Afghan Women's Movements Call For Acknowledgment Of Gender Apartheid

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Taliban's Foreign Ministry highlighted India's desire to deepen political and economic ties with the Taliban government.

The discussions between Muttaqi and Singh focused on the bilateral relations between the Taliban and India, alongside economic and transit-related matters. Notably, India expressed its support for bolstering trade between the two nations via the Chabahar port.

The statement from the Taliban Foreign Ministry also mentioned the Indian official's commendation for the Taliban's efforts against ISIS, corruption, and drug trafficking.

Muttaqi articulated the Taliban's ambition for a 'balanced foreign policy' aimed at solidifying political and economic ties with India. He urged India to simplify visa procedures for Afghan businessmen, patients, and students.

Furthermore, JP Singh's visit included meetings with Hamid Karzai, the former president, and Nooruddin Azizi, the Taliban's Minister of Industry and Commerce.

Despite not officially recognizing the Taliban government, India initiated informal engagements with the Taliban shortly after the previous Afghan government was overthrown.

In the statement, Taliban said that Yaqoob expressed his gratitude for "cooperation and wise mediation of Qatar for ending the occupation of Afghanistan".

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Qatar has not commented in this regard yet.

On Thursday, Taliban spokesperson, Zabihullah Mujahid wrote on X social media platform that both sides discussed enhancing relations between the two countries during this meeting.

It has been stated that the Emir of Qatar called Afghanistan a friend and expressed his good wishes for the country.

The Taliban minister has said that the Iranian delegation came to Kabul to discuss bilateral agreements.

As per the Taliban’s statement published on Wednesday, in this meeting, details of the bilateral agreement to reduce road transportation costs, development and facilitation of international transportation relations, and other issues were discussed.

The Taliban has not published the details of these agreements.

Iran, like other countries, does not recognise the Taliban. However, it has maintained diplomatic and economic relations with the group and has handed over the Afghan embassy in Tehran to the Taliban.

The Pakistan National Counter Terrorism Authority disclosed that three Afghan citizens were apprehended during the operation, along with a significant cache of weapons and ammunition.

Authorities in Rawalpindi have released a video depicting the arrest operation and showcasing the individuals being extracted from a residence by security forces with their heads covered. The police stated that this operation was conducted collaboratively with other security agencies operating in the vicinity of Adiala prison.

According to the police, a map of Adiala prison, hand grenades and explosives were found with the "terrorists".

Earlier, various Pakistani security officials had announced that Afghan citizens were involved in a number of attacks on the country's security forces.

Otunbayeva expressed hope for the participation of the Taliban delegation and other relevant groups in the upcoming meeting, though she did not provide specific details regarding its date.

During a report to the UN Security Council on Wednesday, she emphasised on the need for the third Doha summit to have a practical agenda, with discussions aimed at achieving tangible outcomes aligned with the organisation’s objectives.

The third meeting is anticipated to differ from the previous two Doha meetings, with the discussions taking place at a different level and potentially without the presence of the UN Secretary-General, unlike the earlier gatherings.

The second Doha meeting was held on February 18 and 19 in the presence of UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres and special representatives of 25 countries and international organisations for Afghanistan.

This meeting ended without a clear result due to the refusal of the Taliban to participate in it and also because the conditions of this group were not accepted.

Source of Instability In The Region And World

Otunbayeva called Afghanistan a challenge to the international community and a source of instability during the meeting of the Security Council on Wednesday and added that terrorism has been exported from the country to other parts of the world.

She also said that in the region and beyond, there are concerns about the presence of terrorist groups in Afghanistan.

She emphasised that the concerns extend beyond the presence of ISIS in Afghanistan. According to Otunbayeva, the presence of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in Afghanistan is a significant worry for Pakistan, as the country has experienced terrorist acts in recent months.

During the meeting, the UNSG Special Representative stated that the organisation will maintain its engagement with the Taliban. She highlighted ongoing consultations with Afghans on human rights issues and the inclusion of people's representatives in the political decision-making process.

Otunbayeva also discussed international aid, noting that over the last three years, approximately eight billion dollars have been provided to the people of Afghanistan. She emphasised that the aid from the international community has played a crucial role in promoting economic stability and supporting the private sector in Afghanistan.

She appealed to the international community and donors to persist in their assistance to Afghanistan.