The US special envoy leading negotiations with the Taliban was set to meet with the Afghan president Saturday, an official confirmed, in an apparent renewed push for talks on an agreement with the insurgents.

Washington and the Taliban are still wrangling over a possible deal that would see American troops begin to leave Afghanistan in return for security guarantees. 
However, in recent weeks, the US has been largely quiet on the exact status of the talks.

US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad was prepared to hold talks with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani in the afternoon, according to the leader's spokesman.

The details of what they were planning to discuss were unknown.

The US embassy in Kabul did not immediately comment on the envoy's arrival. Khalilzad's trip to Afghanistan comes a day after the envoy travelled to Pakistan where he met with a host of officials including the country's powerful top general Qamar Javed Bajwa.

Islamabad has helped facilitate the talks between the militants and Washington in Qatar over the past year.

Khalilzad "welcomed Pakistan's ongoing efforts to support a reduction in violence that will pave the way for a US-Taliban agreement, intra-Afghan negotiations, and a comprehensive and permanent ceasefire in support of a sustainable peace", read a statement released by US officials in Pakistan.

The US and Taliban had been negotiating the deal for a year and were on the brink of an announcement in September 2019 when President Donald Trump abruptly declared the process "dead", citing Taliban violence.

Talks were later restarted in December in Qatar, but paused again following an attack near the US-run Bagram military base in Afghanistan.

Taliban sources told AFP last month they had offered to initiate a brief ceasefire of seven to 10 days to help secure a deal, but there was no announcement of the details of the proposal by either party.

As talks have fluctuated, violent attacks in Afghanistan have raged, with the number of clashes jumping to record levels in the last quarter of 2019, according to a US government watchdog report released Friday.

The US special envoy leading negotiations with the Taliban was set to meet with the Afghan president Saturday, an official confirmed, in an apparent renewed push for talks on an agreement with the insurgents.

The US special envoy leading negotiations with the Taliban was set to meet with the Afghan president Saturday, an official confirmed, in an apparent renewed push for talks on an agreement with the insurgents. Washington and the Taliban are still wrangling over a possible deal that would see American troops begin to leave Afghanistan in return for security guarantees. However, in recent weeks, the US has been largely quiet on the exact status of the talks. US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad was prepared to hold talks with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani in the afternoon, according to the leader's spokesman. The details of what they were planning to discuss were unknown. The US embassy in Kabul did not immediately comment on the envoy's arrival. Khalilzad's trip to Afghanistan comes a day after the envoy travelled to Pakistan where he met with a host of officials including the country's powerful top general Qamar Javed Bajwa. Islamabad has helped facilitate the talks between the militants and Washington in Qatar over the past year. Khalilzad "welcomed Pakistan's ongoing efforts to support a reduction in violence that will pave the way for a US-Taliban agreement, intra-Afghan negotiations, and a comprehensive and permanent ceasefire in support of a sustainable peace", read a statement released by US officials in Pakistan. The US and Taliban had been negotiating the deal for a year and were on the brink of an announcement in September 2019 when President Donald Trump abruptly declared the process "dead", citing Taliban violence. Talks were later restarted in December in Qatar, but paused again following an attack near the US-run Bagram military base in Afghanistan. Taliban sources told AFP last month they had offered to initiate a brief ceasefire of seven to 10 days to help secure a deal, but there was no announcement of the details of the proposal by either party. As talks have fluctuated, violent attacks in Afghanistan have raged, with the number of clashes jumping to record levels in the last quarter of 2019, according to a US government watchdog report released Friday.

US envoy for Taliban talks back in Kabul: Official

According to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-11-taliban-terrorists-killed-in-airstrikes-271244">Afghanistan's</a> Public Health Ministry, at least 17 people have been killed due to air pollution over the last week.

An anti-pollution campaign was launched on Monday by the ministry. Over 8,800 patients were found to be suffering from respiratory diseases like common cold and lung issues.

Air Visual, an international monitoring organisation, provides regular updates on air pollution. According to them, Kabul has seen hazardous air over the past month.

This spike can be attributed to low-quality fuel being used to keep the infrastructure warm. These include government buildings, wedding halls, houses, etc.

The ministry added that face masks will be distributed among Kabul's local population over the next two weeks.

Yesterday, the ministry ordered shutting down business centres and agencies that rely on poor quality material to ensure heating.

(With inputs from agencies)

According to Afghanistan's Public Health Ministry, at least 17 people have been killed due to air pollution over the last week. An anti-pollution campaign was launched on Monday by the ministry.

According to Afghanistan's Public Health Ministry, at least 17 people have been killed due to air pollution over the last week. An anti-pollution campaign was launched on Monday by the ministry. Over 8,800 patients were found to be suffering from respiratory diseases like common cold and lung issues. Air Visual, an international monitoring organisation, provides regular updates on air pollution. According to them, Kabul has seen hazardous air over the past month. This spike can be attributed to low-quality fuel being used to keep the infrastructure warm. These include government buildings, wedding halls, houses, etc. The ministry added that face masks will be distributed among Kabul's local population over the next two weeks. Yesterday, the ministry ordered shutting down business centres and agencies that rely on poor quality material to ensure heating. (With inputs from agencies)

17 people killed in Kabul due to air pollution

Afghanistan on Friday reopened its consulate in Peshawar after a gap of almost three months with Afghan delegation visiting <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/18-houses-suffer-damage-as-pakistan-violates-ceasefire-in-kashmir-270652">Pakistan</a> for talks over the market ownership dispute in the city.

In early October, the consulate was closed in protest after the police in Peshawar had removed the Afghan national flag from a market, which Kabul said is its property.

The Afghan consulate has resumed visa operations from Friday, according to First Secretary at the Afghan Consulate in Peshawar Faridoon Haiderkhel.

He also wrote on his <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-twitter-block-state-sponsored-manipulation-accounts-in-latest-crackdown-269455">Facebook</a> page that people in the city can now visit the embassy for applying and obtaining visas.

The dispute began after Pakistan's Supreme Court had ruled that a Pakistani national, Shaukat Kashmiri, was the owner of the Afghan Market, instructing the authorities to vacate the building and hand it over to him, according to the Pakistani news outlet.

Local authorities in Peshawar took strict action against shopkeepers and removed Afghanistan's national flag from the market. Later, the Afghan Ambassador to Pakistan Atif Mashal unfurled the flag in the city leading to heightened tensions between the two countries.

While <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/27-local-peace-activists-abducted-in-western-afghanistan-270195">Afghanistan</a> has reopened its consulate, Pakistan is yet to reopen the consular section of its embassy in Kabul, which was shut on November 3 in view of the "harassment" of diplomats in the Afghan capital.

Pakistani sources in Kabul told Daily Times that the consular section is slated to be opened on January 5.

Afghanistan on Friday reopened its consulate in Peshawar after a gap of almost three months with Afghan delegation visiting Pakistan for talks over the market ownership dispute in the city.

Afghanistan on Friday reopened its consulate in Peshawar after a gap of almost three months with Afghan delegation visiting Pakistan for talks over the market ownership dispute in the city. In early October, the consulate was closed in protest after the police in Peshawar had removed the Afghan national flag from a market, which Kabul said is its property. The Afghan consulate has resumed visa operations from Friday, according to First Secretary at the Afghan Consulate in Peshawar Faridoon Haiderkhel. He also wrote on his Facebook page that people in the city can now visit the embassy for applying and obtaining visas. The dispute began after Pakistan's Supreme Court had ruled that a Pakistani national, Shaukat Kashmiri, was the owner of the Afghan Market, instructing the authorities to vacate the building and hand it over to him, according to the Pakistani news outlet. Local authorities in Peshawar took strict action against shopkeepers and removed Afghanistan's national flag from the market. Later, the Afghan Ambassador to Pakistan Atif Mashal unfurled the flag in the city leading to heightened tensions between the two countries. While Afghanistan has reopened its consulate, Pakistan is yet to reopen the consular section of its embassy in Kabul, which was shut on November 3 in view of the "harassment" of diplomats in the Afghan capital. Pakistani sources in Kabul told Daily Times that the consular section is slated to be opened on January 5.

Afghanistan reopens consulate in Pakistan's Peshawar after nearly three months

The&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;said their fighters&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-soldier-killed-in-afghanistan-269652">killed a&nbsp;US&nbsp;service&nbsp;member</a>&nbsp;in&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;on Monday and posted photographs of a blood-soaked backpack and the identity card of an American soldier to prove it.

The&nbsp;US&nbsp;Defense Department said Michael Goble, a&nbsp;US&nbsp;Army sergeant from New Jersey, died on Monday from "injuries sustained while his unit was engaged in combat operations" one day earlier in Kunduz province.

The incident was under investigation, the Pentagon said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/shooting-in-the-dark-afghanistans-endless-war-pits-brother-against-brother-267200">Zabihullah Mujahid</a>, a spokesman for the&nbsp;Taliban, said they&nbsp;killed the&nbsp;US&nbsp;force&nbsp;member&nbsp;in a blast in the&nbsp;northern&nbsp;province of Kunduz.

"Our fighters&nbsp;killed a&nbsp;US&nbsp;force&nbsp;member&nbsp;and injured an Afghan commando," Mujahid said in a text message, which included the photographs.

About 20,000 foreign troops, most of them American, are in&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;as part of a&nbsp;US-led <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/blast-at-us-military-base-in-afghanistan-kills-one-injures-60-267640">NATO mission</a> to train, assist and advise Afghan&nbsp;forces. Some&nbsp;US&nbsp;forces carry out counter-terrorism operations against Islamist militant groups.

More than a dozen foreign&nbsp;force&nbsp;members have been&nbsp;killed in&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;in 2019.

The United States has been in negotiations with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/14-taliban-terrorists-killed-in-afghan-airstrike-263184">Taliban&nbsp;militants</a> over the past year on a deal under which the United States could withdraw its&nbsp;forces from its longest war in exchange for&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;security guarantees.

This month,&nbsp;US&nbsp;negotiators said they would take a break from the talks after the insurgents launched a suicide attack on a large&nbsp;US&nbsp;base.

Afghan government&nbsp;forces, supported by the&nbsp;US&nbsp;military, have recently stepped up operations against the&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;in Kunduz.

The&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;control more territory than at any point since they were ousted from power in 2001.

The Taliban said their fighters killed a US service member in Afghanistan on Monday and posted photographs of a blood-soaked backpack and the identity card of an American soldier to prove it.

The Taliban said their fighters killed a US service member in Afghanistan on Monday and posted photographs of a blood-soaked backpack and the identity card of an American soldier to prove it. The US Defense Department said Michael Goble, a US Army sergeant from New Jersey, died on Monday from "injuries sustained while his unit was engaged in combat operations" one day earlier in Kunduz province. The incident was under investigation, the Pentagon said. Zabihullah Mujahid, a spokesman for the Taliban, said they killed the US force member in a blast in the northern province of Kunduz. "Our fighters killed a US force member and injured an Afghan commando," Mujahid said in a text message, which included the photographs. About 20,000 foreign troops, most of them American, are in Afghanistan as part of a US-led NATO mission to train, assist and advise Afghan forces. Some US forces carry out counter-terrorism operations against Islamist militant groups. More than a dozen foreign force members have been killed in Afghanistan in 2019. The United States has been in negotiations with Taliban militants over the past year on a deal under which the United States could withdraw its forces from its longest war in exchange for Taliban security guarantees. This month, US negotiators said they would take a break from the talks after the insurgents launched a suicide attack on a large US base. Afghan government forces, supported by the US military, have recently stepped up operations against the Taliban in Kunduz. The Taliban control more territory than at any point since they were ousted from power in 2001.

Taliban kill US force member in northern Afghanistan

One civilian was killed and two others were injured in a bomb blast in the Afghan capital of Kabul on Thursday, a spokesman for the Interior Ministry told Sputnik.

"The blast happened [at] around 9.40 a.m. [05:10 GMT] in Paghman district, one civilian was killed and two others injured when a magnetic bomb exploded," the spokesman said.

Nobody has claimed responsibility for the attack so far. 
&nbsp;

One civilian was killed and two others were injured in a bomb blast in the Afghan capital of Kabul on Thursday, a spokesman for the Interior Ministry told Sputnik.

One civilian was killed and two others were injured in a bomb blast in the Afghan capital of Kabul on Thursday, a spokesman for the Interior Ministry told Sputnik. "The blast happened [at] around 9.40 a.m. [05:10 GMT] in Paghman district, one civilian was killed and two others injured when a magnetic bomb exploded," the spokesman said. Nobody has claimed responsibility for the attack so far.

Afghanistan: 1 killed, 2 injured in Kabul bomb blast

The people of Afghanistan on Thursday held candlelight vigils in Kabul and Nangarhar as a tribute to Japanse physician and aid worker,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japanese-doctor-and-aid-worker-tetsu-nakamura-shot-dead-in-afghanistan-266200">Tetsu Nakamura</a>&nbsp;who shot dead a day before.&nbsp;

Nakamura&nbsp;was shot dead along with five Afghans including his bodyguards, driver and another passenger in an attack in Afghanistan on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Nakamura, the head of Peace Japan Medical services - known as Peshawar-kai in Japanese - devoted 35 years of his life to healing the wounded in Afghanistan of which he became an honorary citizen last year in October.&nbsp;

The doctor had opened a clinic in a remote village in Afghanistan in 1991, before which he treated leprosy in Pakistanis and sick Afghan refugees. The native Fukuoka had been heading the Nangarhar aid group since 2008.&nbsp;

Nakamura's death sparked intense backlash and outpouring grief from the people of the conflict-ridden region. The doctor's death came a week after a grenade attack on a United Nations vehicle in Kabul increasing fears of the humanitarian workers in Afghanistan.

There was no claim for the responsibility of the attack for which the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-should-accept-us-proposal-for-ceasefire-afghanistan-government-265605">Taliban</a> has denied responsibility claiming to have "good relations"&nbsp;with organisations that "contribute to the reconstruction of Afghanistan."

The police have launched a search operation to arrest the gunmen who fled the scene said officials who claimed to believe that the doctor was targeted for his work.&nbsp;

"Dr Nakamura has been doing great work in the reconstruction of Afghanistan, especially in irrigation and agriculture," the official said.

Japan Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-blasts-japans-shinzo-abe-warns-of-real-ballistic-missile-265425">Shinzo Abe</a> on Wednesday said he was “shocked” at the aid worker’s death who risked his life to do “various work” for which the people of Afghanistan were thankful.&nbsp;

"I am shocked that he had to die in this way," Abe told reporters in a news conference in Tokyo.

"He risked his life in a dangerous environment to do various work, and the people of Afghanistan were very grateful to him," he added.

The people of Afghanistan on Thursday held candlelight vigils in Kabul and Nangarhar as a tribute to Japanse physician and aid worker, Tetsu Nakamura who shot dead a day before.

The people of Afghanistan on Thursday held candlelight vigils in Kabul and Nangarhar as a tribute to Japanse physician and aid worker, Tetsu Nakamura who shot dead a day before. Nakamura was shot dead along with five Afghans including his bodyguards, driver and another passenger in an attack in Afghanistan on Wednesday. Nakamura, the head of Peace Japan Medical services - known as Peshawar-kai in Japanese - devoted 35 years of his life to healing the wounded in Afghanistan of which he became an honorary citizen last year in October. The doctor had opened a clinic in a remote village in Afghanistan in 1991, before which he treated leprosy in Pakistanis and sick Afghan refugees. The native Fukuoka had been heading the Nangarhar aid group since 2008. Nakamura's death sparked intense backlash and outpouring grief from the people of the conflict-ridden region. The doctor's death came a week after a grenade attack on a United Nations vehicle in Kabul increasing fears of the humanitarian workers in Afghanistan. There was no claim for the responsibility of the attack for which the Taliban has denied responsibility claiming to have "good relations" with organisations that "contribute to the reconstruction of Afghanistan." The police have launched a search operation to arrest the gunmen who fled the scene said officials who claimed to believe that the doctor was targeted for his work. "Dr Nakamura has been doing great work in the reconstruction of Afghanistan, especially in irrigation and agriculture," the official said. Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Wednesday said he was “shocked” at the aid worker’s death who risked his life to do “various work” for which the people of Afghanistan were thankful. "I am shocked that he had to die in this way," Abe told reporters in a news conference in Tokyo. "He risked his life in a dangerous environment to do various work, and the people of Afghanistan were very grateful to him," he added.

Afghans hold candlelight vigil for slain Japanese aid worker Tetsu Nakamura

India can engage with the Taliban if the group engages with the Afghan government and is acceptable to Afghan people, India's former ambassador to Afghanistan and member of the National Security Advisory Board Amar Sinha said at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-needs-to-create-its-own-club-focus-on-indian-ocean-region-ram-madhav-at-wion-world-order-event-266452">WION's World Order event</a> in New Delhi today.&nbsp;

"The only way forward is through a ceasefire and the Taliban engaging with the Afghan government and the Afghan people. Once they engage with them, India will have no hesitation with engaging with the Taliban," Sinha said.

Sinha added, "let the Afghan people accept them. We have stood behind the Afghan govt. It is a good policy to carry and it is a matter of a month when we would be engaging, as they say, very popular Hindi song, 'Apna time agayega', our time will come. Afghanistan is not going away".

India's official policy on the Afghan peace process has been "Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled" with the Afghan government playing a key role.&nbsp;

Sinha further said that India won't be forgiving the Taliban easily and its links with Pakistan are well known. He highlighted that its "deputy leader is Haqqani which is an ISI agency and has carried out all the attacks in Kabul and against India. So, I don't think we should forgive them as easily."

India, as per its policy, doesn't engage with the Taliban. The only contact that happened was during the 1999 hijacking of the Indian Airline IC 814 when the plane was taken to Kandahar and Afghanistan was under the control of the Taliban. 
&nbsp; 
Asked, if New Delhi should engage with the Taliban like other countries as part of the peace process, Sinha said, "not engaging with the Taliban has not boomeranged at all".

"We have absolutely zero equity with the Taliban. All our equity is with the Republic of Afghanistan and the young and modern Afghanistan, where we have a very good standing," he said.&nbsp;

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Sinha said that India's "position has been very mature" and if one looks around "what is happening... just about everyone is following a me-too policy". While countries like China, Russia, Uzbekistan, Iran have been talking with the Taliban "what has been achieved is nothing, the violence level is as high."

Amar Sinha, along with former Indian envoy to Pakistan TCA Raghavan in 2018 represented India at a "non-official" level at Moscow talks on Afghanistan wherein the Taliban was also present but no statement was made by any of the Indian diplomats.

Last week, US President Donald Trump made a surprise visit to Afghanistan and announced that Washington will start talks with the Taliban. One of the pre-condition, Trump said, would be a be ceasefire by the grouping which means putting an end to violence by the group on the landlocked South Asian country.&nbsp;

US special envoy to Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad will "rejoin talks" with the Taliban in Doha according to the US State Department that could "lead to intra-Afghan negotiations and a peaceful settlement of the war, specifically a reduction in violence that leads to a ceasefire".

President Trump cancelled the talks with the Taliban in September after an attack killed a US soldier in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

India can engage with the Taliban if the group engages with the Afghan government and is acceptable to Afghan people, India's former ambassador to Afghanistan and member of the National Security Advisory Board Amar Sinha said at WION's World Order event in New Delhi today.

India can engage with the Taliban if the group engages with the Afghan government and is acceptable to Afghan people, India's former ambassador to Afghanistan and member of the National Security Advisory Board Amar Sinha said at WION's World Order event in New Delhi today. "The only way forward is through a ceasefire and the Taliban engaging with the Afghan government and the Afghan people. Once they engage with them, India will have no hesitation with engaging with the Taliban," Sinha said. Sinha added, "let the Afghan people accept them. We have stood behind the Afghan govt. It is a good policy to carry and it is a matter of a month when we would be engaging, as they say, very popular Hindi song, 'Apna time agayega', our time will come. Afghanistan is not going away". India's official policy on the Afghan peace process has been "Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled" with the Afghan government playing a key role. Sinha further said that India won't be forgiving the Taliban easily and its links with Pakistan are well known. He highlighted that its "deputy leader is Haqqani which is an ISI agency and has carried out all the attacks in Kabul and against India. So, I don't think we should forgive them as easily." India, as per its policy, doesn't engage with the Taliban. The only contact that happened was during the 1999 hijacking of the Indian Airline IC 814 when the plane was taken to Kandahar and Afghanistan was under the control of the Taliban. Asked, if New Delhi should engage with the Taliban like other countries as part of the peace process, Sinha said, "not engaging with the Taliban has not boomeranged at all". "We have absolutely zero equity with the Taliban. All our equity is with the Republic of Afghanistan and the young and modern Afghanistan, where we have a very good standing," he said. × Sinha said that India's "position has been very mature" and if one looks around "what is happening... just about everyone is following a me-too policy". While countries like China, Russia, Uzbekistan, Iran have been talking with the Taliban "what has been achieved is nothing, the violence level is as high." Amar Sinha, along with former Indian envoy to Pakistan TCA Raghavan in 2018 represented India at a "non-official" level at Moscow talks on Afghanistan wherein the Taliban was also present but no statement was made by any of the Indian diplomats. Last week, US President Donald Trump made a surprise visit to Afghanistan and announced that Washington will start talks with the Taliban. One of the pre-condition, Trump said, would be a be ceasefire by the grouping which means putting an end to violence by the group on the landlocked South Asian country. US special envoy to Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad will "rejoin talks" with the Taliban in Doha according to the US State Department that could "lead to intra-Afghan negotiations and a peaceful settlement of the war, specifically a reduction in violence that leads to a ceasefire". President Trump cancelled the talks with the Taliban in September after an attack killed a US soldier in Afghanistan.

If Taliban engages with Afghan government, India can drop its hesitations: Former ambassador to Afghanistan

US&nbsp;Special Envoy Zalmay Khalilzad, after a visit to Kabul, will travel to Qatar to rejoin talks with Taliban negotiators on steps that could lead to a ceasefire and a settlement to the war in Afghanistan, the State Department said on Wednesday.

Khalilzad arrived in Kabul earlier on Wednesday to follow up on US&nbsp;President Donald Trump's visit to Afghanistan last week and to discuss with Afghan officials and others how to convene talks with the Taliban on a political settlement, the State Department said.

US Special Envoy Zalmay Khalilzad, after a visit to Kabul, will travel to Qatar to rejoin talks with Taliban negotiators on steps that could lead to a ceasefire and a settlement to the war in Afghanistan, the State Department said on Wednesday.

US Special Envoy Zalmay Khalilzad, after a visit to Kabul, will travel to Qatar to rejoin talks with Taliban negotiators on steps that could lead to a ceasefire and a settlement to the war in Afghanistan, the State Department said on Wednesday. Khalilzad arrived in Kabul earlier on Wednesday to follow up on US President Donald Trump's visit to Afghanistan last week and to discuss with Afghan officials and others how to convene talks with the Taliban on a political settlement, the State Department said.

US envoy to rejoin Doha talks with Taliban after Kabul visit: State Department

At least two persons have been killed and three others suffered injuries after gunmen attack an Afghan security forces vehicle in Pul-e-Charkhi area of Kabul on Monday, the government confirmed. 
 
Gunmen opened fire at the security vehicle and fled from the area, reported Tolo News. 
 
The police are investigating the incident. 
 
No group has so far taken the responsibility of the attack.

At least two persons have been killed and three others suffered injuries after gunmen attack an Afghan security forces vehicle in Pul-e-Charkhi area of Kabul on Monday, the government confirmed.

At least two persons have been killed and three others suffered injuries after gunmen attack an Afghan security forces vehicle in Pul-e-Charkhi area of Kabul on Monday, the government confirmed. Gunmen opened fire at the security vehicle and fled from the area, reported Tolo News. The police are investigating the incident. No group has so far taken the responsibility of the attack.

Two killed, three injured after gunmen open fire at army vehicle in Kabul

Parisa Haidary gets behind the steering wheel of a mini-bus, kicks off her high heels and with a socked foot presses the accelerator, carefully easing the 10-seater into Kabul's ever-clogged traffic.

The Afghan mother, who works for a women-only bus service, smiles as other road-users&nbsp;all of them men&nbsp;gawp in astonishment.

"We get a lot of different reactions," she says. "Some drivers block our way, others honk at us, some even drive alongside at the same speed when the road is clear."

In an ultra-patriarchal society where it remains rare to see a woman behind the wheel, Haidary is one of four drivers working for Pink Shuttle, a pilot bus programme employing only women to ferry female passengers and their kids across the Afghan capital.&nbsp;

"I love driving and am interested in my job. The only concern we have is the security situation. We have to stay fearless," Haidary said.&nbsp;

The 36-year-old former beautician, who has also worked as a television journalist, and her colleagues were chosen from 100 candidates.

The first-of-its-kind service is helping women navigate the many challenges they face getting around Kabul, where a woeful lack of transport options is compounded by the risk of harassment if they walk on the streets.

"We have transportation problems for women. In fact, public transportation does not exist, especially for women in Kabul," project coordinator Obaidullah Amiri said.

Pink Shuttle is being run by Nove Onlus, an Italian non-governmental group that in turn is being supported by the Only The Brave Foundation, created by fashion designer Renzo Rosso.&nbsp;

Amiri said the pilot project, which started in May and also receives backing from the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-us-renew-triangular-development-cooperation-in-asia-and-africa-206532">US Agency for International Development (USAID)</a>, is set to be extended.&nbsp;

While the service is currently being offered for free to a limited number of pre-approved passengers, Nove Onlus hopes it will become financially sustainable within two years.

According to&nbsp;Khan Mohammad Shinwaray, police chief at Kabul's traffic department, the number of women drivers in the capital has been steadily growing, with 275 licenses approved for the first half of the year.&nbsp;

This is quite a jump: In the years between 2012 and 2016, just 1,189 women in total got licenses in the city, according to Nove Onlus.&nbsp;

It is a "positive change to see Afghan women driving in Kabul," Shinwaray said. "There are no restrictions on women becoming drivers."&nbsp;

Navigating Kabul's traffic is no easy feat.&nbsp;Traffic can flow fast one moment, then suddenly grind to a complete standstill for hours on end.&nbsp;

Road signs are non-existent, few of the streets are named and drivers often zoom the wrong way into oncoming traffic. Usually, it is the bigger of two vehicles that win the right of way.

Congestion has only got worse in recent years as Kabul has been sliced into ever-smaller portions by new security measures and entire streets and landmarks suddenly disappear behind towering blast walls.

When extremist Taliban insurgents swept to power in 1996, women were forced to stay home, barred from most jobs, and deprived of their right to an education.&nbsp;

After the militants were toppled in late 2001 and a US-backed government took over, gender equality was enshrined in the Afghan constitution, though discrimination remains rife.

Fatima Mohammadi, a 31-year-old Kabul resident who has been driving for about four years, said she appreciated the freedom of having a car but still deals with daily harassment on the road.

"I usually don't leave the windows of the car open," she said.&nbsp;

"Sometimes when another driver or passerby smiles or says 'Well done,' it feels like harassment."

Women like Haidary and Mohammadi worry the Taliban might one day return to power, and take away their relative freedoms.&nbsp;

Negotiations between the US and the Taliban that could have paved the way to an eventual peace settlement collapsed in September, and now no one is sure what will come next.

"If the Taliban come back, I hope they are not the same group they used to be," said Haidary. "If they impose the same limitations, we will lose our jobs."&nbsp;

Parisa Haidary gets behind the steering wheel of a mini-bus, kicks off her high heels and with a socked foot presses the accelerator, carefully easing the 10-seater into Kabul's ever-clogged traffic.

Parisa Haidary gets behind the steering wheel of a mini-bus, kicks off her high heels and with a socked foot presses the accelerator, carefully easing the 10-seater into Kabul's ever-clogged traffic. The Afghan mother, who works for a women-only bus service, smiles as other road-users all of them men gawp in astonishment. "We get a lot of different reactions," she says. "Some drivers block our way, others honk at us, some even drive alongside at the same speed when the road is clear." In an ultra-patriarchal society where it remains rare to see a woman behind the wheel, Haidary is one of four drivers working for Pink Shuttle, a pilot bus programme employing only women to ferry female passengers and their kids across the Afghan capital. "I love driving and am interested in my job. The only concern we have is the security situation. We have to stay fearless," Haidary said. The 36-year-old former beautician, who has also worked as a television journalist, and her colleagues were chosen from 100 candidates. The first-of-its-kind service is helping women navigate the many challenges they face getting around Kabul, where a woeful lack of transport options is compounded by the risk of harassment if they walk on the streets. "We have transportation problems for women. In fact, public transportation does not exist, especially for women in Kabul," project coordinator Obaidullah Amiri said. Pink Shuttle is being run by Nove Onlus, an Italian non-governmental group that in turn is being supported by the Only The Brave Foundation, created by fashion designer Renzo Rosso. Amiri said the pilot project, which started in May and also receives backing from the US Agency for International Development (USAID), is set to be extended. While the service is currently being offered for free to a limited number of pre-approved passengers, Nove Onlus hopes it will become financially sustainable within two years. According to Khan Mohammad Shinwaray, police chief at Kabul's traffic department, the number of women drivers in the capital has been steadily growing, with 275 licenses approved for the first half of the year. This is quite a jump: In the years between 2012 and 2016, just 1,189 women in total got licenses in the city, according to Nove Onlus. It is a "positive change to see Afghan women driving in Kabul," Shinwaray said. "There are no restrictions on women becoming drivers." Navigating Kabul's traffic is no easy feat. Traffic can flow fast one moment, then suddenly grind to a complete standstill for hours on end. Road signs are non-existent, few of the streets are named and drivers often zoom the wrong way into oncoming traffic. Usually, it is the bigger of two vehicles that win the right of way. Congestion has only got worse in recent years as Kabul has been sliced into ever-smaller portions by new security measures and entire streets and landmarks suddenly disappear behind towering blast walls. When extremist Taliban insurgents swept to power in 1996, women were forced to stay home, barred from most jobs, and deprived of their right to an education. After the militants were toppled in late 2001 and a US-backed government took over, gender equality was enshrined in the Afghan constitution, though discrimination remains rife. Fatima Mohammadi, a 31-year-old Kabul resident who has been driving for about four years, said she appreciated the freedom of having a car but still deals with daily harassment on the road. "I usually don't leave the windows of the car open," she said. "Sometimes when another driver or passerby smiles or says 'Well done,' it feels like harassment." Women like Haidary and Mohammadi worry the Taliban might one day return to power, and take away their relative freedoms. Negotiations between the US and the Taliban that could have paved the way to an eventual peace settlement collapsed in September, and now no one is sure what will come next. "If the Taliban come back, I hope they are not the same group they used to be," said Haidary. "If they impose the same limitations, we will lose our jobs."

'Pink Shuttle' buses help Afghan women navigate society

Indian ambassador to Afghanistan Vinay Kumar and acting Foreign Minister of Afghanistan Idrees Zaman on Sunday exchanged instruments of ratification of India-Afghanistan Extradition Treaty to transport criminal offenders between the two countries.

"The instrument of ratification of Extradition Treaty between the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and the Republic of India, approved and ratified by the relevant authorities of the two governments, were exchanged by the Acting Foreign Minister HE&nbsp;Idrees Zaman and the Indian Ambassador to Kabul Mr. Vinay Kumar, today," the Foreign Affairs Ministry said in a statement.

"The said agreement was signed by the authorised representatives of the two countries in New Delhi, India on September 14, 2016," the Ministry added.

The treaty, signed during Afghan President Ashraf Ghani's visit to India in 2016, would provide a legal framework for seeking extradition of terrorists, economic offenders and criminals from and to Afghanistan.

India has extradition treaties with at least 37 countries, according to the Ministry of External Affairs.&nbsp;

Indian ambassador to Afghanistan Vinay Kumar and acting Foreign Minister of Afghanistan Idrees Zaman on Sunday exchanged instruments of ratification of India-Afghanistan Extradition Treaty to transport criminal offenders between the two countries.

Indian ambassador to Afghanistan Vinay Kumar and acting Foreign Minister of Afghanistan Idrees Zaman on Sunday exchanged instruments of ratification of India-Afghanistan Extradition Treaty to transport criminal offenders between the two countries. "The instrument of ratification of Extradition Treaty between the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and the Republic of India, approved and ratified by the relevant authorities of the two governments, were exchanged by the Acting Foreign Minister HE Idrees Zaman and the Indian Ambassador to Kabul Mr. Vinay Kumar, today," the Foreign Affairs Ministry said in a statement. "The said agreement was signed by the authorised representatives of the two countries in New Delhi, India on September 14, 2016," the Ministry added. The treaty, signed during Afghan President Ashraf Ghani's visit to India in 2016, would provide a legal framework for seeking extradition of terrorists, economic offenders and criminals from and to Afghanistan. India has extradition treaties with at least 37 countries, according to the Ministry of External Affairs.

India, Afghanistan exchange treaty to extradite criminal offenders

A foreign national was killed and at least five other people wounded in a grenade attack on a United Nations vehicle in Kabul on Sunday, an Afghan official said.

The attack happened on a road frequently used by UN traffic shuttling workers between central Kabul and a large UN compound on the outskirts of the capital.

"At around 6:20 pm (1350 GMT) a grenade was hurled at a UN vehicle," interior ministry spokesman Nasrat Rahimi said.

Aside from the one fatality, Rahimi said five other people -- including two Afghan staff -- were wounded. The nationalities of the other victims were not released.

A UN official did not immediately return a message seeking comment, and no group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack. The Taliban did not respond to a query.

The blast comes during what has been a period of relative and uneasy calm in Kabul, where the rate of large-scale attacks has dropped in recent weeks.

The comparative lull followed a blood-stained presidential campaign season that ended with a general election nearly two months ago.

But Afghans are still waiting for the results of that September 28 poll, with a recount bogged down by various technical difficulties and complaints from main candidates.

Additionally, Afghans are waiting to see what might happen next in negotiations between the Taliban and the US.

President Donald Trump in September ended those yearlong talks as Taliban violence continued, but on Friday he suggested to US broadcaster Fox News that negotiations could be getting underway again.

Aid agencies and non-governmental groups are sometimes targeted in Afghanistan's war.&nbsp;

For instance, the Taliban in May targeted Counterpart International, a US-funded non-profit group working with marginalised people. Nine people were killed in that attack.

But the UN's white vehicles, easily identifiable with the world body's initials painted on the side, are rarely involved in attacks and circulate routinely around Kabul and in the provinces.

In 2011, seven foreign UN workers -- including four Nepalis, a Swede, a Norwegian and a Romanian -- were killed in an attack on a UN compound in the northern city of Mazar-i-Shari 
&nbsp;

A foreign national was killed and at least five other people wounded in a grenade attack on a United Nations vehicle in Kabul on Sunday, an Afghan official said.

A foreign national was killed and at least five other people wounded in a grenade attack on a United Nations vehicle in Kabul on Sunday, an Afghan official said. The attack happened on a road frequently used by UN traffic shuttling workers between central Kabul and a large UN compound on the outskirts of the capital. "At around 6:20 pm (1350 GMT) a grenade was hurled at a UN vehicle," interior ministry spokesman Nasrat Rahimi said. Aside from the one fatality, Rahimi said five other people -- including two Afghan staff -- were wounded. The nationalities of the other victims were not released. A UN official did not immediately return a message seeking comment, and no group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack. The Taliban did not respond to a query. The blast comes during what has been a period of relative and uneasy calm in Kabul, where the rate of large-scale attacks has dropped in recent weeks. The comparative lull followed a blood-stained presidential campaign season that ended with a general election nearly two months ago. But Afghans are still waiting for the results of that September 28 poll, with a recount bogged down by various technical difficulties and complaints from main candidates. Additionally, Afghans are waiting to see what might happen next in negotiations between the Taliban and the US. President Donald Trump in September ended those yearlong talks as Taliban violence continued, but on Friday he suggested to US broadcaster Fox News that negotiations could be getting underway again. Aid agencies and non-governmental groups are sometimes targeted in Afghanistan's war. For instance, the Taliban in May targeted Counterpart International, a US-funded non-profit group working with marginalised people. Nine people were killed in that attack. But the UN's white vehicles, easily identifiable with the world body's initials painted on the side, are rarely involved in attacks and circulate routinely around Kabul and in the provinces. In 2011, seven foreign UN workers -- including four Nepalis, a Swede, a Norwegian and a Romanian -- were killed in an attack on a UN compound in the northern city of Mazar-i-Shari

Afghanistan: Foreign national killed as UN vehicle hit in Kabul blast

Four soldiers of the Afghan National Army (ANA) were injured in a suicide bomb blast outside a military centre in Kabul, the Interior Ministry's spokesman, Nusrat Rahimi, told Sputnik on Monday. 
 
The attack occurred in Kabul's 19th police district, on the Jalalabad-Kabul highway, beside a recruitment centre and near an educational centre where the ANA conducts military exercises. 
 
A suicide bomber allegedly blew himself up near a military training centre. 
 
Pajhwok Afghan News reports two explosions and noted&nbsp;that a road near the incident is blocked.

(With inputs from Sputnik and ANI)

&nbsp;

Four soldiers of the Afghan National Army (ANA) were injured in a suicide bomb blast outside a military centre in Kabul, the Interior Ministry's spokesman, Nusrat Rahimi, told Sputnik on Monday.

Four soldiers of the Afghan National Army (ANA) were injured in a suicide bomb blast outside a military centre in Kabul, the Interior Ministry's spokesman, Nusrat Rahimi, told Sputnik on Monday. The attack occurred in Kabul's 19th police district, on the Jalalabad-Kabul highway, beside a recruitment centre and near an educational centre where the ANA conducts military exercises. A suicide bomber allegedly blew himself up near a military training centre. Pajhwok Afghan News reports two explosions and noted that a road near the incident is blocked. (With inputs from Sputnik and ANI)

Suicide bomber outside military centre injures four in Kabul

At least seven people were killed after a car bomb explosion in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-2-killed-4-injured-in-suicide-car-bombing-261050">Afghanistan's capital Kabul</a>, the country's interior ministry said.

Seven people were injured as a result of the blast, the ministry added.

The ministry spokesman Nasrat Rahimi said the bomb went off near the interior ministry&nbsp;and north of Kabul airport.

No group has taken responsibility for the attack.

The blast occurred even as Afghan President Ashraf Ghani announced on Tuesday that three Taliban prisoners would be released in a prisoner swap for&nbsp;two Western hostages.

The three Taliban prisoners include Anas Haqqani, who was arrested in 2014.

"We have decided to conditionally release three Taliban prisoners who... have been in Bagram prison in the custody of the Afghan government for some time," Ghani said in an announcement&nbsp;

Last week, an Afghan police officer and a terrorist were killed and four police officers sustained injuries in a suicide car bombing carried out by the Taliban at a military camp in southern Kandahar province.

Another attack had taken place in Afghanistan's Logar province in which four judges were killed.

Afghanistan has seen months of uncertainity even as it&nbsp;prepares to announce the results of the presidential polls which has been delayed for several weeks. The results of elections which had taken place on September 28 was due to be out on October 19 but slow work on data entry and tackling extensive voter fraud has delayed the announcement.&nbsp;

Eighty-five civilians were killed and more than 370 wounded in militant attacks and violence on the day of the election, the United Nations had said last month.

Ghani and Abdullah had both claimed victory before the ballots were tallied.

At least seven people were killed after a car bomb explosion in Afghanistan's capital Kabul, the country's interior ministry said. Seven people were injured as a result of the blast, the ministry added.

At least seven people were killed after a car bomb explosion in Afghanistan's capital Kabul, the country's interior ministry said. Seven people were injured as a result of the blast, the ministry added. The ministry spokesman Nasrat Rahimi said the bomb went off near the interior ministry and north of Kabul airport. No group has taken responsibility for the attack. The blast occurred even as Afghan President Ashraf Ghani announced on Tuesday that three Taliban prisoners would be released in a prisoner swap for two Western hostages. The three Taliban prisoners include Anas Haqqani, who was arrested in 2014. "We have decided to conditionally release three Taliban prisoners who... have been in Bagram prison in the custody of the Afghan government for some time," Ghani said in an announcement Last week, an Afghan police officer and a terrorist were killed and four police officers sustained injuries in a suicide car bombing carried out by the Taliban at a military camp in southern Kandahar province. Another attack had taken place in Afghanistan's Logar province in which four judges were killed. Afghanistan has seen months of uncertainity even as it prepares to announce the results of the presidential polls which has been delayed for several weeks. The results of elections which had taken place on September 28 was due to be out on October 19 but slow work on data entry and tackling extensive voter fraud has delayed the announcement. Eighty-five civilians were killed and more than 370 wounded in militant attacks and violence on the day of the election, the United Nations had said last month. Ghani and Abdullah had both claimed victory before the ballots were tallied.

At least seven killed in car bomb blast in Kabul

A Pakistani delegation led by Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), chief General Faiz Hameed, arrived in Kabul on Monday to apologize to Afghan officials over the harassment of Kabul envoy, Tolo News reported citing a reliable source. 
 
Two Pakistan Foreign Ministry's deputies are also part of the delegation. The source told that the Pakistani delegation will "apologise" to Afghan officials over the harassment of Afghanistan's ambassador in Islamabad. 
 
Neither the Afghan nor Pakistani government has confirmed the report so far. 
 
On November 3, Pakistan Foreign Office summoned the Afghan envoy to convey its concerns over the safety and security of its diplomatic personnel.

Afghanistan, on November 4, had&nbsp;objected to the summoning of its charge d'affaires by Pakistan's Foreign Ministry over the harassment claims made by Pakistani diplomats working in the country's embassy in Kabul. 
 
A statement by Afghan Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday, "Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan expresses its severe objection and deepest concern over the summoning of the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan to Islamabad by Pakistan's Inter-Service Intelligence (ISI) and the misconduct of the entity's personnel, and deems this action in clear contradiction with diplomatic norms and principles."

A Pakistani delegation led by Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), chief General Faiz Hameed, arrived in Kabul on Monday to apologize to Afghan officials over the harassment of Kabul envoy, Tolo News reported citing a reliable source.

A Pakistani delegation led by Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), chief General Faiz Hameed, arrived in Kabul on Monday to apologize to Afghan officials over the harassment of Kabul envoy, Tolo News reported citing a reliable source. Two Pakistan Foreign Ministry's deputies are also part of the delegation. The source told that the Pakistani delegation will "apologise" to Afghan officials over the harassment of Afghanistan's ambassador in Islamabad. Neither the Afghan nor Pakistani government has confirmed the report so far. On November 3, Pakistan Foreign Office summoned the Afghan envoy to convey its concerns over the safety and security of its diplomatic personnel. Afghanistan, on November 4, had objected to the summoning of its charge d'affaires by Pakistan's Foreign Ministry over the harassment claims made by Pakistani diplomats working in the country's embassy in Kabul. A statement by Afghan Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday, "Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan expresses its severe objection and deepest concern over the summoning of the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan to Islamabad by Pakistan's Inter-Service Intelligence (ISI) and the misconduct of the entity's personnel, and deems this action in clear contradiction with diplomatic norms and principles."

Pakistan officials to apologise in Kabul for harassing Afghanistan envoy

A police checkpoint has collapsed in Afghanistan's northern Kunduz province after a clash between law enforcers and the Taliban terrorist group, in which five soldiers have been killed, Hayatullah Amiri, the head of Kunduz's Khanabad district, told Sputnik on Wednesday.

"The district's Akhtar Tapi area [police] checkpoint collapsed last night during a fierce battle with the Taliban, five soldiers [were] killed and eight others soldiers the Taliban took to an unknown place," Amiri said.

According to Amiri, the attack was carried out by the Taliban's Red Group military unit. Terrorists seized weapons and equipment from the checkpoint, the official went on to say.

The Taliban assumed responsibility for the attack, saying that five soldiers were killed and eight others detained.&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

A police checkpoint has collapsed in Afghanistan's northern Kunduz province after a clash between law enforcers and the Taliban terrorist group, in which five soldiers have been killed, Hayatullah Amiri, the head of Kunduz's Khanabad district, told Sputnik on Wednesday.

A police checkpoint has collapsed in Afghanistan's northern Kunduz province after a clash between law enforcers and the Taliban terrorist group, in which five soldiers have been killed, Hayatullah Amiri, the head of Kunduz's Khanabad district, told Sputnik on Wednesday. "The district's Akhtar Tapi area [police] checkpoint collapsed last night during a fierce battle with the Taliban, five soldiers [were] killed and eight others soldiers the Taliban took to an unknown place," Amiri said. According to Amiri, the attack was carried out by the Taliban's Red Group military unit. Terrorists seized weapons and equipment from the checkpoint, the official went on to say. The Taliban assumed responsibility for the attack, saying that five soldiers were killed and eight others detained.

5 soldiers killed in Afghanistan's north in clash with Taliban

Three mortar rounds landed near the Parliament building in Kabul&nbsp;on Monday, as per local media reports which cited officials. Quoting security officials, TOLOnews reported that no casualties have been reported yet.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack so far.

The Afghan government forces have been fighting the Taliban for almost two decades, with all the peace initiatives having&nbsp;failed until now. The ongoing instability resulted in the rise of other terrorist groups across the country, including the ISIS.

Three mortar rounds landed near the Parliament building in Kabul on Monday, as per local media reports which cited officials. Quoting security officials, TOLOnews reported that no casualties have been reported yet.

Three mortar rounds landed near the Parliament building in Kabul on Monday, as per local media reports which cited officials. Quoting security officials, TOLOnews reported that no casualties have been reported yet. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack so far. The Afghan government forces have been fighting the Taliban for almost two decades, with all the peace initiatives having failed until now. The ongoing instability resulted in the rise of other terrorist groups across the country, including the ISIS.

Three mortar rounds land near Kabul's Parliament building

A member of the Criminal Investigation Department was killed after gunmen opened fire at his vehicle in the Qarabagh district of Kabul on Monday night, authorities said on Tuesday.

Afghan Interior Ministry officials also confirmed to Tolo News that six other policemen, including the head of the police intelligence department, who went to investigate the incident were wounded by another improvised device (IED) explosion at the same spot later in the day.

At 10 pm&nbsp;(local time) gunmen shot at the vehicle of Abdul Khabir, a police investigator driving on the Kabul-Parwan highway in Qarabagh, according to officials.

The Interior Ministry and local officials have claimed the Taliban is responsible for the attack, but no group, including the Taliban, has yet claimed responsibility for the blast.&nbsp;

A member of the Criminal Investigation Department was killed after gunmen opened fire at his vehicle in the Qarabagh district of Kabul on Monday night, authorities said on Tuesday.

A member of the Criminal Investigation Department was killed after gunmen opened fire at his vehicle in the Qarabagh district of Kabul on Monday night, authorities said on Tuesday. Afghan Interior Ministry officials also confirmed to Tolo News that six other policemen, including the head of the police intelligence department, who went to investigate the incident were wounded by another improvised device (IED) explosion at the same spot later in the day. At 10 pm (local time) gunmen shot at the vehicle of Abdul Khabir, a police investigator driving on the Kabul-Parwan highway in Qarabagh, according to officials. The Interior Ministry and local officials have claimed the Taliban is responsible for the attack, but no group, including the Taliban, has yet claimed responsibility for the blast.

Afghanistan: CID official killed in Kabul's Qarabagh district shooting

A blast rocked the University of Ghazni on Tuesday morning in southern Afghanistan.&nbsp;

According to reports, the improvised device blast injured at least eight female students who have been rushed to the nearest hospital for treatment, news agency ANI reported citing TOLO News.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack so far. More details are awaited.&nbsp;

The explosion comes just a day after an explosion took place in Afghanistan's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-explosion-in-nangarhar-province-kills-ten-254326">eastern province of Nangarhar</a> on Monday.

At least 10 people, including a child, were killed while 27 others sustained injuries.

The incident occurred when explosive materials placed in a rickshaw went off near an Afghan army vehicle in Police District 3 of the Jalalabad city, local officials confirmed, as reported by Tolo News.

The Afghan Interior Ministry said that some of those injured in the incident were in critical condition.

(With inputs from ANI)&nbsp;

A blast rocked the University of Ghazni on Tuesday morning in southern Afghanistan. According to reports, the improvised device blast injured at least eight female students who have been rushed to the nearest hospital for treatment, news agency ANI reported citing TOLO News.

A blast rocked the University of Ghazni on Tuesday morning in southern Afghanistan. According to reports, the improvised device blast injured at least eight female students who have been rushed to the nearest hospital for treatment, news agency ANI reported citing TOLO News. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack so far. More details are awaited. The explosion comes just a day after an explosion took place in Afghanistan's eastern province of Nangarhar on Monday. At least 10 people, including a child, were killed while 27 others sustained injuries. The incident occurred when explosive materials placed in a rickshaw went off near an Afghan army vehicle in Police District 3 of the Jalalabad city, local officials confirmed, as reported by Tolo News. The Afghan Interior Ministry said that some of those injured in the incident were in critical condition. (With inputs from ANI)

Afghanistan: Blast targets university students in Ghazni, 8 wounded

Afghanistan's war cost 13-year-old shoe shiner Hameedullah his education. Poverty forced Sabir, 11, to flee home and sell dried fruits on Kabul's streets. Niyamathullah, 9, hangs out in a park, looking for work.

Such is the lot of many a child in Afghanistan, which this week passes another sombre milestone. On Monday, the conflict turned 18, meaning every single Afghan child now has known only war.

"Peace is like a dream to us in Afghanistan," said Mohammad Mobin, a 17-year-old Kabul high schooler. "Afghanistan can develop only if we have peace."

On October 7, 2001, the United States launched air strikes against Afghanistan, following the September 11 attacks conducted by Al-Qaeda that killed nearly 3,000 people in the US.

The Taliban, who had refused to hand over Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, were toppled within weeks, but the ensuing insurgent conflict has dragged on ever since and become the longest war in US history.

Violence has only worsened in recent years, disproportionately impacting children.

"Since we were born, we have had no peace in our country, it has only been fighting and conflict," said Sayed Ibrahim, an 18-year-old medical student in Kabul.

The UN published a report last week saying that from 2015 to 2018, researchers studying the plight of Afghan kids documented more than 14,000 grave violations against them throughout the country, marking a sharp increase from the previous four years.

"Imagine turning 18 having known nothing but conflict and war throughout your entire childhood and formative years," said Onno van Manen, country director for Save the Children in Afghanistan.

"Life in Afghanistan means living in daily fear of explosions, missing school because it's too unsafe and not knowing if your parents or siblings will make it home."

The UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) says the number of attacks against Afghan schools tripled last year compared to 2017. By the end of 2018, more than 1,000 Afghan schools had been shut due to conflict.

"I don't study because I have no money, I have to make money to support my family," said Sabir, an 11-year-old boy who fled his home province of Ghazni to sell peanuts, sunflower seeds and dried fruits in central Kabul.&nbsp;

"We have to go to school and get an education. We can end fighting through education."

'No proper jobs'

The 2001 invasion did herald some enduring improvements for many young Afghans -- particularly girls, who had been banned from receiving an education under the Taliban.&nbsp;

In Kabul and other urban centres, schools and universities flourished, and an entire generation of children now has never known Taliban rule.

But the economy remains so weak that poorer families often yank their kids from school and send them to hustle for extra cash on dangerous streets.

Jobs for many youths are so scarce they have few options but to try to emigrate, or join the Taliban or other insurgent groups who pay a regular wage.

During a recent visit to a busy park in downtown Kabul, nine-year-old Niyamathullah told AFP he would do anything for work -- sell gum, wash cars, run errands.&nbsp;

Hameedullah, the 13-year-old shoe shiner, said he would have stayed in school but needed to raise money for his family.

"There is no peace, the fighting is ongoing, there are no proper jobs for us," he said.

"I would like to go to school, get an education and work for my country."

According to the UN Population Fund, 42 per cent of Afghanistan's population is aged under 14. UNICEF says more than 3.7 million children are currently out of school -- most of them girls.

The US and the Taliban had spent the past year negotiating a deal that could have led to talks between the Islamists and the Afghan government -- and an eventual ceasefire -- but President Donald Trump scuttled the agreement at the last moment, citing concerns over Taliban violence.&nbsp;

Afghanistan's war cost 13-year-old shoe shiner Hameedullah his education. Poverty forced Sabir, 11, to flee home and sell dried fruits on Kabul's streets. Niyamathullah, 9, hangs out in a park, looking for work.

Afghanistan's war cost 13-year-old shoe shiner Hameedullah his education. Poverty forced Sabir, 11, to flee home and sell dried fruits on Kabul's streets. Niyamathullah, 9, hangs out in a park, looking for work. Such is the lot of many a child in Afghanistan, which this week passes another sombre milestone. On Monday, the conflict turned 18, meaning every single Afghan child now has known only war. "Peace is like a dream to us in Afghanistan," said Mohammad Mobin, a 17-year-old Kabul high schooler. "Afghanistan can develop only if we have peace." On October 7, 2001, the United States launched air strikes against Afghanistan, following the September 11 attacks conducted by Al-Qaeda that killed nearly 3,000 people in the US. The Taliban, who had refused to hand over Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, were toppled within weeks, but the ensuing insurgent conflict has dragged on ever since and become the longest war in US history. Violence has only worsened in recent years, disproportionately impacting children. "Since we were born, we have had no peace in our country, it has only been fighting and conflict," said Sayed Ibrahim, an 18-year-old medical student in Kabul. The UN published a report last week saying that from 2015 to 2018, researchers studying the plight of Afghan kids documented more than 14,000 grave violations against them throughout the country, marking a sharp increase from the previous four years. "Imagine turning 18 having known nothing but conflict and war throughout your entire childhood and formative years," said Onno van Manen, country director for Save the Children in Afghanistan. "Life in Afghanistan means living in daily fear of explosions, missing school because it's too unsafe and not knowing if your parents or siblings will make it home." The UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) says the number of attacks against Afghan schools tripled last year compared to 2017. By the end of 2018, more than 1,000 Afghan schools had been shut due to conflict. "I don't study because I have no money, I have to make money to support my family," said Sabir, an 11-year-old boy who fled his home province of Ghazni to sell peanuts, sunflower seeds and dried fruits in central Kabul. "We have to go to school and get an education. We can end fighting through education." 'No proper jobs' The 2001 invasion did herald some enduring improvements for many young Afghans -- particularly girls, who had been banned from receiving an education under the Taliban. In Kabul and other urban centres, schools and universities flourished, and an entire generation of children now has never known Taliban rule. But the economy remains so weak that poorer families often yank their kids from school and send them to hustle for extra cash on dangerous streets. Jobs for many youths are so scarce they have few options but to try to emigrate, or join the Taliban or other insurgent groups who pay a regular wage. During a recent visit to a busy park in downtown Kabul, nine-year-old Niyamathullah told AFP he would do anything for work -- sell gum, wash cars, run errands. Hameedullah, the 13-year-old shoe shiner, said he would have stayed in school but needed to raise money for his family. "There is no peace, the fighting is ongoing, there are no proper jobs for us," he said. "I would like to go to school, get an education and work for my country." According to the UN Population Fund, 42 per cent of Afghanistan's population is aged under 14. UNICEF says more than 3.7 million children are currently out of school -- most of them girls. The US and the Taliban had spent the past year negotiating a deal that could have led to talks between the Islamists and the Afghan government -- and an eventual ceasefire -- but President Donald Trump scuttled the agreement at the last moment, citing concerns over Taliban violence.

'Peace is like a dream': Afghan generation knows only conflict as war turns 18

Even as last week saw pictures of camaraderie and bonhomie between the Taliban and Pakistan, Afghanistan has come hard on Islamabad for hosting the group and India has said that New Delhi is monitoring the development.

President Ashraf Ghani's spokesman Sediq Sediqqi, speaking to WION, slammed Pakistan and said, "We don’t know why these Taliban-Pak are talks happening!"

Sediq added, "The key to sustainable peace is in Afghanistan. This kind of hosting of the Taliban by Pakistan only emboldens them to continue and hold to their violence against the Afghan government."

Meanwhile, India is also "closely monitoring" the developments from Islamabad on the Taliban-Pakistan talks.&nbsp;

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar, in his weekly press briefing, on Friday said, "All sections of the Afghan government, including the legitimately elected Afghan government, should be part of the Afghan peace process" and "all processes should respect the constitutional legacy and political mandate" clearly highlighting the exclusion of government in Kabul will not be accepted by India.

New Delhi also said, no "ungoverned spaces where terrorist and their proxies can operate and where they can create bases to target India" should form as the outcome of any talks.

India did not have ties with Afghanistan when it was under the Taliban's control in the late 199s. Pakistan was among the very few countries to have ties with Taliban-controlled Afghanistan. India saw its plane hijacked - Indian Airlines flight 814 - and taken to Kandahar in 1999 by Pakistan-based terrorist.

New Delhi is engaging with the United States and Afghanistan both on the recent developments in the South Asian country.&nbsp;

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met with US special envoy on Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad last week on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, the first meet since US President Donald Trump cancelled talks with the Taliban.

Even as last week saw pictures of camaraderie and bonhomie between the Taliban and Pakistan, Afghanistan has come hard on Islamabad for hosting the group and India has said that New Delhi is monitoring the development.

Even as last week saw pictures of camaraderie and bonhomie between the Taliban and Pakistan, Afghanistan has come hard on Islamabad for hosting the group and India has said that New Delhi is monitoring the development. President Ashraf Ghani's spokesman Sediq Sediqqi, speaking to WION, slammed Pakistan and said, "We don’t know why these Taliban-Pak are talks happening!" Sediq added, "The key to sustainable peace is in Afghanistan. This kind of hosting of the Taliban by Pakistan only emboldens them to continue and hold to their violence against the Afghan government." Meanwhile, India is also "closely monitoring" the developments from Islamabad on the Taliban-Pakistan talks. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar, in his weekly press briefing, on Friday said, "All sections of the Afghan government, including the legitimately elected Afghan government, should be part of the Afghan peace process" and "all processes should respect the constitutional legacy and political mandate" clearly highlighting the exclusion of government in Kabul will not be accepted by India. New Delhi also said, no "ungoverned spaces where terrorist and their proxies can operate and where they can create bases to target India" should form as the outcome of any talks. India did not have ties with Afghanistan when it was under the Taliban's control in the late 199s. Pakistan was among the very few countries to have ties with Taliban-controlled Afghanistan. India saw its plane hijacked - Indian Airlines flight 814 - and taken to Kandahar in 1999 by Pakistan-based terrorist. New Delhi is engaging with the United States and Afghanistan both on the recent developments in the South Asian country. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met with US special envoy on Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad last week on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, the first meet since US President Donald Trump cancelled talks with the Taliban.

Pakistan-Taliban talks: Afghanistan slams Islamabad; India says closely monitoring development 

In the land of suicide bombings, burqas, and unending war, a group of Afghans have turned to breakdancing for stress relief and self-expression -- even as fears the Taliban could yet return to power fuel worries of a renewed crackdown on the arts. &nbsp;

At the French Cultural Centre in Kabul, the group takes turns practising the basics -- toprocking, headspins, and freezes, while watching YouTube videos on their phones of famous b-boys like Lilou and Hong Ten for inspiration.&nbsp;

"Breakdancing keeps us away from stress and war. It gives us freedom. It frees our minds from the stress of living in Kabul and we forget about the war and killings," explains Murtaza Lomani, 23, from the Top Step crew.

Still, breakdancing is a rare sight in the fiercely conservative Islamic society, where traditional folk music mostly dominates the radiowaves and dancing takes place mainly at gender-segregated weddings.

The cultural centre is one of the few places in the Afghan capital where the mixed-gender Top Step crew are able to practise and feel relatively safe, Lomani says. But even here there are risks.&nbsp;

Just five years ago, the centre was attacked by the Taliban as it hosted a play about suicide bombings, where Lomani was among the injured.

Breaking barriers

For Heja Aalia, who says she is one of just four female breakdancers in Kabul, there are other worries.

"If I train outdoors in our society, people insult you," says Aalia, adding that many young women are interested in breakdancing but are unable to get permission from their families to try it out.&nbsp;

"It's really difficult for a girl to practise breakdance, especially in Afghanistan where people think dance is against Islamic culture."

The sport first originated in New York's Bronx borough in the 1970s, where "breaking" along with rap music and graffiti art formed the pillars of hip hop culture that has gone on to dominate everything from pop music to fashion worldwide in the ensuing decades.&nbsp;

But while the rest of the world was quick to embrace that culture, decades of war and hardline Taliban rule in the 1990s prevented the phenomenon from taking root in Afghanistan. &nbsp;

"Afghan society has changed a bit in recent years, the generations have changed and people are thinking positively," says Lomani, who admits that many laughed at their dance moves when they first started in 2011. &nbsp;

"But we have convinced some youth and now it is really good that we practise," he adds.&nbsp;

Fellow Top Step member Obaidullah Koofi, 24, says he first got interested in breakdancing after seeing videos online.&nbsp;

"We learn our new moves from YouTube, and YouTube is our mentor because we do not have any trainer here to... teach us," he says.&nbsp;

However there are fears that it all may change soon.&nbsp;

Taliban shuffle

After 18 years of war, the United States spent the last year locked in negotiations with the Taliban, seeking a deal that could see a gradual withdrawal of US-led forces from Afghanistan.

The deal was, temporarily at least, taken off the table after President Donald Trump declared the talks "dead" earlier this month.

Instead, Afghans are now gearing up for a presidential election set for Saturday, when incumbent Ashraf Ghani and main rival Abdullah Abdullah will be seeking a strong mandate to negotiate with the Taliban as they seek a lasting peace.&nbsp;

However Washington's desire to end its longest war has been made clear, and Afghans are still apprehensive that a hasty US exit -- with or without a deal -- might allow the long-feared Islamists, who have been resurgent on the battlefield in recent years, to regain some semblance of power in Kabul.&nbsp;

"If the Taliban come none of us can continue," says Aalia. &nbsp;

But despite those fears, and the backlash against female breakdancers, she has vowed to continue.&nbsp;

"One day if the Taliban comes, we can stop this publicly," she says.

"But we will practise breakdancing underground or secretly."&nbsp;

In the land of suicide bombings, burqas, and unending war, a group of Afghans have turned to breakdancing for stress relief and self-expression -- even as fears the Taliban could yet return to power fuel worries of a renewed crackdown on the arts.

In the land of suicide bombings, burqas, and unending war, a group of Afghans have turned to breakdancing for stress relief and self-expression -- even as fears the Taliban could yet return to power fuel worries of a renewed crackdown on the arts. At the French Cultural Centre in Kabul, the group takes turns practising the basics -- toprocking, headspins, and freezes, while watching YouTube videos on their phones of famous b-boys like Lilou and Hong Ten for inspiration. "Breakdancing keeps us away from stress and war. It gives us freedom. It frees our minds from the stress of living in Kabul and we forget about the war and killings," explains Murtaza Lomani, 23, from the Top Step crew. Still, breakdancing is a rare sight in the fiercely conservative Islamic society, where traditional folk music mostly dominates the radiowaves and dancing takes place mainly at gender-segregated weddings. The cultural centre is one of the few places in the Afghan capital where the mixed-gender Top Step crew are able to practise and feel relatively safe, Lomani says. But even here there are risks. Just five years ago, the centre was attacked by the Taliban as it hosted a play about suicide bombings, where Lomani was among the injured. Breaking barriers For Heja Aalia, who says she is one of just four female breakdancers in Kabul, there are other worries. "If I train outdoors in our society, people insult you," says Aalia, adding that many young women are interested in breakdancing but are unable to get permission from their families to try it out. "It's really difficult for a girl to practise breakdance, especially in Afghanistan where people think dance is against Islamic culture." The sport first originated in New York's Bronx borough in the 1970s, where "breaking" along with rap music and graffiti art formed the pillars of hip hop culture that has gone on to dominate everything from pop music to fashion worldwide in the ensuing decades. But while the rest of the world was quick to embrace that culture, decades of war and hardline Taliban rule in the 1990s prevented the phenomenon from taking root in Afghanistan. "Afghan society has changed a bit in recent years, the generations have changed and people are thinking positively," says Lomani, who admits that many laughed at their dance moves when they first started in 2011. "But we have convinced some youth and now it is really good that we practise," he adds. Fellow Top Step member Obaidullah Koofi, 24, says he first got interested in breakdancing after seeing videos online. "We learn our new moves from YouTube, and YouTube is our mentor because we do not have any trainer here to... teach us," he says. However there are fears that it all may change soon. Taliban shuffle After 18 years of war, the United States spent the last year locked in negotiations with the Taliban, seeking a deal that could see a gradual withdrawal of US-led forces from Afghanistan. The deal was, temporarily at least, taken off the table after President Donald Trump declared the talks "dead" earlier this month. Instead, Afghans are now gearing up for a presidential election set for Saturday, when incumbent Ashraf Ghani and main rival Abdullah Abdullah will be seeking a strong mandate to negotiate with the Taliban as they seek a lasting peace. However Washington's desire to end its longest war has been made clear, and Afghans are still apprehensive that a hasty US exit -- with or without a deal -- might allow the long-feared Islamists, who have been resurgent on the battlefield in recent years, to regain some semblance of power in Kabul. "If the Taliban come none of us can continue," says Aalia. But despite those fears, and the backlash against female breakdancers, she has vowed to continue. "One day if the Taliban comes, we can stop this publicly," she says. "But we will practise breakdancing underground or secretly."

The breakdancers of Kabul: Afghan youth busting moves

In the dilapidated offices of Afghanistan's state-run film board, where old movie reels are stacked in rusting canisters, Sahraa Karimi heads the all-male team she hopes will help drag the nation's cinema from the lingering shadow of Taliban rule.

"It is a very difficult position to be in, because I came to an office that had almost nothing, destroyed, so I need to build it again," said Karimi, a 36-year-old movie director whose female-led picture "Hava, Maryam, Ayesha" premiered this month at the Venice Film Festival.

During its 1970s heyday, Afghanistan's film industry was vibrant: a slew of movies&nbsp;including the hit "Mardha Ra Qawl Ast" (Men keep their promises) dealt with themes of love, romance and power relations.

But all that ended after the Soviet invasion of 1979, as filmmakers were pushed into propaganda, and the arrival of the Taliban&nbsp;who banned film and music under their savage rule of 1996-2001.

The Islamist hardliners systematically destroyed movie reels and music tapes, smashed television sets, and anyone caught watching films faced harsh punishments including flogging.

After the Taliban's ouster, the formerly prestigious Afghan Film board was resurrected but it has long languished, largely neglected, with a string of directors and leaders accused of incompetence.

At its Kabul offices, vital documents have been tossed in the trash and its all-male staff&nbsp;some of whom once hid precious movie reels from the Taliban&nbsp;now appear to lack motivation.

"It is very challenging, but I am a person who welcomes challenges," Karimi said of the role she began in May at Afghan Film, becoming the first woman at the helm of the national film agency.

Since then, she has pushed projects aiming to bring Afghanistan's once-dynamic film industry back to life.

First film festival

Among them was a 10-day film festival where about 100 feature and documentary movies were screened at four venues across Kabul, including at Afghan Film.

The films exposed hundreds of Afghans to some of their country's cinema classics, with many seeing films for the first time.

"The film festival is a great idea because for a long time, cinemas were closed and no good movies were made," said 21-year-old festival-goer Atefa Essari.

"We didn't know our filmmakers because most of them were abroad. It is a great idea to see Afghan movies inside Afghanistan again."

Afghan Film has also recently digitised hundreds of hours of footage that includes movies and documentaries of Afghanistan before it was ravaged by violence.

Karimi, who has a doctorate in film, told AFP that the film board's staff must also take the lead in cinema's revival in Afghanistan.

"I told them that you don't need to stay in your office from 8:00 am to 4:00pm, you should go outside, you should sit under trees, you should talk to each other about everything and generate ideas," she said.

The director, who opened a cafe in the building's courtyard so they would have a place to brainstorm, leads by example.

Her film at Venice&nbsp;which has been endorsed by Angelina Jolie&nbsp;chronicles the lives of three Afghan women from various social backgrounds and the tough choices they face.

But many Afghans are still afraid the newfound freedoms people in cities like Kabul often enjoy could be taken away.

Taliban and US negotiators were until recently on the brink of a deal that would have seen the US military cut its troop presence in return for various Taliban commitments.

Despite a breakdown in talks, many Afghans are convinced the Taliban will come roaring back into power.

"They will come but we are not going to give up and we will fight," Karimi said.

In the dilapidated offices of Afghanistan's state-run film board, where old movie reels are stacked in rusting canisters, Sahraa Karimi heads the all-male team she hopes will help drag the nation's cinema from the lingering shadow of Taliban rule.

In the dilapidated offices of Afghanistan's state-run film board, where old movie reels are stacked in rusting canisters, Sahraa Karimi heads the all-male team she hopes will help drag the nation's cinema from the lingering shadow of Taliban rule. "It is a very difficult position to be in, because I came to an office that had almost nothing, destroyed, so I need to build it again," said Karimi, a 36-year-old movie director whose female-led picture "Hava, Maryam, Ayesha" premiered this month at the Venice Film Festival. During its 1970s heyday, Afghanistan's film industry was vibrant: a slew of movies including the hit "Mardha Ra Qawl Ast" (Men keep their promises) dealt with themes of love, romance and power relations. But all that ended after the Soviet invasion of 1979, as filmmakers were pushed into propaganda, and the arrival of the Taliban who banned film and music under their savage rule of 1996-2001. The Islamist hardliners systematically destroyed movie reels and music tapes, smashed television sets, and anyone caught watching films faced harsh punishments including flogging. After the Taliban's ouster, the formerly prestigious Afghan Film board was resurrected but it has long languished, largely neglected, with a string of directors and leaders accused of incompetence. At its Kabul offices, vital documents have been tossed in the trash and its all-male staff some of whom once hid precious movie reels from the Taliban now appear to lack motivation. "It is very challenging, but I am a person who welcomes challenges," Karimi said of the role she began in May at Afghan Film, becoming the first woman at the helm of the national film agency. Since then, she has pushed projects aiming to bring Afghanistan's once-dynamic film industry back to life. First film festival Among them was a 10-day film festival where about 100 feature and documentary movies were screened at four venues across Kabul, including at Afghan Film. The films exposed hundreds of Afghans to some of their country's cinema classics, with many seeing films for the first time. "The film festival is a great idea because for a long time, cinemas were closed and no good movies were made," said 21-year-old festival-goer Atefa Essari. "We didn't know our filmmakers because most of them were abroad. It is a great idea to see Afghan movies inside Afghanistan again." Afghan Film has also recently digitised hundreds of hours of footage that includes movies and documentaries of Afghanistan before it was ravaged by violence. Karimi, who has a doctorate in film, told AFP that the film board's staff must also take the lead in cinema's revival in Afghanistan. "I told them that you don't need to stay in your office from 8:00 am to 4:00pm, you should go outside, you should sit under trees, you should talk to each other about everything and generate ideas," she said. The director, who opened a cafe in the building's courtyard so they would have a place to brainstorm, leads by example. Her film at Venice which has been endorsed by Angelina Jolie chronicles the lives of three Afghan women from various social backgrounds and the tough choices they face. But many Afghans are still afraid the newfound freedoms people in cities like Kabul often enjoy could be taken away. Taliban and US negotiators were until recently on the brink of a deal that would have seen the US military cut its troop presence in return for various Taliban commitments. Despite a breakdown in talks, many Afghans are convinced the Taliban will come roaring back into power. "They will come but we are not going to give up and we will fight," Karimi said.

Director's cut: The Afghan woman making waves at all-male film board

In a dusty Kabul suburb, hundreds of workers check and recheck biometric fingerprint readers&nbsp;part of a massive effort to ensure Afghanistan's upcoming presidential election is not tainted by fraud allegations that have marred previous polls.

The young employees at the Independent Election Commission (IEC) are rushing through final technical preparations for the vote, set for September 28.

The stakes for the IEC are high, with the question of turnout in Afghanistan's fourth presidential election since the fall of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistans-taliban-tells-teachers-students-to-block-presidential-elections-or-risk-death-250375">Taliban</a>&nbsp;crucial to whether it is seen as fair and transparent.

The Taliban have openly threatened to disrupt the polls and killed 26 people in a bomb blast at a campaign rally being held by President Ashraf Ghani earlier this week.

Turnout in previous polls has historically been low. The United Nations estimated it at around 32 per cent for the 2009 elections, while no credible figure was available for the 2014 vote.

Each time the exercise has been tainted with accusations of irregularities particularly in 2014.

Then, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bomb-blast-hits-pro-ghani-campaign-gathering-in-central-afghanistan-source-250173">Ghani</a> and rival Abdullah Abdullah both claimed to have won, plunging Afghanistan into months of crisis before the US and the UN pressured them to form a "national unity government", with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-president-ashraf-ghani-sees-his-chance-in-upcoming-elections-after-collapse-of-us-taliban-talks-250287">Ghani</a> as president and Abdullah his chief executive.

The two are once again facing off in 2019 as the likely favourites, underscoring the comparison to 2014.

"People have lost their trust and confidence because of serious fraud in the past elections," Sughra Saadat, spokeswoman for the Transparent Election Foundation of Afghanistan (TEFA), told AFP.

"So far, election bodies have failed to restore people's trust."

Without such faith in the process, it is hard to see why voters should risk their lives to participate.

Yet the winner will need a strong mandate if he wants to pose as an interlocutor with the Taliban in any future talks.

The insurgents have always considered Ghani a "puppet" of Washington and ensured he was sidelined from talks which have since fallen apart&nbsp;between Washington and the Taliban that would have paved the way for the US to begin withdrawing troops.

If re-elected, Ghani hopes to put the Afghan government back in the mix.

Secret weapon&nbsp;

The IEC's chairwoman, Hawa Alam Nooristani, assured AFP that this vote will be different "because we have worked on rules and regulations, procedures and mechanisms to prevent fraud".

Supervisors in Afghanistan's 34 provinces were recruited in a process overseen by independent organisations such as the TEFA, she added.

Her secret weapon&nbsp;the biometric fingerprint readers which are meant to prevent people from voting more than once was used during the chaotic legislative elections in October last year, but they were only introduced at the eleventh hour.

Untrained staff struggled with glitches such as the devices running out of power, and the result was at best mixed.

This time, she says, all the necessary precautions have been taken&nbsp;in particular, getting technicians from the German company which makes the readers train the IEC workers directly.

Protecting voters&nbsp;and polling station officials&nbsp;remains a top priority.

All observers expect a further wave of violence from the insurgents, who want to undermine the future head of state by discouraging as many of the 9.6 million voters as possible from going to the polls.

Nearly 500 polling stations have already been excluded because security could not be guaranteed, leaving 4,942 across the country to be protected by 72,000 members of the security forces.

The IEC's huge complex is itself a tightly guarded fortress, with four checkpoints and as many barriers to cross before visitors can access it.

Under a blazing sun, workers unload long bundles of canvas from a truck tent&nbsp;which will serve as polling stations in rural areas without the necessary facilities.

Grey metal hangars house the technical operations.

Under one, the voices of around a hundred young people can be heard as they activate and test the biometric readers before stacking them in large blue plastic boxes.

In the next hangar, men fill the same blue boxes with sealed ballots, voter registers, and a variety of materials to guarantee the integrity of the ballot.

Those include invisible ink to mark voter registration cards, with the mark only visible under the light of a small torch contained in the box, batteries included.

Then there's the traditional, low-tech safeguard: bottles of indelible ink into which every voter will dip their finger as they vote.

"It will make a difference," Farid Nader, a supervisor, says hopefully. "Young people will trust the election."

In a dusty Kabul suburb, hundreds of workers check and recheck biometric fingerprint readers part of a massive effort to ensure Afghanistan's upcoming presidential election is not tainted by fraud allegations that have marred previous polls.

In a dusty Kabul suburb, hundreds of workers check and recheck biometric fingerprint readers part of a massive effort to ensure Afghanistan's upcoming presidential election is not tainted by fraud allegations that have marred previous polls. The young employees at the Independent Election Commission (IEC) are rushing through final technical preparations for the vote, set for September 28. The stakes for the IEC are high, with the question of turnout in Afghanistan's fourth presidential election since the fall of the Taliban crucial to whether it is seen as fair and transparent. The Taliban have openly threatened to disrupt the polls and killed 26 people in a bomb blast at a campaign rally being held by President Ashraf Ghani earlier this week. Turnout in previous polls has historically been low. The United Nations estimated it at around 32 per cent for the 2009 elections, while no credible figure was available for the 2014 vote. Each time the exercise has been tainted with accusations of irregularities particularly in 2014. Then, Ghani and rival Abdullah Abdullah both claimed to have won, plunging Afghanistan into months of crisis before the US and the UN pressured them to form a "national unity government", with Ghani as president and Abdullah his chief executive. The two are once again facing off in 2019 as the likely favourites, underscoring the comparison to 2014. "People have lost their trust and confidence because of serious fraud in the past elections," Sughra Saadat, spokeswoman for the Transparent Election Foundation of Afghanistan (TEFA), told AFP. "So far, election bodies have failed to restore people's trust." Without such faith in the process, it is hard to see why voters should risk their lives to participate. Yet the winner will need a strong mandate if he wants to pose as an interlocutor with the Taliban in any future talks. The insurgents have always considered Ghani a "puppet" of Washington and ensured he was sidelined from talks which have since fallen apart between Washington and the Taliban that would have paved the way for the US to begin withdrawing troops. If re-elected, Ghani hopes to put the Afghan government back in the mix. Secret weapon The IEC's chairwoman, Hawa Alam Nooristani, assured AFP that this vote will be different "because we have worked on rules and regulations, procedures and mechanisms to prevent fraud". Supervisors in Afghanistan's 34 provinces were recruited in a process overseen by independent organisations such as the TEFA, she added. Her secret weapon the biometric fingerprint readers which are meant to prevent people from voting more than once was used during the chaotic legislative elections in October last year, but they were only introduced at the eleventh hour. Untrained staff struggled with glitches such as the devices running out of power, and the result was at best mixed. This time, she says, all the necessary precautions have been taken in particular, getting technicians from the German company which makes the readers train the IEC workers directly. Protecting voters and polling station officials remains a top priority. All observers expect a further wave of violence from the insurgents, who want to undermine the future head of state by discouraging as many of the 9.6 million voters as possible from going to the polls. Nearly 500 polling stations have already been excluded because security could not be guaranteed, leaving 4,942 across the country to be protected by 72,000 members of the security forces. The IEC's huge complex is itself a tightly guarded fortress, with four checkpoints and as many barriers to cross before visitors can access it. Under a blazing sun, workers unload long bundles of canvas from a truck tent which will serve as polling stations in rural areas without the necessary facilities. Grey metal hangars house the technical operations. Under one, the voices of around a hundred young people can be heard as they activate and test the biometric readers before stacking them in large blue plastic boxes. In the next hangar, men fill the same blue boxes with sealed ballots, voter registers, and a variety of materials to guarantee the integrity of the ballot. Those include invisible ink to mark voter registration cards, with the mark only visible under the light of a small torch contained in the box, batteries included. Then there's the traditional, low-tech safeguard: bottles of indelible ink into which every voter will dip their finger as they vote. "It will make a difference," Farid Nader, a supervisor, says hopefully. "Young people will trust the election."

Fraud the main enemy for Afghan election officials

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/afghanistan-donald-trump-calls-off-peace-talks-secret-summit-with-taliban-over-terror-attacks-248340">US President Donald Trump</a> on Saturday said that it was not a "good idea" for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/two-nato-troops-among-10-killed-in-kabul-suicide-attack-taliban-claims-responsibility-247831">Taliban to launch a deadly blast in Kabul</a>, which has claimed 12 lives including an American soldier, and stated that the militant group is aware that they have committed a "big mistake".

"The Taliban has never been hit harder than it is being hit right now. Killing 12 people, including one great American soldier, was not a good idea. There are much better ways to set up a negotiation. The Taliban knows they made a big mistake, and they have no idea how to recover!" Trump tweeted.

Trump had called off the negotiations with the Taliban and cancelled a "secret meeting" with the group's representatives at Camp David in the wake of the Kabul terror attack.

Despite Trump's decision, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has said that the administration is still working toward a deal but it will not proceed until the Taliban delivers on its commitments.

The US has been negotiating with the Taliban in the last few months at Doha despite the group's reluctance to hold direct talks with the Afghan government, which it views as a US puppet.

Earlier, US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad said that the Trump administration had reached a deal 'in principle'&nbsp;to withdraw over 5,000 troops from Afghanistan in exchange for guarantees by the Taliban to not allow the war-torn country to be used as a base for attacks abroad.&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump on Saturday said that it was not a "good idea" for Taliban to launch a deadly blast in Kabul, which has claimed 12 lives including an American soldier, and stated that the militant group is aware that they have committed a "big mistake".

US President Donald Trump on Saturday said that it was not a "good idea" for Taliban to launch a deadly blast in Kabul, which has claimed 12 lives including an American soldier, and stated that the militant group is aware that they have committed a "big mistake". "The Taliban has never been hit harder than it is being hit right now. Killing 12 people, including one great American soldier, was not a good idea. There are much better ways to set up a negotiation. The Taliban knows they made a big mistake, and they have no idea how to recover!" Trump tweeted. Trump had called off the negotiations with the Taliban and cancelled a "secret meeting" with the group's representatives at Camp David in the wake of the Kabul terror attack. Despite Trump's decision, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has said that the administration is still working toward a deal but it will not proceed until the Taliban delivers on its commitments. The US has been negotiating with the Taliban in the last few months at Doha despite the group's reluctance to hold direct talks with the Afghan government, which it views as a US puppet. Earlier, US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad said that the Trump administration had reached a deal 'in principle' to withdraw over 5,000 troops from Afghanistan in exchange for guarantees by the Taliban to not allow the war-torn country to be used as a base for attacks abroad.

Not a 'good idea' for Taliban to bomb Kabul: Trump

The war of words between the Taliban and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/trump-says-taliban-talks-dead-us-military-to-ramp-up-afghanistan-operations-248707">President Donald Trump</a> escalated Thursday as the Afghan insurgents warned that the US leader had failed to grasp "what type of nation he is dealing with". &nbsp;

The latest salvo in the bitter exchange comes a day after Trump boasted during a 9/11 anniversary ceremony that US forces have "hit our enemy harder than they have ever been hit before and that will continue" just days after peace talks between the two sides collapsed. &nbsp;

"Trump (@realDonaldTrump) must tread carefully," tweeted Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid. &nbsp;

"He has yet to grasp the type of nation he is dealing with. His advisers must make him understand &amp; introduce the Graveyard of Empires #Afghanistan to him."&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Trump (<a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a>) must tread carefully. He has yet to grasp the type of nation he is dealing with. His advisers must make him understand &amp; introduce the Graveyard of Empires <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Afghanistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Afghanistan</a> to him.
— Zabihullah (..ذبـــــیح الله م ) (@Zabehulah_M33) <a href="https://twitter.com/Zabehulah_M33/status/1172091664116146176?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 12, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Until this weekend there had been steadily mounting expectations of a deal that would see the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/the-now-dead-us-taliban-talks-lacked-strategic-vision-248969">US drawdown troop levels in Afghanistan</a>.&nbsp;

In return, the Taliban would offer security guarantees to keep extremist groups out.

But then on Saturday, Trump revealed on Twitter that he had cancelled an unprecedented meeting between the Taliban and himself at Camp David and later said the talks with the militants were "dead". &nbsp;

The Taliban spokesman's tweet comes just hours after the group launched a suicide attack that killed at least four soldiers near Kabul, as the insurgents ramp up attacks on security forces.&nbsp;

The incident occurred at a special forces base in Char Asiab district just south of the capital Kabul where an insurgent driving a car packed with explosives detonated near the facility's entrance. &nbsp;

"Four soldiers were killed, and three injured," said interior ministry spokesman Nasrat Rahimi.

Watch:&nbsp;Peace Talks Between US And Taliban Cancelled

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-peace-talks-between-us-and-taliban-cancelled-248700/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Afghan special forces -- numbering around 17,000 -- represent a small fraction of the 300,000 strong Afghan armed forces but have been carrying out the bulk of offensive operations across Afghanistan in recent years.

As fears of increased violence soared with presidential elections approaching later this month, Afghan troops and Taliban insurgents have been engaged in heavy exchanges across Afghanistan, with several militant-controlled districts in the far north falling to government forces.&nbsp;

However, the Taliban continue to strike Afghan installations at will after the militants issued their own vow earlier in the week to continue fighting and make the US regret walking away from talks.&nbsp;

The war of words between the Taliban and President Donald Trump escalated Thursday as the Afghan insurgents warned that the US leader had failed to grasp "what type of nation he is dealing with".

The war of words between the Taliban and President Donald Trump escalated Thursday as the Afghan insurgents warned that the US leader had failed to grasp "what type of nation he is dealing with". The latest salvo in the bitter exchange comes a day after Trump boasted during a 9/11 anniversary ceremony that US forces have "hit our enemy harder than they have ever been hit before and that will continue" just days after peace talks between the two sides collapsed. "Trump (@realDonaldTrump) must tread carefully," tweeted Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid. "He has yet to grasp the type of nation he is dealing with. His advisers must make him understand & introduce the Graveyard of Empires #Afghanistan to him." Trump (@realDonaldTrump) must tread carefully. He has yet to grasp the type of nation he is dealing with. His advisers must make him understand & introduce the Graveyard of Empires #Afghanistan to him. — Zabihullah (..ذبـــــیح الله م ) (@Zabehulah_M33) September 12, 2019 × Until this weekend there had been steadily mounting expectations of a deal that would see the US drawdown troop levels in Afghanistan. In return, the Taliban would offer security guarantees to keep extremist groups out. But then on Saturday, Trump revealed on Twitter that he had cancelled an unprecedented meeting between the Taliban and himself at Camp David and later said the talks with the militants were "dead". The Taliban spokesman's tweet comes just hours after the group launched a suicide attack that killed at least four soldiers near Kabul, as the insurgents ramp up attacks on security forces. The incident occurred at a special forces base in Char Asiab district just south of the capital Kabul where an insurgent driving a car packed with explosives detonated near the facility's entrance. "Four soldiers were killed, and three injured," said interior ministry spokesman Nasrat Rahimi. Watch: Peace Talks Between US And Taliban Cancelled Afghan special forces -- numbering around 17,000 -- represent a small fraction of the 300,000 strong Afghan armed forces but have been carrying out the bulk of offensive operations across Afghanistan in recent years. As fears of increased violence soared with presidential elections approaching later this month, Afghan troops and Taliban insurgents have been engaged in heavy exchanges across Afghanistan, with several militant-controlled districts in the far north falling to government forces. However, the Taliban continue to strike Afghan installations at will after the militants issued their own vow earlier in the week to continue fighting and make the US regret walking away from talks.

Trump must tread carefully, he is yet to grasp the type of nation he is dealing with: Taliban

At least four security forces officials were killed and three others injured&nbsp;on Thursday in a suicide attack in the south of Kabul close to a Special Forces base, an Afghan local news agency reported.

A suicide bomber detonated an explosives-laden vehicle on Kabul Commando Force base.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid issued a statement claiming responsibility for the attack, which he said killed more than 200 commandos. The insurgents routinely issue exaggerated casualty claims.

Mujahid said the bomber had been infiltrated into the base well before the attack.

The base is located in Chahar Asyab district of Kabul.

Last week, a Taliban suicide blast killed at least 10 civilians and two NATO service members near the US embassy in Kabul.

At least four security forces officials were killed and three others injured on Thursday in a suicide attack in the south of Kabul close to a Special Forces base, an Afghan local news agency reported.

At least four security forces officials were killed and three others injured on Thursday in a suicide attack in the south of Kabul close to a Special Forces base, an Afghan local news agency reported. A suicide bomber detonated an explosives-laden vehicle on Kabul Commando Force base. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid issued a statement claiming responsibility for the attack, which he said killed more than 200 commandos. The insurgents routinely issue exaggerated casualty claims. Mujahid said the bomber had been infiltrated into the base well before the attack. The base is located in Chahar Asyab district of Kabul. Last week, a Taliban suicide blast killed at least 10 civilians and two NATO service members near the US embassy in Kabul.

Taliban attacks Kabul commando base in Afghanistan; four killed

A powerful explosion occurred near the US Embassy in Kabul on Wednesday.

Images circulated on social media showed smoke billowing near the embassy building, where several embassies are located.

The explosion took place on 18th anniversary of the 9/11 attack.

The blast was a rocket blast, Xinhua reported citing local journalist Jawad Jalali.

No casualties have been reported.

No group has claimed the responsibility of the attack. But it has come just a day after the Taliban pledged to retaliate after US President Donald Trump ended the peace talks abruptly.

A powerful explosion occurred near the US Embassy in Kabul on Wednesday. Images circulated on social media showed smoke billowing near the embassy building, where several embassies are located.

A powerful explosion occurred near the US Embassy in Kabul on Wednesday. Images circulated on social media showed smoke billowing near the embassy building, where several embassies are located. The explosion took place on 18th anniversary of the 9/11 attack. The blast was a rocket blast, Xinhua reported citing local journalist Jawad Jalali. No casualties have been reported. No group has claimed the responsibility of the attack. But it has come just a day after the Taliban pledged to retaliate after US President Donald Trump ended the peace talks abruptly.

Explosion occurs in Kabul near US embassy; no casualties

Secret talks called off over Kabul Blast. U.S Soldier was killed in Taliban Blast.

Kabul asks Taliban to end violence

A US&nbsp;soldier killed by an improvised bomb in Afghanistan has been identified as Army Sgt. 1st Class Elis A. Barreto Ortiz of Puerto Rico, the Department of Defense said on Friday.

Barreto, 34 and based out of Fort Bragg, North Carolina, was killed on Thursday when an improvised bomb in a vehicle exploded in a suicide attack near his vehicle in the Afghan capital Kabul, the department said in a statement.

Barreto was a paratrooper and maintenance control sergeant in the 82nd Brigade Support Battalion.

A Romanian soldier also died in the attack near a neighbourhood in Kabul that housed embassy staff from the United States and other countries, the Army Times reported on its website.

The incident is under investigation, the department said.

A US soldier killed by an improvised bomb in Afghanistan has been identified as Army Sgt. 1st Class Elis A. Barreto Ortiz of Puerto Rico, the Department of Defense said on Friday.

A US soldier killed by an improvised bomb in Afghanistan has been identified as Army Sgt. 1st Class Elis A. Barreto Ortiz of Puerto Rico, the Department of Defense said on Friday. Barreto, 34 and based out of Fort Bragg, North Carolina, was killed on Thursday when an improvised bomb in a vehicle exploded in a suicide attack near his vehicle in the Afghan capital Kabul, the department said in a statement. Barreto was a paratrooper and maintenance control sergeant in the 82nd Brigade Support Battalion. A Romanian soldier also died in the attack near a neighbourhood in Kabul that housed embassy staff from the United States and other countries, the Army Times reported on its website. The incident is under investigation, the department said.

United States soldier killed in Afghanistan identified

The Afghan government expressed doubts Wednesday about a prospective deal between the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/deadly-taliban-attack-in-afghan-capital-casts-shadow-on-peace-deal-247453">US and the Taliban</a>, saying officials need more information about the risks it poses.

US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad was in Kabul this week when he shared with Afghan officials an agreement "in principle" Washington has forged with the Taliban that would lead to a pull-out of American troops.

The prospect of a US-Taliban deal has engendered high anxiety among many Afghans, who feel sidelined from the process, worry the hardline Islamists will return to power, and see a beaten America selling out their interests in a bid to escape Afghanistan after 18 years of gruelling war.

Sediq Sediqqi, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani's spokesman, said that while the Kabul administration supports any progress in an eventual peace process, it wants to prevent any negative consequences.

Kabul is "concerned, therefore we seek clarification about this document so that we can carefully analyse the risks and potential negative consequences, and prevent any danger it may cause," Sediqqi said on Twitter.

The statement is Kabul's first such reaction to the prospective deal, which Khalilzad presented on Monday.

Ghani and his government have until now been largely sidelined in negotiations between the US and the Taliban, who see Ghani as illegitimate and have insisted on dealing first with the Americans.

Kabul's concerns build on a position expressed Tuesday by former US ambassadors to Afghanistan, who warned in a joint statement against a major troop withdrawal without a comprehensive peace accord.

"A major withdrawal of US forces should follow, not come in advance, of (a) real peace agreement," the former envoys wrote.

According to parts of the deal made public so far, the Pentagon would pull thousands of its 13,000 or so troops from five bases across Afghanistan by early next year, provided the Taliban hew to their security pledges.&nbsp;

The insurgents have said they will renounce Al-Qaeda, fight the Islamic State group and stop jihadists using Afghanistan as a safe haven.

Ultimately, though, Kabul has&nbsp;no say in whether the US and the Taliban make a deal, and can only hope the insurgents honour a pledge to sit down with the Afghan government to build a separate accord.

The Afghan government expressed doubts Wednesday about a prospective deal between the US and the Taliban, saying officials need more information about the risks it poses.

The Afghan government expressed doubts Wednesday about a prospective deal between the US and the Taliban, saying officials need more information about the risks it poses. US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad was in Kabul this week when he shared with Afghan officials an agreement "in principle" Washington has forged with the Taliban that would lead to a pull-out of American troops. The prospect of a US-Taliban deal has engendered high anxiety among many Afghans, who feel sidelined from the process, worry the hardline Islamists will return to power, and see a beaten America selling out their interests in a bid to escape Afghanistan after 18 years of gruelling war. Sediq Sediqqi, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani's spokesman, said that while the Kabul administration supports any progress in an eventual peace process, it wants to prevent any negative consequences. Kabul is "concerned, therefore we seek clarification about this document so that we can carefully analyse the risks and potential negative consequences, and prevent any danger it may cause," Sediqqi said on Twitter. The statement is Kabul's first such reaction to the prospective deal, which Khalilzad presented on Monday. Ghani and his government have until now been largely sidelined in negotiations between the US and the Taliban, who see Ghani as illegitimate and have insisted on dealing first with the Americans. Kabul's concerns build on a position expressed Tuesday by former US ambassadors to Afghanistan, who warned in a joint statement against a major troop withdrawal without a comprehensive peace accord. "A major withdrawal of US forces should follow, not come in advance, of (a) real peace agreement," the former envoys wrote. According to parts of the deal made public so far, the Pentagon would pull thousands of its 13,000 or so troops from five bases across Afghanistan by early next year, provided the Taliban hew to their security pledges. The insurgents have said they will renounce Al-Qaeda, fight the Islamic State group and stop jihadists using Afghanistan as a safe haven. Ultimately, though, Kabul has no say in whether the US and the Taliban make a deal, and can only hope the insurgents honour a pledge to sit down with the Afghan government to build a separate accord.

Afghanistan 'concerned' about US-Taliban deal, seeks clarification: official

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