان غوښتني ته د مثبت ځواب ویلو لپاره او د مذاکراتي ټیم د میلمه پالنې… <a href="https://t.co/vAJHIoXbn4">pic.twitter.com/vAJHIoXbn4</a>&mdash; Hamdullah Fitratحمدالله فطرت (@FitratHamd) <a href="https://twitter.com/FitratHamd/status/2023765248151605271?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 17, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h3>Ramadan begins on Wednesday</h3>The first day of Ramadan is observed from Wednesday (February 18, 2026), when Muslims begin fasting from dawn to sunset. The Taliban is likely to observe the start of Ramadan, aligning with regional moon-sighting announcements. In response to it, preparations are already underway among communities, according to Khaama Press. The military of Pakistan claimed on October 12, 2025, of killing over 200 Afghan fighters, while Afghanistan claimed that it had killed 58 Pakistani soldiers in cross-border clashes along their frontier. A spokesperson for Afghanistan's Taliban, Zabihullah Mujahid, said on Sunday that 30 other Pakistani soldiers were injured and a "significant amount" of Pakistani weapons fell into their hands, as per Al Jazeera. Once cooperative ties between Pakistan and Afghanistan have soured, with Islamabad accusing Kabul of sheltering fighters from the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and other militant groups responsible for attacks on Pakistani territory. The TTP, commonly known as the Pakistani Taliban, emerged in 2007 following Pakistan’s military campaigns in its tribal border areas in support of the US-led invasion of Afghanistan, and has since carried out a sustained and deadly insurgency, according to Al Jazeera.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-s-sanae-takaichi-reappointed-as-prime-minister-after-massive-election-win-1771423670654">Japan’s Sanae Takaichi reappointed as Prime Minister after massive election win</a>

Pakistani soldiers were released on the onset of Ramadan, when the soldiers were handed over to the respected delegation that came from the brotherly country of Saudi Arabia to maintain positive relations.

Afghanistan has released three Pakistani soldiers who were captured on October 12, 2025, during the clashes. The move came on the onset of Ramadan, when the soldiers were handed over to the respected delegation that came from the brotherly country of Saudi Arabia to maintain positive relations. "In line with the policy of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, which emphasizes maintaining positive relations with all countries, and in respect for the arrival of the blessed month of Ramadan; a month of divine mercy and forgiveness; and in order to give a positive response to the request of the brotherly country of Saudi Arabia, as well as on the occasion of hosting the negotiating team that arrived in Kabul on Monday, three Pakistani soldiers who had been captured on October 12, 2025, during clashes with the Pakistani side, were released and handed over to the respected delegation that came from the brotherly country of Saudi Arabia," Deputy Spokesperson of Afghanistan Hamdullah said in a post on X.

Pakistani soldiers were released on the onset of Ramadan, when the soldiers were handed over to the respected delegation that came from the brotherly country of Saudi Arabia to maintain positive relations.

Afghanistan releases 3 Pakistani soldiers after Saudi Arabia mediation

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif described Islamabad’s decision to join the US-led war in Afghanistan as a “miscalculation”, while sharply criticising Washington’s treatment of Pakistan.

Speaking on the country’s role in the conflict, Asif said Pakistan was “used and discarded”, accusing the United States of exploiting Islamabad during the Afghan war. His remarks, including unusually blunt language directed at the US, have drawn significant political attention.

The comments revive long-running debates within Pakistan over the costs and consequences of its involvement in the Afghanistan conflict.

Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif Calls Afghan War Decision a ‘Miscalculation’ | WION

Afghanistan battles a deepening weather crisis as heavy snowfall and rain have killed 61 people and injured 110 across 15 provinces over three days.



Afghan Snow Crisis Claims 61 Lives Amid Freezing Chaos

The Taliban government in Afghanistan has approved a new Criminal Procedure Code for courts, sparking an outrage. It has not only legitimised slavery but also granted prosecution immunity to clerics.


Taliban Legitimises Slavery & Shields Clerics With New Criminal Code |

Tens of thousands of residents have streamed out of Tirah Valley in northwestern Pakistan in recent days, cramming into overloaded vehicles and enduring gruelling journeys amid bitter cold, all to escape an impending army operation targeting the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants who dominate the strategic border region near Afghanistan, media reports said.

Mass Exodus in Tirah Valley: Thousands Escaping Impending Military Operation

Afghanistan reels from a brutal winter storm, with heavy snow and rain claiming at least 61 lives over three days, mainly from roof collapses, avalanches, and frostbite across central and northern provinces.



Afghanistan: Roofs Crush 61 as Monsoon Snow Ravages Nation 

Afghanistan's 2025/26 winter season recorded the lowest snow water equivalent in 25 years, with FAO warning of critically low precipitation and above-average temperatures exacerbating a multi-year drought. 

Afghanistan: Drought and Heat Drive Afghan Food Insecurity to Millions 

A deadly explosion at a Chinese restaurant in central Kabul has killed at least seven people, including a Chinese national, raising renewed questions about security in Afghanistan’s capital under Taliban rule.
The blast occurred in the Shahr-e-Naw district — an area considered among the more secure parts of the city and frequented by foreigners. While authorities say the cause of the explosion is still under investigation, the incident has intensified concerns over the safety of foreign nationals and businesses operating in Kabul.
As Afghanistan seeks to project stability and attract foreign engagement, Monday’s blast underscores the fragile security environment still facing Kabul.

Chinese National Killed In Kabul Blast As Security Concerns Grow | WION 

The Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for a deadly blast at a Chinese restaurant in central Kabul, Afghan officials said. The explosion killed at least seven people and wounded more than a dozen others, with reports indicating Chinese nationals were among those targeted.

Islamic State Claims Kabul Blast At Chinese Restaurant, At Least 7 Killed

Afghanistan’s Charge d’Affaires in New Delhi, Mufti Noor Ahmad Noor, has met India’s MEA Joint Secretary Anand Prakash to review bilateral political and economic relations. The talks covered trade, visa facilitation and issues faced by Afghan traders, students and nationals in India. The meeting comes days after Noor was appointed as Afghanistan’s top diplomat in New Delhi.


India-Afghanistan ties: Afghanistan's 1st envoy in India since Taliban takeover 

India: Afghan Envoy Meets Indian MEA Official in New Delhi to Review Ties 

In a freudian slip, Pakistan's military admitted that its citizens are indulging in terrorism on Afghanistan soil. This comes amid the worsening ties between the two neighbouring countries.


Pakistan Scores Self-goal on Terrorism as Row With Afghanistan Explodes

Protests over gold mining in Afghanistan's northeastern province, Takhar, turned violent on Tuesday (Jan 06) after residents set vehicles and equipment belonging to mining companies on fire. At least six people were reportedly killed and several others wounded during clashes. A senior Taliban official confirmed the clashes, saying the violence led to both human and financial losses.&nbsp;"A clash between employees of a contracted company and residents over the extraction of a gold mine in Chah Ab district of Takhar province has resulted in both human and financial losses," said Humayoun Afghan, the spokesman for the Ministry of Mines and Petroleum, AFP reported.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fresh-unrest-in-nepal-curfew-in-birgunj-after-communal-tension-india-seals-border-nepal-genz-curfew-nepal-elections-1767695810694">Fresh unrest in Nepal: Curfew in Birgunj after communal tension, India seals border</a>&nbsp;The unrest brewed over the Samti gold mine in Chah Ab, a rural district bordering Tajikistan and one of Afghanistan’s major gold deposits, covering about 12 square kilometres. &nbsp;The Taliban signed a five-year contract nearly two years ago with a Chinese firm operating under the name China-Afghanistan and its Afghan partners, with a declared investment value of $310 million. The protests began on Friday after locals flagged concerns over environmental damage, destruction of farmland and the extraction of the yellow metal without sharing any profits with the community. The protesters assumed charge of several mining operations forcefully from the contractors.&nbsp;Resources, including copper and lithium, buried across Afghanistan's rocky landscape are estimated to be worth a trillion dollars, according to US and UN assessments from 2010 and 2013.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/a-glimpse-into-mughal-royalty-hong-kong-palace-museum-s-rare-jewelry-exhibition-details-inside-1767700927036">A glimpse into Mughal royalty: Hong Kong Palace Museum showcases rare jewelry exhibition. Details inside</a>&nbsp;The Taliban government has vowed to restore security to the country and is courting Afghan and foreign investors to exploit its underground wealth and secure a crucial revenue stream as foreign aid funding dries up.&nbsp;

The protests erupted after locals voiced concerns over environmental damage, loss of farmland due to gold mining, and companies not sharing revenue with local communities.

Protests over gold mining in Afghanistan's northeastern province, Takhar, turned violent on Tuesday (Jan 06) after residents set vehicles and equipment belonging to mining companies on fire. At least six people were reportedly killed and several others wounded during clashes. A senior Taliban official confirmed the clashes, saying the violence led to both human and financial losses. "A clash between employees of a contracted company and residents over the extraction of a gold mine in Chah Ab district of Takhar province has resulted in both human and financial losses," said Humayoun Afghan, the spokesman for the Ministry of Mines and Petroleum, AFP reported. Also Read: Fresh unrest in Nepal: Curfew in Birgunj after communal tension, India seals border The unrest brewed over the Samti gold mine in Chah Ab, a rural district bordering Tajikistan and one of Afghanistan’s major gold deposits, covering about 12 square kilometres. The Taliban signed a five-year contract nearly two years ago with a Chinese firm operating under the name China-Afghanistan and its Afghan partners, with a declared investment value of $310 million. The protests began on Friday after locals flagged concerns over environmental damage, destruction of farmland and the extraction of the yellow metal without sharing any profits with the community. The protesters assumed charge of several mining operations forcefully from the contractors. Resources, including copper and lithium, buried across Afghanistan's rocky landscape are estimated to be worth a trillion dollars, according to US and UN assessments from 2010 and 2013. Also Read: A glimpse into Mughal royalty: Hong Kong Palace Museum showcases rare jewelry exhibition. Details inside The Taliban government has vowed to restore security to the country and is courting Afghan and foreign investors to exploit its underground wealth and secure a crucial revenue stream as foreign aid funding dries up.

The protests erupted after locals voiced concerns over environmental damage, loss of farmland due to gold mining, and companies not sharing revenue with local communities.

Multiple killed in clashes over gold mine in Afghanistan

Severe weather in Afghanistan has turned deadly after flash floods triggered by the season’s first heavy rains and snowfall. At least 17 people have been killed and dozens injured as floodwaters swept through several regions. Authorities are assessing damage and warning of further risks as unstable weather conditions continue to threaten vulnerable communities.

Afghanistan Floods: Deadly Floods Kill At Least 17

#Gravitas The Taliban has reportedly announced new measures that threaten Afghan barbers with jail terms of up to 15 months if they shave men’s beards. Barbers who offer what officials call 'western-style' haircuts will also face punishment. 


Taliban orders barbers to stop shaving beards or face jail 

Five people were killed in an armed clash on the border between Tajikistan and Afghanistan, Tajik state media said Thursday.

Afghan-Tajikistan Border Clash: Five People Died In Latest Armed Clash

Tajikistan Says 5 Killed in Armed Clash on Border With Afghanistan

Afghanistan's Minister of Public Health, Mawlawi Noor Jalal Jalali, has praised India's long standing support for Afghan healthcare, highlighting medical visas as a "vital humanitarian channel" during a visit to New Delhi. Speaking to WION's Sidhant Sibal exclusively, Jalali noted that "Afghans have been regularly traveling to India for medical treatment for a long time." India has established a thalassaemia centre and a modern diagnostic centre and replaced the heating system at Kabul's Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health. It will also construct a 30-bed hospital in Kabul's Bagrami district, an oncology centre, a trauma centre, and five maternity health clinics.


Mawlawi Noor Jalal Jalali Praises India's Healthcare Support to Afghanistan

Afghanistan’s Minister of Public Health, Mawlawi Noor Jalal Jalali, has praised India’s long standing support for Afghan healthcare, highlighting medical visas as a “vital humanitarian channel” during a visit to New Delhi. Speaking exclusively to WION’s Sidhant Sibal, Jalali noted, “Afghans have been regularly traveling to India for medical treatment for a long time.”&nbsp;India has established a thalassaemia centre and a modern diagnostic centre and replaced the heating system at Kabul’s Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health. It will also construct a 30-bed hospital in Kabul’s Bagrami district, including an oncology centre, a trauma centre, and five maternity health clinics.Jalali welcomed India’s contributions to Afghan health infrastructure, describing the Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health in Kabul as “one of the major paediatric hospitals in Afghanistan.” He said Afghanistan had “previously requested [the] honourable Indian Chargé d'affaires... regarding strengthening the infrastructure,” and received promises of a CT scan machine and further support.&nbsp;Around 75 prosthetic limbs (Jaipur foot) have been fitted for Afghan nationals, with India continuing to provide medical assistance and treatment. During Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi’s visit, India gifted 20 ambulances to Afghanistan. Full interview:&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>India Ties</h2> Sidhant Sibal: How do you see India ties Mawlawi Noor Jalal Jalali: I would like to convey my regards to viewers and listeners of WION. I've travelled to India for health issues and discussions. Afghanistan values its long standing and constructive relationship with India. Our engagement with India has traditionally been people centric, particularly in health, education and humanitarian assistance. We see India as an important regional partner and our current interaction reflects a mutual interest in pragmatic cooperation based on respect, humanitarian consideration and shared responsibility.&nbsp;<h2>Meeting with Indian Health Minister &nbsp;</h2>Sidhant Sibal: Following your recent visit to India and meetings with Union Health Minister JP Nadda, what specific new areas of cooperation in healthcare infrastructure and medical supplies have been agreed upon between Afghanistan and India?Mawlawi Noor Jalal Jalali: First of all, I would like to state that this was my first visit to India since the establishment of the Islamic Emirates of Afghanistan, I was the first health minister to travel to India. The discussions with His Excellency, the Minister of Health and Family Welfare, were focused on strengthening cooperation and health infrastructure, medical equipment support, regulatory coordination and capacity building.&nbsp;Both sides explored collaboration in hospital development,&nbsp;medical supply, pharmaceutical regulation and training of health professionals in India. Additionally, I've received promises on supply of oncological and cancer treatment medicines, which will be supplied on the immediate basis.&nbsp;<h2>Medical visas</h2>&nbsp;Sidhant Sibal: India continues to facilitate medical visas for Afghan patients in Indian hospitals. What are your views on expanding this program, and how many Afghan patients have benefited from it in 2025?&nbsp;Mawlawi Noor Jalal Jalali: Afghans have been&nbsp;regularly traveling to India for medical treatment for a long time. Medical visas have been a vital humanitarian channel. We have recently seen many visas issued for Afghan nationals seeking medical treatment in India. While exact figures vary, thousands of&nbsp;Afghan patients have benefited from this channel in recent years.<h2> India's support to Afghan healthcare infra</h2> Sidhant Sibal: Projects like the Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health in Kabul, thalassemia centers, and diagnostic facilities have been supported by India. What further infrastructure projects would Afghanistan prioritize in collaboration with India?Mawlawi Noor Jalal Jalali: Indira Gandhi hospital is one of the major pediatric hospitals in Afghanistan. We have previously requested honorable Indian Chargé d'affaires to Afghanistan regarding strengthening the infrastructure. We have received a promise&nbsp;of CT scan machine and infrastructure strengthening support to Indira Gandhi pediatric hospital. When it comes to overall infrastructure cooperation with India, Afghanistan would prioritize tertiary health projects, including specialized hospital diagnostic centers, cancer treatment facilities and mother and child health care services with India.&nbsp;<h2>Capacity building</h2>&nbsp;Sidhant Sibal: Capacity-building initiatives, such as training Afghan doctors and organizing medical camps like the Jaipur Foot Camp, have been discussed. What plans are in place to send Indian medical teams to Afghanistan or train more Afghan health professionals in India? Mawlawi Noor Jalal Jalali: Afghanistan has been suffering in war and instability for 45 years. We have previously received medical support from India. The capacity building remains a top priority for Afghanistan, including training of conductors in India and travel of the Indian doctor delegation to Afghanistan to establish medical support camps and joint working groups.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>Ayurveda</h2> Sidhant Sibal: India and Afghanistan have explored cooperation in traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda and Unani. How do you envision integrating these with Afghanistan's health system? Mawlawi Noor Jalal Jalali: India has been engaged in multiple projects in Afghanistan. Some of these projects were incomplete projects from the past that India vowed to complete. When it comes to our cooperation with India in traditional medicine and Ayurveda, the cooperation with India can support research, regulation, safe integration of traditional medicine into our modern healthcare system. The meeting with India's counterpart, the Minister of Ayush, was very fruitful. We have received a lot of commitments from them. Some of them were establishing a Traditional Medicine Institute and Research Center in Afghanistan, also providing us technical support and the Indian curriculum to be replicated in our curriculum under the Minister of Public Health.<h2> Diversification</h2> Sidhant Sibal: Afghanistan has historically relied on multiple routes for medical imports. With recent disruptions in supplies from Pakistan, how has India stepped in to ensure uninterrupted access to essential pharmaceuticals? Mawlawi Noor Jalal Jalali: As you might be aware, Afghanistan is a landlocked country. Our market was controlled by six or seven countries, where Pakistan had a major market share. Due to the recent deterioration of our relationship, we were struggling with pharmaceutical supply to our market. India has helped to ensure continuity of essential supplies, alternatives routes, and solutions, and it has helped us to reduce dependency on a single corridor. During our visit to India, we have managed to meet several pharmaceutical production companies to work with them, filling the gap of pharmaceuticals and the Afghanistan market.&nbsp;<h2>Pakistan</h2> Sidhant Sibal: How is Afghanistan delinking itself from Pakistan on health care.Mawlawi Noor Jalal Jalali: Afghanistan has been through lots of hardship. However, we still do have good infrastructure in Afghanistan, we do have good doctors. But when it comes to the capacity building of our doctors and the supply of pharmaceuticals and equipment, we are trying to diversify our partnership with several countries. As we speak, my deputy minister for Food and Drug has traveled to another country. I have traveled here to India. So we are relying on India and other partners to fill in the gap that's there in our market.&nbsp;<h2>Fake Drug Issue</h2> Sidhant Sibal: Fake or low-quality pharmaceutical products entering Afghanistan, how big it is a worry Mawlawi Noor Jalal Jalali: It is a serious concern, indeed, trying to strengthen regulation, inspection and laboratory testing to tackle this problem. Additionally, my deputy minister has had a trip to India previously, where we have spoken about mutual cooperation and tackling the fake and low quality medicine supply to our market. Since I've taken over the stewardship of the Ministry of Public Health, we have given this issue serious attention, and we have established a comprehensive structure within our food and drug authority to tackle this problem.<h2> Women's health care</h2> Sidhant Sibal: What is your take on women's access to health services? Reports say restrictions are present on women health care workers? Mawlawi Noor Jalal Jalali: When it comes to&nbsp;women's reach to the health services, I want to state that the Afghan nation is made of both women and men. Women also fall sick and they need health service. In&nbsp;Afghanistan's health sector, we have recruited a huge number of female health workers, starting right from midwives to specialist doctors. We are working on expanding the health coverage or outreach to both women and children in remote areas of Afghanistan. We are also trying to adjust health services according to our necessity, Afghan culture and Islamic principles&nbsp;<h2>India-Afghanistan ties</h2>&nbsp;Sidhant Sibal: Lets hope, India, Afghanistan have strong ties in future, and firm it upMawlawi Noor Jalal Jalali: My&nbsp;visit to India, as I mentioned earlier, was the first visit of the Health Minister of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. I'm here to resolve the problems of my nation, and our relationship with India has resulted in outcomes beyond our expectations. I'm looking forward to expanding this partnership, because the relationship between India and Afghanistan is deep-rooted and people-centric, and it's based on humanitarian factors. I'm looking forward to expanding on this cooperation when it comes to pharmaceutical supplies to capacity building, and hospital infrastructure.

India has established a thalassaemia centre and a modern diagnostic centre at Kabul’s Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health. It will also construct a 30-bed hospital in Kabul’s Bagrami district, including an oncology centre, a trauma centre, and five maternity health clinics.

Afghanistan’s Minister of Public Health, Mawlawi Noor Jalal Jalali, has praised India’s long standing support for Afghan healthcare, highlighting medical visas as a “vital humanitarian channel” during a visit to New Delhi. Speaking exclusively to WION’s Sidhant Sibal, Jalali noted, “Afghans have been regularly traveling to India for medical treatment for a long time.” India has established a thalassaemia centre and a modern diagnostic centre and replaced the heating system at Kabul’s Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health. It will also construct a 30-bed hospital in Kabul’s Bagrami district, including an oncology centre, a trauma centre, and five maternity health clinics. Jalali welcomed India’s contributions to Afghan health infrastructure, describing the Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health in Kabul as “one of the major paediatric hospitals in Afghanistan.” He said Afghanistan had “previously requested [the] honourable Indian Chargé d'affaires... regarding strengthening the infrastructure,” and received promises of a CT scan machine and further support. Around 75 prosthetic limbs (Jaipur foot) have been fitted for Afghan nationals, with India continuing to provide medical assistance and treatment. During Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi’s visit, India gifted 20 ambulances to Afghanistan. Full interview: India Ties Sidhant Sibal: How do you see India ties Mawlawi Noor Jalal Jalali: I would like to convey my regards to viewers and listeners of WION. I've travelled to India for health issues and discussions. Afghanistan values its long standing and constructive relationship with India. Our engagement with India has traditionally been people centric, particularly in health, education and humanitarian assistance. We see India as an important regional partner and our current interaction reflects a mutual interest in pragmatic cooperation based on respect, humanitarian consideration and shared responsibility. Meeting with Indian Health Minister Sidhant Sibal: Following your recent visit to India and meetings with Union Health Minister JP Nadda, what specific new areas of cooperation in healthcare infrastructure and medical supplies have been agreed upon between Afghanistan and India? Mawlawi Noor Jalal Jalali: First of all, I would like to state that this was my first visit to India since the establishment of the Islamic Emirates of Afghanistan, I was the first health minister to travel to India. The discussions with His Excellency, the Minister of Health and Family Welfare, were focused on strengthening cooperation and health infrastructure, medical equipment support, regulatory coordination and capacity building. Both sides explored collaboration in hospital development, medical supply, pharmaceutical regulation and training of health professionals in India. Additionally, I've received promises on supply of oncological and cancer treatment medicines, which will be supplied on the immediate basis. Medical visas Sidhant Sibal: India continues to facilitate medical visas for Afghan patients in Indian hospitals. What are your views on expanding this program, and how many Afghan patients have benefited from it in 2025? Mawlawi Noor Jalal Jalali: Afghans have been regularly traveling to India for medical treatment for a long time. Medical visas have been a vital humanitarian channel. We have recently seen many visas issued for Afghan nationals seeking medical treatment in India. While exact figures vary, thousands of Afghan patients have benefited from this channel in recent years. India's support to Afghan healthcare infra Sidhant Sibal: Projects like the Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health in Kabul, thalassemia centers, and diagnostic facilities have been supported by India. What further infrastructure projects would Afghanistan prioritize in collaboration with India? Mawlawi Noor Jalal Jalali: Indira Gandhi hospital is one of the major pediatric hospitals in Afghanistan. We have previously requested honorable Indian Chargé d'affaires to Afghanistan regarding strengthening the infrastructure. We have received a promise of CT scan machine and infrastructure strengthening support to Indira Gandhi pediatric hospital. When it comes to overall infrastructure cooperation with India, Afghanistan would prioritize tertiary health projects, including specialized hospital diagnostic centers, cancer treatment facilities and mother and child health care services with India. Capacity building Sidhant Sibal: Capacity-building initiatives, such as training Afghan doctors and organizing medical camps like the Jaipur Foot Camp, have been discussed. What plans are in place to send Indian medical teams to Afghanistan or train more Afghan health professionals in India? Mawlawi Noor Jalal Jalali: Afghanistan has been suffering in war and instability for 45 years. We have previously received medical support from India. The capacity building remains a top priority for Afghanistan, including training of conductors in India and travel of the Indian doctor delegation to Afghanistan to establish medical support camps and joint working groups. Ayurveda Sidhant Sibal: India and Afghanistan have explored cooperation in traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda and Unani. How do you envision integrating these with Afghanistan's health system? Mawlawi Noor Jalal Jalali: India has been engaged in multiple projects in Afghanistan. Some of these projects were incomplete projects from the past that India vowed to complete. When it comes to our cooperation with India in traditional medicine and Ayurveda, the cooperation with India can support research, regulation, safe integration of traditional medicine into our modern healthcare system. The meeting with India's counterpart, the Minister of Ayush, was very fruitful. We have received a lot of commitments from them. Some of them were establishing a Traditional Medicine Institute and Research Center in Afghanistan, also providing us technical support and the Indian curriculum to be replicated in our curriculum under the Minister of Public Health. Diversification Sidhant Sibal: Afghanistan has historically relied on multiple routes for medical imports. With recent disruptions in supplies from Pakistan, how has India stepped in to ensure uninterrupted access to essential pharmaceuticals? Mawlawi Noor Jalal Jalali: As you might be aware, Afghanistan is a landlocked country. Our market was controlled by six or seven countries, where Pakistan had a major market share. Due to the recent deterioration of our relationship, we were struggling with pharmaceutical supply to our market. India has helped to ensure continuity of essential supplies, alternatives routes, and solutions, and it has helped us to reduce dependency on a single corridor. During our visit to India, we have managed to meet several pharmaceutical production companies to work with them, filling the gap of pharmaceuticals and the Afghanistan market. Pakistan Sidhant Sibal: How is Afghanistan delinking itself from Pakistan on health care. Mawlawi Noor Jalal Jalali: Afghanistan has been through lots of hardship. However, we still do have good infrastructure in Afghanistan, we do have good doctors. But when it comes to the capacity building of our doctors and the supply of pharmaceuticals and equipment, we are trying to diversify our partnership with several countries. As we speak, my deputy minister for Food and Drug has traveled to another country. I have traveled here to India. So we are relying on India and other partners to fill in the gap that's there in our market. Fake Drug Issue Sidhant Sibal: Fake or low-quality pharmaceutical products entering Afghanistan, how big it is a worry Mawlawi Noor Jalal Jalali: It is a serious concern, indeed, trying to strengthen regulation, inspection and laboratory testing to tackle this problem. Additionally, my deputy minister has had a trip to India previously, where we have spoken about mutual cooperation and tackling the fake and low quality medicine supply to our market. Since I've taken over the stewardship of the Ministry of Public Health, we have given this issue serious attention, and we have established a comprehensive structure within our food and drug authority to tackle this problem. Women's health care Sidhant Sibal: What is your take on women's access to health services? Reports say restrictions are present on women health care workers? Mawlawi Noor Jalal Jalali: When it comes to women's reach to the health services, I want to state that the Afghan nation is made of both women and men. Women also fall sick and they need health service. In Afghanistan's health sector, we have recruited a huge number of female health workers, starting right from midwives to specialist doctors. We are working on expanding the health coverage or outreach to both women and children in remote areas of Afghanistan. We are also trying to adjust health services according to our necessity, Afghan culture and Islamic principles India-Afghanistan ties Sidhant Sibal: Lets hope, India, Afghanistan have strong ties in future, and firm it up Mawlawi Noor Jalal Jalali: My visit to India, as I mentioned earlier, was the first visit of the Health Minister of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. I'm here to resolve the problems of my nation, and our relationship with India has resulted in outcomes beyond our expectations. I'm looking forward to expanding this partnership, because the relationship between India and Afghanistan is deep-rooted and people-centric, and it's based on humanitarian factors. I'm looking forward to expanding on this cooperation when it comes to pharmaceutical supplies to capacity building, and hospital infrastructure.

India has established a thalassaemia centre and a modern diagnostic centre at Kabul’s Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health. It will also construct a 30-bed hospital in Kabul’s Bagrami district, including an oncology centre, a trauma centre, and five maternity health clinics.

Afghan Health Minister Noor Jalal Jalali praises India’s ‘long-standing’ healthcare support

Iran has stepped up the expulsion of undocumented Afghan migrants, exacerbating the strain on Afghanistan as the country faces a worsening economic crisis.


Iran Accelerates Return of Afghan Migrants Amid Economic Crisis

India at UN: India has strongly condemned Pakistan’s recent airstrike on Afghanistan, calling for international condemnation of the attack that resulted in the deaths of women and children. Speaking at the United Nations, India urged the global community to hold Pakistan accountable and emphasized the need to protect Afghan civilians from such violence. 


India at UN: Condemn Killing of Women, Children in Afghanistan

Tensions are rising along the Pakistan–Afghanistan border as Pakistan’s Army Chief, General Asim Munir, issues a strong warning to Kabul following a series of deadly clashes.


Pakistan-Afghanistan Clashes: Munir Issues Strong Warning to Afghanistan Amid Tensions

The United Nations has urged the Taliban to end the ban on Afghan women working in its offices. The restrictions are putting vital humanitarian services at risk and violating human rights principles.


UN urges Taliban to lift ban on female staff, warns of growing risks to aid delivery

The United Nations has urged the Taliban to end the ban on Afghan women working in its offices. The restrictions are putting vital humanitarian services at risk and violating human rights principles.

UN Urges Taliban To Lift Women Work Ban, Says Ban Puts Critical Services in Danger

Afghanistan authorities say five civilians have been killed after an exchange of heavy fire with Pakistan’s forces along their shared border, as tensions between the South Asian neighbours escalate after peace talks in Saudi Arabia failed to produce a breakthrough.


Pakistan Accuses Afghan Taliban of unprovoked firing near Chaman

Pak-Afghanistan tension: Afghan Taliban, Pak blame each other for violating truce

Pakistan-Afghanistan: The Afghan Taliban has confirmed that Pakistani forces launched attacks on Afghan military posts, especially in the Spin Boldak district of Kandahar province, triggering retaliatory strikes and heavy border clashes. 


Pakistan-Afghanistan: Taliban Confirms Border Attacks by Pakistan

Pak-Afghanistan: The Afghan Taliban has confirmed that Pakistani forces launched attacks on Afghan military posts, particularly in the Spin Boldak district of Kandahar province, triggering retaliatory strikes and heavy border clashes. 


Pak-Afghanistan: Afghan Taliban Confirms Attacks by Pakistani Forces 

Russia President Vladimir Putin recently acknowledged the Taliban’s authority in Afghanistan, emphasising that the group was making significant strides in tackling terrorism and curbing opium production. In an exclusive interview with India Today, Putin outlined why Russia had officially recognized the Taliban government in Kabul. Putin’s statement challenges Pakistan’s long-held narrative, which accuses the Taliban of supporting terrorist organisations, particularly the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Islamabad has also insinuated that the Taliban is a "puppet" regime controlled by India, an accusation New Delhi has denied.&nbsp;Amid this diplomatic clash, Putin’s comments have added weight to the Taliban’s claim of being a stabilising force in Afghanistan. He pointed out, “Every nation faces challenges, and Afghanistan is no exception, especially after decades of internal conflict. However, the Taliban now clearly controls the situation, and that is an undeniable reality.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-russia-summit-2025-from-assam-tea-to-marble-chess-set-here-s-what-all-pm-modi-gifted-russia-president-vladimir-putin-check-the-complete-list-1764947216236">India-Russia Summit 2025: From Assam tea to marble chess set — Here's what all PM Modi gifted Russia President&nbsp;Vladimir&nbsp;Putin. Check the complete list</a>&nbsp;Putin further asserted that the Taliban has made significant progress in combatting various terrorist groups, including ISIS-Khorasan and others. “We are fully aware of the steps taken by the Afghan government against terrorism,” he noted. Russia’s diplomatic ties with the Taliban have grown stronger, with Moscow being the first major nation to formally recognise the Taliban-led government. In the interview, Putin acknowledged the Taliban's efforts in reducing the production of opium and addressing drug-related threats. “The Taliban government is actively working to combat drug trafficking within its borders,” he remarked.&nbsp;The Russian president's endorsement also contradicted Pakistan's accusations that the Taliban is harboring and arming the TTP, which has been responsible for a rising number of attacks inside Pakistan since 2022. By praising the Taliban’s counter-terrorism measures and their focus on ISIS-K, Putin has implicitly sided with Kabul's narrative, distancing Russia from Pakistan’s perspective. This comes at a time of deteriorating relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan, marked by ongoing cross-border military exchanges and Pakistan’s controversial expulsion of over 500,000 Afghan refugees.

Russia President Vladimir Putin defends Taliban's counter-terrorism efforts, challenges Pakistan’s narrative

Russia President Vladimir Putin recently acknowledged the Taliban’s authority in Afghanistan, emphasising that the group was making significant strides in tackling terrorism and curbing opium production. In an exclusive interview with India Today, Putin outlined why Russia had officially recognized the Taliban government in Kabul. Putin’s statement challenges Pakistan’s long-held narrative, which accuses the Taliban of supporting terrorist organisations, particularly the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Islamabad has also insinuated that the Taliban is a "puppet" regime controlled by India, an accusation New Delhi has denied. Amid this diplomatic clash, Putin’s comments have added weight to the Taliban’s claim of being a stabilising force in Afghanistan. He pointed out, “Every nation faces challenges, and Afghanistan is no exception, especially after decades of internal conflict. However, the Taliban now clearly controls the situation, and that is an undeniable reality.” Also Read: India-Russia Summit 2025: From Assam tea to marble chess set — Here's what all PM Modi gifted Russia President Vladimir Putin. Check the complete list Putin further asserted that the Taliban has made significant progress in combatting various terrorist groups, including ISIS-Khorasan and others. “We are fully aware of the steps taken by the Afghan government against terrorism,” he noted. Russia’s diplomatic ties with the Taliban have grown stronger, with Moscow being the first major nation to formally recognise the Taliban-led government. In the interview, Putin acknowledged the Taliban's efforts in reducing the production of opium and addressing drug-related threats. “The Taliban government is actively working to combat drug trafficking within its borders,” he remarked. The Russian president's endorsement also contradicted Pakistan's accusations that the Taliban is harboring and arming the TTP, which has been responsible for a rising number of attacks inside Pakistan since 2022. By praising the Taliban’s counter-terrorism measures and their focus on ISIS-K, Putin has implicitly sided with Kabul's narrative, distancing Russia from Pakistan’s perspective. This comes at a time of deteriorating relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan, marked by ongoing cross-border military exchanges and Pakistan’s controversial expulsion of over 500,000 Afghan refugees.

Putin praises Taliban's counter-terrorism efforts, challenges Pakistan's claims, and stresses that Russia's growing ties with Afghanistan's new government

A man convicted of murder was publicly executed on Tuesday (Dec 2) in eastern Afghanistan. What turned eyeballs was the fact that the execution was carried out by a 13-year-old boy whose family was killed by the man. The man, identified as Mangal, was executed in front of a crowd at a sports stadium in Khost of almost 80,000 people. The execution brought to 12 the number of men publicly put to death since the Taliban returned to power in 2021, according to an AFP tally.&nbsp;The man was convicted of murdering 13 members of a family, including nine children. He, along with several other attackers opened fire on a house in January 2025, killing 10 people, including three women. Afghanistan's Supreme Court stated that the man had been sentenced to "retaliatory punishment" for killing a man after his case was “examined very precisely and repeatedly.” "The families of the victims were offered amnesty and peace, but they refused," it said. Authorities had urged people to attend the execution in official notices shared widely on Monday.&nbsp;&nbsp;"In Khost Province, the divine order of Qisas (retaliation) was carried out on a murderer," said Afghan Supreme Court, adding, "At the conclusion of the gathering, prayers were made for the strengthening of national security, for the people's better access to their legitimate rights, and for the proper implementation of lslamic Sharia throughout the country." "The murderer, Mangal, son of Tala Khan, grandson of Rahmat Khan, was originally from the Sajank area of Said Karam district of Paktia province, and a current resident of the Kuzi Abukhani area of Alishero and Terezio district of Khost province. He had deliberately killed Abdul Rahman, son of Zabit, grandson of Ali Khan, an original and current resident of the Kuzi Abukhana area of Alishero and Terezio district of Khost," the court statement added.&nbsp;Meanwhile, the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Afghanistan, Richard Bennett, said Tuesday -- before the public execution -- that such acts were "inhumane, cruel, and an unusual punishment, contrary to international law". "They must stop," he said in a post on X. The chilling video of the public execution was widely shared on social media.

Authorities had urged people to attend the execution in official notices shared widely on Monday. They said he was one of several attackers who opened fire on a house in January 2025, killing 10 people, including three women.

A man convicted of murder was publicly executed on Tuesday (Dec 2) in eastern Afghanistan. What turned eyeballs was the fact that the execution was carried out by a 13-year-old boy whose family was killed by the man. The man, identified as Mangal, was executed in front of a crowd at a sports stadium in Khost of almost 80,000 people. The execution brought to 12 the number of men publicly put to death since the Taliban returned to power in 2021, according to an AFP tally. The man was convicted of murdering 13 members of a family, including nine children. He, along with several other attackers opened fire on a house in January 2025, killing 10 people, including three women. Afghanistan's Supreme Court stated that the man had been sentenced to "retaliatory punishment" for killing a man after his case was “examined very precisely and repeatedly.” "The families of the victims were offered amnesty and peace, but they refused," it said. Authorities had urged people to attend the execution in official notices shared widely on Monday. "In Khost Province, the divine order of Qisas (retaliation) was carried out on a murderer," said Afghan Supreme Court, adding, "At the conclusion of the gathering, prayers were made for the strengthening of national security, for the people's better access to their legitimate rights, and for the proper implementation of lslamic Sharia throughout the country." "The murderer, Mangal, son of Tala Khan, grandson of Rahmat Khan, was originally from the Sajank area of Said Karam district of Paktia province, and a current resident of the Kuzi Abukhani area of Alishero and Terezio district of Khost province. He had deliberately killed Abdul Rahman, son of Zabit, grandson of Ali Khan, an original and current resident of the Kuzi Abukhana area of Alishero and Terezio district of Khost," the court statement added. Meanwhile, the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Afghanistan, Richard Bennett, said Tuesday -- before the public execution -- that such acts were "inhumane, cruel, and an unusual punishment, contrary to international law". "They must stop," he said in a post on X. The chilling video of the public execution was widely shared on social media.