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 …
Read More »UN Warns of Surge in Maternal Deaths in Afghanistan Following US Aid Suspension
KABUL – United Nations officials have issued a stark warning that the suspension of US foreign aid programs could lead to a dramatic increase in maternal deaths and unintended pregnancies across Afghanistan and other parts of South Asia. Pio Smith, the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) Regional Director for Asia and …
Read More »Trans-Afghan Railway Construction Set to Begin in 2025, Linking Central and South Asia
KABUL – Construction of the landmark Trans-Afghan railway, a transformative project connecting Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, is slated to begin in 2025, according to Uzbekistan’s Minister of Transport, Ilhom Mahkamov. The announcement, reported by Kun.uz, marks a significant step forward for the long-anticipated infrastructure initiative aimed at boosting regional trade and …
Read More »Taliban Vow Unity Amid rUMORS Over Internal Divisions
KABUL – Afghanistan’s Taliban rulers have dismissed concerns over internal divisions, vowing to remain united despite what they describe as “enemy” attempts to sow discord within the movement. The assurance comes amid growing scrutiny over the group’s leadership cohesion and its controversial policies, particularly regarding women’s rights and education. In …
Read More »Taliban Minister Who Opposed Girls’ Education Ban Reportedly Flees Afghanistan
KABUL – A senior Taliban official who publicly condemned the group’s ban on education for girls and women has reportedly fled Afghanistan amid fears of arrest. Sher Abbas Stanikzai, the Taliban’s political deputy at the foreign ministry, had urged the group’s leadership in January to reopen schools for girls, stating …
Read More »Taliban Warns U.S. Over Attempts to Reclaim Abandoned Military Equipment
KABUL – The Taliban has warned that military equipment left behind by the United States in Afghanistan is now their rightful possession and will be used to defend against any efforts to reclaim it. The statement, issued late Monday by Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid, marks the first official response from …
Read More »Gunfire at UN Compound in Kabul Leaves One Dead, One Injured
KABUL – A member of the Taliban’s security forces opened fire at the United Nations’ largest compound in Kabul, killing one person and injuring another, the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said Monday. The incident occurred on Sunday. The victim was a Taliban security force member stationed outside the …
Read More »Afghanistan, Uzbekistan Sign $4.5M Business Deals
KABUL – Afghanistan and Uzbekistan have signed business agreements worth $4.5 million, strengthening trade ties between the neighboring nations, Trend reports. The deals were finalized during trade meetings in Kabul, attended by Afghanistan’s Deputy Minister of Industry and Commerce, Mawlawi Ahmadullah Zahid. An Uzbek delegation, including government officials and private …
Read More »Pakistan Will Deport Afghan Refugees if Resettlement Cases Stall
KABUL – Pakistan has warned that Afghan refugees awaiting resettlement in third countries will be deported unless their cases are expedited, officials said Monday. Around 20,000 Afghans remain stranded in Pakistan after former U.S. President Donald Trump suspended refugee programs last month. Many had been approved for U.S. relocation due …
Read More »Major Demining Organization Halts Operations in Afghanistan Amid U.S. Funding Cut
KABUL – Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA) has announced the suspension of its mine clearance activities in Afghanistan following a directive from the U.S. State Department halting funding under an executive order issued by former President Donald Trump. This move could significantly disrupt demining operations in Afghanistan and other affected regions. …
Read More »Taliban’s Polio Vaccination Shift Raises Concerns as Cases Surge
KABUL – After a disruptive pause in Afghanistan’s polio vaccination program in 2024, the Taliban government has reinstated the immunization campaign but with new restrictions that could jeopardize the health of children. In late October 2024, the Taliban resumed vaccinating children under five, yet limited vaccine distribution to mosques and …
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