Pakistan, China & Taliban To Hold Counterterrorism Talks In Kabul

In a message marking the 106th anniversary of Afghanistan’s independence, Karzai said national strength stems from “unity and an educated workforce.” He stressed that such strength is only possible if both boys and girls are given equal opportunities to study.

Karzai urged Afghan youth to pursue education with determination and compete in gaining knowledge and expertise, saying this would secure a brighter future for the nation.

The Taliban, who returned to power in 2021, barred girls above sixth grade from attending school just months after seizing control. Their sweeping restrictions on women over the past four years have drawn sharp criticism from the international community and human rights organisations.

The Taliban’s refusal to ease curbs on women has prevented their administration from securing international recognition. So far, Russia is the only country to have formally recognised the regime.

The Islamic Liberation Movement of the People of Afghanistan said in a statement Tuesday that its fighters killed Mawlawi Hassan, the Taliban’s regional control officer for the 10th security district, in a midday attack. The group said one of Hassan’s bodyguards was also wounded.

Medical sources at Herat Regional Hospital confirmed that the body of a Taliban member had been transferred there but provided no further details.

The position of regional control officer, under the former Afghan government, was known as “criminal investigation office” within police command.

The Taliban have not commented on the attack.

Speaking On the 106th anniversary of Afghanistan’s independence, he said that his administration was closely monitoring foreign activity.

“We monitor everything and have our own calculations about it,” Baradar said in a speech on Tuesday, August 19. He urged Afghans abroad to return home and avoid “needless destruction at the instigation of others.”

Without naming a specific state, Baradar added: “Instead of interference and confrontation, pave the way for political and economic engagement.”

His comments come days before Pakistan is set to host a gathering of Afghan opposition leaders in Islamabad on August 25–26. The meeting will bring together political activists, women’s rights advocates, and party representatives. Analysts see it as a potential shift in Pakistan’s stance, though Islamabad has downplayed its significance.

Baradar also underscored the importance of modern education. “We must turn to the education of our time according to today’s needs, and acquire technology and advanced tools,” he said.

The remarks contrast sharply with Taliban education policies. Over the past four years, the group has established thousands of religious schools across Afghanistan. The Taliban’s Ministry of Education says more than 21,000 madrassas are now active nationwide, while girls remain barred from secondary and higher education.

Calling for unity based on national and religious values, Baradar concluded: “We must eliminate divisions created under various names and not allow, God forbid, this system to fall victim to disunity and narrow-mindedness.”

“This time, conditions should not be created that, God forbid, we lose this freedom,” Yaqub said in a speech on Tuesday, August 19.

He urged unity under “Islam and Afghan identity,” cautioning against prejudice. “Here, Islam and Afghan identity are what matter,” he said.

Yaqub also pledged that Taliban forces would not serve foreign powers. “We have no ill intentions toward anyone; we want to have good relations with the entire world,” he said.

Reiterating the group’s opposition to foreign interference, the Taliban defence minister said: “We must remain vigilant against the conspiracies of foreigners, stand against any of their hostile actions, and not allow anyone to interfere in our affairs.”

MTN CEO Ralph Mupita told reporters that the company’s US attorneys had confirmed a Justice Department grand jury investigation had been launched. The probe also covers the activities of Iran’s mobile operator Irancell, in which MTN holds a stake.

Mupita said the company is cooperating fully and voluntarily responding to requests for information but declined to provide further details.

MTN is already facing lawsuits in the United States brought by American soldiers and civilians who were wounded or killed in Iraq and Afghanistan between 2005 and 2010.

News of the latest probe came as MTN trimmed its medium-term service revenue growth forecast in South Africa, prompting shares to fall 9 percent on Monday.

MTN officially exited Afghanistan in April, selling its stake to another firm, which now operates under the brand name ATOMA.