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

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.”

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.

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.

<h2>Taliban hits back</h2>

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.

Taliban also said that the attack on the Chinese workers showed how weak are Pakistani security agencies.

Watch:&nbsp;Taliban is trying to woo tourists to Afghanistan

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“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.

<h2>Chinese projects under attack</h2>

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.

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.

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>

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.

(With inputs from agencies)

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’ 

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;

<h2>What we know about the blast</h2>

“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.&nbsp;

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;

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>

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;

A report by Afghanistan International citing residents in the city said that the blast destroyed at least one Taliban ranger vehicle.&nbsp;

<h2>Taliban faces rare protests over ban on poppy cultivation</h2>

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;

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said officials were holding meetings in the Badakhshan province amid the ongoing protests.&nbsp;

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;

According to reports, Taliban security forces used firearms to disperse the demonstrators and killed two people during the two-day protest.&nbsp; 
 
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;

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>

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.&nbsp;

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) 
&nbsp;

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

The Taliban government has entered its first talks with the United Nations, donors and non-governmental organisations over the impact of climate change in Afghanistan, organisers said Wednesday.

Taliban joins UN climate change talks

Taliban hits back at Pakistan over terror charge, says 'Pakistan acts as terror transit route'

Afghanistan's ruling Taliban regime has participated in climate talks with the United Nations International donors and non-governmental organizations. For the first time, the defacto government's officials joined parallel face-to-face online sessions to discuss the impact of climate change with their Western counterparts.

Afghan Olympian Friba Rezayee has called on the International Olympic Committee to ban Afghanistan from the upcoming Paris Olympics scheduled in July this year due to the Taliban's human rights record. Has the IOC turned a blind eye to Taliban violations?

Paris Olympics 2024: Will IOC ban Afghanistan from Paris Olympics?

Floods caused by heavy monsoon rains in Afghanistan have destroyed crops and infrastructure. It left a number of people dead and injured.

Spring downpours cause exacerbating flash-flooding

An internal rift is seemingly brewing in the Taliban. In a rare instance, two senior Taliban leaders Hibatullah Akhundzada & Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani have resorted to criticism of each other.

Rift within Taliban?: Differences between Akhunzada & Haqqani? Tension among influential leaders

Rift between Taliban: Rare tension among influential leaders; rift between hardline & moderate

India on Friday (Apr 12) reacted to indications that suggested that the Taliban government in Afghanistan has been taking steps towards returning lands to Sikhs and Hindus that were taken from them.&nbsp;

During a weekly media briefing, the official spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal, said that it is a "positive development".&nbsp;

"We have also seen reports. If the Taliban administration has decided to restore property rights to Hindus and Sikhs from Afghanistan," Jaiswal said.&nbsp;

"I mean, who are their nationals, it is something which is a positive development. That is how we look at it," he added.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-man-arrested-after-he-axes-wife-seven-children-to-death-710496">Unable to feed family, Pak man kills wife and seven kids with axe</a>&nbsp;

Recent media reports claimed that the Taliban justice ministry has come up with some solutions for the property problems that the minorities were facing and that property rights have been restored to the Hindus, and the Sikhs.&nbsp;

Kabul-based Ariana News on March 10 reported that the Land-Grabbing Prevention and Restitution Commission has started investigating cases of usurped land belonging to Hindu and Sikh communities across the country.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imf-chief-says-pakistan-seeking-potential-follow-up-loan-program-710263">IMF chief says Pakistan seeking potential follow-up loan program</a>&nbsp;

News agencies&nbsp;said that the Ministry of Justice issued a&nbsp;statement instructing&nbsp;technical teams in the capital and in provinces to identify usurped land belonging to Hindu and Sikh communities and land at risk of being grabbed.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

India on Friday (Apr 12) reacted to indications that suggested that the Taliban government in Afghanistan has been taking steps towards returning lands to Sikhs and Hindus that were taken from them.

India on Friday (Apr 12) reacted to indications that suggested that the Taliban government in Afghanistan has been taking steps towards returning lands to Sikhs and Hindus that were taken from them. During a weekly media briefing, the official spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal, said that it is a "positive development". "We have also seen reports. If the Taliban administration has decided to restore property rights to Hindus and Sikhs from Afghanistan," Jaiswal said. "I mean, who are their nationals, it is something which is a positive development. That is how we look at it," he added. Also read: Unable to feed family, Pak man kills wife and seven kids with axe Recent media reports claimed that the Taliban justice ministry has come up with some solutions for the property problems that the minorities were facing and that property rights have been restored to the Hindus, and the Sikhs. Kabul-based Ariana News on March 10 reported that the Land-Grabbing Prevention and Restitution Commission has started investigating cases of usurped land belonging to Hindu and Sikh communities across the country. Also read: IMF chief says Pakistan seeking potential follow-up loan program News agencies said that the Ministry of Justice issued a statement instructing technical teams in the capital and in provinces to identify usurped land belonging to Hindu and Sikh communities and land at risk of being grabbed. (With inputs from agencies)

India reacts to Taliban restoring property rights to Afghan Hindus, Sikhs

#Gravitas | India's engagement with the Taliban regime in Afghanistan is starting to bear fruit. In a further effort to engage with India, the Taliban regime is undertaking policy efforts to return private land to displaced Hindu and Sikh minorities in the country.

Gravitas: Taliban Restores Land Illegally Taken by Warlords to Displaced Afghan Hindus and Sikhs

Pakistan will reportedly raise the issue of the alleged use of Afghan soil for&nbsp;the recent terrorist attacks targeting Chinese engineers with the Taliban following a probe pointing to a&nbsp;possible Afghan link in the matter.

Six people, including five Chinese engineers, were killed in a suicide attack in Besham, a remote area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on March 26. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack but a report in Pakistan's Express Tribune newspaper suggested that a network linked to the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) was behind the incident.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-afghanistan-set-to-discuss-trade-normalisation-in-kabul-talks-703881">Pakistan, Afghanistan set to discuss trade normalisation in Kabul talks</a>

An explosive-laden vehicle parked on the roadside was blown up right when a convoy transporting Chinese engineers to the Dasu hydroelectric project site from Islamabad was passing by.&nbsp;

The March 26 attack was the second attack on Chinese workers at the same hydroelectric project. A similar terrorist attack killed 13 people, including nine engineers in July 2021.

Also watch |&nbsp;Pakistan PM Sharif visits Chinese engineers working on Dam project in Dasu

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The report in the Express Tribune claimed that Pakistani authorities have made certain arrests based on the SIM card recovered from the suicide bomber, "who is thought to be an Afghan national".&nbsp;

It added that the car used in the terrorist attack was non-custom paid and smuggled into Pakistan through the Chaman border.&nbsp;

The report further added that people familiar with the development say that there is no doubt that Afghan soil was used in the attack on Chinese engineers. This is why, they say, Pakistan will take up the matter through diplomatic channels with Afghan authorities.

<h2>What would it mean?</h2>

If an Afghan link is established to the attack on the Chinese, it may mean the deterioration of ties between Beijing and Kabul.&nbsp;

China is the only country that has accepted a full-time Taliban-appointed ambassador, in an unprecedented recognition of Afghanistan's Taliban rulers.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan will reportedly raise the issue of the alleged use of Afghan soil for the recent terrorist attacks targeting Chinese engineers with the Taliban following a probe pointing to a possible Afghan link in the matter.

Pakistan will reportedly raise the issue of the alleged use of Afghan soil for the recent terrorist attacks targeting Chinese engineers with the Taliban following a probe pointing to a possible Afghan link in the matter. Six people, including five Chinese engineers, were killed in a suicide attack in Besham, a remote area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on March 26. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack but a report in Pakistan's Express Tribune newspaper suggested that a network linked to the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) was behind the incident. Also read | Pakistan, Afghanistan set to discuss trade normalisation in Kabul talks An explosive-laden vehicle parked on the roadside was blown up right when a convoy transporting Chinese engineers to the Dasu hydroelectric project site from Islamabad was passing by. The March 26 attack was the second attack on Chinese workers at the same hydroelectric project. A similar terrorist attack killed 13 people, including nine engineers in July 2021. Also watch | Pakistan PM Sharif visits Chinese engineers working on Dam project in Dasu × The report in the Express Tribune claimed that Pakistani authorities have made certain arrests based on the SIM card recovered from the suicide bomber, "who is thought to be an Afghan national". It added that the car used in the terrorist attack was non-custom paid and smuggled into Pakistan through the Chaman border. The report further added that people familiar with the development say that there is no doubt that Afghan soil was used in the attack on Chinese engineers. This is why, they say, Pakistan will take up the matter through diplomatic channels with Afghan authorities. What would it mean? If an Afghan link is established to the attack on the Chinese, it may mean the deterioration of ties between Beijing and Kabul. China is the only country that has accepted a full-time Taliban-appointed ambassador, in an unprecedented recognition of Afghanistan's Taliban rulers. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan to raise issue of Afghan soil being used for terror attacks with Taliban

Russia said on Tuesday it had important matters to discuss with Afghanistan's Taliban leaders and was working to remove the Taliban from its list of banned terrorist organizations. Watch in for more details!

Russia says it is working to remove Taliban from terror organisation list

Taliban’s supreme leader Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada has vowed to revive stoning women to death in public for crimes like adultery. According to Akhundzada, women’s rights as advocated by the international community are against the Taliban’s interpretation of Islamic sharia. All this and much more in Inside South Asia.

Taliban to stone women in public for adultery

Declaring a war against Western Democracy, the Taliban have&nbsp;announced that it will soon start stoning women to death for adultery.&nbsp;

The radical group's Supreme Leader Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada vowed this in a voice message broadcast on state TV on Saturday (Mar 23).

<h2>Alarming declaration</h2>

Labelling Western human rights defenders 'representatives of the devil', Akhundzada&nbsp;made the alarming declaration that the group will implement harsh punishments — including being stoned to death — against women.

"You say it's a violation of women's rights when we stone them to death. But we will soon implement the punishment for adultery," he said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-afghanistan-set-to-discuss-trade-normalisation-in-kabul-talks-703881">Pakistan, Afghanistan set to discuss trade normalisation in Kabul talks</a>

He defiantly stated that despite Western objections, the Taliban would "flog women in public. We will stone them to death in public."

"These are all against your democracy, but we will continue doing it," he said, adding that they were deemed necessary by the Taliban to uphold their interpretation of Islamic law.

"We both say we defend human rights—we do it as God's representative and you as the devil's," he declared in his harshest comments&nbsp;since taking over Kabul in August 2021.

<h2>Taliban 2.0</h2>

Akhundzada's remarks represent a stark departure from the more moderate image the "new" Taliban have&nbsp;sought to portray since seizing power in Afghanistan in 2021.&nbsp;

The announcement underscores the challenges faced by Afghan women under Taliban rule and raises concerns about the group's commitment to human rights.

In his voice message, Akhundzada said that the women's rights advocated by the "Westerners" were against the Taliban's interpretation of Islamic Sharia.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-condemn-reckless-air-strikes-by-pakistan-that-killed-eight-including-women-and-children-701533">Taliban condemn 'reckless' air strikes by Pakistan that it claims killed eight, including women and children</a>

"Do women want the rights that Westerners are talking about?" he asked.

"They are against Sharia and clerics’ opinions, the clerics who toppled Western democracy."

Emphasising that Taliban foot soldiers must oppose the West, he added, "I told the Mujahedin that we tell the Westerners that we fought against you for 20 years, and we will fight 20 and even more years against you."

"We will bring Sharia to this land," said the Taliban supreme leader, who had not been seen in public since the Taliban seized control of Kabul.

<h2>'Imprisoned' women</h2>

His remarks have incited outrage among women, who have called for increased pressure from the international community.

Watch |&nbsp;Taliban: Afghan women will be stoned to death for adultery

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/taliban-afghan-women-will-be-stoned-to-death-for-adultery-704629/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Talking to the Telegraph, Tala, a former civil servant, said: "The money that they receive from the international community as humanitarian aid is just feeding them against women."

Calling Afghanistan a "prison" that the Taliban are making "smaller…every passing day," she added, "I don’t feel safe and secure in Afghanistan."

"Each morning starts with a barrage of notices and orders imposing restrictions and stringent rules on women, stripping away even the smallest joys and extinguishing hope for a brighter future," she said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Declaring a war against Western Democracy, the Taliban have announced that it will soon start stoning women to death for adultery. The radical group's Supreme Leader Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada vowed this in a voice message broadcast on state TV on Saturday (Mar 23).

Declaring a war against Western Democracy, the Taliban have announced that it will soon start stoning women to death for adultery. The radical group's Supreme Leader Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada vowed this in a voice message broadcast on state TV on Saturday (Mar 23). Alarming declaration Labelling Western human rights defenders 'representatives of the devil', Akhundzada made the alarming declaration that the group will implement harsh punishments — including being stoned to death — against women. "You say it's a violation of women's rights when we stone them to death. But we will soon implement the punishment for adultery," he said. Also read | Pakistan, Afghanistan set to discuss trade normalisation in Kabul talks He defiantly stated that despite Western objections, the Taliban would "flog women in public. We will stone them to death in public." "These are all against your democracy, but we will continue doing it," he said, adding that they were deemed necessary by the Taliban to uphold their interpretation of Islamic law. "We both say we defend human rights—we do it as God's representative and you as the devil's," he declared in his harshest comments since taking over Kabul in August 2021. Taliban 2.0 Akhundzada's remarks represent a stark departure from the more moderate image the "new" Taliban have sought to portray since seizing power in Afghanistan in 2021. The announcement underscores the challenges faced by Afghan women under Taliban rule and raises concerns about the group's commitment to human rights. In his voice message, Akhundzada said that the women's rights advocated by the "Westerners" were against the Taliban's interpretation of Islamic Sharia. Also read | Taliban condemn 'reckless' air strikes by Pakistan that it claims killed eight, including women and children "Do women want the rights that Westerners are talking about?" he asked. "They are against Sharia and clerics’ opinions, the clerics who toppled Western democracy." Emphasising that Taliban foot soldiers must oppose the West, he added, "I told the Mujahedin that we tell the Westerners that we fought against you for 20 years, and we will fight 20 and even more years against you." "We will bring Sharia to this land," said the Taliban supreme leader, who had not been seen in public since the Taliban seized control of Kabul. 'Imprisoned' women His remarks have incited outrage among women, who have called for increased pressure from the international community. Watch | Taliban: Afghan women will be stoned to death for adultery Talking to the Telegraph, Tala, a former civil servant, said: "The money that they receive from the international community as humanitarian aid is just feeding them against women." Calling Afghanistan a "prison" that the Taliban are making "smaller…every passing day," she added, "I don’t feel safe and secure in Afghanistan." "Each morning starts with a barrage of notices and orders imposing restrictions and stringent rules on women, stripping away even the smallest joys and extinguishing hope for a brighter future," she said. (With inputs from agencies)

Taliban supreme leader says women will soon be stoned to death for adultery

Afghan women will be stoned to death for adultery, declares Taliban leader in new audio. Taliban’s supreme leader mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada purportedly vowed a harsh implementation of the Islamic code of Shariah.

Taliban: Afghan women will be stoned to death for adultery

Three people were killed and 12 others were injured in a suicide bombing in Afghanistan's Kandahar on Thursday (Mar 21). Speaking to the news agency AFP, Kandahar's Director of Information and Culture Inamullah Samangani said, "A suicide attack occurred in which three compatriots were killed and 12 others were wounded, according to preliminary information."

The explosion occurred at 8 am local time and targeted a group of people waiting outside the New Kabul Bank branch in central Kandahar city. "Commonly our compatriots gather there (at the bank branch) to collect their salaries," Samangani said, adding&nbsp;the victims were civilians.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/exclusive-pakistan-launches-airstrikes-against-ttp-deep-inside-afghanistan-sources-tell-wion-701395">Exclusive: Pakistan launches airstrikes against TTP deep inside Afghanistan, sources tell WION</a>

No group claimed responsibility for the attack, but some reports suggested that the Islamic State was behind the suicide bombing. Taliban authorities surrounded the incident site and did not allow media persons close to it. Firefighters and security personnel were clearing the area, where blood, scraps of clothes and shoes littered the ground, AFP reported.

Samangani told the news agency that the situation was under control at one of the city's hospitals where the injured were transported. The official denied that a need for blood donations was urgent.

"There is no such issue, and the wounded people are not in serious condition, they have superficial injuries," he further said.&nbsp;

Multiple explosions have been reported&nbsp;across Afghanistan since the start of Ramadan.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Three people were killed and 12 others were injured in a suicide bombing in Afghanistan's Kandahar on Thursday (Mar 21). Speaking to the news agency AFP, Kandahar's Director of Information and Culture Inamullah Samangani said, "A suicide attack occurred in which three compatriots were killed and 12 others were wounded, according to preliminary information.

Three people were killed and 12 others were injured in a suicide bombing in Afghanistan's Kandahar on Thursday (Mar 21). Speaking to the news agency AFP, Kandahar's Director of Information and Culture Inamullah Samangani said, "A suicide attack occurred in which three compatriots were killed and 12 others were wounded, according to preliminary information." The explosion occurred at 8 am local time and targeted a group of people waiting outside the New Kabul Bank branch in central Kandahar city. "Commonly our compatriots gather there (at the bank branch) to collect their salaries," Samangani said, adding the victims were civilians. Also read | Exclusive: Pakistan launches airstrikes against TTP deep inside Afghanistan, sources tell WION No group claimed responsibility for the attack, but some reports suggested that the Islamic State was behind the suicide bombing. Taliban authorities surrounded the incident site and did not allow media persons close to it. Firefighters and security personnel were clearing the area, where blood, scraps of clothes and shoes littered the ground, AFP reported. Samangani told the news agency that the situation was under control at one of the city's hospitals where the injured were transported. The official denied that a need for blood donations was urgent. "There is no such issue, and the wounded people are not in serious condition, they have superficial injuries," he further said. Multiple explosions have been reported across Afghanistan since the start of Ramadan. (With inputs from agencies)

Three killed, 12 injured in suicide bombing in Afghanistan's Kandahar

The school year in Afghanistan started Wednesday but without girls whom the Taliban barred from attending classes beyond the sixth grade, making it the only country with restrictions on female education.

Afghanistan’s school year starts without girls

Afghanistan: Another academic year begins with no girls, no freedom for girls to dream

The top two former&nbsp;US generals who&nbsp;led the chaotic evacuation of US forces in Afghanistan as it fell to Taliban control in August 2021 squarely blamed the disastrous American exit on&nbsp;the Biden administration's inadequate planning and delayed orders. Earlier, the Biden administration had blamed its predecessor Trump administration, and their agreement with the Taliban for the disastrous exit of US forces from Afghanistan.&nbsp;

The rare public testimony by the retired generals Mark Milley and Kenneth ‘Frank’ McKenzie Jr put out in public domain the&nbsp;discord and disagreements between the military leadership and the Biden administration during the final days of US' presence in Afghanistan.

<h2>US forces in Afghanistan were over three times short of adviced deployment</h2>

The US military had adviced maintaining a presence of at least 2,500 service members in Afghanistan to uphold stability in the wake of the Doha agreement that was signed between the Taliban and the United States.

General Milley told the US House Foreign Affairs Committee while referring to the situation in Afghanistan in the&nbsp;immediate days before August 14 when the Taliban took control of Kabul: "The Afghan security forces were collapsing in the various provincial capitals and although there were some still in and around Kabul, so the general situation at that point was 750 U.S. soldiers in-and-around the embassy."

These revelations contrast with an internal White House review, which cited constraints imposed by previous withdrawal agreements&nbsp;— such as the Trump-negotiated&nbsp;'Agreement for Bringing Peace to Afghanistan' signed between the United States and the Taliban in Doha — for the tumultuous&nbsp;Aug 14 withdrawal of the US forces.

Also watch |&nbsp;Top former US Generals testify on US troop's withdrawal from Afghanistan

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The review placed blame on the military, adding&nbsp;that top commanders had assured they had ample resources to handle the evacuation.

Thirteen US service members were killed in a suicide bombing at Kabul airport's Abbey Gate as the Taliban seized control of Afghanistan. Taliban later said that a local Islamic State offshoot was responsible for the&nbsp;attack.

Thousands of Afghans and US citizens scrambled to board US military flights for evacuation amid the frenzy that took over Afghanistan as the Taliban displaced democratically-elected Ashraf Ghani government in Kabul.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/explained-taliban-have-put-afghan-clock-back-to-1990s-autocracy-un-report-603152">Explained | Taliban have put Afghan clock back to 1990s’ autocracy: UN report</a>

Ultimately, over 130,000 civilians were rescued before the final US military aircraft departed.

"On August 14, the non-combatant evacuation operation decision was made by the Department of State," Milley recounted.

"But the State Department’s decision came too late. The fundamental mistake was the timing of the State Department – too slow and too late," he further said.

Milley, as the top highest-ranking military officer at the time, had advocated for maintaining a residual force to support Afghanistan's special forces and retain control of Bagram Air Base for critical leverage against Taliban advances.

(With inputs from agencies)

The top two former US generals who led the chaotic evacuation of US forces in Afghanistan as it fell to Taliban control in August 2021 squarely blamed the disastrous American exit on the Biden administration's inadequate planning and delayed orders.

The top two former US generals who led the chaotic evacuation of US forces in Afghanistan as it fell to Taliban control in August 2021 squarely blamed the disastrous American exit on the Biden administration's inadequate planning and delayed orders. Earlier, the Biden administration had blamed its predecessor Trump administration, and their agreement with the Taliban for the disastrous exit of US forces from Afghanistan. The rare public testimony by the retired generals Mark Milley and Kenneth ‘Frank’ McKenzie Jr put out in public domain the discord and disagreements between the military leadership and the Biden administration during the final days of US' presence in Afghanistan. US forces in Afghanistan were over three times short of adviced deployment The US military had adviced maintaining a presence of at least 2,500 service members in Afghanistan to uphold stability in the wake of the Doha agreement that was signed between the Taliban and the United States. General Milley told the US House Foreign Affairs Committee while referring to the situation in Afghanistan in the immediate days before August 14 when the Taliban took control of Kabul: "The Afghan security forces were collapsing in the various provincial capitals and although there were some still in and around Kabul, so the general situation at that point was 750 U.S. soldiers in-and-around the embassy." These revelations contrast with an internal White House review, which cited constraints imposed by previous withdrawal agreements — such as the Trump-negotiated 'Agreement for Bringing Peace to Afghanistan' signed between the United States and the Taliban in Doha — for the tumultuous Aug 14 withdrawal of the US forces. Also watch | Top former US Generals testify on US troop's withdrawal from Afghanistan × The review placed blame on the military, adding that top commanders had assured they had ample resources to handle the evacuation. Thirteen US service members were killed in a suicide bombing at Kabul airport's Abbey Gate as the Taliban seized control of Afghanistan. Taliban later said that a local Islamic State offshoot was responsible for the attack. Thousands of Afghans and US citizens scrambled to board US military flights for evacuation amid the frenzy that took over Afghanistan as the Taliban displaced democratically-elected Ashraf Ghani government in Kabul. Also read | Explained | Taliban have put Afghan clock back to 1990s’ autocracy: UN report Ultimately, over 130,000 civilians were rescued before the final US military aircraft departed. "On August 14, the non-combatant evacuation operation decision was made by the Department of State," Milley recounted. "But the State Department’s decision came too late. The fundamental mistake was the timing of the State Department – too slow and too late," he further said. Milley, as the top highest-ranking military officer at the time, had advocated for maintaining a residual force to support Afghanistan's special forces and retain control of Bagram Air Base for critical leverage against Taliban advances. (With inputs from agencies)

'Too little, too late': Ex-US generals point to Biden admin's failures for Kabul's quick fall to Taliban

Afghanistan's Taliban said on Monday that Pakistan carried out two airstrikes on its territory, killing five women and three children, and it fired heavy weapons at Pakistani forces along the border in retaliation.

Eight killed in Pakistan's two air strikes in Afghanistan: Taliban

Eight killed in Pakistan's two air strikes in Afghanistan, says Taliban

Taliban says it hit back at Pakistan after air strikes in Afghanistan

On Tuesday (March 19), Cricket Australia postponed their upcoming overseas T20I series versus Afghanistan, in August, due to concerns over the human rights of women and girls in the country&nbsp;under Taliban rule. This is the third time that Australia have cancelled a bilateral series versus the Rashid Khan starrer Afghanistan since 2021. The Asian country has been under Taliban rule for almost three years now which has affected the cricketing relations between the two nations.&nbsp;

Since the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan, Australia cancelled a one-off Test match&nbsp;in November 2021. In 2023,&nbsp;they withdrew from a three-match ODI series&nbsp;as well. It was set to be hosted by Afghanistan at a neutral venue, in the UAE.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2024-trouble-for-ms-dhonis-csk-mustafizur-rahman-stretchered-off-field-during-ban-sl-3rd-odi-701537">IPL 2024: Trouble for MS Dhoni's CSK! Mustafizur Rahman stretchered off field during Ban-SL 3rd ODI</a>

CA&nbsp;on Tuesday&nbsp;announced that the decision to postpone the bilateral series came after talks with the Australian government. The board stated that the assessment from the Australian government is "that conditions for women and girls in Afghanistan are getting worse".&nbsp;Notably, Afghanistan remain the only full member of the International Cricket Council without a women's team at the senior level.

A statement from CA read, "For this reason, we have maintained our previous position and will postpone the bilateral series against Afghanistan," a statement from the board read. It added, "CA continues its strong commitment to supporting participation by women and girls in cricket around the world and will continue to actively engage the International Cricket Council and work closely with the Afghanistan Cricket Board to determine what actions could be taken to support the resumption of bilateral matches in the future."

<h2>Australia vs Afghanistan -- An underrated rivalry!</h2>

Over the years, Afghanistan and Australia have been involved in some thrilling contests. In the 2022 T20 World Cup, Aaron Finch-led Australia survived a huge scare when they were up against the Afghans, in Adelaide, during their league&nbsp;match. Back then, the then defending champions Australia won by 4 runs in defence of 168/8. During the 2023 ODI World Cup, in India, both sides squared off in match 39 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Despite Afghans posting a competitive 291-5, courtesy of Ibrahim Zadran's 129*, and reducing the Aussies to 91 for 7, Glenn Maxwell's 201 not out took the Pat Cummins-led side past the finish line for a three-wicket win.&nbsp;

On Tuesday (March 19), Cricket Australia postponed their upcoming overseas T20I series versus Afghanistan, in August, due to concerns over the human rights of women and girls in the country under Taliban rule.

On Tuesday (March 19), Cricket Australia postponed their upcoming overseas T20I series versus Afghanistan, in August, due to concerns over the human rights of women and girls in the country under Taliban rule. This is the third time that Australia have cancelled a bilateral series versus the Rashid Khan starrer Afghanistan since 2021. The Asian country has been under Taliban rule for almost three years now which has affected the cricketing relations between the two nations. Since the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan, Australia cancelled a one-off Test match in November 2021. In 2023, they withdrew from a three-match ODI series as well. It was set to be hosted by Afghanistan at a neutral venue, in the UAE. Also read: IPL 2024: Trouble for MS Dhoni's CSK! Mustafizur Rahman stretchered off field during Ban-SL 3rd ODI CA on Tuesday announced that the decision to postpone the bilateral series came after talks with the Australian government. The board stated that the assessment from the Australian government is "that conditions for women and girls in Afghanistan are getting worse". Notably, Afghanistan remain the only full member of the International Cricket Council without a women's team at the senior level. A statement from CA read, "For this reason, we have maintained our previous position and will postpone the bilateral series against Afghanistan," a statement from the board read. It added, "CA continues its strong commitment to supporting participation by women and girls in cricket around the world and will continue to actively engage the International Cricket Council and work closely with the Afghanistan Cricket Board to determine what actions could be taken to support the resumption of bilateral matches in the future." Australia vs Afghanistan -- An underrated rivalry! Over the years, Afghanistan and Australia have been involved in some thrilling contests. In the 2022 T20 World Cup, Aaron Finch-led Australia survived a huge scare when they were up against the Afghans, in Adelaide, during their league match. Back then, the then defending champions Australia won by 4 runs in defence of 168/8. During the 2023 ODI World Cup, in India, both sides squared off in match 39 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Despite Afghans posting a competitive 291-5, courtesy of Ibrahim Zadran's 129*, and reducing the Aussies to 91 for 7, Glenn Maxwell's 201 not out took the Pat Cummins-led side past the finish line for a three-wicket win.

Cricket Australia postpones T20I series vs Afghanistan citing concerns over women's rights in country

After Afghanistan accused Pakistan of killing 8 people in two cross-border air strikes, Islamabad confirmed carrying out an “intelligence-based anti-terrorist operations” inside the country. In response, the Taliban government claims to have fired at Pakistani troops along the border.

Gravitas: Pakistan carries out cross-border strikes inside Afghanistan | Taliban hits back

In the latest, the Taliban criticised the air strikes conducted by Pakistan, asserting that these attacks within Afghanistan resulted in the deaths of women and children. In other news, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended congratulations to Vladimir Putin for his re-election as the President of the Russian Federation. Additionally,&nbsp;Israeli forces launched an overnight raid at Gaza’s largest hospital.&nbsp;

Click on the headlines to read more.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-condemn-reckless-air-strikes-by-pakistan-that-killed-eight-including-women-and-children-701533">Taliban condemn 'reckless' air strikes by Pakistan that it claims killed eight, including women and children</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/10/04/383864-untitled-design-2023-10-04t201029876.png?imwidth=400" />

The Taliban on Monday (Mar 18) condemned the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/exclusive-pakistan-launches-airstrikes-against-ttp-deep-inside-afghanistan-sources-tell-wion-701395">air strikes by Pakistan</a>, claiming that the attacks inside Afghanistan killed women and children. It also said that&nbsp;Afghanistan does not allow anyone to "compromise security" by using Afghan territory.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-prime-minister-narendra-modi-congratulates-russian-president-vladimir-putin-on-his-re-election-701516">PM Modi congratulates Russian President Vladimir Putin on his re-election</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/03/18/419290-succession-2024-03-18t175329009.jpg?imwidth=400" />

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (Mar 18) congratulated Vladimir Putin on his re-election as the President of the Russian Federation.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/complaint-filed-against-pm-modi-over-use-of-iaf-helicopter-for-election-rally-what-do-rules-say-701572">Complaint filed against PM Modi over use of IAF helicopter for election rally. What do rules say?</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/03/18/419318-narendra-modi-3.png?imwidth=400" />

Saket Gokhale, an Indian Member of Parliament, on Monday (Mar 18) filed a complaint with the Election Commission of India (ECI) against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-forces-launch-overnight-raid-at-gazas-al-shifa-hospital-several-casualties-reported-701387">Israeli forces launch raid at Gaza’s Al-Shifa hospital, several casualties reported</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/03/18/419218-yearender-2023-51.png?imwidth=400" />

Israeli forces launched an overnight raid at Gaza’s largest hospital, Al-Shifa with reports of tanks and heavy gunfire triggering panic inside the medical complex.&nbsp;Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the raid and said that troops were conducting a “high-precision operation in limited areas” of the hospital.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/a-20-year-old-from-andhra-pradesh-killed-in-us-report-701495">A 20-year-old engineering student from India’s Andhra Pradesh killed in US: Report</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/03/18/419265-us-police.png?imwidth=400" />

Paruchuri Abhijit, who hailed from Burripalem of district Guntur in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, was murdered in the United States, media reported.&nbsp;

Massachusetts police found his body in a car in a forest.&nbsp;

The 20-year-old was studying engineering at Boston University and was allegedly killed by unidentified assailants.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/charter-flight-carrying-30-us-citizens-arrives-in-miami-from-gang-violence-hit-haiti-701434">With only one hospital operating, Haiti's healthcare system collapses amid raging gang violence</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/03/18/419246-capture.JPG?imwidth=400" />

Haiti’s healthcare system is on the verge of collapse as gang violence has left no hope for the treatment of victims. According to media reports, several hospitals were set on fire and doctors murdered by gang members, while medical supplies were also snapped.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-india-shopkeeper-attacked-alleges-asked-to-stop-bhajan-for-azaan-701539">WATCH: India shopkeeper attacked in Bengaluru, alleges ‘asked to stop bhajan for azaan’</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/03/18/419303-the-battle-for-kyiv-2024-03-18t184116754.jpg?imwidth=400" />

In Bengaluru, a shopkeeper was attacked by a group of men as he was playing a bhajan dedicated to Lord Hanuman during the Islamic call to prayer, known as azaan. Three individuals were arrested in connection with the incident, which occurred in the city's Siddanna Layout area on Sunday (Mar 17).

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/modi-ji-twisting-shakti-remark-rahul-gandhi-clears-stance-on-pm-modis-jaan-ki-baazi-attack-701555">'Modi ji twisting 'Shakti' remark': Rahul Gandhi clears stance on PM Modi's 'jaan ki baazi' attack</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/03/18/419312-the-battle-for-kyiv-2024-03-18t192935793.jpg?imwidth=400" />

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi sparked controversy on Monday (Mar 18) with his "Shakti" remarks during the closing ceremony of the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra in Mumbai. With the 2024 Lok Sabha elections looming, Prime Minister Narendra Modi swiftly denounced Gandhi's comments. Responding to the backlash, Gandhi issued a clarification, blaming PM Modi for&nbsp;“twisting" his remarks.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-delegation-to-head-to-doha-for-temporary-gaza-ceasefire-hostage-talks-reports-701290">Israeli delegation to head to Doha for temporary Gaza ceasefire, hostage release talks: Reports</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/03/18/419159-yearender-2023-50.png?imwidth=400" />

An Israeli delegation is expected to head to Doha, Qatar on Monday (Mar 18) for indirect talks about a temporary truce in Gaza and the release of hostages held in the Palestinian enclave, reported the Israeli media. This comes after Israel’s security cabinet reportedly approved the dispatch of the delegation led by the head of Israeli intelligence the night prior.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/uber-agrees-to-pay-178-million-settlement-to-australian-taxi-drivers-report-701318">Uber agrees to pay $178 million settlement to Australian taxi drivers: Report</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/12/13/317890-2022-12-07t112737z2lynxmpeib60j5rtroptp4uber-autonomous-driving-motional.JPG?imwidth=400" />

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Uber, has reached a landmark settlement agreement to pay A$271.8 million (US$178 million) to resolve a class-action lawsuit brought by Australian taxi operators and drivers on Monday.<o:p></o:p>
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<div id="v-wionews-v0">According to Reuters, this settlement, described as the fifth-largest in Australia's legal history, marks the culmination of a protracted legal battle initiated in 2019.</div>
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In the latest, the Taliban criticised the air strikes conducted by Pakistan, asserting that these attacks within Afghanistan resulted in the deaths of women and children.

In the latest, the Taliban criticised the air strikes conducted by Pakistan, asserting that these attacks within Afghanistan resulted in the deaths of women and children. In other news, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended congratulations to Vladimir Putin for his re-election as the President of the Russian Federation. Additionally, Israeli forces launched an overnight raid at Gaza’s largest hospital. Click on the headlines to read more. Taliban condemn 'reckless' air strikes by Pakistan that it claims killed eight, including women and children The Taliban on Monday (Mar 18) condemned the air strikes by Pakistan, claiming that the attacks inside Afghanistan killed women and children. It also said that Afghanistan does not allow anyone to "compromise security" by using Afghan territory. PM Modi congratulates Russian President Vladimir Putin on his re-election Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (Mar 18) congratulated Vladimir Putin on his re-election as the President of the Russian Federation. Complaint filed against PM Modi over use of IAF helicopter for election rally. What do rules say? Saket Gokhale, an Indian Member of Parliament, on Monday (Mar 18) filed a complaint with the Election Commission of India (ECI) against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Israeli forces launch raid at Gaza’s Al-Shifa hospital, several casualties reported Israeli forces launched an overnight raid at Gaza’s largest hospital, Al-Shifa with reports of tanks and heavy gunfire triggering panic inside the medical complex. Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the raid and said that troops were conducting a “high-precision operation in limited areas” of the hospital. A 20-year-old engineering student from India’s Andhra Pradesh killed in US: Report Paruchuri Abhijit, who hailed from Burripalem of district Guntur in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, was murdered in the United States, media reported. Massachusetts police found his body in a car in a forest. The 20-year-old was studying engineering at Boston University and was allegedly killed by unidentified assailants. With only one hospital operating, Haiti's healthcare system collapses amid raging gang violence Haiti’s healthcare system is on the verge of collapse as gang violence has left no hope for the treatment of victims. According to media reports, several hospitals were set on fire and doctors murdered by gang members, while medical supplies were also snapped. WATCH: India shopkeeper attacked in Bengaluru, alleges ‘asked to stop bhajan for azaan’ In Bengaluru, a shopkeeper was attacked by a group of men as he was playing a bhajan dedicated to Lord Hanuman during the Islamic call to prayer, known as azaan. Three individuals were arrested in connection with the incident, which occurred in the city's Siddanna Layout area on Sunday (Mar 17). 'Modi ji twisting 'Shakti' remark': Rahul Gandhi clears stance on PM Modi's 'jaan ki baazi' attack Congress leader Rahul Gandhi sparked controversy on Monday (Mar 18) with his "Shakti" remarks during the closing ceremony of the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra in Mumbai. With the 2024 Lok Sabha elections looming, Prime Minister Narendra Modi swiftly denounced Gandhi's comments. Responding to the backlash, Gandhi issued a clarification, blaming PM Modi for “twisting" his remarks. Israeli delegation to head to Doha for temporary Gaza ceasefire, hostage release talks: Reports An Israeli delegation is expected to head to Doha, Qatar on Monday (Mar 18) for indirect talks about a temporary truce in Gaza and the release of hostages held in the Palestinian enclave, reported the Israeli media. This comes after Israel’s security cabinet reportedly approved the dispatch of the delegation led by the head of Israeli intelligence the night prior. Uber agrees to pay $178 million settlement to Australian taxi drivers: Report Uber, has reached a landmark settlement agreement to pay A$271.8 million (US$178 million) to resolve a class-action lawsuit brought by Australian taxi operators and drivers on Monday. According to Reuters, this settlement, described as the fifth-largest in Australia's legal history, marks the culmination of a protracted legal battle initiated in 2019.

Top 10 world news: Taliban slam Pak air strikes; Modi congratulates Putin on re-election, and more

The Taliban on Monday (Mar 18) condemned the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/exclusive-pakistan-launches-airstrikes-against-ttp-deep-inside-afghanistan-sources-tell-wion-701395">air strikes by Pakistan</a>, claiming that the attacks inside Afghanistan killed women and children. It also said that&nbsp;Afghanistan does not allow anyone to "compromise security" by using Afghan territory.&nbsp;

The Taliban called the strikes "reckless action" and a violation of Afghanistan's territory. In a statement Taliban claimed that its security forces targeted Pakistani troops at the border in response to the air strikes.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Zabihullah Mujahid, who is the spokesperson for the Taliban administration, released a statement, stating that Pakistan planes bombed the houses of civilians, which killed six people, including three women and three children.&nbsp;

The statement added that two women died after a house collapsed in the Khost province.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-maldives-hold-third-high-level-core-group-meeting-review-deputation-of-indian-technical-personnel-701172">India and Maldives hold third high-level core group meeting, review deputation of Indian technical personnel</a>

Pakistan's government reportedly targeted the hideouts of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). In a statement, the Pakistani foreign office said Pakistan had carried out "intelligence-based anti-terrorist operations in the border regions inside Afghanistan".

However, it did not specify what kind of operations they were. Pakistan, however, said that they targeted members of the Hafiz Gulf Bahadur militant group after an attack on a military post in Pakistan on Saturday.&nbsp;

WION learned from sources that Islamabad apparently targeted the house of Abdullah Shah, one of the TTP commanders. But according to the Taliban, Shah is in Pakistan.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/aseefa-bhutto-submits-nomination-papers-on-seat-vacated-by-father-asif-ali-zardari-for-bye-elections-701135">Aseefa Bhutto submits nomination papers for bye-polls on seat vacated by father Asif Ali Zardari</a>

The Taliban spokesperson added in the statement, "Pakistan shouldn't blame Afghanistan for the lack of control, incompetence, and problems in its own territory."&nbsp;

"Such incidents can have very bad consequences which will not be in Pakistan’s control," it added.&nbsp;

In an earlier statement, the Taliban had said that Pakistan's reconnaissance and fighter jets once again entered the territory of Afghanistan during an aggressive action, and bombed the houses of civilians in Paktika's Burmal and Khost Sepera districts.&nbsp;

Watch this report:&nbsp;

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It added, "In response to this aggression, the border forces of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan targeted Pakistan’s military centres along the fictitious line with heavy weapons."&nbsp;

"‎The country's defence and security forces are ready to respond to any aggressive actions and will defend their territorial integrity in any situation," it added.&nbsp;

Both Pakistan and Afghanistan have traded blame over who is responsible for a recent rise in militant attacks in Pakistan. Islamabad claims that the attacks were launched from Afghan soil, but Kabul denies this.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The Taliban on Monday (Mar 18) condemned the air strikes by Pakistan, claiming that the attacks inside Afghanistan killed women and children. It also said that Afghanistan does not allow anyone to "compromise security" by using Afghan territory.

The Taliban on Monday (Mar 18) condemned the air strikes by Pakistan, claiming that the attacks inside Afghanistan killed women and children. It also said that Afghanistan does not allow anyone to "compromise security" by using Afghan territory. The Taliban called the strikes "reckless action" and a violation of Afghanistan's territory. In a statement Taliban claimed that its security forces targeted Pakistani troops at the border in response to the air strikes. Zabihullah Mujahid, who is the spokesperson for the Taliban administration, released a statement, stating that Pakistan planes bombed the houses of civilians, which killed six people, including three women and three children. The statement added that two women died after a house collapsed in the Khost province. Also read: India and Maldives hold third high-level core group meeting, review deputation of Indian technical personnel Pakistan's government reportedly targeted the hideouts of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). In a statement, the Pakistani foreign office said Pakistan had carried out "intelligence-based anti-terrorist operations in the border regions inside Afghanistan". However, it did not specify what kind of operations they were. Pakistan, however, said that they targeted members of the Hafiz Gulf Bahadur militant group after an attack on a military post in Pakistan on Saturday. WION learned from sources that Islamabad apparently targeted the house of Abdullah Shah, one of the TTP commanders. But according to the Taliban, Shah is in Pakistan. Also read: Aseefa Bhutto submits nomination papers for bye-polls on seat vacated by father Asif Ali Zardari The Taliban spokesperson added in the statement, "Pakistan shouldn't blame Afghanistan for the lack of control, incompetence, and problems in its own territory." "Such incidents can have very bad consequences which will not be in Pakistan’s control," it added. In an earlier statement, the Taliban had said that Pakistan's reconnaissance and fighter jets once again entered the territory of Afghanistan during an aggressive action, and bombed the houses of civilians in Paktika's Burmal and Khost Sepera districts. Watch this report: × It added, "In response to this aggression, the border forces of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan targeted Pakistan’s military centres along the fictitious line with heavy weapons." "‎The country's defence and security forces are ready to respond to any aggressive actions and will defend their territorial integrity in any situation," it added. Both Pakistan and Afghanistan have traded blame over who is responsible for a recent rise in militant attacks in Pakistan. Islamabad claims that the attacks were launched from Afghan soil, but Kabul denies this. (With inputs from agencies)

Taliban condemn 'reckless' air strikes by Pakistan that it claims killed eight, including women and children

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