Repatriation Of Afghan Refugees From Iran Should Be Voluntary, Says UN

The Taliban's police command in Pul-e-Khumri said that the city is "under extensive security coverage". According to the report, security cameras have been installed in different parts of the city.

In April 2024, the Taliban's Interior Ministry had announced that it had started installing security cameras in Pul-e-Khumri.

The Taliban had previously installed security cameras in Kabul and some other cities.

The Taliban's Interior Ministry had previously said that the installation of security cameras in Kabul and other cities is part of the ministry's five-year strategic plan.

Baghlan province has been one of the main centres of armed resistance against the group after the Taliban took control of Afghanistan in August 2021. Former Afghan army commanders who joined the Taliban's military fronts after the collapse of the former government fought against the Taliban for months on end in the foothills of Andarab.

In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter), the embassy stated that it will provide “all services to the brotherly people of Afghanistan.”

The embassy had closed on 2 February 2023 due to security concerns. At the time, Reuters reported that Saudi diplomats had left Kabul over fears of terrorist attacks and were relocated to Pakistan.

The Saudi Embassy’s recent statement highlighted the kingdom’s commitment to supporting Afghanistan, saying: “In line with the desire of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to provide all services to the brotherly Afghan people, it has been decided that the Saudi Embassy in Kabul will resume its activities from 22 December 2024.”

This development follows the second Doha meeting on Afghanistan, where Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid announced that Saudi Arabia expressed its intention to reopen its embassy in Kabul. Mujahid emphasised the Taliban’s recognition of Saudi Arabia as an important partner and their commitment to strengthening relations with the kingdom.

Earlier, Amir Khan Muttaqi, the Taliban’s Foreign Minister, met with the Saudi ambassador and underlined Afghanistan’s shared cultural, historical, and religious ties with Saudi Arabia. He expressed interest in expanding bilateral relations with Riyadh. In response, the Saudi ambassador reaffirmed the strong historical ties between the two nations and pledged to continue humanitarian aid and collaboration in various fields.

General Munir asserted that the Taliban and their supporters will pay the price for their “evil acts” against the state of Pakistan.

The statement came during General Munir’s visit to Wana, South Waziristan, on Sunday, following a deadly attack by the TTP in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province that resulted in significant casualties among Pakistani soldiers.

During his visit, General Munir reiterated the military’s commitment to eradicating terrorism in all its forms. He emphasised that with the resolute support of the people, the Pakistani Army, along with law enforcement agencies, will restore lasting peace and stability across the nation. He also honoured the memory of soldiers killed in recent attacks, assuring that their sacrifices will not be forgotten.

The TTP has claimed responsibility for the recent assault on a military checkpoint in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, reporting that 35 soldiers were killed and 15 injured in the attack.

The Pakistani Army, however, confirmed the loss of 16 soldiers during the clashes with the TTP, stating that eight militants were also killed during the operation.

This attack marks the latest in a series of violent confrontations between the TTP and Pakistani forces in South Waziristan, a volatile region along the Afghan border that has long been a centre of militant activity.

In a statement released on Sunday, 22 December, UNDP reported that these women-led initiatives have directly and indirectly benefited an estimated 4.5 million Afghans. The programme highlighted that these businesses were established with financial backing from Japan and the European Union, facilitated by UNDP.

Earlier, on 2 December, UNDP revealed that since 2021, Japanese funding alone has provided employment for over 856,000 people in Afghanistan, including 225,000 women. Additionally, the programme has enabled more than 1.7 million people to access improved services.

UNDP operates in 170 countries, working to eradicate poverty and protect the environment. The organisation supports communities by enhancing skill development and encouraging active participation in social and developmental projects.

He emphasised that unless these individuals are accused of crimes under the current Taliban regime, they should be presumed innocent.

In a decree issued on Sunday, 22 December, Akhundzada instructed that all cases involving such individuals, whether prosecuted or convicted by previous governments, must be expunged from administrative and electronic systems.

The decree mandates that relevant institutions delete the names and records of these individuals from biometric databases, administrative documents, court rulings, intelligence and security archives, and electronic systems. Akhundzada further asserted that these individuals should remain innocent in the eyes of the Taliban authorities unless proven guilty of new offences.

There are concerns, however, that this directive could enable the Taliban to erase or destroy administrative documents deemed unfavourable by its officials.

This latest move is consistent with previous efforts by the Taliban to protect former collaborators. Over the past three years, the group has also provided special benefits to the families of their supporters, including those who carried out suicide attacks.