<p>Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) is the largest terrorist group operating in Afghanistan with increased support from the Taliban government for TTP's cross-border attacks into Pakistan,&nbsp;a newly released United Nations report has found.</p>

<p>The report's findings point to the violation of the Doha agreement signed between the Taliban and the United States which led to the withdrawal of the Western forces stationed in Afghanistan after the 9/11 attacks.</p>

<p>The UN sanctions monitoring team issued this assessment earlier this week amid a significant surge in TTP-led terror attacks targeting Pakistani security forces and civilians, which have resulted in hundreds of deaths in recent weeks.</p>

<p>The report states, "TTP continues to operate at a significant scale in Afghanistan and to conduct terrorist operations into Pakistan from there, often utilising Afghans."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-support-to-taliban-regime-emboldens-terror-inside-its-borders-un-report-619894">Pakistan's support to Taliban regime emboldens terror inside its borders: UN report</a></strong></p>

<p>It estimates the strength of TTP to be between 6,000 and 6,500 fighters in Afghanistan.</p>

<p>"Further, the Taliban have proved unable or unwilling to manage the threat from Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan, whose attacks into Pakistan have intensified," the document added.</p>

<p>"Taliban support to TTP also appears to have increased."</p>

<p>The escalating violence has strained relations between Islamabad and the Taliban-led government in Kabul, which denies harbouring any terrorist groups or permitting the use of Afghan soil for attacks on neighbouring countries.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Pakistan threatens to bomb terror hideouts of TTP in Afghanistan | World At War</strong></p>

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<p>"The Taliban do not conceive of TTP as a terrorist group: the bonds are close, and the debt owed to TTP is significant," the UN report asserted.</p>

<p>TTP emerged in Pakistan’s border areas in 2007, providing recruits and shelter to the Afghan Taliban, who intensified insurgent attacks against US and NATO forces in Afghanistan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Taliban have not yet responded to the UN's findings but they have previously dismissed similar reports as propaganda against their government.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-claims-60-pc-rise-in-terror-after-investing-in-afghanistans-taliban-regime-656479">After backing Taliban for years, Pakistan now claims 60 pc rise in terror from Afghanistan</a></strong></p>

<p>The report mentions that TTP operatives and local fighters receive training in al-Qaeda camps in border provinces such as Nangarhar, Kandahar, Kunar, and Nuristan. Al-Qaeda also supports TTP by sharing Afghan fighters for military operations.</p>

<p>One UN member state expressed concern that increased collaboration with al-Qaeda could turn TTP into an "extra-regional threat."</p>

<p>NATO-caliber weapons, especially night vision equipment, provided to TTP since the Taliban's takeover, have added to the lethality of their attacks on Pakistani military posts, according to UN member states.</p>


Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) is the largest terrorist group operating in Afghanistan with increased support from the Taliban government for TTP's cross-border attacks into Pakistan, a newly released United Nations report has found.

Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) is the largest terrorist group operating in Afghanistan with increased support from the Taliban government for TTP's cross-border attacks into Pakistan, a newly released United Nations report has found. The report's findings point to the violation of the Doha agreement signed between the Taliban and the United States which led to the withdrawal of the Western forces stationed in Afghanistan after the 9/11 attacks. The UN sanctions monitoring team issued this assessment earlier this week amid a significant surge in TTP-led terror attacks targeting Pakistani security forces and civilians, which have resulted in hundreds of deaths in recent weeks. The report states, "TTP continues to operate at a significant scale in Afghanistan and to conduct terrorist operations into Pakistan from there, often utilising Afghans." Also read | Pakistan's support to Taliban regime emboldens terror inside its borders: UN report It estimates the strength of TTP to be between 6,000 and 6,500 fighters in Afghanistan. "Further, the Taliban have proved unable or unwilling to manage the threat from Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan, whose attacks into Pakistan have intensified," the document added. "Taliban support to TTP also appears to have increased." The escalating violence has strained relations between Islamabad and the Taliban-led government in Kabul, which denies harbouring any terrorist groups or permitting the use of Afghan soil for attacks on neighbouring countries. Also watch | Pakistan threatens to bomb terror hideouts of TTP in Afghanistan | World At War × "The Taliban do not conceive of TTP as a terrorist group: the bonds are close, and the debt owed to TTP is significant," the UN report asserted. TTP emerged in Pakistan’s border areas in 2007, providing recruits and shelter to the Afghan Taliban, who intensified insurgent attacks against US and NATO forces in Afghanistan. The Taliban have not yet responded to the UN's findings but they have previously dismissed similar reports as propaganda against their government. Also read | After backing Taliban for years, Pakistan now claims 60 pc rise in terror from Afghanistan The report mentions that TTP operatives and local fighters receive training in al-Qaeda camps in border provinces such as Nangarhar, Kandahar, Kunar, and Nuristan. Al-Qaeda also supports TTP by sharing Afghan fighters for military operations. One UN member state expressed concern that increased collaboration with al-Qaeda could turn TTP into an "extra-regional threat." NATO-caliber weapons, especially night vision equipment, provided to TTP since the Taliban's takeover, have added to the lethality of their attacks on Pakistani military posts, according to UN member states.

Afghan Taliban's Pakistani offshoot gets refuge in former Al-Qaeda hideouts: UN report

<p>Taliban has said that it doesn't recognise Afghanistan women athletes participating in Paris Olympics 2024. The news was confirmed by a sports official of Taliban which currently rules Afghanistan post the USA's exit in 2021.</p>

<p>A total of six athletes including three women, mostly in exile, will be taking part in the upcoming summer games.</p>

<p>"Only three athletes (referring to the male competitors) are representing Afghanistan," said spokesman of the Taliban government's sports directorate Atal Mashwani to news agency AFP.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tennis/news-wimbledon-2024-ukraines-elina-svitolina-wears-black-ribbon-during-r16-match--heres-why-739043">Wimbledon 2024: Elina Svitolina wears black ribbon during R16 match for victims of Russian attack on Ukraine</a></p>

<p>"Currently, in Afghanistan girls' sports have been stopped. When girls' sport isn't practiced, how can they go on the national team?," he added.</p>

<p>He also said that the Taliban government is supporting the male athletes with training and scholarships as well.</p>

<p>Two of three male athletes live outside Afghanistan while one judo fighter trains in the country. Women athletes, all living in exile, will be participating in athletics and cycling.</p>

<p>International Olympic Committee (IOC) said that they have not consulted Taliban officials about the Afghanistan team and that they were not invited to the games.</p>

<p>IOC spokesman Mark Adams also confirmed "sole interlocutors for the preparation and participation of the Afghan team" is Afghanistan national Olympic committee which operates from outside the country. The Afghan committee also includes the president and secretary-general - both in exile.</p>

<p>Committee's CEO Dad Mohammad Payenda Akhtari, however, lives in Taliban-ruled country and said the coordination was done with Taliban over male candidates.</p>

<p>Afghanistan were also banned in 1999 games - during the first rule of Taliban from 1996 to 2001.</p>

<p>Afghanistan was reinstated after the Taliban were ousted by the post-9/11 invasion, but the Paris games mark the first summer Olympics since their return.</p>

<p>This time, the IOC has taken a different approach -- approving the Afghan team under a system ensuring all 206 nations are represented, in cases where athletes wouldn't otherwise qualify.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Taliban has said that it doesn't recognise Afghanistan women athletes participating in Paris Olympics 2024. The news was confirmed by a sports official of Taliban which currently rules Afghanistan post the USA's exit in 2021.

Taliban has said that it doesn't recognise Afghanistan women athletes participating in Paris Olympics 2024. The news was confirmed by a sports official of Taliban which currently rules Afghanistan post the USA's exit in 2021. A total of six athletes including three women, mostly in exile, will be taking part in the upcoming summer games. "Only three athletes (referring to the male competitors) are representing Afghanistan," said spokesman of the Taliban government's sports directorate Atal Mashwani to news agency AFP. Also Read: Wimbledon 2024: Elina Svitolina wears black ribbon during R16 match for victims of Russian attack on Ukraine "Currently, in Afghanistan girls' sports have been stopped. When girls' sport isn't practiced, how can they go on the national team?," he added. He also said that the Taliban government is supporting the male athletes with training and scholarships as well. Two of three male athletes live outside Afghanistan while one judo fighter trains in the country. Women athletes, all living in exile, will be participating in athletics and cycling. International Olympic Committee (IOC) said that they have not consulted Taliban officials about the Afghanistan team and that they were not invited to the games. IOC spokesman Mark Adams also confirmed "sole interlocutors for the preparation and participation of the Afghan team" is Afghanistan national Olympic committee which operates from outside the country. The Afghan committee also includes the president and secretary-general - both in exile. Committee's CEO Dad Mohammad Payenda Akhtari, however, lives in Taliban-ruled country and said the coordination was done with Taliban over male candidates. Afghanistan were also banned in 1999 games - during the first rule of Taliban from 1996 to 2001. Afghanistan was reinstated after the Taliban were ousted by the post-9/11 invasion, but the Paris games mark the first summer Olympics since their return. This time, the IOC has taken a different approach -- approving the Afghan team under a system ensuring all 206 nations are represented, in cases where athletes wouldn't otherwise qualify. (With inputs from agencies)

Paris Olympics 2024: Taliban denies recognition to Afghanistan female athletes taking part in games

<p>Two American prisoners were being held in custody in Afghanistan, a&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;government spokesman said Wednesday, and an "exchange" for Afghans held in Guantanamo Bay had been discussed with the United States.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Zabihullah Mujahid did not name the US prisoners, but an American woman was among more than a dozen staff of an international NGO arrested by&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;authorities last September, and aid worker Ryan Corbett has been custody in since 2022.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Taliban representatives in Qatar meet UN officials</strong></p>

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<p>"We should be able to free our citizens in (an) exchange, as American citizens are important for them (the United States), just as Afghans are important&nbsp;for&nbsp;us," Mujahid told a press conference in Kabul.</p>

<p>He said discussions over a prisoner exchange were held with US representatives during United Nations-led talks in Qatar.</p>

<p>The talks, which gathered UN officials,&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;authorities and the special envoys to Afghanistan, ended on Monday.</p>

<p>"Two American citizens are imprisoned in Afghanistan," Mujahid told the press conference, adding that Afghan prisoners were also held in the United States, including in the secretive US prison in Cuba.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We have had discussions on their release with them (the United States) before. Afghanistan's conditions should be accepted," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>An American woman was among at least 18 staff of non-governmental organisation International Assistance Mission (IAM) detained on accusations of carrying out Christian missionary work.</p>

<p>The UN in June warned Corbett's "life could be at risk" and called for&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;authorities to give him "immediate access to medical treatment for his deteriorating health".</p>

<p>Dozens of foreigners have been detained by the&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;authorities since the group's return to power in August 2021.</p>

<h2>Travel risks</h2>

<p>Many countries, including the United States, warn against citizens travelling to Afghanistan, citing risks of wrongful detention, violence and kidnapping.&nbsp;</p>

<p>At least one Afghan prisoner remains in detention at Guantanamo Bay, Muhammad Rahim, whose family called for his release&nbsp;in&nbsp;November.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In February, two former prisoners held in Guantanamo Bay until 2017 were welcomed home to Afghanistan, more than 20 years after they were arrested.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Abdul Karim and Abdul Zahir had been transferred to Oman and held under house arrest until&nbsp;their&nbsp;release.</p>

<p>They were among hundreds of suspected militants captured by US forces and held in Guantanamo Bay.</p>

<p>US authorities faced accusations of torture and abuse against prisoners at the facility, where many were held without charge or the legal power to challenge their detention.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Most of the military prison's inmates have been released over the years, including senior&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;leaders.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The US government has said for years it is working to reduce the number of detainees and eventually shut down Guantanamo Bay, which lies on the island of Cuba but is under US&nbsp;jurisdiction.&nbsp;</p>


Two American prisoners were being held in custody in Afghanistan, a Taliban government spokesman said Wednesday, and an "exchange" for Afghans held in Guantanamo Bay had been discussed with the United States.

Two American prisoners were being held in custody in Afghanistan, a Taliban government spokesman said Wednesday, and an "exchange" for Afghans held in Guantanamo Bay had been discussed with the United States. Zabihullah Mujahid did not name the US prisoners, but an American woman was among more than a dozen staff of an international NGO arrested by Taliban authorities last September, and aid worker Ryan Corbett has been custody in since 2022. Also watch | Taliban representatives in Qatar meet UN officials × "We should be able to free our citizens in (an) exchange, as American citizens are important for them (the United States), just as Afghans are important for us," Mujahid told a press conference in Kabul. He said discussions over a prisoner exchange were held with US representatives during United Nations-led talks in Qatar. The talks, which gathered UN officials, Taliban authorities and the special envoys to Afghanistan, ended on Monday. "Two American citizens are imprisoned in Afghanistan," Mujahid told the press conference, adding that Afghan prisoners were also held in the United States, including in the secretive US prison in Cuba. "We have had discussions on their release with them (the United States) before. Afghanistan's conditions should be accepted," he said. An American woman was among at least 18 staff of non-governmental organisation International Assistance Mission (IAM) detained on accusations of carrying out Christian missionary work. The UN in June warned Corbett's "life could be at risk" and called for Taliban authorities to give him "immediate access to medical treatment for his deteriorating health". Dozens of foreigners have been detained by the Taliban authorities since the group's return to power in August 2021. Travel risks Many countries, including the United States, warn against citizens travelling to Afghanistan, citing risks of wrongful detention, violence and kidnapping. At least one Afghan prisoner remains in detention at Guantanamo Bay, Muhammad Rahim, whose family called for his release in November. In February, two former prisoners held in Guantanamo Bay until 2017 were welcomed home to Afghanistan, more than 20 years after they were arrested. Abdul Karim and Abdul Zahir had been transferred to Oman and held under house arrest until their release. They were among hundreds of suspected militants captured by US forces and held in Guantanamo Bay. US authorities faced accusations of torture and abuse against prisoners at the facility, where many were held without charge or the legal power to challenge their detention. Most of the military prison's inmates have been released over the years, including senior Taliban leaders. The US government has said for years it is working to reduce the number of detainees and eventually shut down Guantanamo Bay, which lies on the island of Cuba but is under US jurisdiction.

Taliban says it discussed prisoner 'exchange' with the US

Headlines of the hour: - Gantz slams settler attack on IDF - Taliban prisoner swap with US - Japan sterilisation law struck down - India stampede: Hunt on for 'Godman' - Egyptian cabinet rejig likely today - Flash floods in Northeast India - South Korea fines Credit Suisse

Egypt cabinet rejig likely today | Flash floods in Northeast India

Headlines of the hour: - India stampede: Hunt on for 'Godman' - Saudi revokes Kerala man's death penalty - Gantz slams settler attack on IDF - Taliban prisoner swap with US - UK Election campaign in final hours - Boris Johnson joins Tory campaign - Egyptian cabinet rejig likely today - Who is high income in Russia?

India stampede: Hunt on for 'Godman' | Saudi revokes Kerala man's death penalty

A Taliban delegation on Sunday attended a United Nations-led meeting in Qatar on Afghanistan after organizers said women would be excluded from the gathering. Watch in for more details!

Taliban delegation attends a UN-led meeting in Qatar

Representatives of Afghanistan’s Taliban regime began meetings on Sunday with UN officials as they attended talks in Doha with special envoys to the Central Asian country for the first time, a UN spokesperson said. The two-day, UN-hosted meeting in Qatar is the third of its kind in the gas-rich emirate in just over a year but the first to include Taliban authorities.

Taliban representatives meet UN officials, delegation led by Zabihullah Mujahid

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<p>The ruling Taliban administration in Afghanistan said on Sunday (June 30) that its participation in the United Nations (UN)-led meeting in Qatar's Doha showed Kabul's commitment to positive engagement. Addressing the meeting, Taliban spokesperson&nbsp;Zabihullah Mujahid said the talks were a crucial opportunity to engage in constructive dialogue regarding the unilateral and multilateral sanctions imposed on some officials and Afghanistan's financial and banking sectors.</p>

<p>"This forum represents a positive step towards addressing these issues and providing reassurance to the Afghan people that the imposed restrictions on our nation will be alleviated in due course,” said Mujahid, who is leading the Taliban delegation at the talks, TOLO News reported.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>'Policy differences among states are natural'</strong></h2>

<p>During the talks on Sunday, Mujahid accepted that some countries might have problems with some measures of the Taliban. "I think that policy differences amid states are natural, and it is the duty of experienced diplomats to find ways of interaction and understanding rather than confrontation.”</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/rights-of-afghan-women-is-an-internal-issue-taliban-ahead-of-un-led-talks-736363">Rights of Afghan women is an internal issue: Taliban ahead of UN-led talks</a></strong></p>

<p>He pointed out that the Islamic Emirate had&nbsp;the commitment and capacity to establish and maintain relations.</p>

<p>"Consequently, other nations, particularly Western countries, can remove the obstacles hindering the development of relations with the Afghan government. Like the regional countries, they can take genuine and practical steps toward positive engagement,” he added, TOLO News reported.</p>

<p>The Taliban spokesperson appreciated the countries that have provided humanitarian&nbsp;aid to Afghanistan.</p>

<h2><strong>The agenda of the UN-led talks</strong></h2>

<p>The agenda at the talks, the third of this kind, would include combating narcotics and economic issues in Afghanistan.&nbsp;Rights groups have condemned the exclusion of Afghan women from the main meetings and the lack of human rights issues on the agenda.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Taliban authorities were&nbsp;not invited to the first talks in Doha last year and refused to attend the second conference, demanding that they be the sole Afghan representatives to the exclusion of invited civil society groups.</p>

<p>That condition was met for the third round of talks.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The ruling Taliban administration in Afghanistan said on Sunday (June 30) that its participation in the United Nations (UN)-led meeting in Qatar's Doha showed Kabul's commitment to positive engagement.

The ruling Taliban administration in Afghanistan said on Sunday (June 30) that its participation in the United Nations (UN)-led meeting in Qatar's Doha showed Kabul's commitment to positive engagement. Addressing the meeting, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said the talks were a crucial opportunity to engage in constructive dialogue regarding the unilateral and multilateral sanctions imposed on some officials and Afghanistan's financial and banking sectors. "This forum represents a positive step towards addressing these issues and providing reassurance to the Afghan people that the imposed restrictions on our nation will be alleviated in due course,” said Mujahid, who is leading the Taliban delegation at the talks, TOLO News reported. 'Policy differences among states are natural' During the talks on Sunday, Mujahid accepted that some countries might have problems with some measures of the Taliban. "I think that policy differences amid states are natural, and it is the duty of experienced diplomats to find ways of interaction and understanding rather than confrontation.” Also read | Rights of Afghan women is an internal issue: Taliban ahead of UN-led talks He pointed out that the Islamic Emirate had the commitment and capacity to establish and maintain relations. "Consequently, other nations, particularly Western countries, can remove the obstacles hindering the development of relations with the Afghan government. Like the regional countries, they can take genuine and practical steps toward positive engagement,” he added, TOLO News reported. The Taliban spokesperson appreciated the countries that have provided humanitarian aid to Afghanistan. The agenda of the UN-led talks The agenda at the talks, the third of this kind, would include combating narcotics and economic issues in Afghanistan. Rights groups have condemned the exclusion of Afghan women from the main meetings and the lack of human rights issues on the agenda. Taliban authorities were not invited to the first talks in Doha last year and refused to attend the second conference, demanding that they be the sole Afghan representatives to the exclusion of invited civil society groups. That condition was met for the third round of talks. (With inputs from agencies)

Our participation in UN-led talks shows commitment to positive engagement: Taliban

Taliban representatives in Qatar meet UN officials

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidSaOnKGHRKQk5" /></p>

<p>The Taliban administration in Afghanistan on Saturday (June 29) said that the demands over&nbsp;women's rights were "Afghanistan's issues" to solve,&nbsp;ahead of United Nations-led engagement talks where the exclusion of Afghan women has sparked an outcry. The agenda at the talks, which begin in Qatar on Sunday,&nbsp;would include combating narcotics and economic issues in Afghanistan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Taliban would be sending their first delegation to the third round of talks.&nbsp;Rights groups have condemned the exclusion of Afghan women from the main meetings and the lack of human rights issues on the agenda.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>'Authorities acknowledge issues about Afghan women'</strong></h2>

<p>Addressing a press conference, Taliban spokesperson&nbsp;Zabihullah Mujahid said that authorities acknowledged issues&nbsp;about women. However, these "issues are Afghanistan's issues," said Mujahid who will lead the delegation for Sunday's talks.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-women-jailed-for-bad-hijab-say-they-faced-sexual-assault-by-taliban-734885">Afghan women jailed for 'bad hijab' say they faced sexual assault by Taliban</a></strong></p>

<p>"We are working to find a logical path toward solutions inside Afghanistan so that, God forbid, our country doesn't again fall into conflict and discord," he added.&nbsp;"If Afghans participate through several channels, it means we are still scattered, our nation is still not unified," Mujahid further said.</p>

<h2><strong>'Taliban seek positive relations with all countries'</strong></h2>

<p>The UN-led engagement talks were launched in May last year&nbsp;to increase international coordination on engagement with the Taliban, who came to power in Afghanistan in 2021, a report by the news agency AFP said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Taliban authorities were&nbsp;not invited to the first talks in Doha last year and refused to attend the second conference, demanding that they be the sole Afghan representatives to the exclusion of invited civil society groups.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Taliban to attend UN-led meeting in Qatar on Afghanistan</strong></p>

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<p>That condition was met for the third round of talks.</p>

<p>During Saturday's press conference, Mujahid reiterated that his administration&nbsp;sought positive relations with all countries. But he pointed out that no major discussions would take place in Doha on Sunday and the meeting&nbsp;was an opportunity to exchange views, particularly with the West.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Taliban administration in Afghanistan on Saturday (June 29) said that the demands over women's rights were "Afghanistan's issues" to solve, ahead of United Nations-led engagement talks where the exclusion of Afghan women has sparked an outcry.

The Taliban administration in Afghanistan on Saturday (June 29) said that the demands over women's rights were "Afghanistan's issues" to solve, ahead of United Nations-led engagement talks where the exclusion of Afghan women has sparked an outcry. The agenda at the talks, which begin in Qatar on Sunday, would include combating narcotics and economic issues in Afghanistan. The Taliban would be sending their first delegation to the third round of talks. Rights groups have condemned the exclusion of Afghan women from the main meetings and the lack of human rights issues on the agenda. 'Authorities acknowledge issues about Afghan women' Addressing a press conference, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said that authorities acknowledged issues about women. However, these "issues are Afghanistan's issues," said Mujahid who will lead the delegation for Sunday's talks. Also read | Afghan women jailed for 'bad hijab' say they faced sexual assault by Taliban "We are working to find a logical path toward solutions inside Afghanistan so that, God forbid, our country doesn't again fall into conflict and discord," he added. "If Afghans participate through several channels, it means we are still scattered, our nation is still not unified," Mujahid further said. 'Taliban seek positive relations with all countries' The UN-led engagement talks were launched in May last year to increase international coordination on engagement with the Taliban, who came to power in Afghanistan in 2021, a report by the news agency AFP said. Taliban authorities were not invited to the first talks in Doha last year and refused to attend the second conference, demanding that they be the sole Afghan representatives to the exclusion of invited civil society groups. Also watch | Taliban to attend UN-led meeting in Qatar on Afghanistan × That condition was met for the third round of talks. During Saturday's press conference, Mujahid reiterated that his administration sought positive relations with all countries. But he pointed out that no major discussions would take place in Doha on Sunday and the meeting was an opportunity to exchange views, particularly with the West. (With inputs from agencies)

Rights of Afghan women is an internal issue: Taliban ahead of UN-led talks

The Taliban government officially announced that it would be sending a delegation to the UN-hosted meeting in Qatar on June 30 and July 1. The meeting is the third UN-sponsored gathering on the Afghan crisis in the Qatari capital of Doha. Watch in for more details!

Taliban to attend UN-led meeting in Qatar on Afghanistan

<p>After the Afghanistan cricket team stormed into the semifinals of the T20 World Cup on Tuesday, the whole country broke into festival-like crowds on roads and celebrated their win against Bangladesh.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Since the start of the tournament, Afghanistan has been a force to reckon with, but Tuesday’s match sealed their maiden spot in the semifinal of the men’s senior World Cup.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/t20-wc-its-not-afghanistan-captain-rashid-khan-on-gulbadin-naibs-cramps-during-bangladesh-tie-734982">T20 WC: 'It's not...' - Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan on Gulbadin Naib's cramps during Bangladesh tie</a></p>

<p>In a wave of elation and congratulatory messages from all over the world, the Afghan team captain Rashid Khan received a call from the country’s Taliban Interim Foreign minister Amir Khan Mutaqqi. &nbsp;</p>

<p>He spoke to Rashid Khan over a video call and sent his wishes for a historic win against Najmul Hossain Shanto’s Bangladesh.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Minister of FAA, Amir Khan Muttaqi, spoke with Rashid Khan, captain of the Afghan national cricket team, congratulating them on their recent achievements. Muttaqi reiterated full support for the team and thanked Rashid Khan for shining Afg's name on the global stage. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Afghanistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Afghanistan</a> <a href="https://t.co/kS3Dg02zGP">pic.twitter.com/kS3Dg02zGP</a></p>
— Taliban Public Relations Department (@TalibansPRD) <a href="https://twitter.com/TalibansPRD/status/1805540682335240481?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 25, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Talking about their achievement after the game, Rashid made an emotional speech thanking the fans for their continued support.</p>

<p>"I think the semi-final is going to be a massive, massive inspiration for the youngsters back home in Afghanistan. That Afghanistan team get into the semis for the first time," Rashid said at the post-match press conference.</p>

<p>"And we have done it under 19 level, but this level we haven't done that. Even Super Eight was first time for us and then in semis," he added.</p>

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<p>As the commentator said during the live match post-Afghanistan win, “From Kandahar to Kabul, whole of Afghanistan will celebrate today.”</p>

<p>Indeed there was no doubt about it.</p>

<p>Celebrations erupted in Afghanistan as thrilled Afghan cricket fans took to the streets to celebrate this historic win.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The madness in Afghanistan. 🤯🇦🇫 <a href="https://t.co/MyYrAcFidr">pic.twitter.com/MyYrAcFidr</a></p>
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) <a href="https://twitter.com/mufaddal_vohra/status/1805500809905684877?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 25, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The madness in Afghanistan. 🤯🇦🇫 <a href="https://t.co/MyYrAcFidr">pic.twitter.com/MyYrAcFidr</a></p>
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) <a href="https://twitter.com/mufaddal_vohra/status/1805500809905684877?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 25, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Rashid Khan and Co. have set their eyes on the semi-final berth as Bangladesh remains the last hurdle in their way to book a spot for the last-four match against South Africa.</p>

<p>Bangladesh, on the other hand, has already given up. Although they do have a chance of progressing to the semifinals, back-to-back defeats against Australia and India deflated their confidence.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/t20-world-cup-2024-as-afghan-cricket-soars-taliban-thanks-india-for-capacity-building-734969">T20 World Cup 2024: As Afghan Cricket Soars, Taliban Thanks India for Capacity Building</a></p>

<p>"To be honest, I don't think we have a chance to play the semi-finals anymore after this loss (against India)," senior all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan said on Saturday.</p>

<p>Now, Afghanistan faces uncharted territory as they prepare to take on the formidable South Africa in the first semifinal on June 27.</p>

<p>In the other semifinal, India will clash with defending champions England on Thursday evening.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


After the Afghanistan cricket team stormed into the semifinals of the T20 World Cup on Tuesday, the whole country broke into festival-like crowds on roads and celebrated their win against Bangladesh.

After the Afghanistan cricket team stormed into the semifinals of the T20 World Cup on Tuesday, the whole country broke into festival-like crowds on roads and celebrated their win against Bangladesh. Since the start of the tournament, Afghanistan has been a force to reckon with, but Tuesday’s match sealed their maiden spot in the semifinal of the men’s senior World Cup. Also Read | T20 WC: 'It's not...' - Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan on Gulbadin Naib's cramps during Bangladesh tie In a wave of elation and congratulatory messages from all over the world, the Afghan team captain Rashid Khan received a call from the country’s Taliban Interim Foreign minister Amir Khan Mutaqqi. He spoke to Rashid Khan over a video call and sent his wishes for a historic win against Najmul Hossain Shanto’s Bangladesh. Minister of FAA, Amir Khan Muttaqi, spoke with Rashid Khan, captain of the Afghan national cricket team, congratulating them on their recent achievements. Muttaqi reiterated full support for the team and thanked Rashid Khan for shining Afg's name on the global stage. #Afghanistan pic.twitter.com/kS3Dg02zGP — Taliban Public Relations Department (@TalibansPRD) June 25, 2024 × Talking about their achievement after the game, Rashid made an emotional speech thanking the fans for their continued support. "I think the semi-final is going to be a massive, massive inspiration for the youngsters back home in Afghanistan. That Afghanistan team get into the semis for the first time," Rashid said at the post-match press conference. "And we have done it under 19 level, but this level we haven't done that. Even Super Eight was first time for us and then in semis," he added. View this post on Instagram A post shared by ICC (@icc) × As the commentator said during the live match post-Afghanistan win, “From Kandahar to Kabul, whole of Afghanistan will celebrate today.” Indeed there was no doubt about it. Celebrations erupted in Afghanistan as thrilled Afghan cricket fans took to the streets to celebrate this historic win. The madness in Afghanistan. 🤯🇦🇫 pic.twitter.com/MyYrAcFidr — Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) June 25, 2024 × The madness in Afghanistan. 🤯🇦🇫 pic.twitter.com/MyYrAcFidr — Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) June 25, 2024 × Rashid Khan and Co. have set their eyes on the semi-final berth as Bangladesh remains the last hurdle in their way to book a spot for the last-four match against South Africa. Bangladesh, on the other hand, has already given up. Although they do have a chance of progressing to the semifinals, back-to-back defeats against Australia and India deflated their confidence. Also Read | T20 World Cup 2024: As Afghan Cricket Soars, Taliban Thanks India for Capacity Building "To be honest, I don't think we have a chance to play the semi-finals anymore after this loss (against India)," senior all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan said on Saturday. Now, Afghanistan faces uncharted territory as they prepare to take on the formidable South Africa in the first semifinal on June 27. In the other semifinal, India will clash with defending champions England on Thursday evening. (With inputs from agencies)

Taliban congratulate Rashid Khan after Afghanistan made history by making it to T20 WC semifinal | Video

<p>As the Afghan cricket team reaches the T20 World Cup semi-finals and reaches a new milestone, the Taliban has thanked India for the capacity building that has been provided by Delhi for many years. Afghanistan qualified for the semis by beating Bangladesh by eight runs and will now play South Africa on Thursday (June 27).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Taliban's Head of the Political Office, Suhail Shaheen told WION, "We are thankful for India’s continuous help in capacity building of the Afghan Cricket Team. We really appreciate that."</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/t20-world-cup-2024-watch-afghanistan-fans-party-on-streets-after-historic-win-vs-bangladesh-734963">T20 World Cup 2024: Watch | Afghanistan fans party on streets after historic win vs Bangladesh</a></p>

<p>Since the last several years, India has provided capacity building to Afghan cricket by providing training to the players in Indian stadiums and sponsorship&nbsp;by Indian companies, among other things. Delhi's support was key to building the Kandahar cricket stadium with a grant of $1 million.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Not only physical infrastructure, but the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) provided the Shaheed Vijay Singh Pathik Sports Complex in Greater Noida as a temporary "home-ground" for the Afghan team. Another home ground was provided in Dehradun.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India also hosted Afghanistan's first-ever Test match in 2018, which was a significant milestone for the Afghan cricket team. In fact, the Indian Premier League (IPL) has also been instrumental in the growth of Afghan cricket.&nbsp; Players like Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, and Mujeeb Ur Rahman today have become household names in Afghanistan and India, and &nbsp;the victories by them are celebrated by people of both countries.&nbsp;</p>


As the Afghan cricket team reaches the T20 World Cup semi-finals and reaches a new milestone, the Taliban has thanked India for the capacity building that has been provided by Delhi for many years.

As the Afghan cricket team reaches the T20 World Cup semi-finals and reaches a new milestone, the Taliban has thanked India for the capacity building that has been provided by Delhi for many years. Afghanistan qualified for the semis by beating Bangladesh by eight runs and will now play South Africa on Thursday (June 27). Taliban's Head of the Political Office, Suhail Shaheen told WION, "We are thankful for India’s continuous help in capacity building of the Afghan Cricket Team. We really appreciate that." Also Read: T20 World Cup 2024: Watch | Afghanistan fans party on streets after historic win vs Bangladesh Since the last several years, India has provided capacity building to Afghan cricket by providing training to the players in Indian stadiums and sponsorship by Indian companies, among other things. Delhi's support was key to building the Kandahar cricket stadium with a grant of $1 million. Not only physical infrastructure, but the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) provided the Shaheed Vijay Singh Pathik Sports Complex in Greater Noida as a temporary "home-ground" for the Afghan team. Another home ground was provided in Dehradun. India also hosted Afghanistan's first-ever Test match in 2018, which was a significant milestone for the Afghan cricket team. In fact, the Indian Premier League (IPL) has also been instrumental in the growth of Afghan cricket. Players like Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, and Mujeeb Ur Rahman today have become household names in Afghanistan and India, and the victories by them are celebrated by people of both countries.

T20 World Cup 2024: As Afghan cricket soars, Taliban thank India for capacity building

<p>Afghanistan's win over Bangladesh in the Super 8 clash to secure a semis berth in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024 has ignited wild celebrations in the Taliban-ruled country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The celebrations became so intense that the authorities resorted to using water cannons to disperse the large crowds. A video of same is going viral on the social media where a water cannon is being used to disperse crowd in Khost area of Afghanistan. Have a look at the video below:</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">WATCH | Taliban uses water canons to contain the celebration of Aghan fans after the historic win against Bangladesh in cricket <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/T20WordCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#T20WordCup</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AFGvsBAN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AFGvsBAN</a> <a href="https://t.co/Rd2lVRHl7H">pic.twitter.com/Rd2lVRHl7H</a></p>
— WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1805616016916926706?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 25, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>This is the first time Afghanistan have made it to the semis of an ICC tournament. They won against Australia and Bangladesh in their Super 8 clash while lost against India.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/t20-world-cup-2024-as-afghan-cricket-soars-taliban-thanks-india-for-capacity-building-734969">T20 World Cup 2024: As Afghan cricket soars, Taliban thanks India for capacity building</a></p>

<p>The win against Australia open the group in a way that gave Afghanistan a chance to make it to the last four by beating Bangladesh and hoping India beat Australia.</p>

<p>As the fate would have it, both the results came through as India beat Australia by 24 runs before Afghanistan won by eight runs to enter the last four.</p>

<p>In a wave of elation and congratulatory messages from all over the world, the Afghan team captain Rashid Khan received a call from the country’s Taliban Interim Foreign minister Amir Khan Mutaqqi.</p>

<p>Rashid was very ecstatic after the win and said: "It's a dream for us to be in the semi-finals. The way we started the tournament, the belief came when we beat New Zealand. It's unbelievable. We wanted to make people back home happy, that was the discussion we had and everyone did a wonderful job. It's a big achievement for us as well. We have done that at U-19 level but at this World Cup, I don't have any words to describe the feeling back home. We have to go into the semis with a very clear mind and make sure we enjoy the occasion."</p>

<p>Afghanistan play South Africa in the first semi-final on June 27.</p>


Afghanistan's win over Bangladesh in the Super 8 clash to secure a semis berth in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024 has ignited wild celebrations in the Taliban-ruled country.

Afghanistan's win over Bangladesh in the Super 8 clash to secure a semis berth in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024 has ignited wild celebrations in the Taliban-ruled country. The celebrations became so intense that the authorities resorted to using water cannons to disperse the large crowds. A video of same is going viral on the social media where a water cannon is being used to disperse crowd in Khost area of Afghanistan. Have a look at the video below: WATCH | Taliban uses water canons to contain the celebration of Aghan fans after the historic win against Bangladesh in cricket #T20WordCup #AFGvsBAN pic.twitter.com/Rd2lVRHl7H — WION (@WIONews) June 25, 2024 × This is the first time Afghanistan have made it to the semis of an ICC tournament. They won against Australia and Bangladesh in their Super 8 clash while lost against India. Also Read: T20 World Cup 2024: As Afghan cricket soars, Taliban thanks India for capacity building The win against Australia open the group in a way that gave Afghanistan a chance to make it to the last four by beating Bangladesh and hoping India beat Australia. As the fate would have it, both the results came through as India beat Australia by 24 runs before Afghanistan won by eight runs to enter the last four. In a wave of elation and congratulatory messages from all over the world, the Afghan team captain Rashid Khan received a call from the country’s Taliban Interim Foreign minister Amir Khan Mutaqqi. Rashid was very ecstatic after the win and said: "It's a dream for us to be in the semi-finals. The way we started the tournament, the belief came when we beat New Zealand. It's unbelievable. We wanted to make people back home happy, that was the discussion we had and everyone did a wonderful job. It's a big achievement for us as well. We have done that at U-19 level but at this World Cup, I don't have any words to describe the feeling back home. We have to go into the semis with a very clear mind and make sure we enjoy the occasion." Afghanistan play South Africa in the first semi-final on June 27.

T20 World Cup 2024: Taliban use water cannon on fans celebrating Afghanistan's win vs Bangladesh - WATCH

Here, we bring you the news that is trending across WION's social media platforms: - Africa: Kids fed worms to beat malnutrition | - Afghan women jailed for 'bad hijab', say they faced sexual assault by Taliban - Innovative skull-mounted epilepsy treatment delivers life-changing results for UK teen

Africa: Kids fed worms to beat malnutrition | Afghan women jailed for 'bad hijab'

<p>Taliban will be removed from the&nbsp;list of banned terrorist organisations,&nbsp;three years after they returned to power in Afghanistan, the state-run RIA Novosti news agency said on Monday (May 27).</p>

<p>Moscow has for years encouraged relations with the Taliban, holding multiple rounds of talks and boosting trade with Afghanistan despite international sanctions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We're taking the same approach as Kazakhstan and removing the Taliban from our list of terrorist groups," RIA Novosti quoted Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov as saying.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-calls-deadly-israeli-strike-on-rafah-tragic-accident-amid-international-outcry-726065">Netanyahu calls deadly Israeli strike on Rafah ‘tragic accident’ amid outcry</a></p>

<p>Recently, Kazakhstan also removed the Taliban from its list of banned organisations.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While this move might strengthen diplomatic ties between Afghanistan and Russia, it doesn't constitute formal recognition of the Taliban government, which they refer to as the 'Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan'.</p>

<p>Taliban seized power in 2021 from a US-backed government. They have enforced an extreme form of Islamic law that effectively bans women from public life.</p>

<p>"They are the existent power. We are not indifferent to Afghanistan. And above all, our allies in Central Asia are not indifferent," Lavrov said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to state media reports, Russia also invited Taliban representatives to its flagship Saint Petersburg International Economic Forum.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/egyptian-soldier-killed-after-exchange-of-fire-with-israeli-forces-near-rafah-crossing-reports-725985">Egypt confirms soldier killed amid reports of firefight with Israeli troops</a></p>

<p>The event, once hailed as the bedrock of Russia's economic ties with the West, now seems overshadowed by Russia's years of cultivating connections with the Taliban.</p>

<p>The head of US forces in Afghanistan claimed in 2018 that Moscow was providing weapons to the group -- accusations Moscow denied at the time.</p>

<p>Notably, the Taliban has been designated a terrorist organisation in Russia since 2003. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Russia's own history with Afghanistan is filled with tension. In the 1980s, the Soviet Union waged a brutal decade-long war to support a pro-Kremlin government against mujahideen insurgents.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Taliban will be removed from the list of banned terrorist organisations, three years after they returned to power in Afghanistan, the state-run RIA Novosti news agency said on Monday (May 27).

Taliban will be removed from the list of banned terrorist organisations, three years after they returned to power in Afghanistan, the state-run RIA Novosti news agency said on Monday (May 27). Moscow has for years encouraged relations with the Taliban, holding multiple rounds of talks and boosting trade with Afghanistan despite international sanctions. "We're taking the same approach as Kazakhstan and removing the Taliban from our list of terrorist groups," RIA Novosti quoted Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov as saying. Also read: Netanyahu calls deadly Israeli strike on Rafah ‘tragic accident’ amid outcry Recently, Kazakhstan also removed the Taliban from its list of banned organisations. While this move might strengthen diplomatic ties between Afghanistan and Russia, it doesn't constitute formal recognition of the Taliban government, which they refer to as the 'Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan'. Taliban seized power in 2021 from a US-backed government. They have enforced an extreme form of Islamic law that effectively bans women from public life. "They are the existent power. We are not indifferent to Afghanistan. And above all, our allies in Central Asia are not indifferent," Lavrov said. According to state media reports, Russia also invited Taliban representatives to its flagship Saint Petersburg International Economic Forum. Also read: Egypt confirms soldier killed amid reports of firefight with Israeli troops The event, once hailed as the bedrock of Russia's economic ties with the West, now seems overshadowed by Russia's years of cultivating connections with the Taliban. The head of US forces in Afghanistan claimed in 2018 that Moscow was providing weapons to the group -- accusations Moscow denied at the time. Notably, the Taliban has been designated a terrorist organisation in Russia since 2003. Russia's own history with Afghanistan is filled with tension. In the 1980s, the Soviet Union waged a brutal decade-long war to support a pro-Kremlin government against mujahideen insurgents. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia to delist Taliban as terrorist group: Report

Russia will remove the Taliban from a list of banned terrorist organisations, three years after they returned to power in Afghanistan, the state-run RIA Novosti news agency said Monday. Watch in for more details!

Russia to remove Taliban from its 'terror list'

Taliban will be removed from the list of banned terrorist organisations, three years after they returned to power in Afghanistan. Moscow has for years encouraged relations with the Taliban, holding multiple rounds of talks and boosting trade with Afghanistan despite international sanctions.

Russia's Lavrov: Taliban is the 'real power' in Afghanistan

In a significant development, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid has voiced strong support for the Chabahar Port, terming it an alternative to Pakistan’s Karachi Port for Afghanistan’s trade needs. Mujahid’s endorsement comes weeks after India and Iran signed a 10-year contract on the development of the port.

Taliban voices support for Chabahar port, Mujahid calls port an alrernative to Karachi port

Afghanistan: Taliban supports Chabahar Port as a distinct alternative to Karachi

<p>In a significant development, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid has voiced strong support for the Chabahar Port, terming it an alternative to Pakistan’s Karachi Port for Afghanistan’s trade needs. Mujahid’s endorsement comes weeks after India and Iran signed a 10-year&nbsp;contract on the development of the port.</p>

<p>"Afghanistan heavily relies on Pakistani ports like Karachi for its imports and exports. However, Chabahar offers an alternative route, reducing Afghanistan’s dependence on a single corridor and enhancing its economic independence," Mujahid stated.</p>

<p>The Taliban spokesperson emphasised that the Port, located in southeastern Iran and developed with Indian assistance, facilitates trade diversification.</p>

<p>"Chabahar Port facilitates trade diversification by providing access to India, Central Asia, and beyond. This diversification is crucial for Afghanistan’s economic stability and growth," he noted.</p>

<p>The port’s strategic location allows Afghanistan to engage with multiple trading partners and get access to the vital Indian Ocean.</p>

<p>He highlighted that Chabahar offers enhanced trade connectivity, which is transformative for Afghanistan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Chabahar Port represents a transformative opportunity for Afghanistan, offering enhanced trade connectivity, economic diversification, and regional integration," Mujahid remarked.</p>

<p>The port is also seen as key to the International north-south transport corridor, that is Mumbai to Moscow via Tehran, Baku etc.</p>

<p>Mujahid stressed on the importance of improving Afghanistan’s connectivity infrastructure to maximise the benefits of Chabahar Port.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Efforts to improve and expand connectivity networks, such as roads and railways, are essential for seamless trade flow through Chabahar," he said.</p>

<p>In 2016, Iran, India and Afghanistan signed a trilateral agreement to develop Chabahar Port as a vital transportation and trade corridor.</p>

<p>Additionally, Mujahid called for sustained political support and diplomatic efforts to ensure the long-term success of the Chabahar project.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Afghanistan’s political support is crucial for sustaining and advancing the Chabahar project. Continued collaboration with Iran and India is necessary to overcome challenges and secure the port’s long-term success," he stated.</p>

<p>It is important to note that days after India and Iran concluded a 10-year agreement on the development of Chabahar Port, the United States warned that Indian firms engaging with the port could face sanctions. This represents a significant shift from the US's 2018 decision to grant carve-outs on Iran sanctions, specifically for Chabahar.</p>

<p>As a landlocked nation, Afghanistan faces significant challenges in accessing international markets. Mujahid, in an extensive statement, pointed out that Chabahar Port provides a vital gateway for Afghanistan to gain effective and continuous access to regional and global markets.</p>

<p>"The Chabahar Port will provide an opportunity for Afghanistan to gain effective and continuous access to regional and international markets through this port," he said.</p>


In a significant development, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid has voiced strong support for the Chabahar Port, terming it an alternative to Pakistan’s Karachi Port for Afghanistan’s trade needs.

In a significant development, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid has voiced strong support for the Chabahar Port, terming it an alternative to Pakistan’s Karachi Port for Afghanistan’s trade needs. Mujahid’s endorsement comes weeks after India and Iran signed a 10-year contract on the development of the port. "Afghanistan heavily relies on Pakistani ports like Karachi for its imports and exports. However, Chabahar offers an alternative route, reducing Afghanistan’s dependence on a single corridor and enhancing its economic independence," Mujahid stated. The Taliban spokesperson emphasised that the Port, located in southeastern Iran and developed with Indian assistance, facilitates trade diversification. "Chabahar Port facilitates trade diversification by providing access to India, Central Asia, and beyond. This diversification is crucial for Afghanistan’s economic stability and growth," he noted. The port’s strategic location allows Afghanistan to engage with multiple trading partners and get access to the vital Indian Ocean. He highlighted that Chabahar offers enhanced trade connectivity, which is transformative for Afghanistan. "Chabahar Port represents a transformative opportunity for Afghanistan, offering enhanced trade connectivity, economic diversification, and regional integration," Mujahid remarked. The port is also seen as key to the International north-south transport corridor, that is Mumbai to Moscow via Tehran, Baku etc. Mujahid stressed on the importance of improving Afghanistan’s connectivity infrastructure to maximise the benefits of Chabahar Port. "Efforts to improve and expand connectivity networks, such as roads and railways, are essential for seamless trade flow through Chabahar," he said. In 2016, Iran, India and Afghanistan signed a trilateral agreement to develop Chabahar Port as a vital transportation and trade corridor. Additionally, Mujahid called for sustained political support and diplomatic efforts to ensure the long-term success of the Chabahar project. "Afghanistan’s political support is crucial for sustaining and advancing the Chabahar project. Continued collaboration with Iran and India is necessary to overcome challenges and secure the port’s long-term success," he stated. It is important to note that days after India and Iran concluded a 10-year agreement on the development of Chabahar Port, the United States warned that Indian firms engaging with the port could face sanctions. This represents a significant shift from the US's 2018 decision to grant carve-outs on Iran sanctions, specifically for Chabahar. As a landlocked nation, Afghanistan faces significant challenges in accessing international markets. Mujahid, in an extensive statement, pointed out that Chabahar Port provides a vital gateway for Afghanistan to gain effective and continuous access to regional and global markets. "The Chabahar Port will provide an opportunity for Afghanistan to gain effective and continuous access to regional and international markets through this port," he said.

Taliban endorse Chabahar Port, highlight it as an alternative to Karachi

Anti-Taliban insurgency is on the rise in Afghanistan. The National Resistance Front is launching attacks on the Taliban. What does it want?

Gravitas | War resumes in Afghanistan, national resistance front attacks Taliban

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<p>The Islamic State (ISIS) on Sunday (May 19) claimed responsibility&nbsp;for the attack targeting tourists in Afghanistan's Bamiyan&nbsp;that killed six and injured many others. In a statement on Telegram, ISIS said that its fighters shot at Christian tourists and their Shiite companions with machine guns. Six people-&nbsp;three Spaniards and three Afghans- were killed.</p>

<p>The tourist group&nbsp;was fired on while shopping in a market in Bamiyan. ISIS fighters attacked&nbsp;a "bus of tourists who are citizens of coalition countries", referring to a US-led coalition that battled the terrorist group&nbsp;in the Middle East.</p>

<p>"The attack comes in line with the directives of the leaders of the Islamic State to target nationals of coalition countries wherever they may be," it further said in the Telegram post.</p>

<h2><strong>Taliban arrest seven&nbsp;suspects</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier, Taliban officials said that they had arrested seven suspects in the aftermath of the attack.</p>

<p>One of the suspects was wounded, Taliban's Interior Ministry spokesperson Abdul Qani said,&nbsp;adding that&nbsp;an investigation was on and the Islamic Emirate was seriously looking into the matter.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-tourist-attack-tourists-wounded-in-shooting-are-stable-says-hospital-723044">Afghanistan tourist attack: Injured in shooting are stable, says hospital</a></strong></p>

<p>This attack&nbsp;is believed&nbsp;to be the first deadly assault on foreign tourists since the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan in 2021. The injured belong to&nbsp;Spain, Lithuania, Norway, Australia and&nbsp;Afghanistan.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Injured are in stable condition:&nbsp;Hospital</strong></h2>

<p>All the injured tourists in the attack were in a stable condition, the news agency AFP reported on Sunday&nbsp;citing&nbsp;the hospital&nbsp;they were taken&nbsp;to.<br />
<br />
The tourist group had 13 travellers, including six Spanish nationals.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Spanish diplomats had travelled to&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;and had been working to repatriate the bodies of the dead and transfer the&nbsp;wounded,&nbsp;in coordination with a European Union (EU) delegation in Kabul.</p>

<p>The number of bombings and suicide attacks in Afghanistan has reduced since the Taliban took over. However, ISIS and a number of other armed groups remain a threat.</p>

<p>More and more foreign travellers are visiting Afghanistan since the Taliban takeover, with&nbsp;official figures stating that&nbsp;more than 5,000 foreign tourists visited the country.</p>

<p>But&nbsp;Western nations advise against all travel to the country, warning of elevated risks of kidnappings and attacks.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Islamic State (ISIS) on Sunday (May 19) claimed responsibility for the attack targeting tourists in Afghanistan's Bamiyan that killed six and injured many others.

The Islamic State (ISIS) on Sunday (May 19) claimed responsibility for the attack targeting tourists in Afghanistan's Bamiyan that killed six and injured many others. In a statement on Telegram, ISIS said that its fighters shot at Christian tourists and their Shiite companions with machine guns. Six people- three Spaniards and three Afghans- were killed. The tourist group was fired on while shopping in a market in Bamiyan. ISIS fighters attacked a "bus of tourists who are citizens of coalition countries", referring to a US-led coalition that battled the terrorist group in the Middle East. "The attack comes in line with the directives of the leaders of the Islamic State to target nationals of coalition countries wherever they may be," it further said in the Telegram post. Taliban arrest seven suspects Earlier, Taliban officials said that they had arrested seven suspects in the aftermath of the attack. One of the suspects was wounded, Taliban's Interior Ministry spokesperson Abdul Qani said, adding that an investigation was on and the Islamic Emirate was seriously looking into the matter. Also read | Afghanistan tourist attack: Injured in shooting are stable, says hospital This attack is believed to be the first deadly assault on foreign tourists since the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan in 2021. The injured belong to Spain, Lithuania, Norway, Australia and Afghanistan. Injured are in stable condition: Hospital All the injured tourists in the attack were in a stable condition, the news agency AFP reported on Sunday citing the hospital they were taken to. The tourist group had 13 travellers, including six Spanish nationals. Spanish diplomats had travelled to Afghanistan and had been working to repatriate the bodies of the dead and transfer the wounded, in coordination with a European Union (EU) delegation in Kabul. The number of bombings and suicide attacks in Afghanistan has reduced since the Taliban took over. However, ISIS and a number of other armed groups remain a threat. More and more foreign travellers are visiting Afghanistan since the Taliban takeover, with official figures stating that more than 5,000 foreign tourists visited the country. But Western nations advise against all travel to the country, warning of elevated risks of kidnappings and attacks. (With inputs from agencies)

Afghanistan tourist attack: ISIS claims responsibility for shooting that killed six

The Afghan Taliban government has cancelled the visit of a Pakistani government delegation to Kandahar, in response to recent air and missile strikes by Pakistan in Paktika province. The visit was scheduled on Sunday (May 12). Watch in for more details!

Taliban cancels Pakistan delegation's visit to Kandahar

Taliban cancels Pakistan military delegation's visit to Kandahar

Taliban cancels Pakistan military delegation's visit to Kandahar over Pakistan airstrikes

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<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidRP2gsKRXi83s" />The Afghan Taliban government has cancelled the visit of a Pakistani government delegation to Kandahar, which&nbsp;was scheduled on Sunday.</p>

<p>The visit, details of which are clearly unavailable until the filing of this story, is shrouded in mystery. Kandahar is the ideological capital of the Taliban&nbsp;movement&nbsp;where its Emir currently resides.</p>

<p>According to a document dated&nbsp;07th of May&nbsp;2024 from the Pakistani Embassy in Kabul, a&nbsp;copy of which is available with WION, “An official delegation of the government of Pakistan” was to travel to Kandahar.</p>
<img alt="Document" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4870d9db-6595-4f0b-bbda-010cd0ed983d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Yearender%202023%20%2817%29.jpg" />
<p>The Taliban government&nbsp;on&nbsp;background&nbsp;maintains that&nbsp;the visit was&nbsp;cancelled following “airstrikes by Pakistan on&nbsp;10th of May&nbsp;in Paktika”.&nbsp;Officials say that Pakistan used drones to target a “Tashkil of TTP”, a&nbsp;fighting unit of the banned terror outfit Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan which Islamabad has long been alleging, is operated from Afghanistan, an allegation which Afghanistan denies.</p>

<p>Sources say that at least four&nbsp;terrorists&nbsp;were killed&nbsp;in the Pakistani action that&nbsp;was conducted&nbsp;in the wee hours of the&nbsp;10th of&nbsp;May,&nbsp;across the border.&nbsp;No official confirmation could be obtained&nbsp;on the&nbsp;veracity&nbsp;of the strikes.</p>

<p>Earlier this year, Pakistan officially acknowledged having targeted the TTP hideouts across the border on the&nbsp;18th of March&nbsp;2024.</p>


The Afghan Taliban government has cancelled the visit of a Pakistani government delegation to Kandahar, which was scheduled on Sunday. The visit, details of which are clearly unavailable until the filing of this story, is shrouded in mystery.

The Afghan Taliban government has cancelled the visit of a Pakistani government delegation to Kandahar, which was scheduled on Sunday. The visit, details of which are clearly unavailable until the filing of this story, is shrouded in mystery. Kandahar is the ideological capital of the Taliban movement where its Emir currently resides. According to a document dated 07th of May 2024 from the Pakistani Embassy in Kabul, a copy of which is available with WION, “An official delegation of the government of Pakistan” was to travel to Kandahar. The Taliban government on background maintains that the visit was cancelled following “airstrikes by Pakistan on 10th of May in Paktika”. Officials say that Pakistan used drones to target a “Tashkil of TTP”, a fighting unit of the banned terror outfit Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan which Islamabad has long been alleging, is operated from Afghanistan, an allegation which Afghanistan denies. Sources say that at least four terrorists were killed in the Pakistani action that was conducted in the wee hours of the 10th of May, across the border. No official confirmation could be obtained on the veracity of the strikes. Earlier this year, Pakistan officially acknowledged having targeted the TTP hideouts across the border on the 18th of March 2024.

Taliban cancel Pakistan delegation’s Kandahar visit following airstrikes by Islamabad

<p>Taliban regime on Wednesday (May 8) strongly refuted claims made by Pakistan that Afghanistan was involved in a March suicide attack on Chinese nationals working in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Taliban said the claims were&nbsp;“irresponsible and far from the reality.”</p>

<p>The March 26 suicide attack killed five Chinese nationals on the site of a hydropower project in the Dasu region. Pakistan military on Tuesday (May 7) claimed that&nbsp;the attack was planned&nbsp;in neighbouring Afghanistan.</p>

<p>A spokesperson for the Pakistan Army told reporters that his nation had&nbsp;"solid evidence"&nbsp; that militants used Afghan soil to plan the attack. He also accused the Taliban of not addressing&nbsp;Pakistan's&nbsp;concerns&nbsp;as more than 60 security personnel have been killed so far in 2024 in Pakistani regions bordering Afghanistan.</p>

<h2><strong>Taliban hits back</strong></h2>

<p>Taliban’s&nbsp;Ministry of Defence hit back on Wednesday.&nbsp;“Blaming Afghanistan for such incidents is a failed attempt to divert attention from the truth, and we strongly reject it,”&nbsp;Enayatullah Khwarazmi, the&nbsp;ministry’s&nbsp;spokesperson, said&nbsp;in a statement.</p>

<p>Taliban also said that the attack on the Chinese workers showed how weak are Pakistani security agencies.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Taliban is trying to woo tourists to Afghanistan</strong></p>

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<p>“The killing of Chinese citizens in an area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa which is under tight security cover of the Pakistani army shows the weakness of the Pakistani security agencies or cooperation with the attackers,”&nbsp;the spokesperson said.</p>

<h2><strong>Chinese projects under attack</strong></h2>

<p>The March suicide attack in the Dasu region came after two more attacks targeted&nbsp;China's&nbsp; Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) projects in the&nbsp;region&nbsp;where China has invested over $65 billion.</p>

<p>Earlier, militants targeted a naval air base in Turbat in&nbsp;Pakistan’s&nbsp;Balochistan province on March 25. On March 20, militants stormed a government compound in nearby Gwadar district, which is home to a Chinese-operated port.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjGzc7Jqv6FAxXp9DgGHYvTCsUQxfQBKAB6BAgOEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistans-foreign-minister-calls-for-constructive-engagement-with-international-community-684915" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistans-foreign-minister-calls-for-constructive-engagement-with-international-community-684915&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjGzc7Jqv6FAxXp9DgGHYvTCsUQxfQBKAB6BAgOEAE">Afghanistan: India participates in first international meeting hosted by Taliban regime</a></strong></p>

<p>Pakistan is marred by militancy and ethnic clashes in the Northwest and&nbsp;South,&nbsp;owing to two&nbsp;major&nbsp;insurgencies. Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan — the Pakistani Taliban is majorly held responsible by Islamabad for attacks in the Northwestern regions bordering Afghanistan. Meanwhile, the attacks in Balochistan are claimed by the Baloch Liberation Army — the most prominent of several separatist groups in the province.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Taliban regime on Wednesday (May 8) strongly refuted claims made by Pakistan that Afghanistan was involved in a March suicide attack on Chinese nationals working in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

Taliban regime on Wednesday (May 8) strongly refuted claims made by Pakistan that Afghanistan was involved in a March suicide attack on Chinese nationals working in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Taliban said the claims were “irresponsible and far from the reality.” The March 26 suicide attack killed five Chinese nationals on the site of a hydropower project in the Dasu region. Pakistan military on Tuesday (May 7) claimed that the attack was planned in neighbouring Afghanistan. A spokesperson for the Pakistan Army told reporters that his nation had "solid evidence" that militants used Afghan soil to plan the attack. He also accused the Taliban of not addressing Pakistan's concerns as more than 60 security personnel have been killed so far in 2024 in Pakistani regions bordering Afghanistan. Taliban hits back Taliban’s Ministry of Defence hit back on Wednesday. “Blaming Afghanistan for such incidents is a failed attempt to divert attention from the truth, and we strongly reject it,” Enayatullah Khwarazmi, the ministry’s spokesperson, said in a statement. Taliban also said that the attack on the Chinese workers showed how weak are Pakistani security agencies. Watch: Taliban is trying to woo tourists to Afghanistan × “The killing of Chinese citizens in an area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa which is under tight security cover of the Pakistani army shows the weakness of the Pakistani security agencies or cooperation with the attackers,” the spokesperson said. Chinese projects under attack The March suicide attack in the Dasu region came after two more attacks targeted China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) projects in the region where China has invested over $65 billion. Earlier, militants targeted a naval air base in Turbat in Pakistan’s Balochistan province on March 25. On March 20, militants stormed a government compound in nearby Gwadar district, which is home to a Chinese-operated port. Also read: Afghanistan: India participates in first international meeting hosted by Taliban regime Pakistan is marred by militancy and ethnic clashes in the Northwest and South, owing to two major insurgencies. Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan — the Pakistani Taliban is majorly held responsible by Islamabad for attacks in the Northwestern regions bordering Afghanistan. Meanwhile, the attacks in Balochistan are claimed by the Baloch Liberation Army — the most prominent of several separatist groups in the province. (With inputs from agencies)

Taliban reject blame on Kabul for deadly attack on Chinese nationals, mock ‘weak Pak military’ 

<p>Three police personnel were killed and five others were injured after a blast rocked Faizabad city, the provincial capital of north Afghanistan’s Badakhshan province, said the spokesperson for Taliban’s interior minister, Abdul Mateen Qani, on Wednesday (May 8).&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What we know about the blast</strong></h2>

<p>“Unfortunately a sticky bomb placed in a motorbike targeted a convoy of counter-narcotics police,” said Qani in a statement, on X.</p>

<p>The incident took place around 11:00 am (local time) and based on “preliminary information three police personnel were martyred and five others injured,” he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The blast is being investigated by the police, said Qani. According to the spokesman, the convoy of police forces that was targeted was carrying poppy&nbsp;that is used to make opium, in a bid to destroy it before their vehicle was attacked.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-ethnic-armed-group-says-captured-hundreds-of-junta-personnel-718665">Myanmar ethnic armed group says captured hundreds of junta personnel</a></strong></p>

<p>Earlier, sources had told WION that&nbsp;six people had been killed and eight others were&nbsp;injured after a blast in an&nbsp;explosives-laden motorcycle when a military convoy was passing through an area in&nbsp;Faizabad city.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A report by Afghanistan International citing residents in the city said that the blast destroyed at least one Taliban ranger vehicle.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Taliban faces rare protests over ban on poppy cultivation</strong></h2>

<p>The blast comes a day after the Taliban said they have managed to quell rare protests over security forces’ attempts to eradicate poppy cultivation in the province, which generates income for many impoverished farmers across Afghanistan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said officials were holding meetings in the Badakhshan province amid the ongoing protests.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The unrest erupted last week after Taliban’s anti-narcotics forces began destroying poppy fields in Badakhshan province which led to unprecedented violent protests.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to reports, Taliban security forces used firearms to disperse the demonstrators and killed two people during the two-day protest.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
On Tuesday (May 7), the Afghan Taliban said that they had quelled protests in a rare official acknowledgement of civil disturbance since the group returned to power in 2021.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/ex-pak-pm-imran-khans-wife-moved-to-jail-on-her-request-heres-why-719372">Ex-Pak PM Imran Khan's wife moved to jail on her request. Here's why</a></strong></p>

<p>Zabihullah Amiri, head of the Taliban-run provincial government’s media department, said that an official delegation from Faizabad city had travelled to the two districts, held meetings and that the areas were now “under control”.</p>

<p>“They accepted the legitimate demands of the people, at the moment, there are no issues in Argo and Darayim districts,” he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added, “The people and area are under the control of security forces, and the latest update is that people have committed to cooperating with security forces to eradicate poppy cultivation.”</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


Three police personnel were killed and five others were injured after a blast rocked Faizabad city, the provincial capital of north Afghanistan’s Badakhshan province, said the spokesperson for Taliban’s interior minister, Abdul Mateen Qani, on Wednesday (May 8).

Three police personnel were killed and five others were injured after a blast rocked Faizabad city, the provincial capital of north Afghanistan’s Badakhshan province, said the spokesperson for Taliban’s interior minister, Abdul Mateen Qani, on Wednesday (May 8). What we know about the blast “Unfortunately a sticky bomb placed in a motorbike targeted a convoy of counter-narcotics police,” said Qani in a statement, on X. The incident took place around 11:00 am (local time) and based on “preliminary information three police personnel were martyred and five others injured,” he added. The blast is being investigated by the police, said Qani. According to the spokesman, the convoy of police forces that was targeted was carrying poppy that is used to make opium, in a bid to destroy it before their vehicle was attacked. Also Read | Myanmar ethnic armed group says captured hundreds of junta personnel Earlier, sources had told WION that six people had been killed and eight others were injured after a blast in an explosives-laden motorcycle when a military convoy was passing through an area in Faizabad city. A report by Afghanistan International citing residents in the city said that the blast destroyed at least one Taliban ranger vehicle. Taliban faces rare protests over ban on poppy cultivation The blast comes a day after the Taliban said they have managed to quell rare protests over security forces’ attempts to eradicate poppy cultivation in the province, which generates income for many impoverished farmers across Afghanistan. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said officials were holding meetings in the Badakhshan province amid the ongoing protests. The unrest erupted last week after Taliban’s anti-narcotics forces began destroying poppy fields in Badakhshan province which led to unprecedented violent protests. According to reports, Taliban security forces used firearms to disperse the demonstrators and killed two people during the two-day protest. On Tuesday (May 7), the Afghan Taliban said that they had quelled protests in a rare official acknowledgement of civil disturbance since the group returned to power in 2021. Also Read | Ex-Pak PM Imran Khan's wife moved to jail on her request. Here's why Zabihullah Amiri, head of the Taliban-run provincial government’s media department, said that an official delegation from Faizabad city had travelled to the two districts, held meetings and that the areas were now “under control”. “They accepted the legitimate demands of the people, at the moment, there are no issues in Argo and Darayim districts,” he said. He added, “The people and area are under the control of security forces, and the latest update is that people have committed to cooperating with security forces to eradicate poppy cultivation.” (With inputs from agencies)

Afghanistan: Three police personnel killed, five injured in blast targeting convoy

#Gravitas | Taliban is trying very hard to woo tourists to Afghanistan. As surprising as it may sound, foreigners are actually visiting Afghanistan. The numbers aren't huge, but there's evidently a buzz. What is the reason behind this?

Taliban is trying to woo tourists to Afghanistan

Taliban has hit back at Pakistan for accusations of spike in terror attacks. The Taliban's Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi without naming Pakistan said that while one neighbour is serving as recruitment centre for terror, i.e ISIS, the other is a transit route for terror.

Taliban hits back at Pakistan over terror charge: Pakistan acts as terror transit route

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