Rights Groups Seek Recognition of Gender Apartheid in Afghanistan

He explained that he aimed to underscore the extensive potential for 'martyrdom' forces within Afghanistan, Iran, and other Islamic nations.

During an interview with the private Shamshad TV at the Iranian Embassy in Kabul, he sought to rationalise his earlier remarks on the preparedness of "a martyrdom army" from Afghanistan which could be sent to aid Palestinians and fight against Israel.

Previously, during a discussion with the Iranian state media, Kazemi Qomi labeled Afghanistan as a component of the resistance axis. However, in his latest interview, he remarked, "There is tremendous potential in these countries, notably Afghanistan, where individuals are willing to lay down their lives for the sake of Al-Quds (Jerusalem). They possess martyrdom and Jihadist forces."

Responding to a Shamshad reporter's inquiry about the location of these forces, Iran's special representative mentioned, "The people of Afghanistan”.

This top diplomat of the Islamic Republic further noted that his prior dialogue did not broach the subject of dispatching a suicide army from Afghanistan to Gaza, emphasising that there is no intention of intervention.

Nonetheless, Qomi affirmed, "Such capacity exists within the aware consciences of Afghanistan's Muslim and revolutionary populace. Should the circumstances be conducive and the need arise, they are well-prepared; the same holds for Iran and other countries... I never stated our intention to send [suicide attackers from Afghanistan to Gaza].”

On February 7, speaking to Iran's state-run Ofogh channel, the special representative for Afghanistan, expressed that "more than one brigade of martyrdom forces" could be mobilised from Afghanistan to support Gaza if required.

He acknowledged Afghanistan's geographic distance from Gaza, but reinforced its status within the "resistance axis”.

The statements from Qomi elicited a broad range of responses, including from Atta Mohammad Noor, a Taliban adversary, who asserted that Afghanistan's sovereignty does not extend to dispatching suicide forces to Gaza.

These sources indicated that the checkpoint was situated in the "Dehna-e Qasaba" area, with the casualties comprising the vehicle's driver and four passengers.

A family member of one of the deceased relayed to Afghanistan International that this tragic event unfolded on Monday morning.

He further revealed that the victims' families had been tirelessly searching for their loved ones' remains across various hospitals in Kabul since the incident and ultimately located them at the city's forensic medicine department.

The source elaborated that the Taliban not only declined to release the bodies, but also refrained from providing any justification for their actions.

Among those killed was Ramesh Nasiri, a Panjshir native. A relative of Nasiri informed Afghanistan International that he, along with four others, fell victim to Taliban gunfire on Monday as they were en route from Pul-e-Kheshti to Qasaba area in Kabul.

Additionally, it was mentioned that Ramesh Nasiri was pursuing studies at the Faculty of Law and Political Sciences at Kabul University and was not involved in any political activities.

As of now, there has been no response or statement from Taliban officials regarding the incident.

During her visit, she highlighted the UN's commitment to ensuring the Afghan people's right to access information and freedom of expression.

The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) shared images of Otunbayeva's engagement at "Radio Kilid" offices, emphasising on the significance of radio as a pivotal medium for news, education, and public discourse throughout a century in Afghanistan.

Otunbayeva noted that 150 radio networks are currently operational across the country.

This celebration by UNAMA comes at a challenging time for Afghan media, with numerous outlets ceasing operations and many journalists facing unemployment or exile following the Taliban's ascension to power.

The restrictive measures imposed by the Taliban regime have led to significant setbacks for media freedom in Afghanistan, including the arrest and mistreatment of several journalists over the last two years.

Radio Television Afghanistan, controlled by the Taliban, reported on Tuesday that the grave had been discovered during the digging of a water storage dam.

Taliban officials have said that a committee has been appointed to investigate the matter.

In November 2022, Taliban had announced the discovery of a mass grave in Kandahar province too.

He added that there have been no attempts by Washington to "normalise" relations with the Taliban currently.

During a press conference, Kirby said that there has been no change in the United States’ policy towards the Taliban.

Till now, no country has recognised the Taliban government, and the international community has said that Taliban's failure to fulfil their commitments, particularly concerning women's rights has been the reason for it.

Over the past two and a half years of their governance, the Taliban has imposed severe restrictions on women's education, participation in society, and employment.

Furthermore, the Taliban has not shown a constructive response to the consistent calls from the region and the global community to establish an inclusive government.

Additionally, various reports from the Security Council indicate that the Taliban has sustained ties with terrorist groups, including Al-Qaeda. Such associations have heightened concerns about the potential use of Afghan territory for activities against other nations.