Emirati firm GAAC has signed a deal with the Taliban to run airports in Kabul, Kandahar and Herat. The company will handle air traffic control and ground services at all three airports. Will international carriers return to Afghanistan? How long will this reboot take?

South Asia Diary: Will International carriers return to Kabul?

A little more than a year ago, the US troops haphazardly ditched the Afghanistan shores, leaving behind highly sophisticated military machinery that included state-of-the-art helicopters, tanks and armoured vehicles.

A little more than a year ago, the US troops haphazardly ditched the Afghanistan shores, leaving behind highly sophisticated military machinery that included state-of-the-art helicopters, tanks and armoured vehicles. Many believed that the Taliban might become unstoppable after gaining access to such machinery. However, fast forward today and three Talibanis have died trying to fly an American Black Hawk helicopter. Reportedly, during a Taliban training exercise in the capital city of Kabul, the terrorist operatives were attempting to fly the highly sophisticated helicopter. However, they lost control and died in the process, according to the defence ministry. "An American Black Hawk helicopter, which was for training, crashed due to a technical problem inside the campus of the National Defence University," said Enaytullah Khowrazmi, spokesperson, Taliban ministry of defence. Footage: the moment when black hawk helicopter crash in Kabul today. pic.twitter.com/Q39e1PzzQ2 — Wais Barakzai (@WaisBarakzai) September 10, 2022 × Read more: Afghanistan: The unhappiest nation under the Taliban dictatorship, says report It is pertinent to note that the US left behind more than $7 billion worth of military equipment in Afghanistan last year. A total of $18.6 billion of equipment was presented to the Afghani security forces in 16 years, starting from 2005. However, after Kabul collapsed as Talibani's descended upon the capital, the American troops could only salvage and ferry half of the equipment back to American shores. Aircraft worth $923.3 million, 9,524 air-to-ground munitions valued at $6.54 million, over 40,000 of the total 96,000 military vehicles, more than 300,000 weapons, and all night vision, surveillance, biometric and positioning equipment were left behind in Afghanistan. Despite that, it was always going to be a challenge for the Taliban to not only learn how to operate these machines and gadgets but also to service them. WATCH | Gravitas: 1 year of Taliban rule in Afghanistan × According to defence industry experts, much of the equipment remaining in Afghanistan requires specialised maintenance that US Department of Defense contractors earlier provided. Read more: US strike ‘destroyed everything,’ Zawahiri’s body not found, says Taliban (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Taliban fighters try to fly US Black Hawk helicopter, three get killed in crash

The Islamic State-Khorasan Province (ISKP) has claimed the attack outside the Russian embassy in Kabul that took place earlier on Monday.

The terror outfit has identified the suicide bomber as Waqas al Muhajir, the group announced on its channel on Telegram.

Two members of the embassy staff and an Afghan civilian were killed in the Monday suicide blast near the entrance of the embassy in Kabul. While at least 10 people were injured.

According to the local police, the attacker was shot dead by armed guards while approaching the gate, in one of the first such attacks since the Taliban took power last year.

"The suicide attacker before reaching the target, was recognised and shot by Russian embassy (Taliban) guards ... there is no information about casualties yet," Mawlawi Sabir, the head of the police district where the attack took place, told Reuters.

In a statement, the Russian Foreign Ministry said that an unknown militant set off an explosive device near the entrance to the consular section of the embassy around at 10.50 a.m. Kabul time

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, meanwhile, has condemned the “terrorist act”, saying that it was “absolutely unacceptable”.

In his daily press conference, Peskov said that "now the main thing that needs to be done is to get information from the ground about what happened to our diplomatic representatives".

Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has said that security has been intensified at the embassy following the attack and added that "additional forces of the Taliban&nbsp;authorities" have been deployed.

"Let's hope that the organisers of this terrorist act and its perpetrators will be punished," Lavrov said.

Though it does recognise the Taliban government, Russia is one of the few countries that have maintained an embassy in Kabul after the militant organisation took over the country a year ago.

Moreover, Moscow has been in talks with Taliban officials over an agreement to supply gasoline and other commodities.

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The Islamic State-Khorasan Province (ISKP) has claimed the attack outside the Russian embassy in Kabul that took place earlier on Monday. The terror outfit has identified the suicide bomber as Waqas al Muhajir, the group announced on its channel on Telegram.

The Islamic State-Khorasan Province (ISKP) has claimed the attack outside the Russian embassy in Kabul that took place earlier on Monday. The terror outfit has identified the suicide bomber as Waqas al Muhajir, the group announced on its channel on Telegram. Two members of the embassy staff and an Afghan civilian were killed in the Monday suicide blast near the entrance of the embassy in Kabul. While at least 10 people were injured. According to the local police, the attacker was shot dead by armed guards while approaching the gate, in one of the first such attacks since the Taliban took power last year. "The suicide attacker before reaching the target, was recognised and shot by Russian embassy (Taliban) guards ... there is no information about casualties yet," Mawlawi Sabir, the head of the police district where the attack took place, told Reuters. In a statement, the Russian Foreign Ministry said that an unknown militant set off an explosive device near the entrance to the consular section of the embassy around at 10.50 a.m. Kabul time Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, meanwhile, has condemned the “terrorist act”, saying that it was “absolutely unacceptable”. In his daily press conference, Peskov said that "now the main thing that needs to be done is to get information from the ground about what happened to our diplomatic representatives". Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has said that security has been intensified at the embassy following the attack and added that "additional forces of the Taliban authorities" have been deployed. "Let's hope that the organisers of this terrorist act and its perpetrators will be punished," Lavrov said. Though it does recognise the Taliban government, Russia is one of the few countries that have maintained an embassy in Kabul after the militant organisation took over the country a year ago. Moreover, Moscow has been in talks with Taliban officials over an agreement to supply gasoline and other commodities. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Islamic State-Khorasan claims responsibility for Russian embassy suicide attack in Kabul

All those who were rejoicing over the Taliban coming back to power in Afghanistan a year ago after US troops’ withdrawal, were proved totally wrong as for the last one year, Afghanistan has been reeling under a spate of terror attacks of enormous proportions.&nbsp;

The world at large also learnt a lesson that despite having a religion-driven government in Kabul, violent terror activities are not in control as demonstrated by the Islamic State (IS) sponsored suicide attacks in various parts of Afghanistan exposing its tattered intelligence and security establishment. &nbsp;

More disturbingly, even places of worships including Gurudwaras and mosques belonging to the minority communities have not been spared as they continued to witness intermittent terror assaults even during the holy months of Ramadan. Such incidents sum up the extent of religious indoctrination prevailing amongst large sections of the Afghan society.

Watch | Taliban celebrates 1st anniversary of US troops withdrawal from Afghanistan

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While on one hand, the country is struck with acute food shortage and lack of essential supplies, on the other, it is claiming loss of thousands of innocent lives caused by wanton acts of terror. &nbsp;

In this regard, a recent explosion (August 17) in a crowded Siddiquiya mosque in the northern Kabul neighbourhood of Khair Khana killed scores of people and injuring over thirty merits attention. &nbsp;

Lamentably, the blast took place during the peak hours of evening prayers and even the Imam of the mosque perished due to the lethal explosion. &nbsp;The blast was so powerful that not only many people were killed, even people were thrown out of the window of the mosque. Coincidentally, earlier, a week before this blast, IS terrorists had killed a pro-Taliban religious leader in a suicide bomb blast, also in Kabul.

In this blast under reference, the attack came ahead of Ashura, a commemoration of the martyrdom of Hussein, a grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, which is observed mainly by the Shi’ite Muslims. &nbsp;

Importantly, Islamic State (IS) does not control any territory in Afghanistan but it has its’ sleeper cells that have been attacking religious minorities in the country as well as patrols by the ruling Taliban.&nbsp;

However, the Sunni Muslim Taliban authorities, who took over Afghanistan in August last year after a two-decade of absence, have disclosed that they would provide more protection to Shi’ite mosques and other facilities.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/afghanistan-under-taliban-narrated-by-an-afghan-woman-507027">Afghanistan under Taliban: Narrated by an Afghan woman</a>

Yet, Sayed Kazum Hojat, a Shi’ite religious scholar based in Kabul, said the Taliban government had beefed up security ahead of Ashura but should improve its’ vigilance. &nbsp;

This shows that IS is pursuing an agenda of violent persecution of the minority Shias. Although no up-to-date census data exists, but according to a conservative estimate it puts the size of the Shi’ite community at between 10-20% of the population of 39 million, including Persian-speaking Tajiks and Pashtuns and Hazaras. Such consistency of blasts specially in the places of religious worships ahead and during religious occasions targeting the minorities surely adversely affects the credibility of the Taliban dispensation.

It is also pertinent to point out that Al Qaeda supremo, Ayman al Zawahiri who was killed barely two months ago in the Afghanistan heartland, was suspected to be enjoying the patronage of the Taliban or possibly even the IS. &nbsp;

The Kabul mosque explosion is only a tip of the iceberg as Al Qaeda (AQ) and IS menace has yet to be tackled on a war footing. &nbsp;

Al Qaeda Arab Peninsula (AQAP), which dominated the Arab peninsula running it’s writ in Africa, continues to call shots. Only a few weeks ago, Somalia witnessed blatant killings at a Hotel terror attack in capital Mogadishu. &nbsp;

This only reinforces the suspicion that AQ is very much alive and kicking. &nbsp;

Addressing the terror concerns arising out of the recent Kabul mosque attack, or for that matter, previous acts of assaults will only be a wee bit of the treatment. &nbsp;

A complete surgery is called for with the proactive involvement of all the global players affected by the terror malaise. Afghanistan alone cannot handle this problem of such a gigantic magnitude. The threat is because of its own constraints and perhaps lack of resolve to overcome terror perpetrated by ISIS, AQ or even Taliban. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

In the foregoing, it will not be out of context to underline the important role the intelligence community that can play to deal with the terror threat generated by the IS in the region.&nbsp;

While Pakistan intelligence agencies may not be necessarily keen to share the precious intelligence, even if they are in possession of them. Taliban in Kabul may seek preventable intelligence inputs from India particularly when Afghanistan is exhibiting its’ willingness to allow Indian diplomatic missions to restart their operations at Kabul and other places. &nbsp;

Such joint professional collaboration is bound to bring in peace and tranquil in the region. This cooperation apart, western countries who were so active till they withdrew from Kabul last year should offer hard intelligence for foiling further terror incidents. Unless there is peace, investments by foreign countries would seem distant and the Afghan people in general will continue to suffer misery, starvation and illiteracy. &nbsp; &nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

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All those who were rejoicing over the Taliban coming back to power in Afghanistan a year ago after US troops’ withdrawal, were proved totally wrong as for the last one year, Afghanistan has been reeling under a spate of terror attacks of enormous proportions.

All those who were rejoicing over the Taliban coming back to power in Afghanistan a year ago after US troops’ withdrawal, were proved totally wrong as for the last one year, Afghanistan has been reeling under a spate of terror attacks of enormous proportions. The world at large also learnt a lesson that despite having a religion-driven government in Kabul, violent terror activities are not in control as demonstrated by the Islamic State (IS) sponsored suicide attacks in various parts of Afghanistan exposing its tattered intelligence and security establishment. More disturbingly, even places of worships including Gurudwaras and mosques belonging to the minority communities have not been spared as they continued to witness intermittent terror assaults even during the holy months of Ramadan. Such incidents sum up the extent of religious indoctrination prevailing amongst large sections of the Afghan society. Watch | Taliban celebrates 1st anniversary of US troops withdrawal from Afghanistan × While on one hand, the country is struck with acute food shortage and lack of essential supplies, on the other, it is claiming loss of thousands of innocent lives caused by wanton acts of terror. In this regard, a recent explosion (August 17) in a crowded Siddiquiya mosque in the northern Kabul neighbourhood of Khair Khana killed scores of people and injuring over thirty merits attention. Lamentably, the blast took place during the peak hours of evening prayers and even the Imam of the mosque perished due to the lethal explosion. The blast was so powerful that not only many people were killed, even people were thrown out of the window of the mosque. Coincidentally, earlier, a week before this blast, IS terrorists had killed a pro-Taliban religious leader in a suicide bomb blast, also in Kabul. In this blast under reference, the attack came ahead of Ashura, a commemoration of the martyrdom of Hussein, a grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, which is observed mainly by the Shi’ite Muslims. Importantly, Islamic State (IS) does not control any territory in Afghanistan but it has its’ sleeper cells that have been attacking religious minorities in the country as well as patrols by the ruling Taliban. However, the Sunni Muslim Taliban authorities, who took over Afghanistan in August last year after a two-decade of absence, have disclosed that they would provide more protection to Shi’ite mosques and other facilities. Also Read | Afghanistan under Taliban: Narrated by an Afghan woman Yet, Sayed Kazum Hojat, a Shi’ite religious scholar based in Kabul, said the Taliban government had beefed up security ahead of Ashura but should improve its’ vigilance. This shows that IS is pursuing an agenda of violent persecution of the minority Shias. Although no up-to-date census data exists, but according to a conservative estimate it puts the size of the Shi’ite community at between 10-20% of the population of 39 million, including Persian-speaking Tajiks and Pashtuns and Hazaras. Such consistency of blasts specially in the places of religious worships ahead and during religious occasions targeting the minorities surely adversely affects the credibility of the Taliban dispensation. It is also pertinent to point out that Al Qaeda supremo, Ayman al Zawahiri who was killed barely two months ago in the Afghanistan heartland, was suspected to be enjoying the patronage of the Taliban or possibly even the IS. The Kabul mosque explosion is only a tip of the iceberg as Al Qaeda (AQ) and IS menace has yet to be tackled on a war footing. Al Qaeda Arab Peninsula (AQAP), which dominated the Arab peninsula running it’s writ in Africa, continues to call shots. Only a few weeks ago, Somalia witnessed blatant killings at a Hotel terror attack in capital Mogadishu. This only reinforces the suspicion that AQ is very much alive and kicking. Addressing the terror concerns arising out of the recent Kabul mosque attack, or for that matter, previous acts of assaults will only be a wee bit of the treatment. A complete surgery is called for with the proactive involvement of all the global players affected by the terror malaise. Afghanistan alone cannot handle this problem of such a gigantic magnitude. The threat is because of its own constraints and perhaps lack of resolve to overcome terror perpetrated by ISIS, AQ or even Taliban. In the foregoing, it will not be out of context to underline the important role the intelligence community that can play to deal with the terror threat generated by the IS in the region. While Pakistan intelligence agencies may not be necessarily keen to share the precious intelligence, even if they are in possession of them. Taliban in Kabul may seek preventable intelligence inputs from India particularly when Afghanistan is exhibiting its’ willingness to allow Indian diplomatic missions to restart their operations at Kabul and other places. Such joint professional collaboration is bound to bring in peace and tranquil in the region. This cooperation apart, western countries who were so active till they withdrew from Kabul last year should offer hard intelligence for foiling further terror incidents. Unless there is peace, investments by foreign countries would seem distant and the Afghan people in general will continue to suffer misery, starvation and illiteracy. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Terror blasts in Kabul mosque, and global implications 

The Taliban accused Pakistan of permitting US drones to use its airspace for strikes on Afghanistan. Pakistan has denied the charges. The war of words follows months of tensions between Islamabad and Kabul. Palki Sharma tells you why Pakistan and the Taliban are sparring.

Gravitas: Taliban, Pakistan spar over US drone strikes

The Taliban may have suggested that they will be taking a more liberal approach towards women’s rights after coming to power a year back, but recent reports are showing that not much has changed in this regime. According to Sputnik, a number of sources confirmed that female students in Afghanistan were not allowed to leave Kabul in order to study in Kazakhstan and Qatar.

While both male and female students were supposed to leave for higher studies, only the men were finally allowed to fly out of Afghanistan, Sputnik quoted the sources in their report on Friday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-held-zaporizhzhia-nuclear-plant-reconnected-to-ukrainian-grid-after-concerns-over-radiation-crisis-510406">Russian-held Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant reconnected to Ukrainian grid</a>

This is the latest assault on women’s right to education in Afghanistan after a number of reforms brought in by the Taliban in the recent years. A number of gender-based rules were introduced in the school system and in a few places, girls were not allowed to study beyond the sixth grade.

The reforms are not limited to education as the Taliban, who took over the country after the United States troops left last year, have made it difficult for women to keep working.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hacks-and-thugs-donald-trump-lashes-out-as-fbi-cites-evidence-of-obstruction-in-mar-a-lago-raid-510527" hreflang="en">'Hacks and thugs': Donald Trump lashes out as FBI cites 'evidence of obstruction' in Mar-a-Lago raid</a>

According to official data, around 80 per cent of women have lost their jobs in the media sector and when it comes to government jobs, the authorities are replacing them with their male relatives.

In the recent past, the country has also seen the return of strict rules for women like covering themselves completely and travelling with a male companion at all times. According to AFP, the rate of early as well as forced marriages have also increased drastically in the last year.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The Taliban may have suggested that they will be taking a more liberal approach towards women’s rights after coming to power a year back, but recent reports are showing that not much has changed in this regime.

The Taliban may have suggested that they will be taking a more liberal approach towards women’s rights after coming to power a year back, but recent reports are showing that not much has changed in this regime. According to Sputnik, a number of sources confirmed that female students in Afghanistan were not allowed to leave Kabul in order to study in Kazakhstan and Qatar. While both male and female students were supposed to leave for higher studies, only the men were finally allowed to fly out of Afghanistan, Sputnik quoted the sources in their report on Friday. Also read | Russian-held Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant reconnected to Ukrainian grid This is the latest assault on women’s right to education in Afghanistan after a number of reforms brought in by the Taliban in the recent years. A number of gender-based rules were introduced in the school system and in a few places, girls were not allowed to study beyond the sixth grade. The reforms are not limited to education as the Taliban, who took over the country after the United States troops left last year, have made it difficult for women to keep working. Also read | 'Hacks and thugs': Donald Trump lashes out as FBI cites 'evidence of obstruction' in Mar-a-Lago raid According to official data, around 80 per cent of women have lost their jobs in the media sector and when it comes to government jobs, the authorities are replacing them with their male relatives. In the recent past, the country has also seen the return of strict rules for women like covering themselves completely and travelling with a male companion at all times. According to AFP, the rate of early as well as forced marriages have also increased drastically in the last year. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE -

Taliban restricts female students from leaving Kabul for studies: Report

After attracting widespread criticism and concerns raised by Afghan women over the new rule to limit the entry of women in parks, the Taliban on Monday clarified that the imposition of the new rule to separate the visiting days for men and women is to allow women to visit the parks freely.

Taliban's Ministry of Vice and Virtue spokesman, Mohammad Akif Mahajar at a press conference, said that at the public parks the visiting days for men and women have been separated in order for women to visit the parks freely, TOLO News reported.

According to local media, the Taliban recently imposed new restrictions on Afghan women and girls in Herat province. They are not allowed to move freely in public parks; including those specially designated for women; but only on specified days, and family sections in restaurants are closed down by law; however, most citizens didn`t heed that restriction.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/central-afghanistan-flash-floods-at-least-20-dead-more-than-35-injured-509301">Central Afghanistan flash floods: At least 20 dead, more than 35 injured</a>

A 22-year-old girl, Rehana Ahmadian said that they used to go to the park to take a stroll as her mother had high blood cholesterol based on a doctor`s advice but ever since the Taliban came to power, they warned us not to leave homes without a male guardian; we lost all independence compared to the former government despite women`s parks are separate from men`s.

"Taliban have nothing else to do but suppress women since coming into power, and they have imprisoned us all women at home,"Asila Misbah, a women`s rights activist based in Herat said.

"I used to eat food in restaurants with my family most of the time, but now due to Taliban restrictions on women, I can`t spend an hour with my family outside. Everything we do is in an uncertain manner and we fear retribution even though we tread carefully," she added.

Similarly, in Zabul province, the Taliban have recently threatened men not to allow women to attend wedding ceremonies.

The erosion of women`s rights has been one of the most notable aspects of the de facto administration to date. Before the Taliban came to power, women and girls had progressively had their rights to fully participate in education, the workplace, and other aspects of public and daily life.

It has been a year since the Taliban deprived Afghan women of education, work, and public life. This is while former president of Afghanistan, Hamid Karzai, recently claimed that Afghan girls were prohibited from school by order of Pakistan.

The Taliban regime in Afghanistan has drawn heavy criticism across the world for a decree banning girls from school above grade sixth. It has been over 300 days since girls` schools have been closed, Kabul`s officials have said that it depends upon the order of the leader of the Taliban.

A decision taken by the Taliban prevented girls from returning to secondary school which meant that a generation of girls will not complete their full 12 years of basic education. At the same time, access to justice for victims of gender-based violence has been limited by the dissolution of dedicated reporting pathways, justice mechanisms and shelters.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-crime-rate-rises-after-taliban-seized-power-millions-on-the-verge-of-hunger-508966">Afghanistan: Crime rate rises after Taliban seized power; millions on the verge of hunger</a>

Taliban official has said that the schools for female students are closed for religious issues and that there is a need for agreement of Islamic scholars on this matter and that opposing the decision of the Islamic clerics regarding the schools will have negative consequences.

Since the ban, they have continued their rhetoric that they will announce a new mechanism for the return of girls to secondary schools however no development in this aspect has taken place.

Meanwhile, girls who have been prevented from going to school for more than eleven months are asking the Taliban to reopen schools for them, reported Tolo News.

After attracting widespread criticism and concerns raised by Afghan women over the new rule to limit the entry of women in parks, the Taliban on Monday clarified that the imposition of the new rule to separate the visiting days for men and women is to allow women to visit the parks freely.

After attracting widespread criticism and concerns raised by Afghan women over the new rule to limit the entry of women in parks, the Taliban on Monday clarified that the imposition of the new rule to separate the visiting days for men and women is to allow women to visit the parks freely. Taliban's Ministry of Vice and Virtue spokesman, Mohammad Akif Mahajar at a press conference, said that at the public parks the visiting days for men and women have been separated in order for women to visit the parks freely, TOLO News reported. According to local media, the Taliban recently imposed new restrictions on Afghan women and girls in Herat province. They are not allowed to move freely in public parks; including those specially designated for women; but only on specified days, and family sections in restaurants are closed down by law; however, most citizens didn`t heed that restriction. Also read | Central Afghanistan flash floods: At least 20 dead, more than 35 injured A 22-year-old girl, Rehana Ahmadian said that they used to go to the park to take a stroll as her mother had high blood cholesterol based on a doctor`s advice but ever since the Taliban came to power, they warned us not to leave homes without a male guardian; we lost all independence compared to the former government despite women`s parks are separate from men`s. "Taliban have nothing else to do but suppress women since coming into power, and they have imprisoned us all women at home,"Asila Misbah, a women`s rights activist based in Herat said. "I used to eat food in restaurants with my family most of the time, but now due to Taliban restrictions on women, I can`t spend an hour with my family outside. Everything we do is in an uncertain manner and we fear retribution even though we tread carefully," she added. Similarly, in Zabul province, the Taliban have recently threatened men not to allow women to attend wedding ceremonies. The erosion of women`s rights has been one of the most notable aspects of the de facto administration to date. Before the Taliban came to power, women and girls had progressively had their rights to fully participate in education, the workplace, and other aspects of public and daily life. It has been a year since the Taliban deprived Afghan women of education, work, and public life. This is while former president of Afghanistan, Hamid Karzai, recently claimed that Afghan girls were prohibited from school by order of Pakistan. The Taliban regime in Afghanistan has drawn heavy criticism across the world for a decree banning girls from school above grade sixth. It has been over 300 days since girls` schools have been closed, Kabul`s officials have said that it depends upon the order of the leader of the Taliban. A decision taken by the Taliban prevented girls from returning to secondary school which meant that a generation of girls will not complete their full 12 years of basic education. At the same time, access to justice for victims of gender-based violence has been limited by the dissolution of dedicated reporting pathways, justice mechanisms and shelters. Also read | Afghanistan: Crime rate rises after Taliban seized power; millions on the verge of hunger Taliban official has said that the schools for female students are closed for religious issues and that there is a need for agreement of Islamic scholars on this matter and that opposing the decision of the Islamic clerics regarding the schools will have negative consequences. Since the ban, they have continued their rhetoric that they will announce a new mechanism for the return of girls to secondary schools however no development in this aspect has taken place. Meanwhile, girls who have been prevented from going to school for more than eleven months are asking the Taliban to reopen schools for them, reported Tolo News.

Afghanistan: Taliban clarifies restriction on women to visit public parks

India is now returning back as it has reopened its embassy in Kabul. Indian diplomats strategically began wrapping up their operations in March as the Indian consulate in Jalalabad was shut in April.

India resumes diplomatic operations in Afghanistan | Is it coming to terms with the new normal?

India has resumed diplomatic operations in Afghanistan. The Indian embassy in Kabul has reopened to revive New Delhi's stalled operations. Palki Sharma brings you a report.

Gravitas: India resumes diplomatic operations in Kabul

A year after the Taliban took over Afghanistan, a batch of Indian diplomats have returned to Kabul. Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar confirmed that a team of diplomats except the ambassador has left New Delhi.

India sends its diplomats back to Afghanistan after a year

At least 20 people, including a prominent cleric, were killed in a bomb blast at a mosque during evening prayers in the Afghanistan capital Kabul on Wednesday.

WION Dispatch: At least 20 killed as explosion hits Kabul mosque

A blast at a mosque in Kabul's north west district killed at least 21 people leaving 33 others injured. The explosion is said to have occurred when people were offering evening prayers at the mosque.

At least 21 killed, 33 injured as massive explosion hits Kabul mosque: Reports

+ 100 days in Afghanistan: A WION ground report + The transition from a Republic to an Emirate + Follow WION as we show how Kabul fell in 2021 + Over 144,000 minutes of ground-breaking reportage

100 days in Afghanistan: A WION ground report

August 15 also marks the return of Taliban in Afghanistan. It was on this day in 2021, when the Taliban seized control of Kabul. A year since that dramatic day, how have things changed in Afghanistan? Watch this report by Palki Sharma to find out.

Gravitas: 1 year of Taliban rule in Afghanistan

The new Taliban regime is re-packaging the regressive policies of the first Taliban regime in the late 1990s. Mariam Wardak brings you 5 reasons why the Taliban are unchanged.

South Asia Diary: Myth of Taliban 2.0 busted

The Taliban took over Afghanistan and captured the Kabul Presidential Palace. After weeks of violent clashes across the country, it was a rapid takeover that ended in a hasty withdrawal of western troops from the country.

1 year of Taliban rule, hold small victory parades; fear, violence, misery take over Afghans

August 15th is a day of pride, valor and victory for India, but for Afghanistan, it is a day of defeat and the fall of their country as a nation and the shackles of the Taliban.

WION Dispatch: Taliban completes one year of power in Afghanistan

It was roughly a year since the Taliban took over Afghanistan, and since then, the country has witnessed lots of changes apart from a dwindling economy.

Afghanistan: One year since the Taliban took control of Kabul

WION's Anas Mallick was held captive by the Taliban for 21 hours after he went to Kabul on a reporting assignment. Anas Mallick tells Molly Gambhir about what he went through.

WION Fineprint: WION's Anas Mallick assaulted in Afghanistan

WION’s correspondent Anas Mallick, who went missing for nearly 24 hours in Afghanistan, has safely returned to his native Pakistan after being abducted and assaulted by the ruling Taliban.&nbsp;

Mallick, who was reporting on the anniversary of the Taliban takeover of the war-torn country, reached&nbsp;his home in Islamabad on Friday (August 5) from Afghanistan’s capital Kabul. Anas has been reporting on Afghanistan developments for nearly five years for WION, including exclusive, on-the-ground coverage of the regime change last year. He has travelled the length and breadth of the country in the run-up to the Taliban takeover and the tense situation at Kabul airport and elsewhere in the country last August.

He had arrived in Kabul on Wednesday evening and the next morning, approached Afghanistan’s ministry of foreign affairs to get the due permissions and completed the necessary formalities for the same.&nbsp;

Anas also did extensive reporting on the United States’ claims that Al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri was killed in a drone strike in Kabul.

But he was picked up by the Taliban and was physically assaulted. When Anas went missing, WION worked with relevant authorities to secure his release.&nbsp;

After he landed in Islamabad, Anas revealed what exactly he went through.&nbsp;

<blockquote>
"Twenty-one hours of the ordeal have come to an end. I was picked up by what we know are the Taliban, in Kabul while we were filming general visuals. My crew was also with me when we were picked up," he said.&nbsp;

"I arrived in Kabul the day before, on the 3rd of August, to cover the one year anniversary (the Taliban takeover of Kabul) and how Afghanistan is now. Coincidentally, the killing of Al-Qaeda chief Ayman al-Zawahiri also happened.&nbsp;

"We were duly accredited, we had all the press credentials and were filming general visuals when we were intercepted, taken out of the car... dragged off the car to be very precise. Our phones were taken away," he added.

"And then we were physically assaulted. My crew was assaulted and I was assaulted as well. After some while, we were shifted from the place where were intercepted to what we know is the intelligence unit of the Afghan-Taliban. We were handcuffed, blindfolded, and faced the wildest accusations and after that were questioned thoroughly on our journalistic credentials as well. Personal questions were also hurled at us. 
 
"Late in the evening yesterday, at around 9:30 (local time), I was moved into a room where I was told I will be allowed to walk free once the translator shows&nbsp;up.

"Then around 10:10 this morning (local time) in Kabul I was allowed to walk free. Dropped off to be precise with my press credentials still not with me. The accreditation and the permit letter are still not with me.

What is to be noted is the fact that the local producer and our driver are still being held by the Taliban. They said they will be releasing them soon, how soon, we still have no update on that."&nbsp; 
 
Earlier, Anas had reported exclusively from near the house in which Zawahiri was staying when he was killed in a US missile attack.
</blockquote>

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WION correspondent <a href="https://twitter.com/AnasMallick?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AnasMallick</a>, who went missing on Thursday evening in Kabul while on a reporting assignment in Afghanistan, recounts the 21-hour-long ordeal, and shares how he was physically assaulted while in the Taliban custody. <a href="https://twitter.com/NickHarperFSN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NickHarperFSN</a> brings you this report <a href="https://t.co/Y75RFta2gr">pic.twitter.com/Y75RFta2gr</a>
— WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1555569778848571394?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 5, 2022</a></blockquote>
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WION’s correspondent Anas Mallick, who went missing for nearly 24 hours in Afghanistan, has safely returned to his native Pakistan after being abducted and assaulted by the ruling Taliban.

WION’s correspondent Anas Mallick, who went missing for nearly 24 hours in Afghanistan, has safely returned to his native Pakistan after being abducted and assaulted by the ruling Taliban. Mallick, who was reporting on the anniversary of the Taliban takeover of the war-torn country, reached his home in Islamabad on Friday (August 5) from Afghanistan’s capital Kabul. Anas has been reporting on Afghanistan developments for nearly five years for WION, including exclusive, on-the-ground coverage of the regime change last year. He has travelled the length and breadth of the country in the run-up to the Taliban takeover and the tense situation at Kabul airport and elsewhere in the country last August. He had arrived in Kabul on Wednesday evening and the next morning, approached Afghanistan’s ministry of foreign affairs to get the due permissions and completed the necessary formalities for the same. Anas also did extensive reporting on the United States’ claims that Al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri was killed in a drone strike in Kabul. But he was picked up by the Taliban and was physically assaulted. When Anas went missing, WION worked with relevant authorities to secure his release. After he landed in Islamabad, Anas revealed what exactly he went through. "Twenty-one hours of the ordeal have come to an end. I was picked up by what we know are the Taliban, in Kabul while we were filming general visuals. My crew was also with me when we were picked up," he said. "I arrived in Kabul the day before, on the 3rd of August, to cover the one year anniversary (the Taliban takeover of Kabul) and how Afghanistan is now. Coincidentally, the killing of Al-Qaeda chief Ayman al-Zawahiri also happened. "We were duly accredited, we had all the press credentials and were filming general visuals when we were intercepted, taken out of the car... dragged off the car to be very precise. Our phones were taken away," he added. "And then we were physically assaulted. My crew was assaulted and I was assaulted as well. After some while, we were shifted from the place where were intercepted to what we know is the intelligence unit of the Afghan-Taliban. We were handcuffed, blindfolded, and faced the wildest accusations and after that were questioned thoroughly on our journalistic credentials as well. Personal questions were also hurled at us. "Late in the evening yesterday, at around 9:30 (local time), I was moved into a room where I was told I will be allowed to walk free once the translator shows up. "Then around 10:10 this morning (local time) in Kabul I was allowed to walk free. Dropped off to be precise with my press credentials still not with me. The accreditation and the permit letter are still not with me. What is to be noted is the fact that the local producer and our driver are still being held by the Taliban. They said they will be releasing them soon, how soon, we still have no update on that." Earlier, Anas had reported exclusively from near the house in which Zawahiri was staying when he was killed in a US missile attack. WION correspondent @AnasMallick, who went missing on Thursday evening in Kabul while on a reporting assignment in Afghanistan, recounts the 21-hour-long ordeal, and shares how he was physically assaulted while in the Taliban custody. @NickHarperFSN brings you this report pic.twitter.com/Y75RFta2gr — WION (@WIONews) August 5, 2022 × WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

WION correspondent who went missing in Afghanistan is safe, recalls his ordeal

WION correspondent Anas Mallick was abducted by the Taliban while he was reporting in Afghanistan's capital Kabul. Anas and his team were shooting general visuals when they were forcefully dragged away from their car by the Taliban members.&nbsp;

He said he was handcuffed, blindfolded, physically assaulted and interrogated thoroughly even on his journalistic credentials. Their phones were taken away and they remained incommunicado and missing for nearly one day.

WION remained in contact with relevant authorities in New Delhi as well as Kabul to know about his whereabouts and eventually to secure his safe release.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/wion-correspondent-safe-leaves-afghanistan-after-reporting-from-the-ground-on-zawahiri-killing-504065">WION correspondent, who went missing in Afghanistan, is safe. Recalls his ordeal</a>&nbsp;

On Friday morning, Anas tweeted "I am back" and later revealed his traumatic experience. He also showed his torn clothes and injuries.

Importantly, the local producer and his driver are still being held by the Taliban. Although they said that they will be releasing them soon, but there has been no update.&nbsp;

Anas says...

We were handcuffed, blindfolded, and faced the wildest accusations and after that were questioned thoroughly on our journalistic credentials as well. Personal questions were also hurled at us. 
 
Late in the evening yesterday, at around 9:30 (local time), I was moved into a room where I was told I will be allowed to walk free once the translator shows&nbsp;up.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/handcuffed-blindfolded-and-physically-assaulted-what-happened-to-wions-anas-mallick-in-kabul-504095">'Handcuffed, blindfolded and physically assaulted': What happened to WION's Anas Mallick in Kabul?</a>

Watch the full report here: &nbsp;

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WION correspondent Anas Mallick was abducted by the Taliban while he was reporting in Afghanistan's capital Kabul. Anas and his team were shooting general visuals when they were forcefully dragged away from their car by the Taliban members.

WION correspondent Anas Mallick was abducted by the Taliban while he was reporting in Afghanistan's capital Kabul. Anas and his team were shooting general visuals when they were forcefully dragged away from their car by the Taliban members. He said he was handcuffed, blindfolded, physically assaulted and interrogated thoroughly even on his journalistic credentials. Their phones were taken away and they remained incommunicado and missing for nearly one day. WION remained in contact with relevant authorities in New Delhi as well as Kabul to know about his whereabouts and eventually to secure his safe release. ALSO READ | WION correspondent, who went missing in Afghanistan, is safe. Recalls his ordeal On Friday morning, Anas tweeted "I am back" and later revealed his traumatic experience. He also showed his torn clothes and injuries. Importantly, the local producer and his driver are still being held by the Taliban. Although they said that they will be releasing them soon, but there has been no update. Anas says... We were handcuffed, blindfolded, and faced the wildest accusations and after that were questioned thoroughly on our journalistic credentials as well. Personal questions were also hurled at us. Late in the evening yesterday, at around 9:30 (local time), I was moved into a room where I was told I will be allowed to walk free once the translator shows up. ALSO READ | 'Handcuffed, blindfolded and physically assaulted': What happened to WION's Anas Mallick in Kabul? Watch the full report here: × WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

WATCH: WION correspondent Anas Mallick shows torn clothes and injuries as he shares his trauma

WION's correspondent Anas Mallick and his team were "dragged" out of the car and "physically assaulted" by the Taliban when he was reporting in Afghanistan's capital Kabul.&nbsp;

Anas arrived in Kabul on Wednesday evening and a day after that he was taking general visuals for his extensive coverage of one year of Taliban rule in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

It coincided with the killing of Al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri as claimed by the United States,&nbsp;which, by the way, is being questioned by the Taliban.&nbsp;

The Taliban said on Thursday that they do not know about Zawahiri’s presence in Afghanistan. They, in fact, even said that the "fact is that America invaded our territory and violated all international principles."

Condemning the action, the Taliban said that "if such action is repeated, the responsibility of any consequences will be on the United States of America."&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/wion-correspondent-safe-leaves-afghanistan-after-reporting-from-the-ground-on-zawahiri-killing-504065">WION correspondent, who went missing in Afghanistan, is safe. Recalls his ordeal</a>&nbsp;

WION has reported all the developments on Zawahiri's killing.

But it appears that the Taliban are threatened by our ground reporting in Kabul as WION's reporter was abducted while he was reporting, with all the necessary permissions.&nbsp;

Notably, Anas was allowed to walk free but&nbsp;the local producer and our driver are still being held by the Taliban. They said that they will be releasing them soon, but there's no update. &nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/wion-correspondent-anas-mallick-shows-torn-clothes-and-injuries-as-he-reveals-his-trauma-504109">WION correspondent Anas Mallick shows torn clothes and injuries as he reveals his trauma</a>&nbsp;

Here's what exactly happened to him:&nbsp;

Anas says... 
&nbsp; 
"We were duly accredited, we had all the press credentials and were filming general visuals when we were intercepted, taken out of the car... dragged off the car to be very precise. Our phones were taken away.

And then we were physically assaulted. My crew was assaulted and I was assaulted as well.&nbsp;

After some while, we were shifted from the place where were intercepted to what we know is the intelligence unit of the Afghan-Taliban. We were handcuffed, blindfolded, and faced the wildest accusations and after that were questioned thoroughly on our journalistic credentials as well. Personal questions were also hurled at us."&nbsp;

Watch the report:&nbsp;

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WION's correspondent Anas Mallick and his team were "dragged" out of the car and "physically assaulted" by the Taliban when he was reporting in Afghanistan's capital Kabul.

WION's correspondent Anas Mallick and his team were "dragged" out of the car and "physically assaulted" by the Taliban when he was reporting in Afghanistan's capital Kabul. Anas arrived in Kabul on Wednesday evening and a day after that he was taking general visuals for his extensive coverage of one year of Taliban rule in Afghanistan. It coincided with the killing of Al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri as claimed by the United States, which, by the way, is being questioned by the Taliban. The Taliban said on Thursday that they do not know about Zawahiri’s presence in Afghanistan. They, in fact, even said that the "fact is that America invaded our territory and violated all international principles." Condemning the action, the Taliban said that "if such action is repeated, the responsibility of any consequences will be on the United States of America." ALSO READ | WION correspondent, who went missing in Afghanistan, is safe. Recalls his ordeal WION has reported all the developments on Zawahiri's killing. But it appears that the Taliban are threatened by our ground reporting in Kabul as WION's reporter was abducted while he was reporting, with all the necessary permissions. Notably, Anas was allowed to walk free but the local producer and our driver are still being held by the Taliban. They said that they will be releasing them soon, but there's no update. ALSO READ | WION correspondent Anas Mallick shows torn clothes and injuries as he reveals his trauma Here's what exactly happened to him: Anas says... "We were duly accredited, we had all the press credentials and were filming general visuals when we were intercepted, taken out of the car... dragged off the car to be very precise. Our phones were taken away. And then we were physically assaulted. My crew was assaulted and I was assaulted as well. After some while, we were shifted from the place where were intercepted to what we know is the intelligence unit of the Afghan-Taliban. We were handcuffed, blindfolded, and faced the wildest accusations and after that were questioned thoroughly on our journalistic credentials as well. Personal questions were also hurled at us." Watch the report: × WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

'Handcuffed, blindfolded and physically assaulted': What happened to WION's Anas Mallick in Kabul?

WION correspondent Anas Mallick has safely returned back to his home in Islamabad. Anas went missing on Thursday evening in Kabul, a day after he had reached Afghanistan to cover the first anniversary of the Taliban’s takeover of the country.

WION's correspondent Anas Mallick returns home

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