ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Foreign Office has called on Afghanistan’s leadership to provide written guarantees on security, amid rising tensions. Pakistan insists there is no progress on a ceasefire with the Taliban without these assurances. The statement reflects Islamabad’s concerns over continued threats from militant groups operating in Afghanistan. Pakistan’s Foreign Office spokesperson, Tahir Andrabi, addressed the […]
Taliban
US equipment, weapons central to Afghan Taliban’s security apparatus: report
Echoing Pakistan’s repeated concerns, a US government agency report has confirmed that billions of dollars’ worth of weapons and equipment left behind by Western forces during 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan are now central to Taliban regime’s security apparatus. “The US taxpayer-funded equipment, weapons, and facilities have formed the core of the Taliban security apparatus,” reads […]
UN urges Taliban to lift ban on Afghan women in its offices
The United Nations called on the Taliban authorities on Sunday to lift its ban on Afghan women working in its offices, saying the restriction puts “life-saving services” at risk. Since the Taliban regained power in 2021, Afghan women have been barred from doing most jobs, visiting parks and beauty salons, and attending school beyond the […]
Uzbekistan reopens border crossing with Afghanistan
TASHKENT: Uzbekistan has fully reopened its only border crossing with Afghanistan, closed to travelers since the Taliban seized power in 2021, signaling a renewed focus on economic cooperation with its neighbor. The Termez-Hairatan bridge crossing is now operational, allowing people to travel directly and safely between the two countries, the Uzbek Chamber of Commerce and […]
Pakistan and Afghanistan revive peace talks in Saudi Arabia
Pakistan and Afghanistan’s Taliban held fresh peace talks in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, agreeing to maintain a ceasefire. The talks aim to ease tensions after deadly border clashes in October. Officials said both sides remain open to further meetings for a positive outcome. The talks follow previous efforts in Qatar and Turkey, where a ceasefire […]
Pakistan rejects Afghan Taliban’s claim of airstrikes in Afghanistan
Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General (DG) Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry rejected accusations by the Taliban regime that it was behind an overnight airstrike in Afghanistan, state media reported on Tuesday. “Pakistan has not attacked Afghanistan,” the army’s top spokesperson said in comments carried by the state broadcaster, adding that “the allegations of the […]
Turkiye delegation to visit Pakistan amid Taliban tensions
ISLAMABAD – A high-level delegation from Turkiye is scheduled to visit Islamabad next week to discuss escalating tensions between Pakistan and the Taliban regime, aiming to explore a peaceful resolution, The News reported on Saturday. The delegation, confirmed by Turkiye’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Dr. Irfan Neziroglu, will include the Turkish intelligence chief and key ministers, […]
Pakistan links trade resumption with Taliban ending cross-border attacks
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Foreign Office (FO) on Friday reiterated that the reopening of trade with Afghanistan hinges on the Taliban halting cross-border terrorism, warning that regional energy projects could also be jeopardized if Kabul continues to support militant groups. FO spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi said the suspension of trade since mid-October followed attacks on Pakistani forces […]
India, Afghanistan set to launch cargo flights
NEW DELHI: India and Afghanistan are set to launch air cargo services soon, an Indian foreign ministry official said on Friday, marking a step to reset ties amid worsening relations with Pakistan. The announcement came during a visit by Afghanistan’s Taliban Trade Minister Nooruddin Azizi, who urged India to boost trade and open cargo hubs […]
Afghan Taliban trade minister visits India to boost ties
KABUL: Afghan Taliban Trade Minister Alhaj Nooruddin Azizi arrived in India on Wednesday for his first official visit, aiming to attract greater investments and enhance trade between the two countries. The visit comes amid Afghanistan’s strained relations with neighboring Pakistan and India’s renewed engagement with Kabul. Read More: Taliban’s India Turn India recently reopened its embassy […]