Another terror attack strikes Afghanistan, this time in a mine blast in Asadabad city which lies in the center of Kunar province. According to the sources the explosion took place on a Taliban range of vehicles.

Afghanistan: Mine blast rocks Asadabad city in Kunar province

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has suspended flights to Kabul&nbsp;after what it termed as 'heavy handed' interference by Taliban authorities, including arbitrary rule changes and intimidation of staff.

"We are suspending our flight operations to Kabul from today because of the heavy handedness of the authorities," a spokesman said.

The suspension came after the Taliban government ordered the airline to cut ticket prices.

Earlier, the Taliban warned PIA and Afghan carrier Kam Air that their Afghan operations risked being blocked unless they agreed to cut ticket prices.

The Afghan transport ministry, in a statement said that the prices on the route should "be adjusted to correspond with the conditions of a ticket before the victory of the Islamic Emirate" or the flights would be stopped.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pushbacks-against-afghan-refugees-surge-in-eastern-turkey-420671">Also read |&nbsp;Pushbacks against Afghan refugees surge in Eastern Turkey</a>

Flights between Afghanistan and Pakistan have been severely limited since Kabul airport was reopened last month. This is because of the chaotic evacuation of more than 100,000 Westerners and vulnerable Afghans following the Taliban victory.

PIA runs chartered flights to Kabul rather than regular commercial services. It said that it had maintained the flights on "humanitarian grounds" and faced insurance premiums of as much as $400,000 per flight.

"The insurance premiums on these flights are so high that it is simply impossible to operate scheduled flights to Kabul, as it is still considered a war zone by aircraft insurance companies and lessors," the company said in a statement.

No comment was immediately available from Kam Air.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imran-khan-wants-isi-chief-faiz-hameed-to-continue-amid-differences-with-pakistan-army-420325">Also read |&nbsp;Imran Khan wants ISI chief Faiz Hameed to continue amid differences with Pakistan Army</a>

PIA also said that ever since the new Taliban government was formed, its staff in Kabul had faced last-minute changes in regulations and flight permissions and "highly intimidating behaviour" from Taliban commanders. It further said that its country representative had been held at gunpoint for hours at one point and was only freed after the Pakistan embassy in Kabul intervened.

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has suspended flights to Kabul after what it termed as 'heavy handed' interference by Taliban authorities, including arbitrary rule changes and intimidation of staff.

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has suspended flights to Kabul after what it termed as 'heavy handed' interference by Taliban authorities, including arbitrary rule changes and intimidation of staff. "We are suspending our flight operations to Kabul from today because of the heavy handedness of the authorities," a spokesman said. The suspension came after the Taliban government ordered the airline to cut ticket prices. Earlier, the Taliban warned PIA and Afghan carrier Kam Air that their Afghan operations risked being blocked unless they agreed to cut ticket prices. The Afghan transport ministry, in a statement said that the prices on the route should "be adjusted to correspond with the conditions of a ticket before the victory of the Islamic Emirate" or the flights would be stopped. Also read | Pushbacks against Afghan refugees surge in Eastern Turkey Flights between Afghanistan and Pakistan have been severely limited since Kabul airport was reopened last month. This is because of the chaotic evacuation of more than 100,000 Westerners and vulnerable Afghans following the Taliban victory. PIA runs chartered flights to Kabul rather than regular commercial services. It said that it had maintained the flights on "humanitarian grounds" and faced insurance premiums of as much as $400,000 per flight. "The insurance premiums on these flights are so high that it is simply impossible to operate scheduled flights to Kabul, as it is still considered a war zone by aircraft insurance companies and lessors," the company said in a statement. No comment was immediately available from Kam Air. Also read | Imran Khan wants ISI chief Faiz Hameed to continue amid differences with Pakistan Army PIA also said that ever since the new Taliban government was formed, its staff in Kabul had faced last-minute changes in regulations and flight permissions and "highly intimidating behaviour" from Taliban commanders. It further said that its country representative had been held at gunpoint for hours at one point and was only freed after the Pakistan embassy in Kabul intervened.

Pakistan International Airlines suspends Afghan operations due to Taliban interference

In an explosive claim, former Iran president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said that the US is supporting Taliban in Afghanistan and designing new plots in the region with the insurgent group.

“It is definitely so,” he told WION Executive Editor Palki Sharma in an interview, when asked if Americans are supporting the Taliban. “In fact, Taliban are part of the American plot.”

“I believe that the Americans haven’t, in practice, gone out of the region. And in fact, they have new plots, which is being designed and they are supporting the Taliban.”

In the near future, he said, the Taliban will resort to the slogan of ‘Greater Khorasan’ and bring about war and conflicts to the entire region.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/afghanistan-dialogues-former-iran-prez-mahmoud-ahmadinejad-speaks-to-wion-on-afghan-crisis-411575">WATCH |</a>

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Part of &nbsp;the interview will air at 3:30 GMT on Tuesday. 
 
Greater Khorasan refers to the region that comprises present-day territories of northeastern Iran, parts of Afghanistan and southern parts of Central Asia.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

“If the US and others don’t support the Taliban, by providing weapons and logistics, financial and other promotion, then Taliban would not be able to endanger the security of Afghanistan,” Ahmedinejad said.

“If the Americans and others go away and keep out, problems would be resolved more quickly.”

The current security situation in the war-torn nation is “both to the detriment of Afghan nation and also the regional nations,” he said.

Anybody who is willing to help should do so to ensure that the will of the Afghan nation is implemented, the former Tehran mayor said.&nbsp;“This will occur when the real representatives of the Afghan nation make the decisions.”

“Agreements between groups do not bring about peace. What brings about peace, tranquility and security is the enforcement of the public will of the Afghan nation, and their neighbouring countries.”

He said outside powers should not meddle in the affairs of Afghanistan, but should help enforce the will of the Afghan people.

None of the neighbours of Afghanistan—Iran, Pakistan, India, China— or Persian Gulf countries, NATO and Russia- &nbsp;should meddle in the country’s affairs, he added.

Asked if talks with Taliban, and legitimising the insurgent group, was a good idea, he said: “People of Afghanistan should elect their representatives. And none of these groups are the representatives of people of Afghanistan.”

This is only possible in a free election. If any group takes weapons, attacks and occupies some parts, they cannot consider themselves the representatives of the nation and be&nbsp; entitled to rights, he said.

“If we accept this logic, then we will be accepting that the entire world would always be unstable , and whoever is more violent, would be dominant. Then rights and laws would be meaningless.”

<o:p></o:p>

In an explosive claim, former Iran president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said that the US is supporting Taliban in Afghanistan and designing new plots in the region with the insurgent group.

In an explosive claim, former Iran president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said that the US is supporting Taliban in Afghanistan and designing new plots in the region with the insurgent group. “It is definitely so,” he told WION Executive Editor Palki Sharma in an interview, when asked if Americans are supporting the Taliban. “In fact, Taliban are part of the American plot.” “I believe that the Americans haven’t, in practice, gone out of the region. And in fact, they have new plots, which is being designed and they are supporting the Taliban.” In the near future, he said, the Taliban will resort to the slogan of ‘Greater Khorasan’ and bring about war and conflicts to the entire region. WATCH | Part of the interview will air at 3:30 GMT on Tuesday. Greater Khorasan refers to the region that comprises present-day territories of northeastern Iran, parts of Afghanistan and southern parts of Central Asia. “If the US and others don’t support the Taliban, by providing weapons and logistics, financial and other promotion, then Taliban would not be able to endanger the security of Afghanistan,” Ahmedinejad said. “If the Americans and others go away and keep out, problems would be resolved more quickly.” The current security situation in the war-torn nation is “both to the detriment of Afghan nation and also the regional nations,” he said. Anybody who is willing to help should do so to ensure that the will of the Afghan nation is implemented, the former Tehran mayor said. “This will occur when the real representatives of the Afghan nation make the decisions.” “Agreements between groups do not bring about peace. What brings about peace, tranquility and security is the enforcement of the public will of the Afghan nation, and their neighbouring countries.” He said outside powers should not meddle in the affairs of Afghanistan, but should help enforce the will of the Afghan people. None of the neighbours of Afghanistan—Iran, Pakistan, India, China— or Persian Gulf countries, NATO and Russia- should meddle in the country’s affairs, he added. Asked if talks with Taliban, and legitimising the insurgent group, was a good idea, he said: “People of Afghanistan should elect their representatives. And none of these groups are the representatives of people of Afghanistan.” This is only possible in a free election. If any group takes weapons, attacks and occupies some parts, they cannot consider themselves the representatives of the nation and be entitled to rights, he said. “If we accept this logic, then we will be accepting that the entire world would always be unstable , and whoever is more violent, would be dominant. Then rights and laws would be meaningless.”

Exclusive: US supporting Taliban, designing plots in region: Former Iran prez Ahmadinejad

Amid reports that Pakistan had helped the Taliban quell the resistance in Panjshir, Iran’s former president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad warned Islamabad that it will be haunted by its actions in near future in which he foresaw the militant group threatening Pakistani government and sovereignty.

Speaking to WION’s Executive Editor Palki Sharma, Ahmadinejad also stressed that the handing over of power to Taliban is part of a ‘satanic plot’ by the western powers led by the US.&nbsp;

India, Iran, Pakistan, Russia, China and regional countries will face the consequences of the re-emergence of Taliban, he said on WION’s Afghanistan Dialogues programme.

He asked for Pakistan to join efforts by India and Iran to resolve the situation in Afghanistan.

On reports that Pakistani officers directly got involved in the war of Panjshir, he said: “Here I have a piece of advice for the Pakistani officials: What happened in Afghanistan will soon expand and take the grip of Pakistan and all countries that supported the Taliban.

“I am sure that the consequences in the aftermath of this event will soon go to those countries which supported and designed this plot including the US, UK, Russia and China.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/afghanistan-dialogues-former-iran-prez-mahmoud-ahmadinejad-speaks-to-wion-on-afghan-crisis-411575">WATCH |</a>

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His comment came even as Iran became the first country to slam Pakistan’s role in the Panjshir fight.

“Last night's attacks are condemned in the strongest terms…and the foreign interference …. must be investigated,” Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson&nbsp;Saeed Khatibzadeh said on Monday, adding Iran is investigating it.

Taliban takeover is part of an intentional plot 

Ahmadinejad said the events that unfolded in Afghanistan are an “international plan that will affect all the regional countries”.

Anybody, who has participated, supported and been a companion to this, should repent and revise their behavior, he added.

“A group has been supported, &nbsp;which is created and then trained, armed and supported by the neighbours. It has captured a country and called itself the government. The world had either been watching or supporting. This is an ugly thing in the face of the world.”

He said a few world powers for their own interests violated the rights of the people and the rights to determine their fate.

In fact it is a meddling by a neighbour in the internal issues of its neighbour, he said.

He said the plot of the US government will not bring about success in carrying out what they planned to do and in near future, "they will lose face, vis-à-vis the measure they have taken behind the scenes against the Afghans.”

It’s a shame to recognise Taliban

Asked about several countries and interentional organisations like the United Nations talking to Taliban, Ahmadinejad said: “Recognising a government which has taken power with the force of arms and support of the aliens, which has dominated the country and whose attitude and policies aren't clear, is a matter of shame and actually it will damage the entire human society.”

He said an independent government is the will of any freedom seeking person.&nbsp;Power, he said, should be in the hands of the people and any &nbsp;government should be elected with the direct vote of people of Afghanistan.

“These developments will soon unfold and please don't suppose that I am talking about an unknown far away future. Very soon these will uncover,” he added.

Describing Taliban as a political group that has religious and ideological claims, he said “their behavior needs to be analysed and evaluated within the framework of politics.

India, Iran, Pakistan should come together to resolve crisis

Pakistan needs to join this cooperation of Iran and India in resolving the issue, Ahmadinejad&nbsp;said, “because it is seriously being threatened.”

"What I mean is the sovereignty and the government of Pakistan ... is soon going to be threatened by the Taliban's current movement."

Fighting and withstanding terrorism is not a matter of war, he said, but&nbsp;a matter of cooperation and correlation between states. Terrorism is a political issue and if we suppose that it's a military one, then we would definitely face problems in resolving these issues.

“So Iran, India and others should come together and make plans to resolve this in the framework of political and humane issues.”

Ahmedinejad said the root cause of this jihadi group goes back to when the Ex-Soviet Union was dominating Afghanistan. At that time the US started training and preparing these terrorist groups in Pakistan in order to withstand the Communist Government's threats. This trend later on continued, he said.

 
Taliban rule will affect Iran, India, Pakistan, China and Russia

The origin of all these groups is one place, the hegemonic system, he said, referring to Western powers.

“The Taliban, Daesh [Islamic State] and all the other ones originate from one source and they are in fear, which is the global hegemonic system. They are utilised as tools under scene of political chess and it too will be at the right time utilised.”

“We have to ask the question, why the US had the Taliban take control of Afghanistan, that it was very intentional plot. Although, in the first place, that's gonna be a threat against Iran and India."

This has got a long-term and much higher level of goals, although primarily it's going to hit Iran and India, but soon it's gonna turn into a threat against Pakistan, China and Russia," he said.

The fact that how Pakistan, China and Russia were involved in this plot, which is going to backfire, is a question because this is a very violent and illogical group which considers itself to be the very right thing that has got an existential reason and it considers no value, attaches no value to any other beings.

So when such a group is armed and it takes control of the country in those form within the framework of a government, this will soon definitely turn into a huge threat for regional countries, he said.

A terrorist group which is basically political and they have political views, they are gonna be a threat to entire region, including India, Pakistan, Iran, China, the northern states and Russia.

"They are going to be serious threat to all of them," Ahmadinejad warned.

 
&nbsp;

Amid reports that Pakistan had helped the Taliban quell the resistance in Panjshir, Iran’s former president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad warned Islamabad that it will be haunted by its actions in near future in which he foresaw the militant group threatening Pakistani government and sovereignty.

Amid reports that Pakistan had helped the Taliban quell the resistance in Panjshir, Iran’s former president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad warned Islamabad that it will be haunted by its actions in near future in which he foresaw the militant group threatening Pakistani government and sovereignty. Speaking to WION’s Executive Editor Palki Sharma, Ahmadinejad also stressed that the handing over of power to Taliban is part of a ‘satanic plot’ by the western powers led by the US. India, Iran, Pakistan, Russia, China and regional countries will face the consequences of the re-emergence of Taliban, he said on WION’s Afghanistan Dialogues programme. He asked for Pakistan to join efforts by India and Iran to resolve the situation in Afghanistan. On reports that Pakistani officers directly got involved in the war of Panjshir, he said: “Here I have a piece of advice for the Pakistani officials: What happened in Afghanistan will soon expand and take the grip of Pakistan and all countries that supported the Taliban. “I am sure that the consequences in the aftermath of this event will soon go to those countries which supported and designed this plot including the US, UK, Russia and China.” WATCH | His comment came even as Iran became the first country to slam Pakistan’s role in the Panjshir fight. “Last night's attacks are condemned in the strongest terms…and the foreign interference …. must be investigated,” Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Saeed Khatibzadeh said on Monday, adding Iran is investigating it. Taliban takeover is part of an intentional plot Ahmadinejad said the events that unfolded in Afghanistan are an “international plan that will affect all the regional countries”. Anybody, who has participated, supported and been a companion to this, should repent and revise their behavior, he added. “A group has been supported, which is created and then trained, armed and supported by the neighbours. It has captured a country and called itself the government. The world had either been watching or supporting. This is an ugly thing in the face of the world.” He said a few world powers for their own interests violated the rights of the people and the rights to determine their fate. In fact it is a meddling by a neighbour in the internal issues of its neighbour, he said. He said the plot of the US government will not bring about success in carrying out what they planned to do and in near future, "they will lose face, vis-à-vis the measure they have taken behind the scenes against the Afghans.” It’s a shame to recognise Taliban Asked about several countries and interentional organisations like the United Nations talking to Taliban, Ahmadinejad said: “Recognising a government which has taken power with the force of arms and support of the aliens, which has dominated the country and whose attitude and policies aren't clear, is a matter of shame and actually it will damage the entire human society.” He said an independent government is the will of any freedom seeking person. Power, he said, should be in the hands of the people and any government should be elected with the direct vote of people of Afghanistan. “These developments will soon unfold and please don't suppose that I am talking about an unknown far away future. Very soon these will uncover,” he added. Describing Taliban as a political group that has religious and ideological claims, he said “their behavior needs to be analysed and evaluated within the framework of politics. India, Iran, Pakistan should come together to resolve crisis Pakistan needs to join this cooperation of Iran and India in resolving the issue, Ahmadinejad said, “because it is seriously being threatened.” "What I mean is the sovereignty and the government of Pakistan ... is soon going to be threatened by the Taliban's current movement." Fighting and withstanding terrorism is not a matter of war, he said, but a matter of cooperation and correlation between states. Terrorism is a political issue and if we suppose that it's a military one, then we would definitely face problems in resolving these issues. “So Iran, India and others should come together and make plans to resolve this in the framework of political and humane issues.” Ahmedinejad said the root cause of this jihadi group goes back to when the Ex-Soviet Union was dominating Afghanistan. At that time the US started training and preparing these terrorist groups in Pakistan in order to withstand the Communist Government's threats. This trend later on continued, he said. Taliban rule will affect Iran, India, Pakistan, China and Russia The origin of all these groups is one place, the hegemonic system, he said, referring to Western powers. “The Taliban, Daesh [Islamic State] and all the other ones originate from one source and they are in fear, which is the global hegemonic system. They are utilised as tools under scene of political chess and it too will be at the right time utilised.” “We have to ask the question, why the US had the Taliban take control of Afghanistan, that it was very intentional plot. Although, in the first place, that's gonna be a threat against Iran and India." This has got a long-term and much higher level of goals, although primarily it's going to hit Iran and India, but soon it's gonna turn into a threat against Pakistan, China and Russia," he said. The fact that how Pakistan, China and Russia were involved in this plot, which is going to backfire, is a question because this is a very violent and illogical group which considers itself to be the very right thing that has got an existential reason and it considers no value, attaches no value to any other beings. So when such a group is armed and it takes control of the country in those form within the framework of a government, this will soon definitely turn into a huge threat for regional countries, he said. A terrorist group which is basically political and they have political views, they are gonna be a threat to entire region, including India, Pakistan, Iran, China, the northern states and Russia. "They are going to be serious threat to all of them," Ahmadinejad warned.

EXCLUSIVE: Pak will face consequences of its actions in Afghan, warns ex-Iran prez Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

Kosovo is one of the countries taking in Afghans fleeing the Taliban regime, and for its President Vjosa Osmani, the matter is personal, having felt the horrors of displacement as a kid during the Kosovo War of the late 1990s.&nbsp;

“First and foremost we believe it’s a moral obligation. We have been refugees ourselves during nineties and we are alive today because the world did not turn its back on us,” she told WION’s Palki Sharma in an exclusive interview as part of the Global Leadership Series.

Noting that Kosovo refugees were taken by so many countries, she also pointed to international conventions that mandate against closing of borders to refugees. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/exclusive-kosovo-is-not-kashmir-recognise-us-president-vjosa-osmani-urges-india-411658">EXCLUSIVE: Kosovo is not Kashmir, recognise us, President Vjosa Osmani urges India&nbsp;</a> 
 
“We are quite a small country, but with a big heart, and we want to show this is the right thing to do when we people need shelter.”

In her young age, Osmani had fled Albania for Kosovo during the Kosovo War of 1998-99.

“When I was a kid, we were not allowed to exercise our rights just because we were Albanians,” she recollected, adding “we had no right to go to school, speak our language” despite being 90% of the population of Kosovo.

“The experiences that I had, just like any other citizen in Kosovo, were extremely painful. We saw hell with our own eyes during the 90s."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-kosovo-president-to-wion-proud-to-help-afghans-411729">WATCH |</a>

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Helping the Afghan refugees, therefore, is a matter beyond politics, she said.&nbsp;

Osmani said Kosovo will be receiving 2,000 Afghan refugees &nbsp;at one time till their visas to US or Nato member states are processed.&nbsp;

“Everyday we are welcoming more Afghan refugees…and we are proud that we are able to help the international community in this effort.”

These are not terrorists or the Taliban

Asked about controversies that some refuges are kept in Kosovo as they may pose a security threat, Osmani said they are in the country till their visas to go to the US or elsewhere are processed.

“This doesn’t mean they are actually terrorists or they have links with the Taliban.”&nbsp;

She said the procedure may last longer for some depending on the categories of visas they fall under.

“It has nothing to do with them being labelled as security concerns. We are not taking in people who have links with the Taliban. Quite the opposite, we’re taking people who fought the regime.”

She also pointed towards the two-step vetting process, one by the US and other by&nbsp; Kosovo authorities to screen the incoming refugees.

Describing the current Afghan refugee crisis as truly heartbreaking , she recalled that some 1 million out of 1.7 million Kosovars were forced to leave their home during the war.

Many of them were internally displaced persons and most refugees.

They were taken to other countries who opened their doors for us: United States, Canada, all the way to Australia, New Zealand. “Practically most of the world opened their doors to us.”

“We truly feel the pain though the political situation is different. We had paid a heavy price for the freedom and independence we enjoy today. Just in a matter of months we lost 13,000 civilians because they were killed by the [Slobodan] Milosevic regime. 20,000 women were raped…this puts us in a situation to really understand the human suffering of those who are fleeing from terror, repression that the Afghan citizens are facing now under the new rule from the Taliban,” Osmani said.

“These people are forced to plea because they believed in peace, democracy, justice and equality.”

Kosovo is one of the countries taking in Afghans fleeing the Taliban regime, and for its President Vjosa Osmani, the matter is personal, having felt the horrors of displacement as a kid during the Kosovo War of the late 1990s.

Kosovo is one of the countries taking in Afghans fleeing the Taliban regime, and for its President Vjosa Osmani, the matter is personal, having felt the horrors of displacement as a kid during the Kosovo War of the late 1990s. “First and foremost we believe it’s a moral obligation. We have been refugees ourselves during nineties and we are alive today because the world did not turn its back on us,” she told WION’s Palki Sharma in an exclusive interview as part of the Global Leadership Series. Noting that Kosovo refugees were taken by so many countries, she also pointed to international conventions that mandate against closing of borders to refugees. EXCLUSIVE: Kosovo is not Kashmir, recognise us, President Vjosa Osmani urges India “We are quite a small country, but with a big heart, and we want to show this is the right thing to do when we people need shelter.” In her young age, Osmani had fled Albania for Kosovo during the Kosovo War of 1998-99. “When I was a kid, we were not allowed to exercise our rights just because we were Albanians,” she recollected, adding “we had no right to go to school, speak our language” despite being 90% of the population of Kosovo. “The experiences that I had, just like any other citizen in Kosovo, were extremely painful. We saw hell with our own eyes during the 90s." WATCH | Helping the Afghan refugees, therefore, is a matter beyond politics, she said. Osmani said Kosovo will be receiving 2,000 Afghan refugees at one time till their visas to US or Nato member states are processed. “Everyday we are welcoming more Afghan refugees…and we are proud that we are able to help the international community in this effort.” These are not terrorists or the Taliban Asked about controversies that some refuges are kept in Kosovo as they may pose a security threat, Osmani said they are in the country till their visas to go to the US or elsewhere are processed. “This doesn’t mean they are actually terrorists or they have links with the Taliban.” She said the procedure may last longer for some depending on the categories of visas they fall under. “It has nothing to do with them being labelled as security concerns. We are not taking in people who have links with the Taliban. Quite the opposite, we’re taking people who fought the regime.” She also pointed towards the two-step vetting process, one by the US and other by Kosovo authorities to screen the incoming refugees. Describing the current Afghan refugee crisis as truly heartbreaking , she recalled that some 1 million out of 1.7 million Kosovars were forced to leave their home during the war. Many of them were internally displaced persons and most refugees. They were taken to other countries who opened their doors for us: United States, Canada, all the way to Australia, New Zealand. “Practically most of the world opened their doors to us.” “We truly feel the pain though the political situation is different. We had paid a heavy price for the freedom and independence we enjoy today. Just in a matter of months we lost 13,000 civilians because they were killed by the [Slobodan] Milosevic regime. 20,000 women were raped…this puts us in a situation to really understand the human suffering of those who are fleeing from terror, repression that the Afghan citizens are facing now under the new rule from the Taliban,” Osmani said. “These people are forced to plea because they believed in peace, democracy, justice and equality.”

EXCLUSIVE: For Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani who once fled her home, Afghan refugee crisis is personal

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on an important visit to the US that has seen him holding several high-profile parleys in addition to attending the UN General Assembly. In addition to bilateral meetings with global leaders, PM Modi has been meeting global business leaders as well. These meets are taking place on the sidelines of UNGA.

WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay spoke with Dhruva Jaishankar, Director of US Initiative, Observer Research Foundation, about PM Modi's US visit.

He disagreed with a general assertion that suggested that India was the weakest link in the Quad grouping which includes US, Australia, Japan and India. 
 
Watch | Bilaterals &amp; Quad are the two key aspects of PM Modi's US Visit: Dhruva Jaishankar | WION-USA Direct

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"India being weak link in Quad is just a narrative perpetuated by certain people in US," he said.&nbsp;

He added that those making such a claim had ulterior motives.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-vice-president-kamala-harris-referred-to-pakistans-role-in-terrorism-during-meeting-with-pm-modi-shringla-415387">US Vice President Kamala Harris referred to Pakistan's role in terrorism during meeting with PM Modi: Shringla</a>

The Quad-- a grouping of US, India, Australia and Japan -- is often perceived as coming together of countries to counter Chinese influence and increasing Chinese assertiveness. However, Quad countries have always maintained that it is not against any nation. In spite of this, the perception of opposition to China remains associated with the Quad.

"How do you deal with a challenge you would not spell out?" asked Palki Sharma-Upadhyay referring to Quad's denial of being against China and yet making moves that are perceived as such.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/risk-to-the-us-of-another-911-is-very-real-says-ex-us-nsa-john-bolton-to-wion-415498">Risk to the US of another 9/11 is very real, says ex-US NSA John Bolton to WION</a> 
 
On this, Jaishankar drew attention to the diplomatic practice adopted by countries all over the world to be guarded in public about such issues. China itself does that, he said, mentioning the disparity between China's public stance over Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the "real reason" behind some of China's foreign investments.

On Afghanistan, Jaishankar said that US withdrawal was a "botched" one. He said that proponents of the withdrawal argue that it has made the US free to tackle issues like Chinese assertiveness while opponents say that US withdrawal created a power vacuum in Afghanistan.

India, in his opinion, need not look at US for solution to Afghan situation. Jaishankar mentioned that India was talking with possible partners like Iran, Russia and central Asian countries in this regard. He also mentioned that US-Pakistan relations were not in "greatest health"

Jaishankar did not sound too optimistic about United Nations Security Council reforms. He said that veto-holding countries too invested in the power were not keen to dilute their position in the council. But he also stressed that this did not mean that India should stop advocating for the reforms and a permanent position for itself in the Security Council.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on an important visit to the US that has seen him holding several high-profile parleys in addition to attending the UN General Assembly.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on an important visit to the US that has seen him holding several high-profile parleys in addition to attending the UN General Assembly. In addition to bilateral meetings with global leaders, PM Modi has been meeting global business leaders as well. These meets are taking place on the sidelines of UNGA. WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay spoke with Dhruva Jaishankar, Director of US Initiative, Observer Research Foundation, about PM Modi's US visit. He disagreed with a general assertion that suggested that India was the weakest link in the Quad grouping which includes US, Australia, Japan and India. Watch | Bilaterals & Quad are the two key aspects of PM Modi's US Visit: Dhruva Jaishankar | WION-USA Direct × "India being weak link in Quad is just a narrative perpetuated by certain people in US," he said. He added that those making such a claim had ulterior motives. Also Read | US Vice President Kamala Harris referred to Pakistan's role in terrorism during meeting with PM Modi: Shringla The Quad-- a grouping of US, India, Australia and Japan -- is often perceived as coming together of countries to counter Chinese influence and increasing Chinese assertiveness. However, Quad countries have always maintained that it is not against any nation. In spite of this, the perception of opposition to China remains associated with the Quad. "How do you deal with a challenge you would not spell out?" asked Palki Sharma-Upadhyay referring to Quad's denial of being against China and yet making moves that are perceived as such. Also Read | Risk to the US of another 9/11 is very real, says ex-US NSA John Bolton to WION On this, Jaishankar drew attention to the diplomatic practice adopted by countries all over the world to be guarded in public about such issues. China itself does that, he said, mentioning the disparity between China's public stance over Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the "real reason" behind some of China's foreign investments. On Afghanistan, Jaishankar said that US withdrawal was a "botched" one. He said that proponents of the withdrawal argue that it has made the US free to tackle issues like Chinese assertiveness while opponents say that US withdrawal created a power vacuum in Afghanistan. India, in his opinion, need not look at US for solution to Afghan situation. Jaishankar mentioned that India was talking with possible partners like Iran, Russia and central Asian countries in this regard. He also mentioned that US-Pakistan relations were not in "greatest health" Jaishankar did not sound too optimistic about United Nations Security Council reforms. He said that veto-holding countries too invested in the power were not keen to dilute their position in the council. But he also stressed that this did not mean that India should stop advocating for the reforms and a permanent position for itself in the Security Council.

India being weakest link in Quad just a narrative, says Dhruva Jaishankar

An Afghan refugee teenager was stabbed to death on Tuesday evening in London in front of a group of school children.<o:p></o:p>

The 18-year-old boy, Hazrat Wali, had escaped to the UK from Afghanistan nearly two years ago to have an opportunity of living a better life.<o:p></o:p>

Wali had managed to make a life in the UK on his own as his family was still back in his home country, Afghanistan.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-urge-us-eu-to-end-existing-sanctions-to-avoid-refugee-crisis-420503">Taliban urge US, EU to 'end existing sanctions' to avoid refugee crisis</a></o:p>

"He was a very good person. Very caring and loved everyone. He didn’t hold any hate towards anybody. He used to stand up for everyone. I wish I knew why someone would hurt him. He wasn’t the kind of guy to fight," said his friend Sahil Kochay.<o:p></o:p>

As per reports by the eyewitnesses, a group of students were seen arguing with Wali on a footbridge. The noisy group, however, suddenly started dispersing quickly and chaotically.<o:p></o:p>

Soon enough, a 13-year-old boy noticed Wali collapsing and told his parents.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/afghan-interpreter-who-helped-rescue-biden-in-2008-escapes-taliban-regime-420043">Afghan interpreter who helped rescue Biden in 2008 escapes Taliban regime</a></o:p>

The incident took place on Craneford Way, Twickenham, yards away from Richmond upon Thames College where Wali was a student.<o:p></o:p>

Eyewitnesses have reported that when Wali was spotted collapsed on the field, a teacher, dressed in rugby kit, ran towards him and tried to save his life by giving him CPR.<o:p></o:p>

"There was a teacher in a rugby kit, he was trying to save the boy. He was giving CPR. There were two girls next to him, they were crying. He was a real hero, it was a terrible scene. Five minutes before the incident a group of very noisy kids came along heading to the field. The next thing we knew, all hell let loose," an eye witness told a local media house, Evening Standard.<o:p></o:p>

As of now, the motive behind this murder has not been identified. The local police department has launched an investigation and are interviewing everyone who was present on the field around the time of the murder.<o:p></o:p>

"We are still working to establish the motive behind this tragic attack and are following a number of leads. Officers have recovered CCTV from the area and spoken to a number of witnesses who described seeing a fight in the moments before Hazrat was attacked. We know a lot of people were on the field at the time and I’d urge anyone who has not yet spoken to police to contact us immediately," DCI Vicky Tunstall said.<o:p></o:p>

An Afghan refugee teenager was stabbed to death on Tuesday evening in London in front of a group of school children. The 18-year-old boy, Hazrat Wali, had escaped to the UK from Afghanistan nearly two years ago to have an opportunity of living a better life.

An Afghan refugee teenager was stabbed to death on Tuesday evening in London in front of a group of school children. The 18-year-old boy, Hazrat Wali, had escaped to the UK from Afghanistan nearly two years ago to have an opportunity of living a better life. Wali had managed to make a life in the UK on his own as his family was still back in his home country, Afghanistan. Also read | Taliban urge US, EU to 'end existing sanctions' to avoid refugee crisis "He was a very good person. Very caring and loved everyone. He didn’t hold any hate towards anybody. He used to stand up for everyone. I wish I knew why someone would hurt him. He wasn’t the kind of guy to fight," said his friend Sahil Kochay. As per reports by the eyewitnesses, a group of students were seen arguing with Wali on a footbridge. The noisy group, however, suddenly started dispersing quickly and chaotically. Soon enough, a 13-year-old boy noticed Wali collapsing and told his parents. Also read | Afghan interpreter who helped rescue Biden in 2008 escapes Taliban regime The incident took place on Craneford Way, Twickenham, yards away from Richmond upon Thames College where Wali was a student. Eyewitnesses have reported that when Wali was spotted collapsed on the field, a teacher, dressed in rugby kit, ran towards him and tried to save his life by giving him CPR. "There was a teacher in a rugby kit, he was trying to save the boy. He was giving CPR. There were two girls next to him, they were crying. He was a real hero, it was a terrible scene. Five minutes before the incident a group of very noisy kids came along heading to the field. The next thing we knew, all hell let loose," an eye witness told a local media house, Evening Standard. As of now, the motive behind this murder has not been identified. The local police department has launched an investigation and are interviewing everyone who was present on the field around the time of the murder. "We are still working to establish the motive behind this tragic attack and are following a number of leads. Officers have recovered CCTV from the area and spoken to a number of witnesses who described seeing a fight in the moments before Hazrat was attacked. We know a lot of people were on the field at the time and I’d urge anyone who has not yet spoken to police to contact us immediately," DCI Vicky Tunstall said.

UK: 18-year-old Afghan refugee stabbed to death in London

G20 leaders have agreed to work together to avoid a humanitarian disaster in Afghanistan. Host country Italy stressed upon the need to maintain contacts with the Taliban.

G20 leaders agree to work together to avoid a humanitarian disaster

Taliban’s new government in Afghanistan has warned a possible influx of refugees if the US and European envoys continue slapping sanctions on the terrorist organisations.<o:p></o:p>

The terrorist organisation has warned that of the western governments continue trying to bring down the Taliban government, it can pose threats for the security sector of the world. <o:p></o:p>

"Weakening the Afghan government is not in the interest of anyone because its negative effects will directly affect the world in (the) security sector and economic migration from the country," Acting foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi told Western diplomats at talks in Doha.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/afghan-interpreter-who-helped-rescue-biden-in-2008-escapes-taliban-regime-420043">Afghan interpreter who helped rescue Biden in 2008 escapes Taliban regime</a></o:p>

This statement from Taliban comes at a time when the new government in Afghanistan is struggling to stabilise the country. <o:p></o:p>

Afghanistan has been facing repeated attacks from Taliban’s rival terrorist organisation, ISIS, bringing a rise in daily death count and violence in the country. In addition to this, as western countries have stopped all financial aids for Taliban-run country, the group is struggling to bring financial stability. Taliban has also not been able to pay electricity bills to neighbouring states which means there is a possibility the country can go dark in the next few weeks.<o:p></o:p>

"We urge world countries to end existing sanctions and let banks operate normally so that charity groups, organisations and the government can pay salaries to their staff with their own reserves and international financial assistance," a statement from Muttaqi’s spokesperson said.<o:p></o:p>

This statement from Taliban has, indeed, increased fears of the European nations about a possible influx of migrants. Several European countries are worried that if the Afghanistan economy collapses or comes to the verge of complete collapse, locals will head out towards Europe as migrants.<o:p></o:p>

However, the US and European Union (EU) have said that they are ready to step in and help end the humanitarian crisis, provided they get to bypass the Taliban government. The leaders have urged Taliban to assure that the financial aids will go to re-establishing human rights and women’s rights.<o:p></o:p>

"We have been clear about our conditions for any engagement with the Afghan authorities, including on the respect of human rights," European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said.<o:p></o:p>

Taliban’s new government in Afghanistan has warned a possible influx of refugees if the US and European envoys continue slapping sanctions on the terrorist organisations.

Taliban’s new government in Afghanistan has warned a possible influx of refugees if the US and European envoys continue slapping sanctions on the terrorist organisations. The terrorist organisation has warned that of the western governments continue trying to bring down the Taliban government, it can pose threats for the security sector of the world. "Weakening the Afghan government is not in the interest of anyone because its negative effects will directly affect the world in (the) security sector and economic migration from the country," Acting foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi told Western diplomats at talks in Doha. Also read | Afghan interpreter who helped rescue Biden in 2008 escapes Taliban regime This statement from Taliban comes at a time when the new government in Afghanistan is struggling to stabilise the country. Afghanistan has been facing repeated attacks from Taliban’s rival terrorist organisation, ISIS, bringing a rise in daily death count and violence in the country. In addition to this, as western countries have stopped all financial aids for Taliban-run country, the group is struggling to bring financial stability. Taliban has also not been able to pay electricity bills to neighbouring states which means there is a possibility the country can go dark in the next few weeks. "We urge world countries to end existing sanctions and let banks operate normally so that charity groups, organisations and the government can pay salaries to their staff with their own reserves and international financial assistance," a statement from Muttaqi’s spokesperson said. This statement from Taliban has, indeed, increased fears of the European nations about a possible influx of migrants. Several European countries are worried that if the Afghanistan economy collapses or comes to the verge of complete collapse, locals will head out towards Europe as migrants. However, the US and European Union (EU) have said that they are ready to step in and help end the humanitarian crisis, provided they get to bypass the Taliban government. The leaders have urged Taliban to assure that the financial aids will go to re-establishing human rights and women’s rights. "We have been clear about our conditions for any engagement with the Afghan authorities, including on the respect of human rights," European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said.

Taliban urge US, EU to 'end existing sanctions' to avoid refugee crisis

Afghanistan's new Taliban government has warned US and European envoys that continued attempts to pressure them through sanctions will undermine security and could trigger a wave of economic refugees.

Acting foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi told Western diplomats at talks in Doha that "weakening the Afghan government is not in the interest of anyone because its negative effects will directly affect the world in (the) security sector and economic migration from the country", according to a statement published late Tuesday.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/afghan-embassy-in-india-reels-under-financial-crunch-420222">Afghan embassy in India reels under financial crunch</a>

The Taliban overthrew Afghanistan's former US-backed government in August after a two-decade-long conflict, and have declared an Islamic emirate governed under the movement's hardline interpretation of religious law.

But efforts to stabilise the country, still facing attacks from rival extremist group the Islamic State-Khorasan, have been undermined by international sanctions: banks are running out of cash and civil servants are going unpaid.

According to the statement from his spokesman, Muttaqi told the Doha meeting: "We urge world countries to end existing sanctions and let banks operate normally so that charity groups, organisations and the government can pay salaries to their staff with their own reserves and international financial assistance."

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/eu-pledges-12-billion-in-aid-for-afghanistan-to-avert-humanitarian-collapse-420169">EU pledges $1.2 billion in aid for Afghanistan to avert humanitarian collapse</a>

European countries in particular are concerned that if the Afghan economy collapses, large numbers of migrants will set off for the continent, piling pressure on neighbouring states such as Pakistan and Iran and eventually on EU borders.

Washington and the EU have said they are ready to back humanitarian initiatives in Afghanistan, but are wary of providing direct support to the Taliban without guarantees it will respect human rights, in particular women's rights.

Afghanistan's new Taliban government has warned US and European envoys that continued attempts to pressure them through sanctions will undermine security and could trigger a wave of economic refugees.

Afghanistan's new Taliban government has warned US and European envoys that continued attempts to pressure them through sanctions will undermine security and could trigger a wave of economic refugees. Acting foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi told Western diplomats at talks in Doha that "weakening the Afghan government is not in the interest of anyone because its negative effects will directly affect the world in (the) security sector and economic migration from the country", according to a statement published late Tuesday. Also Read | Afghan embassy in India reels under financial crunch The Taliban overthrew Afghanistan's former US-backed government in August after a two-decade-long conflict, and have declared an Islamic emirate governed under the movement's hardline interpretation of religious law. But efforts to stabilise the country, still facing attacks from rival extremist group the Islamic State-Khorasan, have been undermined by international sanctions: banks are running out of cash and civil servants are going unpaid. According to the statement from his spokesman, Muttaqi told the Doha meeting: "We urge world countries to end existing sanctions and let banks operate normally so that charity groups, organisations and the government can pay salaries to their staff with their own reserves and international financial assistance." Also Read | EU pledges $1.2 billion in aid for Afghanistan to avert humanitarian collapse European countries in particular are concerned that if the Afghan economy collapses, large numbers of migrants will set off for the continent, piling pressure on neighbouring states such as Pakistan and Iran and eventually on EU borders. Washington and the EU have said they are ready to back humanitarian initiatives in Afghanistan, but are wary of providing direct support to the Taliban without guarantees it will respect human rights, in particular women's rights.

Taliban warn US, EU of refugees if Afghan sanctions continue

The Afghan translator who assisted in the retrieval of then-Senator Joe Biden from the Afghan highlands in 2008 but was left behind by the Kabul airlift has been flown to Pakistan.

The US State Department is expediting his visa.

After the US-led airlift from Kabul concluded on August 30, leaving Aman Khalili and his family behind, US veterans worked with various private groups to leverage their relationships in Afghanistan and Pakistan and remove Aman Khalili and his family.

According to the Wall Street Journal, they were successful last week, transporting Khalili, his wife, and their five children 600 kilometres across Afghanistan and across the Pakistani border.

Watch | Gravitas: Did Biden lie about Afghanistan military advice?

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Watch | WION-USA Direct: Joe Biden says US not seeking 'new Cold War' with China

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-usa-direct-joe-biden-says-us-not-seeking-new-cold-war-with-china-414764/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In 2008, a blizzard forced the military chopper carrying Mr. Biden and other US senators to land in a snowy valley, exposing them to attack.

Aman Khalili was one of the Afghan government personnel that drove the party to safety.

He attempted to apply for a special immigrant visa (SIV) to bring his family to the United States in 2016, but was refused because the contractor he worked for allegedly destroyed their documents.

When they arrived at Kabul International Airport, Khalili was told that he could fly in, but that his family would have to wait behind.

He flatly refused.

The Journal covered his situation a day after the Kabul airlift ceased, including his personal plea to Biden.&nbsp;

The SIV was particularly developed for Afghans and Iraqis who fought with American forces in both battles.

It is unknown if Khalili has received this visa or if he is travelling to the United States.

Approximately 70,000 Afghans have been resettled in the United States on SIVs since 2008.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The Afghan translator who assisted in the retrieval of then-Senator Joe Biden from the Afghan highlands in 2008 but was left behind by the Kabul airlift has been flown to Pakistan.

The Afghan translator who assisted in the retrieval of then-Senator Joe Biden from the Afghan highlands in 2008 but was left behind by the Kabul airlift has been flown to Pakistan. The US State Department is expediting his visa. After the US-led airlift from Kabul concluded on August 30, leaving Aman Khalili and his family behind, US veterans worked with various private groups to leverage their relationships in Afghanistan and Pakistan and remove Aman Khalili and his family. According to the Wall Street Journal, they were successful last week, transporting Khalili, his wife, and their five children 600 kilometres across Afghanistan and across the Pakistani border. Watch | Gravitas: Did Biden lie about Afghanistan military advice? Watch | WION-USA Direct: Joe Biden says US not seeking 'new Cold War' with China In 2008, a blizzard forced the military chopper carrying Mr. Biden and other US senators to land in a snowy valley, exposing them to attack. Aman Khalili was one of the Afghan government personnel that drove the party to safety. He attempted to apply for a special immigrant visa (SIV) to bring his family to the United States in 2016, but was refused because the contractor he worked for allegedly destroyed their documents. When they arrived at Kabul International Airport, Khalili was told that he could fly in, but that his family would have to wait behind. He flatly refused. The Journal covered his situation a day after the Kabul airlift ceased, including his personal plea to Biden. The SIV was particularly developed for Afghans and Iraqis who fought with American forces in both battles. It is unknown if Khalili has received this visa or if he is travelling to the United States. Approximately 70,000 Afghans have been resettled in the United States on SIVs since 2008. (With inputs from agencies)

Afghan interpreter who helped rescue Biden in 2008 escapes Taliban regime

The European Union(EU) pledged $1.2-billion in aid for Afghanistan to avert a "major humanitarian" crisis, chief Ursula von der Leyen announced on Tuesday.

The announcement was made during the virtual G20 summit. Von der Leyen said the money would be channelled through international organisations and not through the Taliban which is not recognised by the European body.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/afghan-interpreter-who-helped-rescue-biden-in-2008-escapes-taliban-regime-420043">Also Read:&nbsp;Afghan interpreter who helped rescue Biden in 2008 escapes Taliban regime</a>

"We must do all we can to avert a major humanitarian and socio-economic collapse in Afghanistan. We need to do it fast," von der Leyen said, adding," We have been clear about our conditions for any engagement with the Afghan authorities, including on the respect of human rights."

"Afghan people should not pay the price of the Taliban's actions," the EU chief added. Taliban has been urging international aid to kickstart reconstruction efforts. The aid package is aimed at addressing Afghanistan's health issues.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/under-pressure-taliban-to-meet-eu-us-in-diplomatic-push-420100">Also Read:&nbsp;Under-pressure Taliban to meet EU, US in diplomatic push</a>

The aid is also meant for Afghanistan's neighbours who have been taking Afghan refugees fleeing the Taliban with money needed for migration management.

Turkey's president Erdogan while speaking at the G20 special session on Afghanistan said that the country cannot afford another influx of Afghan refugees even as the Italian prime minister declared that the interim Taliban government hasn't been able to deliver.

Meanwhile, reports claimed the second plane of Afghan refugees was expected to arrive in Spain from Pakistan. Spain had evacuated 2,000 people from Afghanistan mostly Afghans.

(With inputs from Agencies) 
&nbsp;

The European Union(EU) pledged $1.2-billion in aid for Afghanistan to avert a "major humanitarian" crisis, chief Ursula von der Leyen announced on Tuesday. The announcement was made during the virtual G20 summit.

The European Union(EU) pledged $1.2-billion in aid for Afghanistan to avert a "major humanitarian" crisis, chief Ursula von der Leyen announced on Tuesday. The announcement was made during the virtual G20 summit. Von der Leyen said the money would be channelled through international organisations and not through the Taliban which is not recognised by the European body. Also Read: Afghan interpreter who helped rescue Biden in 2008 escapes Taliban regime "We must do all we can to avert a major humanitarian and socio-economic collapse in Afghanistan. We need to do it fast," von der Leyen said, adding," We have been clear about our conditions for any engagement with the Afghan authorities, including on the respect of human rights." "Afghan people should not pay the price of the Taliban's actions," the EU chief added. Taliban has been urging international aid to kickstart reconstruction efforts. The aid package is aimed at addressing Afghanistan's health issues. Also Read: Under-pressure Taliban to meet EU, US in diplomatic push The aid is also meant for Afghanistan's neighbours who have been taking Afghan refugees fleeing the Taliban with money needed for migration management. Turkey's president Erdogan while speaking at the G20 special session on Afghanistan said that the country cannot afford another influx of Afghan refugees even as the Italian prime minister declared that the interim Taliban government hasn't been able to deliver. Meanwhile, reports claimed the second plane of Afghan refugees was expected to arrive in Spain from Pakistan. Spain had evacuated 2,000 people from Afghanistan mostly Afghans. (With inputs from Agencies)

EU pledges $1.2 billion in aid for Afghanistan to avert humanitarian collapse

In a recent interview, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan called on the world to engage with Taliban-led Afghanistan. &nbsp;

It is a "critical point in Afghanistan", the PM said in an interaction with Middle East Eye. &nbsp;

Khan said the people among Taliban’s leadership have given a lot of sacrifices. These people, he said, would now want to be a part of the government.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/under-pressure-taliban-to-meet-eu-us-in-diplomatic-push-420100" hreflang="en">Under-pressure Taliban to meet EU, US in diplomatic push</a>&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

"And the government (in Afghanistan) is looking for international acceptability. So, it wants an inclusive government. It talks about human rights and not wanting its soil to be used for terrorism," added Khan. &nbsp;

The PM was "relieved" the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan did not result in an expected bloodbath. &nbsp;

The cricketer-turned-politician also said the Taliban had assured Pakistan that the TTP would not launch attacks in the country. &nbsp; &nbsp;

Pakistan is speaking to various groups of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) from a position of strength, the PM said. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/national-hero-or-renegade-aq-khan-admitted-to-run-nuke-proliferation-network-419648" hreflang="en">National hero or renegade? AQ Khan admitted to run nuke proliferation network</a>

The leader thinks these elements can be reconciled. "I always believed all insurgencies eventually end up on the dialogue table, like the IRA [Irish Republican Army] for instance," he said. &nbsp;

About US President Joe Biden, the leader said he is yet to speak to arguably the most powerful person in the world. &nbsp;"Well, you know, it's up to him. It's (US) a superpower," he said. &nbsp;&nbsp;

After interviewer told him that it is "absolutely astonishing" that the two heads of states have not spoken yet, Khan said, "Well, our security chiefs have spoken. Our foreign minister has been in touch with the US foreign secretary. But no, we haven't spoken, but we are in touch." &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In a recent interview, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan called on the world to engage with Taliban-led Afghanistan. It is a "critical point in Afghanistan", the PM said in an interaction with Middle East Eye.

In a recent interview, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan called on the world to engage with Taliban-led Afghanistan. It is a "critical point in Afghanistan", the PM said in an interaction with Middle East Eye. Khan said the people among Taliban’s leadership have given a lot of sacrifices. These people, he said, would now want to be a part of the government. Also Read: Under-pressure Taliban to meet EU, US in diplomatic push "And the government (in Afghanistan) is looking for international acceptability. So, it wants an inclusive government. It talks about human rights and not wanting its soil to be used for terrorism," added Khan. The PM was "relieved" the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan did not result in an expected bloodbath. The cricketer-turned-politician also said the Taliban had assured Pakistan that the TTP would not launch attacks in the country. Pakistan is speaking to various groups of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) from a position of strength, the PM said. Also Read: National hero or renegade? AQ Khan admitted to run nuke proliferation network The leader thinks these elements can be reconciled. "I always believed all insurgencies eventually end up on the dialogue table, like the IRA [Irish Republican Army] for instance," he said. About US President Joe Biden, the leader said he is yet to speak to arguably the most powerful person in the world. "Well, you know, it's up to him. It's (US) a superpower," he said. After interviewer told him that it is "absolutely astonishing" that the two heads of states have not spoken yet, Khan said, "Well, our security chiefs have spoken. Our foreign minister has been in touch with the US foreign secretary. But no, we haven't spoken, but we are in touch." (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistani prime minister urges world to engage with Taliban regime in Afghanistan

Amir Khan Muttaqi, acting foreign minister for the Taliban, announced that after meeting with the United States, the group will now meet representatives of the European Union in Doha on Tuesday.

Speaking at an event organised by Qatar's Center for Conflict and Humanitarian Studies, Muttaqi said that Afghans had already met officials from the German government and a parliamentarian from the United Kingdom.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/doha-talks-candid-taliban-to-be-judged-based-on-its-actions-us-419772">Doha talks 'candid', Taliban to be judged based on its actions: US</a>

"Tomorrow we are meeting the EU representatives. We are having positive meetings with representatives of other countries," he said in the Qatari capital.

"We want positive relationships with the whole world. We believe in balanced international relations. We believe such a balanced relationship can save Afghanistan from instability," Muttaqi added.

Despite the hardline Islamists' diplomatic push following their return to power in August, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres slammed the group.

Speaking to the press, Guterres said that the Taliban have "broken" promises to Afghan women and girls, and urged the world to donate more money to Afghanistan to head off its economic collapse.

Watch |&nbsp;Worry about women's rights restricted under the rule of the Taliban

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"I am particularly alarmed to see promises made to Afghan women and girls by the Taliban being broken," Guterres told reporters.&nbsp;

"I strongly appeal to the Taliban to keep their promises to women and girls and fulfill their obligations under international human rights and humanitarian law."

In his statement, Guterres stated the United Nations will not give up on the issue and that it is constantly discussed with Taliban officials.

"Broken promises lead to broken dreams for the women and girls of Afghanistan," Guterres said, noting that three million girls have enrolled in school since 2001, and the average amount of education for girls has increased from six years to 10.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/dont-try-to-destabilise-regime-taliban-warns-us-in-first-face-to-face-talks-after-withdrawal-419514">Don't try to 'destabilise' regime, Taliban warns US in first face-to-face talks after withdrawal</a>

"Eighty percent of Afghanistan's economy is informal, with a preponderant role of women. Without them, there is no way the Afghan economy and society will recover," the UN chief warned.

With food prices increasing, international aid cut off, and unemployment at a record high, Afghanistan's economy is on the verge of collapse.

In addition to the economic troubles, the Taliban's attempts to consolidate their rule have been undermined by a series of attacks by the Islamic State-Khorasan (IS-K), which claimed responsibility for a bomb attack on a Shiite mosque on Friday that killed more than 60 people.

(With inputs from agencies)

Amir Khan Muttaqi, acting foreign minister for the Taliban, announced that after meeting with the United States, the group will now meet representatives of the European Union in Doha on Tuesday.

Amir Khan Muttaqi, acting foreign minister for the Taliban, announced that after meeting with the United States, the group will now meet representatives of the European Union in Doha on Tuesday. Speaking at an event organised by Qatar's Center for Conflict and Humanitarian Studies, Muttaqi said that Afghans had already met officials from the German government and a parliamentarian from the United Kingdom. Also read | Doha talks 'candid', Taliban to be judged based on its actions: US "Tomorrow we are meeting the EU representatives. We are having positive meetings with representatives of other countries," he said in the Qatari capital. "We want positive relationships with the whole world. We believe in balanced international relations. We believe such a balanced relationship can save Afghanistan from instability," Muttaqi added. Despite the hardline Islamists' diplomatic push following their return to power in August, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres slammed the group. Speaking to the press, Guterres said that the Taliban have "broken" promises to Afghan women and girls, and urged the world to donate more money to Afghanistan to head off its economic collapse. Watch | Worry about women's rights restricted under the rule of the Taliban "I am particularly alarmed to see promises made to Afghan women and girls by the Taliban being broken," Guterres told reporters. "I strongly appeal to the Taliban to keep their promises to women and girls and fulfill their obligations under international human rights and humanitarian law." In his statement, Guterres stated the United Nations will not give up on the issue and that it is constantly discussed with Taliban officials. "Broken promises lead to broken dreams for the women and girls of Afghanistan," Guterres said, noting that three million girls have enrolled in school since 2001, and the average amount of education for girls has increased from six years to 10. Also read | Don't try to 'destabilise' regime, Taliban warns US in first face-to-face talks after withdrawal "Eighty percent of Afghanistan's economy is informal, with a preponderant role of women. Without them, there is no way the Afghan economy and society will recover," the UN chief warned. With food prices increasing, international aid cut off, and unemployment at a record high, Afghanistan's economy is on the verge of collapse. In addition to the economic troubles, the Taliban's attempts to consolidate their rule have been undermined by a series of attacks by the Islamic State-Khorasan (IS-K), which claimed responsibility for a bomb attack on a Shiite mosque on Friday that killed more than 60 people. (With inputs from agencies)

As Taliban prepares to meet EU representatives, UN chief slams Taliban over 'broken promises'

Afghanistan has been marred by attacks by ISIS-K, the Taliban claims to be bringing stability to the country that has been dodged by series of deadly blasts. The latest blast took place last week during the Friday prayers in a Shi'ite mosque that was attacked in the northern city of Kunduz. Watch few accounts of people who survived the terror attack.

Kunduz blast survivor says 'will continue duty as in the past'

The first high-level talks between the Taliban and the US officials have concluded, the talk held in Doha was the 1st high-level meet between the two sides. After the US troop withdrawal from Afghanistan, the US described the talk as candid and professional but reiterated that it would be judged on the Taliban's actions, not words.

First face to face meeting between Taliban and US post pullout

The US State Department said the two-day discussions with the Taliban team in Doha, Qatar (illegal in Russia as a terrorist organisation) were professional, and Washington will observe the Taliban's actions.&nbsp;

"The discussions were candid and professional with the US delegation reiterating that the Taliban will be judged on its actions, not only its words," US State Department Spokesperson Ned Price said in a statement. 
 
Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nothing-changed-between-taliban-of-1990s-and-2021-report-4">Nothing changed between Taliban of 1990s and 2021: Report</a>

According to the US State Department, the Doha discussions were conducted on October 9 and 10 and focused on security problems as well as human rights, particularly the inclusion of women in different sectors of Afghan society. 
 
Watch: Taliban's Deputy Information Minister Zabihullah Mujahid speaks to WION

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/talibans-deputy-information-minister-zabihullah-mujahid-speaks-to-wion-419743/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"On October 9 and 10, an interagency delegation travelled to Doha, Qatar to meet with senior Taliban representatives. The US delegation focused on security and terrorism concerns and safe passage for US citizens, other foreign nationals and our Afghan partners, as well as on human rights, including the "meaningful participation of women and girls in all aspects of Afghan society," the US statement said. 
 
"The two sides also discussed the United States’ provision of robust humanitarian assistance, directly to the Afghan people. The discussions were candid and professional, with the US delegation reiterating that the Taliban will be judged on its actions, not only its words, "it added.

According to Al Jazeera, the Taliban considered discussions with US representatives in Doha productive, and there were expectations that the meeting would be a step toward Washington's acceptance of the new Afghan government.

This was the first meeting between US officials and Taliban leaders since the US withdrew its forces from Afghanistan in August.&nbsp;

Following the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan, a few nations, particularly China and Pakistan, have indicated an interest in establishing ties with the organisation.

Other members of the international community are waiting to see what happens.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The US State Department said the two-day discussions with the Taliban team in Doha, Qatar (illegal in Russia as a terrorist organisation) were professional, and Washington will observe the Taliban's actions.

The US State Department said the two-day discussions with the Taliban team in Doha, Qatar (illegal in Russia as a terrorist organisation) were professional, and Washington will observe the Taliban's actions. "The discussions were candid and professional with the US delegation reiterating that the Taliban will be judged on its actions, not only its words," US State Department Spokesperson Ned Price said in a statement. Also Read | Nothing changed between Taliban of 1990s and 2021: Report According to the US State Department, the Doha discussions were conducted on October 9 and 10 and focused on security problems as well as human rights, particularly the inclusion of women in different sectors of Afghan society. Watch: Taliban's Deputy Information Minister Zabihullah Mujahid speaks to WION "On October 9 and 10, an interagency delegation travelled to Doha, Qatar to meet with senior Taliban representatives. The US delegation focused on security and terrorism concerns and safe passage for US citizens, other foreign nationals and our Afghan partners, as well as on human rights, including the "meaningful participation of women and girls in all aspects of Afghan society," the US statement said. "The two sides also discussed the United States’ provision of robust humanitarian assistance, directly to the Afghan people. The discussions were candid and professional, with the US delegation reiterating that the Taliban will be judged on its actions, not only its words, "it added. According to Al Jazeera, the Taliban considered discussions with US representatives in Doha productive, and there were expectations that the meeting would be a step toward Washington's acceptance of the new Afghan government. This was the first meeting between US officials and Taliban leaders since the US withdrew its forces from Afghanistan in August. Following the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan, a few nations, particularly China and Pakistan, have indicated an interest in establishing ties with the organisation. Other members of the international community are waiting to see what happens. (With inputs from agencies)

Doha talks 'candid', Taliban to be judged based on its actions: US

Afghan women activists are risking their lives in order to protest demanding their basic rights to work, their right to education. Since the Taliban takeover, women have been blocked from returning to their jobs, their classrooms.

Worry about women's rights restricted under the rule of the Taliban

When former Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani fled the country on August 15, people not only criticised him but also alleged that he ran away with Afghan’s money.<o:p></o:p>

Now, Ghani’s ex-bodyguard has claimed that he not only saw the former President flee the country with bags full of cash, he also has video evidence to prove his claims.<o:p></o:p>

"I have a [CCTV] recording [from the palace] which shows that an individual at the Afghan Bank brought a lot of money to Ghani before he left," the bodyguard told Daily Mail.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/dont-try-to-destabilise-regime-taliban-warns-us-in-first-face-to-face-talks-after-withdrawal-419514">Don't try to 'destabilise' regime, Taliban warns US in first face-to-face talks after withdrawal</a></o:p>

Brigadier General Piraz Ata Sharifi was in charge of the daily security of Ghani. Sharifi, however, was left behind in Afghanistan when the former president flew away in a chartered flight. <o:p></o:p>

As Sharifi is being hounded by Taliban now, he has made some shocking revelations about the former president’s last flight from Afghanistan.<o:p></o:p>

Ghani, as per the guard, had someone transfer money from the Afghan Bank to two big bags. He was also, reportedly, carrying a gun to kill himself in case the Taliban militants caught him before he could flee the country.<o:p></o:p>

"This money was supposed to be for the currency exchange market. Each Thursday, the dollars were brought for that purpose. Instead, it was taken by the president. Ghani knew in the end what would happen. So he took all the money and escaped," he added.

<o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-taliban-hold-first-talks-since-afghanistan-withdrawal-419549">WATCH |</a></o:p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-taliban-hold-first-talks-since-afghanistan-withdrawal-419549/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

General Sharifi said he was waiting for Ghani at the Defence Ministry on August 15, but was suddenly told over a phone call that instead of meeting him at the ministry, Ghani chose to go to the airport and fly out of the country immediately.<o:p></o:p>

"The Defence Minister had also fled. So had my boss. So had all of Ghani's close family and entourage," he revealed.<o:p></o:p>

He felt betrayed as the former president and his boss left him alone and without any protection in the Taliban rule. General Sharifi, now, has a bounty on his head as he has been forced to move underground after Ghani abandoned him. "If the Taliban come here, I will kill myself. If they capture me they will kill me anyway," he said.<o:p></o:p>

When former Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani fled the country on August 15, people not only criticised him but also alleged that he ran away with Afghan’s money.

When former Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani fled the country on August 15, people not only criticised him but also alleged that he ran away with Afghan’s money. Now, Ghani’s ex-bodyguard has claimed that he not only saw the former President flee the country with bags full of cash, he also has video evidence to prove his claims. "I have a [CCTV] recording [from the palace] which shows that an individual at the Afghan Bank brought a lot of money to Ghani before he left," the bodyguard told Daily Mail. Also read | Don't try to 'destabilise' regime, Taliban warns US in first face-to-face talks after withdrawal Brigadier General Piraz Ata Sharifi was in charge of the daily security of Ghani. Sharifi, however, was left behind in Afghanistan when the former president flew away in a chartered flight. As Sharifi is being hounded by Taliban now, he has made some shocking revelations about the former president’s last flight from Afghanistan. Ghani, as per the guard, had someone transfer money from the Afghan Bank to two big bags. He was also, reportedly, carrying a gun to kill himself in case the Taliban militants caught him before he could flee the country. "This money was supposed to be for the currency exchange market. Each Thursday, the dollars were brought for that purpose. Instead, it was taken by the president. Ghani knew in the end what would happen. So he took all the money and escaped," he added. WATCH | General Sharifi said he was waiting for Ghani at the Defence Ministry on August 15, but was suddenly told over a phone call that instead of meeting him at the ministry, Ghani chose to go to the airport and fly out of the country immediately. "The Defence Minister had also fled. So had my boss. So had all of Ghani's close family and entourage," he revealed. He felt betrayed as the former president and his boss left him alone and without any protection in the Taliban rule. General Sharifi, now, has a bounty on his head as he has been forced to move underground after Ghani abandoned him. "If the Taliban come here, I will kill myself. If they capture me they will kill me anyway," he said.

Ghani's ex-bodyguard ready to give proof of ex-president fleeing with bags of cash

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

Taliban's Deputy Information Minister Zabihullah Mujahid  speaks to WION

Taliban leader Zabihullah Mujahid speaks on Doha talks

Senior Taliban officials and U.S. representatives are to hold talks Saturday and Sunday about containing extremist groups in Afghanistan and easing the evacuation of foreign citizens and Afghans from the country, officials from both sides said. Watch this report for more details.

US, Taliban hold first talks since Afghanistan withdrawal

Acting chief executive of the International Cricket Council (ICC), Geoff Allardice, opened up on Afghanistan's participation in the upcoming T20 World Cup, which will get underway on October 17 in the United Arab Emirates and Oman.&nbsp;

With a spotlight on the war-torn nation due to the recent takeover of the Taliban, Allardice said, "When the change of regime took place in Afghanistan in August, we have been in regular touch with the Afghanistan Cricket Board."&nbsp;

"Our primary function is to support the development of cricket in that country through the member board. We have said all along that we are waiting to see how things unfold under the different regime in that country.&nbsp;

"The ICC board will consider it when they next meet which is looking like the end of the T20 World Cup," he added.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/covid-19-committee-to-decide-fate-of-matches-if-cases-arise-in-t20-word-cup-2021-icc-419693">COVID-19 committee to decide fate of matches if cases arise in T20 Word Cup 2021: ICC</a>

Afghanistan, on the other hand, have announced a revised 15-member squad for the T20 World Cup, with Mohammad Nabi as captain.&nbsp;

In the revised 15-man squad, the likes of Sharafuddin Ashraf and Dawlat Zadran, who were in the initially announced squad, have now been named travel reserves alongside Samiullah Shinwari and Fazal Haq Farooqi. Farid Ahmad Malik has been promoted to the top 15 from reserves.&nbsp;

Afghanistan is slotted in Group 2 of the Super 12s, along with India, Pakistan, and New Zealand. the team will kick-start their T20 World Cup campaign against a qualifier from Group B on October 25 at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

Acting chief executive of the International Cricket Council (ICC), Geoff Allardice, opened up on Afghanistan's participation in the upcoming T20 World Cup, which will get underway on October 17 in the United Arab Emirates and Oman.

Acting chief executive of the International Cricket Council (ICC), Geoff Allardice, opened up on Afghanistan's participation in the upcoming T20 World Cup, which will get underway on October 17 in the United Arab Emirates and Oman. With a spotlight on the war-torn nation due to the recent takeover of the Taliban, Allardice said, "When the change of regime took place in Afghanistan in August, we have been in regular touch with the Afghanistan Cricket Board." "Our primary function is to support the development of cricket in that country through the member board. We have said all along that we are waiting to see how things unfold under the different regime in that country. "The ICC board will consider it when they next meet which is looking like the end of the T20 World Cup," he added. ALSO READ | COVID-19 committee to decide fate of matches if cases arise in T20 Word Cup 2021: ICC Afghanistan, on the other hand, have announced a revised 15-member squad for the T20 World Cup, with Mohammad Nabi as captain. In the revised 15-man squad, the likes of Sharafuddin Ashraf and Dawlat Zadran, who were in the initially announced squad, have now been named travel reserves alongside Samiullah Shinwari and Fazal Haq Farooqi. Farid Ahmad Malik has been promoted to the top 15 from reserves. Afghanistan is slotted in Group 2 of the Super 12s, along with India, Pakistan, and New Zealand. the team will kick-start their T20 World Cup campaign against a qualifier from Group B on October 25 at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

T20 World Cup: 'We are in regular touch with Afghanistan Cricket Board,' says ICC acting chief executive

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

WION speaks to Taliban Deputy Information Minister Zabihullah Mujahid

Bangladeshi American Delowar Mohammed Hossain, who was stopped by US law enforcement as he was about to fly out to join the Taliban, has been convicted on charges of trying to help the terrorist organisation that now controls Afghanistan.

A jury in the New York federal court found him guilty on Friday of trying to contribute funds, goods and services to the Taliban as well as attempting to provide support for terrorism.

Hossain, 36, came to the US from Bangladesh and is now an American citizen.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/ghanis-ex-bodyguard-ready-to-give-proof-of-ex-president-fleeing-with-bags-of-cash-419575">Ghani's ex-bodyguard ready to give proof of ex-president fleeing with bags of cash</a>

He was arrested in 2019 as he was about to board a plane in New York bound for Thailand en route to Pakistan.

The complaint filed by officials said that he had planned to fly first to Thailand rather than directly to Pakistan in order to throw off suspicions about where he was headed.

A court allowed him last year to be detained at home as the COVID-19 pandemic swept the country.

The trial lasted about a week and the jury, a panel made up of ordinary citizens that render verdicts in the US, reached convicted him after deliberating for two days after the close of testimony and arguments.

At the time of his arrest, the Assistant Director-in-Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation's (FBI) New York office, William Sweeney, said: "The lure of radical ideologies comes from many sources, and just because the Taliban may seem like an old and out of vogue extremist group, it shouldn't be underestimated."

It has since become powerful enough to take over Afghanistan as the US withdrew its troops from there.

According to the complaint filed in a federal court, Hossain tried to recruit an FBI "confidential source" to travel with him to Pakistan and cross into Afghanistan to join the Taliban.

The complaint said that Hossain told the source he wanted to "fight the American government, and kill some kufars (non-believers) before I die".

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/dont-try-to-destabilise-regime-taliban-warns-us-in-first-face-to-face-talks-after-withdrawal-419514">Don't try to 'destabilise' regime, Taliban warns US in first face-to-face talks after withdrawal</a>

He bought communication equipment and trekking gear for his mission and asked the source to save money to buy arms.

There have been several cases of people of Bangladeshi descent arrested on terrorism charges or convicted of terrorism-related offences.

A couple from Pennsylvania, Shahidul Gaffar and Nabila Khan, were sentenced last month after being convicted of conspiring to give material support to the Islamic State terror organisation.

Gaffar received a sentence of 18 months and Khan two years.

According to the prosecutors, Khan had her gold in Bangladesh sold to help a brother go to Syria to join the Islamic State (IS) terror group in 2015.

Gaffar sent money to enable another of her brothers to travel to Syria to enlist in the group in 2015. That brother was killed there in March 2019, according to prosecutors.

Akayed Ullah, a supporter of the IS, was sentenced to life in prison in April after having been convicted on terrorism charges.

He had been arrested in 2017 when a pipe bomb he was carrying exploded in a tunnel under Times Square in New York injuring him.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/he-smashed-the-idol-of-somnath-taliban-leader-anas-haqqani-praises-mahmud-ghaznavi-418613">'He smashed the idol of Somnath': Taliban leader Anas Haqqani praises Mahmud Ghaznavi</a>

After his conviction he told the court he was not an IS supporter but was only angry with then-President Donald Trump.

Ashiqul Alam was arrested in June 2019 in connection with a plot to shoot up Times Square.

Rahatul Ashikim Khan was sentenced to 10 years in prison in 2015 after being convicted of aiding terrorist organisations. He had been "screening and recruiting potential foreign fighters located in the US to wage violent jihad in various locations overseas, including Somalia", according to federal prosecutors in Texas.

The terror groups he was involved with were the Taliban, al-Shabaab and the Islamic State.

Al Qaeda supporter Quazi Mohammad Rezwanul Ahsan Nafis was sentenced to years in prison in 2013 after being convicted in a failed plot to blow up the New York Federal Reserve Bank in 2012.

The attack failed because the undercover agent he had contacted gave him a fake bomb.

Bangladeshi American Delowar Mohammed Hossain, who was stopped by US law enforcement as he was about to fly out to join the Taliban, has been convicted on charges of trying to help the terrorist organisation that now controls Afghanistan.

Bangladeshi American Delowar Mohammed Hossain, who was stopped by US law enforcement as he was about to fly out to join the Taliban, has been convicted on charges of trying to help the terrorist organisation that now controls Afghanistan. A jury in the New York federal court found him guilty on Friday of trying to contribute funds, goods and services to the Taliban as well as attempting to provide support for terrorism. Hossain, 36, came to the US from Bangladesh and is now an American citizen. Also Read | Ghani's ex-bodyguard ready to give proof of ex-president fleeing with bags of cash He was arrested in 2019 as he was about to board a plane in New York bound for Thailand en route to Pakistan. The complaint filed by officials said that he had planned to fly first to Thailand rather than directly to Pakistan in order to throw off suspicions about where he was headed. A court allowed him last year to be detained at home as the COVID-19 pandemic swept the country. The trial lasted about a week and the jury, a panel made up of ordinary citizens that render verdicts in the US, reached convicted him after deliberating for two days after the close of testimony and arguments. At the time of his arrest, the Assistant Director-in-Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation's (FBI) New York office, William Sweeney, said: "The lure of radical ideologies comes from many sources, and just because the Taliban may seem like an old and out of vogue extremist group, it shouldn't be underestimated." It has since become powerful enough to take over Afghanistan as the US withdrew its troops from there. According to the complaint filed in a federal court, Hossain tried to recruit an FBI "confidential source" to travel with him to Pakistan and cross into Afghanistan to join the Taliban. The complaint said that Hossain told the source he wanted to "fight the American government, and kill some kufars (non-believers) before I die". Also Read | Don't try to 'destabilise' regime, Taliban warns US in first face-to-face talks after withdrawal He bought communication equipment and trekking gear for his mission and asked the source to save money to buy arms. There have been several cases of people of Bangladeshi descent arrested on terrorism charges or convicted of terrorism-related offences. A couple from Pennsylvania, Shahidul Gaffar and Nabila Khan, were sentenced last month after being convicted of conspiring to give material support to the Islamic State terror organisation. Gaffar received a sentence of 18 months and Khan two years. According to the prosecutors, Khan had her gold in Bangladesh sold to help a brother go to Syria to join the Islamic State (IS) terror group in 2015. Gaffar sent money to enable another of her brothers to travel to Syria to enlist in the group in 2015. That brother was killed there in March 2019, according to prosecutors. Akayed Ullah, a supporter of the IS, was sentenced to life in prison in April after having been convicted on terrorism charges. He had been arrested in 2017 when a pipe bomb he was carrying exploded in a tunnel under Times Square in New York injuring him. Also Read | 'He smashed the idol of Somnath': Taliban leader Anas Haqqani praises Mahmud Ghaznavi After his conviction he told the court he was not an IS supporter but was only angry with then-President Donald Trump. Ashiqul Alam was arrested in June 2019 in connection with a plot to shoot up Times Square. Rahatul Ashikim Khan was sentenced to 10 years in prison in 2015 after being convicted of aiding terrorist organisations. He had been "screening and recruiting potential foreign fighters located in the US to wage violent jihad in various locations overseas, including Somalia", according to federal prosecutors in Texas. The terror groups he was involved with were the Taliban, al-Shabaab and the Islamic State. Al Qaeda supporter Quazi Mohammad Rezwanul Ahsan Nafis was sentenced to years in prison in 2013 after being convicted in a failed plot to blow up the New York Federal Reserve Bank in 2012. The attack failed because the undercover agent he had contacted gave him a fake bomb.

Bangladeshi American convicted on charge of trying to aid Taliban

While hundreds of Afghans wait for an opportunity to flee their home country as soon as possible, more than 100 Afghans decided to return to the Taliban-controlled country.<o:p></o:p>

A total of 106 Afghan nationals who were stranded in India since Taliban took over Afghanistan decided to return to their home country on their free will.<o:p></o:p>

"These Afghan nationals were in a very difficult situation as their finances had run out, and did not even have enough money to pay for their fooding and lodging," an Afghan diplomat told The Sunday Express.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/ghanis-ex-bodyguard-ready-to-give-proof-of-ex-president-fleeing-with-bags-of-cash-419575">Ghani's ex-bodyguard ready to give proof of ex-president fleeing with cash</a></o:p>

While some of these people were facing financial problems in India, a lot of them were worried about their remaining family members and relatives who are still in Afghanistan.<o:p></o:p>

"They were stuck between a rock and a hard place," the Afghan diplomat said.<o:p></o:p>

A group of Afghan locals stranded in India reached out to the Afghan embassy in the last few weeks and expressed their wish to return to their home country. The embassy reached out to the Iran’s embassy in India.<o:p></o:p>

Officials were able to schedule a special flight in Iranian airline company Mahan Air.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/dont-try-to-destabilise-regime-taliban-warns-us-in-first-face-to-face-talks-after-withdrawal-419514">Don't try to 'destabilise' regime, Taliban warns US in first face-to-face talks after withdrawal</a>

<o:p></o:p>

This flight first flew from India to Tehran, from where they were then rooted towards Kabul, the capital city of Afghanistan.<o:p></o:p>

"The Afghan nationals had to pay for the flight, but they went back via Tehran," the diplomat said. "There are about 1,000 people estimated to be in India who may want to return to Afghanistan. We are trying to facilitate as much as possible."<o:p></o:p>

Authorities are hoping that they will be able to arrange similar flights for the remaining Afghan nations in India in the coming few weeks.<o:p></o:p>

Meanwhile, the new Taliban government in Afghanistan has reached out to India to resume flights between the two countries, but the Indian authorities have not yet taken a decision.<o:p></o:p>

While hundreds of Afghans wait for an opportunity to flee their home country as soon as possible, more than 100 Afghans decided to return to the Taliban-controlled country.

While hundreds of Afghans wait for an opportunity to flee their home country as soon as possible, more than 100 Afghans decided to return to the Taliban-controlled country. A total of 106 Afghan nationals who were stranded in India since Taliban took over Afghanistan decided to return to their home country on their free will. "These Afghan nationals were in a very difficult situation as their finances had run out, and did not even have enough money to pay for their fooding and lodging," an Afghan diplomat told The Sunday Express. Also read | Ghani's ex-bodyguard ready to give proof of ex-president fleeing with cash While some of these people were facing financial problems in India, a lot of them were worried about their remaining family members and relatives who are still in Afghanistan. "They were stuck between a rock and a hard place," the Afghan diplomat said. A group of Afghan locals stranded in India reached out to the Afghan embassy in the last few weeks and expressed their wish to return to their home country. The embassy reached out to the Iran’s embassy in India. Officials were able to schedule a special flight in Iranian airline company Mahan Air. Also read | Don't try to 'destabilise' regime, Taliban warns US in first face-to-face talks after withdrawal This flight first flew from India to Tehran, from where they were then rooted towards Kabul, the capital city of Afghanistan. "The Afghan nationals had to pay for the flight, but they went back via Tehran," the diplomat said. "There are about 1,000 people estimated to be in India who may want to return to Afghanistan. We are trying to facilitate as much as possible." Authorities are hoping that they will be able to arrange similar flights for the remaining Afghan nations in India in the coming few weeks. Meanwhile, the new Taliban government in Afghanistan has reached out to India to resume flights between the two countries, but the Indian authorities have not yet taken a decision.

More than 100 Afghan nationals fly to Kabul from India via Iran on free will

Carrying forward its show of hatred towards Taliban, Islamic State carried out a suicide bombing in Afghanistan.<o:p></o:p>

Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the suicide bombing in the city of Kunduz in Afghanistan that claimed almost 60 lives and injured more than 140 people.<o:p></o:p>

"We have received more than 100 wounded patients and over 60 dead bodies, but the number will change. We are still receiving more people," said a Doctors Without Borders (MSF) hospital worker, who did not want to be named.<o:p></o:p>

Labelled as one of the deadliest attacks in the country since Taliban took control of Afghanistan, the attack took place in a mosque, Gozar-e-Sayed Abad Mosque, which is used by the minority Shi'ite Muslim community.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-set-to-meet-taliban-soon-in-first-face-to-face-meeting-419305">US set to meet Taliban soon in first face-to-face meeting</a></o:p>

This is the third attack on a religious institution in Afghanistan in the past week, which is turning out to be a disturbing pattern of violence, the United Nations' mission in Afghanistan said. Before this, a mosque in Kabul and a religious school in the eastern province of Khost were attacked in the past week.<o:p></o:p>

Videos and images surfacing from the mosque, post the blast, show body parts spread inside the mosque along with rubble of the structure.<o:p></o:p>

The blast took place when the community members had gathered to offer their usual Friday prayers, which are known to be most important in the whole week.

<o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-taliban-blames-isis-k-for-deadly-kunduz-mosque-bombing-419281">WATCH |</a></o:p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-taliban-blames-isis-k-for-deadly-kunduz-mosque-bombing-419281/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

While health officials are claiming that the death toll is expected to reach between 70 and 80, Taliban have confirmed that this has been the deadliest attack in the country since the US troops left Afghanistan.<o:p></o:p>

This attack by the ISIS is another trial by the terrorist organisation at disrupting the newly-formed Taliban government. The two terrorist organisations have been staunch rivals since years and ISIS is not a supporter of Taliban taking over Afghanistan. Shia Muslims are often targeted by the Sunni extremists.<o:p></o:p>

Carrying forward its show of hatred towards Taliban, Islamic State carried out a suicide bombing in Afghanistan. Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the suicide bombing in the city of Kunduz in Afghanistan that claimed almost 60 lives and injured more than 140 people.

Carrying forward its show of hatred towards Taliban, Islamic State carried out a suicide bombing in Afghanistan. Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the suicide bombing in the city of Kunduz in Afghanistan that claimed almost 60 lives and injured more than 140 people. "We have received more than 100 wounded patients and over 60 dead bodies, but the number will change. We are still receiving more people," said a Doctors Without Borders (MSF) hospital worker, who did not want to be named. Labelled as one of the deadliest attacks in the country since Taliban took control of Afghanistan, the attack took place in a mosque, Gozar-e-Sayed Abad Mosque, which is used by the minority Shi'ite Muslim community. Also read | US set to meet Taliban soon in first face-to-face meeting This is the third attack on a religious institution in Afghanistan in the past week, which is turning out to be a disturbing pattern of violence, the United Nations' mission in Afghanistan said. Before this, a mosque in Kabul and a religious school in the eastern province of Khost were attacked in the past week. Videos and images surfacing from the mosque, post the blast, show body parts spread inside the mosque along with rubble of the structure. The blast took place when the community members had gathered to offer their usual Friday prayers, which are known to be most important in the whole week. WATCH | While health officials are claiming that the death toll is expected to reach between 70 and 80, Taliban have confirmed that this has been the deadliest attack in the country since the US troops left Afghanistan. This attack by the ISIS is another trial by the terrorist organisation at disrupting the newly-formed Taliban government. The two terrorist organisations have been staunch rivals since years and ISIS is not a supporter of Taliban taking over Afghanistan. Shia Muslims are often targeted by the Sunni extremists.

ISIS claims responsibility of mosque blast that killed at least 60 people

In first face-to-face talks since the US withdrawal, the Taliban warned the United States not to "destabilise" the regime, its foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi said on Saturday. &nbsp;

After talks in Doha, Muttaqi told the Afghan state news agency Bakhtar, "We clearly told them that trying to destabilise the government in Afghanistan is good for no one." &nbsp;

In a recorded statement, the minister said, "Good relations with Afghanistan are good for everyone. Nothing should be done to weaken the existing government in Afghanistan, which can lead to problems for the people." &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/isis-claims-responsibility-of-mosque-blast-that-killed-at-least-60-people-419339" hreflang="en">ISIS claims responsibility of mosque blast that killed at least 60 people</a>&nbsp;

The remarks came as Taliban is holding two-day talks with a US team led by the State Department's Deputy Special Representative Tom West and top USAID humanitarian official Sarah Charles. &nbsp;

There was no immediate comment available from the US side. &nbsp;

Meanwhile, the US delegation is hoping that they will be able to press Taliban to work on providing proper human rights and freedom to women and minority groups in the war-torn country. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistans-unpaid-electricity-bills-cross-62-million-as-taliban-struggles-to-get-financial-aid-419061" hreflang="en">Afghanistan's unpaid electricity bills cross $62 million</a>

"We will press the Taliban to respect the rights of all Afghans, including women and girls, and to form an inclusive government with broad support," the spokesperson of State Department said on Friday. &nbsp;&nbsp;

"As Afghanistan faces the prospect of a severe economic contraction and possible humanitarian crisis, we will also press the Taliban to allow humanitarian agencies free access to areas of need," the spokesperson added. &nbsp;

The delegation will also urge Taliban to let the US citizens and US allies leave Afghanistan peacefully and unharmed whenever these people wish to in the future. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In first face-to-face talks since the US withdrawal, the Taliban warned the United States not to "destabilise" the regime, its foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi said on Saturday.

In first face-to-face talks since the US withdrawal, the Taliban warned the United States not to "destabilise" the regime, its foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi said on Saturday. After talks in Doha, Muttaqi told the Afghan state news agency Bakhtar, "We clearly told them that trying to destabilise the government in Afghanistan is good for no one." In a recorded statement, the minister said, "Good relations with Afghanistan are good for everyone. Nothing should be done to weaken the existing government in Afghanistan, which can lead to problems for the people." Also Read: ISIS claims responsibility of mosque blast that killed at least 60 people The remarks came as Taliban is holding two-day talks with a US team led by the State Department's Deputy Special Representative Tom West and top USAID humanitarian official Sarah Charles. There was no immediate comment available from the US side. Meanwhile, the US delegation is hoping that they will be able to press Taliban to work on providing proper human rights and freedom to women and minority groups in the war-torn country. Also Read: Afghanistan's unpaid electricity bills cross $62 million "We will press the Taliban to respect the rights of all Afghans, including women and girls, and to form an inclusive government with broad support," the spokesperson of State Department said on Friday. "As Afghanistan faces the prospect of a severe economic contraction and possible humanitarian crisis, we will also press the Taliban to allow humanitarian agencies free access to areas of need," the spokesperson added. The delegation will also urge Taliban to let the US citizens and US allies leave Afghanistan peacefully and unharmed whenever these people wish to in the future. (With inputs from agencies)

Don't try to 'destabilise' regime, Taliban warns US in first face-to-face talks after withdrawal

In an exclusive interview with WION, an unidentified Afghan tells us that some women are lending their support to the Taliban, why their definition of the female population angers her and what she would do if help doesn’t come sooner. Watch the full interview here.

WION exclusive: Life Under Taliban- 'They call women s**ts'

There is a famous proverb that the enemy of my enemy is my friend and it is, in reality, playing out in Afghanistan right now. As the Afghan Taliban and Beijing get cosy, their opponents -- mainly the isis-k in Afghanistan and terrorists belonging to China's persecuted minority - the Uighurs are joining hands.

ISIS-K,  terrorists belonging to China's persecuted minority, Uighurs  join hands

The US troops were given till August 31 by Taliban to completely pack up their belongings and leave Afghanistan. Since then, there has been no official known face-to-face communication between the two countries.<o:p></o:p>

However, the US is now planning to hold its first in-person talk with Taliban from Saturday, the State Department said.<o:p></o:p>

Although the US has stayed in regular contact with Taliban since the terrorist organisation took control of Afghanistan, this will be the first face-to-face meeting between the two groups.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/at-least-55-killed-in-afghanistans-kunduz-mosque-blast-taliban-official-419134">At least 55 killed in Afghanistan's Kunduz mosque blast: Taliban official</a></o:p>

The US delegation is hoping that they will be able to press Taliban to work on providing proper human rights and freedom to women and minority groups in the South Asian country.<o:p></o:p>

"We will press the Taliban to respect the rights of all Afghans, including women and girls, and to form an inclusive government with broad support," the spokesperson said Friday. "As Afghanistan faces the prospect of a severe economic contraction and possible humanitarian crisis, we will also press the Taliban to allow humanitarian agencies free access to areas of need," he said.<o:p></o:p>

However, the US has stated clearly that this face-to-face communication does not indicate that the Biden administration has recognised Taliban as the new official government of Afghanistan. The delegation will urge the terrorist organisation to show positive changes in their behaviour to win the trust of the US government and several other western governments.

<o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-taliban-blames-isis-k-for-deadly-kunduz-mosque-bombing-419281">WATCH |</a></o:p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-taliban-blames-isis-k-for-deadly-kunduz-mosque-bombing-419281/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"We remain clear that any legitimacy must be earned through the Taliban's own actions," the spokesperson said.

The delegation will also urge Taliban to let the US citizens and US allies leave Afghanistan peacefully and unharmed whenever these people wish to in the future. The US has admitted that while majority of the American citizens and allies have been rescued from the Taliban-ruled country, there are nearly 100 people who have ties with Afghanistan and still remain there.

This news has come a little after&nbsp;at least 55 people were killed in Afghanistan's Kunduz mosque blast in an atack claimed by Taliban's opposing terrorist groups ISIS-K.

The US troops were given till August 31 by Taliban to completely pack up their belongings and leave Afghanistan. Since then, there has been no official known face-to-face communication between the two countries.

The US troops were given till August 31 by Taliban to completely pack up their belongings and leave Afghanistan. Since then, there has been no official known face-to-face communication between the two countries. However, the US is now planning to hold its first in-person talk with Taliban from Saturday, the State Department said. Although the US has stayed in regular contact with Taliban since the terrorist organisation took control of Afghanistan, this will be the first face-to-face meeting between the two groups. Also read | At least 55 killed in Afghanistan's Kunduz mosque blast: Taliban official The US delegation is hoping that they will be able to press Taliban to work on providing proper human rights and freedom to women and minority groups in the South Asian country. "We will press the Taliban to respect the rights of all Afghans, including women and girls, and to form an inclusive government with broad support," the spokesperson said Friday. "As Afghanistan faces the prospect of a severe economic contraction and possible humanitarian crisis, we will also press the Taliban to allow humanitarian agencies free access to areas of need," he said. However, the US has stated clearly that this face-to-face communication does not indicate that the Biden administration has recognised Taliban as the new official government of Afghanistan. The delegation will urge the terrorist organisation to show positive changes in their behaviour to win the trust of the US government and several other western governments. WATCH | "We remain clear that any legitimacy must be earned through the Taliban's own actions," the spokesperson said. The delegation will also urge Taliban to let the US citizens and US allies leave Afghanistan peacefully and unharmed whenever these people wish to in the future. The US has admitted that while majority of the American citizens and allies have been rescued from the Taliban-ruled country, there are nearly 100 people who have ties with Afghanistan and still remain there. This news has come a little after at least 55 people were killed in Afghanistan's Kunduz mosque blast in an atack claimed by Taliban's opposing terrorist groups ISIS-K.

US set to meet Taliban soon in first face-to-face meeting

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