Afghanistan Times

AT News KABUL – In a recent UN briefing, Roza Otunbayeva, the UN’s representative for Afghanistan, emphasized the importance of the Taliban adhering to “international norms” for the country’s inclusion on the global stage. This is as the lack of progress in addressing human rights issues is a major hurdle …

KABUL — In a major step toward strengthening economic ties with Taliban-ruled Afghanistan, Kazakhstan has announced plans to open a trading house in Kabul, marking a significant shift in regional diplomacy. The proposal was made by Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy Serik Zhumangarin during his official …

KABUL — In a striking reversal of their past policies, the Taliban now claim to be protectors of Afghanistan’s ancient heritage, including pre-Islamic and Buddhist relics once targeted during their first rule. Two decades after the 2001 destruction of the iconic Bamiyan Buddhas, Taliban authorities say they are working to …

KABUL – In a chilling reminder of the persistent threat posed by extremist ideology, 18-year-old Afghan national Abdullah Haji Zada has pleaded guilty to conspiring to carry out an Islamic State-inspired terror attack in the U.S. on election day. Arrested in October 2024 near Oklahoma City alongside co-conspirator Nasir Ahmad …

KABUL – In a major step towards reviving diplomatic relations, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar made a landmark visit to Kabul today—marking the first high-level Pakistani visit to Afghanistan since February 2023. Dar’s trip comes after a year of strained ties, marred by border clashes, repeated …

KABUL — Afghanistan is spiraling into an environmental catastrophe caused by nearly five decades of war, according to a stark new warning from United Nations officials and researchers. Toxic air, poisoned water, radioactive soil, and deforestation are endangering millions, with experts calling it one of the world’s most overlooked crises. …

KABUL — Kazakhstan has announced plans to invest $500 million in the construction of the Torghandi-Herat railway line, signaling a major boost in infrastructure and trade ties with Afghanistan. During a visit to Kabul on Monday, Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister Serik Zhumangarin said Astana is also establishing a logistics and …

KABUL – China has extended an official invitation to the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) to participate in the upcoming 25th Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, scheduled to be held in China later this year. The invitation was conveyed by Zhao Xing, China’s ambassador to Kabul, during a meeting with …

KABUL – Sergei Naryshkin, Director of Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR), has accused Western intelligence agencies of actively seeking to support anti-government forces in Afghanistan to maintain instability and further their geopolitical interests. Speaking at the “Afghanistan: Regional Interconnectivity, Security and Development” conference in Baku on April 17-18, Naryshkin criticized …

KABUL – Afghanistan’s Prime Minister, Hasan Akhund, has condemned Pakistan’s “unilateral deportation” of Afghan refugees, accusing Islamabad of exacerbating the crisis and obstructing efforts to find a lasting solution. The strong criticism comes after Pakistan began a strict campaign in April to forcibly expel over 800,000 Afghan nationals, including many …

KABUL – In a striking policy recalibration, the United States under the second Trump administration appears to be adopting a more pragmatic approach toward the Taliban government in Afghanistan. A recent high-level visit to Kabul by a U.S. delegation has raised eyebrows globally and signals Washington’s renewed interest in engaging …