Taliban Temporarily Shuts Down Rah-e-Farda TV

Speaking at the international conference titled “Afghanistan: Regional Connectivity, Security, and Development” held in Baku, Naghiyev emphasised the necessity for the international community to intensify efforts to combat terrorism and drug trafficking in Afghanistan.

According to a statement released on Tuesday by the Azerbaijani State Security Service, the conference was hosted by the Service and brought together representatives from the intelligence and security agencies of 20 countries.

During his address, Naghiyev stressed that the global community must provide Afghanistan with comprehensive support to tackle transnational organised crime, including international terrorism, drug trafficking, and illegal migration.

Citing a report from AzerNews, Naghiyev also underlined Afghanistan's critical role within the international system and the pressing need to achieve lasting peace in the country. He expressed confidence that regional states would engage in coordinated and joint efforts towards this objective.

Representatives from other nations reportedly described the conference as a valuable platform to take concrete steps toward ensuring peace and security in Afghanistan.

It remains unclear whether any Taliban officials were present at the conference. As of now, the group has not issued an official statement regarding the event.

According to Abdul Salam Jawad, spokesperson for the ministry, Afghanistan exported goods worth $627 million to India, while imports from India totalled $263 million. Jawad shared the figures in a video message published on the social media platform X on Tuesday.

Key Afghan exports to India included dried figs, saffron, raisins, cumin, and almonds, he said. Over the same period, Afghanistan imported sugar, raw materials for industrial companies, cotton textiles, vehicle parts, machinery, and various other goods from India.

Previously, Khan Jan Alokozay, a member of the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment, had stated that Afghan exports to India were valued at $500 million last year, indicating a significant rise in trade activity.

According to India’s Ministry of Commerce, there have been notable shifts in trade patterns with Afghanistan since the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021. India’s imports from Afghanistan have increased, while its exports to the country have declined.

This development comes amid ongoing regional tensions that led to the closure of the Wagah-Attari border crossing—a key trade route between Afghanistan and India. The disruption of Afghan exports via Pakistan has reportedly caused the price of dried fruits in Indian markets to surge by up to 20 percent.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the council confirmed that the visit aims to strengthen dialogue on the challenges faced by Afghan migrants in Iran and across the wider region. Mohaqiq, leader of the Islamic Unity Party of Afghanistan, is heading the delegation.

Other prominent members of the delegation include Almas Zahid, Head of the Council’s Peace Committee; Khwaja Mahbub Siddiqi, representative of the Jamiat-e-Islami Party; Abdullah Qarluq, Deputy Leader of the National Islamic Movement Party; and Habib-ur-Rahman Sayyaf, representative of the Islamic Dawah Organisation of Afghanistan.

The council expressed its gratitude to the Islamic Republic of Iran for its long-standing support and hospitality towards Afghan refugees. It also voiced optimism that the discussions would lead to enhanced cooperation and the adoption of practical measures to improve conditions for displaced Afghans.

Speaking at a press briefing on Monday, Dujarric stated that approximately 23 million people in Afghanistan continue to rely on international humanitarian aid. He emphasised the growing challenges faced by the UN and its partner agencies due to funding constraints.

Dujarric also highlighted the recent visit of Tom Fletcher, the UN Deputy Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, to Afghanistan. During his trip, Fletcher stressed to Taliban officials that the situation of Afghan women remains a paramount concern, reiterating that meaningful development is impossible without girls’ education and their full participation in society.

While in Kabul, Fletcher met with senior Taliban figures, including Abdul Salam Hanafi, Deputy Prime Minister; Deen Mohammad Hanif, Minister of Economy; and Amir Khan Muttaqi, the group’s Foreign Minister. Discussions focused on the impact of climate change on the humanitarian crisis, counter-narcotics initiatives, and security matters.

The Taliban’s official statement regarding Fletcher’s visit made no mention of his calls for improved access to education for girls.

Dujarric further noted that Fletcher addressed the repercussions of budget cuts on humanitarian programmes, urged the reduction of bureaucratic restrictions, and emphasised the essential role of women in humanitarian efforts. He also discussed the situation of Afghan refugees returning from Pakistan.

The United Nations voiced its concerns over funding cuts at a time when the United States recently announced the suspension of its aid to the World Food Programme in Afghanistan, citing concerns over the Taliban’s misappropriation of assistance.

Meanwhile, the Trump administration has placed US humanitarian aid to Afghanistan under a 90-day review, aiming to ensure that aid does not benefit the Taliban and aligns with broader US foreign policy priorities. The outcome of the review has not yet been announced.

According to Ahmad, the two sides discussed Afghanistan-Qatar bilateral relations, the enhancement of diplomatic and trade ties, and key regional issues during their meeting.

Meanwhile, Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement regarding the talks, said that Al Thani reaffirmed Qatar’s steadfast support for the Afghan people and its ongoing efforts to help achieve security, stability, and a dignified life in Afghanistan.

The Qatari statement noted that discussions focused on developments in Afghanistan and ways to support the Afghan people, but it did not explicitly mention efforts to strengthen diplomatic or commercial ties.

Nevertheless, Ahmad quoted Al Thani as describing Qatar’s relationship with the Taliban as “close and brotherly,” and expressing satisfaction with the group’s expanding relations with regional countries.

The Qatari foreign minister also highlighted the importance of boosting trade relations between the two countries and advocated for consistent and sustained communication between their private sectors.

During the meeting, Muttaqi thanked Qatar for its “official” invitation, describing the country’s role in the Taliban’s “foreign policy” as significant. He praised Qatar’s efforts in facilitating the Taliban’s engagement with the international community.

Muttaqi further emphasised the need to upgrade diplomatic relations and strengthen bilateral ties, proposing that Qatar invest in Afghanistan’s development and commercial opportunities.

Qatar, a key supporter of the Taliban, previously hosted the group’s political office in Doha, which paved the way for the 18-month negotiations between the Taliban and the United States, prior to the collapse of Afghanistan’s former government.