Will Soon Establish Official Relations With Some Countries, Claims Taliban Official

The recommendation came from the Committee for Health and Epidemiological Control, following a review of various pomegranate-flavoured sodas made in Afghanistan.

Kazakhstani media reported that the committee urged the National Chamber of Entrepreneurs to advise companies against importing pomegranate-flavoured sodas under the brands "Royal," "Paradise," "Money," "Pure," and "Golden Life”.

The committee highlighted that the labelling on these soft drink cans does not conform to the standards of the Eurasian Economic Union. Specifically, the labels lack a warning about the presence of the artificial colouring "Azorubine E122," which may adversely affect children's mental activity.

Despite these labelling concerns, the Ministry of Health found no toxic or hazardous substances in the drinks that would pose a risk to human health.

In related developments, it was reported that Kyrgyzstan banned the consumption of beverages containing the artificial colouring "Azorubine" as of July 3.

These sources revealed that the men were former employees of the Ministry of Interior under the previous Afghan government.

The Taliban confirmed that these three men were killed while allegedly attempting to escape after being accused of murdering a member of the Taliban.

Local reports on Monday indicated that the Taliban conducted a public "summary trial and execution" of these former military personnel in the village of Sar-e-Jangal on Sunday, bypassing due process and fair trial procedures.

Following the fall of the Republic government, the three brothers had turned to farming, according to the sources.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the press office of the Taliban’s governor in Ghor described the men as "elements of sedition and Khawarij," alleging that they had killed Saeedullah, a Taliban member, a few days earlier.

The statement claimed that the individuals fled after the killing, but were subsequently arrested by Taliban forces. The Taliban further asserted that the detainees attempted to escape from custody in Murghab district and were, then, shot dead by Taliban forces.

The Taliban also stated that these individuals were previously affiliated with the "Khawarij" in Ghor, a term the Taliban use to refer to ISIS.

Despite the Taliban’s declaration of a "general amnesty," numerous reports of killings, detentions, and torture of former government military personnel have emerged during their three-year rule in Afghanistan.

The Taliban have previously faced accusations of killing former government employees, political opponents, or ordinary individuals under the pretext of ISIS affiliation.

The purpose of his visit is to attend the inauguration ceremony of Masoud Pezeshkian, the new President of Iran.

According to a statement released by the Taliban's Prime Minister's office on the social media platform X, Abdul Kabir received a formal invitation to participate in the inauguration event.

The statement, issued on Monday, July 29, indicated that during his visit, Mawlawi Abdul Kabir will hold meetings with Iranian officials. The discussions are expected to focus on strengthening political and economic relations between the Taliban and the Islamic Republic of Iran, as well as addressing the issues faced by Afghan migrants.

This visit occurs amidst reports of widespread arrests, physical assault, and mistreatment of Afghan migrants in Iran. The Taliban has remained silent on these reports.

Despite not officially recognising the Taliban government, the Islamic Republic of Iran has transferred control of the Afghan Embassy in Tehran and its consulates to the Taliban. Iran maintains close political and economic relations with the group.

During the meeting, Akhundzada urged Taliban officials to avoid internal disputes and to focus on the "implementation of Sharia”.

He emphasised on the importance of "strengthening the Islamic system, educating and promoting Islamic principles among Muslim children, complete obedience to their leaders, and compassion towards subordinates”.

The meeting in Ghor was attended by several Taliban officials from the province, as reported by the group.

This visit marks one of the rare acknowledgements of Akhundzada's activities, as nearly three years have passed since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan, and their leader is yet to be seen in public.

Akhundzada’s call for unity among Taliban officials comes amid reports of internal disagreements and rifts over the group's policies. During the Eid al-Adha prayer, he previously urged Taliban members to set aside their differences, stating that he would be "happy" to be removed from his position if it meant preventing division within the group.

Recently, Yaqoob Mujahid, the Taliban's Defence Minister, also highlighted that the group's opponents are leveraging extensive resources to sow distrust among Taliban members. He stressed that distrust, disunity, and internal conflict should be eradicated from within the group.

In a statement released on Monday, 29 July, Mohaqiq condemned the Taliban's actions, stating, "These atrocities will end, but they will have serious adverse effects on the relations between the ethnic groups of Afghanistan."

He added, "Perhaps violating the dignity, honour, and beliefs of the people may seem desirable to the Taliban rulers for a short while, but God is the true avenger."

Mohaqiq, currently residing in Turkey, described the death of the 19-year-old Bamiyan girl as "martyrdom," noting that "the poor girl was killed at her home on the night of July 27, 2024."

He further explained that there are "two narratives" surrounding her "tragic martyrdom": one suggesting that the girl hanged herself to escape her grim fate, and the other claiming that "the assailants, to silence her cries for justice forever, went to her home at night and killed her”.

According to Mohaqiq, two weeks prior to her death, members of a Taliban military unit in Punjab abducted the girl while she was on her way home from work in the Punjab bazaar area and transferred her to Bamiyan city. After "two or three days of violating the honour of this defenceless 19-year-old girl, the Taliban released her in Bamiyan city. When she appealed to the relevant Taliban authorities for justice, no one listened to her cries."

Taliban officials have not yet made any public statements regarding the arrest and death of the girl.

Earlier, sources in Bamiyan told Afghanistan International that following the death of the Bamiyan girl, the Taliban expelled a member of their military unit in Punjab district, Bamiyan province, and referred him to the military prosecutor. However, it remains unclear what charges have been brought against this Taliban member, and sources reported that he has not yet been detained.