Karzai Urges Taliban to Immediately Reopen Schools & Universities for Girls

Speaking at a ceremony in Kabul on Sunday to mark Afghanistan's Independence Day, Kabir noted that, over the past century, no Afghan leader has adequately addressed the root causes of the nation's issues or provided lasting solutions.

"Throughout history, Afghan politics has lacked true independence," Kabir remarked, underscoring the notion that while Afghans have succeeded in resisting foreign powers, they have often failed to secure political stability.

However, he asserted that the Taliban, after 100 years, have not only won militarily but also politically and economically. He emphasised that the group's foreign policy is now focused on economy and is independent.

Kabir also stated that the Taliban government is committed to understanding and addressing the causes of war and instability in Afghanistan to prevent future conflicts. Without directly mentioning Pakistan, he urged neighbouring countries to "refrain from irresponsible attitudes and statements," warning that such provocations could undermine regional stability and cooperation.

Tensions between the Taliban and Pakistan have escalated in recent months, particularly over Islamabad's dissatisfaction with the presence of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in Afghanistan. On August 14, Pakistan's Independence Day, the country's military called on the Afghan Taliban not to prioritise Pakistani militants over their long-standing relationship with Islamabad.

Pakistani officials have repeatedly accused the Taliban of harbouring TTP militants and failing to prevent their attacks on Pakistani soil. Recently, Pakistan's special envoy urged the Taliban to hand over TTP leaders to resolve the ongoing tensions between the two countries. However, the Taliban continue to deny the presence of the TTP within Afghanistan.

During a visit to Takhar province, Hanafi asserted that the Taliban remains committed to enforcing Sharia law, regardless of external opinions or pressures.

In his remarks, Hanafi emphasised that the people are obligated to support and comply with the Taliban regime.

On Monday, August 20, Taliban-controlled Afghan National Radio and Television reported that Hanafi, addressing a gathering in Takhar, urged clerics to cooperate with the Taliban and assist in fostering positive relations between the group and the public.

The Taliban minister highlighted the role of religious scholars, stating that they have a duty to strengthen the bond between the Taliban and the people.

Since the implementation of Pakistan's deportation plan for Afghan migrants, more than 691,000 Afghans have been returned to their home country, according to Pakistani media.

Between Sunday, 21 July, and Saturday, 16 August, Pakistani media reported that 11,054 children, 9,320 women, and 11,826 men were expelled from the country.

These migrants were reportedly transported back to Afghanistan in 674 vehicles.

Pakistani authorities have confirmed that the deportation of Afghans without valid residency documents will continue.

The deportation programme for Afghan migrants from Pakistan commenced in October 2023, and despite widespread international criticism, Pakistan remains committed to continuing the expulsions of Afghan refugees.

The victims, all former members of Afghanistan’s security forces, have been named as Rozi Khan, Rahmatullah, Samiullah, Agha Wali, and Sardar Wali. Jaish ul-Adl, a militant Islamist group, had previously confirmed that it had captured these individuals.

The five men were originally from Lashkargah, the capital of Helmand province in Afghanistan.

On Saturday, 17 August, Mohammad Jawad, the official in charge at Fahd bin Sultan Hospital, where the bodies were transferred, informed Pakistani media that a group of Afghan nationals from the refugee camp in Chaghi district had identified the bodies. He also stated that the remains have since been moved to Quetta city.

Pakistani police have suggested that these victims might be the same five individuals whose confessions were circulated on social media by Jaish ul-Adl last month. Investigations into the case are ongoing.

In July of this year, Jaish ul-Adl released a video showing five Afghan citizens in their custody, accusing them of involvement in the assassination of one of the group’s leaders.

Now, the official from Fahd bin Sultan Hospital has confirmed the names of the five men that Jaish ul-Adl had claimed to have "captured" in July. At that time, the group accused them of collaborating with the Iranian government.

To date, no group, including Jaish ul-Adl, has claimed responsibility for the killings of these individuals. However, the Islamist group had previously announced that the five men had been sentenced to death for their alleged role in the murder of one of its leaders.

The bullet-riddled bodies of these five Afghans were discovered on Friday in the Chaghi district of Balochistan, Pakistan, near the Iranian border. Pakistani authorities reported that the victims were found hanging from electricity poles, with gunshot wounds to their chests and other parts of their bodies.

Hamkar highlighted that drug trafficking is a regional issue and stressed the importance of joint efforts to address this challenge.

According to Bakhtar News Agency, which is under Taliban control, the Iranian delegation also called for global cooperation in combating drug trafficking in Afghanistan during the meeting on Sunday.

The six-member Iranian delegation, led by Mohammad Zarei, Deputy Head of Iran's Anti-Narcotics Headquarters, arrived in Kabul on Friday.

Iskandar Momeni, Head of Iran's Anti-Narcotics Headquarters, has previously stated that the border regions between Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan are recognised as key global drug trafficking routes. He further noted that Iran, with its extensive borders, particularly with Afghanistan and Pakistan, has become a major centre in the fight against drug trafficking.

In April 2022, the Taliban announced a ban on poppy cultivation, as well as the production, consumption, and sale of narcotics. However, reports suggest that drug cultivation and trafficking continue in Afghanistan despite the ban.