Taliban Interior Minister Reappears After 52 Days Of Absence

During the meetings, Muttaqi requested Oman’s assistance in reducing prison sentences for Afghan detainees and helping facilitate their release.

Zia Ahmad Takal, deputy spokesperson for the Taliban’s Foreign Ministry, stated in a press release on Friday, March 14, that Muttaqi also met with officials from the chamber of commerce, investment sector, and the Minister of Religious Affairs.

Muttaqi urged Oman to support Afghan prisoners, establish direct flights between the two countries, and address challenges faced by Afghans in Oman. He also called for greater cultural exchanges to help facilitate their return home. However, it remains unclear how many Afghans are currently detained in Oman, as Omani authorities have not released any figures.

The Taliban also requested Oman’s cooperation in resolving consular issues for Afghans living in the country and coordinating with the Afghan embassy.

During the visit, Muttaqi met with Oman’s Minister of Religious Affairs to discuss expertise sharing on mosques, Hajj management, and endowments. He also sought Oman’s support in rebuilding mosques in Afghanistan.

In September 2024, the Taliban’s Foreign Ministry announced that it had taken control of the Afghan embassy in Muscat. The group described it as a step toward strengthening political and economic ties. Despite this, Oman has maintained a cautious approach, engaging only in limited diplomatic relations and refraining from officially recognising the Taliban government.

According to the agency, the exhibition showcased Afghan women’s handmade products and creative works. It was held in collaboration with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM).

In a statement on Friday, March 14, the UNHCR said its activities for International Women’s Day are ongoing. The agency noted that similar exhibitions have recently taken place in Kabul.

Last year, the UNHCR launched a two-year midwifery training programme for groups of 20 women in Bamiyan and Daikundi provinces. The agency has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting and empowering Afghan women.

While international organisations work to empower women, the Taliban has imposed severe restrictions on them over the past three years. Human rights groups and global organisations continue to call for the repeal of these oppressive policies.

Data from Poland’s Border Guard shows that over 1,200 migrants from Afghanistan, Pakistan, Somalia, Iran, Ethiopia, and Eritrea have attempted to cross the Poland-Belarus border illegally since the start of the year.

Polish authorities have reinforced barriers to prevent unauthorised crossings. The country’s Ministry of Defence has deployed around 5,000 soldiers, border guards, and police officers to secure the border.

Belarus remains a key route for migrants attempting to enter Europe. Many migrants have died or been detained along the way. Despite the risks, large numbers continue to attempt the crossing.

According to the report, 114 have been deported, while 140 remain detained at the Haji Camp due to the ongoing closure of the Torkham border crossing.

The newspaper noted that deportations have been halted in recent days as the border remains closed. The Torkham crossing was shut down 21 days ago following border tensions between Pakistan and the Taliban.

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Ministry of Interior has tightened security at Haji Camp, where Afghan migrants are held. The increased security comes as only 16 days remain before the forced expulsion of undocumented Afghan migrants begins.

According to an official statement from the Pakistani government, the deportation of undocumented Afghan migrants, including those with Afghan Citizen Cards (ACC), will begin on 1 April 2025. Pakistan has also ordered Afghan migrants with active immigration cases for Western countries and those holding Proof of Registration (POR) cards to leave Islamabad and Rawalpindi and relocate to other cities.

On Thursday, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Shafqat Ali Khan, once again blamed the Taliban for the border closure. He stated that, despite Pakistan’s warnings, the Taliban attempted to build a checkpoint within Pakistani territory.

The medal was presented by Ali Ehsassi, the Canadian Parliament’s Chairman of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development, in a special ceremony.

Ehsassi shared on X: “Honoured to have presented the King Charles III Coronation Medal to outstanding individuals of distinction who have impacted our community, country, and beyond.” Sayara Dashty told Afghanistan International that the Canadian Parliament awarded this medal to 25 individuals.

The Canadian government has announced that a total of 30,000 people will receive the medal to mark King Charles III’s coronation. Designed by the Canadian government, the medal was introduced three days before the coronation ceremony on 6 May 2023. According to the Governor General of Canada’s official website, it will be awarded to “deserving individuals” whose achievements have brought honour and recognition to Canada, both nationally and internationally.

On Friday, the Fahim Dashty Foundation confirmed that Sayara Dashty received the medal for her contributions to the media sector, her advocacy for press freedom, and her work in defending women’s rights in Afghanistan.

Fahim Dashty, Sayara’s husband, was a well-known Afghan journalist who was killed in Panjshir after the Taliban took over Afghanistan in September 2021. After the fall of Kabul, he joined the National Resistance Front led by Ahmad Massoud as its spokesperson. Following his death, Sayara Dashty established the Fahim Dashty Foundation to support Afghan media and journalists.