The members of the Jogi ethnic minority group living in Kabul have complained of the dearth of basic living necessities amid deprivation of national identity, local media reported.

The Jogi are an ethnic minority group whose roots are from the Central Asian states. They do not have national identity cards and are deprived of access to education and other basic rights, including property, Tolo News reported citing the members of the group. Mohammad Sabir, who was working as the representative of the Jogi ethnic group in Kabul before the Taliban takeover of the government, said that he was dismissed after the Islamic Emirate came into power.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-is-your-home-pm-modi-tells-afghan-minority-community-members-454546">&nbsp;'India is your home', PM Modi tells Afghan minority community members</a>

"I was appointed as representative of the people (Jogi). This is my ID. My documents are legal. I started working as representative of Jogi. If they want me to share my documents, I will. I was active in the former government, but I was dismissed after the Islamic Emirate swept into power," he said, according to the Afghan news agency.

However, Nimatullah Barakzai, a spokesman of Kabul municipality, claimed that Sabir was fired because he was not qualified for the position." The person that you have asked about was disqualified as a local representative. This person has no property, which is one of the conditions to be a representative. He is not educated," the media outlet quoted him as saying. Taliban said that there is no exact information about the number of people with Jogi ethnicity living in Afghanistan."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/six-year-old-haider-trapped-in-well-in-afghanistan-for-three-days-dies-454343">Six-year-old Haider, trapped in well in Afghanistan for three days, dies</a>

Due to lack of national identity cards, the Jogi lack access to education," Tolo News quoted the group as saying.In Afghanistan, the Taliban's swift ascension to power occurred in mid-August, triggering an economic disarray and food shortages that push the country to the brink of a humanitarian crisis, reported Sputnik.&nbsp;

The members of the Jogi ethnic minority group living in Kabul have complained of the dearth of basic living necessities amid deprivation of national identity, local media reported.

The members of the Jogi ethnic minority group living in Kabul have complained of the dearth of basic living necessities amid deprivation of national identity, local media reported. The Jogi are an ethnic minority group whose roots are from the Central Asian states. They do not have national identity cards and are deprived of access to education and other basic rights, including property, Tolo News reported citing the members of the group. Mohammad Sabir, who was working as the representative of the Jogi ethnic group in Kabul before the Taliban takeover of the government, said that he was dismissed after the Islamic Emirate came into power. Also read | 'India is your home', PM Modi tells Afghan minority community members "I was appointed as representative of the people (Jogi). This is my ID. My documents are legal. I started working as representative of Jogi. If they want me to share my documents, I will. I was active in the former government, but I was dismissed after the Islamic Emirate swept into power," he said, according to the Afghan news agency. However, Nimatullah Barakzai, a spokesman of Kabul municipality, claimed that Sabir was fired because he was not qualified for the position." The person that you have asked about was disqualified as a local representative. This person has no property, which is one of the conditions to be a representative. He is not educated," the media outlet quoted him as saying. Taliban said that there is no exact information about the number of people with Jogi ethnicity living in Afghanistan." Also read | Six-year-old Haider, trapped in well in Afghanistan for three days, dies Due to lack of national identity cards, the Jogi lack access to education," Tolo News quoted the group as saying.In Afghanistan, the Taliban's swift ascension to power occurred in mid-August, triggering an economic disarray and food shortages that push the country to the brink of a humanitarian crisis, reported Sputnik.

Afghanistan: Members of Jogi minority demand basic necessities, rights

Five months after the chaotic evacuation of US troops from Afghanistan, testimonies from multiple commanders involved in this operation have now been released to the public. Details from the final days of the evacuation have come to light from the planning to the life and death decisions made daily by US soldiers.

Kabul airport attack: Life or Death decisions were made by US troops

Amena, 7 months old, lay silently in her hospital crib amid the mewling of desperately ill infants in the malnutrition ward.

Her mother, Balqisa, had brought the child to Indira Gandhi Children’s Hospital in Kabul, Afghanistan’s capital, the night before. “Her body was so hot,” she said, stroking her daughter’s emaciated leg.

The baby had a high fever, convulsions and sepsis, said Dr. Mohammad Iqbal Sadiq, a pediatrician, glancing at her chart.

“Her chances are not good,” the doctor said. “We got her too late.”

At the Indira Gandhi hospital, and in faltering hospitals across Afghanistan, famished children arrive by car and taxi and ambulance every day and night. Acute malnutrition is just one of a cascade of maladies that threaten to topple the country’s fragile health system.

Late last month, António Guterres, the United Nations secretary-general, told the Security Council that Afghanistan was “hanging by a thread,” as he called for countries to suspend all sanctions that restricted the delivery of humanitarian aid to the country.

“For 20 years, we kept Afghanistan on a transfusion,” said Filipe Ribeiro, country representative for Médecins Sans Frontières, or Doctors Without Borders, in Kabul. “Overnight, we removed the drip. Now we have to find a way to put it back.”

Three-quarters of Afghanistan’s population has plunged into acute poverty, with 4.7 million Afghans likely to suffer severe malnutrition this year, according to the United Nations. Last month, the organization made its biggest appeal ever for a single country, asking international donors to give more than $5 billion to fend off a humanitarian disaster.

Save the Children said the number of critically malnourished children visiting its clinics in Afghanistan had doubled since August, with 40 children dying in December on their way to receive medical care.

Jonas Gahr Store, the prime minister of Norway, whose country hosted meetings between Taliban representatives and Afghan civil society groups late last month, spoke to the Security Council about the urgency to expedite aid.

“We need new agreements and commitments in place to be able to assist and help an extremely vulnerable civil population, and most vulnerable among them, the children who face hunger and suffering,” he said.

Before the U.S.-backed Afghan government disintegrated in August as the Taliban overran the country, the health system relied on international aid to survive. But much of that funding has been frozen to comply with sanctions imposed on the Taliban.

As a result, the International Rescue Committee recently predicted that 90% of Afghanistan’s health clinics were likely to shut down in the coming months. The World Health Organization has said that outbreaks of diarrhea, measles, dengue fever, malaria and COVID-19 threaten to overwhelm overburdened hospitals.

Kabul’s Indira Gandhi hospital nearly shut down in October, when the unpaid staff had to cut down trees for cooking fires. A flush of funding in November from the International Committee of the Red Cross allowed it to keep its doors open and provide desperately needed medical supplies.

The infusion could keep the hospital afloat for the next several months, according to Sadiq, the pediatrician.

“After that, no one knows what will happen,” he said.

While there have been other infusions of aid, including $308 million in relief authorized by the United States, they have not been enough to cover 1,200 health facilities and 11,000 health workers.

Although the drastic decline in war-related casualties has relieved the burden of such patients on many hospitals, the suspension of operations by private facilities and the ability to safely travel Afghanistan’s roads has left other hospitals overrun with people.

On a recent morning, the corridors of Indira Gandhi hospital were crammed with beds as patients’ family members squatted on floors amid parcels of food bought at the local bazaar.

Patients’ meals consist of an egg, two apples, a milk packet, rice and juice, so many families supplement them with outside food. Some buy medicine at local pharmacies because the hospital can provide only about 70% of required medication, Sadiq said.

In the children’s critical care ward, many of the tiny cribs held two or three infants. In the ward for premature babies, two newborns had been placed in some incubators designed for a single infant.

“I’ve never seen it like this,” said Sadiq, who has worked at the hospital for more than three years. “And just imagine this same situation in every hospital in Afghanistan.”

The hospital, the largest in Afghanistan, is squeezing 500 patients into the 360-bed facility, Dr. Hasibullah Rahimzay Wardak, the hospital director, said. More than 1,000 patients arrive on a typical day, many from distant provinces. About 250-300 are admitted daily.

In the crowded malnutrition ward, 15-20 emaciated babies arrive daily, with about 60 infants filling the crowded malnutrition ward on any given day. The mortality rate is 2%-3%, Sadiq said.

Soraya, 2, had arrived 20 days earlier, dangerously underweight and gasping for breath. Her mother, Sara, 17, sat by her child’s bed as the girl’s bony chest heaved up and down. Sadiq tenderly lifted the girl’s legs, which were limp and swollen.

Soraya weighed 14 pounds on arrival, the doctor said, but weighed just 12 pounds now. Even so, he said, her condition had improved. Her chances of survival were good.

Adding more pressure on Afghanistan’s overburdened health care system is a fourth wave of COVID-19. Yet the virus is an afterthought in Afghanistan, where many people struggle to find enough to eat every day.

Few Afghans wear masks — even at the Ministry of Public Health in Kabul. There, officials clustered in groups on a recent weekday, greeting visitors with hugs and kisses, and ignoring faded signs saying masks were required throughout the building.

At the Afghan-Japan Communicable Disease Hospital in Kabul, the only remaining COVID-19 facility in the capital, few staff members or patients complied with worn stickers on the floors that proclaimed: “Let’s Beat Coronavirus — Please keep at least 2 meters from people around you.”

“When I try to talk to people about COVID-19, they say we have no food, no water, no electricity — why should we care about this virus?” said Dr. Tariq Ahmad Akbari, the hospital’s medical director.

Akbari suspected that the omicron variant had entered the country, but the hospital lacked the medical equipment to test for variants. He and his staff had not been paid for five months, he said, and the hospital was critically low on oxygen supplies and health care workers.

Seven of the hospital’s eight female doctors fled after the Taliban takeover in August, part of a hollowing out that reduced the staff from 350 to 190 the past five months. Four of the five staff microbiologists quit. And only five of the country’s 34 COVID-19 centers were still operating, Akbari said.

Several staff members lived in the hospital in Kabul because, without salaries, they cannot afford rent, he said.

The hospital was recently buoyed by a two-month stopgap grant of $800,000 from an affiliate of Johns Hopkins Hospital, Akbari said. And Afghanistan’s relative isolation after the Taliban takeover had likely helped contain the spread of COVID-19, he said.

Up to 20 patients died per day during the previous wave, but just one or two a day now. And the hospital tests about 150 patients a day now, down from 600 to 700 daily tests during the second wave, Akbari said.

He speculated that Afghans are so overwhelmed by other survival issues that they are less likely to seek treatment for COVID-19.

Before the Taliban takeover, the Ministry of Public Health published detailed daily charts showing the number of coronavirus cases, hospitalizations and deaths — and the positivity rate for testing. But now the poorly funded ministry struggles to keep tabs on the pandemic.

Of the more than 856,000 tests conducted since the first wave of COVID-19 in early 2020 — of an estimated population of nearly 40 million — roughly 163,000 were positive, a Health Ministry spokesperson said. More than 7,400 COVID-19 deaths had been confirmed since 2020, he said.

But because testing is extremely limited and the cause of death is not recorded in many instances, particularly in rural areas of Afghanistan, no one knows the pandemic’s true scale.

Akbari shook his head in frustration as he described how little was known about the virus in Afghanistan.

Looking defeated, he said, “If we have a surge like we had during the second and third wave, we would not be equipped to handle it.”

Amena, 7 months old, lay silently in her hospital crib amid the mewling of desperately ill infants in the malnutrition ward. Her mother, Balqisa, had brought the child to Indira Gandhi Children’s Hospital in Kabul, Afghanistan’s capital, the night before.

Amena, 7 months old, lay silently in her hospital crib amid the mewling of desperately ill infants in the malnutrition ward. Her mother, Balqisa, had brought the child to Indira Gandhi Children’s Hospital in Kabul, Afghanistan’s capital, the night before. “Her body was so hot,” she said, stroking her daughter’s emaciated leg. The baby had a high fever, convulsions and sepsis, said Dr. Mohammad Iqbal Sadiq, a pediatrician, glancing at her chart. “Her chances are not good,” the doctor said. “We got her too late.” At the Indira Gandhi hospital, and in faltering hospitals across Afghanistan, famished children arrive by car and taxi and ambulance every day and night. Acute malnutrition is just one of a cascade of maladies that threaten to topple the country’s fragile health system. Late last month, António Guterres, the United Nations secretary-general, told the Security Council that Afghanistan was “hanging by a thread,” as he called for countries to suspend all sanctions that restricted the delivery of humanitarian aid to the country. “For 20 years, we kept Afghanistan on a transfusion,” said Filipe Ribeiro, country representative for Médecins Sans Frontières, or Doctors Without Borders, in Kabul. “Overnight, we removed the drip. Now we have to find a way to put it back.” Three-quarters of Afghanistan’s population has plunged into acute poverty, with 4.7 million Afghans likely to suffer severe malnutrition this year, according to the United Nations. Last month, the organization made its biggest appeal ever for a single country, asking international donors to give more than $5 billion to fend off a humanitarian disaster. Save the Children said the number of critically malnourished children visiting its clinics in Afghanistan had doubled since August, with 40 children dying in December on their way to receive medical care. Jonas Gahr Store, the prime minister of Norway, whose country hosted meetings between Taliban representatives and Afghan civil society groups late last month, spoke to the Security Council about the urgency to expedite aid. “We need new agreements and commitments in place to be able to assist and help an extremely vulnerable civil population, and most vulnerable among them, the children who face hunger and suffering,” he said. Before the U.S.-backed Afghan government disintegrated in August as the Taliban overran the country, the health system relied on international aid to survive. But much of that funding has been frozen to comply with sanctions imposed on the Taliban. As a result, the International Rescue Committee recently predicted that 90% of Afghanistan’s health clinics were likely to shut down in the coming months. The World Health Organization has said that outbreaks of diarrhea, measles, dengue fever, malaria and COVID-19 threaten to overwhelm overburdened hospitals. Kabul’s Indira Gandhi hospital nearly shut down in October, when the unpaid staff had to cut down trees for cooking fires. A flush of funding in November from the International Committee of the Red Cross allowed it to keep its doors open and provide desperately needed medical supplies. The infusion could keep the hospital afloat for the next several months, according to Sadiq, the pediatrician. “After that, no one knows what will happen,” he said. While there have been other infusions of aid, including $308 million in relief authorized by the United States, they have not been enough to cover 1,200 health facilities and 11,000 health workers. Although the drastic decline in war-related casualties has relieved the burden of such patients on many hospitals, the suspension of operations by private facilities and the ability to safely travel Afghanistan’s roads has left other hospitals overrun with people. On a recent morning, the corridors of Indira Gandhi hospital were crammed with beds as patients’ family members squatted on floors amid parcels of food bought at the local bazaar. Patients’ meals consist of an egg, two apples, a milk packet, rice and juice, so many families supplement them with outside food. Some buy medicine at local pharmacies because the hospital can provide only about 70% of required medication, Sadiq said. In the children’s critical care ward, many of the tiny cribs held two or three infants. In the ward for premature babies, two newborns had been placed in some incubators designed for a single infant. “I’ve never seen it like this,” said Sadiq, who has worked at the hospital for more than three years. “And just imagine this same situation in every hospital in Afghanistan.” The hospital, the largest in Afghanistan, is squeezing 500 patients into the 360-bed facility, Dr. Hasibullah Rahimzay Wardak, the hospital director, said. More than 1,000 patients arrive on a typical day, many from distant provinces. About 250-300 are admitted daily. In the crowded malnutrition ward, 15-20 emaciated babies arrive daily, with about 60 infants filling the crowded malnutrition ward on any given day. The mortality rate is 2%-3%, Sadiq said. Soraya, 2, had arrived 20 days earlier, dangerously underweight and gasping for breath. Her mother, Sara, 17, sat by her child’s bed as the girl’s bony chest heaved up and down. Sadiq tenderly lifted the girl’s legs, which were limp and swollen. Soraya weighed 14 pounds on arrival, the doctor said, but weighed just 12 pounds now. Even so, he said, her condition had improved. Her chances of survival were good. Adding more pressure on Afghanistan’s overburdened health care system is a fourth wave of COVID-19. Yet the virus is an afterthought in Afghanistan, where many people struggle to find enough to eat every day. Few Afghans wear masks — even at the Ministry of Public Health in Kabul. There, officials clustered in groups on a recent weekday, greeting visitors with hugs and kisses, and ignoring faded signs saying masks were required throughout the building. At the Afghan-Japan Communicable Disease Hospital in Kabul, the only remaining COVID-19 facility in the capital, few staff members or patients complied with worn stickers on the floors that proclaimed: “Let’s Beat Coronavirus — Please keep at least 2 meters from people around you.” “When I try to talk to people about COVID-19, they say we have no food, no water, no electricity — why should we care about this virus?” said Dr. Tariq Ahmad Akbari, the hospital’s medical director. Akbari suspected that the omicron variant had entered the country, but the hospital lacked the medical equipment to test for variants. He and his staff had not been paid for five months, he said, and the hospital was critically low on oxygen supplies and health care workers. Seven of the hospital’s eight female doctors fled after the Taliban takeover in August, part of a hollowing out that reduced the staff from 350 to 190 the past five months. Four of the five staff microbiologists quit. And only five of the country’s 34 COVID-19 centers were still operating, Akbari said. Several staff members lived in the hospital in Kabul because, without salaries, they cannot afford rent, he said. The hospital was recently buoyed by a two-month stopgap grant of $800,000 from an affiliate of Johns Hopkins Hospital, Akbari said. And Afghanistan’s relative isolation after the Taliban takeover had likely helped contain the spread of COVID-19, he said. Up to 20 patients died per day during the previous wave, but just one or two a day now. And the hospital tests about 150 patients a day now, down from 600 to 700 daily tests during the second wave, Akbari said. He speculated that Afghans are so overwhelmed by other survival issues that they are less likely to seek treatment for COVID-19. Before the Taliban takeover, the Ministry of Public Health published detailed daily charts showing the number of coronavirus cases, hospitalizations and deaths — and the positivity rate for testing. But now the poorly funded ministry struggles to keep tabs on the pandemic. Of the more than 856,000 tests conducted since the first wave of COVID-19 in early 2020 — of an estimated population of nearly 40 million — roughly 163,000 were positive, a Health Ministry spokesperson said. More than 7,400 COVID-19 deaths had been confirmed since 2020, he said. But because testing is extremely limited and the cause of death is not recorded in many instances, particularly in rural areas of Afghanistan, no one knows the pandemic’s true scale. Akbari shook his head in frustration as he described how little was known about the virus in Afghanistan. Looking defeated, he said, “If we have a surge like we had during the second and third wave, we would not be equipped to handle it.”

Afghanistan’s health care system is collapsing under stress

The military investigation into the August 26 Kabul airport blast that left 173, including 13 US marines, dead has concluded that the attack was carried out by a lone suicide bomber, and the deaths are not preventable.

US Military: Attack was carried out by a lone suicide bomber

The Taliban on Friday released 14 women prisoners in Kabul in a bid to tackle global pressure. Office of Prisons Administration (OPA) of the Taliban announced that they have freed 14 women from the female prison in Kabul.&nbsp;

A statement issued by OPA to local media read, "14 women prisoners were released on Thursday, February 3 as a result of an assessment conducted by a five-member delegation."

This comes in as concerns grow over the disappearance of two women activists in Afghanistan. This is second such instance.&nbsp; 
Zahra Mohammadi and Mursal Ayar are the two female activists who went missing two days ago.&nbsp;

The US special envoy for Afghan women, Rina Amiri, on Twitter said, "These unjust detentions must stop. If the Taliban seek legitimacy from the Afghan people and the world they must respect Afghans' human rights - especially for women - including the freedom of expression and immediately release these women, their relatives and other activists."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-warn-against-womens-rights-activism-after-two-activists-were-seized-from-their-homes-446896">Also read |&nbsp;Taliban warn against women's rights activism after two activists were seized from their homes</a>

Earlier, Taliban authorities had warned that they have all the rights to crack down on dissent and jailed protestors. This happened after two women activists noted that two of their comrades were seized from their homes after they took part in a few demonstrations. According to reports by AFP, Tamana Zaryabi Paryani and Parwana Ibrahimkhel were abducted from their homes in Kabul.&nbsp;

Taliban government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid has denied that any women were being held. However, he said that the authorities had the right "to arrest and detain dissidents or those who break the law".

"Nobody should create turmoil, because it disrupts peace and order," he said while speaking to AFP.

Ever since the Taliban took over Afghanistan, the situation has not been so good, especially for women.

Demonstrations held by women have become a common phenomenon in the country. The Taliban has previously tried to prevent journalists from covering the march, organised against the "mysterious murders of young people, particularly the country's former soldiers", according to social media invitations.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Taliban on Friday released 14 women prisoners in Kabul in a bid to tackle global pressure. Office of Prisons Administration (OPA) of the Taliban announced that they have freed 14 women from the female prison in Kabul.

The Taliban on Friday released 14 women prisoners in Kabul in a bid to tackle global pressure. Office of Prisons Administration (OPA) of the Taliban announced that they have freed 14 women from the female prison in Kabul. A statement issued by OPA to local media read, "14 women prisoners were released on Thursday, February 3 as a result of an assessment conducted by a five-member delegation." This comes in as concerns grow over the disappearance of two women activists in Afghanistan. This is second such instance. Zahra Mohammadi and Mursal Ayar are the two female activists who went missing two days ago. The US special envoy for Afghan women, Rina Amiri, on Twitter said, "These unjust detentions must stop. If the Taliban seek legitimacy from the Afghan people and the world they must respect Afghans' human rights - especially for women - including the freedom of expression and immediately release these women, their relatives and other activists." Also read | Taliban warn against women's rights activism after two activists were seized from their homes Earlier, Taliban authorities had warned that they have all the rights to crack down on dissent and jailed protestors. This happened after two women activists noted that two of their comrades were seized from their homes after they took part in a few demonstrations. According to reports by AFP, Tamana Zaryabi Paryani and Parwana Ibrahimkhel were abducted from their homes in Kabul. Taliban government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid has denied that any women were being held. However, he said that the authorities had the right "to arrest and detain dissidents or those who break the law". "Nobody should create turmoil, because it disrupts peace and order," he said while speaking to AFP. Ever since the Taliban took over Afghanistan, the situation has not been so good, especially for women. Demonstrations held by women have become a common phenomenon in the country. The Taliban has previously tried to prevent journalists from covering the march, organised against the "mysterious murders of young people, particularly the country's former soldiers", according to social media invitations. (With inputs from agencies)

Taliban releases 14 women prisoners in Kabul amid global pressure

United Nations Human Rights Office on Tuesday expressed concern over kidnapping of six individuals who disappeared earlier this month in Kabul, capital of Afghanistan. The abductions took place following recent women's rights protests.

On January 19, Parwana Ibrahim Khil and her brother-in-law were abducted while travelling in Kabul, while Tamana Paryani and her three sisters disappeared from their home.&nbsp;

Both women had taken part in a peaceful demonstration on January 16 calling for respect for women`s rights.Since then, there have been reports coming in of house searches of other women in relation to their participation in protests.&nbsp;

The lack of clear information on the location and well-being of these and other individuals perpetuates a climate of fear and uncertainty.These reports have also brought into focus what appears to be a pattern of arbitrary arrests and detentions, as well as torture and ill-treatment, of civil society activists, journalists and media workers, and former Government and security forces personnel in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

"We are very alarmed at the continued disappearance of six people who were abducted in Kabul two weeks ago in connection with the recent women`s rights protests... Despite the de facto authorities` announcement on Saturday of an investigation into the disappearance of these individuals, there is still no confirmed information on their whereabouts," UN Human Rights Office Spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani told a press briefing in Geneva.

She also called on the Taliban "to publicly report on the findings of their investigation into the abduction and disappearance of these women activists and their relatives, to take all possible measures to ensure their safe and immediate release, and to hold those responsible to account.

"Since the Taliban seized power in Kabul in August last year, the international community repeatedly expressed concern for women`s rights in Afghanistan. Afghan women have staged several protests in the country since the outfit came to power to demand rights, including work and education."

(With inputs from agencies)

United Nations Human Rights Office on Tuesday expressed concern over kidnapping of six individuals who disappeared earlier this month in Kabul, capital of Afghanistan.

United Nations Human Rights Office on Tuesday expressed concern over kidnapping of six individuals who disappeared earlier this month in Kabul, capital of Afghanistan. The abductions took place following recent women's rights protests. On January 19, Parwana Ibrahim Khil and her brother-in-law were abducted while travelling in Kabul, while Tamana Paryani and her three sisters disappeared from their home. Both women had taken part in a peaceful demonstration on January 16 calling for respect for women`s rights.Since then, there have been reports coming in of house searches of other women in relation to their participation in protests. The lack of clear information on the location and well-being of these and other individuals perpetuates a climate of fear and uncertainty.These reports have also brought into focus what appears to be a pattern of arbitrary arrests and detentions, as well as torture and ill-treatment, of civil society activists, journalists and media workers, and former Government and security forces personnel in Afghanistan. "We are very alarmed at the continued disappearance of six people who were abducted in Kabul two weeks ago in connection with the recent women`s rights protests... Despite the de facto authorities` announcement on Saturday of an investigation into the disappearance of these individuals, there is still no confirmed information on their whereabouts," UN Human Rights Office Spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani told a press briefing in Geneva. She also called on the Taliban "to publicly report on the findings of their investigation into the abduction and disappearance of these women activists and their relatives, to take all possible measures to ensure their safe and immediate release, and to hold those responsible to account. "Since the Taliban seized power in Kabul in August last year, the international community repeatedly expressed concern for women`s rights in Afghanistan. Afghan women have staged several protests in the country since the outfit came to power to demand rights, including work and education." (With inputs from agencies)

UN expresses concern about abductions following women's rights protest in Kabul

The Taliban have stormed an apartment in Kabul after and arrested a woman rights activist along with her sisters. A group of 10 armed men claiming to be Taliban intelligence officials have smashed the door of an apartment in central Kabul.

Afghanistan: Taliban storms Kabul apartment, arrests woman activist and her sisters

Jacinda Adern-led government in New Zealand is facing heat for resettling Afghanistan’s former vice president and his 13 family members in the country while hundreds of Afghans who helped New Zealand forces remain trapped abroad and in fear for their lives.

According to NZ-based news website Stuff, Sarwar Danish– the second vice president of Afghanistan– flew into Auckland around Christmas with his wife, two sons and three daughters.

Associate immigration minister Phil Twyford confirmed that “Sarwar Danish and his family have been given safe haven in New Zealand”.

Danish, a member of Afghanistan’s ethnic Hazara minority, fled Kabul for Turkey along with other senior officials on August 16, shortly after the Taliban took control of the capital.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-ex-president-ashraf-ghani-is-in-uae-406635">Afghan ex-president Ashraf Ghani is in UAE</a>

New Zealand has granted 1,400 visas to Afghans after the Taliban took over Afghanistan in mid-August, the Guardian reported.

Out of those, only 800 were resettled in New Zealand, in part because New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) evacuation efforts from Kabul were halted after a suicide bomber attacked the Kabul airport in late August.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/i-have-been-made-a-scapegoat-ashraf-ghani-recalls-the-day-he-fled-afghanistan-denies-taking-money-441143">&nbsp;</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/i-have-been-made-a-scapegoat-ashraf-ghani-recalls-the-day-he-fled-afghanistan-denies-taking-money-441143">'I have been made a scapegoat': Ashraf Ghani recalls the day he fled Afghanistan, denies taking money</a>

An Afghan member who was associated with the NZDF in Kabul from 2009-2012 told Stuff that the government should have prioritized those Afghans who worked the forces and “not people like Danish who shared responsibility for the collapse of Afghanistan’s government”.

“It’s very frustrating that someone from the corrupt leadership of Afghanistan – with zero connection to New Zealand – has been resettled in this country, when people who directly supported the New Zealand SAS have been left behind,” he said.

“He was already safe in Turkey, so it would be hard to understand if Kiwi taxpayers are paying for Danish and his family to start a new life in New Zealand,” he added.

(With inputs from agencies)

Jacinda Adern-led government in New Zealand is facing heat for resettling Afghanistan’s former vice president and his 13 family members in the country while hundreds of Afghans who helped New Zealand forces remain trapped abroad and in fear for their lives.

Jacinda Adern-led government in New Zealand is facing heat for resettling Afghanistan’s former vice president and his 13 family members in the country while hundreds of Afghans who helped New Zealand forces remain trapped abroad and in fear for their lives. According to NZ-based news website Stuff, Sarwar Danish– the second vice president of Afghanistan– flew into Auckland around Christmas with his wife, two sons and three daughters. Associate immigration minister Phil Twyford confirmed that “Sarwar Danish and his family have been given safe haven in New Zealand”. Danish, a member of Afghanistan’s ethnic Hazara minority, fled Kabul for Turkey along with other senior officials on August 16, shortly after the Taliban took control of the capital. Also read | Afghan ex-president Ashraf Ghani is in UAE New Zealand has granted 1,400 visas to Afghans after the Taliban took over Afghanistan in mid-August, the Guardian reported. Out of those, only 800 were resettled in New Zealand, in part because New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) evacuation efforts from Kabul were halted after a suicide bomber attacked the Kabul airport in late August. Also read | 'I have been made a scapegoat': Ashraf Ghani recalls the day he fled Afghanistan, denies taking money An Afghan member who was associated with the NZDF in Kabul from 2009-2012 told Stuff that the government should have prioritized those Afghans who worked the forces and “not people like Danish who shared responsibility for the collapse of Afghanistan’s government”. “It’s very frustrating that someone from the corrupt leadership of Afghanistan – with zero connection to New Zealand – has been resettled in this country, when people who directly supported the New Zealand SAS have been left behind,” he said. “He was already safe in Turkey, so it would be hard to understand if Kiwi taxpayers are paying for Danish and his family to start a new life in New Zealand,” he added. (With inputs from agencies)

NZ govt slammed for prioritising resettlement of Afghan ex-VP over others

In Pics: Finally, reunited. Afghan baby lost in airlift chaos reaches family after long wait

An infant boy handed to a soldier across an airport wall in the chaos of the American evacuation of Afghanistan has been found and was reunited with his relatives in Kabul.

Baby lost in chaos of Afghanistan airlift returns to family after long ordeal

A new meeting of the United States, Russia, China and Pakistan under Extended Troika format is scheduled for January next year in Kabul. The date for talks is yet to be decided.

Extended Troika talks to be held in last week of January, date yet to be fixed

Afghanistan Air Force pilots spills insider details about Kabul's chaotic fall during the Taliban takeover of the nation.

Afghanistan Air Force pilots reveals new details about Kabul's chaotic fall amid Taliban takeover

It has been 135 days since the Taliban took over Kabul. With each passing day, the group is now taking Afghanistan back to the 1990s; rights and liberties of women are being snatched away one at a time but the afghan women are not ready to give up just yet. Their jobs education freedoms rights and all that they enjoyed for the last 20 years this time they have taken the fight into their own hands. Women in Afghanistan have been protesting in close spaces and out on the streets especially in Kabul.

Afghanistan: Taliban returns to old ways, uses bullets to silence protesting women

Turkey and Qatar agreed to jointly operate the Kabul International Airport in Afghanistan.

Turkey, Qatar Ink Deal To Jointly Operate Kabul Airport

A suicide bomber was killed at the gate of a passport office in the Afghan capital Kabul on Thursday, a government spokesman said, and several people were injured in the blast, according to unconfirmed reports.

A spokesman for Afghanistan's interior ministry said the attacker was shot and killed while trying to enter the passport office premises.

One member of the Taliban who was a witness told Reuters multiple people were injured, and the building and streets around the area were locked down by Taliban security forces.

Large crowds of Afghans have been thronging outside the passport office in a bid to get travel documents in recent days after the service was restarted after weeks of suspension.

Officials said that Thursdays are reserved as a special day for Taliban officials to visit the passport office to make travel documents.

A suicide bomber was killed at the gate of a passport office in the Afghan capital Kabul on Thursday, a government spokesman said, and several people were injured in the blast, according to unconfirmed reports.

A suicide bomber was killed at the gate of a passport office in the Afghan capital Kabul on Thursday, a government spokesman said, and several people were injured in the blast, according to unconfirmed reports. A spokesman for Afghanistan's interior ministry said the attacker was shot and killed while trying to enter the passport office premises. One member of the Taliban who was a witness told Reuters multiple people were injured, and the building and streets around the area were locked down by Taliban security forces. Large crowds of Afghans have been thronging outside the passport office in a bid to get travel documents in recent days after the service was restarted after weeks of suspension. Officials said that Thursdays are reserved as a special day for Taliban officials to visit the passport office to make travel documents.

Suicide bomber killed at Kabul passport office gate

Amid security concerns since the Taliban takeover of war-torn Afghanistan, the US makes it clear that it has no plans to reopen the Kabul embassy yet.

US: No plans reopen Kabul embassy amid security concerns in Afghanistan

After the Taliban government announced that it would resume issuing travel documents, people in Afghanistan rushed to the passport office on Sunday (December 19). AFP has reported that many people started waiting outside the office from the previous night.&nbsp;

Recently, deputy Foreign Minister, Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai weighed in on the migration issue as he said that if the political and economic situation doesn't change, there will be "more migration".&nbsp;

He was speaking at a special meeting meant to mark the UN's international migrants day which was attended by representatives of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and UNHCR, the United Nations refugee organisation.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/former-afghan-president-hamid-karzai-slams-pakistani-propaganda-on-afghanistan-438204">Former Afghan president Hamid Karzai slams Pakistani 'propaganda' on Afghanistan</a>

After the Taliban took control in Afghanistan, some&nbsp;people in the country want to leave. A few have medical emergencies as they need to go to some other country for&nbsp;treatments, some just intend to escape the Islamists' renewed rule.

Mohammed Osman Akbari, 60, said he was urgently trying to reach Pakistan, because dilapidated hospitals at home were unable to complete his heart surgery. He told AFP that medics "put springs in my heart", referring to a stent. "They need to be removed and it's not possible here."

The issue of passports was halted after the Taliban returned to power in August. However, in October, authorities reopened the passport office in Kabul only to suspend workdays later.&nbsp;

Now, the office said that the issue has been resolved and those whose applications were already in the process can now get their documents.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/at-oic-pakistan-warns-of-grave-consequences-from-afghan-economic-crisis-438127">At OIC, Pakistan warns of 'grave consequences' from Afghan economic crisis</a>

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Humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan

The United Nations has warned that Afghanistan is on the brink of the world's worst humanitarian crisis due to a lack of funds to run the economy. After the Taliban came to power, major donors halted their support for the country by freezing funds. Afghanistan also faced challenges of drought caused by global warming.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

After the Taliban government announced that it would resume issuing travel documents, people in Afghanistan rushed to the passport office on Sunday (December 19).

After the Taliban government announced that it would resume issuing travel documents, people in Afghanistan rushed to the passport office on Sunday (December 19). AFP has reported that many people started waiting outside the office from the previous night. Recently, deputy Foreign Minister, Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai weighed in on the migration issue as he said that if the political and economic situation doesn't change, there will be "more migration". He was speaking at a special meeting meant to mark the UN's international migrants day which was attended by representatives of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and UNHCR, the United Nations refugee organisation. ALSO READ | Former Afghan president Hamid Karzai slams Pakistani 'propaganda' on Afghanistan After the Taliban took control in Afghanistan, some people in the country want to leave. A few have medical emergencies as they need to go to some other country for treatments, some just intend to escape the Islamists' renewed rule. Mohammed Osman Akbari, 60, said he was urgently trying to reach Pakistan, because dilapidated hospitals at home were unable to complete his heart surgery. He told AFP that medics "put springs in my heart", referring to a stent. "They need to be removed and it's not possible here." The issue of passports was halted after the Taliban returned to power in August. However, in October, authorities reopened the passport office in Kabul only to suspend workdays later. Now, the office said that the issue has been resolved and those whose applications were already in the process can now get their documents. ALSO READ | At OIC, Pakistan warns of 'grave consequences' from Afghan economic crisis × Humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan The United Nations has warned that Afghanistan is on the brink of the world's worst humanitarian crisis due to a lack of funds to run the economy. After the Taliban came to power, major donors halted their support for the country by freezing funds. Afghanistan also faced challenges of drought caused by global warming. (With inputs from agencies)

After Taliban govt resumed issuing passports, hundreds queue outside the office in a bid to leave Afghanistan

Former Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai has said, in a surprising turn of events, that Taliban were invited to Kabul before they took over the capital city. Karzai said that he had invited the Taliban. The group had agreed to wait outside Kabul in order to discuss power-sharing agreement.

US-backed government in Afghanistan fell swiftly after foreign troops left the country. The power was seized by the Taliban on August 15 this year.

"It was a request to come in and protect the population, so that the country, the city doesn't fall into chaos. and the unwanted elements who would probably loot the country, loot shops...," he said in an interview with the Associated Press.

The day the Taliban came into power they told Karzai that government officials should stay in their place and they would not invade. "I and others spoke to various officials and assurances were given to us that, yes, that was the case, that the Americans and the government forces were holding firm to the places [and] that Kabul would not fall," Karzai said.

As negotiations were happening, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and other government officials left the country, in a move that hindered a peaceful transition agreement, said Karzai. He was quoted by Washington-based publication The Hill

The former Afghanistan President, who has been at the helm of humanitarian affairs in Afghanistan, has been holding talks with UN officials and other stakeholders in the country.

Karzai said that the Taliban government must now do all that is necessary within the country to safeguard the interests of all Afghans. 
The ongoing humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan is threatening basic rights, with women, girls, and civil society among those most affected.

On Tuesday, a senior UN rights official said that respect for fundamental rights and freedoms by authorities in Afghanistan is critical to ensuring stability in the country.

"How the de facto authorities - indeed, and the international community - address the drastic economic and humanitarian crises in the country will determine Afghans' enjoyment of human rights, now and into the future," said Nada Al-Nashif, United Nations Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights, during a press briefing.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Former Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai has said, in a surprising turn of events, that Taliban were invited to Kabul before they took over the capital city. Karzai said that he had invited the Taliban.

Former Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai has said, in a surprising turn of events, that Taliban were invited to Kabul before they took over the capital city. Karzai said that he had invited the Taliban. The group had agreed to wait outside Kabul in order to discuss power-sharing agreement. US-backed government in Afghanistan fell swiftly after foreign troops left the country. The power was seized by the Taliban on August 15 this year. "It was a request to come in and protect the population, so that the country, the city doesn't fall into chaos. and the unwanted elements who would probably loot the country, loot shops...," he said in an interview with the Associated Press. The day the Taliban came into power they told Karzai that government officials should stay in their place and they would not invade. "I and others spoke to various officials and assurances were given to us that, yes, that was the case, that the Americans and the government forces were holding firm to the places [and] that Kabul would not fall," Karzai said. As negotiations were happening, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and other government officials left the country, in a move that hindered a peaceful transition agreement, said Karzai. He was quoted by Washington-based publication The Hill The former Afghanistan President, who has been at the helm of humanitarian affairs in Afghanistan, has been holding talks with UN officials and other stakeholders in the country. Karzai said that the Taliban government must now do all that is necessary within the country to safeguard the interests of all Afghans. The ongoing humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan is threatening basic rights, with women, girls, and civil society among those most affected. On Tuesday, a senior UN rights official said that respect for fundamental rights and freedoms by authorities in Afghanistan is critical to ensuring stability in the country. "How the de facto authorities - indeed, and the international community - address the drastic economic and humanitarian crises in the country will determine Afghans' enjoyment of human rights, now and into the future," said Nada Al-Nashif, United Nations Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights, during a press briefing. (With inputs from agencies)

I invited Taliban to Kabul, says former Afghan president Hamid Karzai

In an interview, former Afghan President Hamid Karzai offered some of the first insights into the secret and sudden departure of Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and how he came to invite the Taliban into the city.

Invited the Taliban to prevent chaos in Afghanistan, says Former Afghan President Hamid Karzai

WION examines global issues with in-depth analysis and brings you a quick round-up of all the top headlines and breakings from all across the world.

WION Speed News: Kabul drone strike | Sudan anti-coup protests

The US' Pentagon has said that no American troops or officials will be held accountable for a drone strike that killed 10 people in Afghanistan in August.

No US troops to be held accountable for Kabul drone strike, says Pentagon

Afghanistan activist Omaid Sharifi had fled Kabul during the Taliban takeover has vowed to revive the country's art scene. Sharifi had spent seven years transforming stretches of Kabul's labyrinthine concrete blast walls with colourful murals.

Afghanistan artist fled Kabul amid Taliban takeover vows to revive country's art

A special flight with more than 100 people onboard has arrived in New Delhi on Friday.

The flight&nbsp;carried&nbsp;several Afghan Sikhs and Indians, a PTI report said citing people familiar with the matter. &nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistans-economic-collapse-is-happening-before-our-eyes-un-435781" hreflang="en">Afghanistan's economic collapse is happening 'before our eyes': UN</a>

It seems the group is also looking to bring three Guru Granth Sahibs and some Hindu religious texts from the ancient Asamai Mandir in Kabul. &nbsp;

More than 90 Afghans, who have been stranded in India, may also fly back home along with some medical supplies on the return flight, the sources said. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-hill-city-where-general-bipin-rawats-chopper-crashed-mourns-enters-voluntary-shutdown-to-pay-homage-435739" hreflang="en">Indian hill city where General Bipin Rawat's chopper crashed mourns, enters voluntary shutdown to pay homage</a>

The Indian government and the Afghan embassy in Delhi have been coordinating to arrange the flight, the sources added. &nbsp;

Earlier, Puneet Singh Chandhok, president, Indian World Forum, said it is a matter of pride that the "three holy Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji from historical Gurdwaras in Afghanistan and Hindu religious scriptures including Ramayana, Mahabharat and Bhagavad Gita" from ancient 5th Century Asamai Mandir in Kabul are being brought to Delhi. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

A special flight with more than 100 people onboard has arrived in New Delhi on Friday. The flight carried several Afghan Sikhs and Indians, a PTI report said citing people familiar with the matter.

A special flight with more than 100 people onboard has arrived in New Delhi on Friday. The flight carried several Afghan Sikhs and Indians, a PTI report said citing people familiar with the matter. Also Read | Afghanistan's economic collapse is happening 'before our eyes': UN It seems the group is also looking to bring three Guru Granth Sahibs and some Hindu religious texts from the ancient Asamai Mandir in Kabul. More than 90 Afghans, who have been stranded in India, may also fly back home along with some medical supplies on the return flight, the sources said. Also Read: Indian hill city where General Bipin Rawat's chopper crashed mourns, enters voluntary shutdown to pay homage The Indian government and the Afghan embassy in Delhi have been coordinating to arrange the flight, the sources added. Earlier, Puneet Singh Chandhok, president, Indian World Forum, said it is a matter of pride that the "three holy Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji from historical Gurdwaras in Afghanistan and Hindu religious scriptures including Ramayana, Mahabharat and Bhagavad Gita" from ancient 5th Century Asamai Mandir in Kabul are being brought to Delhi. (With inputs from agencies)

Special flight with over 100 people, religious texts arrives in Delhi from Kabul

It has been nearly four months but the United States and its allies continue to face questions over the Kabul evacuation. The British government came under fire over a whistleblower's claim alleging that Britain's foreign office abandoned many of the nation' allies leaving them to the mercy of the Taliban.

Prioritizing dogs over humans? Boris Johnson government defends handling of Kabul evacuation

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has got embroiled in yet another controversy. This time, a letter, which has been leaked, shows the UK’s foreign office and Johnson may have swept under the carpet the PM’s role in airlifting over 150 cats and dogs from Afghanistan. &nbsp;

Labour MP Chris Bryant said that there had been an attempt to “cover up” personal intervention by the PM. &nbsp;

In the letter, which was tweeted by LBC’s Theo Usherwood on Tuesday, it was said that charity worker Pen Farthing, his staff and the animals could be airlifted from Kabul in August during the evacuations. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The letter, which was sent to Farthing, was signed by Trudy Harrison, MP for Copeland and parliamentary private secretary to the prime minister. &nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/afghan-evacuation-whistleblowers-devastating-account-slams-uks-foreign-office-434779" hreflang="en">Afghan evacuation: Whistleblower’s devastating account slams UK’s foreign office</a>

The letter said, “I have received confirmation … that you, your staff and their dependents are permitted to travel.” All 68 people can be given space on a RAF plane, while the animals could be “evacuated on a separate, chartered flight”. &nbsp;

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At lunchtime Number 10 said a whistleblower’s claim the PM and his wife were involved in the evacuation of Nowzad staff was “untrue”. 
 
Just been passed a letter from the PM’s PPS Trudy Harrison to Pen Farthing to confirm Nowzad staff could travel to the airport to be evacuated. <a href="https://t.co/zYLLU0L4aG">pic.twitter.com/zYLLU0L4aG</a>
— Theo Usherwood (@theousherwood) <a href="https://twitter.com/theousherwood/status/1468275546031280128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2021</a></blockquote>
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On claims made by whistleblower over chaotic evacuation due to sorry state of affairs at UK Foreign Office, Johnson’s spokesperson had denied any intervention by the PM. &nbsp;

There were also claims that pets were getting prioritised over people during the evacuation. &nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/early-indications-omicron-variant-more-transmissible-than-delta-uk-pm-johnson-434892" hreflang="en">Early indications Omicron variant more transmissible than Delta: UK PM Johnson</a>

Johnson’s spokesperson said, “At no point, did the prime minister intervene. We have always prioritised people over animals, as we said both during and subsequently.” &nbsp;&nbsp;

Responding to the letter, No 10 said, “This was an operational decision … This letter was nothing to do with Harrison’s role as the PM’s PPS, she was acting in her capacity as a constituency MP.” &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has got embroiled in yet another controversy. This time, a letter, which has been leaked, shows the UK’s foreign office and Johnson may have swept under the carpet the PM’s role in airlifting over 150 cats and dogs from Afghanistan.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has got embroiled in yet another controversy. This time, a letter, which has been leaked, shows the UK’s foreign office and Johnson may have swept under the carpet the PM’s role in airlifting over 150 cats and dogs from Afghanistan. Labour MP Chris Bryant said that there had been an attempt to “cover up” personal intervention by the PM. In the letter, which was tweeted by LBC’s Theo Usherwood on Tuesday, it was said that charity worker Pen Farthing, his staff and the animals could be airlifted from Kabul in August during the evacuations. The letter, which was sent to Farthing, was signed by Trudy Harrison, MP for Copeland and parliamentary private secretary to the prime minister. Also Read | Afghan evacuation: Whistleblower’s devastating account slams UK’s foreign office The letter said, “I have received confirmation … that you, your staff and their dependents are permitted to travel.” All 68 people can be given space on a RAF plane, while the animals could be “evacuated on a separate, chartered flight”. At lunchtime Number 10 said a whistleblower’s claim the PM and his wife were involved in the evacuation of Nowzad staff was “untrue”. Just been passed a letter from the PM’s PPS Trudy Harrison to Pen Farthing to confirm Nowzad staff could travel to the airport to be evacuated. pic.twitter.com/zYLLU0L4aG — Theo Usherwood (@theousherwood) December 7, 2021 × On claims made by whistleblower over chaotic evacuation due to sorry state of affairs at UK Foreign Office, Johnson’s spokesperson had denied any intervention by the PM. There were also claims that pets were getting prioritised over people during the evacuation. Also Read | Early indications Omicron variant more transmissible than Delta: UK PM Johnson Johnson’s spokesperson said, “At no point, did the prime minister intervene. We have always prioritised people over animals, as we said both during and subsequently.” Responding to the letter, No 10 said, “This was an operational decision … This letter was nothing to do with Harrison’s role as the PM’s PPS, she was acting in her capacity as a constituency MP.” (With inputs from agencies)

Letter showing UK PM’s role in animals’ evacuation from Kabul surfaces

European Union's special envoy on Afghanistan, Tomas Niklasson, who is in Delhi, has welcomed the Indian government's offer to send humanitarian support of 50,000 MT of wheat to Afghanistan. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The Indian support offer comes as onset of winter in Afghanistan is worsening the situation in the war-torn country for many residents. The country witnessed a Taliban takeover in August. &nbsp;

Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Niklasson said, "There is a very strong overlap in way, or a very similar analysis of the situation" by India and EU when it comes to Afghanistan and both are "looking to see if there are concrete areas where we can work." In Delhi, the EU special envoy met India’s Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla and JS PAI JP Singh. &nbsp;

Niklasson has come to Delhi from Doha where he had held talks with Taliban delegation led by its Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi. One of the key issues raised by EU during the meet was human rights, women's rights, lack of inclusivity of Taliban-led government, etc. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Asked about if EU plans to recognise the regime, he said, "We are not rushing into recognition, we are not recognising, we haven't recognised the Taliban regime, the interim government. We do, however, see the need to engage with them". &nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sidhant Sibal: What kind of conversations you had in Delhi with the India’s Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla and JS PAI JP Singh? &nbsp;

Tomas Niklasson: We had a very good meeting on Wednesday with the foreign secretary and also with the joint secretary working on Afghanistan, whom I have met before. Basically, the purpose of my visit is to explore with Indian officials, understand better how they see the situation, what challenges they see are coming from Afghanistan, what solution they see, how we can work together and I am pleased to see what we basically knew from before that there is a very strong overlap in way or a very similar analysis of the situation and now looking to see if there are concrete areas where we can work. &nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sidhant Sibal: What are these concrete areas where India and EU can work on Afghanistan? &nbsp;

Tomas Niklasson: To start with, we need to have a common understanding of the situation, that we already have. We should also, try to harmonise the messages that we are sending to the Taliban appointed interim government, in terms of what is expected from them, respect for human rights, Afghanistan not again being a threat to other countries, inclusivity of the government and some other issues and that is something we can work on but not exclusively between EU and India and I see convergence among partners in the region and beyond. It is the same thing we tell and that is a good thing. &nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-announces-first-if-its-kind-nuclear-programme-to-have-9-nuclear-reactors-by-2024-433654" hreflang="en">India announces 'first if its kind' nuclear programme, to have 9 nuclear reactors by 2024</a>

&nbsp;

Sidhant Sibal: What kind of conversation you had in Doha with Taliban FM Muttaqi and do you plan to recognise the Taliban government in Kabul? &nbsp;

Tomas Niklasson: I will start with second question because that is the easiest and shortest one. The answer is no, we are not rushing into recognition, we haven't recognised the Taliban regime, the interim government. We do, however, see the need to engage with them and our conversation in Doha this weekend, with acting Taliban foreign minister and the delegation from Kabul touched on the areas I just mentioned. We talked on inclusivity of the government, human rights, counter terrorism, access to humanitarian assistance and safe passage, which means Afghans under threat, people, which need safe passage to be able to leave the country. &nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sidhant Sibal: But do you think Taliban is serious about these issues, like human rights, women's education? &nbsp;

Tomas Niklasson: We have discussed the issue of inclusive government and I made it very clear, you are absolutely right that there are no women in the leading position that is something we talked about. On inclusivity, there are other aspects, such as ethnicity, non-Taliban and non-Pashtuns, should have a stronger role if they want government to be recognised by its own people. There is a lot of talk about international recognition but equally important or some would say even more important is to be recognised by own people. When it comes to the right of women, long way to go. We talked about education and there was a clear commitment and clear declaration that it is a policy of the interim government that women and girls should go to school. But obviously this is not happening and we need to see it, we need to push and monitor and ensure girls get access to education. We could even see or support the payments of stipend, to incentivise teachers, so that education can be provided but that can only happen if girls have access. &nbsp;

&nbsp;

Sidhant Sibal: India is keen to send humanitarian aid to Afghan people, but there are some hindrances. &nbsp;

Tomas Niklasson: Humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan is absolutely crucial. EU has raised its pledges of humanitarian assistance from 60 million euros to 300 million euros. Our member states have pledged another 400 million euros and we appreciate contributions from other countries and also appreciate India's offer to send 50,000 MT of wheat to Afghanistan. There were some references in our conversation that there were talks going on to solve the issue between India and Pakistan. I am not aware how these talks are progressing, I am not aware of specific details but obviously for the sake of people of Afghanistan, we will very much hope that a solution can be found quickly. &nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sidhant Sibal: Pakistan has influence when it comes Taliban. What role do you see of the government in Islamabad when it comes to making sure Taliban fulfills its commitment. Do you think Taliban is playing a negative role or it is playing a certain positive role? &nbsp;

Tomas Niklasson: I don't think it is constructive to try to put countries in either of those categories. The relationship between Afghanistan and Pakistan is complex and long and we can talk about history, how the countries suffered. Pakistan has paid a heavy price. It has been very clear to me that many Indian voices consider Pakistan to have played negative role but we have seen positive elements. They have generously hosted large number of Afghanistan refugees for decades at a very high price, in terms of how it has impacted the country. They have played a constructive role now in helping the Afghan people and foreign citizens leave the country. So, I would not like to or don't find it helpful to try to draw up a net value. We try to work with countries including India and Pakistan and see that the messaging and the identification of these messages we need to send to the Taliban are very similar and we all need to make progress from words to action. So rather than qualifying, who is playing negative or positive role, we should look as to how each can contribute for the sake of people and for peace and stability. &nbsp;

&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-free-covid-treatment-if-not-vaccinated-in-this-indias-southern-state-433657" hreflang="en">No free Covid treatment if not vaccinated in this India’s southern state</a>

&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sidhant Sibal: What do you think is the biggest challenge, one is of course, humanitarian aid, and what EU can do about it? &nbsp;

Tomas Niklasson: In short term, winter is already in Afghanistan and humanitarian challenge is a priority. We already have people on the ground in Kabul, we have international humanitarian staff working day and night to make sure our pledges of 300 million euros are translated into medicine, food, cloths and the essentials people need to survive. We work through international organisations, UN organisations and NGOs to make sure that this happens and it is. We see fast progress and there are significant challenges in getting resources into the country, not just the Indian wheat, but liquidity problem, but my basic message is we never left Afghanistan in terms of the humanitarian assistance, we have worked with Afghanistan for more than 20 years and we continue to do everything we can to help the Afghan people because our commitment to it remains very strong. &nbsp;

&nbsp; &nbsp;

Sidhant Sibal: Any plans to open full-fledged mission of EU in Kabul? &nbsp;

Tomas Niklasson: There are no plans to open full-fledged mission in Kabul. We had a quite substantial presence; we were providing development assistance of 200-300 million euros per year. This is not happening; this is not possible. What we are considering is if we can have very small number of colleagues, no ambassador, no head of delegation but few people, who can help on the one hand when it comes to humanitarian assistance and second to help Afghans whom we have obligations and big responsibility for, in terms of safe passage. This will depend, if we can do that and when we can do that, on the security situation, how it evolves and it depends on the mechanism we can put in place to secure our staff. which is an absolute priority for us but provided we can solve these issues; this can happen sooner or later.&nbsp;

European Union's special envoy on Afghanistan, Tomas Niklasson, who is in Delhi, has welcomed the Indian government's offer to send humanitarian support of 50,000 MT of wheat to Afghanistan.

European Union's special envoy on Afghanistan, Tomas Niklasson, who is in Delhi, has welcomed the Indian government's offer to send humanitarian support of 50,000 MT of wheat to Afghanistan. The Indian support offer comes as onset of winter in Afghanistan is worsening the situation in the war-torn country for many residents. The country witnessed a Taliban takeover in August. Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Niklasson said, "There is a very strong overlap in way, or a very similar analysis of the situation" by India and EU when it comes to Afghanistan and both are "looking to see if there are concrete areas where we can work." In Delhi, the EU special envoy met India’s Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla and JS PAI JP Singh. Niklasson has come to Delhi from Doha where he had held talks with Taliban delegation led by its Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi. One of the key issues raised by EU during the meet was human rights, women's rights, lack of inclusivity of Taliban-led government, etc. Asked about if EU plans to recognise the regime, he said, "We are not rushing into recognition, we are not recognising, we haven't recognised the Taliban regime, the interim government. We do, however, see the need to engage with them". Sidhant Sibal: What kind of conversations you had in Delhi with the India’s Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla and JS PAI JP Singh? Tomas Niklasson: We had a very good meeting on Wednesday with the foreign secretary and also with the joint secretary working on Afghanistan, whom I have met before. Basically, the purpose of my visit is to explore with Indian officials, understand better how they see the situation, what challenges they see are coming from Afghanistan, what solution they see, how we can work together and I am pleased to see what we basically knew from before that there is a very strong overlap in way or a very similar analysis of the situation and now looking to see if there are concrete areas where we can work. Sidhant Sibal: What are these concrete areas where India and EU can work on Afghanistan? Tomas Niklasson: To start with, we need to have a common understanding of the situation, that we already have. We should also, try to harmonise the messages that we are sending to the Taliban appointed interim government, in terms of what is expected from them, respect for human rights, Afghanistan not again being a threat to other countries, inclusivity of the government and some other issues and that is something we can work on but not exclusively between EU and India and I see convergence among partners in the region and beyond. It is the same thing we tell and that is a good thing. Also Read: India announces 'first if its kind' nuclear programme, to have 9 nuclear reactors by 2024 Sidhant Sibal: What kind of conversation you had in Doha with Taliban FM Muttaqi and do you plan to recognise the Taliban government in Kabul? Tomas Niklasson: I will start with second question because that is the easiest and shortest one. The answer is no, we are not rushing into recognition, we haven't recognised the Taliban regime, the interim government. We do, however, see the need to engage with them and our conversation in Doha this weekend, with acting Taliban foreign minister and the delegation from Kabul touched on the areas I just mentioned. We talked on inclusivity of the government, human rights, counter terrorism, access to humanitarian assistance and safe passage, which means Afghans under threat, people, which need safe passage to be able to leave the country. Sidhant Sibal: But do you think Taliban is serious about these issues, like human rights, women's education? Tomas Niklasson: We have discussed the issue of inclusive government and I made it very clear, you are absolutely right that there are no women in the leading position that is something we talked about. On inclusivity, there are other aspects, such as ethnicity, non-Taliban and non-Pashtuns, should have a stronger role if they want government to be recognised by its own people. There is a lot of talk about international recognition but equally important or some would say even more important is to be recognised by own people. When it comes to the right of women, long way to go. We talked about education and there was a clear commitment and clear declaration that it is a policy of the interim government that women and girls should go to school. But obviously this is not happening and we need to see it, we need to push and monitor and ensure girls get access to education. We could even see or support the payments of stipend, to incentivise teachers, so that education can be provided but that can only happen if girls have access. Sidhant Sibal: India is keen to send humanitarian aid to Afghan people, but there are some hindrances. Tomas Niklasson: Humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan is absolutely crucial. EU has raised its pledges of humanitarian assistance from 60 million euros to 300 million euros. Our member states have pledged another 400 million euros and we appreciate contributions from other countries and also appreciate India's offer to send 50,000 MT of wheat to Afghanistan. There were some references in our conversation that there were talks going on to solve the issue between India and Pakistan. I am not aware how these talks are progressing, I am not aware of specific details but obviously for the sake of people of Afghanistan, we will very much hope that a solution can be found quickly. Sidhant Sibal: Pakistan has influence when it comes Taliban. What role do you see of the government in Islamabad when it comes to making sure Taliban fulfills its commitment. Do you think Taliban is playing a negative role or it is playing a certain positive role? Tomas Niklasson: I don't think it is constructive to try to put countries in either of those categories. The relationship between Afghanistan and Pakistan is complex and long and we can talk about history, how the countries suffered. Pakistan has paid a heavy price. It has been very clear to me that many Indian voices consider Pakistan to have played negative role but we have seen positive elements. They have generously hosted large number of Afghanistan refugees for decades at a very high price, in terms of how it has impacted the country. They have played a constructive role now in helping the Afghan people and foreign citizens leave the country. So, I would not like to or don't find it helpful to try to draw up a net value. We try to work with countries including India and Pakistan and see that the messaging and the identification of these messages we need to send to the Taliban are very similar and we all need to make progress from words to action. So rather than qualifying, who is playing negative or positive role, we should look as to how each can contribute for the sake of people and for peace and stability. Also Read: No free Covid treatment if not vaccinated in this India’s southern state Sidhant Sibal: What do you think is the biggest challenge, one is of course, humanitarian aid, and what EU can do about it? Tomas Niklasson: In short term, winter is already in Afghanistan and humanitarian challenge is a priority. We already have people on the ground in Kabul, we have international humanitarian staff working day and night to make sure our pledges of 300 million euros are translated into medicine, food, cloths and the essentials people need to survive. We work through international organisations, UN organisations and NGOs to make sure that this happens and it is. We see fast progress and there are significant challenges in getting resources into the country, not just the Indian wheat, but liquidity problem, but my basic message is we never left Afghanistan in terms of the humanitarian assistance, we have worked with Afghanistan for more than 20 years and we continue to do everything we can to help the Afghan people because our commitment to it remains very strong. Sidhant Sibal: Any plans to open full-fledged mission of EU in Kabul? Tomas Niklasson: There are no plans to open full-fledged mission in Kabul. We had a quite substantial presence; we were providing development assistance of 200-300 million euros per year. This is not happening; this is not possible. What we are considering is if we can have very small number of colleagues, no ambassador, no head of delegation but few people, who can help on the one hand when it comes to humanitarian assistance and second to help Afghans whom we have obligations and big responsibility for, in terms of safe passage. This will depend, if we can do that and when we can do that, on the security situation, how it evolves and it depends on the mechanism we can put in place to secure our staff. which is an absolute priority for us but provided we can solve these issues; this can happen sooner or later.

EU special envoy on Afghanistan lauds India's humanitarian support offer to Kabul  

European Union's special envoy on Afghanistan, Tomas Niklasson who is in Delhi has welcomed the Indian govt's offer to send humanitarian support of 50,000 MT of wheat to the people of Afghanistan. The Indian support comes even as the onset of winters in Afghanistan is worsening the situation in the country for many common Afghans. The country saw a Taliban takeover in the month of August. Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Niklasson said," there is a very strong overlap in a way, or a very similar analysis of the situation" by India, EU when it comes to Afghanistan, and both are "looking to see if there are concrete areas where we can work." In Delhi, the EU special envoy met India’s Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla and JS PAI JP Singh. Niklasson has come to Delhi from Doha where he had talks with the Taliban delegation led by its Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi. One of the key issues raised by the EU during the meet was human rights, women's rights, lack of inclusivity of Taliban-led govt, etc. Asked about if EU plans to recognise the regime, he said, "we are not rushing into recognition, we are not recognizing, we haven't recognized the Taliban regime, the interim govt. We do however see the need to engage with them".

WION Exclusive: EU Special envoy on Afghanistan lauds India's offer of humanitarian support to Kabul

EU special envoy Tomas Niklasson lauds India's humanitarian support offer to Kabul

A Taliban official has claimed that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has banned Afghanistan’s former president Ashraf Ghani from engaging in Afghan politics.

Ghani and his family members have been living in exile in UAE after the Taliban ousted the civilian government in Kabul in mid-August.&nbsp;

The Taliban's deputy spokesperson Ahmadullah Wasiq said the UAE had also barred Ghani's former national security adviser Hamdullah Mohib and the governor of Balikh province Atta Muhammad Noor from engaging in political activities.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/taliban-have-won-rise-and-fall-of-afghan-president-ashraf-ghani-405867">'Taliban have won': Rise and fall of Afghan President Ashraf Ghani</a>

“The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has banned all officials in Ashraf Ghani’s administration living in Dubai and other cities. This restriction includes Ashraf Ghani, Atta Noor and Mohib,” Wasiq tweeted on Sunday in the Pashto language.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-and-911-families-fight-for-billions-in-frozen-afghan-funds-432862">Taliban and 9/11 families fight for billions in frozen Afghan funds</a>

However, relatives of the former Afghan president, and Ata Mohammad Noor, leader of the splinter faction of the Jamiat-e-Islami Afghanistan, denied that such restrictions were being imposed, reports TOLO news.

Watch

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/taliban-uae-bans-ashraf-ghani-from-taking-part-in-afghanistan-politics-433034/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

“The policy that the UAE has towards politicians living there means that it doesn’t allow anyone to engage in political activities. These procedures are not only for president Ashraf Ghani. These procedures were imposed on&nbsp;Benazir Bhutto and the former prime minister of Thailand,” said Hashmat Ghani, brother of the former president.

According to TOLO news, the UAE has neither verified nor issued any remark on the claimed constraints on the former Afghan President&nbsp;and his advisers' involvement in political activities.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/national-geographics-famous-green-eyed-afghan-girl-arrived-in-italy-after-evacuation-431991">National Geographic’s famous green-eyed 'Afghan Girl' arrived in Italy after evacuation</a>

This comes amid reports that UAE held secret talks with the Taliban to run the Kabul Hamid Karzai International Airport.

UAE officials have held a series of discussions with the group in recent weeks to discuss operating the airport that serves as landlocked Afghanistan's main air link to the world, the foreign diplomats based in the Gulf region told Reuters.

UAE is reportedly keen to counter diplomatic clout enjoyed there by Qatar, which has been helping in running the Kabul airport along with Turkey after playing a major role in evacuation efforts following the chaotic US withdrawal in August.

(With inputs from agencies)

A Taliban official has claimed that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has banned Afghanistan’s former president Ashraf Ghani from engaging in Afghan politics. Ghani and his family members have been living in exile in UAE after the Taliban ousted the civilian government in Kabul in mid-August.

A Taliban official has claimed that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has banned Afghanistan’s former president Ashraf Ghani from engaging in Afghan politics. Ghani and his family members have been living in exile in UAE after the Taliban ousted the civilian government in Kabul in mid-August. The Taliban's deputy spokesperson Ahmadullah Wasiq said the UAE had also barred Ghani's former national security adviser Hamdullah Mohib and the governor of Balikh province Atta Muhammad Noor from engaging in political activities. Also read | 'Taliban have won': Rise and fall of Afghan President Ashraf Ghani “The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has banned all officials in Ashraf Ghani’s administration living in Dubai and other cities. This restriction includes Ashraf Ghani, Atta Noor and Mohib,” Wasiq tweeted on Sunday in the Pashto language. Also read | Taliban and 9/11 families fight for billions in frozen Afghan funds However, relatives of the former Afghan president, and Ata Mohammad Noor, leader of the splinter faction of the Jamiat-e-Islami Afghanistan, denied that such restrictions were being imposed, reports TOLO news. Watch “The policy that the UAE has towards politicians living there means that it doesn’t allow anyone to engage in political activities. These procedures are not only for president Ashraf Ghani. These procedures were imposed on Benazir Bhutto and the former prime minister of Thailand,” said Hashmat Ghani, brother of the former president. According to TOLO news, the UAE has neither verified nor issued any remark on the claimed constraints on the former Afghan President and his advisers' involvement in political activities. Also read | National Geographic’s famous green-eyed 'Afghan Girl' arrived in Italy after evacuation This comes amid reports that UAE held secret talks with the Taliban to run the Kabul Hamid Karzai International Airport. UAE officials have held a series of discussions with the group in recent weeks to discuss operating the airport that serves as landlocked Afghanistan's main air link to the world, the foreign diplomats based in the Gulf region told Reuters. UAE is reportedly keen to counter diplomatic clout enjoyed there by Qatar, which has been helping in running the Kabul airport along with Turkey after playing a major role in evacuation efforts following the chaotic US withdrawal in August. (With inputs from agencies)

Taliban claim UAE banned ex-president Ghani from engaging in Afghan politics

Taliban forces held a military parade in Kabul on Sunday to display their ongoing transformation from an insurgent force to a regular standing army. Interestingly American-made armored vehicles and Russian helicopters were on full display at the parade.

Afghanistan: Show of might by the Taliban forces in Kabul

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