For more than two decades, the Taliban labelled India as an enemy to humanity, a Hindu “kafir” state supporting foreign agendas in Kabul. Now the same Taliban leadership is stepping into New Delhi with open arms and open palms, asking for funds, trade routes, wheat and political space. It is an amazing reversal on the […]
Taliban
Pakistan risks losing Afghan market amid border trade halt
ISLAMABAD: The ongoing closure of Pakistan-Afghanistan trade routes has raised fears of a permanent loss of Afghanistan’s market for Pakistani exporters, particularly those in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Analysts say the Taliban regime is increasingly seeking alternative markets and transit routes, signaling a gradual reduction in its reliance on Pakistan. Afghanistan’s Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, […]
Afghanistan seeks Central Asian trade to cut reliance on Pakistan
Afghanistan is attempting to deepen trade ties with Central Asian nations as it works to reduce its long-standing economic dependence on Pakistan. The push comes amid deteriorating relations between Kabul and Islamabad, marked by deadly cross-border clashes and the prolonged closure of key trade routes. Afghan traders say the month-long shutdown of border crossings has […]
Khawaja Asif: Afghanistan’s trade cut ‘a blessing in disguise’ for Pakistan
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Wednesday downplayed Afghanistan’s move to reduce transit trade with Pakistan, calling it “a relief” rather than a setback. Speaking on Geo News, he said the decision would help curb smuggling and terrorism that often came under the guise of cross-border trade. Asif argued that most Afghan goods imported through Karachi […]
Stop trade with Pakistan, Afghan Taliban tells traders
Afghanistan’s deputy prime minister for economic affairs, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, on Wednesday urged Afghan traders and industrialists to end their reliance on Pakistan for imports and exports and seek alternative routes within three months, warning that the government would no longer take responsibility for problems arising from commerce through its southern neighbor. The directive […]
Three-month ultimatum: Afghan traders must stop Pakistan trade
KABUL – The Afghan Taliban government has ordered all traders to stop trade with Pakistan, giving them a three-month deadline. Traders must now seek alternative trade routes, Vice Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar said. Officials warned non-compliance will lead to government non-cooperation. Baradar urged Afghan traders and industrialists to shift imports […]
Taliban criticises exclusion from COP30 climate conference
KABUL: The Taliban regime has voiced disappointment over not being invited to the upcoming COP30 climate conference, despite Afghanistan being among the world’s most climate-vulnerable nations. The 30th UN Climate Change Conference, opening Monday in Brazil, is expected to bring together representatives from dozens of countries to discuss global climate action. Read More:COP30 begins today amid […]
Taliban used talks to malign Pakistan instead of curbing terror, says FO
The Foreign Office (FO) on Sunday stated that the Afghan Taliban only participated in talks with Pakistan this past week to prolong a temporary ceasefire between the two nations and did not take any action against terrorist elements operating from their soil. In a lengthy statement, the FO said: “Anyone following the talks held under […]
Taliban’s Promises: Deception or Strategy?
In diplomacy, honouring commitments is the bedrock of a nation’s credibility. When states fail to implement agreements and assurances, their standing in the international system erodes, and diplomatic isolation follows. Successful diplomacy requires alignment between words and deeds; promises must represent lasting trust, not temporary convenience. Afghanistan again stands before the world’s conscience with a […]
Pakistan-Afghanistan talks in Istanbul end in deadlock
ISLAMABAD: The latest round of peace talks between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban, held in Istanbul under the joint mediation of Türkiye and Qatar, concluded without any breakthrough, officials confirmed on Friday. Both sides failed to resolve key differences on security and counterterrorism issues, maintaining the status quo on cross-border tensions. Federal Minister for Information […]