Pakistan in rare airstrikes targeted multiple suspected hideouts of the Pakistani Taliban inside neighboring Afghanistan. Watch this report for more details!

Pakistan Launches Strikes On Suspected TTP Targets In Afghanistan

Pakistan Launches Series Airstrikes On Afghanistan

Pakistan Hits Suspected TTP Hideouts in Afghanistan

The lower house of Russia’s parliament has approved a bill that would set the stage for Moscow to remove the designation of the Taliban in Afghanistan as a terrorist group. Watch this report for more details!

Russia | Taliban No Longer Terrorist For Russia; Lower House Passes Bill To Remove Terror Tag

Russia: Lower House Passes Bill To Remove Taliban's Designation As 'Terrorist'

After a ban on senior school and university education for girls, a new Taliban diktat bars women from medical education. It's another setback for women and also for Afghanistan which is already reeling from soaring childbirth mortality rates. This move keeping women out of work like nursing and midwifery threatens to make things worse. This report on Inside South Asia analyses the issue.

Taliban Bars Medical Education for Women

Taliban Refugees Minister Khalil Haqqani has been killed in Kabul. The incident marks a significant development amid ongoing tensions and violence in the Afghan capital.

Taliban Refugee Minister Khalil Haqqani Killed in Kabul

Taliban Refugees Minister Khalil Haqqani has been killed in Kabul. The incident marks a significant development amid ongoing tensions and violence in the Afghan capital. Watch to know more!

Afghan Taliban Minister Khalil Rahman Haqqani Killed In Kabul Blast | WION Pulse

Khalil Haqqani, the Taliban's acting minister for refugees and repatriation, has been killed in a bombing in Kabul on Wednesday (Dec 11), reports suggest. Khalil, a key member of the powerful Haqqani network, died following an explosion that targeted a mosque in the Afghan capital.

Khalil Haqqani, the Taliban's acting minister for refugees and repatriation, has been killed in a bombing in Kabul on Wednesday (Dec 11), reports suggest. Khalil, a key member of the powerful Haqqani network, died following an explosion that targeted a mosque in the Afghan capital. Explosion hits Refugee ministry According to sources, a suicide attack occurred early in the day at the refugee ministry where Haqqani was present. The attacker, reportedly a refugee seeking papers and assistance, detonated himself as Khalil passed through the corridor of the ministry post-lunch. Casualties, though unconfirmed, are believed to be significant. Also Read: Taliban Minister Khalil Haqqani killed in explosion in Kabul Khalil Haqqani and the Haqqani network Khalil was a senior member of the Haqqani family, one of the most influential factions within the Taliban. He was the uncle of Sirajuddin Haqqani, the Taliban's interior minister and a prominent leader. The Haqqani network has long been associated with violence and militant operations, and the family holds significant influence within the Taliban government. Khalil Haqqani has been managing the ongoing refugee crisis in Afghanistan, dealing with large numbers of displaced people. His role in handling the refugee situation had put him at the forefront of Taliban governance, making his death a significant blow to the group. Watch: Afghan Women Turn to Entrepreneurship Amid Taliban Restrictions Impact on Taliban leadership Haqqani's death marks a significant loss for the Taliban, especially given his family's stronghold within the group's leadership. The bombing adds to growing concerns over the security situation in Kabul and across Afghanistan, as the Taliban continues to struggle with internal and external challenges. (With inputs from agencies)

Taliban minister Khalil Haqqani killed in Kabul bombing: Who was he?

Taliban Blames ISIS For Killing Khalil Haqqani in Kabul

Khalil Haqqani, the Taliban's acting minister for refugees and repatriation, has been killed in a bombing in Kabul on Wednesday (Dec 11), reports suggest. Haqqani, a key member of the powerful Haqqani network, died following an explosion that targeted a mosque in the Afghan capital.

Khalil Haqqani, the Taliban's acting minister for refugees and repatriation, has been killed in a bombing in Kabul on Wednesday (Dec 11), reports suggest. Haqqani, a key member of the powerful Haqqani network, died following an explosion that targeted a mosque in the Afghan capital. Explosion hits Kabul mosque According to sources, a suicide attack occurred early in the day at a mosque where Haqqani was present. The attacker, reportedly a refugee seeking papers and assistance, detonated himself as Khalil passed through the corridor of the ministry post-lunch. Casualties, though unconfirmed, are believed to be significant. Also Read: Taliban Minister Khalil Haqqani killed in explosion in Kabul Khalil Haqqani and the Haqqani network Khalil Haqqani was a senior member of the Haqqani family, one of the most influential factions within the Taliban. He was the uncle of Sirajuddin Haqqani, the Taliban's interior minister and a prominent leader. The Haqqani network has long been associated with violence and militant operations, and the family holds significant influence within the Taliban government. Khalil Haqqani has been managing the ongoing refugee crisis in Afghanistan, dealing with large numbers of displaced people. His role in handling the refugee situation had put him at the forefront of Taliban governance, making his death a significant blow to the group. Watch: Afghan Women Turn to Entrepreneurship Amid Taliban Restrictions Impact on Taliban leadership Haqqani's death marks a significant loss for the Taliban, especially given his family's stronghold within the group's leadership. The bombing adds to growing concerns over the security situation in Kabul and across Afghanistan, as the Taliban continues to struggle with internal and external challenges. (With inputs from agencies)

Khalil Haqqani killed in Kabul mosque bombing: Who was he?

Afghanistan is reportedly planning to ban women from enrolling in nursing and midwifery courses. this is another setback for the women of the country, which could also lead to women and girls dying due to struggling to receive healthcare during childbirth. @mollygambhir tells you more!

Taliban To Ban Women From Enrolling In Nursing & Midwifery Courses | GRAVITAS | WION

In a fresh series of restrictions on Afghan women, medical training, including for midwives and nurses, has reportedly been banned for women, female students told Afghanistan-bases news Khaama Press.&nbsp;

They were further informed to stay home until further notice.&nbsp;

The latest move by the Taliban has effectively closed the last path of further education for women in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

Moreover, five separate institutions across the country&nbsp;have also confirmed to BBC that the Taliban had instructed them to close until further notice. Videos have been surfacing showing students crying at the news.

However, the news is yet to be confirmed by the Taliban government's health ministry.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taliban-ban-women-from-hearing-each-others-voice-while-praying-report-771700">Also read:&nbsp;Taliban ban women from hearing each other's voice while praying: Report</a>

One of the students from a medical institute in Kabul told Khaama Press that they were prohibited from entering their classrooms and the staff vaguely informed them that “classes are temporarily suspended.”

After the students began protesting, they were told that the Taliban had issued an order to close the institutes until further notice.&nbsp;

<h2>'Another violation of women’s rights to education'</h2>

Robert Dickson, the Charge d’Affaires of the UK Embassy for Afghanistan, condemned the decree. He took to X, stating, "I am deeply concerned about new reports that the Taliban will deny medical education to women in Afghanistan."

“This is another affront to women’s right to education and will further restrict access to health care for Afghan women and children,” the British diplomat added.

After regaining control in Afghanistan, the Taliban have banned women from university education. Moreover, girls are not allowed to attend school after the sixth grade.&nbsp;

However, the Taliban have been defending these decrees, saying that they are following the Taliban's interpretation of Islamic law.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Afghan Women Turn to Entrepreneurship Amid Taliban Restrictions

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Afghanistan Women and Children Strengthen Welfare Organization took to X, and said, "This decision denies countless young women the opportunity to pursue careers in medicine, a field where they have historically played a vital role, particularly in providing healthcare to women and children."

"The ban further cripples Afghanistan’s already fragile healthcare system, which relies heavily on female medical professionals to address the needs of its population. With maternal mortality rates among the highest in the world, the absence of female healthcare workers will have catastrophic consequences for women’s health,” it added.

(With inputs from agencies)

In a fresh series of restrictions on Afghan women, medical training, including for midwives and nurses, has reportedly been banned for women, female students told Afghanistan-bases news Khaama Press.

In a fresh series of restrictions on Afghan women, medical training, including for midwives and nurses, has reportedly been banned for women, female students told Afghanistan-bases news Khaama Press. They were further informed to stay home until further notice. The latest move by the Taliban has effectively closed the last path of further education for women in Afghanistan. Moreover, five separate institutions across the country have also confirmed to BBC that the Taliban had instructed them to close until further notice. Videos have been surfacing showing students crying at the news. However, the news is yet to be confirmed by the Taliban government's health ministry. Also read: Taliban ban women from hearing each other's voice while praying: Report One of the students from a medical institute in Kabul told Khaama Press that they were prohibited from entering their classrooms and the staff vaguely informed them that “classes are temporarily suspended.” After the students began protesting, they were told that the Taliban had issued an order to close the institutes until further notice. 'Another violation of women’s rights to education' Robert Dickson, the Charge d’Affaires of the UK Embassy for Afghanistan, condemned the decree. He took to X, stating, "I am deeply concerned about new reports that the Taliban will deny medical education to women in Afghanistan." “This is another affront to women’s right to education and will further restrict access to health care for Afghan women and children,” the British diplomat added. After regaining control in Afghanistan, the Taliban have banned women from university education. Moreover, girls are not allowed to attend school after the sixth grade. However, the Taliban have been defending these decrees, saying that they are following the Taliban's interpretation of Islamic law. Watch | Afghan Women Turn to Entrepreneurship Amid Taliban Restrictions × Afghanistan Women and Children Strengthen Welfare Organization took to X, and said, "This decision denies countless young women the opportunity to pursue careers in medicine, a field where they have historically played a vital role, particularly in providing healthcare to women and children." "The ban further cripples Afghanistan’s already fragile healthcare system, which relies heavily on female medical professionals to address the needs of its population. With maternal mortality rates among the highest in the world, the absence of female healthcare workers will have catastrophic consequences for women’s health,” it added. (With inputs from agencies)

Afghan women 'banned from midwife and nurse education' in Taliban's new decree: Report

Limitations often breed resilience...And women in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan testify to that fact. Despite losing jobs...Women in Afghanistan are turning to entrepreneurship to sustain themselves and their families. Our next report delves into this inspiring struggle for economic independence. Take a look...

Afghanistan: Small Businesses Provide Lifeline For Aghan Women Amid Hardships

Limitations often breed resilience and women in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan testify to that fact. Despite losing jobs, women in Afghanistan are turning to entrepreneurship to sustain themselves and their families.

After the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, Afghan women faced severe restrictions, including a ban on secondary education and a sharp decline in employment opportunities.

Prior to the takeover, women accounted for 26 per cent of public sector workers, a number that has since dwindled to near zero.

Amid this economic and social turmoil, many Afghan women have turned to entrepreneurship as a way to support their families and regain independence.

For example, Zainab Ferozi, who invested her savings into a carpet weaving business in Herat, now employs a dozen women who lost jobs or were forced to abandon their education due to Taliban policies.

Qamar Qasimi, a worker at carpet weaving company talked to AFP and I quote, “When I worked in a beauty salon, it was very good. The pay was also good, for example, we could earn 3,000 to 5,000, 6,000 or 7,000 ($100) afghanis for a single bride, but here, if we work for a whole month, we don't earn that much. For example, if we work a lot, we earn 5,000 afghanis a month, no more. There's absolutely no comparison."

Sumaya Ahmadi, a worker also shares her insights with AFP and said, "When I was at home, I was very depressed and angry. I couldn't stay at home. When Mrs. Ferozi (the manager of the company she works for) set up this workshop, I came here and was able to work. (now) I'm very happy and I no longer have any mental health problems. I'm happier and I feel better."

The rise in female entrepreneurship is notable.

The Afghanistan women’s chamber of commerce and industry reports a dramatic increase in businesses since the Taliban’s takeover, with registered businesses growing from 600 to 10,000, many of them small, home-based operations.

Women like Touba Zahid, who started making jams and pickles after being forced to abandon her university education, are not only creating job opportunities but also contributing to the economy.

While these businesses offer financial relief, the challenges remain.

For instance, salaries for women working in these enterprises are often low, ranging from 5,000 to 13,000 afghanis per month, insufficient to cover all living costs.

Fariba Noori, the chairperson of board of Afghan women chamber of commerce told AFP, "The market for women is not good, we don't have any saleswomen who could go to the bazaar to work for other women and do marketing for women so that their products sell. Before the return (of the Taliban to power), women used to do marketing and sell their products. But that's no longer the case."

Yet, the work has provided these women with more than just a financial lifeline. Many reports gaining a sense of purpose and mental well-being, as work has become a way to support their families and contribute to the future of younger generations.

(With inputs from AFP)

Limitations often breed resilience and women in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan testify to that fact. Despite losing jobs, women in Afghanistan are turning to entrepreneurship to sustain themselves and their families.

Limitations often breed resilience and women in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan testify to that fact. Despite losing jobs, women in Afghanistan are turning to entrepreneurship to sustain themselves and their families. After the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, Afghan women faced severe restrictions, including a ban on secondary education and a sharp decline in employment opportunities. Prior to the takeover, women accounted for 26 per cent of public sector workers, a number that has since dwindled to near zero. Amid this economic and social turmoil, many Afghan women have turned to entrepreneurship as a way to support their families and regain independence. For example, Zainab Ferozi, who invested her savings into a carpet weaving business in Herat, now employs a dozen women who lost jobs or were forced to abandon their education due to Taliban policies. Qamar Qasimi, a worker at carpet weaving company talked to AFP and I quote, “When I worked in a beauty salon, it was very good. The pay was also good, for example, we could earn 3,000 to 5,000, 6,000 or 7,000 ($100) afghanis for a single bride, but here, if we work for a whole month, we don't earn that much. For example, if we work a lot, we earn 5,000 afghanis a month, no more. There's absolutely no comparison." Sumaya Ahmadi, a worker also shares her insights with AFP and said, "When I was at home, I was very depressed and angry. I couldn't stay at home. When Mrs. Ferozi (the manager of the company she works for) set up this workshop, I came here and was able to work. (now) I'm very happy and I no longer have any mental health problems. I'm happier and I feel better." The rise in female entrepreneurship is notable. The Afghanistan women’s chamber of commerce and industry reports a dramatic increase in businesses since the Taliban’s takeover, with registered businesses growing from 600 to 10,000, many of them small, home-based operations. Women like Touba Zahid, who started making jams and pickles after being forced to abandon her university education, are not only creating job opportunities but also contributing to the economy. While these businesses offer financial relief, the challenges remain. For instance, salaries for women working in these enterprises are often low, ranging from 5,000 to 13,000 afghanis per month, insufficient to cover all living costs. Fariba Noori, the chairperson of board of Afghan women chamber of commerce told AFP, "The market for women is not good, we don't have any saleswomen who could go to the bazaar to work for other women and do marketing for women so that their products sell. Before the return (of the Taliban to power), women used to do marketing and sell their products. But that's no longer the case." Yet, the work has provided these women with more than just a financial lifeline. Many reports gaining a sense of purpose and mental well-being, as work has become a way to support their families and contribute to the future of younger generations. (With inputs from AFP)

Afghan women turn to entrepreneurship amid Taliban restrictions

A breath of fresh air for Afghan women whose rights have been trampled by archaic Taliban laws. Women in the Herat province are harvesting the saffron crop, and are making a difference too - both for a hugely successful industry as well as themselves.

Afghan Women Harvest Saffron; Breath Of Fresh Air In Afghanistan

Eight soldiers were killed and seven police officers kidnapped in separate attacks in northwest Pakistan, police and intelligence officials told AFP on Tuesday.&nbsp;

A Monday clash resulted in the deaths of "eight soldiers" and "nine militants" in the Tirah area of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province, an intelligence officer said on condition of anonymity.&nbsp;

The Pakistani Taliban (TTP) claimed responsibility.&nbsp;

In a separate attack in the province, "seven police officers were kidnapped" at a checkpoint, said a senior police official, also speaking anonymously.

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"The assailants also seized the weapons belonging to the officials,” he added.&nbsp;

Another police official, Muhammad Zia ud-Din, confirmed the incident.

Pakistan has seen a rise in attacks by the TTP on its border with Afghanistan. &nbsp;

The group killed 10 police officers on October 25.&nbsp;

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Islamist or separatist attacks on Pakistan's security forces are taking place elsewhere in the country of 240 million.

On Saturday, seven soldiers were killed by separatists in Pakistan's southwest Balochistan province, a week after a bombing by the same group killed 26 people, including 14 soldiers, at a train station in the provincial capital.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Eight soldiers were killed and seven police officers kidnapped in separate attacks in northwest Pakistan, police and intelligence officials told AFP on Tuesday. A Monday clash resulted in the deaths of "eight soldiers" and "nine militants" in the Tirah area of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province, an intelligence officer said on condition of anonymity.

Eight soldiers were killed and seven police officers kidnapped in separate attacks in northwest Pakistan, police and intelligence officials told AFP on Tuesday. A Monday clash resulted in the deaths of "eight soldiers" and "nine militants" in the Tirah area of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province, an intelligence officer said on condition of anonymity. The Pakistani Taliban (TTP) claimed responsibility. In a separate attack in the province, "seven police officers were kidnapped" at a checkpoint, said a senior police official, also speaking anonymously. Also read | Two killed, one injured in New York knife attack, suspect arrested "The assailants also seized the weapons belonging to the officials,” he added. Another police official, Muhammad Zia ud-Din, confirmed the incident. Pakistan has seen a rise in attacks by the TTP on its border with Afghanistan. The group killed 10 police officers on October 25. Also read | Chinese man arrested in Delhi for duping over $47,000 in fake stock trading Islamist or separatist attacks on Pakistan's security forces are taking place elsewhere in the country of 240 million. On Saturday, seven soldiers were killed by separatists in Pakistan's southwest Balochistan province, a week after a bombing by the same group killed 26 people, including 14 soldiers, at a train station in the provincial capital. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Eight soldiers killed, seven policemen kidnapped in Pakistan: Police

The Taliban regime has appointed Ikramuddin Kamil as the acting consul in the Afghan mission in Mumbai, Afghan media has reported.

It is the first such appointment made by the Taliban set up to any Afghan mission in India.

There was no immediate comment from the Indian side on the appointment that came.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan has announced the appointment of Kamil as the acting consul in Mumbai, the Taliban-controlled Bakhtar News Agency reported on Monday, citing unnamed sources.

"He is currently in Mumbai, where he is fulfilling his duties as a diplomat representing the Islamic Emirate," it said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taliban-officials-to-attend-cop29-in-azerbaijan-for-the-first-time-since-2021-takeover-775025">Taliban officials to attend COP29 in Azerbaijan for the first time since 2021 Afghanistan takeover</a>

The appointment is part of Kabul's efforts to strengthen diplomatic ties with India and enhance its presence abroad, the media outlet said.

Kamil holds a PhD degree in international law and previously served as the deputy director in the department of security cooperation and border affairs in the foreign ministry, it said.

He is expected to facilitate consular services and represent the interests of Afghanistan in India, the report added.

Kamil's appointment comes days after the external affairs ministry's point-person for Afghanistan held talks with the Taliban's acting defence minister, Mullah Mohammad Yaqoob, in Kabul.

Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai, the Taliban's deputy foreign minister for political affairs, also posted on X about Kamil's appointment.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-suspends-all-train-operations-to-and-from-quetta-railway-station-after-terrorist-attack-775084">Pakistan suspends all train operations to and from Quetta railway station after terrorist attack</a>

The appointment of Kamil is seen as part of efforts to facilitate consular services to the Afghan population in Mumbai.

There has been almost negligible presence of diplomatic staff at the Afghan missions in India.

Most of the diplomats appointed by the Ashraf Ghani government have already left India.

In May, Zakia Wardak, the seniormost Afghan diplomat in India, resigned from her position after reports emerged that she was caught at the Mumbai airport for allegedly trying to smuggle 25 kg of gold worth Rs 18.6 crore from Dubai.

Wardak had taken charge as the acting ambassador of Afghanistan to New Delhi late last year, after working as the Afghan consul general in Mumbai for more than two years.

She took charge of the Afghan embassy in New Delhi last November, after the mission helmed by then ambassador Farid Mamundzay announced its closure.

Mamundzay, who was an appointee of the Ghani government, had moved to the United Kingdom.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

The Taliban regime has appointed Ikramuddin Kamil as the acting consul in the Afghan mission in Mumbai, Afghan media has reported. It is the first such appointment made by the Taliban set up to any Afghan mission in India.

The Taliban regime has appointed Ikramuddin Kamil as the acting consul in the Afghan mission in Mumbai, Afghan media has reported. It is the first such appointment made by the Taliban set up to any Afghan mission in India. There was no immediate comment from the Indian side on the appointment that came. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan has announced the appointment of Kamil as the acting consul in Mumbai, the Taliban-controlled Bakhtar News Agency reported on Monday, citing unnamed sources. "He is currently in Mumbai, where he is fulfilling his duties as a diplomat representing the Islamic Emirate," it said. Also read | Taliban officials to attend COP29 in Azerbaijan for the first time since 2021 Afghanistan takeover The appointment is part of Kabul's efforts to strengthen diplomatic ties with India and enhance its presence abroad, the media outlet said. Kamil holds a PhD degree in international law and previously served as the deputy director in the department of security cooperation and border affairs in the foreign ministry, it said. He is expected to facilitate consular services and represent the interests of Afghanistan in India, the report added. Kamil's appointment comes days after the external affairs ministry's point-person for Afghanistan held talks with the Taliban's acting defence minister, Mullah Mohammad Yaqoob, in Kabul. Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai, the Taliban's deputy foreign minister for political affairs, also posted on X about Kamil's appointment. Also read | Pakistan suspends all train operations to and from Quetta railway station after terrorist attack The appointment of Kamil is seen as part of efforts to facilitate consular services to the Afghan population in Mumbai. There has been almost negligible presence of diplomatic staff at the Afghan missions in India. Most of the diplomats appointed by the Ashraf Ghani government have already left India. In May, Zakia Wardak, the seniormost Afghan diplomat in India, resigned from her position after reports emerged that she was caught at the Mumbai airport for allegedly trying to smuggle 25 kg of gold worth Rs 18.6 crore from Dubai. Wardak had taken charge as the acting ambassador of Afghanistan to New Delhi late last year, after working as the Afghan consul general in Mumbai for more than two years. She took charge of the Afghan embassy in New Delhi last November, after the mission helmed by then ambassador Farid Mamundzay announced its closure. Mamundzay, who was an appointee of the Ghani government, had moved to the United Kingdom. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Taliban appoint Ikramuddin Kamil as its first acting consul in Mumbai: Report

Afghan Taliban officials will attend a major United Nations climate conference that starts next week, the Afghan Foreign Ministry said on Sunday, the first time since the former insurgents took power in 2021.

The COP29 climate summit in Azerbaijan's capital Baku will be among the highest-profile multilateral events attended by Taliban administration officials since they took control in Kabul after 20 years of fighting NATO-backed forces.

The UN has not allowed the Taliban to take up Afghanistan's seat at the General Assembly, and Afghanistan's government is not formally recognised by UN member states, largely due to the Taliban's restrictions on women's education and freedom of movement.

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Afghan Foreign Ministry spokesman Abdul Qahar Balkhi said officials from the National Environmental Protection Agency had arrived in Azerbaijan to attend the COP conference. The Taliban took over the agency when they returned to power as US-led forces withdrew.

Taliban officials have taken part in UN organised meetings on Afghanistan in Doha, and Taliban ministers have attended forums in China and Central Asia in the past two years.

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But the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change’s Bureau of the COP has deferred consideration of Afghanistan’s participation since 2021, in effect freezing the country out of the talks.&nbsp;

Afghan NGOs have also struggled to attend the climate negotiations in recent years.

Host Azerbaijan invited the Afghan environment agency officials to COP29 as observers, enabling them to "potentially participate in periphery discussions and potentially hold bilateral meetings," a diplomatic source familiar with the matter told Reuters.

Because the Taliban are not formally recognised within the UN system as the legitimate government of Afghanistan, the source said, the officials cannot receive credentials to take part in the proceedings of full member states.

Azerbaijan's COP29 presidency declined to comment.

The Taliban has closed schools and universities to female students over the age of around 12. It also announced a set of wide-ranging morality laws this year that require women to cover their faces in public and restrict their travel outside the home without a male guardian.&nbsp;

The Taliban says it respects women's rights in accordance with its interpretation of Islamic law.

Afghanistan is considered one of the countries worst affected by climate change. Flash floods have killed hundreds this year, and the heavily agriculture-dependent country has suffered through one of the worst droughts in decades. Many subsistence farmers, who make up much of the population, face deepening food insecurity.

Some advocates have criticised international isolation of the Taliban, saying it only hurts the Afghan people.

"Afghanistan is one of the countries that is really left behind on the needs that it has," said Habib Mayar, deputy general secretary of the g7+, an intergovernmental organisation of countries affected by conflict.

"It is a double price that they are paying," Mayar said. "There is lack of attention, lack of connection with the international community, and then there are increasing humanitarian needs."

 
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience.

Afghan Taliban officials will attend a major United Nations climate conference that starts next week, the Afghan Foreign Ministry said on Sunday, the first time since the former insurgents took power in 2021.

Afghan Taliban officials will attend a major United Nations climate conference that starts next week, the Afghan Foreign Ministry said on Sunday, the first time since the former insurgents took power in 2021. The COP29 climate summit in Azerbaijan's capital Baku will be among the highest-profile multilateral events attended by Taliban administration officials since they took control in Kabul after 20 years of fighting NATO-backed forces. The UN has not allowed the Taliban to take up Afghanistan's seat at the General Assembly, and Afghanistan's government is not formally recognised by UN member states, largely due to the Taliban's restrictions on women's education and freedom of movement. Also read | Israel-Hamas war: Rescuers say 30, including 13 children, killed in Gaza strikes Afghan Foreign Ministry spokesman Abdul Qahar Balkhi said officials from the National Environmental Protection Agency had arrived in Azerbaijan to attend the COP conference. The Taliban took over the agency when they returned to power as US-led forces withdrew. Taliban officials have taken part in UN organised meetings on Afghanistan in Doha, and Taliban ministers have attended forums in China and Central Asia in the past two years. Also read | Trump urges his supporters to bail out Democrats after Harris campaign’s ‘$1 billion disaster’ But the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change’s Bureau of the COP has deferred consideration of Afghanistan’s participation since 2021, in effect freezing the country out of the talks. Afghan NGOs have also struggled to attend the climate negotiations in recent years. Host Azerbaijan invited the Afghan environment agency officials to COP29 as observers, enabling them to "potentially participate in periphery discussions and potentially hold bilateral meetings," a diplomatic source familiar with the matter told Reuters. Because the Taliban are not formally recognised within the UN system as the legitimate government of Afghanistan, the source said, the officials cannot receive credentials to take part in the proceedings of full member states. Azerbaijan's COP29 presidency declined to comment. The Taliban has closed schools and universities to female students over the age of around 12. It also announced a set of wide-ranging morality laws this year that require women to cover their faces in public and restrict their travel outside the home without a male guardian. The Taliban says it respects women's rights in accordance with its interpretation of Islamic law. Afghanistan is considered one of the countries worst affected by climate change. Flash floods have killed hundreds this year, and the heavily agriculture-dependent country has suffered through one of the worst droughts in decades. Many subsistence farmers, who make up much of the population, face deepening food insecurity. Some advocates have criticised international isolation of the Taliban, saying it only hurts the Afghan people. "Afghanistan is one of the countries that is really left behind on the needs that it has," said Habib Mayar, deputy general secretary of the g7+, an intergovernmental organisation of countries affected by conflict. "It is a double price that they are paying," Mayar said. "There is lack of attention, lack of connection with the international community, and then there are increasing humanitarian needs." Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Taliban officials to attend COP29 in Azerbaijan for the first time since 2021 Afghanistan takeover

India's point person for Afghanistan held a historic meeting with the Taliban's defense minister, marking a significant diplomatic development in India's engagement with Afghanistan's new rulers. The meeting signals a potential shift in India's approach to the Taliban-led government, amid growing concerns over regional security, humanitarian aid, and stability in Afghanistan. This is the first direct high-level interaction between Indian officials and Taliban leadership since the group’s return to power in 2021.

India-Taliban: India's Envoy for Afghanistan Meets Taliban Defense Minister For The First Time

The Taliban have imposed yet another bizarre order against women that will curb their voices further. The strange edict tells women not to recite the Quran out loud, as per Amu TV, an Afghan news channel based in Virginia, United States.

The order comes from Mohammad Khalid Hanafi, the Taliban minister for the propagation of virtue and the prevention of vice, who declared that women must refrain from reciting the Quran aloud in the presence of other women.

“When women are not permitted to call Takbir or Azan (Islamic call to prayer), they certainly cannot sing songs or music,” he said as per the report on Saturday.

The Telegraph also reported Hanafi as saying that when women are not allowed to hear each other's voices, how can they be allowed to sing? “Even when an adult female prays and another female passes by, she must not pray loudly enough for them to hear ... How could they be allowed to sing if they aren’t even permitted to hear [each other’s] voices while praying, let alone for anything else,” Hanafi said.

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The minister added that a woman’s voice is considered awrah, meaning that it must be covered, and shouldn’t be heard in public, even by other women.

While the diktat currently applies to prayers, experts fear that it will curtail women's freedom to talk to each other in public, thus further pushing them out of society.

The latest order comes after women were ordered in August to cover their entire bodies, including faces when stepping out.

<h2>Women barred from speaking in public</h2>

As per local media reports, women are forbidden from speaking out in public.

A midwife in Herat told Amu TV that female healthcare workers have been ordered not to speak in public, especially with male relatives. Notably, these are the only Afghan women who are allowed to work outside their homes.&nbsp;

"They don’t even allow us to speak at checkpoints when we go to work. And in the clinics, we are told not to discuss medical matters with male relatives,” the midwife told the channel.

Meanwhile, it is not confirmed whether the latest rule has been implemented yet or not, and if yes, then how wide the implication is, is not known.

Women face severe restrictions under the Taliban regime that returned to power in 2021.&nbsp;

The Taliban have imposed yet another bizarre order against women that will curb their voices further. The strange edict tells women not to recite the Quran out loud, as per Amu TV, an Afghan news channel based in Virginia, United States.

The Taliban have imposed yet another bizarre order against women that will curb their voices further. The strange edict tells women not to recite the Quran out loud, as per Amu TV, an Afghan news channel based in Virginia, United States. The order comes from Mohammad Khalid Hanafi, the Taliban minister for the propagation of virtue and the prevention of vice, who declared that women must refrain from reciting the Quran aloud in the presence of other women. “When women are not permitted to call Takbir or Azan (Islamic call to prayer), they certainly cannot sing songs or music,” he said as per the report on Saturday. The Telegraph also reported Hanafi as saying that when women are not allowed to hear each other's voices, how can they be allowed to sing? “Even when an adult female prays and another female passes by, she must not pray loudly enough for them to hear ... How could they be allowed to sing if they aren’t even permitted to hear [each other’s] voices while praying, let alone for anything else,” Hanafi said. Also Read: Muhammad Ali’s ex-wife arrives in Afghanistan to open a stadium: Taliban The minister added that a woman’s voice is considered awrah, meaning that it must be covered, and shouldn’t be heard in public, even by other women. While the diktat currently applies to prayers, experts fear that it will curtail women's freedom to talk to each other in public, thus further pushing them out of society. The latest order comes after women were ordered in August to cover their entire bodies, including faces when stepping out. Women barred from speaking in public As per local media reports, women are forbidden from speaking out in public. A midwife in Herat told Amu TV that female healthcare workers have been ordered not to speak in public, especially with male relatives. Notably, these are the only Afghan women who are allowed to work outside their homes. "They don’t even allow us to speak at checkpoints when we go to work. And in the clinics, we are told not to discuss medical matters with male relatives,” the midwife told the channel. Meanwhile, it is not confirmed whether the latest rule has been implemented yet or not, and if yes, then how wide the implication is, is not known. Women face severe restrictions under the Taliban regime that returned to power in 2021.

Taliban ban women from hearing each other's voice while praying: Report

A former wife of legendary US boxer Muhammad Ali arrived in the Afghan capital, a Taliban government official said Friday, to reportedly open a stadium in a country where women are barred from sports.

The head of the Taliban government's sports directorate, Ahmadullah Wasiq, told AFP that Khalilah Camacho-Ali, who was married to the boxer for a decade from 1967, had arrived in Kabul.

State media cited the directorate as saying she was in the city "to build a sports stadium to be named 'Pirozi' (victory in Dari) and a sports association named after Muhammad Ali".

Born Belinda Boyd in 1950 in the United States, Camacho-Ali, like her world champion boxer ex-husband, converted to Islam after they married.

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Muhammad Ali himself visited Kabul in 2002, a year after the US forces overthrew the first Taliban government, visiting a girls' school in his role as a United Nations peace ambassador.

Since the Taliban government came to power in Afghanistan in 2021, they have imposed a strict interpretation of Islamic law, with women bearing the brunt of restrictions the United Nations have called "gender apartheid", including blocking women from participating in sports.

During the Taliban's first rule from 1996 to 2001, public executions in sports stadiums were common.

Public corporal punishment has continued since their return to power and at least two public executions have been held in a sports stadium.

The authorities have recently set restrictions on combat sports as well, saying free fighting such as in Mixed Martial Arts was un-Islamic.

Camacho-Ali is a martial artist, as well as an actress and author, according to her website.

Ali was born Cassius Clay in the southeastern state of Kentucky and is known as both a sporting great and for his role in fighting for civil rights for African Americans. He died in 2016.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

A former wife of legendary US boxer Muhammad Ali arrived in the Afghan capital, a Taliban government official said Friday, to reportedly open a stadium in a country where women are barred from sports.

A former wife of legendary US boxer Muhammad Ali arrived in the Afghan capital, a Taliban government official said Friday, to reportedly open a stadium in a country where women are barred from sports. The head of the Taliban government's sports directorate, Ahmadullah Wasiq, told AFP that Khalilah Camacho-Ali, who was married to the boxer for a decade from 1967, had arrived in Kabul. State media cited the directorate as saying she was in the city "to build a sports stadium to be named 'Pirozi' (victory in Dari) and a sports association named after Muhammad Ali". Born Belinda Boyd in 1950 in the United States, Camacho-Ali, like her world champion boxer ex-husband, converted to Islam after they married. ALSO READ: Real Madrid is not intimidated by table-toppers Barcelona, says Carlo Ancelotti ahead of El Clasico Muhammad Ali himself visited Kabul in 2002, a year after the US forces overthrew the first Taliban government, visiting a girls' school in his role as a United Nations peace ambassador. Since the Taliban government came to power in Afghanistan in 2021, they have imposed a strict interpretation of Islamic law, with women bearing the brunt of restrictions the United Nations have called "gender apartheid", including blocking women from participating in sports. During the Taliban's first rule from 1996 to 2001, public executions in sports stadiums were common. Public corporal punishment has continued since their return to power and at least two public executions have been held in a sports stadium. The authorities have recently set restrictions on combat sports as well, saying free fighting such as in Mixed Martial Arts was un-Islamic. Camacho-Ali is a martial artist, as well as an actress and author, according to her website. Ali was born Cassius Clay in the southeastern state of Kentucky and is known as both a sporting great and for his role in fighting for civil rights for African Americans. He died in 2016. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Muhammad Ali’s ex-wife arrives in Afghanistan to open a stadium: Taliban

The Pakistan Taliban has taken responsibility for an attack on police Personnel near the Afghan border. According to a report at least 10 policemen were killed in the attack. Watch to know more details.

10 Pakistani Policemen Killed In Terror Attack

Pakistan: 10 Policemen Killed In Attack

Hundreds of Afghan civilians were allegedly killed by Iranian border forces last week as they tried entering the Shi’ite nation from Pakistan illegally, according to media reports. Taliban authorities are now looking into these claims.

Hamdullah Fitrat, the deputy Taliban spokesperson in Kabul, said Wednesday (Oct 16) that "various governmental bodies" and Afghan diplomatic missions have initiated "comprehensive investigations" to verify the reports.

It was not immediately clear how many people died in the shooting but some media reports estimated the toll to be above 250. The Iran Human Rights Organization (Halvash) reported, citing two Afghan witnesses, that the incident happened on Saturday night (Oct 12) in the border region of Kalgan Saravan.

The Afghan group comprised about 300 people, out of which only 60 survived, according to the group.

But Taliban have warned the information is yet to be verified.

“As the incident is reported to have occurred beyond Afghanistan’s borders, the available information remains unverified,” Fitrat noted in his English-language statement posted on social media platform X. He added that a “conclusive decision” would be made after a “thorough clarification of the facts.”

On the other hand, Hassan Kazemi Qomi, Iran’s special presidential envoy for and ambassador to Kabul, has vehemently rejected these reports.

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“As of now, reliable sources confirm that the news about the deaths of dozens of illegal citizens at the Saravan border is not true," he said.

However, he added that Iranian border forces were obliged to thwart attempts of entry by illegal nationals.

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Responding “legally” to the “illegal entry of unauthorized nationals” was “the legitimate right of countries, and the border guards of any country are obliged to prevent the entry of illegal nationals,” he stressed.

Both Iran and Pakistan host millions of undocumented Afghan refugees. Both of them deported thousands of Afghans back to their homelands after the Taliban seized power in Kabul three years back.

(With inputs from agencies)

Hundreds of Afghan civilians were allegedly killed by Iranian border forces last week as they tried entering the Shi’ite nation from Pakistan illegally, according to media reports.

Hundreds of Afghan civilians were allegedly killed by Iranian border forces last week as they tried entering the Shi’ite nation from Pakistan illegally, according to media reports. Taliban authorities are now looking into these claims. Hamdullah Fitrat, the deputy Taliban spokesperson in Kabul, said Wednesday (Oct 16) that "various governmental bodies" and Afghan diplomatic missions have initiated "comprehensive investigations" to verify the reports. It was not immediately clear how many people died in the shooting but some media reports estimated the toll to be above 250. The Iran Human Rights Organization (Halvash) reported, citing two Afghan witnesses, that the incident happened on Saturday night (Oct 12) in the border region of Kalgan Saravan. The Afghan group comprised about 300 people, out of which only 60 survived, according to the group. But Taliban have warned the information is yet to be verified. “As the incident is reported to have occurred beyond Afghanistan’s borders, the available information remains unverified,” Fitrat noted in his English-language statement posted on social media platform X. He added that a “conclusive decision” would be made after a “thorough clarification of the facts.” On the other hand, Hassan Kazemi Qomi, Iran’s special presidential envoy for and ambassador to Kabul, has vehemently rejected these reports. Also read: Israeli arrested for plotting assassination of local scientist on Iranian man's orders “As of now, reliable sources confirm that the news about the deaths of dozens of illegal citizens at the Saravan border is not true," he said. However, he added that Iranian border forces were obliged to thwart attempts of entry by illegal nationals. Also read: Iran slams new US oil sanctions, calls them ‘illegal and unjustified’ Responding “legally” to the “illegal entry of unauthorized nationals” was “the legitimate right of countries, and the border guards of any country are obliged to prevent the entry of illegal nationals,” he stressed. Both Iran and Pakistan host millions of undocumented Afghan refugees. Both of them deported thousands of Afghans back to their homelands after the Taliban seized power in Kabul three years back. (With inputs from agencies)

More than 250 Afghan migrants massacred by Iranian forces? Taliban open probe

Taliban-run media have stopped showing images of living beings in some Afghan provinces to comply with morality laws, an official confirmed on Tuesday. The work of implementing this new law has started in some provinces of Afghanistan after the Taliban detailed several rules for news media which will be gradually implemented across the country.

Taliban Media Complies With New Law: Stops Airing Living Beings' Images In Parts

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