Powerful explosions shook Kabul, Afghanistan’s capital, following heightened tensions after Pakistan issued an “enough is enough” warning over cross-border security issues. Watch to know more on this!

Kabul Explosion: Powerful Explosions Rock Afghan Capital After Pakistan's 'Enough Is Enough' Threat

Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi has arrived in India for an eight-day visit. The visit marks a significant diplomatic engagement between India and the Taliban, focusing on regional security, political dialogue, and bilateral relations.


India-Afghanistan ties: First Afghan Taliban minister to visit New Delhi since 2021 

Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi has arrived in India for an eight-day visit. The visit marks a significant diplomatic engagement between India and the Taliban, focusing on regional security, political dialogue, and bilateral relations.


Breaking: Amir Khan Muttaqi visiting India for eight days 

India has joined Russia, China, and Pakistan in opposing U.S. efforts to reclaim Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan.
The move comes just ahead of Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi’s historic visit to New Delhi.
In a joint Moscow Format statement, regional powers condemned foreign military expansion and emphasized counter-terrorism, connectivity, and Afghanistan’s sustainable development.
India continues humanitarian assistance while signaling a firm stance on regional security.


India, Russia & China Oppose Trump's Bid to Retake Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan

Foreign Minister Muttaqi expressed serious concerns about the increasing regional presence of ISIS, highlighting the threat it poses to stability and security.

Muttaqi Raises Concerns Over Growing Regional Presence of ISIS

Two days before the visit of Amir Khan Muttaqi, the Acting Foreign Minister of the Taliban regime ruling Afghanistan, the Indian government came one step closer to formally recognising the Taliban. 

India-Afghanistan ties: Muttaqi to travel to India for five-day visit starting October 9

In a key address at the 7th Moscow Format meeting, Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi presented a comprehensive view of Afghanistan’s progress and challenges, highlighting the country's strides in security, economic growth, and the need for international support. Muttaqi opened his speech by acknowledging the significant security challenges Afghanistan inherited after the establishment of the Islamic Emirate. He emphasised that, while the country faced threats from groups like Daesh, the Afghan government had successfully managed these issues.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Afghanistan has transitioned from a source of insecurity to a partner in regional stability,” Muttaqi said. He further emphasised that Afghanistan’s soil was not being used to orchestrate attacks on other countries, despite accusations to the contrary. In particular, he warned that terrorist organisations, including Daesh, had recently set up training and operational bases in neighbouring countries, which posed a growing regional threat.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-i-d-rather-go-to-prison-than-indian-surrenders-to-ukraine-following-argument-with-russian-commander-1759896362043">'I'd rather go to prison than...' - Indian surrenders to Ukraine following argument with Russian commander</a>&nbsp;The Afghan FM's address also spotlighted the country's economic achievements despite facing severe international sanctions and frozen assets. Afghanistan’s GDP has risen from $14.4 billion to $17.4 billion over the past four years, and exports have soared from $700 million annually to $2 billion. The country has also seen growth in industrial production, with over 6,000 factories now operational. These positive developments, Muttaqi argued, reflected Afghanistan's push for financial independence, with the government now funding its budget entirely from domestic revenues. However, the FM was candid about the hurdles still facing Afghanistan. He urged the international community to lift sanctions and release approximately $9 billion in frozen Afghan assets. These sanctions, he explained, have significantly hampered the country’s economic potential, restricting its ability to engage freely in global markets.&nbsp;The minister also called for regional cooperation in tackling issues such as narcotics trafficking, a problem that has intensified since Afghanistan’s ban on poppy cultivation. While domestic production of narcotics has declined, its trafficking has shifted to neighboring countries, underscoring the need for coordinated regional efforts to combat the drug trade. A key focus of Muttaqi's speech was Afghanistan’s diplomatic relations. He praised Russia’s recognition of the Islamic Emirate, calling it a “courageous step” that paved the way for practical cooperation between the two countries. He urged other nations to adopt similar approaches, moving beyond past political differences to focus on mutually beneficial partnerships, particularly in areas of economic growth and regional connectivity.&nbsp;In his concluding remarks, the Afghan FM extended his solidarity with the Palestinian people, condemning the ongoing violence in Gaza and calling on global powers to take decisive action to end the atrocities and support Palestine’s right to self-determination. Muttaqi’s speech at the Moscow Format reflects Afghanistan’s broader goals of enhancing regional collaboration, securing economic development, and engaging with the international community. His call for an objective, independent view of Afghanistan’s security and economic progress signals a clear push for greater regional and international support in the country’s ongoing recovery and development.

Afghan FM Amir Khan Muttaqi addressed the Moscow Forum, highlighting regional security challenges, economic growth, and called for international support amid sanctions

In a key address at the 7th Moscow Format meeting, Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi presented a comprehensive view of Afghanistan’s progress and challenges, highlighting the country's strides in security, economic growth, and the need for international support. Muttaqi opened his speech by acknowledging the significant security challenges Afghanistan inherited after the establishment of the Islamic Emirate. He emphasised that, while the country faced threats from groups like Daesh, the Afghan government had successfully managed these issues. “Afghanistan has transitioned from a source of insecurity to a partner in regional stability,” Muttaqi said. He further emphasised that Afghanistan’s soil was not being used to orchestrate attacks on other countries, despite accusations to the contrary. In particular, he warned that terrorist organisations, including Daesh, had recently set up training and operational bases in neighbouring countries, which posed a growing regional threat. Also Read: 'I'd rather go to prison than...' - Indian surrenders to Ukraine following argument with Russian commander The Afghan FM's address also spotlighted the country's economic achievements despite facing severe international sanctions and frozen assets. Afghanistan’s GDP has risen from $14.4 billion to $17.4 billion over the past four years, and exports have soared from $700 million annually to $2 billion. The country has also seen growth in industrial production, with over 6,000 factories now operational. These positive developments, Muttaqi argued, reflected Afghanistan's push for financial independence, with the government now funding its budget entirely from domestic revenues. However, the FM was candid about the hurdles still facing Afghanistan. He urged the international community to lift sanctions and release approximately $9 billion in frozen Afghan assets. These sanctions, he explained, have significantly hampered the country’s economic potential, restricting its ability to engage freely in global markets. The minister also called for regional cooperation in tackling issues such as narcotics trafficking, a problem that has intensified since Afghanistan’s ban on poppy cultivation. While domestic production of narcotics has declined, its trafficking has shifted to neighboring countries, underscoring the need for coordinated regional efforts to combat the drug trade. A key focus of Muttaqi's speech was Afghanistan’s diplomatic relations. He praised Russia’s recognition of the Islamic Emirate, calling it a “courageous step” that paved the way for practical cooperation between the two countries. He urged other nations to adopt similar approaches, moving beyond past political differences to focus on mutually beneficial partnerships, particularly in areas of economic growth and regional connectivity. In his concluding remarks, the Afghan FM extended his solidarity with the Palestinian people, condemning the ongoing violence in Gaza and calling on global powers to take decisive action to end the atrocities and support Palestine’s right to self-determination. Muttaqi’s speech at the Moscow Format reflects Afghanistan’s broader goals of enhancing regional collaboration, securing economic development, and engaging with the international community. His call for an objective, independent view of Afghanistan’s security and economic progress signals a clear push for greater regional and international support in the country’s ongoing recovery and development.

Afghan FM Amir Khan Muttaqi addressed the Moscow Forum, highlighting regional security challenges, economic growth, and called for international support amid sanctions

Afghan FM Amir Khan Muttaqi warns of growing regional threat as ISIS sets up operational bases in 'neighbouring countries'

Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has urged Western nations to revise their stance on Afghanistan, calling for a more pragmatic and inclusive approach. Speaking at a regional summit, Lavrov emphasized that isolating the Taliban government is counterproductive. What does this signal for future geopolitics in the region?

Russia's Foreign Minister Asks the West to Change Its Approach Towards Afghanistan

The United Nations has launched a formal investigation into the Taliban’s escalating human rights abuses, particularly targeting Afghan women. With girls banned from education and job opportunities shrinking, many turned to online learning as their only remaining option. But now, the Taliban has imposed a nationwide internet blackout, leaving countless women cut off from the world. For many, this was their last hope. Watch how lives have been upended by this digital crackdown.

UN Launches Probe Into Taliban 'Abuses': Women's Rights Being Crushed

In a dramatic escalation of U.S.-Iran tensions, President Donald Trump has issued a direct warning to Tehran: any attempt to resume its nuclear weapons program will be met with immediate U.S. military action. Speaking on October 5 at Naval Station Norfolk, Trump referred to the recent Operation Midnight Hammer airstrikes, claiming they stopped Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.

Meanwhile, U.S. prosecutors have charged Iranian-linked operatives in a plot to assassinate Trump and an Iranian-American journalist, fueling speculation about potential Iranian retaliation.

With diplomatic tensions at a boiling point, this could mark a major turning point in U.S.-Iran relations. Full details inside.

Trump's Stark Warning: 'Won't Wait to Strike Iran Again'

Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi required a waiver from the UN’s 1988 Sanctions Committee to travel internationally. He has been the Foreign Minister of Afghanistan since Taliban took over control in August 2021.


Breaking: Afghanistan foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi to visit India next week

Mobile phone and internet services were restored in Afghanistan on Wednesday, local residents said, some 48 hours after diplomatic and industry sources said connectivity was abruptly cut on the orders of the Taliban administration.


Taliban Officials Deny Ban, Blame Old, Worn Out Fibre Optic Cables Behind Outage

Mobile networks and the internet were restored across Afghanistan on Wednesday, 48 hours after the Taliban authorities shut down telecommunications. Confusion gripped the South Asian country on Monday night when mobile phone service and the internet went down without warning, freezing businesses and cutting Afghans off from the rest of the world. The massive blackout came weeks after the government began cutting high-speed internet connections to some provinces to prevent "immorality", on the orders of shadowy supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada.&nbsp;AFP journalists reported on Wednesday that mobile phone signals and Wi-Fi had returned to provinces across the country, including Kandahar in the south, Khost in the east, central Ghazni, and Herat in the west. The Taliban government has yet to comment on the telecommunications shutdown. On Wednesday night, hundreds of Afghans poured onto the streets in the capital Kabul, spreading the word that the internet was back.&nbsp;"It's like Eid al-Adha; it's like preparing to go for prayer," said 26-year-old Sohrab Ahmadi, a delivery driver. “We are very happy from the bottom of our hearts.” After days of tension, Afghans celebrated by buying sweets and balloons, as drivers honked their horns, phones pressed to their ears. "The city is alive again," Mohammad Tawab Farooqi, a restaurant manager in the city told AFP.<h2>Businesses, airports, banks closed</h2>It is the first time since the Taliban government won their insurgency in 2021 and imposed a strict version of Islamic law that communications have been cut in the country. Netblocks, a watchdog organisation that monitors cybersecurity and internet governance, said the blackout "appears consistent with the intentional disconnection of service".It said connectivity had slowed to one percent of ordinary levels.&nbsp;A government official warned AFP minutes before the shutdown on Monday evening that the fiber optic network would be cut, affecting mobile phone services, "until further notice". There were widespread closures of businesses, airports, and markets, while banks and post offices were unable to operate. Afghans were unable to contact each other in or out of the country, and many families stopped their children from going to school during the uncertainty.&nbsp;Those living in Herat and Kandahar travelled to border towns to catch signals from neighbouring Iran and Pakistan. The United Nations said on Tuesday the shutdown "left Afghanistan almost completely cut off from the outside world", and called on authorities to restore access. Internet connections have been extremely slow or intermittent over the past weeks. On September 16, when the first internet services were first cut in northern provinces, Balkh provincial spokesman Attaullah Zaid said the ban had been ordered by the Taliban's leader.&nbsp;"This measure was taken to prevent vice, and alternative options will be put in place across the country to meet connectivity needs," he wrote on social media. "Recent studies in Afghanistan found that internet applications have badly affected the ongoing, economic, cultural and religious foundations of society," he said.&nbsp;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 WION audience.

Mobile and internet restored across Afghanistan after shutdown

Mobile networks and the internet were restored across Afghanistan on Wednesday, 48 hours after the Taliban authorities shut down telecommunications. Confusion gripped the South Asian country on Monday night when mobile phone service and the internet went down without warning, freezing businesses and cutting Afghans off from the rest of the world. The massive blackout came weeks after the government began cutting high-speed internet connections to some provinces to prevent "immorality", on the orders of shadowy supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada. AFP journalists reported on Wednesday that mobile phone signals and Wi-Fi had returned to provinces across the country, including Kandahar in the south, Khost in the east, central Ghazni, and Herat in the west. The Taliban government has yet to comment on the telecommunications shutdown. On Wednesday night, hundreds of Afghans poured onto the streets in the capital Kabul, spreading the word that the internet was back. "It's like Eid al-Adha; it's like preparing to go for prayer," said 26-year-old Sohrab Ahmadi, a delivery driver. “We are very happy from the bottom of our hearts.” After days of tension, Afghans celebrated by buying sweets and balloons, as drivers honked their horns, phones pressed to their ears. "The city is alive again," Mohammad Tawab Farooqi, a restaurant manager in the city told AFP. Businesses, airports, banks closed It is the first time since the Taliban government won their insurgency in 2021 and imposed a strict version of Islamic law that communications have been cut in the country. Netblocks, a watchdog organisation that monitors cybersecurity and internet governance, said the blackout "appears consistent with the intentional disconnection of service". It said connectivity had slowed to one percent of ordinary levels. A government official warned AFP minutes before the shutdown on Monday evening that the fiber optic network would be cut, affecting mobile phone services, "until further notice". There were widespread closures of businesses, airports, and markets, while banks and post offices were unable to operate. Afghans were unable to contact each other in or out of the country, and many families stopped their children from going to school during the uncertainty. Those living in Herat and Kandahar travelled to border towns to catch signals from neighbouring Iran and Pakistan. The United Nations said on Tuesday the shutdown "left Afghanistan almost completely cut off from the outside world", and called on authorities to restore access. Internet connections have been extremely slow or intermittent over the past weeks. On September 16, when the first internet services were first cut in northern provinces, Balkh provincial spokesman Attaullah Zaid said the ban had been ordered by the Taliban's leader. "This measure was taken to prevent vice, and alternative options will be put in place across the country to meet connectivity needs," he wrote on social media. "Recent studies in Afghanistan found that internet applications have badly affected the ongoing, economic, cultural and religious foundations of society," he said. 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 WION audience.

The massive blackout came weeks after the government began cutting high-speed internet connections to some provinces to prevent immorality, on the orders of shadowy supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada

Taliban: Afghanistan is currently enduring a total internet blackout imposed by the Taliban regime, which has severed fiber-optic connections and cut mobile internet and telephone services nationwide. The shutdown, which began with regional restrictions earlier this month, escalated to a complete telecommunications blackout by late September 2025. 

Afghanistan Experiences Internet Blackout After Taliban Crackdown

Taliban: Afghanistan is currently enduring a total internet blackout imposed by the Taliban regime, which has severed fiber-optic connections and cut mobile internet and telephone services nationwide. The shutdown, which began with regional restrictions earlier this month, escalated to a complete telecommunications blackout by late September 2025. 


Taliban: Afghanistan Under 'Total' Internet Blackout 

An American citizen, Amir Amiri, has been released by the Taliban after nearly nine months of detention in Afghanistan. The release was secured through extensive mediation efforts led by Qatari diplomats. Amiri was detained in December 2024 and was on his way back to the United States following his release.


Taliban Releases U.S. Citizen After Nine Months in Detention, Rubio Hails Release 

Pakistan and its key neighbours, China and Iran, have joined Russia in opposing the establishment of any "military bases in and around Afghanistan", and called for respect of Kabul's "sovereignty" and "territorial integrity", an official statement said Saturday.


Pakistan's opposite moves woo China at UN, entice Trump in Washington 

Pakistan, China, Iran, and Russia oppose establishment of military bases near Afghanistan 



This week at Delhi’s international airport, a teen from Afghanistan was discovered inside the landing gear compartment of a flight from Kabul. He told officials he had climbed into the undercarriage out of curiosity. But what began as a child's impulse became a harrowing journey. Take a look at this report.

13-Year-Old Afghan Boy Found Inside Plane's Landing Gear

U.S.-Afghanistan:  U.S. President Donald Trump warned that “bad things” could occur if Afghanistan does not return control of the Bagram air base, leaving open the possibility of deploying troops to reclaim it. 


Bagram Airbase: China's Nukes Under Surveillance? US Interest in Bagram Explained

U.S.-Afghanistan: Trump Issues Stern Warning Over Bagram Air Base

US President Donald Trump on Saturday (Sep 20) warned the Taliban of unspecified consequences if the Afghan government refuses to hand back Bagram Airfield to the United States. In a post on Truth Social, Trump warned that unless Afghanistan give the Bagram Airbase "back to those that built it, the United States of America, BAD THINGS ARE GOING TO HAPPEN!!!". This was not the first time Trump has mentioned taking back the air base; he first floated the idea during his recent state visit to the United Kingdom.

<h2>Why does the Bagram air base matter?</h2>Bagram, once the largest US military base in Afghanistan, served as a hub for American and NATO operations for two decades. US and allied forces withdrew from the site in July 2021 as part of a broader pullout that preceded the Taliban's rapid takeover of the country. Human rights groups such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have previously criticised practices at Bagram during America's so-called "War on Terror", particularly the alleged harsh treatment of detainees.At a press conference with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer earlier this week, Trump said he was working to regain control of the facility. Lamenting the loss of the airbase and noting its proximity to China, Trump said, "We're trying to get it back, by the way, that could be a little breaking news. We're trying to get it back because they need things from us".Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-slams-us-media-calls-negative-coverage-illegal-after-jimmy-kimmel-show-suspension-stirs-free-speech-debate-1758343869435">Trump slams US media, calls negative coverage 'illegal' after Jimmy Kimmel show suspension stirs free speech debate</a><h2>Will the US take back the Bagram air base forcefully?</h2>Back in Washington on Saturday, Trump was asked by reporters whether the administration was considering a military operation to retake the base. Trump declined to be specific. "We won't talk about that, but we're talking now to Afghanistan, and we want it back and we want it back soon, right away. And if they don't do it, you're going out find out what I'm going to do," he said.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/trump-just-made-it-nearly-impossible-for-indians-to-work-in-the-us-here-s-how-us-hikes-h-1b-fee-to-100-000-or-90-lakh-1758336080621">Trump just made it nearly impossible for Indians to work in the US — Here's how</a>The president has frequently criticised the 2021 withdrawal and has linked the loss of Bagram to broader concerns about strategic competition in the region, including China's growing influence in Afghanistan. US officials have not provided details about what steps—diplomatic or otherwise—are being pursued, and offered no clarification on the nature of the "bad things" Trump warned of. &nbsp;&nbsp;

In a post on Truth Social, US President Donald Trump has issued a warning to the Taliban, demanding the return of the Bagram Airfield to the United States. He threatened that "BAD THINGS ARE GOING TO HAPPEN!!!" if Afghanistan does not comply. 

US President Donald Trump on Saturday (Sep 20) warned the Taliban of unspecified consequences if the Afghan government refuses to hand back Bagram Airfield to the United States. In a post on Truth Social, Trump warned that unless Afghanistan give the Bagram Airbase "back to those that built it, the United States of America, BAD THINGS ARE GOING TO HAPPEN!!!". This was not the first time Trump has mentioned taking back the air base; he first floated the idea during his recent state visit to the United Kingdom.

In a post on Truth Social, US President Donald Trump has issued a warning to the Taliban, demanding the return of the Bagram Airfield to the United States. He threatened that "BAD THINGS ARE GOING TO HAPPEN!!!" if Afghanistan does not comply.&nbsp;

Trump warns Taliban: Hand back Bagram airbase or 'BAD THINGS ARE GOING TO HAPPEN'

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced plans to retake Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan, citing its strategic proximity to China’s nuclear facilities.
The Taliban has firmly rejected a U.S. military return but has left the door open for political and economic engagement. China has warned against raising tensions in the region. But Bagram, once the largest U.S. base in Afghanistan, once again finds itself at the center of a great power struggle. Will U.S. push succeed?

US wants to re-establish military presence in Afghanistan, Taliban refutes claims of US takeover

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced plans to retake Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan, citing its strategic proximity to China’s nuclear facilities.
The Taliban has firmly rejected a U.S. military return but has left the door open for political and economic engagement.
China has warned against raising tensions in the region.
But Bagram, once the largest U.S. base in Afghanistan, once again finds itself at the center of a great power struggle.
Will U.S. push succeed?

Trump wants Afghan Bagram Base back against Chinese nuclear missiles 

A Taliban crackdown to “prevent immorality” is spreading across Afghanistan, with more provinces losing access to fiber-optic internet after the country’s leader imposed a complete ban on the technology.


Afghanistan: Taliban bans books written by women from Afghan universities 

India has urged the international community to take decisive action against terrorism in Afghanistan while welcoming Kabul’s condemnation of the recent Pahalgam attack. New Delhi also emphasized its continued focus on humanitarian aid, peace, and capacity building for the Afghan people.


India reaffirms support for Afghanistan: Calls for global action against terror

An unusual trend is being observed in Kabul, Afghanistan. According to reports, cosmetic surgery facilities are becoming increasingly popular in an orthodox Taliban-ruled state. Approximately 20 clinics have popped up in Kabul offering procedures like Botox, facelifts, and hair transplants. These clinics feature luxurious design elements like velvet sofas and crystal chandeliers, which create an environment unlikely to be appreciated under the Taliban authorities.&nbsp;In July 2023, the Taliban imposed a nationwide ban on beauty parlours, giving owners one month to close their businesses. When the bans were being imposed, there were approximately 12,000–13,000 beauty parlours available in Kabul. According to reports by the UN and Afghan women’s groups, these salons were one of the few remaining sources of income and social space for Afghan women.&nbsp;&nbsp;Read Also: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/complete-list-prime-minister-modi-s-international-travel-1758020879275">Prime Minister Modi’s international travel: Complete list of Prime Ministerial visits abroad</a>&nbsp;However, despite the Taliban conservatism, something around 20 clinics have flourished. Doctors from foreign countries like Turkey have travelled to Kabul to train Afghans. Professionals have claimed that these procedures are permitted under medical treatment without any intervention from the Taliban authorities.&nbsp;The clientele is diverse, encompassing both men and women. Men are often there to address their thinning hairline. However, the majority are women who are mostly covered in traditional burqas.&nbsp;&nbsp;25-year-old Silsila Hamidi is getting another facelift, as she is stressed from being a woman in Afghanistan, and her face had started to sag. "Even if others can't see us, we see ourselves: looking beautiful in the mirror gives us energy," said Hamidi.&nbsp;In a country where the majority live in poverty, such procedures are being conducted under the medical treatment and cost between $43 and $87 for Botox treatments, and hair implants costing $260 to $509.&nbsp;&nbsp;Read Also: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/diamonds-daria-i-noor-bangladesh-vault-1757651980488">Kohinoor's long-lost sister Daria-i-noor diamond to reappear in Bangladesh in a 117-year-old vault</a><h2>Salons banned, but not Botox&nbsp;</h2>Even though women can't travel long distances without a male guardian, can't speak loudly, can't visit universities, parks and gyms, surgical cosmetic procedures are booming. The hair salons, which provided a much-needed social space for working-class women, have withered away under the guise of immorality. A new breed of wealthy, influential Afghan women and men use these services.&nbsp;Since the Taliban has ordered men to grow beards at least fist length, transplants have become fashionable, said Bilal Khan, co-director of the EuroAsia clinic. He is about to open his second clinic.&nbsp;These are private, regulated, and behind closed-door clinics which do not attract ideological contradiction. The rise of social media influencers has also played a role in popularising cosmetic procedures. Many patients being swayed by social media seek surgeries even though they do not have any medical requirements. Showing a stark shift in societal values for a country, half of which is in abject poverty.&nbsp;&nbsp;Read Also: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/weirdest-guinness-world-records-top-10-1757167165334">Top 10 weirdest Guinness World Records that will leave you speechless</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

In Taliban-ruled Afghanistan, beauty salons are banned, but Botox and cosmetic surgery clinics are thriving. Discover how private clinics in Kabul are booming despite strict restrictions on women

An unusual trend is being observed in Kabul, Afghanistan. According to reports, cosmetic surgery facilities are becoming increasingly popular in an orthodox Taliban-ruled state. Approximately 20 clinics have popped up in Kabul offering procedures like Botox, facelifts, and hair transplants. These clinics feature luxurious design elements like velvet sofas and crystal chandeliers, which create an environment unlikely to be appreciated under the Taliban authorities. In July 2023, the Taliban imposed a nationwide ban on beauty parlours, giving owners one month to close their businesses. When the bans were being imposed, there were approximately 12,000–13,000 beauty parlours available in Kabul. According to reports by the UN and Afghan women’s groups, these salons were one of the few remaining sources of income and social space for Afghan women. Read Also: Prime Minister Modi’s international travel: Complete list of Prime Ministerial visits abroad However, despite the Taliban conservatism, something around 20 clinics have flourished. Doctors from foreign countries like Turkey have travelled to Kabul to train Afghans. Professionals have claimed that these procedures are permitted under medical treatment without any intervention from the Taliban authorities. The clientele is diverse, encompassing both men and women. Men are often there to address their thinning hairline. However, the majority are women who are mostly covered in traditional burqas. 25-year-old Silsila Hamidi is getting another facelift, as she is stressed from being a woman in Afghanistan, and her face had started to sag. "Even if others can't see us, we see ourselves: looking beautiful in the mirror gives us energy," said Hamidi. In a country where the majority live in poverty, such procedures are being conducted under the medical treatment and cost between $43 and $87 for Botox treatments, and hair implants costing $260 to $509. Read Also: Kohinoor's long-lost sister Daria-i-noor diamond to reappear in Bangladesh in a 117-year-old vault Salons banned, but not Botox Even though women can't travel long distances without a male guardian, can't speak loudly, can't visit universities, parks and gyms, surgical cosmetic procedures are booming. The hair salons, which provided a much-needed social space for working-class women, have withered away under the guise of immorality. A new breed of wealthy, influential Afghan women and men use these services. Since the Taliban has ordered men to grow beards at least fist length, transplants have become fashionable, said Bilal Khan, co-director of the EuroAsia clinic. He is about to open his second clinic. These are private, regulated, and behind closed-door clinics which do not attract ideological contradiction. The rise of social media influencers has also played a role in popularising cosmetic procedures. Many patients being swayed by social media seek surgeries even though they do not have any medical requirements. Showing a stark shift in societal values for a country, half of which is in abject poverty. Read Also: Top 10 weirdest Guinness World Records that will leave you speechless

In Taliban-ruled Afghanistan, beauty salons are banned, but Botox and cosmetic surgery clinics are thriving. Discover how private clinics in Kabul are booming despite strict restrictions on women

Botox under burqas, unlikely boom of cosmetic surgery in Taliban conservatism

U.S. officials held talks with the authorities in Kabul over Americans held in Afghanistan, the Taliban administration’s Foreign Ministry said. Adam Boehler, the Trump administration’s special envoy for hostage response, and Zalmay Khalilzad, a former U.S. special envoy for Afghanistan, met with the Taliban’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi.


US seeks to secure release of Americans held in Taliban custody 

The UN refugee agency has halted cash aid for Afghan returnees due to Taliban restrictions barring female staff from working at border crossings. This decision affects thousands of Afghans deported daily from Iran and Pakistan, who rely heavily on UN assistance. The UNHCR emphasizes the importance of female staff in conducting interviews and collecting information from returnee women, who make up 52% of the population served.



UN Suspends Aid to Afghans Due to Taliban Ban on Women Staff | WION

#Gravitas With the help of Afghan farmers, Pakistan is overtaking Afghanistan and emerging as the leading hub of global opium production.  This finding comes after the Taliban’s strict ban on poppy cultivation in 2022.   

Pakistan Becomes Opium Capital Of The World With Afghan Expertise 

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Kabul Explosion: Powerful Explosions Rock Afghan Capital After Pakistan's 'Enough Is Enough' Threat

India-Afghanistan ties: First Afghan Taliban minister to visit New Delhi since 2021

Breaking: Amir Khan Muttaqi visiting India for eight days

India, Russia & China Oppose Trump's Bid to Retake Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan

Muttaqi Raises Concerns Over Growing Regional Presence of ISIS

India-Afghanistan ties: Muttaqi to travel to India for five-day visit starting October 9

Afghan FM warns of regional threat as ISIS sets bases in neighbouring countries

Russia's Foreign Minister Asks the West to Change Its Approach Towards Afghanistan

UN Launches Probe Into Taliban 'Abuses': Women's Rights Being Crushed

Trump's Stark Warning: 'Won't Wait to Strike Iran Again'

Breaking: Afghanistan foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi to visit India next week

Taliban Officials Deny Ban, Blame Old, Worn Out Fibre Optic Cables Behind Outage

Mobile and internet restored across Afghanistan after shutdown

Afghanistan Experiences Internet Blackout After Taliban Crackdown

Taliban: Afghanistan Under 'Total' Internet Blackout

Taliban Releases U.S. Citizen After Nine Months in Detention, Rubio Hails Release

Pakistan's opposite moves woo China at UN, entice Trump in Washington

Pakistan, China, Iran, and Russia oppose establishment of military bases near Afghanistan

13-Year-Old Afghan Boy Found Inside Plane's Landing Gear

Bagram Airbase: China's Nukes Under Surveillance? US Interest in Bagram Explained

U.S.-Afghanistan: Trump Issues Stern Warning Over Bagram Air Base

Trump warns Taliban: Hand back Bagram or 'BAD THINGS ARE GOING TO HAPPEN'

US wants to re-establish military presence in Afghanistan, Taliban refutes claims of US takeover

Trump wants Afghan Bagram Base back against Chinese nuclear missiles

Afghanistan: Taliban bans books written by women from Afghan universities

India reaffirms support for Afghanistan: Calls for global action against terror