Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi accused Pakistan of attempting to impose “mysterious projects” on Kabul and pressuring the Taliban administration through border closures, trade restrictions and security demands, amid escalating tensions following Pakistani air strikes that killed civilians in Afghan provinces.
Peace talks between Pakistan and Afghanistan’s Taliban government in Istanbul have collapsed after four days, with Islamabad accusing Kabul of harboring militants behind cross-border attacks. The breakdown threatens to renew tensions despite a ceasefire brokered by Qatar earlier this month.
A 6.0 magnitude earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan near Jalalabad, killing at least 610 and injuring 1,300, with many villages destroyed. Rescue operations continue, and casualties may rise. The quake caused widespread devastation in Kunar and Nangarhar provinces late Sunday night
More than 900 individuals have completed drug rehabilitation programs in Afghanistan’s western provinces and rejoined their families, officials said. The Taliban-led interim government has ramped up anti-narcotic operations, arresting traffickers and seizing large quantities of opium in recent raids.
Sher Abbas Stanikzai, political deputy at the Foreign Ministry, says there is no reason to deny education to women and girls, just as there was no justification for it in the past and there shouldn’t be one at all
The women said they want support for initiatives that provide counselling and psychological services and they want access to international scholarships and safe migration options.
