Malaysian PM Holds Separate Talks With Pakistan & Taliban Prime Ministers
Anwar Ibrahim, Malaysia’s prime minister on Thursday held separate phone calls with his Pakistani counterpart and the Taliban’s prime minister.
Afghanistan
Bodies Still Missing After Strike On Kabul Rehab Center, Says Taliban
Taliban authorities held a group funeral on Thursday for victims of a Pakistani airstrike on a drug treatment center in Kabul, with dozens still unaccounted for.
Eid Ceasefire Has Ended, Operation In Afghanistan Resumes, Says Pakistan
Pakistan said it has resumed military operations in Afghanistan after a temporary Eid ceasefire ended, targeting what it described as militant hideouts.
International Organisations Call On Taliban To Reopen Schools For Girls
International officials and organisations have renewed calls for equal access to education in Afghanistan as the new school year begins, with a focus on girls’ rights.
Taliban Outlines School Plans, Stay Silent On Girls’ Secondary Education
The Taliban’s Education Ministry has set out its plans for the new academic year without mentioning the reopening of secondary schools for girls, leaving millions without access to education.
Taliban Start New Academic Year With Girls Still Barred From Classrooms
The Taliban’s Ministry of Education on Thursday marked the start of the new Persian school year in a ceremony in which Taliban officials rang the school bell.
Seven People Flogged In Kabul & Balkh, Says Taliban
The Taliban’s Supreme Court said at least seven people were flogged in Kabul and Balkh in the days following Eid al-Fitr.
Taliban Opponents Call For Afghan Political System Based On Popular Vote
A group of politicians and representatives of anti-Taliban groups said after a two-day meeting in London that Afghanistan’s future political system must be based on the will and vote of the people, within the framework of a modern constitution.
Torkham Crossing Will Remain Closed, Says Taliban
Taliban border police say reports that the Torkham crossing will reopen are false and that the key Afghanistan-Pakistan route remains closed.
Effort Turns To Habibi, Overby After Coyle’s Release, Says US
Sebastian Gorka, deputy assistant to the US president, said efforts are continuing to secure the release of two Americans still believed to be held in Afghanistan after the Taliban freed Dennis Coyle.
Taliban Denies Starting Conflict with Pakistan, Urges Ceasefire Extension
Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said calls to extend the ceasefire are primarily directed at Pakistan, insisting the group did not initiate the conflict.
Taliban Detains Two Polish Nationals In Afghanistan, Say Sources
Knowledgeable sources told Afghanistan International that the Taliban have recently detained two Polish nationals. The sources said the men had travelled to Afghanistan for business purposes.
Pakistan’s War Strategy: Are US Weapons The Main Target While Taliban Leaders Are Spared?
The conflict between Afghanistan and Pakistan has entered a dangerous new phase since late February, raising serious concerns about regional stability.
Pakistani Shelling Kills Two In Afghan Province Of Kunar, Says Taliban
Local Taliban officials in Kunar province say Pakistan fired 85 mortar rounds over the past 24 hours at the provincial capital and the districts of Sarkano, Manogai and Nari.
Pakistan To Reopen Torkham Border Crossing At Taliban’s Request
Sources in Pakistan say the country has decided to reopen the Torkham border crossing on March 5 at the request of Taliban officials.
Taliban Must End Hostage Diplomacy, Says US State Department
The US State Department, referring to the release of American hostage Dennis Coyle from Taliban custody, said President Donald Trump is committed to ending wrongful detentions abroad.
Taliban Releases US Detainee Dennis Coyle In Kabul
The Taliban’s foreign ministry confirmed the release of US detainee Dennis Coyle saying the decision was approved by the group’s supreme leader.
Second Round Of Islamabad Conference To Be Held In London
The second round of the Islamabad conference will be held in London on Tuesday, March 24, bringing together Afghan political figures and civil society representatives.
Taliban Publicly Flogs Three People In Kabul & Balkh
The Taliban have publicly flogged two men and a woman in Kabul and Balkh, according to a statement from the group’s Supreme Court.
Taliban Set To Release US Hostage After Warning From Trump Administration
The Taliban are set to release a US citizen from detention following warnings from the administration of President Donald Trump. A US delegation was seen in Kabul on Tuesday as part of efforts to secure the hostage’s release.
Germany Rejects Taliban-Appointed Envoy To Afghan Embassy In Berlin
Germany’s Foreign Ministry said it does not recognise any new appointment by the Taliban to Afghanistan’s embassy in Berlin, following reports that the group has designated a new representative to lead the mission.
Taliban Turn To Ex-US Advisers To Secure Foreign Aid
A document obtained by Afghanistan International shows Taliban authorities ordered the health ministry to hire a former US adviser to help secure international aid.