In a worrying development, Sikh community leaders have said that 140 Afghan sikh and Hindu pilgrims have been stopped by Taliban from leaving the country.

The development comes days after in a presser Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid said that that they won't allow evacuation of Afghans anymore even as foreigners can leave the country.

The Afghan Sikhs were to reach Delhi later today for the 400th Birth Anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur and a kirtan darbar was scheduled for Sunday.

"Many members of our community from various parts of the world have already arrived to attend the same . Unfortunately, Taliban has denied them access to the Kabul Airport ", Partap Singh (Afghan Origin), President of Gurdwara Sri Guru Arjan Dev, New Mahavir Nagar Delhi said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/afghan-baby-girl-born-aboard-us-military-plane-named-reach-after-aircrafts-code-name-408427">Also read |&nbsp;Afghan baby girl born aboard US military plane named 'Reach' after aircraft's code name</a>

India has so far evacuated 565 people. This includes 112 Afghan nationals, some of tehm Hindus and Sikh. Over the weekend, two Afghan Sikh MPs--Anarkali Honaryar and Narendra Singh Khalsar--reached India in an evacuation flight.

Guljeet Singh (Afghan Origin) , President of Gurudwara Guru Nanak Sahib Ji , Vikaspuri, said, "regret to note that last night these law-abiding pilgrims were turned back by Taliban security forces from the airport after waiting for more than 15 hours in their convoys”.

Last week, after the fall of Kabul, India's ministry of home affairs started e-visa system for many Afghans who want to come to India. This is the first time that e-visa system is opened for Afghans, and those who get the visa will be given the document for a period of six&nbsp;months. During the previous evacuations, India also brought back Holy Guru Granth Sahib as well. To receive the holy book, India had sent two union ministers at the airport.

Meanwhile, &nbsp;Puneet Singh , President of Indian World Forum, who has played a key role in the evacuation process, especially in coordination, "appealed to Taliban to facilitate an early departure of Afghan Hindu and&nbsp;Sikhs pilgrims in the interest of humanity at the highest level".

"Hindu and&nbsp;Sikh community in Afghanistan has significantly contributed in the development and economic growth of the Islamic nation and they should be granted free and safe access to arrive and depart,” he pointed out.

There has been no response by Taliban spokespersons on the development.

In a worrying development, Sikh community leaders have said that 140 Afghan sikh and Hindu pilgrims have been stopped by Taliban from leaving the country. The development comes days after in a presser Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid said that that they won't allow evacuation of Afghans anymore even as foreigners can leave the country.

In a worrying development, Sikh community leaders have said that 140 Afghan sikh and Hindu pilgrims have been stopped by Taliban from leaving the country. The development comes days after in a presser Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid said that that they won't allow evacuation of Afghans anymore even as foreigners can leave the country. The Afghan Sikhs were to reach Delhi later today for the 400th Birth Anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur and a kirtan darbar was scheduled for Sunday. "Many members of our community from various parts of the world have already arrived to attend the same . Unfortunately, Taliban has denied them access to the Kabul Airport ", Partap Singh (Afghan Origin), President of Gurdwara Sri Guru Arjan Dev, New Mahavir Nagar Delhi said. Also read | Afghan baby girl born aboard US military plane named 'Reach' after aircraft's code name India has so far evacuated 565 people. This includes 112 Afghan nationals, some of tehm Hindus and Sikh. Over the weekend, two Afghan Sikh MPs--Anarkali Honaryar and Narendra Singh Khalsar--reached India in an evacuation flight. Guljeet Singh (Afghan Origin) , President of Gurudwara Guru Nanak Sahib Ji , Vikaspuri, said, "regret to note that last night these law-abiding pilgrims were turned back by Taliban security forces from the airport after waiting for more than 15 hours in their convoys”. Last week, after the fall of Kabul, India's ministry of home affairs started e-visa system for many Afghans who want to come to India. This is the first time that e-visa system is opened for Afghans, and those who get the visa will be given the document for a period of six months. During the previous evacuations, India also brought back Holy Guru Granth Sahib as well. To receive the holy book, India had sent two union ministers at the airport. Meanwhile, Puneet Singh , President of Indian World Forum, who has played a key role in the evacuation process, especially in coordination, "appealed to Taliban to facilitate an early departure of Afghan Hindu and Sikhs pilgrims in the interest of humanity at the highest level". "Hindu and Sikh community in Afghanistan has significantly contributed in the development and economic growth of the Islamic nation and they should be granted free and safe access to arrive and depart,” he pointed out. There has been no response by Taliban spokespersons on the development.

Taliban stop 140 Afghan Sikh and Hindu pilgrims from leaving Kabul: Sikh community leaders

"No country in the region wants to see Pakistan dominating Afghanistan and projecting power. Sooner or later, this will be challenged and Pakistan will pay a heavy price", former Afghan Vice President Amrullah Saleh tells WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma.

'No country wants to see Pakistan dominating Afghanistan', says Amrullah Saleh, former Afghan VP

The Pentagon said that there had been no change so far in Joe Biden's plan to meet the evacuation deadline for Afghanistan by the end of the month and that the pace of evacuations is picking up in Kabul.

Pentagon sticks to August 31 deadline for troops withdrawal

People stuck in Afghanistan are growing desperate to leave the country. In the latest, the Afghan citizens seeking evacuation were seen standing in knee-deep sewage water with documents just outside Kabul airport.

People seen standing in knee-deep sewage water outside Kabul airport

France and Netherlands are set to halt their evacuation operations from Kabul airport after the US and its allies issued terror threat warning at Kabul airport amid the&nbsp;massive airlift operation currently underway at the Hamid Karzai international airport.

French Prime Minister Jean Castex said, "We are going to continue until tomorrow evening."

Meanwhile, the Dutch government said it would stop evacuation flights from Kabul&nbsp;after being told by US forces to leave the Afghan capital's airport ahead of the withdrawal of American troops.

"The Netherlands has been informed today by the United States that it has to leave and will in all probability run the last flights later today," the Dutch foreign and defence ministers said in a letter to parliament.

As US&nbsp;President Joe Biden says he’ll stick with his deadline of August&nbsp;31 to totally withdraw troops from America’s longest war, other nations have landed flight after flight onto the single runway at Kabul’s international airport to help those fleeing.

Now some countries have begun to even pull their soldiers and diplomats out, likely signaling the beginning of the end of one of history’s largest airlifts. The Taliban have, so far, honored a pledge not to attack Western forces during the evacuation, but insist the foreign troops must be out by the deadline.

Overnight, new warnings also emerged from Western capitals about a possible threat from Afghanistan’s Islamic State affiliate, which likely has seen its ranks boosted by the Taliban freeing prisoners across the country. Already, military cargo planes leaving Kabul airport have launched flares to disrupt any potential surface-to-air missile fire as fleeing Afghan troops abandoned heavy weapons and equipment across the country in their collapse following America’s withdrawal of troops.

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Western nations warned their citizens Thursday to immediately leave the surrounds of Kabul airport over a terrorist threat, as thousands of people try to reach a dwindling number of&nbsp;evacuation&nbsp;flights.

Nearly 90,000 Afghans and foreigners have fled Afghanistan via the US-led airlift since the hardline Islamist Taliban movement took control of the country on August 15.

Despite the harrowing scenes, the Taliban have ruled out any extension to next Tuesday's deadline to pull out foreign troops, describing it as "a red line".

"They have planes, they have the airport, they should get their citizens and contractors out of here," said Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid.

Turkey, which had more than 500 non-combat troops stationed in Afghanistan, said Wednesday it had started pulling out its forces.

The withdrawal signalled an apparent abandonment of the plans it had been negotiating to help secure Kabul's strategic airport after the American departure.

France and Netherlands are set to halt their evacuation operations from Kabul airport after the US and its allies issued terror threat warning at Kabul airport amid the massive airlift operation currently underway at the Hamid Karzai international airport.

France and Netherlands are set to halt their evacuation operations from Kabul airport after the US and its allies issued terror threat warning at Kabul airport amid the massive airlift operation currently underway at the Hamid Karzai international airport. French Prime Minister Jean Castex said, "We are going to continue until tomorrow evening." Meanwhile, the Dutch government said it would stop evacuation flights from Kabul after being told by US forces to leave the Afghan capital's airport ahead of the withdrawal of American troops. "The Netherlands has been informed today by the United States that it has to leave and will in all probability run the last flights later today," the Dutch foreign and defence ministers said in a letter to parliament. As US President Joe Biden says he’ll stick with his deadline of August 31 to totally withdraw troops from America’s longest war, other nations have landed flight after flight onto the single runway at Kabul’s international airport to help those fleeing. Now some countries have begun to even pull their soldiers and diplomats out, likely signaling the beginning of the end of one of history’s largest airlifts. The Taliban have, so far, honored a pledge not to attack Western forces during the evacuation, but insist the foreign troops must be out by the deadline. Overnight, new warnings also emerged from Western capitals about a possible threat from Afghanistan’s Islamic State affiliate, which likely has seen its ranks boosted by the Taliban freeing prisoners across the country. Already, military cargo planes leaving Kabul airport have launched flares to disrupt any potential surface-to-air missile fire as fleeing Afghan troops abandoned heavy weapons and equipment across the country in their collapse following America’s withdrawal of troops. Western nations warned their citizens Thursday to immediately leave the surrounds of Kabul airport over a terrorist threat, as thousands of people try to reach a dwindling number of evacuation flights. Nearly 90,000 Afghans and foreigners have fled Afghanistan via the US-led airlift since the hardline Islamist Taliban movement took control of the country on August 15. Despite the harrowing scenes, the Taliban have ruled out any extension to next Tuesday's deadline to pull out foreign troops, describing it as "a red line". "They have planes, they have the airport, they should get their citizens and contractors out of here," said Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid. Turkey, which had more than 500 non-combat troops stationed in Afghanistan, said Wednesday it had started pulling out its forces. The withdrawal signalled an apparent abandonment of the plans it had been negotiating to help secure Kabul's strategic airport after the American departure.

France, Netherlands to halt evacuation from Kabul airport after dire warning

"At times of difficulties and uncertainties, Ashraf Ghani left the country. That's a stain in our history" says Former Afghanistan Vice President Amrullah Saleh speaks to WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma.

'Ashraf Ghani leaving country is a stain in our history', says Amrullah Saleh, Afghan's former VP

"If a person of my stature and history tries to escape, it would be disgraceful and a historic shame," Afghanistan's former vice president Amrullah Saleh tells WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma on his decision to not leave the war-torn country.

'If person of my stature tries to escape, it would be disgraceful', says Amrullah Saleh

Who is governing Afghanistan now? If you search online for the official websites, the Ashraf Ghani administration is 'still in charge', not the Taliban which took control of Kabul more than a week ago.

When a change of regime happens these days, it's almost customary for the government websites to change too, with the old administration's digital existence scrubbed out.

That's normal. But what happened in the past few days in Afghanistan is far from normal.

There were visuals of Taliban fighters taking down portraits of Ghani as the group marched towards Kabul. But the pictures are not out&nbsp;from the cyber space.

The government websites in Afghanistan are portraying a picture of calm and normalcy amid the&nbsp;looming humanitarian crisis.

The Afghan president's website shows a picture of Ghani and US President Joe Biden side by side. It was last updated on July 23.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

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The Afghan government collapsed on August 15 as the US and its allies withdrew troops two decades after they ousted the Taliban in the weeks after September&nbsp;11, 2001, attacks on the US by al Qaeda militants, whose leaders had found safe haven in Taliban-ruled&nbsp;Afghanistan.

Leaders of the Taliban, who have sought to show a more moderate face since capturing Kabul, have begun talks on forming a government that have included discussions with some old enemies, including former President Hamid Karzai.

On Tuesday, reports said Taliban has named a former Guantanamo detainee&nbsp;Abdul Qayyum Zakir as the new regime’s acting defence minister.&nbsp;

But the website of old defence ministry is still intact as on Wednesday.

It shows a picture of Afghanistan Armed Forces holding latest technology weapons.&nbsp;It was last updated on August 9, with a press release on '579 Taliban terrorists killed'.

&nbsp;

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Similarly, Afghanistan's foreign ministry shows former minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammad Haneef Atmar met with Chargé d'Affaires of the US Embassy in Kabul Ross Wilson, to discuss security developments in the country.

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Tens of thousands of Afghans fearing persecution have thronged Kabul's airport since the takeover.

They include the country's best and brightest.

The lucky ones securing seats on flights, mostly arranged by Western governments, that have so far evacuated at least 70,000 people.

The Taliban on Tuesday asked the US to stop urging talented Afghans to leave the country.

But clearly, those who were managing the country's official website have either fled, or are in hiding.

The ghosts of an uprooted government remain in cyber space. It is emblematic of a variety of things: the flight of information technology professionals, a lack of command and control structure, a government still in the making and under discussion, a constantly evolving crisis, the old regime making it appear it's still in charge, or the new regime simply not knowing who has the keys to take down these websites.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Who is governing Afghanistan now? If you search online for the official websites, the Ashraf Ghani administration is 'still in charge', not the Taliban which took control of Kabul more than a week ago.

Who is governing Afghanistan now? If you search online for the official websites, the Ashraf Ghani administration is 'still in charge', not the Taliban which took control of Kabul more than a week ago. When a change of regime happens these days, it's almost customary for the government websites to change too, with the old administration's digital existence scrubbed out. That's normal. But what happened in the past few days in Afghanistan is far from normal. There were visuals of Taliban fighters taking down portraits of Ghani as the group marched towards Kabul. But the pictures are not out from the cyber space. The government websites in Afghanistan are portraying a picture of calm and normalcy amid the looming humanitarian crisis. The Afghan president's website shows a picture of Ghani and US President Joe Biden side by side. It was last updated on July 23. The Afghan government collapsed on August 15 as the US and its allies withdrew troops two decades after they ousted the Taliban in the weeks after September 11, 2001, attacks on the US by al Qaeda militants, whose leaders had found safe haven in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan. Leaders of the Taliban, who have sought to show a more moderate face since capturing Kabul, have begun talks on forming a government that have included discussions with some old enemies, including former President Hamid Karzai. On Tuesday, reports said Taliban has named a former Guantanamo detainee Abdul Qayyum Zakir as the new regime’s acting defence minister. But the website of old defence ministry is still intact as on Wednesday. It shows a picture of Afghanistan Armed Forces holding latest technology weapons. It was last updated on August 9, with a press release on '579 Taliban terrorists killed'. Similarly, Afghanistan's foreign ministry shows former minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammad Haneef Atmar met with Chargé d'Affaires of the US Embassy in Kabul Ross Wilson, to discuss security developments in the country. Tens of thousands of Afghans fearing persecution have thronged Kabul's airport since the takeover. They include the country's best and brightest. The lucky ones securing seats on flights, mostly arranged by Western governments, that have so far evacuated at least 70,000 people. The Taliban on Tuesday asked the US to stop urging talented Afghans to leave the country. But clearly, those who were managing the country's official website have either fled, or are in hiding. The ghosts of an uprooted government remain in cyber space. It is emblematic of a variety of things: the flight of information technology professionals, a lack of command and control structure, a government still in the making and under discussion, a constantly evolving crisis, the old regime making it appear it's still in charge, or the new regime simply not knowing who has the keys to take down these websites.

All is well in cyberspace: Websites of ousted Afghanistan govt  are still up a week after Taliban takeover

President Joe Biden has informed G7 leaders that the US mission in Kabul is "on pace" to end by an August 31 pullout deadline. However, Biden also added that completing the evacuation mission by that date depends on the Taliban's cooperation.

Biden says 'US on pace' to complete Afghan evacuations by August 31

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Tuesday the G7 had agreed a plan to deal with the Taliban, with the No&nbsp;1 condition being that militants must allow safe passage to Afghans wanting to leave the country even after an August&nbsp;31 deadline. 
 
"What we've done today, the G7, is we've ... agreed not just a joint approach to dealing with the evacuation, but also a road map for the way in which we`re going to engage with the Taliban," Johnson said after an emergency virtual meeting of the leaders of the Group of Seven rich nations.

Watch:&nbsp;Afghanistan refugees in Pakistan say hopes of returning home dashed

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"The No&nbsp;1 condition we're setting as G7 is that they've got to guarantee right the way through, through August 31 and beyond, safe passage for those who want to come out", he added. 
 
"Some of them will say that they don't accept that, some of them I hope will see the sense of that, because the G7 has very considerable leverage, economic, diplomatic and political."

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/south-asia/joe-biden-says-us-on-pace-to-end-afghan-mission-by-august-31-408146">Joe Biden says US 'on pace' to end Afghan mission by August 31</a> 
 
The Guardian newspaper reported late on Tuesday that Britain's evacuation from Kabul is expected to end within "24 to 36 hours". It cited unidentified defence sources. 
 
Johnson said the "huge leverage" the G7 could wield over the Taliban after they seized control of the country just over a week ago included withholding substantial funds. 
 
"What we're saying is Afghanistan can't lurch back into becoming a breeding ground of terror, Afghanistan can't become a narco state, girls have got to be educated up to the age of 18," he said. 
 
Johnson sidestepped a question about whether other G7 leaders had expressed frustration at US&nbsp;President Joe Biden over his handling of the crisis and refusal to extend the deadline for US&nbsp;troops remaining in Afghanistan. 
 
"Let's be clear the immediate phase of the evacuation is actually ... a very considerable success by the military," he said. "We're confident we can get thousands more out. But the situation at the airport is not getting any better. It's harrowing scenes for those who are trying to get out."

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Tuesday the G7 had agreed a plan to deal with the Taliban, with the No 1 condition being that militants must allow safe passage to Afghans wanting to leave the country even after an August 31 deadline.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Tuesday the G7 had agreed a plan to deal with the Taliban, with the No 1 condition being that militants must allow safe passage to Afghans wanting to leave the country even after an August 31 deadline. "What we've done today, the G7, is we've ... agreed not just a joint approach to dealing with the evacuation, but also a road map for the way in which we`re going to engage with the Taliban," Johnson said after an emergency virtual meeting of the leaders of the Group of Seven rich nations. Watch: Afghanistan refugees in Pakistan say hopes of returning home dashed × "The No 1 condition we're setting as G7 is that they've got to guarantee right the way through, through August 31 and beyond, safe passage for those who want to come out", he added. "Some of them will say that they don't accept that, some of them I hope will see the sense of that, because the G7 has very considerable leverage, economic, diplomatic and political." Also Read: Joe Biden says US 'on pace' to end Afghan mission by August 31 The Guardian newspaper reported late on Tuesday that Britain's evacuation from Kabul is expected to end within "24 to 36 hours". It cited unidentified defence sources. Johnson said the "huge leverage" the G7 could wield over the Taliban after they seized control of the country just over a week ago included withholding substantial funds. "What we're saying is Afghanistan can't lurch back into becoming a breeding ground of terror, Afghanistan can't become a narco state, girls have got to be educated up to the age of 18," he said. Johnson sidestepped a question about whether other G7 leaders had expressed frustration at US President Joe Biden over his handling of the crisis and refusal to extend the deadline for US troops remaining in Afghanistan. "Let's be clear the immediate phase of the evacuation is actually ... a very considerable success by the military," he said. "We're confident we can get thousands more out. But the situation at the airport is not getting any better. It's harrowing scenes for those who are trying to get out."

UK PM Johnson says G7 agreed Taliban must allow departures after Aug 31

Russia and China agreed to step up their efforts to counter “threats” emanating from Afghanistan after the Taliban’s takeover of the country, the Kremlin said on Wednesday.

In a phone call, Russian President Vladamir Putin and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping expressed “their readiness to step up efforts to combat threats of terrorism and drug trafficking coming from the territory of Afghanistan”, the Kremlin said in a statement.

The leaders also highlighted the “importance of establishing peace” in Afghanistan and “preventing the spread of instability to adjacent regions”.

Putin has been quite cautious of the ongoing crisis in Afghanistan as several of the former soviet countries share a border with Kabul.

He recently warned of Afghan terrorists entering neighbouring countries as refugees.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-offers-the-taliban-a-warm-welcome-while-urging-peace-talks-401278">China offers the Taliban a warm welcome while urging peace talks</a>

The president has also been critical of the western nations for “unnecessary interference” in the restive region, saying “ they must stop the irresponsible policy of imposing foreign values from abroad”.

Putin and Xi “agreed to intensify bilateral contacts” and “make the most of the potential” of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) that is due to convene in Tajikistan next month.

After the Taliban came to power on August 15, China said it was ready to deepen “friendly and cooperative ties” with Afghanistan.

(with inputs from agencies)

Russia and China agreed to step up their efforts to counter “threats” emanating from Afghanistan after the Taliban’s takeover of the country, the Kremlin said on Wednesday.

Russia and China agreed to step up their efforts to counter “threats” emanating from Afghanistan after the Taliban’s takeover of the country, the Kremlin said on Wednesday. In a phone call, Russian President Vladamir Putin and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping expressed “their readiness to step up efforts to combat threats of terrorism and drug trafficking coming from the territory of Afghanistan”, the Kremlin said in a statement. The leaders also highlighted the “importance of establishing peace” in Afghanistan and “preventing the spread of instability to adjacent regions”. Putin has been quite cautious of the ongoing crisis in Afghanistan as several of the former soviet countries share a border with Kabul. He recently warned of Afghan terrorists entering neighbouring countries as refugees. Also read | China offers the Taliban a warm welcome while urging peace talks The president has also been critical of the western nations for “unnecessary interference” in the restive region, saying “ they must stop the irresponsible policy of imposing foreign values from abroad”. Putin and Xi “agreed to intensify bilateral contacts” and “make the most of the potential” of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) that is due to convene in Tajikistan next month. After the Taliban came to power on August 15, China said it was ready to deepen “friendly and cooperative ties” with Afghanistan. (with inputs from agencies)

China, Russia agree to jointly counter “threats” from Afghanistan

The British owner of an&nbsp;animal&nbsp;shelter&nbsp;in Afghanistan will be allowed to&nbsp;evacuate&nbsp;around&nbsp;200&nbsp;cats&nbsp;and&nbsp;dogs&nbsp;on a charter plane&nbsp;from&nbsp;Kabul, the UK's defence minister said Wednesday in an apparent climbdown.

The high-profile campaign by former Marine Paul "Pen" Farthing to&nbsp;evacuate&nbsp;his&nbsp;animals&nbsp;has prompted controversy as thousands of people seek to flee the Taliban ahead of United States troops' withdrawal by August 31.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/kabul-barber-fears-uncertain-future-under-taliban-rule-while-residents-hope-for-jobs-408340" hreflang="en">Kabul barber fears uncertain future under Taliban rule while residents hope for jobs</a>

After serving in Afghanistan with the British Army, Farthing founded an&nbsp;animal&nbsp;charity called Nowzad in&nbsp;Kabul&nbsp;rescuing&nbsp;cats,&nbsp;dogs&nbsp;and donkeys.

He remains in&nbsp;Kabul&nbsp;and has crowdfunded a plane to fly out his staff and their families as well as some&nbsp;200&nbsp;cats&nbsp;and&nbsp;dogs&nbsp;in what he calls Operation Ark.

British Defence Secretary Ben Wallace had earlier said it would be wrong to "prioritise pets over people" as thousands wait outside the airport, many fearing reprisals&nbsp;from&nbsp;the Taliban which seized control of the country on August 15.

But early Wednesday Wallace tweeted that he had authorised officials to process Farthing's Afghan staff at&nbsp;Kabul&nbsp;airport.

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Now that Pen Farthing’s staff have been cleared to come forward under LOTR I have authorised MOD to facilitate their processing alongside all other eligible personnel at HKIA. At that stage, if he arrives with his animals we will seek a slot for his plane. <a href="https://twitter.com/DefenceHQ?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DefenceHQ</a>
— Rt. Hon Ben Wallace MP (@BWallaceMP) <a href="https://twitter.com/BWallaceMP/status/1430327318434754568?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 25, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Once that happens, "if he (Farthing) arrives with his&nbsp;animals&nbsp;we will seek a slot for his plane," Wallace said.

He emphasised that the "limiting factor" had been maintaining the flow of the evacuations, "not airplane capacity".&nbsp;

Wallace added that Farthing and his Afghan staff, who have been granted UK visas, could also leave without the&nbsp;animals&nbsp;on a Royal Air Force flight.

The defence minister had told Sky News on Tuesday that Farthing's chartered plane would "block the airfield" and "sit there empty" as officials processed other passengers waiting in a huge line.

"As for the&nbsp;animals&nbsp;that he (Farthing) has rescued and saved, it is just not going to be the case that I will prioritise them over the men, women and children we see in desperate need at the gate."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/former-afghanistan-minister-now-delivers-pizzas-in-germany-report-408316" hreflang="en">Former Afghanistan minister now delivers pizzas in Germany: Report</a>

Farthing has waged a campaign backed by celebrities including comedian Ricky Gervais, complaining at the UK defence ministry's stance.

British tabloids traditionally support campaigns to help&nbsp;animals&nbsp;abroad and The Sun wrote Wednesday that Wallace offered a "glimmer of hope" to the "mercy flight".&nbsp;

Farthing has said he could transport&nbsp;animals&nbsp;in the hold of the 250-seat plane and take Afghans in spare seats.

The UK has evacuated more than 10,000 people&nbsp;from&nbsp;Afghanistan since August 13 and more military flights were planned for Wednesday, according to the defence ministry.

Foreign Minister Dominic Raab praised the operation on Sky News on Wednesday, saying: "It's never been done before and no country has done better."

The British owner of an animal shelter in Afghanistan will be allowed to evacuate around 200 cats and dogs on a charter plane from Kabul, the UK's defence minister said Wednesday in an apparent climbdown.

The British owner of an animal shelter in Afghanistan will be allowed to evacuate around 200 cats and dogs on a charter plane from Kabul, the UK's defence minister said Wednesday in an apparent climbdown. The high-profile campaign by former Marine Paul "Pen" Farthing to evacuate his animals has prompted controversy as thousands of people seek to flee the Taliban ahead of United States troops' withdrawal by August 31. Also read | Kabul barber fears uncertain future under Taliban rule while residents hope for jobs After serving in Afghanistan with the British Army, Farthing founded an animal charity called Nowzad in Kabul rescuing cats, dogs and donkeys. He remains in Kabul and has crowdfunded a plane to fly out his staff and their families as well as some 200 cats and dogs in what he calls Operation Ark. British Defence Secretary Ben Wallace had earlier said it would be wrong to "prioritise pets over people" as thousands wait outside the airport, many fearing reprisals from the Taliban which seized control of the country on August 15. But early Wednesday Wallace tweeted that he had authorised officials to process Farthing's Afghan staff at Kabul airport. Now that Pen Farthing’s staff have been cleared to come forward under LOTR I have authorised MOD to facilitate their processing alongside all other eligible personnel at HKIA. At that stage, if he arrives with his animals we will seek a slot for his plane. @DefenceHQ — Rt. Hon Ben Wallace MP (@BWallaceMP) August 25, 2021 × Once that happens, "if he (Farthing) arrives with his animals we will seek a slot for his plane," Wallace said. He emphasised that the "limiting factor" had been maintaining the flow of the evacuations, "not airplane capacity". Wallace added that Farthing and his Afghan staff, who have been granted UK visas, could also leave without the animals on a Royal Air Force flight. The defence minister had told Sky News on Tuesday that Farthing's chartered plane would "block the airfield" and "sit there empty" as officials processed other passengers waiting in a huge line. "As for the animals that he (Farthing) has rescued and saved, it is just not going to be the case that I will prioritise them over the men, women and children we see in desperate need at the gate." Also read | Former Afghanistan minister now delivers pizzas in Germany: Report Farthing has waged a campaign backed by celebrities including comedian Ricky Gervais, complaining at the UK defence ministry's stance. British tabloids traditionally support campaigns to help animals abroad and The Sun wrote Wednesday that Wallace offered a "glimmer of hope" to the "mercy flight". Farthing has said he could transport animals in the hold of the 250-seat plane and take Afghans in spare seats. The UK has evacuated more than 10,000 people from Afghanistan since August 13 and more military flights were planned for Wednesday, according to the defence ministry. Foreign Minister Dominic Raab praised the operation on Sky News on Wednesday, saying: "It's never been done before and no country has done better."

Briton to evacuate 200 dogs and cats from his animal shelter in Kabul

Afghan refugees who lived in Pakistan for decades say their hopes of returning home have been dashed by the Taliban. Many Afghans living in Pakistan fear that they will return to hardline representation of Islamic law.

Afghanistan refugees in Pakistan say hopes of returning home dashed

Britain on Wednesday warned the Taliban against attempts to coercively seal off Afghanistan from the rest of the world and urged the militant group to keep its borders open.

Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said attempts by the Taliban to shut down the country could trigger a "refugee crisis" once Western forces withdrew from Kabul airport on August 31, as migrants make their way to neighbouring countries.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-agrees-to-let-afghans-leave-after-august-31-german-envoy-markus-potzel-408353" hreflang="en">Taliban agrees to let Afghans leave after August 31: German envoy Markus Potzel</a>

He noted that the Afghan border was "rugged and wide-ranging" and that efforts to isolate the country from the rest of the world would fail.

&nbsp;
<gwofw>
"If the Taliban leadership, as they were saying overnight, want to avoid the brain drain, they're not going to be able to do that by coercively blocking the border," he told Times Radio.

"You'll just see a larger flow of refugees going out and they'll have to be processed. They're not going to be able to avoid the refugee crisis by just a few roadblocks, they're not going to be able to hermetically seal the Afghan border, which is rugged and wide-ranging," he said.

During a series of interviews on Wednesday, Raab also sought to dismiss media reports of him "lounging on the beach" on holiday at the height of the Afghan crisis earlier this month.

He stressed that he had been constantly in virtual contact with the COBRA [Cabinet Office Briefing Rooms] meeting and officials to ensure the airlift of British nationals and supporters from the country. He said that the UK has evacuated more than 9,000 people from Afghanistan since August 15, including 2,000 people in the last 24 hours.

"I think it's going right the way up to the end of the calendar month," Raab said, in reference to efforts to airlift a further 4,000 people ahead of the Taliban's August 31 exit deadline. This also includes a Royal Marine veteran Paul "Pen" Farthing, who has been seeking evacuation with all the animals from his rescue shelter in the region.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/briton-to-evacuate-200-dogs-and-cats-from-his-animal-shelter-in-kabul-408364">Briton to evacuate 200 dogs and cats from his animal shelter in Kabul</a>

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace had earlier said he could not prioritise animals over humans in the rescue mission but in a latest tweet he held out some hope for Farthing.

"If he arrives (at Kabul Airport) with his animals we will seek a slot for his plane. If he does not have his animals with him he and his staff can board an RAF (Royal Air Force) flight," said Wallace.

The UK and other allies, including through an emergency G7 meeting on Tuesday, had urged the US to stay beyond August 31 to allow more time for evacuation flights. But the Taliban remains staunchly opposed to any such extension and US President Joe Biden has also said the airlift had to come to an end by then because of the growing risk of an attack by the Islamic State group in Afghanistan.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who chaired the G7 virtual meet, told reporters following the talks that the West's number one condition for releasing the frozen assets was "safe passage"&nbsp;for people fleeing the country. Last week, the US froze USD 9.5 billion in assets belonging to the central bank of Afghanistan.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-chokes-taliban-funds-freezes-95-billion-of-afghan-central-bank-406641">US chokes Taliban funds, freezes $9.5 billion of Afghan central bank</a>

"If those huge funds are going to be unfrozen eventually for use by the government and people of Afghanistan, then what we're saying is Afghanistan can't lurch back into becoming a breeding ground of terror, Afghanistan can't become a narco state, girls have got to be educated up to the age of 18," said Johnson.

"Those are important things that we value. Those are things we fought for&nbsp;years in Afghanistan, for which people in this country gave their lives. We remain committed to those values and we remain committed to Afghanistan. The No 1 condition we're insisting on is safe passage,"&nbsp;he said.

The G7 joint statement also revolves around the central concern of the safe exit of foreigners and Afghans eligible for evacuation for having supported the US-led NATO operation in the country.&nbsp;
</gwofw>

&nbsp;

Britain on Wednesday warned the Taliban against attempts to coercively seal off Afghanistan from the rest of the world and urged the militant group to keep its borders open.

Britain on Wednesday warned the Taliban against attempts to coercively seal off Afghanistan from the rest of the world and urged the militant group to keep its borders open. Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said attempts by the Taliban to shut down the country could trigger a "refugee crisis" once Western forces withdrew from Kabul airport on August 31, as migrants make their way to neighbouring countries. Also read | Taliban agrees to let Afghans leave after August 31: German envoy Markus Potzel He noted that the Afghan border was "rugged and wide-ranging" and that efforts to isolate the country from the rest of the world would fail. "If the Taliban leadership, as they were saying overnight, want to avoid the brain drain, they're not going to be able to do that by coercively blocking the border," he told Times Radio. "You'll just see a larger flow of refugees going out and they'll have to be processed. They're not going to be able to avoid the refugee crisis by just a few roadblocks, they're not going to be able to hermetically seal the Afghan border, which is rugged and wide-ranging," he said. During a series of interviews on Wednesday, Raab also sought to dismiss media reports of him "lounging on the beach" on holiday at the height of the Afghan crisis earlier this month. He stressed that he had been constantly in virtual contact with the COBRA [Cabinet Office Briefing Rooms] meeting and officials to ensure the airlift of British nationals and supporters from the country. He said that the UK has evacuated more than 9,000 people from Afghanistan since August 15, including 2,000 people in the last 24 hours. "I think it's going right the way up to the end of the calendar month," Raab said, in reference to efforts to airlift a further 4,000 people ahead of the Taliban's August 31 exit deadline. This also includes a Royal Marine veteran Paul "Pen" Farthing, who has been seeking evacuation with all the animals from his rescue shelter in the region. Also read | Briton to evacuate 200 dogs and cats from his animal shelter in Kabul Defence Secretary Ben Wallace had earlier said he could not prioritise animals over humans in the rescue mission but in a latest tweet he held out some hope for Farthing. "If he arrives (at Kabul Airport) with his animals we will seek a slot for his plane. If he does not have his animals with him he and his staff can board an RAF (Royal Air Force) flight," said Wallace. The UK and other allies, including through an emergency G7 meeting on Tuesday, had urged the US to stay beyond August 31 to allow more time for evacuation flights. But the Taliban remains staunchly opposed to any such extension and US President Joe Biden has also said the airlift had to come to an end by then because of the growing risk of an attack by the Islamic State group in Afghanistan. Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who chaired the G7 virtual meet, told reporters following the talks that the West's number one condition for releasing the frozen assets was "safe passage" for people fleeing the country. Last week, the US froze USD 9.5 billion in assets belonging to the central bank of Afghanistan. Also read | US chokes Taliban funds, freezes $9.5 billion of Afghan central bank "If those huge funds are going to be unfrozen eventually for use by the government and people of Afghanistan, then what we're saying is Afghanistan can't lurch back into becoming a breeding ground of terror, Afghanistan can't become a narco state, girls have got to be educated up to the age of 18," said Johnson. "Those are important things that we value. Those are things we fought for years in Afghanistan, for which people in this country gave their lives. We remain committed to those values and we remain committed to Afghanistan. The No 1 condition we're insisting on is safe passage," he said. The G7 joint statement also revolves around the central concern of the safe exit of foreigners and Afghans eligible for evacuation for having supported the US-led NATO operation in the country.

UK warns Taliban against sealing Afghanistan off from the world

In a significant development, Tajikistan has drawn a clear red line on Taliban and&nbsp;that Dushanbe will not recognise government formed through oppression. The point was made during Tajik President Emomali Rahmon and&nbsp;Pakistan Foreign minister SM Qureshi's meeting.

The President said, "Tajikistan will not recognize any other government that is formed in this country through oppression, without taking into account the position of the entire Afghan people, especially all its minorities" and&nbsp;"stressed that Tajiks have a worthy place in the future government of Afghanistan", according to readout on state media Khovar.

During the meeting, the Tajik President pointed that "evidence clearly shows that the Taliban are abandoning their previous promises to form an interim government with the broad participation of other political forces in the country and are preparing to establish an Islamic emirate."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/sikh-community-thanks-indian-government-for-protecting-three-holy-books-408355">WATCH |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/sikh-community-thanks-indian-government-for-protecting-three-holy-books-408355/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The comments carry weight as Tajikistan shares land border with Afghanistan and is directly impacted by instability in the country. &nbsp;Tajiks are also one of the main ethnicities of Afghanistan, along with Pashtuns, Uzbeks, Hazaras.

"Strongly condemning all forms of lawlessness, murder, looting, and persecution of the Afghan people, especially Tajiks, Uzbeks, and other national minorities,"&nbsp;the President said. "It is necessary to establish an inclusive government with the participation of all national minorities, especially Tajiks in Afghanistan, who make up more than 46% of the population."

Tajikistan has been worried over the developments in Afghanistan, and this has been the main focus during various Shanghai Cooperation Organisation meetings it has hosted. It will host the SCO heads of level meeting next month as the chair of the grouping.

The president explained during the talks with Pakistan FM that, "dangerous situation that has developed in Afghanistan is not only the problem of the Afghan people, but also one of the most pressing regional and global issues" and "Taliban’s rise to power has further complicated the geopolitical process in the region."

He also warned that international community's "indifference to the current situation in Afghanistan could lead to a protracted civil war."

In a significant development, Tajikistan has drawn a clear red line on Taliban and that Dushanbe will not recognise government formed through oppression. The point was made during Tajik President Emomali Rahmon and Pakistan Foreign minister SM Qureshi's meeting.

In a significant development, Tajikistan has drawn a clear red line on Taliban and that Dushanbe will not recognise government formed through oppression. The point was made during Tajik President Emomali Rahmon and Pakistan Foreign minister SM Qureshi's meeting. The President said, "Tajikistan will not recognize any other government that is formed in this country through oppression, without taking into account the position of the entire Afghan people, especially all its minorities" and "stressed that Tajiks have a worthy place in the future government of Afghanistan", according to readout on state media Khovar. During the meeting, the Tajik President pointed that "evidence clearly shows that the Taliban are abandoning their previous promises to form an interim government with the broad participation of other political forces in the country and are preparing to establish an Islamic emirate." WATCH | The comments carry weight as Tajikistan shares land border with Afghanistan and is directly impacted by instability in the country. Tajiks are also one of the main ethnicities of Afghanistan, along with Pashtuns, Uzbeks, Hazaras. "Strongly condemning all forms of lawlessness, murder, looting, and persecution of the Afghan people, especially Tajiks, Uzbeks, and other national minorities," the President said. "It is necessary to establish an inclusive government with the participation of all national minorities, especially Tajiks in Afghanistan, who make up more than 46% of the population." Tajikistan has been worried over the developments in Afghanistan, and this has been the main focus during various Shanghai Cooperation Organisation meetings it has hosted. It will host the SCO heads of level meeting next month as the chair of the grouping. The president explained during the talks with Pakistan FM that, "dangerous situation that has developed in Afghanistan is not only the problem of the Afghan people, but also one of the most pressing regional and global issues" and "Taliban’s rise to power has further complicated the geopolitical process in the region." He also warned that international community's "indifference to the current situation in Afghanistan could lead to a protracted civil war."

Tajikistan's red line on Taliban: Will not recognise government formed through oppression

Taliban has deployed their people to guard airport gates. Even the Taliban is checking each document before allowing entrance. Watch this report to know more.

Taliban deploys their people to guard airport gates

The Indian government has been carrying out evacuations from Afghanistan after the Taliban took control of the country. In one such evacuation flight, the government also brough back three Guru Granth Sahib from Kabul.

India's Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs &amp; Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri&nbsp;welcomed the holy books on the Delhi airport as the Sikh Sangat carried the holy books out on their head. These books were then taken to Guru Arjan Dev Ji Gurdwara in New Mahavir Nagar, Delhi.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-india-welcomes-three-sikh-holy-books-brought-from-kabul-407965">&nbsp;Watch: India welcomes three Sikh holy books brought from Kabul</a>

"Blessed to receive and pay obeisance to three holy 'Swaroop'&nbsp;of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji from Kabul to Delhi a short while ago," Puri had tweeted. &nbsp;

As of now, nearly 44 Afghan Sikhs have been evacuated from the Taliban controlled country. However, there are nearly 200 more Afghan Sikhs stranded in the country right now, Puneet Singh Chandhok, president of the Indian World Forum told media. These Sikhs have taken shelter at the nearest gurudwara from the airport, i.e., Karte Parwan gurdwara in Kabul.

"I thank the Modi government, the Indian embassy, the Sikh Sangat and the Indian forces for bringing us back to our country safely," said an Afghan Sikh who&nbsp;was evacuated by the Indian government recently.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/sikh-community-thanks-indian-government-for-protecting-three-holy-books-408355">WATCH |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/sikh-community-thanks-indian-government-for-protecting-three-holy-books-408355/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Remembering the time when he also got stuck in the 1991 Iraq war, the Vice President of the Khalsa Help International said, "I have been a victim of this because even I was rescued by the Indian government in 1991 during the Iraq war. I applaud the Modi government for doing such a noble task. I salute my Sikh brothers, forces and the Indian government for bringing back the Guru Granth Sahib by placing it on their heads. They have respected our Guru and we are highly thankful to them for this."

Speaking on behalf of the Sikh community, he also stressed that the whole community is against the Taliban because the basic values of the community are aligned with helping the human kind, and they will oppose anyone who hurts people.

The Indian government has been carrying out evacuations from Afghanistan after the Taliban took control of the country. In one such evacuation flight, the government also brough back three Guru Granth Sahib from Kabul.

The Indian government has been carrying out evacuations from Afghanistan after the Taliban took control of the country. In one such evacuation flight, the government also brough back three Guru Granth Sahib from Kabul. India's Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs & Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri welcomed the holy books on the Delhi airport as the Sikh Sangat carried the holy books out on their head. These books were then taken to Guru Arjan Dev Ji Gurdwara in New Mahavir Nagar, Delhi. Also read | Watch: India welcomes three Sikh holy books brought from Kabul "Blessed to receive and pay obeisance to three holy 'Swaroop' of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji from Kabul to Delhi a short while ago," Puri had tweeted. As of now, nearly 44 Afghan Sikhs have been evacuated from the Taliban controlled country. However, there are nearly 200 more Afghan Sikhs stranded in the country right now, Puneet Singh Chandhok, president of the Indian World Forum told media. These Sikhs have taken shelter at the nearest gurudwara from the airport, i.e., Karte Parwan gurdwara in Kabul. "I thank the Modi government, the Indian embassy, the Sikh Sangat and the Indian forces for bringing us back to our country safely," said an Afghan Sikh who was evacuated by the Indian government recently. WATCH | Remembering the time when he also got stuck in the 1991 Iraq war, the Vice President of the Khalsa Help International said, "I have been a victim of this because even I was rescued by the Indian government in 1991 during the Iraq war. I applaud the Modi government for doing such a noble task. I salute my Sikh brothers, forces and the Indian government for bringing back the Guru Granth Sahib by placing it on their heads. They have respected our Guru and we are highly thankful to them for this." Speaking on behalf of the Sikh community, he also stressed that the whole community is against the Taliban because the basic values of the community are aligned with helping the human kind, and they will oppose anyone who hurts people.

Sikh community thanks Indian government for bringing back holy books

Markus Potzel, German Ambassador to Afghanistan on Wednesday said that the Taliban will continue to allow Afghans with the proper paperwork to leave Afghanistan after the US exit deadline on August 31.

Markus Potzel announced via Twitter that he had spoken with Taliban deputy chief negotiator Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai, who "assured me that Afghans with valid documents will be able to travel on commercial planes after August 31." 
&nbsp;

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Met Dy Director TPO Sher Abbas Stanekzai and his team for a comprehensive discussion in Doha yesterday. We talked about the urgent need for a functioning airport in Kabul as a prerequisite for diplomatic &amp; NGO presence in AFG.
— Potzel Markus (@PotzelMarkus) <a href="https://twitter.com/PotzelMarkus/status/1430507258908225543?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 25, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Director Stanekzai assured me that Afghans with legal documents will continue to have the opportunity to travel on commercial flights after 31 August.
— Potzel Markus (@PotzelMarkus) <a href="https://twitter.com/PotzelMarkus/status/1430507263102443525?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 25, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Yesterday, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid had said that Afghan citizens will not be allowed to leave the country any more by the ongoing US evacuation process&nbsp;during the Taliban’s second press conference since taking power. 
 
Meanwhile, President Joe Biden's national security adviser said on Tuesday that the Taliban agreed to allow "safe passage" from Afghanistan for civilians trying to join a US-led airlift from the capital, though a timeline for completing the evacuation of Americans, Afghan allies, and others has yet to be worked out with the country's new rulers, according to Reuters.&nbsp; 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Markus Potzel, German Ambassador to Afghanistan on Wednesday said that the Taliban will continue to allow Afghans with the proper paperwork to leave Afghanistan after the US exit deadline on August 31.

Markus Potzel, German Ambassador to Afghanistan on Wednesday said that the Taliban will continue to allow Afghans with the proper paperwork to leave Afghanistan after the US exit deadline on August 31. Markus Potzel announced via Twitter that he had spoken with Taliban deputy chief negotiator Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai, who "assured me that Afghans with valid documents will be able to travel on commercial planes after August 31." Met Dy Director TPO Sher Abbas Stanekzai and his team for a comprehensive discussion in Doha yesterday. We talked about the urgent need for a functioning airport in Kabul as a prerequisite for diplomatic & NGO presence in AFG. — Potzel Markus (@PotzelMarkus) August 25, 2021 × Director Stanekzai assured me that Afghans with legal documents will continue to have the opportunity to travel on commercial flights after 31 August. — Potzel Markus (@PotzelMarkus) August 25, 2021 × Yesterday, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid had said that Afghan citizens will not be allowed to leave the country any more by the ongoing US evacuation process during the Taliban’s second press conference since taking power. Meanwhile, President Joe Biden's national security adviser said on Tuesday that the Taliban agreed to allow "safe passage" from Afghanistan for civilians trying to join a US-led airlift from the capital, though a timeline for completing the evacuation of Americans, Afghan allies, and others has yet to be worked out with the country's new rulers, according to Reuters. (With inputs from agencies)

Taliban agrees to let Afghans leave after August 31: German envoy Markus Potzel

From Vietnam to Iraq, and now Afghanistan, Joe Biden's career is a series of foreign policy flops. The US President oversold the Afghan army and undersold the terror threat. Palki Sharma gets you the many mistakes of Joe Biden.

Gravitas: How Biden misled the world on Taliban

The Taliban are reportedly killing women for 'cooking bad food' and not wearing a burqa. Reports say Afghan women are being sold as sex slaves. Palki Sharma says we must all do our part to #SaveAfghanWomen.

Gravitas campaigns to #SaveAfghanWomen

Pentagon says no change in timeline of Afghan withdrawal

Taking aim at US president Joe Biden's Afghan policy, former President Donald Trump expressed concern that thousands of terrorists might have been flown out from Afghanistan as part of the evacuation process.

"Biden surrendered Afghanistan to terrorists and left thousands of Americans for dead by pulling out the military before our citizens," Trump said in a statement on Tuesday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/joe-biden-says-us-on-pace-to-end-afghan-mission-by-august-31-408146" hreflang="en">Joe Biden says US 'on pace' to end Afghan mission by August 31</a>

"Now we are learning that out of the 26,000 people who have been evacuated, only 4,000 are Americans. You can be sure, the Taliban, who are now in complete control, didn't allow the best and brightest to board these evacuation flights."

"Instead, we can only imagine how many thousands of terrorists have been airlifted out of Afghanistan and into neighbourhoods around the world. What a terrible failure. NO VETTING. How many terrorists will Joe Biden bring to America? We don't know!", He said.

Meanwhile, Republican Congressman Mike Waltz, a former veteran of Afghanistan, introduced a resolution in the House of Representatives, criticizing Biden's blatant disregard for the advice of military and intelligence advisors.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-change-to-august-31-withdrawal-deadline-pentagons-john-kirby-408091" hreflang="en">'No change' to August 31 withdrawal deadline: Pentagon’s John Kirby</a>

He alleges that President Biden, ignored advice on the nature and speed of the Taliban offensive and that he failed to present a coherent counterterrorism or evacuation plan to the American people, and has done harm to US credibility by abandoning the US's Afghan allies.

Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, Minority Whip Steve Scalise, and Conference Chairwoman Elise Stefanik cosponsored the resolution.

"President Biden has embarrassed the United States on the world stage and created the worst foreign policy blunder in our modern history," Waltz said.

Waltz said that Biden has embarrassed the United States on the world stage and has made the worst foreign policy blunder in US modern history.

As per Waltz, in order to seek a headline that he would withdraw US troops prior to the 20th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, Biden created a humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/watch-taliban-evade-wions-question-on-secret-meeting-between-mullah-baradar-and-cia-chief-408084" hreflang="en">Watch | Taliban evade WION’s question on secret meeting between Mullah Baradar and CIA chief</a>

'Now, we will have shamefully given away the freedoms of Afghans, our military equipment and infrastructure, and countless other resources to the hands of Taliban terrorists because of the President's cluelessness and stubbornness,' Waltz alleged.

'Additionally, it is growing more likely by the day we will have broken our promise to thousands of Afghan allies who stood should-to-shoulder with our troops on the battlefield that have now been handed a death sentence for our failure to safely evacuate them in a timely fashion," he said.

Waltz also said that the intelligence community has repeatedly warned that Al Qaeda 3.0 will return as the Taliban have shown no signs of cutting ties with the September 11 attack perpetrators.&nbsp; &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Taking aim at US president Joe Biden's Afghan policy, former President Donald Trump expressed concern that thousands of terrorists might have been flown out from Afghanistan as part of the evacuation process.

Taking aim at US president Joe Biden's Afghan policy, former President Donald Trump expressed concern that thousands of terrorists might have been flown out from Afghanistan as part of the evacuation process. "Biden surrendered Afghanistan to terrorists and left thousands of Americans for dead by pulling out the military before our citizens," Trump said in a statement on Tuesday. Also read | Joe Biden says US 'on pace' to end Afghan mission by August 31 "Now we are learning that out of the 26,000 people who have been evacuated, only 4,000 are Americans. You can be sure, the Taliban, who are now in complete control, didn't allow the best and brightest to board these evacuation flights." "Instead, we can only imagine how many thousands of terrorists have been airlifted out of Afghanistan and into neighbourhoods around the world. What a terrible failure. NO VETTING. How many terrorists will Joe Biden bring to America? We don't know!", He said. Meanwhile, Republican Congressman Mike Waltz, a former veteran of Afghanistan, introduced a resolution in the House of Representatives, criticizing Biden's blatant disregard for the advice of military and intelligence advisors. Also read | 'No change' to August 31 withdrawal deadline: Pentagon’s John Kirby He alleges that President Biden, ignored advice on the nature and speed of the Taliban offensive and that he failed to present a coherent counterterrorism or evacuation plan to the American people, and has done harm to US credibility by abandoning the US's Afghan allies. Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, Minority Whip Steve Scalise, and Conference Chairwoman Elise Stefanik cosponsored the resolution. "President Biden has embarrassed the United States on the world stage and created the worst foreign policy blunder in our modern history," Waltz said. Waltz said that Biden has embarrassed the United States on the world stage and has made the worst foreign policy blunder in US modern history. As per Waltz, in order to seek a headline that he would withdraw US troops prior to the 20th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, Biden created a humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan. Also read | Watch | Taliban evade WION’s question on secret meeting between Mullah Baradar and CIA chief 'Now, we will have shamefully given away the freedoms of Afghans, our military equipment and infrastructure, and countless other resources to the hands of Taliban terrorists because of the President's cluelessness and stubbornness,' Waltz alleged. 'Additionally, it is growing more likely by the day we will have broken our promise to thousands of Afghan allies who stood should-to-shoulder with our troops on the battlefield that have now been handed a death sentence for our failure to safely evacuate them in a timely fashion," he said. Waltz also said that the intelligence community has repeatedly warned that Al Qaeda 3.0 will return as the Taliban have shown no signs of cutting ties with the September 11 attack perpetrators. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump takes aim at Biden's Afghan policy, alleges thousands of terrorists might have been airlifted out of Kabul

Afghans have been forced to flee the country due to Taliban's takeover. They hope to get evacuated and safely reach their destinations.

Afghans face tough situations while trying to flee the country

The Australian government have stepped in and have evacuated several sportswomen and athletes from Afghanistan that is now under the control of the Taliban, the global football players' union said on Tuesday.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/medics-who-saved-christian-eriksen-at-euros-to-receive-uefa-presidents-award-408120" hreflang="en">Medics who saved Christian Eriksen at Euros to receive UEFA President's Award</a>

With the Taliban seizing power in Afghanistan, the fate of women in the nation became a major concern. Taliban rule is based on Sharia Laws, which would have a negative influence on women's rights in the country.&nbsp;

Afghanistan's former women's football team captain, Khalida Popal, said that some women had been beaten and heard gunshots as they fled.

She took to Twitter and posted a picture of a group huddled together in an aircraft, and another showing them walking on the tarmac with bags on their backs.&nbsp;

"The 75 players and some family members are out of Afghanistan," she wrote.&nbsp;

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Sleepless nights, being on the call all the time answering questions. Handling media, motiving players to keep fighting &amp; not give up even there were gunfires, they were beaten. Was tough. The 75 players and some family members are out of Afghanistan. Teamwork. Work continues. <a href="https://t.co/wv5WUF10Wd">pic.twitter.com/wv5WUF10Wd</a>
— Khalida Popal (@khalida_popal) <a href="https://twitter.com/khalida_popal/status/1430076019260674048?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 24, 2021</a></blockquote>
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"Sleepless nights, being on the call all the time answering questions. Handling media, motiving players to keep fighting &amp; not give up even there were gunfires, they were beaten. Was tough."

The International Federation of Professional Footballers (FIFPro) said the evacuated Afghan sportswomen had been "in a position of danger" and "many athletes" were still at risk.

A statement on FIFPro's website expressed gratitude for the Australian government's evacuation efforts.

"These young women, both as athletes and activists, have been in a position of danger and on behalf of their peers around the world we thank the international community for coming to their aid," FIFPro said in the statement.

FIFPro did not say what the final destination of the women was, although the union tweeted on Sunday that several countries and groups were involved.&nbsp;

"We are grateful for the assistance of governments, military and human rights groups who are collaborating closely with us to evacuate women footballers and other athletes from Afghanistan."

The Australian government have stepped in and have evacuated several sportswomen and athletes from Afghanistan that is now under the control of the Taliban, the global football players' union said on Tuesday.

The Australian government have stepped in and have evacuated several sportswomen and athletes from Afghanistan that is now under the control of the Taliban, the global football players' union said on Tuesday. ALSO READ: Medics who saved Christian Eriksen at Euros to receive UEFA President's Award With the Taliban seizing power in Afghanistan, the fate of women in the nation became a major concern. Taliban rule is based on Sharia Laws, which would have a negative influence on women's rights in the country. Afghanistan's former women's football team captain, Khalida Popal, said that some women had been beaten and heard gunshots as they fled. She took to Twitter and posted a picture of a group huddled together in an aircraft, and another showing them walking on the tarmac with bags on their backs. "The 75 players and some family members are out of Afghanistan," she wrote. Sleepless nights, being on the call all the time answering questions. Handling media, motiving players to keep fighting & not give up even there were gunfires, they were beaten. Was tough. The 75 players and some family members are out of Afghanistan. Teamwork. Work continues. pic.twitter.com/wv5WUF10Wd — Khalida Popal (@khalida_popal) August 24, 2021 × "Sleepless nights, being on the call all the time answering questions. Handling media, motiving players to keep fighting & not give up even there were gunfires, they were beaten. Was tough." The International Federation of Professional Footballers (FIFPro) said the evacuated Afghan sportswomen had been "in a position of danger" and "many athletes" were still at risk. A statement on FIFPro's website expressed gratitude for the Australian government's evacuation efforts. "These young women, both as athletes and activists, have been in a position of danger and on behalf of their peers around the world we thank the international community for coming to their aid," FIFPro said in the statement. FIFPro did not say what the final destination of the women was, although the union tweeted on Sunday that several countries and groups were involved. "We are grateful for the assistance of governments, military and human rights groups who are collaborating closely with us to evacuate women footballers and other athletes from Afghanistan."

Australian government evacuates at-risk sportswomen from Taliban-controlled Afghanistan

A&nbsp;barber&nbsp;working in the Afghan capital of&nbsp;Kabul&nbsp;said on Wednesday, that he was scared of what Taliban rule could mean for his trade in the future.

"There is no work, and in the previous system of the Islamic Emirate, our work was against the law, and they said that men's make-up and tattoos are not allowed, so the clientele is very low, everyone is scared and I work in fear, and their (Taliban) law has not been implemented yet, whether we will be allowed to work or not." said Mohammad Amin Noori.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/commander-of-afghan-army-speaks-out-we-were-betrayed-by-politics-and-presidents-408279" hreflang="en">Commander of Afghan army speaks out: We were betrayed by politics and presidents</a>

Other residents said they hoped for more jobs and opportunities under the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/taliban">Taliban</a>.

It comes as western countries rushed to complete the evacuation of thousands of people from Afghanistan as the Aug. 31 deadline for the withdrawal of foreign troops drew closer with no sign that the Taliban rulers might allow an extension.

The Taliban said all foreign evacuations must be completed by Aug. 31 and asked the United States to stop urging talented Afghans to leave, while also trying to persuade people at the airport to go home, assuring them that they had nothing to fear.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/fleeing-an-uncertain-future-afghan-all-girl-robotics-team-members-land-in-mexico-408255" hreflang="en">Fleeing an uncertain future, Afghan all-girl robotics team members land in Mexico</a>

While the focus is now on those people trying to flee, the risk of starvation, disease and persecution is rising for the rest of the population after the chaotic exodus from&nbsp;Kabul&nbsp;airport ends, aid agencies say.

A barber working in the Afghan capital of Kabul said on Wednesday, that he was scared of what Taliban rule could mean for his trade in the future. "There is no work, and in the previous system of the Islamic Emirate, our work was against the law, and they said that men's make-up and tattoos are not allowed, so the clientele is very low, everyone is scared and I work in fear, and their (Taliban) law has not been implemented yet, whether we will be allowed to work or not.

A barber working in the Afghan capital of Kabul said on Wednesday, that he was scared of what Taliban rule could mean for his trade in the future. "There is no work, and in the previous system of the Islamic Emirate, our work was against the law, and they said that men's make-up and tattoos are not allowed, so the clientele is very low, everyone is scared and I work in fear, and their (Taliban) law has not been implemented yet, whether we will be allowed to work or not." said Mohammad Amin Noori. Also read | Commander of Afghan army speaks out: We were betrayed by politics and presidents Other residents said they hoped for more jobs and opportunities under the Taliban. It comes as western countries rushed to complete the evacuation of thousands of people from Afghanistan as the Aug. 31 deadline for the withdrawal of foreign troops drew closer with no sign that the Taliban rulers might allow an extension. The Taliban said all foreign evacuations must be completed by Aug. 31 and asked the United States to stop urging talented Afghans to leave, while also trying to persuade people at the airport to go home, assuring them that they had nothing to fear. Also read | Fleeing an uncertain future, Afghan all-girl robotics team members land in Mexico While the focus is now on those people trying to flee, the risk of starvation, disease and persecution is rising for the rest of the population after the chaotic exodus from Kabul airport ends, aid agencies say.

Kabul barber fears uncertain future under Taliban rule while residents hope for jobs

The pace of evacuations has sped up. Scenes of heartache danger and desperation grow on the edges of the Hamid Karzai airport. WION's Anas Mallick reached the evacuation center to show us the process on the ground and the situation in Kabul.

WION ground report from inside Kabul airport

Two US congressmen revealed on Tuesday (local time) that they violated official orders against travel to Kabul. The two congressmen, Democratic Seth Moulton and Republican Peter Meijer are Iraq war veterans. The revelation elicited an angry reaction from Democratic leader of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi.

"Today with @RepMeijer I visited Kabul airport to conduct oversight on the evacuation," said Moulton. The two men are veterans of the Iraq war.

"We did this visit in secret to reduce risks and impact on the mission and we insisted on leaving in a plane that was not full, in a seat designated for crew so that we didn’t take a seat from someone else," Moulton continued on Twitter late Tuesday.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nearly-100-afghan-evacuees-may-have-ties-with-islamic-state-reports-408262">Nearly 100 Afghan evacuees may have ties with Islamic State: Reports</a>

Kabul airport is still witnessing scenes of chaos as huge crowds are trying to board the flights going out of Afghanistan. More than 80,000 people have been evacuated since August 14.

Time is running out to save the rest, with an August 31 deadline set by US President Joe Biden looming, and the Taliban saying they will refuse to extend it.&nbsp;

The two representatives flew to the Middle East on their own and then traveled on a military plane from a US-allied country to Kabul, all without coordinating with US diplomats or military command, American media reported.

The goal of the operation was to push Biden to extend the August 31 evacuation cutoff date, according to the two men.

"After talking with commanders on the ground and seeing the situation here, it is obvious that because we started the evacuation so late, that no matter what we do, we won’t get everyone out on time, even by September 11," Moulton tweeted.

Biden said Tuesday during a press conference that the United States would meet the August 31 deadline but stressed that meeting that cutoff would depend on cooperation from the Taliban.

The United States deployed fresh troops to help with evacuations. But that 6,000-plus contingent, as well as hundreds of US officials, 600 Afghan troops and the equipment, will have to be flown out.

Despite the harrowing scenes at Kabul airport, the Taliban have ruled out any extension to next Tuesday's deadline to pull out foreign troops, describing it as "a red line."

(With inputs from agencies)

Two US congressmen revealed on Tuesday (local time) that they violated official orders against travel to Kabul. The two congressmen, Democratic Seth Moulton and Republican Peter Meijer are Iraq war veterans.

Two US congressmen revealed on Tuesday (local time) that they violated official orders against travel to Kabul. The two congressmen, Democratic Seth Moulton and Republican Peter Meijer are Iraq war veterans. The revelation elicited an angry reaction from Democratic leader of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi. "Today with @RepMeijer I visited Kabul airport to conduct oversight on the evacuation," said Moulton. The two men are veterans of the Iraq war. "We did this visit in secret to reduce risks and impact on the mission and we insisted on leaving in a plane that was not full, in a seat designated for crew so that we didn’t take a seat from someone else," Moulton continued on Twitter late Tuesday. Also Read | Nearly 100 Afghan evacuees may have ties with Islamic State: Reports Kabul airport is still witnessing scenes of chaos as huge crowds are trying to board the flights going out of Afghanistan. More than 80,000 people have been evacuated since August 14. Time is running out to save the rest, with an August 31 deadline set by US President Joe Biden looming, and the Taliban saying they will refuse to extend it. The two representatives flew to the Middle East on their own and then traveled on a military plane from a US-allied country to Kabul, all without coordinating with US diplomats or military command, American media reported. The goal of the operation was to push Biden to extend the August 31 evacuation cutoff date, according to the two men. "After talking with commanders on the ground and seeing the situation here, it is obvious that because we started the evacuation so late, that no matter what we do, we won’t get everyone out on time, even by September 11," Moulton tweeted. Biden said Tuesday during a press conference that the United States would meet the August 31 deadline but stressed that meeting that cutoff would depend on cooperation from the Taliban. The United States deployed fresh troops to help with evacuations. But that 6,000-plus contingent, as well as hundreds of US officials, 600 Afghan troops and the equipment, will have to be flown out. Despite the harrowing scenes at Kabul airport, the Taliban have ruled out any extension to next Tuesday's deadline to pull out foreign troops, describing it as "a red line." (With inputs from agencies)

US lawmakers violate orders, travel to Kabul during airlift

Briefing the media for the second time after its capture of Afghanistan, the Taliban spokesperson said the United States should stop evacuating skilled Afghans, and warned Western forces against extending the August 31 deadline for airlifts out of the country.

Taliban: US must stick to August 31 deadline, Afghans not allowed to go to airport

The Panjshir Valley has become Afghanistan's bastion of resistance. It is the only province to not have fallen to the Taliban. The terror group has surrounded the valley. An Anti-Taliban force is training to fight. Palki Sharma brings you a report.

Gravitas: Panjshir Valley: Only province to not have fallen to the Taliban

Times change, but they changed VERY quickly for Afghanistan. It was anticipated that Taliban would recapture power after USA's hasty retreat but the pace of it has surprised everyone. The deposed Afghan president himself is in UAE and thousands of Afghans have escaped the country fearing the Taliban rule.

That the government has collapsed is a known fact, but what are all the ministers doing now is not common knowledge. A former Afghan minister being seen delivering pizzas is hence creating a lot of buzz online.

Photos of Afghanistan's former information and technology minister Syed Ahmad Shah Saadat in an orange shirt and on a bicycle did rounds on social media on Wednesday. The photos reportedly were taken when he was delivering pizza in Germany. Some of the images were tweeted by Al Jazeera Arabia.

The pics were reportedly clicked by a local journalist

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Vor ein paar Tagen lernte ich einen Mann kennen, der behauptete, vor zwei Jahren afghanischer Kommunikationsminister gewesen zu sein. Ich fragte, was er in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Leipzig?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Leipzig</a> mache. „Ich fahre für Lieferando Essen aus.“ <a href="https://t.co/nafutTTXqP">pic.twitter.com/nafutTTXqP</a>
— Josa Mania-Schlegel (@JosaMania) <a href="https://twitter.com/JosaMania/status/1428983082724569097?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 21, 2021</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

It was reported that Saadat himself confirmed to Sky News that the images doing rounds were of him.

Reportedly an Oxford graduate, Saadat joined Ashraf Ghani's cabinet in 2018. He served for two years before quitting. He then arrived in Germany in 2020.

Times change, but they changed VERY quickly for Afghanistan. It was anticipated that Taliban would recapture power after USA's hasty retreat but the pace of it has surprised everyone.

Times change, but they changed VERY quickly for Afghanistan. It was anticipated that Taliban would recapture power after USA's hasty retreat but the pace of it has surprised everyone. The deposed Afghan president himself is in UAE and thousands of Afghans have escaped the country fearing the Taliban rule. That the government has collapsed is a known fact, but what are all the ministers doing now is not common knowledge. A former Afghan minister being seen delivering pizzas is hence creating a lot of buzz online. Photos of Afghanistan's former information and technology minister Syed Ahmad Shah Saadat in an orange shirt and on a bicycle did rounds on social media on Wednesday. The photos reportedly were taken when he was delivering pizza in Germany. Some of the images were tweeted by Al Jazeera Arabia. The pics were reportedly clicked by a local journalist Vor ein paar Tagen lernte ich einen Mann kennen, der behauptete, vor zwei Jahren afghanischer Kommunikationsminister gewesen zu sein. Ich fragte, was er in #Leipzig mache. „Ich fahre für Lieferando Essen aus.“ pic.twitter.com/nafutTTXqP — Josa Mania-Schlegel (@JosaMania) August 21, 2021 × It was reported that Saadat himself confirmed to Sky News that the images doing rounds were of him. Reportedly an Oxford graduate, Saadat joined Ashraf Ghani's cabinet in 2018. He served for two years before quitting. He then arrived in Germany in 2020.

Former Afghanistan minister now delivers pizzas in Germany: Report

The Taliban are appointing ministers and mayors even before revealing the make-up of the new regime. Reports say a council will rule Afghanistan, instead of an emir. The Taliban have a country to rule, but no idea how to. Palki Sharma tells you why.

Gravitas: What will the Taliban regime look like?

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