About 4,000 Afghan Migrants Returned From Iran, Says Taliban

According to this report, the Taliban's efforts and lobbying to lift these sanctions continue.

In this report, Abdul Hakim Sharei, the Minister of Justice of the Taliban; Abdul Hakim Haqqani, the Chief Justice of the group's Supreme Court, and Habibullah Akhundzada, the Taliban’s Minister of Education, are mentioned as individuals who have been included in the list of those under human rights sanctions by the European Union.

These individuals have been involved in widespread human rights violations in Afghanistan over the past two and a half years at least.

In an interview with TOLOnews, Qomi stated that Iran will support the will of the Afghan people.

He also mentioned that the appointment of a new United Nations representative, with clearly defined powers, should be welcomed, if it helps Afghanistan's situation.

Qomi highlighted that developments in Afghanistan have a significant impact on the national security interests of neighbouring countries, adding, "To solve the problems in Afghanistan and address concerns about terrorism, a regional consensus and joint cooperation between countries is needed."

Like other countries, the Islamic Republic of Iran does not recognise the Taliban as the legitimate government, but it maintains diplomatic and economic relations with the group and has handed over the Afghan embassy in Tehran to the Taliban.

Shahabuddin Delawar, the Taliban's Minister of Mines, has said that the Taliban will only agree to further investments from this company if mineral processing is conducted within Afghanistan.

On Sunday, the Taliban's Ministry of Mines and Petroleum wrote on the social media platform X that the president of the MCC company had met with Delawar in Kabul.

The Chinese company is one of the largest firms involved in the extraction and processing of copper, lead, and zinc. According to the Taliban's Ministry of Mines and Petroleum, this company is particularly interested in investing in Afghanistan's major mines, especially those of copper, lead, and zinc.

Delawar, while welcoming the company's interest, informed the president of the company about the lead and zinc mines in Bamiyan, Ghor, and Kandahar.

The state-owned MCC obtained the license for the Aynak copper mine nearly two decades ago, but has not commenced extraction due to security concerns.

The Taliban members have repeatedly called for extraction at this major mining site to begin, but the Chinese company has refrained to do so and has not provided an explanation.

The Taliban's Ministry of Mines stated that during Sunday's meeting, Delawar gave "necessary directives to the MCC company to expedite activities at the Aynak copper mine”.

Taliban officials have frequently stated that security conditions have improved to facilitate foreign companies' investments in Afghanistan. However, these assurances do not appear to have convinced Chinese companies, despite their government's close relationship with the Taliban.

Akhundzada also directed that he should be informed if any Taliban officials interfere with the duties of the security commanders.

The Pashto section of Afghanistan International reported on Sunday that they had obtained this audio message in which the Taliban leader was speaking to the commanders via a radio communication device.

A reliable source confirmed that Mullah Hibatullah spoke with Taliban security commanders from various districts, security organisations, and some members of the group's military in Kandahar.

The source further added that Mullah Hibatullah instructed all officials to closely monitor ISIS activities in their areas and conduct security assessments regarding potential threats.

Although the Taliban has not yet commented on Mullah Hibatullah's communication with Kandahar security officials, this is the first time the leader has been known to communicate with security officials through an audio message that has been publicly released.

Following an ISIS suicide attack outside a Kabul Bank branch in Kandahar on March 21 this year, which killed at least 43 people and injured 45 others, the Taliban government has increased security measures in Kandahar. Local sources also report an increase in security checkpoints throughout the city.

Reactions to the qualification have been overwhelmingly positive. The Taliban spokesperson extended congratulations to Afghanistan's futsal team on their World Cup qualification, declaring it a significant achievement.

Additionally, former officials such as Ashraf Ghani, Abdullah Abdullah, and Atta Mohammad Noor, among others, offered their praises separately, applauding the team for this historic accomplishment.

Ahmad Massoud, the leader of the National Resistance Front also expressed his commendation, telling the team members, "After a long time, you have brought joy to the hearts of our suffering people. You are our pride."