"taliban"

The war on terror may have weakened terrorist networks, but it has failed to eliminate the threat of terrorism

For countries, including India, dealing with the Taliban, distinguishing between engagement and recognition provides room for pragmatic diplomacy without abandoning concerns over human rights

A UN report has linked the November 2025 Red Fort attack in Delhi to AQIS, warning that the group is evolving into a regional terrorist organisation with decentralised cells, financial and logistical networks, while potentially seeking expansion into Bangladesh and neighbouring countries

The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan expressed concern over the detention of at least 30 women in Herat and allegations of excessive force by Taliban authorities. The UN urged respect for fundamental freedoms and called for an end to restrictions on women

Afghanistan accused Pakistan of conducting airstrikes in Khost, Kunar, and Paktika provinces, killing 13 civilians and injuring 14. The attacks mark a new escalation in border tensions, with both countries blaming each other for supporting militant groups and cross-border violence

Pakistan carried out fresh airstrikes across several provinces in Afghanistan, including Kabul and Kandahar, killing civilians, the Taliban claimed. Spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid condemned the attacks as sovereignty violations, further escalating tensions along the volatile Afghanistan-Pakistan border

Afghan analyst Ajmal Sohail accused Pakistan’s ISI of targeting Chinese projects in Afghanistan, aiming to preserve CPEC’s strategic role. Arms shipments to anti-Taliban groups in Wakhan Corridor highlight proxy conflicts, regional insecurity, and Pakistan’s efforts to influence Beijing-Kabul engagement

Afghan forces launched retaliatory strikes along the Durand Line, claiming to have killed 55 Pakistani soldiers and captured bases after alleged Pakistani airstrikes on civilian areas. Rising tensions threaten border stability as both sides trade accusations over cross-border attacks

At least seven people, including a Chinese national, were killed in a suicide bombing at a restaurant in Kabul’s Shahr-e-Naw district. The Islamic State claimed responsibility, citing retaliation against China’s treatment of Uyghur Muslims, while investigations continue

Afghan returnees in designated camps urge the Taliban for winter support, including shelter, jobs, and supplies, as thousands are forcibly repatriated from Pakistan and Iran, with some families receiving humanitarian aid and SIM cards upon arrival

Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi accused Pakistan of using border closures, economic pressure, and “unacceptable” security demands to destabilise the Taliban government, amid rising cross-border tensions and recent Pakistani airstrikes that Kabul says violated Afghan sovereignty and killed civilians

The deepening rift between Pakistan and the Taliban is reshaping regional alignments and creating fresh diplomatic space for New Delhi

Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir warned Afghanistan to “choose between peace and chaos,” demanding action against terrorists using its soil. His comments followed fresh Pakistani air strikes in Afghanistan after a deadly TTP attack in North Waziristan.

Pakistan’s escalating conflict with Afghanistan threatens to spiral into a long-term crisis, analysts warn, as Islamabad seeks to assert military dominance while risking internal rebellion, Taliban backlash, and friction with China over its CPEC investments.

Pakistan and Afghan forces clashed again along the northwestern border, with each side accusing the other of unprovoked aggression. The confrontation follows recent deadly exchanges, keeping tensions high as border crossings remain closed amid mutual accusations of territorial violations.

Lyricist Javed Akhtar expressed shock and disappointment over the warm reception given to Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi at Darul Uloom Deoband, calling it “shameful” and questioning India’s moral direction in extending respect to a representative of the Taliban.

Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi’s week-long visit to New Delhi signals a strategic push to enhance bilateral trade. Over two dozen Afghan traders are expected to join him, focusing on sectors like dry fruits, pharmaceuticals, and infrastructure.

India upgraded its Technical Mission in Kabul to embassy status, pledging six new development projects and humanitarian aid. Talks with Afghan Foreign Minister Muttaqi focused on cross-border terrorism, trade, regional stability, and cooperation to combat Daesh

Taliban restrictions and Trump’s travel ban have derailed higher education dreams of Afghan, Iranian, and Myanmar students aspiring to study in the US. Visa delays, bans, and immigration crackdowns force many to defer, seek alternatives in Europe, or abandon plans

Afghanistan’s Ministry of Interior says 253 drug-addicted people in Herat have recovered after months of treatment and rejoined their families. The Taliban-led government continues its crackdown on narcotics, including recent seizures of opium, heroin, and methamphetamine across multiple provinces.