After nearly 20 years of military participation, the United States evacuated its last troops from Afghanistan in August 2021. At that moment, two suicide bombers and gunmen attacked Afghans gathered at Kabul Airport who now have been killed by the Taliban.

Taliban kill I.S. leader behind airport bombing

The Islamic State cell leader, who reportedly planned the deadly August 2021 suicide bombing at the Kabul international airport that left 183 people dead, was killed by the Taliban, the US National Security Council said on Tuesday, April 25.

The suicide bombing at Kabul airport, which also left 13 US service members dead in August 2021, coincided with the tumultuous American exit from Afghanistan 20 years after it invaded the South Asian nation following the 9/11 attacks.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Kabul airport attack: Life or Death decisions were made by US troops

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The Biden administration did not name the ISIS-Khorasan leader killed. But reports have claimed that it was&nbsp;Abdul Rehman Al-Loghri, the top ISIS-K figurehead who was released from a prison at Bagram airbase, only days before the Taliban replaced democratically-elected Ashraf Ghani government from Kabul's corridors of power.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/suicide-bomber-who-carried-out-kabul-airport-attack-was-arrested-in-delhi-earlier-claims-isis-k-414143">Suicide bomber who carried out Kabul airport attack was arrested in Delhi earlier, claims ISIS-K</a>

"He was a key ISIS-K official directly involved in plotting operations like Abbey Gate, and now is no longer able to plot or conduct attacks," White House spokesperson John Kirby said in a statement, referring to the Abbey Gate entrance to the Kabul airport where the blast occurred. He did not name the official.

The Afghan affiliate of Islamic State, known as Islamic State Khorasan or ISIS-K, after an old name of the region, is an enemy of the Taliban. Fighters loyal to Islamic State first appeared in eastern Afghanistan in 2014 and later made inroads in other areas.&nbsp;

The August 2021&nbsp;attack raised ISIS-K’s international profile, immediately&nbsp;positioning it as a major threat to Taliban's newly gunned out rule in Kabul.

Since taking over Afghanistan in August 2021, the Taliban have waged a heavy armed campaign against ISIS-K. The Taliban, so far, have managed to prevent the group from seizing Afghanistan's territory. Reports suggest that the hardliners have even limited the recruitment to ISIS-K of the former Taliban fighters.

But despite that, according to the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, the ISIS-K has spread out from eastern Afghanistan to all of the country's 34 provinces.

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The Islamic State cell leader, who reportedly planned the deadly August 2021 suicide bombing at the Kabul international airport that left 183 people dead, was killed by the Taliban, the US National Security Council said on Tuesday, April 25.

The Islamic State cell leader, who reportedly planned the deadly August 2021 suicide bombing at the Kabul international airport that left 183 people dead, was killed by the Taliban, the US National Security Council said on Tuesday, April 25. The suicide bombing at Kabul airport, which also left 13 US service members dead in August 2021, coincided with the tumultuous American exit from Afghanistan 20 years after it invaded the South Asian nation following the 9/11 attacks. ALSO WATCH | Kabul airport attack: Life or Death decisions were made by US troops × The Biden administration did not name the ISIS-Khorasan leader killed. But reports have claimed that it was Abdul Rehman Al-Loghri, the top ISIS-K figurehead who was released from a prison at Bagram airbase, only days before the Taliban replaced democratically-elected Ashraf Ghani government from Kabul's corridors of power. ALSO READ | Suicide bomber who carried out Kabul airport attack was arrested in Delhi earlier, claims ISIS-K "He was a key ISIS-K official directly involved in plotting operations like Abbey Gate, and now is no longer able to plot or conduct attacks," White House spokesperson John Kirby said in a statement, referring to the Abbey Gate entrance to the Kabul airport where the blast occurred. He did not name the official. The Afghan affiliate of Islamic State, known as Islamic State Khorasan or ISIS-K, after an old name of the region, is an enemy of the Taliban. Fighters loyal to Islamic State first appeared in eastern Afghanistan in 2014 and later made inroads in other areas. The August 2021 attack raised ISIS-K’s international profile, immediately positioning it as a major threat to Taliban's newly gunned out rule in Kabul. Since taking over Afghanistan in August 2021, the Taliban have waged a heavy armed campaign against ISIS-K. The Taliban, so far, have managed to prevent the group from seizing Afghanistan's territory. Reports suggest that the hardliners have even limited the recruitment to ISIS-K of the former Taliban fighters. But despite that, according to the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, the ISIS-K has spread out from eastern Afghanistan to all of the country's 34 provinces. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Taliban kill ISIS leader behind deadly Kabul airport attack of August 2021

The US will not be exploring any possibility of recognising the Taliban as Afghanistan's ruler at a UN-hosted meeting in Doha next week. US State Department’s Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel said the meeting's agenda was never to discuss such a situation.

The US will not be exploring any possibility of recognising the Taliban as Afghanistan's ruler at a UN-hosted meeting in Doha next week. US State Department’s Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel said the meeting's agenda was never to discuss such a situation. “The intent and the purpose of this meeting was never to discuss recognition of the Taliban, and any discussion at this meeting about recognition would be unacceptable to us,” said Patel. His statement was echoed by Senator Jim Risch, a member of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee who also slammed the UN for even thinking about such a proposal. “The UN needs a wake-up call. Any talk of recognition of the Taliban is absolutely absurd. This murderous regime continues to deny women the ability to work or go to school while millions of Afghans are in dire humanitarian need," he tweeted. WATCH | Afghanistan: Taliban fighters enforce university ban; Afghan women deprived of basic human rights × UN says it is ready to take baby steps The statements by the White House and the lawmakers comes in the backdrop of UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed stating that the UN was ready to take baby steps towards recognising the Taliban. “We’ll gather them now in another two weeks in the region, (at a) meeting of envoys across the board - the region and internationally - with the secretary-general for the first time,” said Amina, adding, “And out of that, we hope that we will find those baby steps to put us back on the pathway to recognition.” When quizzed if the Taliban was seeking recognition, Mohammed replied in the affirmative, “Yes. The Taliban clearly want recognition. And that’s the leverage we have." ALSO READ | After education, Taliban prohibits women from attending Eid celebrations Ever since the Taliban gained control over Afghanistan after the USA's abject surrender and subsequent pullout, human rights in the country have gone for a toss. The women students have been barred from attending schools and universities and it looks highly unlikely that they will be allowed back anytime soon. On Friday, the Taliban issued another regressive order, forbidding women to celebrate Eid al-Fitr in two provinces. Apart from banning celebrations and dining, the Taliban has also passed orders stating that male doctors cannot diagnose or treat women. Hospitals have been directed to keep a close eye on proceedings. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

US rejects talks of recognising Taliban after UN bats for it

As if restricting women and girls from education was not enough, the regressive Taliban regime has now prohibited them from attending Eid al-Fitr celebrations in Baghlan and Takhar provinces of Afghanistan.

As if restricting women and girls from education was not enough, the regressive Taliban regime has now prohibited them from attending Eid al-Fitr celebrations in Baghlan and Takhar provinces of Afghanistan. The directive was passed by the de-facto authorities of the two provinces saying “it is forbidden for women to go out in groups during the days of Eid al-Fitr.” Though the orders are not applicable across Afghanistan, it has once again shown that Afghan women have been reduced to third-grade citizens in their own country by tyrannical forces. The latest decision comes days after the terror outfit banned families and women from dining in outdoor spaces with gardens in the Herat region of the country. Notably, the decision was taken to stop the mingling of women with other genders and keep a check on the violation of strict hijab rules. "After repeated complaints from scholars and ordinary people, we set limits and closed these restaurants," said Baz Mohammad Nazir, a deputy official from the Ministry of Vice and Virtue’s directorate. Apart from banning celebrations and dining, the Taliban has also passed orders stating that male doctors cannot diagnose or treat women. Hospitals have been directed to keep a close eye on proceedings. ALSO READ | Exclusive | Afghan women fear for life as Taliban ban male doctors from treating them Taliban banning female education Despite all the censors, it is the ban on female education that has hurt the future of ordinary Afghan women the most. In December last year, the Taliban authorities sent a letter to all public and private colleges announcing the indefinite ban on Afghan girls attending educational institutions. The reason cited for the ban was that women students had failed to appropriately observe gender-based religious restrictions. "You all are informed to implement the mentioned order of suspending the education of females until further notice," read the letter. WATCH | Afghanistan: Taliban fighters enforce university ban; Afghan women deprived of basic human rights × On the occasion of International Women's Day last month, the UN released a statement and criticised the Taliban for the umpteenth time for its archaic order. "It has been distressing to witness their methodical, deliberate, and systematic efforts to push Afghan women and girls out of the public sphere," said Roza Otunbayeva, special representative of the UN secretary-general and head of the UN mission to Afghanistan. According to prominent human rights groups, the Taliban is the only country in the world where women and little girls are barred from entering educational as well as work institutions. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

After education, Taliban prohibits women from attending Eid celebrations

"When the going gets tough, the tough get going." This adage sits very well with Dr. Waheed Arian, who despite all circumstances penned the tale of his life in the finest ink possible.&nbsp;

How many of us really keep refugees in our thoughts? Dr. Waheed Arian has come a long way from being an Afghan refugee himself to becoming an inspiration to millions.&nbsp;

A humanitarian at heart, he is an emergency doctor with National Health Service (NHS) in the UK, a global philanthropist and an author.&nbsp;

Dr. Waheed spoke with WION and shared his amazing life story, loaded with the harrowing recollections of his childhood spent in Afghanistan during the Soviet conflict, yet brimming with optimism and tenacity.&nbsp;

"I was born into the war during the Afghan-Soviet conflict in the mid-80s. I did not know any other reality except war, hiding in the cellars from the rockets, the bombs, and the shelling. These are the gothic memories I have... seeing soldiers outside tanks and planes in the sky," Dr. Waheed said as if it happened just yesterday.&nbsp;

Millions of refugees are denied basic human rights. Their stories go unheard and unnoticed. With his father in hiding from the military, Dr Waheed as a child would go and visit him every summer in the far-away province of Logar.&nbsp;

His mother would not tell him where they were going and then only once they'd arrived, his father would emerge out of a room suddenly.&nbsp;

These were magical moments for Waheed Arian. Looking back, he thinks of this fond memory and realises that people in conflict areas frequently experience this constant cycle of reunion and loss, which bruise them with traumas.

Waheed just have two happy childhood memories. Once when his mother took him to a local park for ice cream with his cousins and another of his father who once gave him a big kite.&nbsp;

In danger from constant shellings and tanks, Waheed's family decided to migrate to Pakistan as refugees. But the normal borders were closed so they had to take a very dangerous route: the same route used by the mujaheedin to bring in the weapons to fight the government.&nbsp;

Sadly, the family came under the attack three times.&nbsp;

At one time, his father hid him in an oven set in a floor. The spy planes were zooming in. That is when his father hugged him and said, "son if anything happened to me, you would be responsible for looking after our family and to take them back to Kabul."

Recalling that day and the words of his father, Waheed, with a heaviness in his voice, said, "that's when actually I lost my childhood. I knew I was second-in-command. I knew I had a responsibility for my family." 
&nbsp; 
Miraculously, they survived the attack. After that attack, the family arrived in Pakistan and were settled in one of the refugee camps.&nbsp;

Within three months, Waheed was detected with advanced tuberculosis.&nbsp;

But his father's resilience, despite so many adversities, made him healthy again.&nbsp;

His father could not afford toys. He would play doctor and patient with Waheed. Waheed recounted, "He would buy some syringes from the local pharmacy and he would allow me to inject boiled water into his arm. I was pretending that I was a doctor. His arms would turn black and blue because I kept missing the vein but he would let me do that."

"I would not let my son do that to me," he chuckled.&nbsp;

But then two and a half years later, the family went to Afghanistan and in 1996 the Taliban took over and again everything was already destroyed and the economy crumbled even more.&nbsp;

Then in 1999, when Waheed got to the age of 15, his parents felt that he could be asked to serve in military.&nbsp;

"My entire family could not come with me to the West and they sold the house and all the belongings to get enough money to put in the hands of an agent to get me out of Afghanistan. Well, I was sat on a plane in Peshawar city and then I landed in Dubai and from Dubai I landed in Heathrow in London."

<h2>Arriving in UK with $100 in his pocket only to be arrested</h2>

"I was first actually arrested. I was arrested because I did not have the correct documents so I was sent to prison and it was a young offenders institute called Feltham. I was there for two weeks."&nbsp;

But fortunately enough, there was a kind barrister who then fought his corner in the court and said that refugees should not be penalised for the route they take to safety according to the UN Geneva Convention.&nbsp;

"The judge agreed. The charges were dropped and then I started my asylum claim in the UK which was a lengthy process that took two and a half years before I was granted a refugee status."&nbsp;

<h2>Worked during day, studied during night</h2>

First he started working in three jobs which was cleaning, sales and kitchen porter during the day. In night time, he would study.&nbsp;

Along with safety, Waheed knew he also have found opportunities that he never had as a child.&nbsp;

"I was like a child in a candy shop... Now I knew. There is school, there is education. I have to get it all and I was really working extremely hard, day and night.&nbsp;

But things were not all glossy for Dr Waheed in UK as, being separated from family, he struggled with mental health issues: from PTSD to deep anxiety.&nbsp;

"I was suffering from a Post-Traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. I did not know what it was when I was walking in streets of London wherever I would see a red bus they turn into a tank and at night time, I would wake in the middle of the night because I had a nightmares of a sniper taking my head off so I had to open the window to see for myself that I was actually in London not in a war zone."

<h2>The route to Cambridge</h2>

Waheed applied to Cambridge University despite so many people, including his tutor telling him that he was crazy an it was silly of him because Cambridge is not for refugees.&nbsp;

"But I actually felt you know, if the Russian bombs and jets did not kill me, applying for Cambridge would not do any harm. Let's do it."&nbsp;

He got into Cambridge and studied there for three years. Then, he came to Imperial College in London to complete clinical studies and also got a scholarship at Harvard university in 2008.

But in 2009, Waheed hit rock bottom and had a breakdown.&nbsp;

That is when, for the first time, he opened up to his tutor, who gave Waheed a big hug. "I cried on his shoulders."&nbsp;

His tutor told him he cannot back off when he is so close now to becoming a doctor and be able to support his family back in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

"Then I started therapy from my clinical psychologist. Before therapy and even in the war zone, running and exercising kept me going."&nbsp;

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<h2>Arian WellBeing</h2>

Waheed founded Arian WellBeing, a mental health initiative to support people in conflict zones.&nbsp;"We have been supporting now medics in the UK and we are hoping to scale this more throughout the globe."&nbsp;

He expresses concerns that a lot of the times therapy is randomly used by people.&nbsp;"What sort of theraphy and who is providing this theraphy is really important," he said.&nbsp;

<h2>Message to children of war</h2>

"My message to children of war or any child who is going through really traumatic experience and going through really challenging times is not to give up on hope of living. Even if we cant see anything hopeful just imagine that one day things will be okay. Number two is to continue dreaming. Its very easy to forget our dreams to forget what we want for our future." 
&nbsp; 
"Another would be to think about compassion, compassion to give to other people. We dont have to have a lot of money. wheather its serving your parents, your neighbours, somebody who is in need... close to you. It could be with your words of kindness. It could be with giving your hand and telling them things are okay. That is giving."

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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"When the going gets tough, the tough get going." This adage sits very well with Dr. Waheed Arian, who despite all circumstances penned the tale of his life in the finest ink possible.

"When the going gets tough, the tough get going." This adage sits very well with Dr. Waheed Arian, who despite all circumstances penned the tale of his life in the finest ink possible. How many of us really keep refugees in our thoughts? Dr. Waheed Arian has come a long way from being an Afghan refugee himself to becoming an inspiration to millions. A humanitarian at heart, he is an emergency doctor with National Health Service (NHS) in the UK, a global philanthropist and an author. Dr. Waheed spoke with WION and shared his amazing life story, loaded with the harrowing recollections of his childhood spent in Afghanistan during the Soviet conflict, yet brimming with optimism and tenacity. "I was born into the war during the Afghan-Soviet conflict in the mid-80s. I did not know any other reality except war, hiding in the cellars from the rockets, the bombs, and the shelling. These are the gothic memories I have... seeing soldiers outside tanks and planes in the sky," Dr. Waheed said as if it happened just yesterday. Millions of refugees are denied basic human rights. Their stories go unheard and unnoticed. With his father in hiding from the military, Dr Waheed as a child would go and visit him every summer in the far-away province of Logar. His mother would not tell him where they were going and then only once they'd arrived, his father would emerge out of a room suddenly. These were magical moments for Waheed Arian. Looking back, he thinks of this fond memory and realises that people in conflict areas frequently experience this constant cycle of reunion and loss, which bruise them with traumas. Waheed just have two happy childhood memories. Once when his mother took him to a local park for ice cream with his cousins and another of his father who once gave him a big kite. In danger from constant shellings and tanks, Waheed's family decided to migrate to Pakistan as refugees. But the normal borders were closed so they had to take a very dangerous route: the same route used by the mujaheedin to bring in the weapons to fight the government. Sadly, the family came under the attack three times. At one time, his father hid him in an oven set in a floor. The spy planes were zooming in. That is when his father hugged him and said, "son if anything happened to me, you would be responsible for looking after our family and to take them back to Kabul." Recalling that day and the words of his father, Waheed, with a heaviness in his voice, said, "that's when actually I lost my childhood. I knew I was second-in-command. I knew I had a responsibility for my family." Miraculously, they survived the attack. After that attack, the family arrived in Pakistan and were settled in one of the refugee camps. Within three months, Waheed was detected with advanced tuberculosis. But his father's resilience, despite so many adversities, made him healthy again. His father could not afford toys. He would play doctor and patient with Waheed. Waheed recounted, "He would buy some syringes from the local pharmacy and he would allow me to inject boiled water into his arm. I was pretending that I was a doctor. His arms would turn black and blue because I kept missing the vein but he would let me do that." "I would not let my son do that to me," he chuckled. But then two and a half years later, the family went to Afghanistan and in 1996 the Taliban took over and again everything was already destroyed and the economy crumbled even more. Then in 1999, when Waheed got to the age of 15, his parents felt that he could be asked to serve in military. "My entire family could not come with me to the West and they sold the house and all the belongings to get enough money to put in the hands of an agent to get me out of Afghanistan. Well, I was sat on a plane in Peshawar city and then I landed in Dubai and from Dubai I landed in Heathrow in London." Arriving in UK with $100 in his pocket only to be arrested "I was first actually arrested. I was arrested because I did not have the correct documents so I was sent to prison and it was a young offenders institute called Feltham. I was there for two weeks." But fortunately enough, there was a kind barrister who then fought his corner in the court and said that refugees should not be penalised for the route they take to safety according to the UN Geneva Convention. "The judge agreed. The charges were dropped and then I started my asylum claim in the UK which was a lengthy process that took two and a half years before I was granted a refugee status." Worked during day, studied during night First he started working in three jobs which was cleaning, sales and kitchen porter during the day. In night time, he would study. Along with safety, Waheed knew he also have found opportunities that he never had as a child. "I was like a child in a candy shop... Now I knew. There is school, there is education. I have to get it all and I was really working extremely hard, day and night. But things were not all glossy for Dr Waheed in UK as, being separated from family, he struggled with mental health issues: from PTSD to deep anxiety. "I was suffering from a Post-Traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. I did not know what it was when I was walking in streets of London wherever I would see a red bus they turn into a tank and at night time, I would wake in the middle of the night because I had a nightmares of a sniper taking my head off so I had to open the window to see for myself that I was actually in London not in a war zone." The route to Cambridge Waheed applied to Cambridge University despite so many people, including his tutor telling him that he was crazy an it was silly of him because Cambridge is not for refugees. "But I actually felt you know, if the Russian bombs and jets did not kill me, applying for Cambridge would not do any harm. Let's do it." He got into Cambridge and studied there for three years. Then, he came to Imperial College in London to complete clinical studies and also got a scholarship at Harvard university in 2008. But in 2009, Waheed hit rock bottom and had a breakdown. That is when, for the first time, he opened up to his tutor, who gave Waheed a big hug. "I cried on his shoulders." His tutor told him he cannot back off when he is so close now to becoming a doctor and be able to support his family back in Afghanistan. "Then I started therapy from my clinical psychologist. Before therapy and even in the war zone, running and exercising kept me going." × Arian WellBeing Waheed founded Arian WellBeing, a mental health initiative to support people in conflict zones. "We have been supporting now medics in the UK and we are hoping to scale this more throughout the globe." He expresses concerns that a lot of the times therapy is randomly used by people. "What sort of theraphy and who is providing this theraphy is really important," he said. Message to children of war "My message to children of war or any child who is going through really traumatic experience and going through really challenging times is not to give up on hope of living. Even if we cant see anything hopeful just imagine that one day things will be okay. Number two is to continue dreaming. Its very easy to forget our dreams to forget what we want for our future." "Another would be to think about compassion, compassion to give to other people. We dont have to have a lot of money. wheather its serving your parents, your neighbours, somebody who is in need... close to you. It could be with your words of kindness. It could be with giving your hand and telling them things are okay. That is giving." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

EXCLUSIVE | Afghan child of war, once a refugee, Dr Waheed Arian now heals ailing in war zones

The United Nations may soon abandon millions of Afghan nationals living under Taliban rule if it fails to convince Afghanistan's hardline rulers&nbsp;to let local women work for the organisation.&nbsp;

The UN officials are negotiating with the Afghan government, hoping that Taliban will make an exception to its anti-women diktat that bans&nbsp;local women from working for the organisation.

"It is fair to say that where we are right now is the entire United Nations system having to take a step back and re-evaluating its ability to operate there,"&nbsp;the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) administrator Achim Steiner told The Associated Press.&nbsp;"But it’s not about negotiating fundamental principles, human rights."

The Taliban have allowed Afghan women to engage in some work, Steiner said. A report released by the United Nations itself showed&nbsp;that the country desperately needs more women working.

Afghanistan's Gross Domestic Product, the sum of all goods and services produced within Afghanistan’s borders, is expected to be outstripped by population growth, meaning that per capita income will decline from $359 in 2022 to $345 in 2024, the UN report says.

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Afghan women speak to WION from the ground: 'We want our freedoms back' | WION Originals

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Some of Afghanistan's&nbsp;economic problems are due to Taliban policies keeping most women out of the workplace, Steiner said.

The UN has decided that it will leave Afghanistan in May if the Taliban do not relent to its demands of letting women work.

"I think there is no other way of putting it than heartbreaking," Steiner said. "I mean, if I were to imagine the UN family not being in Afghanistan today, I have before me these images of millions of young girls, young boys, fathers, mothers, who essentially will not have enough to eat."

<h2>Dim hopes of Taliban allowing women to work for the UN</h2>

Taliban&nbsp;has officially allowed women to work in specific circumstances in health, education and some small businesses. But reports from Afghanistan show otherwise.

In January 2023, shortly after Taliban banned women from attending universities, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/exclusive-afghan-women-fear-for-life-as-taliban-ban-male-doctors-from-treating-them-551218">WION reported exclusively</a> how Afghanistan's women doctors were denied jobs in Kabul's private clinics due to fear of Taliban's tyranny.&nbsp;

"In one sense, the de facto authorities have enabled the UN to roll out a significant humanitarian and also emergency development assistance set of activities,"&nbsp;Steiner said. "But they also continuously are shifting the goalposts, issuing new edicts."

Since replacing the democratically-elected President Ashraf Ghani in Kabul's corridors on power, Taliban have imposed harsh measures to restrict women's rights to study and work.&nbsp;

This month the Taliban took a step further in the restrictive measures they have imposed on women and said that female Afghan staff employed with the UN mission can no longer report for work.

"This is a very fundamental moment that we’re approaching,"&nbsp;Steiner said. "And obviously our hope and expectation is that there will be some common sense prevailing."

Aid agencies have been providing food, education and healthcare support to Afghans since the Taliban takeover and the economic collapse that followed it.

The 3,300 Afghans employed by the UN – 2,700 men and 600 women – have stayed at home since 12 April but continue to work and will be paid, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric has said.

The UN’s 600 international workers, including 200 women, are not affected by the Taliban ban.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The United Nations may soon abandon millions of Afghan nationals living under Taliban rule if it fails to convince Afghanistan's hardline rulers to let local women work for the organisation.

The United Nations may soon abandon millions of Afghan nationals living under Taliban rule if it fails to convince Afghanistan's hardline rulers to let local women work for the organisation. The UN officials are negotiating with the Afghan government, hoping that Taliban will make an exception to its anti-women diktat that bans local women from working for the organisation. "It is fair to say that where we are right now is the entire United Nations system having to take a step back and re-evaluating its ability to operate there," the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) administrator Achim Steiner told The Associated Press. "But it’s not about negotiating fundamental principles, human rights." The Taliban have allowed Afghan women to engage in some work, Steiner said. A report released by the United Nations itself showed that the country desperately needs more women working. Afghanistan's Gross Domestic Product, the sum of all goods and services produced within Afghanistan’s borders, is expected to be outstripped by population growth, meaning that per capita income will decline from $359 in 2022 to $345 in 2024, the UN report says. ALSO WATCH | Afghan women speak to WION from the ground: 'We want our freedoms back' | WION Originals × Some of Afghanistan's economic problems are due to Taliban policies keeping most women out of the workplace, Steiner said. The UN has decided that it will leave Afghanistan in May if the Taliban do not relent to its demands of letting women work. "I think there is no other way of putting it than heartbreaking," Steiner said. "I mean, if I were to imagine the UN family not being in Afghanistan today, I have before me these images of millions of young girls, young boys, fathers, mothers, who essentially will not have enough to eat." Dim hopes of Taliban allowing women to work for the UN Taliban has officially allowed women to work in specific circumstances in health, education and some small businesses. But reports from Afghanistan show otherwise. In January 2023, shortly after Taliban banned women from attending universities, WION reported exclusively how Afghanistan's women doctors were denied jobs in Kabul's private clinics due to fear of Taliban's tyranny. "In one sense, the de facto authorities have enabled the UN to roll out a significant humanitarian and also emergency development assistance set of activities," Steiner said. "But they also continuously are shifting the goalposts, issuing new edicts." Since replacing the democratically-elected President Ashraf Ghani in Kabul's corridors on power, Taliban have imposed harsh measures to restrict women's rights to study and work. This month the Taliban took a step further in the restrictive measures they have imposed on women and said that female Afghan staff employed with the UN mission can no longer report for work. "This is a very fundamental moment that we’re approaching," Steiner said. "And obviously our hope and expectation is that there will be some common sense prevailing." Aid agencies have been providing food, education and healthcare support to Afghans since the Taliban takeover and the economic collapse that followed it. The 3,300 Afghans employed by the UN – 2,700 men and 600 women – have stayed at home since 12 April but continue to work and will be paid, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric has said. The UN’s 600 international workers, including 200 women, are not affected by the Taliban ban. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Soon, like United States, UN too may abandon Afghanistan

Media reports indicate that Afghanistan Taliban and the Pakistani Taliban, formally called the Tehreek-e-Taliban-e-Pakistan, "collaborated" in a spate of recent attacks that targeted Pakistan's security establishment and law enforcement.

As per a report by The Express Tribune citing an anonymous senior Pakistan counter-terrorism officer, the Afghan Taliban actively participated in the said attacks.

"Our details show that in every 'tashkil' (movement) if 10 TTP members were dispatched, five or four would be Afghan citizens," said the officer.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/focus-on-our-pakistan-army-chief-calls-for-shunning-debate-of-naya-purana-pakistan-says-report-582574">Focus on our Pakistan: Army chief calls for shunning debate of 'Naya', 'Purana' Pakistan, says report</a>

He further revealed that over the past three months, 51 Afghan militants have been killed in targeted intelligence-based operations carried out by Pakistan's military, police and the Counter-Terrorism Department.

"Even in the attack on the police station in Karachi, two of the terrorists involved were Afghan citizens," he disclosed, adding that the regime in Afghanistan has been asked to help ensure "peace and stability" in the country.&nbsp;

"We have informed and warned the Kabul regime about the recent surge in militancy across Pakistan and the participation of Afghan Taliban in these activities. We have demanded that they play their role in ensuring peace and stability in our country," he said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/pakistan-gets-a-step-closer-to-getting-imf-bailout-after-uae-saudi-arabia-pledge-billions-in-assistance-582451">Pakistan a step closer to getting IMF bailout after UAE, Saudi Arabia pledge billions in assistance</a>

The Express Tribune's source further said that there were reports of more movement by Afghan Taliban in the upcoming spring season.

The report further quoted a senior journalist from North Waziristan, speaking on the condition of anonymity, confirming that many attackers could be traced back to Afghanistan.

"Three of the last 10 suicide attacks in North Waziristan were traced back to Afghanistan," he said, adding that this "shows that the bonds (between TTP and Afghan Taliban) are still at place and TTP is enjoying backing from Kabul."

The merger of Taliban groups has strengthened the TTP in Pakistan. With the Taliban back in power in Afghanistan, the TTP has reportedly regained its footprint in Pakistan's erstwhile tribal regions.

According to a former Afghan security analyst Fawad Lamay, the TTP and the Afghan Taliban are two sides of the same coin. He said that "with the Taliban back in power in Afghanistan, the TTP leadership now freely moves from one side to another, from border areas to main lands. It conducts meetings and more specifically has received intelligence from the Emirate-e-Islami (Afghan Taliban)."

"It would be a lie to believe that the Emirate-e-Islami have broken off ties with other Jihadi group," he added.

Recent reports indicate that the Balochistan Liberation Army has verbally agreed to an alliance with the TTP. A group of TTP from the Bannu Domail area and Abu Zar Fidae from the Peshawar adjacent Bara Tehsil of Khyber tribal district have reportedly also announced their alliance.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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Media reports indicate that Afghanistan Taliban and the Pakistani Taliban, formally called the Tehreek-e-Taliban-e-Pakistan, "collaborated" in a spate of recent attacks that targeted Pakistan's security establishment and law enforcement.

Media reports indicate that Afghanistan Taliban and the Pakistani Taliban, formally called the Tehreek-e-Taliban-e-Pakistan, "collaborated" in a spate of recent attacks that targeted Pakistan's security establishment and law enforcement. As per a report by The Express Tribune citing an anonymous senior Pakistan counter-terrorism officer, the Afghan Taliban actively participated in the said attacks. "Our details show that in every 'tashkil' (movement) if 10 TTP members were dispatched, five or four would be Afghan citizens," said the officer. Also read | Focus on our Pakistan: Army chief calls for shunning debate of 'Naya', 'Purana' Pakistan, says report He further revealed that over the past three months, 51 Afghan militants have been killed in targeted intelligence-based operations carried out by Pakistan's military, police and the Counter-Terrorism Department. "Even in the attack on the police station in Karachi, two of the terrorists involved were Afghan citizens," he disclosed, adding that the regime in Afghanistan has been asked to help ensure "peace and stability" in the country. "We have informed and warned the Kabul regime about the recent surge in militancy across Pakistan and the participation of Afghan Taliban in these activities. We have demanded that they play their role in ensuring peace and stability in our country," he said. Also read | Pakistan a step closer to getting IMF bailout after UAE, Saudi Arabia pledge billions in assistance The Express Tribune's source further said that there were reports of more movement by Afghan Taliban in the upcoming spring season. The report further quoted a senior journalist from North Waziristan, speaking on the condition of anonymity, confirming that many attackers could be traced back to Afghanistan. "Three of the last 10 suicide attacks in North Waziristan were traced back to Afghanistan," he said, adding that this "shows that the bonds (between TTP and Afghan Taliban) are still at place and TTP is enjoying backing from Kabul." The merger of Taliban groups has strengthened the TTP in Pakistan. With the Taliban back in power in Afghanistan, the TTP has reportedly regained its footprint in Pakistan's erstwhile tribal regions. According to a former Afghan security analyst Fawad Lamay, the TTP and the Afghan Taliban are two sides of the same coin. He said that "with the Taliban back in power in Afghanistan, the TTP leadership now freely moves from one side to another, from border areas to main lands. It conducts meetings and more specifically has received intelligence from the Emirate-e-Islami (Afghan Taliban)." "It would be a lie to believe that the Emirate-e-Islami have broken off ties with other Jihadi group," he added. Recent reports indicate that the Balochistan Liberation Army has verbally agreed to an alliance with the TTP. A group of TTP from the Bannu Domail area and Abu Zar Fidae from the Peshawar adjacent Bara Tehsil of Khyber tribal district have reportedly also announced their alliance. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Afghanistan, Pakistani Taliban 'collaborated' on attacks targeting Pak law enforcement: Report

The United Nations has announced that it is reconsidering operations in Afghanistan after the Taliban government banned women from working for the organisation. The UN assistance mission in Afghanistan issued a statement condemning the Taliban regime and is threatening to pull out of Afghanistan altogether.

UN threatens to pull out of Afghanistan after Taliban bans women from working for UN | WION

Taliban imposed yet another restriction on Afghan women on Monday that will bar them from restaurants with gardens or green spaces in the Herat province of Afghanistan. The conservative power which is predominantly male continues to tyrannise over women and now bans their entry into restaurants with green spaces. Taliban has imposed this ban on families as well.&nbsp;

The decision came after religious clerics complained of mixing genders in such public places. Afghan officials said that this step has been taken because of gender mixing, as many women allegedly were seen not wearing the hijab.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-gov-phil-murphy-negotiating-between-rutgers-university-unions-why-faculty-members-are-on-strike-581233">Who is Gov. Phil Murphy? Negotiating between Rutgers University &amp; unions- Why faculty members are on strike</a>

So far, the ban is applicable to outdoor restaurants with green spaces only in Herat; as such premises remain open to men. Baz Mohammad Nazir, a deputy official from the Ministry of Vice and Virtue’s directorate in Herat denied media reports that all restaurants were off limits to families and women, dismissing them as propaganda.&nbsp;

He said it applied only to restaurants with green areas, such as a park, where men and women could meet. "After repeated complaints from scholars and ordinary people, we set limits and closed these restaurants."

Azizurrahman Al Muhajir, who is head of the Vice and Virtue directorate in Herat, said, "It was like a park but they named it a restaurant and men and women were together. Thank God it has been corrected now. Also, our auditors are observing all the parks where men and women go."

This was the latest form of restrictions imposed by the Taliban since they took power in August 2021. In the past, they have shut girls out of classrooms beyond the sixth grade and women from universities, and most types of employment, including jobs at the UN. They are also banned from public spaces such as parks and gyms.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Taliban ban women from restaurants and green spaces in Afghanistan

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The UN said that 3300 male and female employees of the organization have stayed at home since women were banned from working at UN agencies.&nbsp;

Since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan in August 2021, the situation of women, their rights and basic freedom has been deteriorating. Women in the country are prohibited from leadership roles, and not allowed to work as well as travel unless accompanied by a male companion.&nbsp;

Though the Taliban promised to reopen all schools on March 23 this year, instead, they closed secondary institutions for girls on that day.&nbsp;

There is still no word on when or if these schools will ever reopen or if the ban is indefinite.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Taliban imposed yet another restriction on Afghan women on Monday that will bar them from restaurants with gardens or green spaces in the Herat province of Afghanistan.

Taliban imposed yet another restriction on Afghan women on Monday that will bar them from restaurants with gardens or green spaces in the Herat province of Afghanistan. The conservative power which is predominantly male continues to tyrannise over women and now bans their entry into restaurants with green spaces. Taliban has imposed this ban on families as well. The decision came after religious clerics complained of mixing genders in such public places. Afghan officials said that this step has been taken because of gender mixing, as many women allegedly were seen not wearing the hijab. Also Read | Who is Gov. Phil Murphy? Negotiating between Rutgers University & unions- Why faculty members are on strike So far, the ban is applicable to outdoor restaurants with green spaces only in Herat; as such premises remain open to men. Baz Mohammad Nazir, a deputy official from the Ministry of Vice and Virtue’s directorate in Herat denied media reports that all restaurants were off limits to families and women, dismissing them as propaganda. He said it applied only to restaurants with green areas, such as a park, where men and women could meet. "After repeated complaints from scholars and ordinary people, we set limits and closed these restaurants." Azizurrahman Al Muhajir, who is head of the Vice and Virtue directorate in Herat, said, "It was like a park but they named it a restaurant and men and women were together. Thank God it has been corrected now. Also, our auditors are observing all the parks where men and women go." This was the latest form of restrictions imposed by the Taliban since they took power in August 2021. In the past, they have shut girls out of classrooms beyond the sixth grade and women from universities, and most types of employment, including jobs at the UN. They are also banned from public spaces such as parks and gyms. Watch | Taliban ban women from restaurants and green spaces in Afghanistan × The UN said that 3300 male and female employees of the organization have stayed at home since women were banned from working at UN agencies. Since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan in August 2021, the situation of women, their rights and basic freedom has been deteriorating. Women in the country are prohibited from leadership roles, and not allowed to work as well as travel unless accompanied by a male companion. Though the Taliban promised to reopen all schools on March 23 this year, instead, they closed secondary institutions for girls on that day. There is still no word on when or if these schools will ever reopen or if the ban is indefinite. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

After schools, gyms & parks, Taliban now bar women from restaurants with 'gardens' in Herat

In the Afghan province of Herat's northwest, the Taliban have made it illegal for families and women to enter restaurants with gardens or other outdoor areas. The organization, which took control in August 2021, is still restricting the rights of women while in power.

Taliban ban women from restaurants and green spaces in Afghanistan

The religious voices in Afghanistan are opening up against the ban on female education. Two prominent religious scholars on Saturday urged the Taliban to reconsider its decision and allow women back into educational institutions.

The religious voices in Afghanistan are opening up against the ban on female education. Two prominent religious scholars on Saturday urged the Taliban to reconsider its decision and allow women back into educational institutions. Abdul Rahman Abid, an Islamic scholar said girls should be re-admitted with separate classes and female teachers teaching them. Moreover, if the rules are to be followed to a tee, separate facilities can be built for them. “My daughter is absent from school, I am ashamed, I have no answer for my daughter. My daughter asks why girls are not allowed to learn in the Islamic system. I have no answer for her," Abid was quoted as saying by The Associated Press. Another scholar named Toryali Himat who is incidentally a member of the Taliban as well stated that women should be able to receive education up to the university level. “Islam has allowed both men and women to learn, but hijab and curriculum should be considered," said Himat before adding, "Corrective criticism should be given and the Islamic emirate should think about this. Where there is no criticism, there is the possibility of corruption. My personal opinion is that girls should get education up to university level.” The scholars opining their rather rogue opinions comes in the backdrop of Acting Higher Education Minister Nida Mohammad Nadim issuing a threat that clerics should not speak against the government policy. “You encouraged the people to rebel, so what is the result? The result is that rebellion against this (ban) is allowed. If people are encouraged to rebel against the system, will it benefit Muslims?" said Nadim, referring to Abdul Sami Al Ghaznawi, another scholar who batted for girls' education. WATCH | Afghanistan: Taliban fighters enforce university ban; Afghan women deprived of basic human rights × Taliban banning female education In December last year, the Taliban authorities sent a letter to all public and private colleges announcing the indefinite ban on Afghan girls attending educational institutions. The reason cited for the ban was that women students had failed to appropriately observe gender-based religious restrictions. "You all are informed to implement the mentioned order of suspending the education of females until further notice," read the letter. On the occasion of International Women's Day last month, the UN released a statement and criticised the Taliban for the umpteenth time for its archaic order. ALSO READ | Afghanistan: Schools start without classes as students remain unaware, girls barred "It has been distressing to witness their methodical, deliberate, and systematic efforts to push Afghan women and girls out of the public sphere," said Roza Otunbayeva, special representative of the UN secretary-general and head of the UN mission to Afghanistan. According to prominent human rights groups, the Taliban is the only country in the world where women and little girls are barred from entering educational as well as work institutions. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Winds of resistance blowing? Afghan religious scholars criticise Taliban's diktat banning female education

President Joe Biden’s administration has shifted the blame on its predecessor, Donald Trump, for the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan following the Taliban takeover in 2021.

On Thursday, the White House released a 12-page report highlighting US’ failure in starting the evacuation process early, adding that Biden was “severely constrained” by Trump’s decisions

The report acknowledged that the evacuation of Americans and allies from Afghanistan should have started sooner, but pinned the blame for the delayed response on the Afghan government and military, and on US military and intelligence community assessments.

“President Biden’s choices for how to execute a withdrawal from Afghanistan were severely constrained by conditions created by his predecessor,” the summary stated.

It noted that when Biden entered office, “the Taliban were in the strongest military position that they had been in since 2001, controlling or contesting nearly half of the country.”

<h2>Report: Biden inherited a chaotic and crippled operation</h2>

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The document was drafted by the National Security Council instead by an independent entity, with input from Biden himself, AP news agency reported.

A detailed review of and actions leading up to the withdrawal conducted by the State Department and the Pentagon, was sent privately to Congress on Thursday, the administration said, adding that the finds were classified and would not be released publicly.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/judge-who-presided-over-trumps-arraignment-receives-multiple-threats-579962">Judge, who presided over Trump's arraignment, receives multiple threats</a>

Republicans in the US House of Representatives, who are investigating the pull-out, had been demanding to see the report for weeks.

Responding to the accusation, Trump claimed that the Biden administration was playing “a new disinformation game” to distract from “their grossly incompetent SURRENDER in Afghanistan.” On his social media site, he said, “Biden is responsible, no one else!”

Later in the day, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby admitted that “clearly we didn’t get it right”, but avoided questions whether Biden has any regrets for his decisions and actions leading up to the withdrawal.

He said that the “purpose” of the report “is not accountability,” but rather ”understanding” what happened to inform future decisions.

(With inputs from agencies)

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President Joe Biden’s administration has shifted the blame on its predecessor, Donald Trump, for the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan following the Taliban takeover in 2021.

President Joe Biden’s administration has shifted the blame on its predecessor, Donald Trump, for the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan following the Taliban takeover in 2021. On Thursday, the White House released a 12-page report highlighting US’ failure in starting the evacuation process early, adding that Biden was “severely constrained” by Trump’s decisions The report acknowledged that the evacuation of Americans and allies from Afghanistan should have started sooner, but pinned the blame for the delayed response on the Afghan government and military, and on US military and intelligence community assessments. “President Biden’s choices for how to execute a withdrawal from Afghanistan were severely constrained by conditions created by his predecessor,” the summary stated. It noted that when Biden entered office, “the Taliban were in the strongest military position that they had been in since 2001, controlling or contesting nearly half of the country.” Report: Biden inherited a chaotic and crippled operation The document was drafted by the National Security Council instead by an independent entity, with input from Biden himself, AP news agency reported. A detailed review of and actions leading up to the withdrawal conducted by the State Department and the Pentagon, was sent privately to Congress on Thursday, the administration said, adding that the finds were classified and would not be released publicly. Also read | Judge, who presided over Trump's arraignment, receives multiple threats Republicans in the US House of Representatives, who are investigating the pull-out, had been demanding to see the report for weeks. Responding to the accusation, Trump claimed that the Biden administration was playing “a new disinformation game” to distract from “their grossly incompetent SURRENDER in Afghanistan.” On his social media site, he said, “Biden is responsible, no one else!” Later in the day, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby admitted that “clearly we didn’t get it right”, but avoided questions whether Biden has any regrets for his decisions and actions leading up to the withdrawal. He said that the “purpose” of the report “is not accountability,” but rather ”understanding” what happened to inform future decisions. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Biden administration blames Donald trump for ‘hasty, chaotic’ 2021 Afghanistan withdrawal

In the latest diktat against women in Afghanistan, the Taliban have issued an order to ban Afghan women employees of the United Nations staff from working throughout Afghanistan. According to a UN spokesperson, the Taliban have extended a ban on women working for NGOs to the UN mission throughout the country.

Taliban's new diktat against Afghan women: UN says its female staffers banned by Taliban | WION

A UN spokesman said on Tuesday (April 4) that the Taliban have issued an order to ban Afghan women employees of the United Nations staff from working throughout Afghanistan. The reported move is significant as the UN had so far been exempt from such bans.&nbsp;

Stephane Dujarric, who is the spokesman for the secretary-general, said, "We were told from various conduits that this applies to the whole country."&nbsp;

Meanwhile, news agencies reported that the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) had earlier said that the women UN staff in the country had been blocked from work in an eastern province.&nbsp;

As quoted by news agencies, Dujarric said that UNAMA received word of an order by the de facto authorities that ban female national staff members of the UN from working. He added that the UN had heard "from various conduits that this applies to the whole country".&nbsp;

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Dujarric said no written order had yet been received. The UN was to hold meetings with the Taliban on Wednesday in Kabul to "seek some clarity".&nbsp;

For UN chief Antonio Guterres, Dujarric said, "Any such ban would be unacceptable and frankly, inconceivable."&nbsp;

"This is the latest in a disturbing trend undermining the ability of aid organizations to reach those most in need," he added.&nbsp;

"Female staff members are essential for the United Nations to deliver lifesaving assistance," he said. The spokesperson also said that the UN is working to reach 23 million people with humanitarian aid in the country. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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A UN spokesman said on Tuesday (April 4) that the Taliban have issued an order to ban Afghan women employees of the United Nations staff from working throughout Afghanistan.

A UN spokesman said on Tuesday (April 4) that the Taliban have issued an order to ban Afghan women employees of the United Nations staff from working throughout Afghanistan. The reported move is significant as the UN had so far been exempt from such bans. Stephane Dujarric, who is the spokesman for the secretary-general, said, "We were told from various conduits that this applies to the whole country." Meanwhile, news agencies reported that the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) had earlier said that the women UN staff in the country had been blocked from work in an eastern province. As quoted by news agencies, Dujarric said that UNAMA received word of an order by the de facto authorities that ban female national staff members of the UN from working. He added that the UN had heard "from various conduits that this applies to the whole country". × Dujarric said no written order had yet been received. The UN was to hold meetings with the Taliban on Wednesday in Kabul to "seek some clarity". For UN chief Antonio Guterres, Dujarric said, "Any such ban would be unacceptable and frankly, inconceivable." "This is the latest in a disturbing trend undermining the ability of aid organizations to reach those most in need," he added. "Female staff members are essential for the United Nations to deliver lifesaving assistance," he said. The spokesperson also said that the UN is working to reach 23 million people with humanitarian aid in the country. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Taliban's order blocks Afghan women staff from work, says UN

A radio station run by women in Afghanistan's northeast has been closed because it was playing music during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, said a Taliban official on Saturday.

Sadai Banowan, which means the voice of women in Dari, is the only women-run station in Afghanistan and had started 10 years ago. The radio station has eight staff members, six of them women.

Badakhshan province's Information and Culture Director Moezuddin Ahmadi said the station violated the "laws and regulations of the Islamic Emirate" many times by broadcasting music and songs during the holy month of Ramadan and was closed because they breached the law.

ALSO READ |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-arrest-afghanistans-prominent-womens-education-activist-576653"> Taliban arrest Afghanistan's prominent women's education activist</a>

"If this radio station accepts the policy of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan and gives a guarantee that it will not repeat such a thing again, we will allow it to operate again," Ahmadi said.

Station head Najia Sorosh refused to accept that they violated the law, stating that there was no need for closing the station and called the whole step a conspiracy. The Taliban "told us that you have broadcast music. We have not broadcast any kind of music," she stated.

WATCH | American lies: US blames India for its failure in Afghanistan | WION Game Plan

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Sorosh said that on Thursday representatives from the Vice and Virtue Directorate and the Ministry of Information and Culture arrived at the station at 11:40 am and closed it.

She said that the radio station staff have contacted Vice and Virtue but the officials said that they did not have any additional information about the radio station's closing.

The Taliban had earlier stopped women from studying in universities and working at NGOs.

(With inputs from agencies)

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A radio station run by women in Afghanistan's northeast has been closed because it was playing music during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, said a Taliban official on Saturday.

A radio station run by women in Afghanistan's northeast has been closed because it was playing music during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, said a Taliban official on Saturday. Sadai Banowan, which means the voice of women in Dari, is the only women-run station in Afghanistan and had started 10 years ago. The radio station has eight staff members, six of them women. Badakhshan province's Information and Culture Director Moezuddin Ahmadi said the station violated the "laws and regulations of the Islamic Emirate" many times by broadcasting music and songs during the holy month of Ramadan and was closed because they breached the law. ALSO READ | Taliban arrest Afghanistan's prominent women's education activist "If this radio station accepts the policy of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan and gives a guarantee that it will not repeat such a thing again, we will allow it to operate again," Ahmadi said. Station head Najia Sorosh refused to accept that they violated the law, stating that there was no need for closing the station and called the whole step a conspiracy. The Taliban "told us that you have broadcast music. We have not broadcast any kind of music," she stated. WATCH | American lies: US blames India for its failure in Afghanistan | WION Game Plan Sorosh said that on Thursday representatives from the Vice and Virtue Directorate and the Ministry of Information and Culture arrived at the station at 11:40 am and closed it. She said that the radio station staff have contacted Vice and Virtue but the officials said that they did not have any additional information about the radio station's closing. The Taliban had earlier stopped women from studying in universities and working at NGOs. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Afghanistan: Taliban shut down women-run radio station for playing music in Ramadan

The Taliban has now detained three British nationals in Afghanistan. The UK Home secretary Suella Braverman stated that the men were the subject of discussions" by the administration. Suella Braverman said in an interview that "anyone travelling to risky regions of the world should exercise the utmost caution. If they do it, they should always abide by the Foreign Office's travel guidance.

UK Home secretary Suella Braverman speaks on detention of its nationals in Kabul

Three British men have been detained by the Taliban in Afghanistan, reports said adding that the UK government is in the process of carrying out the negotiations and ensuring their safety. The incident came to light when a UK non-profit group the Presidium Network tweeted about the situation and said negotiations are ongoing and the non-profit is helping relatives of the detained men.

3 Britons detained by Taliban in Afghanistan, UK govt in negotiations for their release

Three British men, including a charity worker, are being held in Taliban custody in Afghanistan, a UK non-profit organisation says, and the UK foreign ministry says it is working to secure contact with them.

UK: British men held by Taliban 'in contact' with relatives, family spokesman says

Three British men have been detained by the Taliban in Afghanistan, reports said adding that the UK government is in the process of carrying out the negotiations and ensuring their safety.&nbsp;

The incident came to light when a UK non-profit group the Presidium Network tweeted about the situation and said negotiations are ongoing and the non-profit is helping relatives of the detained men.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Watch | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-two-dead-a-child-injured-after-hot-air-balloon-catches-fire-mid-air-in-mexico-578162">Hot air balloon catches fire mid-air in Mexico, two dead and a child injured</a>

Scott Richards of the Presidium Network told Sky News, “We believe they are in good health and being well treated. We have no reason to believe they’ve been subject to any negative treatment such as torture and we’re told that they are as good as can be expected in such circumstances.”

According to media reports, a 53-year-old charity medic Kevin Cornwell, an unnamed manager of a hotel for aid workers, and YouTube star Miles Routledge, who visits ‘most dangerous places on Earth for fun’ were&nbsp;among the three UK nationals being held in Kabul. Reports suggest that two of these men were held by Taliban in January and are in detention since then. No clarity has yet been ascertained about the third man and no information on how long has he been detained for is clear as of now.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-president-ramchandra-paudel-admitted-to-hospital-578148">Nepal President Ramchandra Paudel admitted to hospital</a>

Meanwhile, UK’s foreign ministry in a statement said, "We are working hard to secure consular contact with British nationals detained in Afghanistan and we are supporting their families."&nbsp;

Britain's interior minister Suella Braverman on Sunday confirmed that the UK government is "in negotiations" with the Taliban for the safety of the three men.&nbsp;

This is not the isolated incident when Taliban has held British nationals. In a similar incident last year,&nbsp;Taliban held a veteran television cameraman and four other British nationals for six months.

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However, later they were freed. Afghanistan government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid had accused the five Britons of "carrying out activities against the country's laws and traditions of the people of Afghanistan".

"After consecutive meetings between the IEA (Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan) and Britain, the said persons were released... and handed over to their home country," he said adding, "They promised to abide by the laws of Afghanistan, its traditions and culture of the people and not to violate them again."&nbsp;

But the UK foreign ministry at the time maintained that the five detained individuals "had no role in the UK government's work in Afghanistan and travelled to Afghanistan against the UK government's travel advice."

This is second such instance of detention in this week by Taliban. WION earlier reported that Matiullah Wesa, a well-known advocate for women's education rights in Taliban-run Afghanistan was detained by the nation's hardliner government on Monday in Kabul as he left a mosque. Wesa is the founder and president of Pen Path, a nonprofit organisation that continues to educate young Afghans including women.&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 
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Three British men have been detained by the Taliban in Afghanistan, reports said adding that the UK government is in the process of carrying out the negotiations and ensuring their safety.

Three British men have been detained by the Taliban in Afghanistan, reports said adding that the UK government is in the process of carrying out the negotiations and ensuring their safety. The incident came to light when a UK non-profit group the Presidium Network tweeted about the situation and said negotiations are ongoing and the non-profit is helping relatives of the detained men. Watch | Hot air balloon catches fire mid-air in Mexico, two dead and a child injured Scott Richards of the Presidium Network told Sky News, “We believe they are in good health and being well treated. We have no reason to believe they’ve been subject to any negative treatment such as torture and we’re told that they are as good as can be expected in such circumstances.” According to media reports, a 53-year-old charity medic Kevin Cornwell, an unnamed manager of a hotel for aid workers, and YouTube star Miles Routledge, who visits ‘most dangerous places on Earth for fun’ were among the three UK nationals being held in Kabul. Reports suggest that two of these men were held by Taliban in January and are in detention since then. No clarity has yet been ascertained about the third man and no information on how long has he been detained for is clear as of now. Also Read | Nepal President Ramchandra Paudel admitted to hospital Meanwhile, UK’s foreign ministry in a statement said, "We are working hard to secure consular contact with British nationals detained in Afghanistan and we are supporting their families." Britain's interior minister Suella Braverman on Sunday confirmed that the UK government is "in negotiations" with the Taliban for the safety of the three men. This is not the isolated incident when Taliban has held British nationals. In a similar incident last year, Taliban held a veteran television cameraman and four other British nationals for six months. Watch | WION Exclusive: Indian Actor Dia Mirza speaks to WION on playing Geetanjali in 'Bheed' × However, later they were freed. Afghanistan government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid had accused the five Britons of "carrying out activities against the country's laws and traditions of the people of Afghanistan". "After consecutive meetings between the IEA (Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan) and Britain, the said persons were released... and handed over to their home country," he said adding, "They promised to abide by the laws of Afghanistan, its traditions and culture of the people and not to violate them again." But the UK foreign ministry at the time maintained that the five detained individuals "had no role in the UK government's work in Afghanistan and travelled to Afghanistan against the UK government's travel advice." This is second such instance of detention in this week by Taliban. WION earlier reported that Matiullah Wesa, a well-known advocate for women's education rights in Taliban-run Afghanistan was detained by the nation's hardliner government on Monday in Kabul as he left a mosque. Wesa is the founder and president of Pen Path, a nonprofit organisation that continues to educate young Afghans including women. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Three Britons detained by Taliban in Afghanistan, UK govt in negotiations for their safety, release

There are up to 9,000 Afghan refugees staying in hotels in the United Kingdom after fleeing from Kabul following the Taliban takeover in 2021 and under the British government’s new plans, humanitarian groups have warned that they are at risk of becoming homeless.&nbsp;

What does the government plan to do?

The government announced on Tuesday (March 28) that it would move the refugees out of temporary hotel accommodation and into permanent homes on the condition they accept the first offer made to them.&nbsp;

The government has said Afghans living in “temporary bridging accommodation” in the UK under the two settlement schemes will be given additional support to find settled accommodation after 18 months in hotels, reported the Guardian.&nbsp;

The veterans’ affairs minister, Johnny Mercer, told MPs that it was an “unsustainable situation” that “needs to change,” referring to the temporary hotel accommodation. He added, “Bridging hotels were not and were never designed to be a permanent solution…we have a duty to end this practice.”&nbsp;

The veterans’ affairs minister also noted that those in hotels will begin receiving letters in April, saying they have three months to find a settled accommodation, reported AFP. The UK government will also provide extra support, advising on how to rent in the private sector and find jobs, said Mercer.

However, the veterans’ affairs minister has also said that those who do not accept the first offer will not be offered a second alternative. This has since sparked concerns that many around 8,000 refugees, half of them children, could end up homeless. Meanwhile, Downing Street has insisted that refugees will be forced onto the street.

“This is about how we’re accelerating support for Afghans who have been forced to remain in hotel accommodation for sometimes more than a year,” said a Downing Street spokesman. He added, we have made a “large commitment” to support them and make a new life in the UK and this will be the “next stage of that.”

What are the concerns raised?

“We are deeply concerned about many elements of these plans, in particular the risk that they could lead to people who fled the Taliban in Afghanistan being left homeless and destitute on the streets of Britain,” said the chief executive of the Refugee Council, Enver Solomon.&nbsp;

Solomon also slammed the government saying that while hotels are not the right place to live for refugees, the fact that the government has left them there for months is a “consequence of government mismanagement and a failure to work successfully in partnership with local councils and other agencies” to find homes for thousands of refugees.&nbsp;

He added that expecting to suddenly move them by putting pressure on Afghan families “risks causing great misery and anxiety for those who have already experienced trauma and upheaval.”

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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There are up to 9,000 Afghan refugees staying in hotels in the United Kingdom after fleeing from Kabul following the Taliban takeover in 2021 and under the British government’s new plans, humanitarian groups have warned that they are at risk of becoming homeless.

There are up to 9,000 Afghan refugees staying in hotels in the United Kingdom after fleeing from Kabul following the Taliban takeover in 2021 and under the British government’s new plans, humanitarian groups have warned that they are at risk of becoming homeless. What does the government plan to do? The government announced on Tuesday (March 28) that it would move the refugees out of temporary hotel accommodation and into permanent homes on the condition they accept the first offer made to them. The government has said Afghans living in “temporary bridging accommodation” in the UK under the two settlement schemes will be given additional support to find settled accommodation after 18 months in hotels, reported the Guardian. The veterans’ affairs minister, Johnny Mercer, told MPs that it was an “unsustainable situation” that “needs to change,” referring to the temporary hotel accommodation. He added, “Bridging hotels were not and were never designed to be a permanent solution…we have a duty to end this practice.” The veterans’ affairs minister also noted that those in hotels will begin receiving letters in April, saying they have three months to find a settled accommodation, reported AFP. The UK government will also provide extra support, advising on how to rent in the private sector and find jobs, said Mercer. However, the veterans’ affairs minister has also said that those who do not accept the first offer will not be offered a second alternative. This has since sparked concerns that many around 8,000 refugees, half of them children, could end up homeless. Meanwhile, Downing Street has insisted that refugees will be forced onto the street. “This is about how we’re accelerating support for Afghans who have been forced to remain in hotel accommodation for sometimes more than a year,” said a Downing Street spokesman. He added, we have made a “large commitment” to support them and make a new life in the UK and this will be the “next stage of that.” What are the concerns raised? “We are deeply concerned about many elements of these plans, in particular the risk that they could lead to people who fled the Taliban in Afghanistan being left homeless and destitute on the streets of Britain,” said the chief executive of the Refugee Council, Enver Solomon. Solomon also slammed the government saying that while hotels are not the right place to live for refugees, the fact that the government has left them there for months is a “consequence of government mismanagement and a failure to work successfully in partnership with local councils and other agencies” to find homes for thousands of refugees. He added that expecting to suddenly move them by putting pressure on Afghan families “risks causing great misery and anxiety for those who have already experienced trauma and upheaval.” (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

UK: Thousands of Afghan refugees may become homeless under govt’s new plans

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan has courted another controversy by urging the international community to recognise the Taliban. Khan said the terror outfit currently ruling over Afghanistan will not respect human rights as well as women's right to education until the international community accepts it.&nbsp;

“If you isolate them [Taliban], what influence are you going to have on them? If you mainstream and let them have a state, then talk about human rights. Right now, you push them into isolation; their money is frozen, so why would they listen to anyone?" Khan was quoted as saying by Khaama Press.&nbsp;

“My advice is to get them involved, give them a stake in the international community so that when you tell them to have girls educated, they will listen to you; right now, they are not.”

Ever since Taliban gained control over Afghanistan, the human rights in the country have gone for a toss. The women students have been barred from attending schools and universities and it looks highly unlikely if they will be allowed back anytime soon.&nbsp;

Notably, this is not the first instance where Khan has come across as a Taliban apologist. As the PM, speaking at the 17th session of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in 2021, Khan said the Taliban's culture is comparable to that of Peshawar, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, where parents were paid stipends to send their daughters to school, but they were not sent to school.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/afghanistan-imran-khan-defends-taliban-on-womens-rights-438499">WATCH |&nbsp;Afghanistan: Imran Khan defends Taliban on women's rights</a>

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He also said the Taliban operatives&nbsp;were largely Pakhtuns and it was primarily the reason why there were unwilling to comply with international demands for human and women's rights

During one of his United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) speech, Khan took a similar line and acted in favour of the Taliban.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"We must strengthen the present government, stabilise it for the sake of the people of Afghanistan. What have the Taliban promised? They will respect human rights, they will have an inclusive government, they will not allow the soil to be used by terrorists and they have given amnesty. If the world community incentivises them, encourages them to walk the talk, it will be a win-win situation for everyone," said Khan at the time.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/decoding-taliban-apologist-imran-khans-speech-at-unga-a-rant-mixed-with-lies-and-fiction-415951">ALSO READ |&nbsp;Decoding Taliban apologist Imran Khan's speech at UNGA: A rant mixed with lies and fiction</a>

(With inputs from agencies)

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Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan has courted another controversy by urging the international community to recognise the Taliban. Khan said the terror outfit currently ruling over Afghanistan will not respect human rights as well as women's right to education until the international community accepts it.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan has courted another controversy by urging the international community to recognise the Taliban. Khan said the terror outfit currently ruling over Afghanistan will not respect human rights as well as women's right to education until the international community accepts it. “If you isolate them [Taliban], what influence are you going to have on them? If you mainstream and let them have a state, then talk about human rights. Right now, you push them into isolation; their money is frozen, so why would they listen to anyone?" Khan was quoted as saying by Khaama Press. “My advice is to get them involved, give them a stake in the international community so that when you tell them to have girls educated, they will listen to you; right now, they are not.” Ever since Taliban gained control over Afghanistan, the human rights in the country have gone for a toss. The women students have been barred from attending schools and universities and it looks highly unlikely if they will be allowed back anytime soon. Notably, this is not the first instance where Khan has come across as a Taliban apologist. As the PM, speaking at the 17th session of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in 2021, Khan said the Taliban's culture is comparable to that of Peshawar, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, where parents were paid stipends to send their daughters to school, but they were not sent to school. WATCH | Afghanistan: Imran Khan defends Taliban on women's rights × He also said the Taliban operatives were largely Pakhtuns and it was primarily the reason why there were unwilling to comply with international demands for human and women's rights During one of his United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) speech, Khan took a similar line and acted in favour of the Taliban. "We must strengthen the present government, stabilise it for the sake of the people of Afghanistan. What have the Taliban promised? They will respect human rights, they will have an inclusive government, they will not allow the soil to be used by terrorists and they have given amnesty. If the world community incentivises them, encourages them to walk the talk, it will be a win-win situation for everyone," said Khan at the time. ALSO READ | Decoding Taliban apologist Imran Khan's speech at UNGA: A rant mixed with lies and fiction (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Taliban apologist Imran Khan urges international community to recognise the terror outfit

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has said that the Taliban will not respect human rights, including women's right to education until they are recognised by the international community.

Imran Khan urges international community to recognise Taliban | WION Dispatch

Sofia logs in to class on a laptop in Kabul for an online English course run by one of a growing number of educational institutes trying to reach Afghanistan's girls and women digitally in their homes.

But when the teacher calls on Sofia to read a passage her computer screen freezes.

"Can you hear me?" she asks repeatedly, checking her connection.

After a while, her computer stutters back to life.

"As usual," a fellow student equally frustrated with the poor communications sighs as the class gets going again.

Sofia, 22, is one of a growing stream of Afghan girls and women going online as a last resort to get around the Taliban administration's restrictions on studying and working.

Taliban officials, citing what they call problems including issues related to Islamic dress, have closed girls' highschools, barred their access to universities and stopped most women from working at non-governmental organisations.

One of the most striking changes since the Taliban were first in power from 1996 to 2001, is the explosion of the internet.

Virtually no one had access to the internet when the Taliban were forced from power in the weeks after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on the United States.

After nearly two decades of Western-led intervention and engagement with the world, 18% of the population had internet access, according to the World Bank.

The Taliban administration has allowed girls to study individually at home and has not moved to ban the internet, which its officials use to make announcements via social media.

But girls and women face a host of problems from power cuts, to cripplingly slow internet speeds, let alone the cost of computers and wifi in a country where 97% of people live in poverty.

"For girls in Afghanistan, we have a bad, awful internet problem," Sofia said.

Her online school, Rumi Academy, saw its enrolment of mostly females rise from about 50 students to more than 500 after the Taliban took over in 2021.

It has had hundreds more applications but cannot enrol them for now because of a lack of funds for teachers and to pay for equipment and internet packages, a representative of the academy said.

<h2 data-testid="Heading">'Too hard'</h2>

Sakina Nazari tried a virtual language class at her home in the west of Kabul for a week after she was forced to leave her university in December. But she abandoned it in frustration after battling the problems.

"I couldn't continue," she said. "It's too hard to access internet in Afghanistan and sometimes we have half an hour of power in 24 hours."

Seattle-based Ookla, which compiles global internet speeds, put Afghanistan's mobile internet as the slowest of 137 countries and its fixed internet as the second slowest of 180 countries.

Some Afghans have started calling on SpaceX Chief Executive Elon Musk to introduce its satellite internet service Starlink to Afghanistan, as it has done in Ukraine and Iran, posting requests for help on Twitter, which he owns.

"We also call on Elon Musk to help us," Sofia said.

"If they would be able to (introduce) that in Afghanistan, it would be very, very impactful for women."

SpaceX spokespeople did not respond to requests for comment.

Online schools are trying their best to accommodate Afghanistan's pupils.

Daniel Kalmanson, spokesperson for online University of the People, which has had more than 15,000 applications from Afghan girls and women since the Taliban took over, said students could attend lectures at any time that conditions allowed them to, and professors granted extensions for assignments and exams when students faced connection problems.

The non-profit group Learn Afghanistan, which runs several community-based schools in which some teachers run classes remotely, makes its curriculum available for free in Afghanistan's main languages.

Executive director Pashtana Durrani said the group also ensured that lessons were available via radio, which is widely used in rural areas. She was working with international companies to find solutions to poor internet access but said she could not elaborate.

"Afghanistan needs to be a country where the internet is accessible, digital devices need to be pumped in," Durrani said.

Sofia said Afghan women had grown used to problems over years of war and they would persevere no matter what.

"We still have dreams and we will not give up, ever."

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Sofia logs in to class on a laptop in Kabul for an online English course run by one of a growing number of educational institutes trying to reach Afghanistan's girls and women digitally in their homes.

Sofia logs in to class on a laptop in Kabul for an online English course run by one of a growing number of educational institutes trying to reach Afghanistan's girls and women digitally in their homes. But when the teacher calls on Sofia to read a passage her computer screen freezes. "Can you hear me?" she asks repeatedly, checking her connection. After a while, her computer stutters back to life. "As usual," a fellow student equally frustrated with the poor communications sighs as the class gets going again. Sofia, 22, is one of a growing stream of Afghan girls and women going online as a last resort to get around the Taliban administration's restrictions on studying and working. Taliban officials, citing what they call problems including issues related to Islamic dress, have closed girls' highschools, barred their access to universities and stopped most women from working at non-governmental organisations. One of the most striking changes since the Taliban were first in power from 1996 to 2001, is the explosion of the internet. Virtually no one had access to the internet when the Taliban were forced from power in the weeks after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on the United States. After nearly two decades of Western-led intervention and engagement with the world, 18% of the population had internet access, according to the World Bank. The Taliban administration has allowed girls to study individually at home and has not moved to ban the internet, which its officials use to make announcements via social media. But girls and women face a host of problems from power cuts, to cripplingly slow internet speeds, let alone the cost of computers and wifi in a country where 97% of people live in poverty. "For girls in Afghanistan, we have a bad, awful internet problem," Sofia said. Her online school, Rumi Academy, saw its enrolment of mostly females rise from about 50 students to more than 500 after the Taliban took over in 2021. It has had hundreds more applications but cannot enrol them for now because of a lack of funds for teachers and to pay for equipment and internet packages, a representative of the academy said. 'Too hard' Sakina Nazari tried a virtual language class at her home in the west of Kabul for a week after she was forced to leave her university in December. But she abandoned it in frustration after battling the problems. "I couldn't continue," she said. "It's too hard to access internet in Afghanistan and sometimes we have half an hour of power in 24 hours." Seattle-based Ookla, which compiles global internet speeds, put Afghanistan's mobile internet as the slowest of 137 countries and its fixed internet as the second slowest of 180 countries. Some Afghans have started calling on SpaceX Chief Executive Elon Musk to introduce its satellite internet service Starlink to Afghanistan, as it has done in Ukraine and Iran, posting requests for help on Twitter, which he owns. "We also call on Elon Musk to help us," Sofia said. "If they would be able to (introduce) that in Afghanistan, it would be very, very impactful for women." SpaceX spokespeople did not respond to requests for comment. Online schools are trying their best to accommodate Afghanistan's pupils. Daniel Kalmanson, spokesperson for online University of the People, which has had more than 15,000 applications from Afghan girls and women since the Taliban took over, said students could attend lectures at any time that conditions allowed them to, and professors granted extensions for assignments and exams when students faced connection problems. The non-profit group Learn Afghanistan, which runs several community-based schools in which some teachers run classes remotely, makes its curriculum available for free in Afghanistan's main languages. Executive director Pashtana Durrani said the group also ensured that lessons were available via radio, which is widely used in rural areas. She was working with international companies to find solutions to poor internet access but said she could not elaborate. "Afghanistan needs to be a country where the internet is accessible, digital devices need to be pumped in," Durrani said. Sofia said Afghan women had grown used to problems over years of war and they would persevere no matter what. "We still have dreams and we will not give up, ever." WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Afghan girls turn to online classes despite poor internet as Taliban shut down schools

The Taliban government in Afghanistan is trying to take charge of more Afghan embassies abroad and has sent diplomats to at least 14 countries. According to a report by the news agency Associated Press on Saturday (March 25), government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid, "The Islamic Emirate has sent diplomats to at least 14 countries and efforts are underway to take charge of other diplomatic missions abroad."

Mujahid added that diplomats of the former government were continuing their activities in coordination with the foreign ministry. The spokesperson added that the Taliban has sent its diplomats to Iran, Turkey, Pakistan, Russia, China, Kazakhstan, and other Arab and African countries.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/exclusive-we-cant-serve-our-family-nation-why-womens-day-held-little-significance-in-afghanistan-570044">Exclusive: 'We can't serve our family, nation': Why Women's Day held little significance in Afghanistan</a>

Bilal Karimi, the deputy spokesperson of the Taliban, was unable to immediately provide figures on how many Afghan diplomatic missions were active abroad or how many the government took charge of since August 2021. Speaking to the Associated Press, Karimi said there were many embassies abroad and the Taliban wants to have diplomatic relations with all countries and move forward with good interactions.&nbsp;

“It is our hope that embassies will be opened in all countries as soon as official relations begin with the Islamic Emirate,” Karimi added.

Saturday's development comes amid the Taliban's international isolation because of their restrictions on women and girls.

Many countries and the United Nations (UN) have severely criticised the restrictions imposed on female education and employment. The international community remains wary of officially recognising the Islamic Emirate.&nbsp;However, some countries have retained an active diplomatic mission in Afghanistan including Pakistan, China and Turkey.&nbsp;

Last month, authorities handed over control of Afghanistan’s embassy in Tehran to envoys of the Taliban.&nbsp;

And in January, UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed said the Taliban wanted international recognition and Afghanistan's UN seat, currently held by the former government.

“Recognition is one leverage that we have and we should hold on to,” Mohammed said after she met Taliban ministers to try to reverse their crackdowns on women and girls.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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The Taliban government in Afghanistan is trying to take charge of more Afghan embassies abroad and has sent diplomats to at least 14 countries. According to a report by the news agency Associated Press on Saturday (March 25), government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid, "The Islamic Emirate has sent diplomats to at least 14 countries and efforts are underway to take charge of other diplomatic missions abroad.

The Taliban government in Afghanistan is trying to take charge of more Afghan embassies abroad and has sent diplomats to at least 14 countries. According to a report by the news agency Associated Press on Saturday (March 25), government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid, "The Islamic Emirate has sent diplomats to at least 14 countries and efforts are underway to take charge of other diplomatic missions abroad." Mujahid added that diplomats of the former government were continuing their activities in coordination with the foreign ministry. The spokesperson added that the Taliban has sent its diplomats to Iran, Turkey, Pakistan, Russia, China, Kazakhstan, and other Arab and African countries. ALSO READ | Exclusive: 'We can't serve our family, nation': Why Women's Day held little significance in Afghanistan Bilal Karimi, the deputy spokesperson of the Taliban, was unable to immediately provide figures on how many Afghan diplomatic missions were active abroad or how many the government took charge of since August 2021. Speaking to the Associated Press, Karimi said there were many embassies abroad and the Taliban wants to have diplomatic relations with all countries and move forward with good interactions. “It is our hope that embassies will be opened in all countries as soon as official relations begin with the Islamic Emirate,” Karimi added. Saturday's development comes amid the Taliban's international isolation because of their restrictions on women and girls. Many countries and the United Nations (UN) have severely criticised the restrictions imposed on female education and employment. The international community remains wary of officially recognising the Islamic Emirate. However, some countries have retained an active diplomatic mission in Afghanistan including Pakistan, China and Turkey. Last month, authorities handed over control of Afghanistan’s embassy in Tehran to envoys of the Taliban. And in January, UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed said the Taliban wanted international recognition and Afghanistan's UN seat, currently held by the former government. “Recognition is one leverage that we have and we should hold on to,” Mohammed said after she met Taliban ministers to try to reverse their crackdowns on women and girls. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Taliban trying to take charge of more Afghan embassies abroad

Standing firm against recognising Afghan rulers&nbsp;Taliban, United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Thursday said that Washington is working to free several Americans detained in Afghanistan and to assist 44 others trying to leave the nation. Speaking before congress Blinken said Taliban authorities were detaining "several Americans" and that they "are working to secure their freedom. Their families have asked that we protect their identities and don't speak publicly to their cases," he added.

The top American diplomat further said that the US State Department has already assisted 975 US citizens to leave Afghanistan. Another 175 US citizens remain in the country, 42 of which are ready to leave, and as per Blinken they "are working to effectuate their departure."

As per an AFP report citing a State Department spokesperson, the 975 people mentioned by Blinken were people whose departure was facilitated by the government. Apart from them, other US citizens and permanent residents have left the country independently, added the spokesperson.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-schools-start-without-classes-as-students-remain-unaware-girls-barred-574390">Afghanistan: Schools start without classes as students remain unaware, girls barred</a>

Since the Taliban swept back into power, the group has gradually reintroduced restrictions, mainly affecting women. These rules have prompted global outrage and protests inside Afghanistan.

Edicts against women run "fundamentally against the interests of the Afghan people besides being wrong," said Blinken.

"We've been very clear, to the extent the Taliban is looking for any kind of more normal relationship with any country around the world. If this continues, this is simply not going to happen," he added.

As of yet, no nation has recognised the Taliban government.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-to-target-nepotism-leader-asks-officials-to-sack-relatives-given-government-jobs-573705">Taliban to target nepotism? Leader asks officials to sack relatives given government jobs</a>

The August 26, 2021 assault outside Kabul's airport was brought up during the congressional session by Representative Mike McCaul, the new Republican head of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.&nbsp;

In the assault, which the Islamic State-Khorasan group claimed responsibility for, 13 US soldiers and about 170 Afghan civilians perished. McCaul has given Blinken until Monday to turn over a dissident cable written by US diplomats who had predicted the swift collapse of the Afghan government with the withdrawal.

Blinken vowed to assist in the sharing of information but added that only top State Department officials are given access to the entirety of dissent cables. He said that he wanted to "protect the integrity of the process to make sure we don't have a chilling effect on those who might want to come forward."

(With inputs from agencies)

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Standing firm against recognising Afghan rulers Taliban, United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Thursday said that Washington is working to free several Americans detained in Afghanistan and to assist 44 others trying to leave the nation.

Standing firm against recognising Afghan rulers Taliban, United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Thursday said that Washington is working to free several Americans detained in Afghanistan and to assist 44 others trying to leave the nation. Speaking before congress Blinken said Taliban authorities were detaining "several Americans" and that they "are working to secure their freedom. Their families have asked that we protect their identities and don't speak publicly to their cases," he added. The top American diplomat further said that the US State Department has already assisted 975 US citizens to leave Afghanistan. Another 175 US citizens remain in the country, 42 of which are ready to leave, and as per Blinken they "are working to effectuate their departure." As per an AFP report citing a State Department spokesperson, the 975 people mentioned by Blinken were people whose departure was facilitated by the government. Apart from them, other US citizens and permanent residents have left the country independently, added the spokesperson. Also read | Afghanistan: Schools start without classes as students remain unaware, girls barred Since the Taliban swept back into power, the group has gradually reintroduced restrictions, mainly affecting women. These rules have prompted global outrage and protests inside Afghanistan. Edicts against women run "fundamentally against the interests of the Afghan people besides being wrong," said Blinken. "We've been very clear, to the extent the Taliban is looking for any kind of more normal relationship with any country around the world. If this continues, this is simply not going to happen," he added. As of yet, no nation has recognised the Taliban government. Also read | Taliban to target nepotism? Leader asks officials to sack relatives given government jobs The August 26, 2021 assault outside Kabul's airport was brought up during the congressional session by Representative Mike McCaul, the new Republican head of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. In the assault, which the Islamic State-Khorasan group claimed responsibility for, 13 US soldiers and about 170 Afghan civilians perished. McCaul has given Blinken until Monday to turn over a dissident cable written by US diplomats who had predicted the swift collapse of the Afghan government with the withdrawal. Blinken vowed to assist in the sharing of information but added that only top State Department officials are given access to the entirety of dissent cables. He said that he wanted to "protect the integrity of the process to make sure we don't have a chilling effect on those who might want to come forward." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US working to help dozens of Americans 'secure their freedom,' leave Afghanistan: Blinken

A decree by Hibatullah Akhundzada, who is a Taliban leader, ordered Afghan officials on Saturday to sack relatives they have hired for government positions and also advised them to not hire family members in future.

A decree by Hibatullah Akhundzada, who is a Taliban leader, ordered Afghan officials on Saturday to sack relatives they have hired for government positions and also advised them to not hire family members in future. Akhundzada is the head of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan and the announcement is seen as the hardline Islamist regime's aim at targeting nepotism in the government. A statement tweeted by the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan read: "The leadership of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan ... give a verbal directive to the officials of the Emirate institutions to dismiss their children from work." ALSO READ | Pakistan govt mulling legal options to declare Imran Khan’s PTI party a banned outfit As cited by media reports, the Afghan Islamic Press, which is based in Pakistan's Peshawar, reported that the decision came after allegations were made that inexperienced people were hired apparently based on their personal connections. The UPI reported that the Taliban Office of Administrative Affairs said that the concerned people have been assigned to the job of giving notice to anyone who is related to them. WATCH | Pakistan: Police file terror charges against Imran Khan × Parents urge Taliban to reopen schools for girls Meanwhile, Khaama Press reported that parents and students in Afghanistan urged the Taliban to reopen the secondary schools for girls, which have been closed for the last 544 days. On Saturday, the parents of students expressed concern for their children's future and urged the authorities to allow their daughters to return to school. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Taliban to target nepotism? Leader asks officials to sack relatives given government jobs

Taliban officials are attending a 4-day online programme that is being conducted by IIM Kozhikode. What is IIM-K training the hardliners in? Innovative ways to exclude women from public life? Also, why did IIM accept Taliban participants?

Gravitas: The Taliban attends India's IIM Kozhikode's online programme

Here, we bring you the news that is trending across WION's social media platforms - Taliban officials are set to receive a crash course from India on its legislation, culture and business climate, underscoring the continued interest of New Delhi in staying engaged with the new government of Afghanistan.

Trending on WION: India to give Taliban a virtual crash course on culture, leadership & economics

Taliban officials are set to receive a crash course from India on its legislation, culture and business climate, underscoring the continued interest of New Delhi in staying engaged with the new government of Afghanistan.

The virtual crash course called “Immersing with Indian Thoughts” will be held for four days and will begin on Tuesday. The Indian Institute of Management will conduct the crash course in India's southern city of Kozhikode.

The elite management school has been working in collaboration with the India Technical and Economic Co-operation Programme, as part of India’s Ministry of External Affairs’ regular training.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-taliban-health-ministry-launches-annual-polio-vaccination-drive-571658">Afghanistan: Taliban health ministry launches annual polio vaccination drive</a>

Taliban's senior diplomat Suhail Shaheen said, “All those working for the current government can receive the online training after a process of selection by relevant authorities.”

Recently, a circular was released by the Taliban-led Ministry of Foreign Affairs inviting personnel and diplomats to register for the course.

The Taliban leaders will learn about India’s “economic environment, regulatory ecosystem, leadership insights, social and historical backdrop, cultural heritage, legal and environmental landscape, consumer mindsets and business risks,” as per the ITEC website.

Farid Mamundzay, Afghan ambassador in New Delhi, said, “It appears that there’s an effort on the part of India to show some direct delivery of technical assistance to Taliban, which would help in building good working relations for now.”

WATCH | Gravitas | Afghanistan: Extreme forces rise to take on the Taliban. Here's all you need to know

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“This technical assistance could be the starting point of a larger humanitarian and aid package of India to the Taliban,” he added.

The Taliban government is not been formally recognised by India since it came to power in 2021 in the wake of the United States' exit from Afghanistan.

However, the Indian embassy did re-open in Kabul last year.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Taliban officials are set to receive a crash course from India on its legislation, culture and business climate, underscoring the continued interest of New Delhi in staying engaged with the new government of Afghanistan.

Taliban officials are set to receive a crash course from India on its legislation, culture and business climate, underscoring the continued interest of New Delhi in staying engaged with the new government of Afghanistan. The virtual crash course called “Immersing with Indian Thoughts” will be held for four days and will begin on Tuesday. The Indian Institute of Management will conduct the crash course in India's southern city of Kozhikode. The elite management school has been working in collaboration with the India Technical and Economic Co-operation Programme, as part of India’s Ministry of External Affairs’ regular training. ALSO READ | Afghanistan: Taliban health ministry launches annual polio vaccination drive Taliban's senior diplomat Suhail Shaheen said, “All those working for the current government can receive the online training after a process of selection by relevant authorities.” Recently, a circular was released by the Taliban-led Ministry of Foreign Affairs inviting personnel and diplomats to register for the course. The Taliban leaders will learn about India’s “economic environment, regulatory ecosystem, leadership insights, social and historical backdrop, cultural heritage, legal and environmental landscape, consumer mindsets and business risks,” as per the ITEC website. Farid Mamundzay, Afghan ambassador in New Delhi, said, “It appears that there’s an effort on the part of India to show some direct delivery of technical assistance to Taliban, which would help in building good working relations for now.” WATCH | Gravitas | Afghanistan: Extreme forces rise to take on the Taliban. Here's all you need to know “This technical assistance could be the starting point of a larger humanitarian and aid package of India to the Taliban,” he added. The Taliban government is not been formally recognised by India since it came to power in 2021 in the wake of the United States' exit from Afghanistan. However, the Indian embassy did re-open in Kabul last year. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

India to give crash course to Taliban on culture, leadership and economics

The Taliban health ministry announced on Monday (March 13) that the annual polio inoculation campaign will be launched in Afghanistan. The news agencies reported that the vaccination programme aims at reaching at least nine million children. It will be the second year in a row the vaccination drive has taken place under Taliban rule.&nbsp;

The World Health Organization (WHO) mentioned in a report last year in August that the polio eradication programme in Afghanistan has made critical gains after the Taliban's takeover of Kabul in 2021, but the job is far from finished.&nbsp;

Polio is caused by a virus that majorly affects nerves in the spinal cord or brain stem. Polio can lead to the affected person being unable to move certain limbs in their most severe form.&nbsp;

Polio has been virtually eliminated globally through a decades-long inoculation drive but Pakistan and Afghanistan are the two remaining countries in the world where polio is still categorised as an endemic viral infection.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/indians-top-the-list-of-foreigners-arrested-for-crimes-in-nepal-china-a-close-second-report-571619">Indians top the list of foreigners arrested for crimes in Nepal; China a close second: Report</a>&nbsp;

Insecurity, inaccessible terrain, mass displacement and suspicion of outside interference have hampered mass vaccination in Afghanistan and some areas of Pakistan.&nbsp;

As quoted by the news agency Reuters, Nek Wali Shah Momin, director of Afghanistan's National Emergency Operation Center (EOC) for Polio Eradication, said that many more areas could now be reached since the Taliban took over and the fighting stopped.&nbsp;

The EOC is led by the health ministry and includes international agencies including the WHO and the UN children's agency.&nbsp;

WATCH | Pakistan court Issues non-bailable warrant against PTI chief for threatening judge&nbsp;

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<h2>What are the challenges?&nbsp;</h2>

The Taliban's recent move of banning female workers has emerged as a massive challenge as female vaccinators were working on the polio vaccination campaign.&nbsp;

The doctor said that the women workers were crucial to accessing children who were often at home with their female caregivers who were usually not comfortable interacting with male vaccinators.&nbsp;

Some militant factions have targeted vaccination efforts in the past. In 2022, eight workers were killed in attacks in northern Afghanistan.&nbsp;

The Taliban's acting health minister Qalandar Ebad said: "The support of all Afghans, including parents, community leaders, ethnic elders, and religious leaders, is critical to eradicating polio and we want them to take part in the fight."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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The Taliban health ministry announced on Monday (March 13) that the annual polio inoculation campaign will be launched in Afghanistan. The news agencies reported that the vaccination programme aims at reaching at least nine million children.

The Taliban health ministry announced on Monday (March 13) that the annual polio inoculation campaign will be launched in Afghanistan. The news agencies reported that the vaccination programme aims at reaching at least nine million children. It will be the second year in a row the vaccination drive has taken place under Taliban rule. The World Health Organization (WHO) mentioned in a report last year in August that the polio eradication programme in Afghanistan has made critical gains after the Taliban's takeover of Kabul in 2021, but the job is far from finished. Polio is caused by a virus that majorly affects nerves in the spinal cord or brain stem. Polio can lead to the affected person being unable to move certain limbs in their most severe form. Polio has been virtually eliminated globally through a decades-long inoculation drive but Pakistan and Afghanistan are the two remaining countries in the world where polio is still categorised as an endemic viral infection. ALSO READ | Indians top the list of foreigners arrested for crimes in Nepal; China a close second: Report Insecurity, inaccessible terrain, mass displacement and suspicion of outside interference have hampered mass vaccination in Afghanistan and some areas of Pakistan. As quoted by the news agency Reuters, Nek Wali Shah Momin, director of Afghanistan's National Emergency Operation Center (EOC) for Polio Eradication, said that many more areas could now be reached since the Taliban took over and the fighting stopped. The EOC is led by the health ministry and includes international agencies including the WHO and the UN children's agency. WATCH | Pakistan court Issues non-bailable warrant against PTI chief for threatening judge × What are the challenges? The Taliban's recent move of banning female workers has emerged as a massive challenge as female vaccinators were working on the polio vaccination campaign. The doctor said that the women workers were crucial to accessing children who were often at home with their female caregivers who were usually not comfortable interacting with male vaccinators. Some militant factions have targeted vaccination efforts in the past. In 2022, eight workers were killed in attacks in northern Afghanistan. The Taliban's acting health minister Qalandar Ebad said: "The support of all Afghans, including parents, community leaders, ethnic elders, and religious leaders, is critical to eradicating polio and we want them to take part in the fight." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Afghanistan: Taliban health ministry launches annual polio vaccination drive

Pakistan's Foreign Minister, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, urged Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA)&nbsp;to lift its restrictions on women and girls in the nation. Bhutto Zardari said that the IEA's treatment of women and girls is not typical in the Muslim world.&nbsp;

Taliban banned women, including students and female professors, from colleges. This came over a year after the Taliban forbade girls from attending secondary schools.

Bhutto Zardari was&nbsp;speaking at a&nbsp;conference on the outcome of the Women in Islam Conference this week in New York.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/saudi-oil-giant-aramco-reports-record-profit-of-1611-billion-in-2022-571141">Saudi oil giant Aramco reports record profit of $161.1 billion in 2022</a>

“There is no other country on the planet, Muslim or otherwise, that condones depriving women and girls from the right to education,” he said, adding “There is no space for groups such as those in Afghanistan or anywhere else to claim that Islam justifies their actions."

Bhutto Zardari also said that the IEA was not living up to its commitment, which makes it tough for Pakistan to advocate for Afghanistan.

“It puts us in a very difficult situation to advocate for some of the things that the people of Afghanistan need in the form of humanitarian aid, the unfreezing of their funds, the functioning of their economy, etc.” he said.

In addition, Bhutto Zardari said that the IEA was not upholding its obligations, which made it difficult for Pakistan to support Kabul. The conference&nbsp;at the UN was presided over by Zardari, who earlier in the week told delegates that he disagrees with the widespread belief that Islam oppresses women.

“Islam was the first religion to give rights to women,” he declared adding that “Islam forbids injustice against women.”

There are other underlying difficulties between the two nations that are still challenging to settle. Clashes between their security forces have been brought on by Kabul's persistent unwillingness to recognise the Durand Line as the international boundary between Pakistan and Afghanistan. This has continued to be a major source of tension that undermine trust and fosters animosity.

Watch | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indian-prime-minister-narendra-modi-to-visit-us-in-june-engagement-with-india-to-counter-china-571114">Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit U.S. in June; engagement with India to counter China</a>

Even as Bilawal calls out the Taliban to address the women's&nbsp;rights issues in Afghanistan, the condition of women in Pakistan is not to be overlooked.&nbsp;

Pakistan's Islamabad Police on Wednesday allegedly baton-charged participants in the Aurat March. On Wednesday&nbsp;footage showing the Islamabad police impeding the Aurat March went viral. The police deployed water cannons on women as the world observed the special day to show solidarity in their battle for their rights.

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Pakistan's Foreign Minister, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, urged Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) to lift its restrictions on women and girls in the nation. Bhutto Zardari said that the IEA's treatment of women and girls is not typical in the Muslim world.

Pakistan's Foreign Minister, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, urged Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) to lift its restrictions on women and girls in the nation. Bhutto Zardari said that the IEA's treatment of women and girls is not typical in the Muslim world. Taliban banned women, including students and female professors, from colleges. This came over a year after the Taliban forbade girls from attending secondary schools. Bhutto Zardari was speaking at a conference on the outcome of the Women in Islam Conference this week in New York. Also Read | Saudi oil giant Aramco reports record profit of $161.1 billion in 2022 “There is no other country on the planet, Muslim or otherwise, that condones depriving women and girls from the right to education,” he said, adding “There is no space for groups such as those in Afghanistan or anywhere else to claim that Islam justifies their actions." Bhutto Zardari also said that the IEA was not living up to its commitment, which makes it tough for Pakistan to advocate for Afghanistan. “It puts us in a very difficult situation to advocate for some of the things that the people of Afghanistan need in the form of humanitarian aid, the unfreezing of their funds, the functioning of their economy, etc.” he said. In addition, Bhutto Zardari said that the IEA was not upholding its obligations, which made it difficult for Pakistan to support Kabul. The conference at the UN was presided over by Zardari, who earlier in the week told delegates that he disagrees with the widespread belief that Islam oppresses women. “Islam was the first religion to give rights to women,” he declared adding that “Islam forbids injustice against women.” There are other underlying difficulties between the two nations that are still challenging to settle. Clashes between their security forces have been brought on by Kabul's persistent unwillingness to recognise the Durand Line as the international boundary between Pakistan and Afghanistan. This has continued to be a major source of tension that undermine trust and fosters animosity. Watch | Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit U.S. in June; engagement with India to counter China Even as Bilawal calls out the Taliban to address the women's rights issues in Afghanistan, the condition of women in Pakistan is not to be overlooked. Pakistan's Islamabad Police on Wednesday allegedly baton-charged participants in the Aurat March. On Wednesday footage showing the Islamabad police impeding the Aurat March went viral. The police deployed water cannons on women as the world observed the special day to show solidarity in their battle for their rights. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Pakistan foreign minister calls on Taliban to lift bans on Afghan women, girls

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