Taliban’s newly introduced penal code has sparked global concern after reports revealed provisions that allow husbands to physically punish their wives and children under certain conditions. The controversial law, signed by Taliban supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada, has drawn sharp criticism from human rights organisations and international observers, who warn that it severely undermines women’s rights and legal protections in Afghanistan. According to reports, the penal code

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has strongly criticised remarks made by US President Donald Trump regarding the role of NATO troops in Afghanistan, calling the comments “insulting and frankly appalling” and suggesting that an apology is warranted. Starmer said that the remarks had caused deep pain to the families of those who served and to individuals who were killed or injured during the conflict. He emphasized that statements of this kind undermine the sacrifices made by international

At least seven people were killed and several others injured after a powerful explosion struck Kabul’s Shahr-e-Naw district on Monday, an area widely regarded as one of the Afghan capital’s most secure neighborhoods. The blast hit a hotel on Gulfaroshi Street, close to a restaurant popular with foreign visitors, triggering panic in a locality known for hosting diplomats, business travelers, and international residents. Emergency teams rushed to the scene as smoke and debris filled the street

India has confirmed that it is actively engaging with the United States to ensure the continuity of its operations at Iran’s Chabahar Port under an existing sanctions waiver that remains valid until April 26, 2026. The discussions come amid the strategic significance New Delhi attaches to the port as a key gateway for regional connectivity, trade, and humanitarian assistance. Speaking on the matter,

Pakistan’s Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir issued a direct warning to Afghanistan’s Taliban rulers, urging them to choose between maintaining ties with Islamabad or supporting the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan. Addressing religious scholars at the National Ulema Conference in Islamabad on December 10, Munir alleged that a large portion of militants entering Pakistan were Afghan nationals. His remarks, shared on local broadcasts over the weekend, highlighted rising tensions b

Afghanistan’s acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi has strongly defended the Taliban government's right to maintain political and economic relations with India, pushing back against Pakistan’s criticism over Kabul-Delhi engagement. Speaking at a conference in Kabul, Muttaqi dismissed Islamabad's accusations that India supports anti-Pakistan groups, calling them inconsistent and politically motivated. He reminded that Pakistan itself maintains diplomatic presence in New Delhi with act

In yet another provocative statement, Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has claimed that his country is fully prepared for a two-front war against India on the eastern border and the Taliban on the western front. Speaking at a public event, Asif said, “We are ready for war on two fronts. Allah helped us in round one and He will help us in round two.” His remarks came just a day after a deadly suicide bombing in Islamabad that killed 12 people and injured 36 others. The Pakis

At least seven people have been confirmed dead and more than 150 injured after a powerful earthquake measuring 6.3 on the Richter scale struck northern Afghanistan on Monday. The tremor, which originated near Mazar-e-Sharif, caused significant structural damage and panic among residents, highlighting once again the country's extreme vulnerability to seismic disasters. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake occurred at a depth of 28 kilometers beneath

India has officially confirmed a six-month exemption from US sanctions on Iran’s Chabahar Port, effective retrospectively from The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that the exemption ensures uninterrupted Indian operations at the port, which plays a crucial role in connecting India with Afghanistan and Central Asia through the Indian Ocean. India Ports Global Ltd (IPGL) had signed a 10-year, $370 million deal with Iran to develop the port’s Shahid Beheshti terminal. Cha

In a major geopolitical development, Taliban-ruled Afghanistan has decided to restrict Pakistan’s access to cross-border river water by constructing a dam on the Kunar River. The directive came from Supreme Leader Mawlawi Hibatullah Akhundzada, who ordered the Ministry of Water and Energy to begin construction “as fast as possible.” This move comes just weeks after deadly border clashes between Afghanistan and Pakistan that claimed hundreds of lives and amid heightened tensions followin

Heavy fighting has erupted once again between Pakistani forces and Taliban fighters along the volatile border separating Pakistan and Afghanistan, leaving dozens dead and escalating one of the most serious confrontations between the two sides since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021. The clashes, centered around Afghanistan’s Kandahar province, have plunged relations between Islamabad and Kabul to a new low, with both governments trading accusations over who initiated the latest round

India has announced the reopening of its diplomatic mission in Afghanistan, marking a significant step in restoring engagement with the Taliban-led government. The decision, revealed during a bilateral meeting between India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in New Delhi on October 10, represents the first high-level diplomatic dialogue between the two nations since the Taliban took power in August 2021. India had shut

A powerful magnitude 6.0 earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan on Sunday at a shallow depth of just 8 kilometers, causing widespread devastation in several mountainous regions and triggering urgent appeals for international humanitarian assistance. The tremors were felt across a vast area, shaking buildings from Kabul to Pakistan’s capital Islamabad, more than 300 kilometers away. Early reports from officials indicate that at least 20 people have been con

China has intensified its regional strategy by pushing the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC 2.0) to Kabul, just a day after Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi wrapped up his India visit. The timing reflects Beijing’s balancing act reaching out to New Delhi for improved ties while simultaneously strengthening its foothold in the Af-Pak region. In Kabul, Wang Yi met Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi and Pakistan

A devastating tragedy struck western Afghanistan when at least 79 people, including 17 children, lost their lives in a horrific bus accident in Herat province near the Iranian border. The victims were Afghan deportees who had been expelled from Iran and were traveling to Kabul when their bus collided with a motorbike and another vehicle late on Tuesday night. The crash quickly turned into a disaster when one of the vehicles, reportedly carrying fuel, caught fir

India has strongly rejected Pakistan's recent accusations of "sponsoring terrorism," following Islamabad's attempt to blame New Delhi for backing terror activities. The statement came in response to Pakistan's allegations linked to the recent Balochistan train attack, which claimed the lives of 21 passengers. However, Pakistan stopped short of directly linking India to the attack, instead shifting blame toward Afghanistan. In a firm response, Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperso

Lahore: Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi has set his sights on another massive victory in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, as his team prepares to take on world champions Australia in their final group-stage match on Friday at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.Coming off a thrilling eight-run victory over England, Afghanistan eliminated the defending champions from the tournament and strengthened their semi-final hopes. A win against Australia would guarantee Afghanistan a historic place i

Cricket Australia (CA) Chief Executive Nick Hockley has hailed an upcoming exhibition match in Melbourne as a significant milestone for the Afghanistan Women's XI, a team composed of refugees now living in Australia. The team will face Cricket Without Borders XI in a T20 match at Junction Oval, scheduled for Thursday morning, just before the Women's Ashes Test opener at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). This match marks the first time the Afghanistan Women’s team has

In one of the strongest public criticisms in recent years, Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanekzai, the Taliban's acting deputy foreign minister, has called on his senior leadership to lift restrictions on girls' education in Afghanistan. During a speech over the weekend, Stanekzai stated that the Taliban's policy of restricting education for girls and women was not in line with Islamic Sharia law, urging the leadership to open schools for girls. Stanekzai, who previously led the

An inquiry into the actions of British Special Forces (UKSF) during the Afghanistan conflict has revealed serious allegations of war crimes, including extrajudicial killings and efforts to cover up these unlawful actions. The investigation, commissioned by the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) in 2022, focuses on the Special Air Service (SAS) and their operations between 2010 and 2013. Testimonies from sever