Afghan Taliban officials said renewed clashes on Wednesday came after a temporary Eid ceasefire expired, killing at least two civilians in eastern Afghanistan, while each side accused the other of starting the exchange.

That has not stopped Islamabad from making a conspicuously public play for a role in the Middle East crisis.

Since the US-Israel war on Iran began on Feb. 28, Pakistan’s civilian and military leadership have been engaging what one of the source reports described as “regional and friendly countries” while repeatedly calling for de-escalation. 

Foreign Office spokesman Tahir Andrabi said earlier this week that Pakistan remained committed to resolving the conflict “through diplomatic means and engagements,” even as he urged the media to avoid speculation.

In a post on X, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif formally offered Islamabad as a venue for talks between Iranian and US officials, saying Pakistan stood “ready and honoured” to host “meaningful and conclusive talks” if both sides agreed. 

Sharif tagged President Donald Trump, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and US special envoy Steve Witkoff. The idea of Islamabad hosting talks had in fact come from Washington, reporters revealed. Trump later shared Sharif’s post on Truth Social.

A messenger to Tehran

Pakistan’s role has not been limited to offering conference rooms.

Washington had sent a peace proposal to Tehran through Pakistan, with Reuters and the New York Times naming Islamabad as the messenger. A senior Iranian official told Reuters that either Turkey or Pakistan was being considered as a possible venue if talks advanced. 

Rafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, added to the speculation when he said he thought talks could take place in Islamabad over the weekend, though he stressed nothing had been settled.

Pakistani officials then moved from hint to confirmation, though not all the way to clarity. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said on X on Thursday that “indirect US-Iran talks” were taking place through messages relayed by Pakistan. He added that the United States had shared 15 points that Iran was considering. 

But he stopped short of saying Pakistan would definitely host any face-to-face meeting. Andrabi did the same in his weekly briefing, insisting this was a “process,” not an “event,” and saying any concrete developments would be announced later. He also rejected suggestions that security concerns were holding up Islamabad as a venue, saying Pakistan was “very safe and secure.”

Walking a tightrope

Islamabad has also sought to show that it has access to both sides. Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, spoke with Trump on March 23, while Sharif spoke the next day with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. 

In the Senate, Dar said he had conveyed Tehran’s position to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and backed Iran’s right to peaceful nuclear energy, while also making clear that Pakistan “would not allow itself to be dragged into a broader regional conflict.”

About 35,000 Pakistanis were in Iran and that 792 had already been evacuated by land through the Taftan-Zahedan crossing.

Still, Pakistan’s emergence as a mediator remains real but provisional. The White House has warned against treating reported talks as official, and Araghchi has said exchanges through mediators do not amount to negotiations with Washington. 

For now, Pakistan is trying to end one war — even as it fights another at home.

The United States spent an estimated $4.7 trillion (inflation-adjusted) on World War II between 1941 and 1945, making it the most expensive war in American history.

According to historical cost estimates analysed by Norwich University and U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command, the spending surge was driven by massive industrial mobilisation, troop deployments across multiple continents and large-scale wartime production.

The conflict required the United States to convert large parts of its economy to wartime manufacturing, producing ships, aircraft, tanks and weapons on an unprecedented scale.

The wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, launched after the September 11 attacks, rank as the second most expensive U.S. conflicts, with total costs estimated at around $4 trillion.

Research from the Costs of War Project at Brown University’s Watson Institute shows that the total financial burden includes military operations, reconstruction, veterans’ healthcare and long-term interest payments on war borrowing.

The study notes that these wars became some of the longest military engagements in modern U.S. history.

The Vietnam War ranks third in inflation-adjusted costs at roughly $843 billion, according to historical analyses cited by Norwich University and U.S. government sources.

The conflict , which lasted from the mid-1950s to 1975, required sustained troop deployments and extensive air and naval operations.

Other major conflicts include:

Both wars required large-scale mobilisation and had significant long-term economic impacts on the United States.

Additionally, the 1990–1991 Gulf War cost about $102 billion, though a large portion of that expense was offset by financial contributions from U.S. allies, according to reports summarised by the U.S. Congress and historical defence spending analyses.

More limited conflicts or short military operations tend to cost far less, though they can still involve billions in military expenditures.

For example, a brief six-day military campaign against Iran since February 28, 2026, is calculated at roughly $11 billion, reflecting the high cost of modern precision warfare and advanced weapon systems even during short engagements.

The enormous financial burden of large-scale wars has shaped U.S. foreign policy and defence strategy over time.

Despite advances in military technology and changes in warfare, the historical data show that major conflicts remain among the most expensive undertakings any nation can face.

Reports from the ground indicate that explosions were heard in the Afghan capital early in the day, with both sides offering sharply different accounts of the damage and casualties.

Pakistan’s information minister, Attaullah Tarar, said the strikes killed 133 Afghan Taliban officials and wounded more than 200 others. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the armed forces were capable of crushing aggressors, while Defence Minister Khawaja Mohammad Asif described the situation as “open war.”

Kabul, however, rejected Pakistan’s account. 

Afghanistan’s defence ministry said 55 Pakistani soldiers were killed in Thursday night’s border clashes and that 19 Pakistani posts and two bases were destroyed. It reported eight Afghan soldiers killed and 11 wounded.

After months of tension

This latest fighting follows months of tit-for-tat violence despite a Qatar-mediated ceasefire agreed in 2025. 

Border crossings have largely remained shut since deadly clashes in October that left more than 70 people dead on both sides. 

Residents near the Torkham crossing have again been evacuated, and local authorities reported civilian casualties, including women and children .

At the heart of the dispute is Pakistan’s accusation that Afghanistan is failing to curb militant groups operating from its soil, particularly Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). 

Islamabad said the group has intensified attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. Afghan officials insist the TTP issue is an internal Pakistani matter.

Border factor

Tensions have deep historical roots, as the two countries share a 2,611-kilometre frontier known as the Durand Line, a colonial-era boundary that Kabul has never formally recognised. The line divides Pashtun communities and remains politically sensitive.

After the Taliban returned to power in Kabul in 2021, many in Pakistan expected a friendly administration. During the insurgency against US-led forces, Taliban leaders had found sanctuary in Pakistani border regions. 

Yet relations have deteriorated as the Afghan Taliban have sought greater autonomy and resisted Pakistani pressure over militant groups.

Continued cross-border strikes risk deepening instability in a region already strained by militancy, economic fragility and diplomatic isolation. 

The United Nations has called for restraint, though it has so far failed to halt the slide towards a broader confrontation.

The decision, outlined in a recent policy update, has immediate implications for families, workers, and migrants across Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and parts of Latin America .

The suspension primarily affects immigrant visas, meaning individuals seeking permanent residence in the United States are the most impacted. This includes family-sponsored visas, diversity visas, and certain employment-based pathways.

Non-immigrant visas such as tourist, student, and short-term work visas may still be issued in some cases, but the overall message is clear that permanent migration routes into the US are being sharply narrowed.

According to the Trump administration, the move is part of a broader effort to tighten immigration controls, strengthen national security, and protect domestic employment.

The 75 countries span multiple continents, including Somalia, Iran, Russia, Afghanistan, Nigeria, Ghana, Rwanda, Yemen, Colombia, Cuba, Thailand, and Brazil.

“The State Department will use its long-standing authority to deem ineligible potential immigrants who would become a public charge on the United States and exploit the generosity of the American people. Immigrant visa processing from these 75 countries will be paused. At the same time, the State Department reassesses immigration processing procedures to prevent the entry of foreign nationals who would take welfare and public benefits,” said Tommy Pigott, Principal Deputy Spokesperson at the State Department.

This latest suspension does not exist in isolation. It follows months of restrictive measures , including travel bans, asylum limitations, and tighter vetting procedures, since Donald Trump returned to office.

Whether the policy will face successful legal opposition or be revised under political pressure remains uncertain. For now, millions of people across 75 countries are left waiting, watching, and recalculating their futures.

Full list of affected countries:

Afghanistan , Albania , Algeria , Antigua and Barbuda , Armenia , Azerbaijan , Bahamas , Bangladesh , Barbados , Belarus , Belize , Bhutan , Bosnia , Brazil , Cambodia , Cameroon , Cape Verde , Colombia , Democratic Republic of the Congo , Cuba , Dominica , Egypt , Eritrea , Ethiopia , Fiji , The Gambia , Georgia , Ghana , Grenada , Guatemala , Guinea , Haiti , Iran , Iraq , Ivory Coast , Jamaica , Jordan , Kazakhstan , Kosovo , Kuwait , Kyrgyzstan , Laos , Lebanon , Liberia , Libya , North Macedonia , Moldova , Mongolia , Montenegro , Morocco , Myanmar , Nepal , Nicaragua , Nigeria , Pakistan , Republic of the Congo , Russia , Rwanda , Saint Kitts and Nevis , Saint Lucia , Saint Vincent and the Grenadines , Senegal , Sierra Leone , Somalia , South Sudan , Sudan , Syria , Tanzania , Thailand , Togo , Tunisia , Uganda , Uruguay , Uzbekistan and Yemen .

They’re also handed out in clinics, promoted in public health campaigns, and discussed openly in school curricula. So when a map asks, “Are condoms legal?”, the expected answer feels obvious.

Until you look closer.

The above map shows a world almost entirely shaded green, meaning yes, condoms are legal, with one country standing out in red. That country is Afghanistan.

International organisations , including the World Health Organisation and UNAIDS, have over the years consistently emphasised the role of condoms in preventing sexually transmitted infections, including HIV, and reducing unintended pregnancies.

Under the Taliban government, Afghanistan has banned the sale and use of condoms . Reports indicate that pharmacies have been instructed to remove condoms from their shelves, with authorities arguing that contraceptives promote immoral behaviour and contradict their interpretation of religious values.

The consequences of this decision go beyond symbolism. In a country already facing fragile healthcare systems and limited access to medical services , the removal of condoms significantly weakens efforts to prevent sexually transmitted infections and manage reproductive health.

While Afghanistan stands alone in outright prohibition, several other countries operate in grey areas where condoms are legal yet difficult to access or socially discouraged.

In places like Indonesia and the Philippines, condoms are lawful, but strong cultural and religious pressures often limit their promotion and use .

In parts of Nigeria, promoting condom use can itself be restricted, undermining public health campaigns. North Korea is also reported to tightly control the production and sale of condoms, even if possession is not explicitly criminalised.

What follows is a country-by-country breakdown based on verified reporting.

Afghanistan

Bombed by: Bush, Obama, Trump, Biden

Why:

Afghanistan was bombed continuously from 2001 until the US withdrawal in 2021. Even after the formal end of the war, Biden authorised airstrikes, including the August 2021 Kabul drone strike that killed 10 civilians , later acknowledged by the Pentagon.

Iraq

Bombed by: Bush, Obama, Trump, Biden

Why:

Iraq remains one of the longest-running theatres of US air operations , spanning two decades despite the formal declarations of war ending.

Syria

Bombed by: Obama, Trump, Biden

Why:

The US has never declared war on Syria, yet airstrikes have continued under three administrations without congressional authorisation.

Yemen

Bombed by: Obama, Trump, Biden

Why:

Yemen became one of the most drone-bombed countries in the world, with repeated civilian casualty reports.

Somalia

Bombed by: Obama, Trump, Biden

Why:

Somalia has seen some of the least transparent US air operations, with casualty investigations often delayed or disputed.

Libya

Bombed by: Obama, Trump

Why:

Libya illustrates how a humanitarian intervention evolved into long-term instability, with US airstrikes continuing after regime change.

Pakistan

Bombed by: Bush, Obama, Trump

Why:

Pakistan was central to the CIA’s drone programme, particularly under Obama, who authorised more strikes there than any other president.

Nigeria

Bombed by: Trump

Why:

According to the latest figures, peppercorns account for the largest share of global spice exports and generate approximately US$1.7 billion in sales, representing 38% of the total world spice trade.

This dominance reflects the continued strength of major producers such as Vietnam , India, Indonesia, and Brazil, all of which rank among the world’s leading pepper exporters. Data from the International Trade Centre (ITC) confirms pepper as one of the most traded spice commodities globally, driven by consistent demand from Europe, North America, and emerging Asian markets.

Beyond pepper, the market is increasingly diversified. Processed pepper, spice mixtures, and turmeric together account for a significant share of exports, reflecting growing demand for value-added products rather than raw agricultural outputs alone.

The ITC notes that spice blends and prepared seasonings are among the fastest-growing subcategories in global food trade, supported by the rise of ready-to-cook meals and international cuisine consumption.

Cinnamon, ginger, cumin seeds, and nutmeg follow as mid-tier export earners, each contributing hundreds of millions of dollars annually. Meanwhile, saffron, despite its relatively smaller export volume, continues to punch above its weight in value terms due to its labour-intensive production and limited growing regions, particularly Iran, Afghanistan , and parts of the Mediterranean.

At the lower end of total export value, vanilla represents a modest share of global spice trade, though it remains one of the most price-volatile commodities. Recent global news coverage has highlighted how climate shocks in Madagascar, the world’s largest vanilla producer, continue to disrupt supply chains, reinforcing concerns about climate resilience in agricultural exports.

India has announced it will establish an agricultural research centre in Afghanistan, marking one of its most significant developmental engagements in the country since the Taliban takeover. The initiative aims to enhance crop productivity, introduce modern farming technology and boost food security — critical priorities in a country where drought, economic contraction and limited international aid have strained livelihoods. New Delhi’s move signals a continued interest in maintaining influence and supporting grassroots development, despite the absence of formal diplomatic ties with the Taliban administration.

Taliban regime

Tensions with neighbouring Pakistan escalated once again, after Pakistan’s Defence Minister publicly stated that the “Taliban regime” does not represent the Afghan people. The remark underscores Islamabad’s growing frustration with the Taliban government and reflects worsening trust between the two sides, driven by allegations of cross-border militancy and disputes over the status of Afghan refugees. Pakistan, historically seen as a critical power broker in Afghan affairs, appears to be recalibrating its stance in response to rising security challenges at home, and increasingly vocal domestic criticism of its past engagement with the Taliban.

Pakistan ceasefire

Despite the heated rhetoric, diplomatic channels have remained active. Türkiye confirmed that Afghanistan and Pakistan have agreed to maintain a ceasefire, following mediation efforts led by Ankara, with fresh negotiations scheduled for November 6. The move highlights Türkiye’s ambitions to play a stabilising diplomatic role in South Asia and its growing engagement in regional political dynamics. While the ceasefire agreement signals progress, both sides remain cautious amid continued concerns over border security, militant movements and humanitarian pressures linked to mass displacement and returns.

Counterterrorism cooperation

Further confirming diplomatic momentum, Kabul and Islamabad later issued statements reaffirming their commitment to continue the ceasefire and dialogue. However, Afghan and Pakistani relations remain fragile, shaped by longstanding mistrust and divergent security priorities — especially around counterterrorism cooperation and the contested Durand Line border. With winter approaching and regional security conditions unpredictable, observers warn that even small provocations could destabilise the fragile peace without sustained political will on both sides.

Afghan values

Domestically, internal messaging from the Taliban leadership continued to emphasise cultural control and ideological direction. Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani hosted Afghanistan’s U-17 futsal champions, praising their achievement on the international stage while urging them to adhere to “Islamic and Afghan values.” The meeting reflects the Taliban’s strategy of using youth and sports victories to foster national pride, even as they tighten cultural restrictions. It also highlights the regime’s effort to cultivate a narrative of unity and resilience, despite ongoing concerns from Afghan civil society over shrinking freedoms and limited pathways for young people under the current political environment.

Since regaining power, the Taliban has pushed for international recognition while maintaining a firm stance against any form of foreign intervention, military or otherwise. Muttaqi’s remarks appear to reinforce that position amid recent regional discussions on counterterrorism cooperation and growing humanitarian concerns.

While the Taliban leadership has expressed openness to trade and diplomatic ties with neighbouring and global powers, it continues to resist international pressure over human rights , particularly the treatment of women and girls, and the presence of militant groups operating within Afghanistan’s borders.

The order followed a decree from Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada banning the internet as part of new “morality measures.” The group, which seized power in Kabul in 2021, has promised alternative channels of access but has yet to explain what these might be.

Reports from the ground suggest that services began cutting out before Monday evening.

"Afghanistan is now in the midst of a total internet blackout as Taliban authorities move to implement morality measures, with multiple networks disconnected through the morning in a stepwise manner; telephone services are currently also impacted,” Netblocks said. 

Why it matters: 

Bigger picture: 

What they said

"A complete ban has been imposed on fibre-optic cable … This action has been taken to prevent immoral activities, and an alternative solution will be developed within the country to meet necessary needs," Haji Zaid, a spokesman for the governor of the Balkh province, said last week.

Austria has opened political channels with the Taliban by hosting a delegation from the Islamic Emirate to discuss the deportation of 20 Afghan migrants with criminal records. Analysts see this as a sign that European nations may be warming to limited engagement with Kabul’s rulers to address security and migration concerns.

UNAMA’s role dispute

A national debate continues over whether the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) is playing a constructive mediating role or has become irrelevant amid the Taliban’s consolidation of power.

Imran Khan urges Pakistan to send a peace delegation

From outside Afghanistan, imprisoned former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan called on Islamabad to send a peace delegation to Kabul, arguing that closer coordination is needed to stabilise cross-border security.

Internet shutdown fallout

Inside Afghanistan, the Taliban dispatched six ministers to Kandahar to address public anger over internet shutdowns, which have disrupted commerce, education, and communications. This marks one of the most direct government responses to digital rights concerns since the Taliban’s return to power.

Taliban threatens forced evictions in Herat township

Human rights concerns are also rising as reports emerge of threatened forced evictions in Herat, targeting Hazara residents, a move that has sparked fears of ethnic discrimination and displacement.

What they said

Sharafat Zaman, spokesperson for Afghanistan’s health ministry, urged the international community to step in, “We need it because here lots of people lost their lives and houses.” Another health ministry spokesperson, Abdul Maten Qanee, said all government teams had been mobilised, “Comprehensive and full support is being provided, from security to food and health.” Survivors described harrowing scenes. Muhammad Aziz, a labourer from Kunar’s Nur Gul district, told the Guardian that he lost 10 relatives, including five children; “The poor people in this area have lost everything. There is death in every home, and beneath the rubble of each roof, there are dead bodies. The mud houses have been wiped away, and destruction is everywhere. People are desperately seeking help.”

Seven countries do not identify as democracies: Afghanistan, Brunei, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Vatican City.

The non-democratic nations explained

According to Freedom House , 2024 marked the 19th consecutive year of decline in global freedom, with more countries sliding toward authoritarianism than toward democracy. Similarly, the Economist Intelligence Unit’s Democracy Index now classifies 60 regimes as authoritarian, underscoring the rise of authoritarian regimes in 2024.

The email included information about 18,714 Afghan nationals and their family members, many of whom had supported UK military and intelligence missions during the war in Afghanistan.

Some of the people named in the leak have since been killed, tortured or attacked in Afghanistan, according to reports , while others continue to live in fear.

The leaked data, which also included details of their UK sponsors such as MI6 officers and a Royal Marine Major General, was later published online by a rejected applicant.

For almost three years, the MoD kept the breach secret using a court order, but the information was finally made public this week.

The MoD has now begun contacting those affected.

Most of the Afghans on the list would not have qualified for UK relocation under the original Afghan Relocation and Assistance Programme (ARAP), but because their details were leaked, they now have a valid case for protection under British law , leading to one of the UK’s biggest emergency relocation efforts.

Many were flown into Britain under Operation Rubific and housed in temporary accommodation, including Ministry of Defence housing and hotels.

The UK has already spent an estimated £400 million on the relocation, including £100 million in compensation, according to Defence Secretary John Healey.

But government insiders estimate the lifetime cost of supporting the 20,000 Afghans and their families could rise to £7 billion, especially if victims decide to sue the government for exposing them to danger.

Despite growing pressure, Defence Secretary Healey said the Afghans were already included in regular migration figures and offered a public apology for the blunder.

The United Nations warns that these mass deportations could further destabilise Afghanistan, which is already grappling with a dire humanitarian crisis and shrinking international aid.

Though there has been no official public announcement from the Indian government , a new visa module titled “New AFGHAN Visa” appeared on India’s visa website in late April, signalling the shift.

The decision marks a significant step in restoring India’s ties with Afghanistan under the Taliban regime.

It also comes as India continues quiet diplomatic talks with Taliban officials, focusing on humanitarian access and travel for students and patients.

The updated visa platform confirms that artists, cultural workers, and academics invited by Indian institutions can now apply for entry visas.

Afghan nationals with Indian spouses or children from earlier marriages are also eligible. Parents of students under 18 and property-owning Afghans in India can also apply.

Business visas have been widened to include sportspersons on paid contracts, investors, and Afghans setting up commercial ventures or taking part in long-term trade activities.

India stopped giving visas to Afghans in August 2021 after the Taliban takeover led to the closure of Indian missions in Afghanistan.

During that time, only limited emergency e-visas were granted, mostly to members of minority communities such as Sikhs and Hindus.

India has since maintained careful contact with the Taliban, including talks earlier this year between a senior Indian official and Afghanistan’s acting foreign minister in Kabul.

The meeting focused on easing travel for Afghan students and patients, as well as broader security concerns.

Yet, as the map above shows, a small group of countries remains outside this global circle. From communist giants to war-torn regions and ideologically rigid states, here’s a breakdown of why some nations still have no diplomatic ties with the Holy See.

Countries without diplomatic relations with the Holy See

Highlighted in red on the map, these countries currently have no formal diplomatic engagement with the Vatican:

Why do these countries stand apart?

1. China

China’s relationship with the Vatican is one of the most complex. Although there has been a provisional agreement since 2018 on the appointment of bishops, full diplomatic relations have not been restored since the Holy See recognised the government in Taiwan. The Chinese Communist Party maintains tight control over religion, making diplomacy difficult.

2. North Korea

With strict isolationist policies and no freedom of religion, North Korea has never established ties with the Holy See. There are no official Catholic churches, and any underground religious activity is met with severe punishment.

3. Vietnam

Vietnam and the Vatican have improved ties in recent years, with a resident papal representative now allowed, but no formal diplomatic status exists yet. Talks are ongoing, and observers expect a breakthrough shortly.

4. Saudi Arabia and Oman

Both nations are Islamic monarchies with no formal churches and strict bans on public Christian worship. Religious freedom is limited, making official ties with the Holy See nearly impossible under current laws.

5. Afghanistan

Ongoing conflict, the resurgence of the Taliban, and a strict interpretation of Islamic law leave no room for a formal Catholic presence or diplomatic recognition of the Holy See.

6. Somalia and Comoros

Both nations have weak governance and fragile internal conditions , especially Somalia, which faces instability and terrorism. Religious minorities, including Christians, are often persecuted.

The Holy See's global role

The Holy See isn’t just a religious authority—it’s a sovereign entity under international law , actively participating in:

Its diplomatic influence is seen as a moral and ethical counterbalance in global affairs, particularly on issues like migration, conflict resolution, poverty, and climate change.

The lack of rain and rising heat are damaging crops, drying up water sources, and turning pasturelands to dust, making life harder for families who depend on farming and livestock to survive.

The report also shows a decline in vegetation growth, which points to worsening drought conditions.

“Much of Afghanistan is facing a dangerous drop in rainfall and a rise in temperatures. This is not only harming the land, but also pushing more people into poverty and hunger,” parts of the statement said .

More than 60% of Afghans rely on agriculture for work, but years of unpredictable weather, shrinking water levels, and poor management of natural resources have left many communities struggling.

Without strong water systems and better ways to store rainwater, the country is not equipped to handle

The UN is calling on global donors and regional leaders to help.

The report notes that Afghanistan needs urgent support to build sustainable water systems, improve farming methods, and set up early warning tools to prepare for future droughts.

Helping local communities adapt is key to protecting their future.

As the climate crisis deepens, the UN says only a united and long-term effort can prevent more damage to the country’s environment and avoid further humanitarian emergencies.

Afghanistan, with a population of 45 million that has long been dependent on aid, faces the world's second-largest humanitarian crisis. Since US funding cuts earlier this year, about three million people have lost access to health services because of the closure of more than 364 medical centres, with a further 220 centres at risk of closing by the third quarter of 2025, the UN's health agency said.

"That's maybe another two or three million people who have no access to healthcare services," Edwin Ceniza Salvador, the WHO representative in Afghanistan, told AFP in an interview in Kabul. "When the funding stopped, of course, the existing donors tried to step up. But you're talking about a significant gap to US funding," Salvador added.

Afghanistan's ramshackle healthcare system has been weakened by decades of war and records some of the world's highest infant and maternal mortality rates. The global aid situation has grown dire since President Donald Trump ordered the dismantling of the US Agency for International Development early this year and began Washington's withdrawal from the WHO. His administration scrapped 83 percent of humanitarian programmes funded by USAID. 

Officials say most of the returnees crossed through the Torkham border, which links Pakistan to Afghanistan.

These Afghan families did not have legal papers or refugee cards. On April 12 alone, more than 4,000 people crossed back into Afghanistan.

Every day, buses and trucks have been carrying people to the border. Security officials have been watching closely, and local authorities have helped to manage the process. People were allowed to take personal belongings, such as clothes, household items, and even livestock.

At the border, each person goes through ID checks and fingerprint scanning before crossing. Afghan staff are helping on the other side by giving temporary shelter and some basic aid.

Many families said the journey was hard. Some had little money or no access to transport. Others said they had to leave behind their jobs and homes.

Meanwhile, human rights groups have asked both Pakistan and Afghanistan to treat returnees with dignity. The UN has raised concerns about how the mass return will affect border areas in Afghanistan, especially as many people now need food, shelter, and medicine.

Pakistan says the move does not affect Afghan refugees who are legally registered and have permission to stay.

The return of undocumented Afghans is expected to continue in the coming weeks, The News reports.

On April 6 alone, over 876 people holding Afghan Citizen Cards were returned to Afghanistan, according to authorities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

In Punjab, over 1,000 more Afghan citizens have been arrested and taken to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for deportation.

According to sources, they are expected to be officially sent back soon.

Pakistan’s deportation campaign is happening in phases.

So far, more than 4,100 people have already been sent back , and nearly 6,000 more are in holding centres waiting to be deported.

Punjab Police say they have set up 46 holding centres across the province, including five in Lahore, where more than 1,800 people are staying now.

In Attock, police have detained over 700 Afghan migrants, including women and children . Around 365 of them have already been sent to the border, while the rest are being taken care of at a temporary camp.

In Rawalpindi, police are also arresting Afghans with citizen cards. Over 130 people have been moved to camps so far.

Punjab’s top police officer, Usman Anwar, said, “We are carrying out this process in a safe, respectful, and legal way.”

He added that police are working daily to make sure all undocumented foreigners are sent back properly.

Earlier in March, Islamabad declared that 800,000 Afghan Citizen Cards (ACC) would be invalidated, marking the second phase of a sweeping deportation drive. The first phase had already pushed an estimated 800,000 undocumented Afghans back across the border.

The raid on her restaurant by police was a turning point. Since then, the ten Afghan women she employed have stayed home, afraid of being rounded up and sent back to a country where women's freedoms have been stripped away under Taliban rule, including bans on education, many jobs, and even visiting public spaces like parks.

"I have no one to return to. The Taliban won't accept us," Raufi said, her voice breaking with emotion.

The restoration aimed to protect the country’s rich history and cultural heritage, Xinhua news reports.

He said a special police unit has been set up to guard historical sites and artefacts. This step is meant to prevent damage and theft.

In 2024, about 8,200 foreign tourists visited Afghanistan’s historical sites, according to the ministry. The government hopes to attract more visitors in the future.

Afghanistan has a long history with many ancient sites that have faced threats from conflict and neglect.

Afghanistan remains at the very bottom, still facing the devastating consequences of decades of war, political instability, poverty, and limited access to basic services.

Not far behind are Sierra Leone and Lebanon—two nations grappling with severe economic crises, institutional dysfunction, and persistent social unrest that continue to erode the quality of life.

Other countries in the bottom ten include Malawi, Zimbabwe, and Botswana, where economic struggles, inadequate healthcare systems, and governance challenges hinder progress toward greater well-being.

In the Democratic Republic of Congo and Yemen, ongoing conflicts and humanitarian crises intensify suffering and insecurity, making happiness feel like an unattainable luxury.

Rounding out the list are Comoros and Lesotho, where weak infrastructure and high poverty levels contribute to low life satisfaction.

While happiness may seem like a subjective concept, it often reflects deep-rooted structural issues that must be addressed to build a better future.

These rankings are based on how people rate their own lives, as measured through surveys conducted by Gallup in partnership with the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network.

Spain’s government decided to remove his diplomatic status after pressure from the Afghan community, local reports say.

The country’s foreign ministry told The Telegraph ,

“This person does not represent any official delegation, is not accredited in Spain, and does not enjoy diplomatic immunity in our country.”

A court in Madrid had ruled in September that it could not investigate him because of diplomatic immunity. It is unclear if the case will now be reopened.

One of the women, using the name Anis, told German newspaper Die Welt that she met Peerzada at an embassy event for International Women’s Day in 2022.

He promised to help her find a job. She said they later went to a bar, where he spiked her Coca-Cola. The next thing she remembered was waking up in a hotel room, where she said he raped her.

Another woman told Spanish newspaper El País that Peerzada forced himself on her at his apartment. She said she managed to push him away and leave.

Peerzada was appointed Afghanistan’s consul in Madrid in early 2021. Later that year, when the Taliban took over Kabul, he became the head of the Afghan mission in Spain.

The Afghan embassy in Madrid has not responded to requests for comment.

Meanwhile, Peerzada has denied all the allegations. 

Afghanistan's new school year has begun under a restrictive policy that prohibits girls from attending classes beyond the sixth grade News.az reports. The acting Education Minister, Mawlawi Habibullah Agha, stressed the importance of both religious and modern education for Afghanistan's engagement on a global scale. While over 10 million children will attend school—boys from grades one to twelve and girls up to grade six—the ban on higher education for girls highlights ongoing gender-based educational limitations in the country.

Torkham border reopens after 27 days

The Torkham border crossing between Pakistan and Afghanistan has reopened after a 27-day closure due to disputes over construction activities. ANI reports that the reopening, effective March 20, followed negotiations between jirga members from both nations and includes a ceasefire lasting until April 15. The previous closure had caused significant trade disruptions, with 5,000 trucks stranded and an estimated financial loss of millions. As of now, the border permits cargo movement, with pedestrian passages set to resume after critical repairs are carried out. Both countries have also agreed to halt the construction of checkposts in the border area.

Railway connections

Afghanistan is actively pursuing enhancements to its railway connections with neighbouring countries such as Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Iran, and Pakistan. This initiative, according to Pajhwok Afghan News , was underscored at the International Peace and Trust conference held in Turkmenistan, where Mohammad Ashraf Haqshanas, spokesperson for the Ministry of Public Works, highlighted the crucial role of railways in regional economic growth and trade facilitation. The conference brought together representatives from 100 countries to address railway expansion along with issues pertaining to energy transmission, thereby aiming to bolster economic stability within the region.

Afghanistan’s Islamic Emirate condemns Israeli assault on Gaza

The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has expressed severe condemnation of the recent Israeli military operations in Gaza, which have resulted in over 300 Palestinian deaths, predominantly among women and children. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs denounced these acts as violations of human rights, advocating for global solidarity with the Palestinian populace. Afghanistan reiterated its support for the Palestinian cause, perceiving it as a legitimate right of the Islamic Ummah, Ilkha reports.

Effects of USAID cuts on Aghan women students

The plight of Afghan women scholars remains critical as more than 80 women studying in Oman under US-funded scholarships received a temporary reprieve after initial funding cuts due to reduced USAID allocations. The US State Department has confirmed that these scholarships will continue until June 30, 2025, allowing these women, who fled the Taliban government where educational opportunities for females are severely restricted, to pursue graduate studies, particularly in STEM fields. While grateful for the financial extension, these scholars remain apprehensive about their future and the potential risks upon returning to Afghanistan, BBC reports.

The sources, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said the ban is part of a broader review of countries' security and vetting risks. While Afghanistan and Pakistan are expected to be affected, other countries may also be added to the list, though the specifics remain unclear.

The recent attack on the Afghan Ministry of Refugees has drawn international condemnation, particularly from the United Arab Emirates, which expressed its sorrow over the assassination of Refugee Minister Khalil Rahman Haqqani. The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs has explicitly denounced the violence, extending condolences to the families of the victims and wishing for a swift recovery for the injured, Dubaieye reports.

Killed minister buried

In a notable escalation of violence attributed to IS-Khorasan (IS-K), Khalil-Ur-Rahman Haqqani's funeral has underscored the attack's significance, marking an alarming challenge for the Taliban’s governance. Haqqani, known for his leadership role in the Haqqani network and with a bounty of $5 million on his head, was targeted in a suicide bombing that inflicted casualties among ministry personnel. According to the VOA , Global entities such as the UN and EU have joined the condemnation, stressing the persistent threat of terrorism in Afghanistan, despite the Taliban’s assertions of weakening IS-K capabilities.

UN condemns minister’s death

The UN has also voiced its disapproval of this heinous act, underscoring that such terrorism undermines the quest for stability in Afghanistan, Barrons reports. The attack that claimed Haqqani’s life took place at the ministry during an official meeting and represents the first assault on a minister since the Taliban's resurgence in 2021, despite a general trend of reduced violence in recent months. Furthermore, Haqqani’s historical ties to the Haqqani network, alongside existing US and UN sanctions against him, highlight the complexities entwined with leadership in the region.

ISIS claims responsibility

Islamic State claimed responsibility for a suicide bombing that killed Afghanistan’s minister for refugees at his office in Kabul, AFP reports. Taliban authorities had already blamed Isis for the “cowardly attack”, which a government official said had killed minister Khalil Ur-Rahman Haqqani and a number of his colleagues on Wednesday. The explosion – the first attack targeting a minister since the Taliban returned to power in 2021 – was caused by a suicide blast.

US withdrawal from Afghanistan

Amidst the backdrop of these tragic events, the political landscape surrounding the US withdrawal from Afghanistan remains contentious,  CBS News reports. During a recent House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing, Secretary of State Antony Blinken defended the administration's decision, arguing that it was essential for reallocating resources and preventing advantages for adversaries like Russia. However, a partisan divide was evident, with Republican lawmakers, spearheaded by Chairman Michael McCaul, criticising the withdrawal's execution and citing the loss of American lives as a harrowing consequence. The current political discourse has become increasingly fragmented, with former President Trump promising accountability for what he characterises as mismanagement of the withdrawal, showcasing the ongoing ramifications of this geopolitical decision across various fronts.

For many Afghan women, healthcare training was a rare and vital pathway to education and employment. Now, with that path closed, the prospects for women in Afghanistan grow even bleaker.

 “This was my last hope to do something, to become something,” said Saja, a nursing student in Kabul who spoke to AFP under a pseudonym. “Everything has been taken away from us for the crime of being a girl.”

The ban applies to both public and private healthcare training institutes offering two-year diplomas in nursing, midwifery, dentistry, and laboratory work. These institutions had become a refuge for women barred from universities after the Taliban banned their attendance two years ago.

Yasamin, another student affected by the ban, expressed her despair at the sudden shutdown of her educational aspirations. “I was in my eighth semester of medical studies [at a university before women were barred],” she said. “We were banned from medical school, so we were hoping to get a midwifery degree and serve our country that way. Now that the school has closed, all our hopes are gone.”

According to sources within the health ministry, an estimated 35,000 women were enrolled in over 160 institutions offering healthcare training. These institutes were given a few days to organise final exams before enforcing the ban.

The Taliban authorities have yet to officially comment on or confirm the decision, despite mounting international condemnation and calls for a reversal. 

Since retaking power in 2021, the Taliban government has imposed severe restrictions on women, including prohibiting girls from attending school beyond the primary level, making Afghanistan the only country in the world to enforce such a ban.

In a public statement, Amarkhil called on community leaders and parents to support the vaccination effort. "There are no confirmed positive polio cases registered in Afghanistan in 2024. The ministry is trying to eradicate this wild virus by launching vaccine campaigns," he emphasised, highlighting the importance of cooperation from tribal elders, religious scholars, and parents to ensure effective implementation.

The announcement follows recent reports of uncertainty over polio campaigns in the country. On September 16, the United Nations announced that Afghanistan's Taliban government had suspended polio vaccination campaigns. The next day, however, the Taliban-led Health Ministry disputed this, calling the UN’s statement "false."

Afghanistan and Pakistan remain the only countries globally where the polio virus is still endemic. As of October 28, the global count for confirmed polio cases in 2024 has reached 64, with 23 cases reported in Afghanistan and 41 in Pakistan. This is a significant increase from the 12 cases recorded last year, split equally between the two countries.

Abdul Ghani Qazizada, who manages the registration of arrivals in Islam Qala, told AFP that most of these refugees entered Iran illegally or overstayed their visas.

Nearly 90% are deported, and expulsions have surged in recent months. Many Afghans are warned they must leave within a week or face a hefty deposit if they are over 18.

Upon arrival, refugees are registered by Afghan authorities and evaluated by the International Organization for Migration (IOM). Families receive minimal financial aid of 2,000 Afghanis ($29) per person, while individuals receive nothing.

The climate in Iran has grown increasingly hostile towards Afghan migrants, who are often blamed for rising unemployment and crime. Ramazan Azizi, a construction worker, described being evicted with his wife and three children after entering Iran illegally. They paid a smuggler $1,220 for the journey but faced eviction when their landlord was fined for renting to them. They were then detained in a military camp alongside thousands of others.

These women consider the opportunity a renewed hope for a better future. 

"I'm so happy and glad I can study again because becoming a doctor is my dream," Masuma Zakii who had her education interrupted when the Taliban took control of Afghanistan in August 2021 told the AFP.

Zahra Hussaini, a 20-year-old medical student, expressed how moving to Scotland gave her new hope. "It has given me hope for a better future. I can become a doctor, be financially independent, and serve my family and community to the best of my ability," she said.

Hussaini further aspires to become a surgeon, a role desperately needed in her home country adding that " Because it is a traditional society and generally when a woman is in need of surgery, if the surgeon is male, there is some restrictions from the family that the woman shouldn't be treated by a male surgeon. So I think that becoming a female surgeon in my own country would be, you know, something which can benefit myself and also my society."

The Taliban's return to power brought a rather severe interpretation of Islamic law , restricting women's rights, including education. 

These workers use acid to retrieve the gold from circuit boards.

Although it involves many health risks due to the exposure to these harmful chemicals in the process, the business is gradually growing.

The average working group in this business is able to retrieve around 150 grams of gold each month. The gold is then sold at local markets.

After the gold is retrieved, it goes through various processes to be refined after which it is purified and sold. It is sometimes used to make jewellry which is also sold on the market.

"When the Taliban came to power (in 2021), they closed down many places for women and I wanted women's voices to be heard and to make them understand that we also exist, that we are part of society," Zuhal said in an interview with AFP.

Afghanistan's Taliban authorities have firmly defended the new morality regulations amid widespread international condemnation.

The Taliban's chief spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, criticized international and local critics for what he called a lack of understanding of Islamic principles. He argued that dismissing the law without proper insight is "arrogant" and could "even lead to the decline of their faith."

The European Union has expressed strong disapproval, labelling the new regulations a "serious blow" to Afghan women and girls.

The international community continues to watch Afghanistan closely. The United Nations has stated that recognition of the Taliban government remains impossible as long as restrictions on women and other human rights violations persist

Meanwhile, On Monday, August 12, a group of women's rights activists in Takhar protested against the Taliban's policies. During the march, they chanted slogans denouncing "gender apartheid," asserting that the Taliban cannot silence women's voices through force.

Women's rights movements, both in Afghanistan and globally, have issued statements ahead of August 15, marking the third anniversary of the Taliban's return to power, calling it the "darkest day in Afghanistan's modern history."

Despite three years of improved security, a third of the nearly 40 million Afghans now survive on just bread and tea, according to the United Nations. Unemployment is widespread, and the World Bank warns there could be zero economic growth over the next three years.

Nikki, who previously ran a salon in Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan, reopened her business four months ago in a hidden location. To avoid detection, customers visit discreetly, and some of her 25 employees live on-site to maintain the appearance of a family residence.

Before the ban, her salon served 30 to 40 customers daily, but now she receives only six or seven, according to the AFP.

Despite this, she has kept all her employees on the payroll, though her monthly income has dropped from 25,000 Afghanis to between 8,000 and 12,000.

Nikki is concerned about being discovered by the authorities, who have previously shut down other underground salons, destroyed equipment, mistreated staff, and imposed fines.

"We're working in hiding, and we don't know for how much longer," she told AFP.

Factors contributing to stress include economic instability, political turmoil, social issues, and environmental concerns. Here, we explore some of the world's most stressed countries and the reasons behind their high stress levels according to data provided by Gallup.

Afghanistan tops the list as the most stressed country in the world. The nation has been struggling with the aftermath of political upheaval and conflict since 2001, leaving its people in constant worry and uncertainty. The 2024 Gallup Global Emotions Report , which measures life's intangibles like feelings and emotions, found that 68% of Afghans reported experiencing a lot of stress.

Following closely are Lebanon and Sierra Leone. These countries have also been through significant turmoil. Lebanon, in particular, has faced a severe economic crisis, leading to widespread stress among 65% of its population. Sierra Leone also records 61% of its population being stressed.

Other prominent countries on the list include Turkey, Liberia and Sri Lanka. These nations have faced unique challenges, from economic struggles to social and political unrest, contributing to the high-stress levels reported by their citizens. With 60%, 58% and 56% respectively, these countries have high levels of stress.

Interestingly, the report also highlights that stress is not always correlated with a country's wealth. For instance, Greece is noted as the most stressed European nation, despite being a part of the developed world with a 54% representation.

Taliban authorities in Afghanistan evicted thousands of displaced people in Kabul and demolished their informal settlements, making over 800 families homeless. The Norwegian Refugee Council urged the Taliban to stop the evictions and find long-term relocation solutions. Afghanistan is facing a humanitarian crisis, with 4.2 million internally displaced due to conflict and violence, and 1.5 million due to disasters. According to The Peninsula , the sudden return of 600,000 Afghans from Pakistan has further strained resources.

Navy hero detained over spy allegations

Navy hero and George Cross recipient, Lance Corporal Matt Croucher, has been detained in a Dubai prison for seven months on accusations of spying. According to the Daily Mail , Croucher, who is a security consultant, was arrested and had his passport confiscated, with little information about the case against him. His family and friends are shocked and stressed, and the UK Foreign Office is providing support.

Famine threats

There are warnings of a possible famine in northern Gaza, despite aid efforts and restrictions on data collection during the Israel-Hamas war. Famine is declared if 20% of households lack food, 30% of children suffer from malnutrition, and hunger-related deaths occur. FEWS NET, a respected authority, provides the first technical assessment of possible famine. Data collection is impeded by the ongoing conflict, and urgent action is needed to prevent further hunger-related deaths. Arabnews reports that Israel denies famine and allegations of using hunger as a weapon, but international pressure is mounting to increase aid access.

Convicts whipped by Taliban Supreme Court

The Taliban Supreme Court in northern Afghanistan whipped 63 convicts, including 14 women, for sodomy, robbery, and moral crimes. This is part of the reintroduction of corporal punishment in Afghanistan under Taliban rule, which has been criticised by the United Nations for violating the UN Convention against Torture. The GNA reports that Taliban authorities defend this form of punishment as necessary for public safety.

Afghanistan beats Uganda in sports

Afghanistan recorded the fourth-largest win in T20 World Cup history after beating Uganda by 125 runs. Afghanistan's openers Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz stitched a 154-run partnership, but Uganda bowled tightly to limit Afghanistan to 183/5. In the chase, Uganda struggled and was bundled out for 58 runs, with Fazalhaq Farooqi taking 5/9. Afghanistan's win was the result of a dominating performance in both batting and bowling, Daily Mirror reports.

The death toll from the flash floods in northern Afghanistan has increased to 153 people, the Taliban's interior ministry said on May 11. The Taliban authorities deployed helicopters for rescue operations upon receiving reports of over 100 stranded individuals. The flooding has left many homeless and disrupted essential services like transportation, water, and waste management. The World Health Organization reported profound impacts, including loss of life and injuries, with individuals still missing. Additionally, reports from Reuters indicate four health centres were damaged, and one was destroyed.

Ban on Afghanistan International TV

The Taliban has banned cooperation with Afghanistan International TV, warning reporters and experts that they would be committing a crime if they worked with the London-based broadcaster. The Taliban-controlled Ministry of Information and Culture alleged that the station was committing violations and crossing moral and legal boundaries, VOA News reported. Press freedom groups have called on the Taliban to revoke the restrictions targeting Afghanistan International TV, which is the country’s most popular international television channel.

Protests

Several people were killed in eastern Afghanistan during a protest over the eviction of residents for a new customs building. The clashes blocked a key road and involved the Taliban authorities and residents. This is one of the rare demonstrations since the Taliban took power in August 2021. Ary News explained similar protests recently broke out in northeastern Badakhshan over the violent clearance of poppy crops.

Dialogue with neighbouring countries

The Sahar Union Discourse Center and the Iranian Research and Study Delegation suggest that Afghanistan's challenges can be solved through dialogue with neighbouring countries. They propose an international conference on Afghan issues in Tehran and stress the importance of forming a unified regional policy and security agreement with neighbouring countries, reports Tolo News . They also emphasise the need for an inclusive and responsible government for political stability in Afghanistan. The Sahar Discourse Center was established to advise the government on overcoming existing challenges in the country.

Action against terrorist groups

Pakistan has urged Afghanistan to take action against terrorist groups, including the TTP. The Foreign Office spokesperson expressed concerns about the terror threat from individuals and entities in Afghanistan, stating that there is evidence linking the recent attack on Chinese engineers in Besham to terrorists in Afghanistan. Ary News indicated that Pakistan also rejected a report on religious freedom, calling it faulty and based on unsubstantiated allegations. The spokesperson emphasised the need for dialogue and cooperation, while also reaffirming Pakistan's support for the people of India illegally occupying Jammu and Kashmir in their quest for self-determination.

Former Afghan President Hamid Karzai has criticised Pakistan for alleged propaganda against Afghanistan, prompted by Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's remarks about the Islamic State threat in Afghanistan during the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) summit. Karzai emphasised that IS threats originate from Pakistan and urged Pakistan to avoid interfering in Afghanistan's internal affairs, local media Afghanistan Times reported. Meanwhile, Khan highlighted the importance of Afghanistan combating terrorism to prevent its spillover into neighbouring countries.

Ban on women’s work in the media

The Minister of Virtue and Vice for the Taliban, Mohammad Khalid Hanafi has issued a warning regarding female reporters' appearances on television. Hanafi cautioned that if women do not cover their faces during broadcasts or visual interviews, the Taliban's supreme leader, Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada, may prohibit women's work in the media entirely, local media Khaama reported. The Afghanistan Journalists Center expressed concern over this decree and called for its cancellation. Abdul Ghafoor Farooq, the spokesperson for the Taliban's Ministry of Virtue and Vice, recommended that women employees wear a "black covering with only their eyes visible" and advised against interviewing women without face coverings or masks.

Women’s rights

The UN special rapporteur for Afghanistan, Richard Bennett, delivered an assessment of the human rights situation in the country during the 55th session of the Human Rights Council. He highlighted widespread discrimination against women and minorities, emphasising the urgent need to prioritise human rights, particularly women's rights, in engagements with the Taliban. Bennett expressed concern over the Taliban's detention of women under the pretext of "bad hijab," and their release being contingent upon the guarantee of male family members. He called for accountability from the Taliban for their policies and actions, urging the international community to swiftly find ways to support Afghan women and girls, reports local media Afghanistan Times .

Britain–Afghanistan partnership

Robert Dixon, the British Embassy Chargé d'affaires for Afghanistan, held a meeting with Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai, a political appointee of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs press release outlined that the discussion covered a range of bilateral and multilateral political issues, focusing on strengthening relations between the two countries and humanitarian assistance efforts, reports local media Bakhtar News . Also the importance of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan's participation in international meetings related to Afghanistan to ensure effective coordination and establish fundamental relations at the international level.

Human rights violation

The annual report on human rights in Afghanistan, published by Tolerance, an organisation dedicated to monitoring human rights violations revealed that 506 people have been killed and 266 injured in targeted killings, mysterious murders, suicide attacks, and mine explosions, the report sheds light on the plight of various groups, including former government Afghanistan employees, human rights defenders, ethnic elders, opponents of the Taliban, and civilians, reports local media Etilaaztroz .

The Afghan Taliban declined participation in a U.N.-sponsored conference on Afghanistan to convene in Doha, Qatar. The conference, initiated by U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, aimed to assemble member states and special envoys to discuss engagement with the Taliban. Despite the United Nations extending invitations to Afghan civil society representatives and anti-Taliban groups to engage with special envoys, the Taliban's refusal to participate complicates the proceedings, reports local media Afghanistan Times .

Ban on girls’ education condemned

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has condemned the ban on girls' access to education and employment in Afghanistan, calling for its immediate reversal. In a statement posted on the UN's social media platform X on February 20, Guterres emphasised the need to ensure that women and girls in Afghanistan have meaningful participation in all aspects of life. He stressed that they should have the opportunity to participate fully in Afghan society, from classrooms to decision-making tables, local media Khaama reported.

Munich Security Conference

Following the Munich Security Conference's announcement this year, the spokesperson of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan dismissed concerns expressed by foreign ministers of 12 European countries, stating that propaganda efforts by conspirators cannot impede Afghanistan's development. Mr. Mujahid, in a statement on X page, asserted that Afghanistan will continue to progress regardless of external announcements or concerns, local media Nunn reported. He emphasised ongoing developments as evidence contradicting the conference's concerns, accusing biased circles of disseminating misinformation and misrepresenting Afghanistan's image.

Girls in medical school

The Taliban have approved the enrollment of female high school graduates in state-run medical institutes in Afghanistan for the upcoming academic year beginning in March. The Ministry of Public Health of the Taliban has issued directives to recruit girls who have completed twelfth grade in government health institutes across several provinces, reports local media Etilaat Roz . Letters have been sent to the Public Health Departments of the mentioned provinces, instructing them to recruit these 12th-grade female graduates into health institutes.

Afghan trade

Afghanistan's trade landscape has witnessed a significant surge over the past nine months, with total imports and exports collectively reaching $7.5 billion. While exports amounted to $1.35 billion during this period, imports soared to $6.22 billion, resulting in a notable trade deficit for the country. A comparative analysis of the preceding period revealed a marginal decline in exports and a substantial rise in imports. Pakistan emerged as the leading destination for Afghan exports, followed closely by India and the UAE, local media Afghanistan Times reported.

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has called on the Election Commission of Pakistan to extend the polling time by an hour, citing hurdles like internet shutdowns and mobile phone service suspensions. PTI's chief organizer Umar Ayub urged party polling agents to request the extension formally. The party said it had received complaints about the slow voting process, reports local media The Nation . The ECP has however refused to extend the polling time. The voting started at 8 am and will continue till 5 pm on February 8.

Suspension of mobile phone services

The government of Pakistan suspended mobile phone services nationwide on February 8 amid the ongoing general elections to ensure law and order. The Interior Ministry spokesperson said previous lives have been lost citing recent militant attacks and hence the need for security measures and to deal with potential threats, local media The News reported. Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja stated that the Election Commission of Pakistan would not instruct the interior ministry to resume services, emphasizing that the ECP's system does not depend on the Internet.

Pakistan-Germany partnership

On February 7, Pakistan and Germany signed assistance agreements worth Euro 45 million on Technical Development Cooperation for initiating new bilateral cooperation projects. Dr. Kazim Niaz, Secretary for Economic Affairs Pakistan, and Alfred Grannas, German Ambassador to Pakistan, witnessed the signing ceremony, local media Tribune reported. These agreements are a result of the continuation of a longstanding and trustful partnership between the two nations. The newly commissioned projects focus on various areas including climate and energy, sustainable economic development, training, and employment, as well as health, social protection, and population policy, aligning with German development cooperation thematic areas.

Election city

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has set up an Election City within its premises, equipped with advanced technology to rapidly distribute the election results of 855 constituencies to the media. Muhammad Khizer Aziz, Director of Information Technology, stated that a comprehensive strategy is in place to receive election results via WhatsApp, email, and fax. Additionally, an alternative website has been set up to ensure continuous dissemination of results in case of disruptions. The Election Management System (EMS) will operate even without internet connectivity, with satellite communication deployed in areas facing connectivity issues, local media Pakistan Today reports.

Border closure between Afghanistan and Iran

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch announced that border crossings with Afghanistan and Iran would be closed for cargo and pedestrians on February 8 due to security concerns for Pakistan's general election. Operations are expected to resume on February 9, local media The News reports. Responding to remarks from the United Nations regarding the elections, Baloch stated that Pakistan has finalized security plans per its electoral laws. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights expressed concern about violent incidents preceding the elections and urged authorities to uphold fundamental freedoms for an inclusive democratic process.

In 1991 , 7,000 Afghan women were enrolled in higher education, 230,000 girls attending schools, and 190 female professors. However, by the end of the Taliban's first rule in 2001, less than a million Afghan children were in school, and none of them were girls.

By 2021, Afghan women had secured 69 parliamentary seats out of 249. They were visible in law, politics, journalism, and various public spaces.

Since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan on August 15, 2021, they've issued 80 edicts, 54 specifically targeting women and girls. One year into their rule gender segregation and restricting women’s movement was clear.

Erased from the public sphere

The Taliban has since closed  secondary schools for girls; barring women from university and working at NGOs including the United Nations, excluding women from public offices and the judiciary, restricting travel without a male companion, and banning them from public spheres like the gym, parks and sports club.  

Women must now adhere to a strict dress code and if they don’t their male relatives would be punished.

The world’s attention

The global condemnation and threats of the Taliban's treatment of girls and women, along with calls for reforms from the UN's human rights body, have had limited impact on instigating change. Global attention has waned, leaving many Afghan girls to feel abandoned by the world.

Why the ban on education

The Taliban stopped girls' education beyond sixth grade because  they said it didn't comply with their interpretation of Islamic law, or Sharia . Afghan universities were also restricted to women due to perceived non-compliance with instructions, including a dress code, with the Taliban's minister for higher education, citing concerns about inappropriate attire resembling wedding attire.

Efforts to persuade the Taliban to reconsider the ban on girls' schools involved individuals like Obaidullah Baheer, a political science lecturer at the American University of Afghanistan, who engaged in discussions with the Taliban in an attempt to overturn the ban.

Baheer said the ban is deeply rooted in the ideological convictions of the current Taliban leader, Mullah Haibatullah Akhundzada. Such leaders have been indoctrinated by the Deobandi school of thought and thus enforce a stringent interpretation of Islam on Afghans. The ban, considered a deliberate policy aligns with a fringe Islamic opinion of preferring the choice of one of the Prophet Muhammad's wives, Sawdah Bint Zam'ah, who chose to stay at home until her death.

" This fringe opinion is not held by all Taliban leaders but is one that the current absolute sovereign, the Taliban emir, seems to be convinced of,” he said .

The seemingly bleak future

In the face of numerous challenges, Afghan women persist in creating pockets of hope. Despite facing threats, intimidation, arrests, and torture , women who engage in rare protests against the Taliban's restrictions remain resilient.

The future of Afghan women hinges on meaningful engagement between the Taliban and the international community. If the Taliban does not respond to this engagement, it is unclear what the future holds.

Millions of Afghan women are confined to their homes, being forced to spend their days on farms and household chores. The lack of education for girls raises concerns about a generation facing a bleak future with limited rights. Afghan girls now live in fear of what the future holds for them.

The Afghan government announced that 193 Afghan citizens imprisoned in Iran were released from Al-Ghadir prison in Zahedan, a city in the central district of Iran. The prisoners were handed over to the Afghan embassy in Iran. The Taliban administration reported the release of 99 Afghan citizens from Sindh province, Pakistan, while the process of deporting Afghan migrants lacking legal documents continues, local media Khaam Press reported.

$7 million health aid from Japan

Japan has pledged to provide $7 million to Afghanistan in collaboration with the World Health Organization to enhance its capacity to respond to infectious diseases. The budget will be used to support health facilities in Afghanistan, including the Japan-Afghanistan Leprosy Hospital and the National Tuberculosis Hospital in Kabul. Over 76,000 individuals are expected to benefit from the project, local media Pajhwok Afghan News reports.

Plane crash kills 3 former Afghan air force members

Three former Afghan Air Force members who were refugees in the United States were killed in a plane crash after the aircraft they were in collided with power lines in Oregon, USA. The pilot of the plane was Mohammad Hossein Mousavi and the passengers were Mohammad Bashir Safdari, and Ali Jan Firdousi, according to American news network KOIN . The plane was carrying Afghan citizens who worked with the support barrels for Afghans in Beaverton.

$1 billion in trade

The Afghan National Statistics and Information Authority (NSIA) reported that Afghanistan traded nearly one billion dollars with neighbouring countries in the Asian region in the past month, with $227 million coming from exports, mainly to India, Pakistan, China, Iran, and the UAE. "In the month of Aqrab of the current year (Solar year), $227.1 million worth of exports were made and $681.5 million worth of imports were made. These exports were mostly sent to Pakistan, India and China, while the imports were to Pakistan, the United Arab Emirates and Iran,” a spokesperson for the NSIA is quoted by Afghan news agency Tolo News .

Distribution of health supplies

Medical officials have reported that $835,000 worth of medical equipment and related items, including ambulances, motorcycles, office cabinets, and laboratory equipment, were distributed to health centres in the Helmand province, the south of Afghanistan with financial support from the Asian Development Bank and UNICEF, Afghan state media Bakhtar News Agency reported.

According to Pakistani sources, the cargo included American M4 weapons, Kalashnikovs, night vision cameras, laser beams, grenades, and thousands of bullets. The final destination of the shipment remains unknown.

These weapons were hidden among sacks of onions in a cargo truck and upon inspection, the Pakistani police confiscated the truck and arrested the driver.

Pakistani officials have said that the attempt to smuggle modern American weapons from Afghanistan to Pakistan refutes the Taliban's claim that they do not use Afghan soil against Pakistan.

Islamabad has asked the Afghan Taliban to stop arms smuggling to Pakistan and to take specific steps against the activities of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan in Afghanistan.

This is amid the fact that exactly one month ago, the Pakistani media, Tribune, citing a senior security official in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa state, reported that terrorist groups in that state had acquired advanced American weapons.

This claim was announced after two police officers were killed in that area at night with weapons equipped with night vision cameras.

Pakistani security officials have repeatedly claimed that American weapons have fallen into the hands of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and around the Afghanistan-Pakistan border which has bolstered the positions of this insurgent group.

The sale and smuggling of American weapons on the borders of Afghanistan started more than two years ago since the withdrawal of the American forces.

It was following the departure of U.S. forces that the US special inspector for the reconstruction of Afghanistan announced that US military equipment worth seven billion dollars remained in Afghanistan.

The Washington Examiner also reported that more equipment worth 18 billion dollars was given to the Afghan National Army, whose fate was not known after the collapse of the republican government.

During the past two years, following the Taliban's return to power in Afghanistan, several reports of black market sales of American military equipment in the border areas of Afghanistan were published in the media.

However, some American officials have denied the presence of American weapons in Afghanistan. The Taliban have always denied the claim of smuggling American weapons from Afghanistan.

Mahbube Siraj, women's rights activist and executive director of the Women's Skills Training Center in Afghanistan, won the biennial Finland Gender Equality Award on December 11. The Finnish government said this award, which is accompanied by a donation of 300,000 euros, has been given to Mahbouba Siraj for her efforts in supporting women and creating safe shelters and jobs for them.

Taliban's reaction to drought

The Minister of “enjoining good and forbidding bad”
of the Taliban regime, in response to people's concerns about the continuation of the drought, ordered that people throughout Afghanistan pray for rain for three days. In the notification of the Ministry of Good and Prohibition of the Taliban regime which was issued on December 12, it is stated that people should come to pre-specified places on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 9:00 am and pray for rain.

Nasim Radio Afghanistan director jailed

The Taliban court in Daikundi, accused Sultan Ali Javadi, the director of Radio Nasim, the only free audio media in the central regions of Afghanistan (Bamiyan and Daikundi), of cooperating with media outside of Afghanistan, reflecting news of moral and administrative corruption of local Taliban officials, and cooperating with critics. He was sentenced to one year in prison. This sentence was delivered to Sultan Ali Javadi by the Taliban court in Nili city on Monday, December 11.

"Jihadist commander" killed

Unknown armed men killed one of the "jihadi commanders" in Herat province on Sunday evening, December 10. On Sunday evening, Mohammad Naeem Jamshidi was on his way to his home from the centre of Rabat Sangi in the north of Herat city, when he was shot by two motorcycle riders. According to Naeem Jamshidi's relatives, he was targeted along with one of the residents of Chahardare village and the said person survived. Naeem Jamshidi was active as the commander of popular uprising forces against the Taliban for many years.

"Afghan meeting" in Germany

The participants in the thirty-seventh "Afghan meeting" of the Evangelical Academy in the "Villigast" district criticized the policy of interaction with the Taliban and demanded a change in this approach. The "Afghan meeting" of the Evangelical Academy, which is held annually in Germany, was planned in the city of Shorte, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, entitled "Take the facts seriously, be responsible and strengthen communication" hosting representatives of the Taliban regime. Following criticism about the presence of a Taliban official in the city of Cologne, Willigst Evangelical Academy was pressured to cancel the trip of Taliban representatives to participate in the two-day conference "Afghanistan Session" and had to cancel their invitation.

These soldiers fled to Pakistan after the fall of the Afghan government, and now they are in danger due to the policy of the Pakistani government to deport Afghan refugees.

Britain claims it has brought thousands of Afghans to a safe zone.

However, General Richard Barons, who served in the British Army in Afghanistan for more than 12 years, told the BBC that Britain's failure to transfer these Afghan soldiers is "shameful" because it shows Britain as an "incompetent" country or subject to "double standards."

He complained: "None of these are acceptable. This is a betrayal, and the people who served alongside us will pay for this betrayal, and now they must either die or spend their lives in prison."

He said that 650 to 900 tonnes of oil are extracted from these wells daily and a portion of the income is spent on development projects.

Currently, 15 wells are operating but the number is expected to increase in the future.

He claimed that the cost of building the Sultan Ibrahim dam will be financed by profits from oil extraction ventures, and the project will be launched in April next year.

Chinese influence

Local media Independent Persian reports that during a visit to the Qashqari oil field, in late November, the Taliban governor ordered the Taliban forces to cooperate with the employees of the Chinese contractors operating wells to ensure security.

The Taliban is worried that the Khorasan branch of the Islamic State or their military opponents will make the oil-rich Qashqari region unsafe, the report added. 

During the two decades of war and insurgency against the former government of Afghanistan and its Western allies, the Taliban were accused of making a great deal of effort to make various projects in the country unsafe and were allegedly extorting money from project contractors, Arab News revealed.

In January 2023, the Taliban handed over the extraction of the Qashgari oil field and other Amu Darya oil fields in Jawzjan and Faryab provinces to a Chinese company called Xinjiang Gas and Petroleum in Central Asia (CAPEIC) under a 25-year agreement.

It is estimated that the capacity of the Amu Darya oil region is 87 million barrels. 20% of the income from oil field resources goes to the Taliban.

The process of extracting oil from the Qashqari oil field started in July of this year and initially, the capacity of extraction was 50 tonnes of crude oil in one day. The Chinese company was able to increase the level of oil extraction.

With the overthrow of the previous government in August 2021, the Taliban started a massive campaign to attract foreign investors in the mining sector, and among these, Chinese companies showed great enthusiasm for investing in this sector. Various Chinese delegations travel to Afghanistan to meet with senior Taliban officials.

The Taliban regime has entrusted the mining of the Aynak copper mine in Logar province, the largest copper mine in Afghanistan and the second copper mine in the world, to China.

China owns a large part of Afghanistan's consumer market, and it is believed that with the continuation of the Taliban regime, China's role in the country's economy will become more prominent.

Contractual risks

The Taliban regime was able to dominate Afghanistan by resorting to the military option and signing an agreement with the United States of America on February 29, 2020.

This Islamist extremist group is accused of monopoly of power and violation of human rights, especially of women.

The Taliban government has not been recognized by any country yet, therefore signing the contract for extracting Afghanistan's mines is not legal and has no legitimacy, and it will not hold if the Taliban regime is overthrown.

Richard Bennett, the UN special rapporteur on human rights said at the meeting that he believes Afghan women have been "betrayed" by powerful countries , claiming that there is no consensus among the Taliban leaders about women's right to education as only some of them oppose the ban.

"The Taliban are not of the same opinion and not united regarding the education of girls and women. I think that the Taliban alliance is one of their strengths because they consider integrity to be very basic and important; but in the issue of education, I don't think they have this integrity. We have seen this difference in some statements," he said at the meeting.

Rina Amiri, the US special representative for Afghanistan's human rights and women's affairs, said at the Doha Forum meeting that banning the education of girls and women is against Islamic values and Afghan culture, and the Taliban should revoke this ban.

The Taliban claims to have changed compared to the first period of their rule in the second half of the 90s and expressed respect for the values of human rights and women's rights; but when they came to power in August 2021, they did not fulfil their commitments.

On February 29, 2020, the Taliban signed an agreement in Doha with the then-US government, and based on this agreement, Washington ended two decades of military presence in Afghanistan and the Taliban were able to overthrow the then-Afghan government.

With the Taliban coming to power, millions of Afghan girls and women have been denied the right to work and education, and girls are only allowed to study up to the sixth grade of primary school.

Afghan women believe that the international community has not provided the necessary support for their rights and as a result, the Taliban have been able to isolate them in society.

The Taliban seeks to fully implement Islamic Sharia law in society, and the ban on women's education and work, according to them, is based on "Sharia" principles and orders. The Taliban regime is managed and led by hard-line clerics. 

Some officials of this group have called for the reopening of schools and universities for women, but these officials are not in the decision-making circle of the Taliban leadership.