Pakistan's foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi may visit Kabul soon. Reportedly, humanitarian aid and cross border terrorism on the agenda. Earlier, Pakistan's ISI's chief Lieutenant General Faiz Hameed had visted Afghanistan.

Pakistan foreign minister Qureshi to visit Kabul

On the heels of the Moscow format talks, Pakistan foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has arrived in Kabul, and he is expected to meet senior Taliban leaders. Our correspondent Anas Mallick has been tracking all the developments.

Afghanistan: Pakistan foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi arrives in Kabul

A beauty salon in Taliban-controlled Kabul has became a place where women can relax among themselves outside the household and share their woes. Salon owner Mohadessa has kept her beauty salon open despite threats from Afghanistan's new rulers.

This beauty salon shielding women In Taliban-controlled Kabul

In pics | Beauty salon—a safe haven for women in Taliban's Kabul

With shaved heads, oversized tunics and the terrified gaze of the hunted, the drug addicts rounded up by the Taliban brace for 45 days of painful withdrawal.

For some, the hardliners&nbsp;raids may potentially help them cast off the yoke of addiction.

But for many the stay at Kabul's Ibn Sina centre will just mark a short change of scene, marked by a brutal approach to forcing users off their powerful dependence.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/malala-sends-letter-to-taliban-one-month-after-girls-school-ban-421804">Malala sends letter to Taliban one month after girls school ban</a>

Before the Taliban marched into Kabul on August 15, police in the capital would sometimes arrest addicts and transfer them to the centre.

But since the hardline Islamists took control, the frequency of raids on areas where addicts gather appears to have increased.

Hundreds of users shelter in squalid conditions at Pul-e-Sukhta, under a bridge in western Kabul synonymous with hard drugs and violent crime.

They recognise the rehab clinic's ambulance, and those who can lift themselves off the fetid ground stagger down the rubbish-strewn Paghman River to avoid capture, while many are too intoxicated to wake up.

Two Taliban fighters, armed with M16 and AK-47 rifles, prod the comatose heroin and methamphetamine users with their gun barrels as outreach workers wrestle with men before forcing them to the vehicle.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-are-not-terrorists-us-has-a-wrong-understanding-zabihullah-mujahid-to-wion-421788">Taliban are not terrorists, US has a wrong understanding: Zabihullah Mujahid to WION</a>

Raw sewage runs straight into the boggy river bed, and the stench of urine, faeces and vomit in the crowded drug den is overwhelming.

Cushions, blankets, sandbags and tarpaulins make up the ramshackle camp, which is littered with the addicts' paraphernalia: syringes, wraps, foil and pipes.

The gunmen fire a few shots into the air to assert their authority and shock the addicts, before about 20 are rounded up and whisked away.

<h2>Searches and checks&nbsp;</h2>

During their 45-day rehabilitation stay at the 1,000-bed centre, the men spend their time lying on cots in large dormitories or crouched in the yard, soaking up the autumn sun.&nbsp;

There is little methadone available to help wean the opium and heroin addicts, and nothing to remove the withdrawal pains for those being weaned off of meth, doctors say.

This morning, Emal, 36, shuffles into the registration room.

A volunteer, who like many others working here is a former addict, opens his logbook.

- Name? Emal.

- Your father's name? Abdul Matin.

- Married? Yes. I have three children, two girls and one boy.

- Working? Not currently.

- What drugs do you take? Crystal (meth).

- Have you been here before? Yes, three times. This is my fourth. I was discharged 10 days ago.

As Emal leaves, 22-year-old Bilal Ahmad, skinny and jittery, takes a seat. He is also addicted to meth, and has been through the programme before, "one or one and a half year years ago".

"I am happy to be here," he tells AFP, casting fearful, furtive glances around the room that indicate he is not. "In 45 days, God willing, we can go home."

The men are searched carefully when they arrive.&nbsp;

"Open your mouth. Wider. Lift your tongue," another member of staff at the clinic tells the new arrivals, before checking their shoes and clothes for traces of drugs.

In groups of six, they then shuffle to the tiled building that houses the showers.

There their baggy khaki tunics and trousers are removed and they are handed a packet of shampoo, but no towel.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-should-first-seek-internal-legitimacy-to-receive-international-recognition-ex-afghan-president-karzai-421686">Taliban should first seek internal legitimacy to receive international recognition: Ex-Afghan president Karzai</a>

When they emerge, dripping, they are handed over to a team of barbers who shave their heads to prevent the spread of lice, but leave their scraggy beards.

Some are taken to rooms lined with five beds, while others are ushered into a dormitory where around 30 men of all ages are already lying on top of their covers.

One childishly plays a bamboo flute. Another gestures to his mouth indicating that he is hungry.&nbsp;

<h2>'Terrible problem'&nbsp;</h2>

Poppy cultivation was banned under the Taliban's last rule in the 1990s, but the export of heroin from Taliban-controlled areas provided the hardliners with billions of dollars during their insurgency against the United States and the Western-backed government.

With poppies cheap and easy to grow, Afghanistan provides around 90 percent of the world's production of heroin.

Crystal methamphetamine production has also surged, created from the ephedra plant which grows wild in the country.

According to anti-narcotics experts, 11 percent of Afghanistan's 34 million population are drug users, with four to six percent addicted.

Since sweeping back into power, the Taliban have promised not to allow narcotics production.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-may-obtain-nuclear-weapons-from-pakistan-says-former-us-national-security-advisor-john-bolton-416597">Taliban may obtain nuclear weapons from Pakistan, says former US national security advisor John Bolton</a>

"It is the policy of the Islamic Emirate," said Doctor Ahmad Zoher Sultani, who heads the centre located in an old US army base.

For now, the staff in the centre are all working without pay. Salaries have not been paid out for four months as Afghanistan's economy teeters on the verge of collapse.

Sultani says he was worried that the Taliban would shut his clinic when they first seized power.

"Their intentions towards us were not clear," he told AFP, adding though that the country's new rulers had "quickly told us they wanted us to continue."

In signs he is adapting to the new regime, the doctor has since mid-August swapped out his Western suit and tie for the traditional shalwar kameez, and has removed all of the photographs that once filled the walls of his office.

"Drugs are a terrible problem," he said.

With shaved heads, oversized tunics and the terrified gaze of the hunted, the drug addicts rounded up by the Taliban brace for 45 days of painful withdrawal. For some, the hardliners raids may potentially help them cast off the yoke of addiction.

With shaved heads, oversized tunics and the terrified gaze of the hunted, the drug addicts rounded up by the Taliban brace for 45 days of painful withdrawal. For some, the hardliners raids may potentially help them cast off the yoke of addiction. But for many the stay at Kabul's Ibn Sina centre will just mark a short change of scene, marked by a brutal approach to forcing users off their powerful dependence. Also Read | Malala sends letter to Taliban one month after girls school ban Before the Taliban marched into Kabul on August 15, police in the capital would sometimes arrest addicts and transfer them to the centre. But since the hardline Islamists took control, the frequency of raids on areas where addicts gather appears to have increased. Hundreds of users shelter in squalid conditions at Pul-e-Sukhta, under a bridge in western Kabul synonymous with hard drugs and violent crime. They recognise the rehab clinic's ambulance, and those who can lift themselves off the fetid ground stagger down the rubbish-strewn Paghman River to avoid capture, while many are too intoxicated to wake up. Two Taliban fighters, armed with M16 and AK-47 rifles, prod the comatose heroin and methamphetamine users with their gun barrels as outreach workers wrestle with men before forcing them to the vehicle. Also Read | Taliban are not terrorists, US has a wrong understanding: Zabihullah Mujahid to WION Raw sewage runs straight into the boggy river bed, and the stench of urine, faeces and vomit in the crowded drug den is overwhelming. Cushions, blankets, sandbags and tarpaulins make up the ramshackle camp, which is littered with the addicts' paraphernalia: syringes, wraps, foil and pipes. The gunmen fire a few shots into the air to assert their authority and shock the addicts, before about 20 are rounded up and whisked away. Searches and checks During their 45-day rehabilitation stay at the 1,000-bed centre, the men spend their time lying on cots in large dormitories or crouched in the yard, soaking up the autumn sun. There is little methadone available to help wean the opium and heroin addicts, and nothing to remove the withdrawal pains for those being weaned off of meth, doctors say. This morning, Emal, 36, shuffles into the registration room. A volunteer, who like many others working here is a former addict, opens his logbook. - Name? Emal. - Your father's name? Abdul Matin. - Married? Yes. I have three children, two girls and one boy. - Working? Not currently. - What drugs do you take? Crystal (meth). - Have you been here before? Yes, three times. This is my fourth. I was discharged 10 days ago. As Emal leaves, 22-year-old Bilal Ahmad, skinny and jittery, takes a seat. He is also addicted to meth, and has been through the programme before, "one or one and a half year years ago". "I am happy to be here," he tells AFP, casting fearful, furtive glances around the room that indicate he is not. "In 45 days, God willing, we can go home." The men are searched carefully when they arrive. "Open your mouth. Wider. Lift your tongue," another member of staff at the clinic tells the new arrivals, before checking their shoes and clothes for traces of drugs. In groups of six, they then shuffle to the tiled building that houses the showers. There their baggy khaki tunics and trousers are removed and they are handed a packet of shampoo, but no towel. Also Read | Taliban should first seek internal legitimacy to receive international recognition: Ex-Afghan president Karzai When they emerge, dripping, they are handed over to a team of barbers who shave their heads to prevent the spread of lice, but leave their scraggy beards. Some are taken to rooms lined with five beds, while others are ushered into a dormitory where around 30 men of all ages are already lying on top of their covers. One childishly plays a bamboo flute. Another gestures to his mouth indicating that he is hungry. 'Terrible problem' Poppy cultivation was banned under the Taliban's last rule in the 1990s, but the export of heroin from Taliban-controlled areas provided the hardliners with billions of dollars during their insurgency against the United States and the Western-backed government. With poppies cheap and easy to grow, Afghanistan provides around 90 percent of the world's production of heroin. Crystal methamphetamine production has also surged, created from the ephedra plant which grows wild in the country. According to anti-narcotics experts, 11 percent of Afghanistan's 34 million population are drug users, with four to six percent addicted. Since sweeping back into power, the Taliban have promised not to allow narcotics production. Also Read | Taliban may obtain nuclear weapons from Pakistan, says former US national security advisor John Bolton "It is the policy of the Islamic Emirate," said Doctor Ahmad Zoher Sultani, who heads the centre located in an old US army base. For now, the staff in the centre are all working without pay. Salaries have not been paid out for four months as Afghanistan's economy teeters on the verge of collapse. Sultani says he was worried that the Taliban would shut his clinic when they first seized power. "Their intentions towards us were not clear," he told AFP, adding though that the country's new rulers had "quickly told us they wanted us to continue." In signs he is adapting to the new regime, the doctor has since mid-August swapped out his Western suit and tie for the traditional shalwar kameez, and has removed all of the photographs that once filled the walls of his office. "Drugs are a terrible problem," he said.

Under Taliban, Kabul's drug addicts forced into withdrawal

Sirajuddin Haqqani, a US-listed terrorist and a senior figure in Afghanistan's Taliban government praised suicide bombers at a meeting with families of the 'martyrs' in Kabul. Haqqani is interior minister in the Taliban government. He carries a bounty of USD 10 million for his arrest.

Pro-Taliban social media accounts and local media on Tuesday published images of the minister praying and embracing men in a glitzy ballroom at an upscale hotel in Kabul.

"Haqqani praised the jihad and sacrifice of the martyrs and mujahideen" calling them the "heroes of Islam and the country", Afghan state broadcaster RTA reported.

It said Sirajuddin "stressed that we must refrain from any betrayal of the aspirations of the martyrs", and promised $125 and a plot of land for each family.

In January 2018, the Intercontinental Hotel in which the meeting was held was stormed by Taliban gunmen, who opened fire on guests and staff and took dozens hostage.

Formed by Sirajuddin's father Jalaluddin, the Haqqani network is the most feared faction of the Taliban, blamed for some of the deadliest attacks in Afghanistan during the last two decades.

Thanks to their financial and military strength -- and a reputation for ruthlessness -- the network is considered semi-autonomous while remaining within the Taliban fold.

Suicide bomb attacks, or martyrdom operations as the Taliban called them, were a tactic first employed by the group in the early years of their insurgency against the former US-backed government, with the military and NATO convoys often targets.

(With inputs from agencies)

Sirajuddin Haqqani, a US-listed terrorist and a senior figure in Afghanistan's Taliban government praised suicide bombers at a meeting with families of the 'martyrs' in Kabul.

Sirajuddin Haqqani, a US-listed terrorist and a senior figure in Afghanistan's Taliban government praised suicide bombers at a meeting with families of the 'martyrs' in Kabul. Haqqani is interior minister in the Taliban government. He carries a bounty of USD 10 million for his arrest. Pro-Taliban social media accounts and local media on Tuesday published images of the minister praying and embracing men in a glitzy ballroom at an upscale hotel in Kabul. "Haqqani praised the jihad and sacrifice of the martyrs and mujahideen" calling them the "heroes of Islam and the country", Afghan state broadcaster RTA reported. It said Sirajuddin "stressed that we must refrain from any betrayal of the aspirations of the martyrs", and promised $125 and a plot of land for each family. In January 2018, the Intercontinental Hotel in which the meeting was held was stormed by Taliban gunmen, who opened fire on guests and staff and took dozens hostage. Formed by Sirajuddin's father Jalaluddin, the Haqqani network is the most feared faction of the Taliban, blamed for some of the deadliest attacks in Afghanistan during the last two decades. Thanks to their financial and military strength -- and a reputation for ruthlessness -- the network is considered semi-autonomous while remaining within the Taliban fold. Suicide bomb attacks, or martyrdom operations as the Taliban called them, were a tactic first employed by the group in the early years of their insurgency against the former US-backed government, with the military and NATO convoys often targets. (With inputs from agencies)

Sirajuddin Haqqani, top Taliban minister, praises suicide bombers

It has been over 2 months since the Taliban's takeover of Kabul. During this time, the Taliban has announced its acting cabinet. They are now responsible for maintaining law and order in Afghanistan. However, in the last few weeks, Taliban's arch foe - the Islamic State operating in Afghanistan has ramped up its attacks. There is a fear of security for any and everyone. How will the Taliban address these concerns? Will Afghanistan once again turn into a terror harbor? Our correspondent Anas Mallick got an exclusive interview with Taliban's ministry of interior's spokesperson Qari Saeed Khosti.

How will Taliban address concerns of Afghans?

While many girls across Afghanistan remain at home and their brothers go to school, nine-year-old orphan Samira attends classes in her orphanage every day with hopes of becoming a doctor. But as her orphanage runs out of funding, and now food, there is a chance that Samira's dreams could be crushed. There are around 130 children at the Shamsa Children's Village orphanage aged from three years upwards. It has been operational for more than a decade, and provides shelter for those who have lost both parents or just one who cannot afford to support them.

Kabul orphanage struggles to stay afloat as donations dry up

&nbsp;Ahmad Khalil Mayan, programme director at a large Kabul orphanage, says he is cutting back on the amount of fruit and meat he gives the children each week because the home is running out of money.

For the last two months, since the Afghan Taliban seized control of the country and millions of dollars in aid suddenly dried up, he has been desperately calling and emailing donors, both foreign and local, who supported him before.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/thousands-of-afghans-receive-assistance-un-agency-419569">Thousands of Afghans receive assistance: UN agency</a>

"Unfortunately, most of them have left the country - Afghan donors, foreign donors, embassies. When I call them or email them, no one is answering me," Mayan, 40, told Reuters at the sprawling Shamsa Children's Village in the north of the capital.

"We are now trying to run the place with very little money and with little food," he added. 
(Open&nbsp;in an external browser to see a picture package on Kabul`s struggling orphanage.)

There are around 130 children at the orphanage aged from three years upwards. It has been operational for more than a decade, and provides shelter for those who have lost both parents or just one who cannot afford to keep them.

Among them is nine-year-old Samira, from northeastern Badakhshan province who has been at the orphanage for almost two years after her father died and her mother did not have the means to support her or her brothers.

In the playground outside on a cool day in Kabul she plays with as much intensity as she studies, grinning widely as she goes higher on the swing. Despite her young age, she is already taking extra classes and wants to be a doctor when she grows up.

"I want to serve my homeland and save others from disease, and I also want other girls to study so that they become a doctor like me in the future," she told Reuters, with a sheepish grin.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/displaced-families-in-kabul-to-return-home-taliban-419096">Displaced families in Kabul to return home: Taliban</a>

Orphanages like this play an outsize role in Afghanistan, where tens of thousands of civilians have been killed in wars that have ravaged the country for more than 40 years.

The lack of funding, which has hit charities, non-governmental organisations and ordinary Afghans since the hardline Islamist Taliban movement took back control of the country, is forcing Mayan into tough choices.

The orphanage tried to send a few children back to relatives who were comparatively well off, but one by one they have returned.

Mayan said staff have had to reduce food portions and limit the types of food children eat. 
"Before we were providing them twice a week fruit and twice a week meat, but we cut those items to just once a week or maybe not even (that much)."

Cash Crunch

Facing an economic crisis as winter approaches, Taliban officials have urged Western governments to resume aid donations and called on the United States to lift a block on more than $9 billion of Afghan central bank reserves held overseas.

Many countries have refused to recognise the Taliban, who until recently were a jihadist insurgency fighting foreign troops and their Afghan allies.

Some governments are demanding that the group guarantees basic civil freedoms, including allowing girls to attend secondary school and women to work.

The Taliban, which banned all girls&nbsp;education when they ruled from 1996-2001, have said they are working on the issue.

Compounding the orphanage's problems is the weekly limit of $200 on bank withdrawals to avoid a run on hard currency, meaning access to funds is not enough to support the children and staff.

Also Read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-say-islamic-state-cell-destroyed-after-mosque-attack-418068">&nbsp;Taliban say Islamic State cell destroyed after mosque attack</a>

Mayan fears that if the situation continues, the orphanage will not be able to function much longer.

That would be devastating for the children, who receive mathematics, English and computer lessons as well as physical education, not to mention food and shelter.

Samira, the aspiring doctor, is still able to go to school outside the orphanage premises because of her age, and she attends extra tuition classes in the afternoon to get ahead.

Hardship has not dented her ambition, but she also recognises that in order to achieve her goals, she may have to go abroad to study.

"I am not allowed to study here."

Ahmad Khalil Mayan, programme director at a large Kabul orphanage, says he is cutting back on the amount of fruit and meat he gives the children each week because the home is running out of money.

Ahmad Khalil Mayan, programme director at a large Kabul orphanage, says he is cutting back on the amount of fruit and meat he gives the children each week because the home is running out of money. For the last two months, since the Afghan Taliban seized control of the country and millions of dollars in aid suddenly dried up, he has been desperately calling and emailing donors, both foreign and local, who supported him before. Also Read | Thousands of Afghans receive assistance: UN agency "Unfortunately, most of them have left the country - Afghan donors, foreign donors, embassies. When I call them or email them, no one is answering me," Mayan, 40, told Reuters at the sprawling Shamsa Children's Village in the north of the capital. "We are now trying to run the place with very little money and with little food," he added. (Open in an external browser to see a picture package on Kabul`s struggling orphanage.) There are around 130 children at the orphanage aged from three years upwards. It has been operational for more than a decade, and provides shelter for those who have lost both parents or just one who cannot afford to keep them. Among them is nine-year-old Samira, from northeastern Badakhshan province who has been at the orphanage for almost two years after her father died and her mother did not have the means to support her or her brothers. In the playground outside on a cool day in Kabul she plays with as much intensity as she studies, grinning widely as she goes higher on the swing. Despite her young age, she is already taking extra classes and wants to be a doctor when she grows up. "I want to serve my homeland and save others from disease, and I also want other girls to study so that they become a doctor like me in the future," she told Reuters, with a sheepish grin. Also Read | Displaced families in Kabul to return home: Taliban Orphanages like this play an outsize role in Afghanistan, where tens of thousands of civilians have been killed in wars that have ravaged the country for more than 40 years. The lack of funding, which has hit charities, non-governmental organisations and ordinary Afghans since the hardline Islamist Taliban movement took back control of the country, is forcing Mayan into tough choices. The orphanage tried to send a few children back to relatives who were comparatively well off, but one by one they have returned. Mayan said staff have had to reduce food portions and limit the types of food children eat. "Before we were providing them twice a week fruit and twice a week meat, but we cut those items to just once a week or maybe not even (that much)." Cash Crunch Facing an economic crisis as winter approaches, Taliban officials have urged Western governments to resume aid donations and called on the United States to lift a block on more than $9 billion of Afghan central bank reserves held overseas. Many countries have refused to recognise the Taliban, who until recently were a jihadist insurgency fighting foreign troops and their Afghan allies. Some governments are demanding that the group guarantees basic civil freedoms, including allowing girls to attend secondary school and women to work. The Taliban, which banned all girls education when they ruled from 1996-2001, have said they are working on the issue. Compounding the orphanage's problems is the weekly limit of $200 on bank withdrawals to avoid a run on hard currency, meaning access to funds is not enough to support the children and staff. Also Read | Taliban say Islamic State cell destroyed after mosque attack Mayan fears that if the situation continues, the orphanage will not be able to function much longer. That would be devastating for the children, who receive mathematics, English and computer lessons as well as physical education, not to mention food and shelter. Samira, the aspiring doctor, is still able to go to school outside the orphanage premises because of her age, and she attends extra tuition classes in the afternoon to get ahead. Hardship has not dented her ambition, but she also recognises that in order to achieve her goals, she may have to go abroad to study. "I am not allowed to study here."

Kabul orphanage struggles to feed its children as cash runs low

In Kabul's children hospital, infants are facing a shortage of basic supply of items like medical supplies and equipment. WION visited the Indira Gandhi child hospital in Kabul, watch this ground report.

Afghanistan: Medicine, bed shortage for infants riddles Kabul hospital

The Afghan carpet industry is collapsing after the exit of foreign nationals and diplomats. Carpet weavers are complaining of financial ruin as customers disappear from Kabul's famous business streets. Maro Wardak tells you more.

South Asia Diary: Afghan carpet industry collapses

The United States and Britain have issued a security alert for Kabul. U.S & UK have warned their citizens to avoid hotels in the Afghan capital. The warning comes days after dozens were killed at a mosque in an attack claimed by the Islamic State.

United States, Britain issue security alert for Kabul

The United States and Britain have issued a security alert for Kabul. U.S & UK have warned their citizens to avoid hotels in the Afghan capital. The warning comes days after dozens were killed at a mosque in an attack claimed by the Islamic state.

United States, Britain warn citizens to avoid hotels in the Afghan capital

People in Afghanistan are still clamoring to leave the country, crowds of people desperate to get travel documents gathered at the passport office in Kabul.

Months of passport delay restricted Afghans trying to leave Kabul

Afghanistan under the Taliban control has been the global headline grabber for the last 2 months on the 15th of august the Taliban took over Kabul ousting the Ghani government. Just a few days later, US and NATO troops left the country ending america's longest war in Afghanistan. For the first time since the pull-out, the Taliban leaders sitting at the same table as the United States.

Taliban's Deputy Information Minister Zabihullah Mujahid  speaks to WION

Taliban leader Zabihullah Mujahid speaks on Doha talks

The Taliban is trying to downplay the presence of ISIS in Afghanistan. Will the latest terror attack in Kunduz trigger another mass exodus from Afghanistan? Palki Sharma discusses with WION's Correspondent in Kabul Anas Mallick.

Gravitas: Taliban blames ISIS-K for deadly Kunduz Mosque bombing

The suicide bombing in Kunduz is Afghanistan's worst terror attack since August. ISIS-K is waging a war on the Taliban. Palki Sharma tells you how the group poses the biggest threat to the Taliban's grip on power.

Gravitas: Kunduz Suicide Bombing: ISIS-K challenges Taliban's grip on power

A deadly bomb blast targeted a Shi'ite mosque in Afghanistan's Kunduz city, inflicting casualties on worshippers. The explosion took place during Friday prayers. According to Taliban officials, the blast was a suicide attack.

Taliban: Blast at Kunduz mosque was a suicide attack

A suicide bomb attack on worshippers at a Shi'ite mosque in the city of Kunduz left more than 50 people dead. This was a gruesome attack in Afghanistan since US troops left the country.

Afghanistan: Blast in Shi'ite mosque in the city of Kunduz, over 50 killed

A bomb ripped through a mosque filled with Shia Muslim worshippers in northern Afghanistan on Friday, killing or injuring at least 55&nbsp;people, according to a Taliban police officer.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the bomb, which occurred in Kunduz, the capital of Kunduz province, but Islamic State terrorists have a long history of assaulting Afghanistan's Shia minority.&nbsp;

Body parts were seen surrounded by rubble inside the mosque, which is utilised by the minority Shia Muslim population.&nbsp;

"We have received more than 100 wounded patients and over 55&nbsp;dead bodies, but the number will change. We are still receiving more people," said a Doctors Without Borders (MSF) hospital worker, who did not want to be named.

Interior ministry spokesman Qari Sayed Khosti confirmed the blast, without giving details. 
 
Local residents said&nbsp;the blast hit a Shia&nbsp;mosque during Friday prayers, the most important of the week.

"This afternoon, an explosion took place in a mosque of our Shia&nbsp;compatriots ... as a result of which a number of our compatriots were martyred and wounded," Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said. 
 
Watch:&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/explosion-targets-shiite-mosque-in-afghanistans-kunduz-city-during-friday-prayers-419178/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

If verified, the death toll would be the biggest since US and NATO soldiers departed Afghanistan at the end of August, when the Taliban assumed control.

The Taliban have been targeted in a string of fatal strikes by rival IS militants, including ambushes and an explosion at a mosque in Kabul, the capital.

The explosion in Kunduz occurred during the weekly Friday prayer service at the Gozar-e-Sayed Abad Mosque.

The Friday midday prayer is the climax of the Muslim holy week, and mosques are usually packed.

Ali Reza, a witness, claimed he was praying at the time of the explosion and saw numerous victims.&nbsp;

Shia Muslims, who are frequently targeted by Sunni extremists, have been subjected to some of Afghanistan's most brutal attacks, with rallies destroyed, hospitals assaulted, and commuters ambushed.

Shias account for about 20% of the Afghan population.

Many of them are Hazara, an ethnic minority that has been oppressed for decades in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A bomb ripped through a mosque filled with Shia Muslim worshippers in northern Afghanistan on Friday, killing or injuring at least 55 people, according to a Taliban police officer.

A bomb ripped through a mosque filled with Shia Muslim worshippers in northern Afghanistan on Friday, killing or injuring at least 55 people, according to a Taliban police officer. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the bomb, which occurred in Kunduz, the capital of Kunduz province, but Islamic State terrorists have a long history of assaulting Afghanistan's Shia minority. Body parts were seen surrounded by rubble inside the mosque, which is utilised by the minority Shia Muslim population. "We have received more than 100 wounded patients and over 55 dead bodies, but the number will change. We are still receiving more people," said a Doctors Without Borders (MSF) hospital worker, who did not want to be named. Interior ministry spokesman Qari Sayed Khosti confirmed the blast, without giving details. Local residents said the blast hit a Shia mosque during Friday prayers, the most important of the week. "This afternoon, an explosion took place in a mosque of our Shia compatriots ... as a result of which a number of our compatriots were martyred and wounded," Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said. Watch: If verified, the death toll would be the biggest since US and NATO soldiers departed Afghanistan at the end of August, when the Taliban assumed control. The Taliban have been targeted in a string of fatal strikes by rival IS militants, including ambushes and an explosion at a mosque in Kabul, the capital. The explosion in Kunduz occurred during the weekly Friday prayer service at the Gozar-e-Sayed Abad Mosque. The Friday midday prayer is the climax of the Muslim holy week, and mosques are usually packed. Ali Reza, a witness, claimed he was praying at the time of the explosion and saw numerous victims. Shia Muslims, who are frequently targeted by Sunni extremists, have been subjected to some of Afghanistan's most brutal attacks, with rallies destroyed, hospitals assaulted, and commuters ambushed. Shias account for about 20% of the Afghan population. Many of them are Hazara, an ethnic minority that has been oppressed for decades in Afghanistan. (With inputs from agencies)

At least 55 killed in Afghanistan's Kunduz mosque blast: Taliban official

At least 50 people have been killed and several others are critically injured in a bomb attack on a Shi'ite mosque in the Afghan city of Kunduz.

Over 50 killed, several others injured in mosque blast in Afghanistan's Kunduz city

A deadly blast took place at a Shiite mosque in Afghanistan's Kunduz city during Friday prayers, killing and wounding many people of the country.

Explosion targets Shiite mosque in Afghanistan's Kunduz city during Friday prayers

More than a month has passed since the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan but the state of affairs in the troubled country doesn't appear to be any different from what was witnessed in the 1990s.

In an interview with Washington based outlet NPR, veteran Afghan journalist Najibullah Quraishi has refuted the claims that the new government in Afghanistan is "moderate" in any way.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/women-teachers-face-uncertain-future-after-taliban-bans-them-from-schools-417874">Women teachers face uncertain future after Taliban bans them from schools</a>

Quraishi on Friday&nbsp;that nothing has changed from how the outfit ruled that country in the 1990s."I don't know why they promised that they're going to be moderate, but I don't think so," Quraishi told NPR.

"According to what I'm noticing, what I'm witnessing here in Afghanistan, they are the Taliban.

There is nothing changed between the Taliban in the '90s and between the Taliban in 2021."According to Quraishi, the Taliban have reinstated harsh punishments in the country.

Kabul fell to the Taliban in August and since then people are in a state of terror with increasing cases of human rights abuses being reported from several parts of the country.

Recently, the United Nations and other rights groups have received harrowing and credible reports of the impact on civilians of violations of international humanitarian law and abuses of human rights.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/displaced-families-in-kabul-to-return-home-taliban-419096">Displaced families in Kabul to return home: Taliban</a>

Taliban forces unlawfully killed 13 ethnic Hazaras, including a 17-year-old girl, in Afghanistan's Daykundi province, a rights group said earlier this week.

The killings happened in Kahor village of Khidir district on 30 August.

Eleven of the victims were former members of the Afghan National Defence Security Forces (ANDSF), and two were civilians, a new investigation by Amnesty International has revealed.

According to eyewitness testimony gathered by Amnesty International, the Taliban extrajudicially executed nine of the ANDSF members after they had surrendered, killings that appear to be war crimes.

Two civilians were killed as they attempted to flee, including a 17-year-old girl shot when the Taliban opened fire on a crowd of people.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-ransack-kabuls-gurdwara-karte-parwan-break-cctv-camera-and-locks-418481">Taliban ransack Kabul’s Gurdwara Karte Parwan, break CCTV camera and locks</a>

The rights group verified photographs and video evidence taken in the aftermath of the killings, and identified the location of Kahor village, where they happened.

"These cold-blooded executions are further proof that the Taliban are committing the same horrific abuses they were notorious for during their previous rule of Afghanistan," said Agnes Callamard, Amnesty International`s Secretary-General."

They repeatedly violate the rights of those they perceive as their adversaries, even killing those who have already surrendered. The Taliban say they are not targeting former employees of the previous government, but these killings contradict such claims," Callamard said.

More than a month has passed since the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan but the state of affairs in the troubled country doesn't appear to be any different from what was witnessed in the 1990s.

More than a month has passed since the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan but the state of affairs in the troubled country doesn't appear to be any different from what was witnessed in the 1990s. In an interview with Washington based outlet NPR, veteran Afghan journalist Najibullah Quraishi has refuted the claims that the new government in Afghanistan is "moderate" in any way. Also Read | Women teachers face uncertain future after Taliban bans them from schools Quraishi on Friday that nothing has changed from how the outfit ruled that country in the 1990s."I don't know why they promised that they're going to be moderate, but I don't think so," Quraishi told NPR. "According to what I'm noticing, what I'm witnessing here in Afghanistan, they are the Taliban. There is nothing changed between the Taliban in the '90s and between the Taliban in 2021."According to Quraishi, the Taliban have reinstated harsh punishments in the country. Kabul fell to the Taliban in August and since then people are in a state of terror with increasing cases of human rights abuses being reported from several parts of the country. Recently, the United Nations and other rights groups have received harrowing and credible reports of the impact on civilians of violations of international humanitarian law and abuses of human rights. Also Read | Displaced families in Kabul to return home: Taliban Taliban forces unlawfully killed 13 ethnic Hazaras, including a 17-year-old girl, in Afghanistan's Daykundi province, a rights group said earlier this week. The killings happened in Kahor village of Khidir district on 30 August. Eleven of the victims were former members of the Afghan National Defence Security Forces (ANDSF), and two were civilians, a new investigation by Amnesty International has revealed. According to eyewitness testimony gathered by Amnesty International, the Taliban extrajudicially executed nine of the ANDSF members after they had surrendered, killings that appear to be war crimes. Two civilians were killed as they attempted to flee, including a 17-year-old girl shot when the Taliban opened fire on a crowd of people. Also Read | Taliban ransack Kabul’s Gurdwara Karte Parwan, break CCTV camera and locks The rights group verified photographs and video evidence taken in the aftermath of the killings, and identified the location of Kahor village, where they happened. "These cold-blooded executions are further proof that the Taliban are committing the same horrific abuses they were notorious for during their previous rule of Afghanistan," said Agnes Callamard, Amnesty International`s Secretary-General." They repeatedly violate the rights of those they perceive as their adversaries, even killing those who have already surrendered. The Taliban say they are not targeting former employees of the previous government, but these killings contradict such claims," Callamard said.

Nothing changed between Taliban of 1990s and 2021: Report

The Taliban-led government's Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation has started the repatriation process of Afghan families who fled to Kabul after the fall of their home provinces to the group in August, the media reported.

According to the Ministry, there are around 2,000 displaced families in Kabul, TOLO News reported.

The Ministry assured that the displaced persons will also be provided with aid.

In a statement on Friday, Deputy Minister of Refugees and Repatriation, Arsalan Kharotai said "this process began today and will continue, thus all (displaced) families in Kabul will go back to their provinces".

Also Read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-ransack-kabuls-gurdwara-karte-parwan-break-cctv-camera-and-locks-418481">&nbsp;Taliban ransack Kabul’s Gurdwara Karte Parwan, break CCTV camera and locks</a>

Since the Taliban started their march towards Kabul, hundreds of families fled their home provinces and have been living in open areas or in tents in several parts of Kabul.

Their situation has become more dire as winter approaches, said the TOLO News report.

Baghlan resident Mihruddin, who is physically challenged, said: "I haven`t received any aid. The little aid that is provided, the able-bodied take it."

Another displaced Kunduz resident, Abdul Baseer, said "we have a demand to immediately move the people, the people have become sick, it has been over a month that we are here".

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-based-ex-pm-of-afghanistan-on-way-to-kabul-via-pakistan-418836">India-based ex-PM of Afghanistan on way to Kabul via Pakistan</a>

The World Food Program said that Afghanistan is scrambling with severe economic conditions and warned of an economic crisis in within coming weeks in Afghanistan.

Although some countries and donor organizsations have provided humanitarian aid to Afghanistan, a large of number of people remain in need of support.

The Taliban-led government's Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation has started the repatriation process of Afghan families who fled to Kabul after the fall of their home provinces to the group in August, the media reported.

The Taliban-led government's Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation has started the repatriation process of Afghan families who fled to Kabul after the fall of their home provinces to the group in August, the media reported. According to the Ministry, there are around 2,000 displaced families in Kabul, TOLO News reported. The Ministry assured that the displaced persons will also be provided with aid. In a statement on Friday, Deputy Minister of Refugees and Repatriation, Arsalan Kharotai said "this process began today and will continue, thus all (displaced) families in Kabul will go back to their provinces". Also Read | Taliban ransack Kabul’s Gurdwara Karte Parwan, break CCTV camera and locks Since the Taliban started their march towards Kabul, hundreds of families fled their home provinces and have been living in open areas or in tents in several parts of Kabul. Their situation has become more dire as winter approaches, said the TOLO News report. Baghlan resident Mihruddin, who is physically challenged, said: "I haven`t received any aid. The little aid that is provided, the able-bodied take it." Another displaced Kunduz resident, Abdul Baseer, said "we have a demand to immediately move the people, the people have become sick, it has been over a month that we are here". Also Read | India-based ex-PM of Afghanistan on way to Kabul via Pakistan The World Food Program said that Afghanistan is scrambling with severe economic conditions and warned of an economic crisis in within coming weeks in Afghanistan. Although some countries and donor organizsations have provided humanitarian aid to Afghanistan, a large of number of people remain in need of support.

Displaced families in Kabul to return home: Taliban

Minorities are under attack in Taliban's Afghanistan: +Men from the Taliban vandalised a Sikh shrine in Kabul +A Taliban leader hailed Ghaznavi for "smashing Somnath idol" +Ethnic Hazaras have been massacred Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Taliban Attack Gurudwara, Hail Ghaznavi who plundered Somnath

Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, the co-founder of Taliban and the Deputy Prime Minister in the new Afghanistan government, has returned to capital Kabul and assumed his duties.

Taliban co-founder and Afghan Deputy PM Mullah Baradar, returns to Kabul from Kandahar

India based former prime minister of Afghanistan Ahmad shah Ahmadzai is on his way to Kabul via Pakistan on medical grounds. Ahmad Shah Ahmadzai was the acting prime minister of Afghanistan in the Mujahid era, from 1995-1996 under the President Burhanuddin Rabbani. He left the country when Taliban took over of Kabul in 1996 and had been living in exile till the fall of Taliban in 2001.

Musa Ahmadzai, his son, confirmed that his father is leaving and will pass through Wagah border and will reach Afghanistan via Pakistan. He also spoke about the health of his father. They will be using Torkham border crossing to cross over to Afghanistan. Ahmadzai who was in the Afghan govt during the 1992-1996 period in various capacities, also stood for elections in 2004 in Afghanistan. In a post-communist Afghanistan, Ahmadzai was a close associate of President Burhanuddin Rabbani.

India has given him clearance for his travel via Wagah, while Pakistan issued a transit visa. Interestingly, Islamabad received request for transit visa for Ahmadzai and his son from Taliban's deputy minister of education. Travel to Afghanistan is difficult currently as air travel is yet to be restarted at full capacity. For any Afghan living in India, easiest way is by land via Pakistan.

The Pakistani high commission in Delhi has given transit visa to several Afghan nationals in past few weeks, including relatives of those Afghans who want to send back mortal remains to home country. Estimates put the figure from 20 to 50 Pakistani transit visas to Afghan nationals in Delhi.

Since Taliban takeover of Kabul on August 15, many Afghans have left the country fearing for their lives. Over 200 Afghans, mostly from minority Hindu and Sikh communities have come to India. These include two Afghan Sikh MPs--Anarkali Kaur and Narendra Singh Kalsa.

India based former prime minister of Afghanistan Ahmad shah Ahmadzai is on his way to Kabul via Pakistan on medical grounds. Ahmad Shah Ahmadzai was the acting prime minister of Afghanistan in the Mujahid era, from 1995-1996 under the President Burhanuddin Rabbani.

India based former prime minister of Afghanistan Ahmad shah Ahmadzai is on his way to Kabul via Pakistan on medical grounds. Ahmad Shah Ahmadzai was the acting prime minister of Afghanistan in the Mujahid era, from 1995-1996 under the President Burhanuddin Rabbani. He left the country when Taliban took over of Kabul in 1996 and had been living in exile till the fall of Taliban in 2001. Musa Ahmadzai, his son, confirmed that his father is leaving and will pass through Wagah border and will reach Afghanistan via Pakistan. He also spoke about the health of his father. They will be using Torkham border crossing to cross over to Afghanistan. Ahmadzai who was in the Afghan govt during the 1992-1996 period in various capacities, also stood for elections in 2004 in Afghanistan. In a post-communist Afghanistan, Ahmadzai was a close associate of President Burhanuddin Rabbani. India has given him clearance for his travel via Wagah, while Pakistan issued a transit visa. Interestingly, Islamabad received request for transit visa for Ahmadzai and his son from Taliban's deputy minister of education. Travel to Afghanistan is difficult currently as air travel is yet to be restarted at full capacity. For any Afghan living in India, easiest way is by land via Pakistan. The Pakistani high commission in Delhi has given transit visa to several Afghan nationals in past few weeks, including relatives of those Afghans who want to send back mortal remains to home country. Estimates put the figure from 20 to 50 Pakistani transit visas to Afghan nationals in Delhi. Since Taliban takeover of Kabul on August 15, many Afghans have left the country fearing for their lives. Over 200 Afghans, mostly from minority Hindu and Sikh communities have come to India. These include two Afghan Sikh MPs--Anarkali Kaur and Narendra Singh Kalsa.

India-based ex-PM of Afghanistan on way to Kabul via Pakistan

Taliban fighters entered Gurdwara Karte Parwan, the main Sikh shrine in Afghanistan capital Kabul, on Tuesday and damaged CCTV cameras and broke several locks, according to members of the Afghan Sikh minority.

Taliban fighters enter Gurdwara Karte Parwan, damage CCTV cameras

In police districts across Kabul, young fighters emerging fresh from the battlefields are now patrolling the streets of the Afghan capital. Some wear the uniforms left behind by the US-assisted Afghan forces they deposed.

Taliban fighters patrol the streets to keep peace

Diplomats from the United Kingdom have met with the Taliban government in Kabul for the first time since taking power. They discussed the humanitarian crisis and the safe return of British citizens.

UK diplomats meet Taliban leaders in Afghanistan for first time since takeover

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