TALIBAN CRISIS
Continued Taliban tolerance of terrorist groups sets conditions for terrorism to project into neighbouring states: UN report
The 15th report of the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team concerning the Taliban and other associated individuals and entities said that the TTP remained the largest terrorist group in Afghanistan, with an estimated strength of 6,000-6,500 fighters.
As violence surges, can Pakistan protect its Chinese projects?
Security measures in Pakistan are being ramped up to protect Chinese workers amidst rising militant violence targeting Chinese-funded projects. Recent attacks have led to casualties and raised concerns about the security of investments. The situation has prompted discussions on balancing security priorities.
A Taliban delegation attends a UN-led meeting in Qatar on Afghanistan, with women excluded
The Taliban were not invited to the first meeting, and U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said they set unacceptable conditions for attending the second one in February, including demands that Afghan civil society members be excluded from the talks and that the Taliban be treated as the country's legitimate rulers. The Taliban seized power in August 2021 as U.S. and NATO forces were in the final weeks of their pullout from the country following two decades of war.
Over 13000 Afghani migrants return from Pakistan, Iraq
Some deported migrants alleged that despite possessing valid residency documents, they were detained by police and were forcibly returned to Afghanistan. Many Afghan migrants have documented instances of mistreatment by Iranian police in their camps.
Afghan Taliban govt says to attend next round of UN talks in Doha
Taliban authorities will attend the third round of United Nations-hosted talks on Afghanistan in the Qatari capital, a government spokesman said on Sunday, after snubbing an invitation to the previous round. A key element of the talks held in the Gulf state, which hosted the Taliban during years of peace talks with the United States, is a UN independent assessment on Afghanistan released late last year.
Flash floods kill more than 300 people in northern Afghanistan after heavy rains, UN says
300 Afghans perish in Baghlan floods, with the World Food Agency offering aid. The Taliban government reports substantial deaths in northern Afghanistan. Human rights concerns raised by U.N. Special Rapporteur Bennett amid ongoing rescue efforts and evacuations.
Russia and the Taliban: Here's why Putin wants to get closer to Afghanistan's current rulers
Russia is considering taking Taliban off its terrorist list and aiming to strengthen ties amid Afghan crisis. Economic goals include developing trade corridors, and the focus is on geoeconomic presence and security alliances in the region.
Positive development: India on move to return private land to Hindu, Sikh minorities in Afghanistan
India welcomed the Taliban regime's decision to restore private land rights to Afghan Hindus and Sikh minorities, describing it as a positive development. The Taliban administration reportedly established a commission to return seized private land to its rightful owners, which were taken by warlords during the previous regime in Kabul.
Taliban urges India to ease visa process for Afghan businessmen, patients & students
India's envoy for Afghanistan, J P Singh, met with Taliban's acting foreign minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, to discuss various matters including visa issuance for Afghan businessmen, patients, and students. The talks, held in Kabul, also covered security, trade, and anti-narcotics efforts. Despite not recognizing the Taliban regime, India advocates for an inclusive government in Afghanistan and insists on preventing terrorist activities
Taliban's decrees on Afghan women cost country over USD 1 billion annually
US special envoy for Afghan women, Rina Amiri, highlighted that the Taliban's restrictions on women in Afghanistan cost the nation over $1 billion annually, impacting education, employment, and exacerbating dependency on foreign aid. The Taliban defended their record on women's issues, but reports indicate regression in women's rights. The international community faces a complex dilemma of promoting gender equality while addressing humanitarian needs in Afghanistan.
Afghan women fear going out alone due to Taliban decrees on clothing and male guardians, UN says
Taliban have barred women from most areas of public life and stopped girls from going to school beyond the sixth grade as part of harsh measures they imposed after taking power in 2021. They are also restricting women's access to work, travel and health care if they are unmarried or don't have a male guardian, and arresting those who don't comply with the Taliban's interpretation of hijab, or Islamic headscarf.
Foreign aid drops sharply as Taliban abuses jeopardise the Afghan health system, group says
Human Rights Watch has reported that Afghanistan's public health system has been severely impacted by a sharp reduction in foreign assistance and serious Taliban abuses against women and girls, leaving the population increasingly vulnerable to severe malnutrition and illness. The Taliban takeover of Afghanistan in August 2021 drove millions into poverty and hunger after foreign aid stopped almost overnight.
Pakistan elections: Who's running, what's the mood and will anything change?
Pakistan elections: Forty-four political parties are vying for a share of the 266 seats that are up for grabs in the National Assembly, or the lower house of parliament, with an additional 70 seats reserved for women and minorities.
A year of extremes: From mass migration to 'Barbie' hitting billions, 10 records set in 2023
The number of people around the world displaced by conflict or humanitarian crises was already at a record high before the Israel-Gaza war began on October 7, adding to the misery.
Afghan border trade resumes after Pakistan suspends new visa rule
Cross-border trade between Pakistan and Afghanistan has returned to normal after Pakistan suspended a new visa rule that led to a temporary halt in commercial traffic. Pakistan had introduced a requirement for the crew of commercial vehicles to possess passports and visas, prompting Afghanistan to block truck passage in protest.
Pakistan Army faces its worst crisis since 2014
What makes the losses glaring this year is that in 2014 the Pakistani Army had launched a massive crackdown on a network of militant groups, including Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). However, this year, there has been no such action. Moreover, Pakistani Army has faced the wrath of political protesters, who have attacked several installations after the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan and even burnt down the house of the Lahore Corps Commander.
Afghan farmers lose income of more than USD 1 billion after the Taliban banned poppy cultivation
Afghan farmers suffered over $1 billion income loss due to the Taliban's ban on poppy cultivation, a UN report showed. The ban, imposed in April 2022, caused a 95% drop in opium cultivation. This downturn has significant economic and humanitarian repercussions, affecting livelihoods and potentially leading to illegal activities like drug trafficking.
China kept Myanmar junta chief away from BRI forum
China's decision to exclude Myanmar junta leader Min Aung Hlaing from the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) forum was a strategic move to avoid global criticism. Instead, China invited Junta Deputy Prime Minister Mya Tun Oo. This decision indicates China's desire to be seen as a responsible global power and not compromise its image by associating with the coup leader. China is also concerned about negative publicity and cyber scams that have harmed its interests in Myanmar. China has urged the junta to take action against these scams.
Earthquake of 6.3 magnitude followed by 5.4 tremors hit northwest of Afghanistan's Herat city: USGS
Afghanistan was hit by another earthquake with a magnitude of 6.3, followed by a 5.5 aftershock. The majority of the victims were women and children, who are particularly vulnerable when structures collapse. The recent earthquakes have destroyed villages and left over 12,000 people affected. The Taliban authorities, who now control Afghanistan, face challenges in providing shelter for the affected population, compounded by the country's existing humanitarian crisis. Afghanistan has a history of deadly earthquakes.
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