China, Pakistan To Hold Trilateral Talks With Taliban In Kabul
Mohammad Sadiq, Pakistan’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, met with Yue Xiaoyong, China’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, during his visit to Kabul this week.
Archive
FIFA Approves Afghan Women’s Refugee Soccer Team In ‘Historic Milestone’
The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) has officially approved the formation of a women’s football team comprised of Afghan refugees in exile, and has ratified a strategy for its practical implementation.
Torkham Border Closed To Passengers, Freight Traffic Still Allowed
Several travellers at the Torkham border crossing told Afghanistan International on Friday, 9 May, that the border has been closed to passenger movement. However, they reported that freight trucks are still being allowed to pass.
Iran International Wins Media Award In Washington For Free Expression
Iran International, the 24-hour Persian-language news network, has been honoured with the prestigious AAM Award, which is granted annually to leading media outlets and advocates of free expression and civil society.
Putin, Xi Pledge Ongoing Cooperation To Build United, Peaceful Afghanistan
In a joint statement, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping announced that Moscow and Beijing will continue their collaboration on Afghanistan, working towards the establishment of an independent, neutral, united, and peaceful nation.
Over 4000 Afghans Deported From Iran, Pakistan Within 24 Hours
The Taliban’s High Commission for Addressing Migrants’ Issues has reported that a total of 4135 Afghan nationals were deported from Iran and Pakistan on Thursday, 8 May.
Iran Executes Afghan National, Six Others On Drug Charges
The Iran Human Rights Organisation has reported that the Iran executed seven prisoners, including one Afghan national and four Iranian Baluch citizens, at Birjand Prison in South Khorasan Province.
Japanese Organisation To Resume Leprosy Treatment In Afghanistan After 15 Years
The Japanese humanitarian organisation Peshawar-kai has announced plans to resume the treatment of leprosy in Afghanistan, nearly 15 years after suspending its operations in the country.
Taliban Governors Meet With Interior Ministry Officials In Kabul
Several provincial governors affiliated with the Taliban travelled to the Afghan capital for meetings with senior officials from the Ministry of Interior, according to a statement released by the ministry.
90 Percent Of Afghan Households Faced Economic Shocks In 2024, Says UNDP
A new report from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) reveals that 90 percent of Afghan households experienced economic shocks in 2024, driven by a worsening humanitarian crisis and deepening socio-economic instability.
Afghanistan Not Priority But Key To Moscow’s Geopolitical Strategy, Says Russian Envoy
Zamir Kabulov, the Russian president’s special envoy for Afghanistan, stated that while Afghanistan is not among Moscow’s top foreign policy priorities, it holds critical importance due to its geopolitical positioning.
Nearly 5000 Afghan Migrants Deported From Iran, Pakistan In Single Day, Says Taliban
The Taliban’s High Commission for Addressing Migrants’ Issues has announced that a total of 4978 Afghan migrants were deported from Pakistan and Iran on Wednesday.
Taliban Confirms Removal & Ban Of Hundreds Of Books Across Afghanistan
The Taliban have confirmed that hundreds of books have been banned and removed from libraries and bookstores across Afghanistan over the past three years.
Taliban, Turkmenistan Foreign Ministers Discuss Accelerating TAPI Pipeline
Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi and Turkmenistan’s Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov held virtual talks this week to review progress on key regional infrastructure projects, with particular emphasis on expediting the TAPI gas pipeline.
US Engages With Taliban Over Terror Threats, Hostage Releases
The US State Department has confirmed it is engaging with the Taliban to address national security concerns and facilitate the release of American hostages.
Iranian Political Prisoner Accuses Authorities Of Negligence In Afghan Inmate’s Death
An Iranian political prisoner has accused prison authorities of negligence and abuse in the death of an Afghan inmate at Ghezel Hesar Prison.
Taliban Detain Three Journalists In Takhar, Subject Them To Torture
The Taliban have detained three journalists in Takhar province, with local sources alleging they were subjected to torture while in custody.
Pakistan Ends Visa-Free Entry For Afghan Truck Drivers At Torkham Border
Pakistani authorities have announced that, effective 30 May, Afghan truck drivers will no longer be permitted to enter Pakistan without a valid visa stamped in their passport. The decision will end a longstanding policy of visa-free entry for cross-border transport workers.
Equating Pashtun Identity With Taliban Support Is Discriminatory, Says UN Rapporteur
Richard Bennett, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on human rights in Afghanistan, has said that Swiss authorities have assured him that deportations of migrants based on ethnicity have never been under consideration.
UAE To Host Investor Conference In Kabul As Ties With Taliban Deepen
The United Arab Emirates will organise an investor conference in Kabul, bringing together Emirati businessmen to explore economic opportunities in Afghanistan, according to Saif Mohammed Al Ketbi, the UAE’s Special envoy for Afghanistan.
Taliban Fighters Have Defected To ISIS, TTP, Says Pakistani Envoy
Pakistan’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, Mohammad Sadiq, has acknowledged that some Taliban fighters have defected to extremist groups including ISIS and the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).