Kunar & Nuristan Elders Turn To Pakistan For Security Support

Following a new agreement between tribal elders in Nuristan and Pakistan’s Chitral district, the route connecting the districts of Barg-e-Matal and Kamdesh has reopened after nearly two months. According to sources, the agreement was reached on Monday, April 13.

Tribal elders said Pakistani forces also asked them not to allow the presence of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in their areas.

According to the agreement, a copy of which was obtained by Afghanistan International, both sides have committed to observing a permanent ceasefire from Nari to Nuristan.

Images released from the event show that the jirga was held at one of the Pakistani military bases.

These images show the presence of Pakistani soldiers, but no representatives of the Taliban are visible.

Tribal elders say the route between Barg-e-Matal and Kamdesh had been closed for the past two months, and the Taliban made no effort to reopen it.

One tribal elder said: “The Pakistani side requested that TTP fighters not be given shelter in these areas, and if anyone does so, local people must stand against them.”

Under the agreement, Taliban and Pakistani forces have committed not to attack each other in the areas of Nari, Kamdesh, Barg-e-Matal, Arnoi, and Chitral.

Sami Sadat, a former Afghan army commander, reacted by saying: “Today, Afghans have been brought so low that, for the security of their village and district, they must go and apologize to the Pakistani military.”

He described the situation as a “historic disgrace” imposed on Afghans by the Taliban.

The former commander warned that those who had expected security from the Taliban should now realise that they have not only failed to bring security and progress but have also brought “misery and disgrace” to the people.

Pakistan Urges Nuristan Elders To Deny TTP Safe Haven

Apr 14, 2026, 17:12 GMT+1

Local elders in Nuristan and Nari district of Kunar say the Taliban played no role in a recent agreement with Pakistani forces in Chitral, which led to the reopening of key routes after weeks of closure.

Following the agreement between elders from Nuristan and Pakistan’s Chitral, the route to Barg-e Matal and Kamdesh districts reopened after nearly two months. Sources said the deal was reached on Monday, April 13.

According to a copy of the agreement obtained by Afghanistan International, both sides pledged to observe a permanent ceasefire from Nari to Nuristan. Images from the meeting show it was held at a Pakistani military post.

The images show Pakistani troops present, but no Taliban representatives. Reports indicate that Taliban forces withdrew from their posts along the border following the agreement.

Elders said the road had remained closed for two months and that the Taliban had made no effort to reopen it.

One elder said the Pakistani side had asked locals not to allow Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) fighters to operate in the area and to resist anyone who did.

Under the agreement, both Taliban and Pakistani forces committed not to attack each other in Nari, Kamdesh, Barg-e Matal, Arandu and Chitral.

India Delivers 13 Tones Of TB Vaccines & Medical Aid To Afghanistan

Apr 14, 2026, 16:12 GMT+1

India has delivered 13 tones of vaccines and medical supplies to Afghanistan to support child immunisation against tuberculosis, its foreign ministry spokesman said, in cooperation with WHO and UNICEF.

Randhir Jaiswal, spokesman for India’s Ministry of External Affairs, said the aid had been handed over to the Taliban’s health ministry with the support of the World Health Organization and UNICEF.

Thousands of people in Afghanistan contract tuberculosis each year, and the disease remains a serious public health threat in the country. The United Nations has previously warned that many TB cases go undiagnosed.

According to the World Health Organization, tuberculosis is among the top ten causes of death worldwide, with nearly 10 million people infected annually.

WHO data shows that around 80,000 TB cases were recorded in Afghanistan in 2023.

Protesters In Herat Call For Probe Into Deadly Attack On Shia Worshippers

Apr 14, 2026, 14:30 GMT+1

Hundreds of people marched in Herat to protest the attack on Shia civilians, calling for protection of religious sites, freedom of belief and action against extremist ideology.

Residents held the demonstration during the funeral of victims killed in Friday’s shooting.

On Tuesday, April 14, protesters issued a resolution stating that the attackers insulted Shia religious beliefs during the assault.

The resolution said the gunmen carried out the attack “calmly and without haste” and left the scene in an orderly manner.

It also noted that although multiple security checkpoints had existed along the route to the shrine in previous days, none were present on the day of the attack.

Citing eyewitness accounts, the statement added that Taliban security forces did not arrive at the scene until around 45 minutes after the incident.

Protesters called on the Taliban to support the wounded and the victims’ families and urged the use of community forces to secure places of worship and strengthen security measures.

They also demanded tracking of victims’ mobile phones, which were reportedly taken by the attackers.

Hundreds of people took to the streets in Herat to protest the killing of civilians.

Residents were demonstrating against the deaths of at least 11 people and injuries to another 11 in the province.

On Friday afternoon, four unidentified gunmen opened fire on Shia civilians near a shrine in Injil district. According to United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, at least 11 civilians were killed and 11 others wounded in the attack.

Taliban Spokesperson Calls UN Sanctions ‘Clear Injustice’

Apr 14, 2026, 13:52 GMT+1

Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid has criticised the UN’s updated sanctions on its officials as unreasonable and ineffective, calling their continuation a clear injustice against Afghans.

Mujahid urged the United Nations to lift the sanctions, saying doing so would help pave the way for engagement between the Taliban and the international community.

He described the sanctions as a tool of political pressure and said past experience shows they have not produced results.

On Monday, the UN Security Council sanctions committee announced updates to information on four Taliban officials already listed under its sanction’s regime.

The changes relate to identity details and official documentation of Mohammad Hassan Akhund, Abdul Ghani Baradar, Amir Khan Muttaqi and Hedayatullah Badri.

The committee had also updated and published biographical details of 22 senior Taliban figures in mid-March.

The Taliban have repeatedly called for the removal of sanctions during more than four years in power.

However, concerns over militant activity in Afghanistan, discrimination against women and the lack of an inclusive government have led the UN to maintain the sanctions.

Three Dead & Four Injured In Baghlan Shooting

Apr 14, 2026, 12:49 GMT+1

Taliban police in Baghlan say three people were killed and four injured in an attack inside a mosque in Khwaja district, during evening prayers on Monday.

According to the Taliban police command, the incident took place in Chokak village of Khwaja district while worshippers were performing prayers.

The Taliban said the attack was linked to a personal dispute, adding that two suspects have been arrested and one has fled.

They said the injured were taken to hospital for treatment.

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