Afghanistan InternationalNational Resistance Front Claims Over 2,000 Attacks on Taliban in Past Five Years
Abdullah Khanzani of the National Resistance Front claimed over 2,000 attacks on the Taliban in five years with no civilian casualties and urged Europe to support Afghan women. Pakistan airstrikes targeted a site in east Kabul near a drug rehab center, sparking disputes over the target and casualties between Taliban and Pakistani officials.
ReliablePakistan conducts airstrikes on Taliban targets in Kabul and Nangarhar; Taliban claims 400 killed at rehab center
Pakistan conducted airstrikes on Taliban targets in Kabul and Nangarhar, with the Taliban claiming 400 killed at a Kabul rehab center near a drone factory, while Pakistan described it as a precise anti-terror operation. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Taliban bans have systematically eliminated Afghan women from public life.
ReliableUN Special Rapporteur Urges Taliban, Pakistan to Reduce Tensions After Kabul Airstrikes
UN Special Rapporteur Richard Bennett called on the Taliban and Pakistan to de-escalate tensions after Pakistani airstrikes in Kabul caused civilian casualties, as claimed by the Taliban with around 400 killed and 250 injured. He urged respect for international law and protection of civilian infrastructure.
ReliableAirstrike Hits Kabul Drug Rehabilitation Hospital, Killing at Least 400, Afghan Officials Say
A Pakistani airstrike hit a drug rehabilitation hospital in Kabul, killing at least 400 and wounding 250, mostly addicts, according to Afghan officials, who condemned it as a crime amid Pakistan's denial of targeting the site. The attack came during the 20th day of border clashes, drawing condemnations from India, the UN and Afghan figures.
ReliableFormer Afghan Special Forces Soldier Dies in US Immigration Detention, Drawing Democrats' Criticism
A former Afghan Special Forces soldier who fought alongside US troops died in ICE detention in Texas after complaining of shortness of breath, prompting criticism from US House Democrats' Foreign Affairs Committee. He was the 12th detainee death in ICE custody this year, per Reuters.
ReliableTaliban Sports Administration Publishes Profile of Muay Thai Champion Mohammad Yusuf Jahangir
The Taliban Sports Administration profiled Muay Thai athlete Mohammad Yusuf Jahangir, who overcame poverty to win Afghanistan's first gold medal at the 1404 Islamic Solidarity Games in Saudi Arabia. The piece highlights his balancing of work and training amid economic hardships.
ReliableTaliban Opponents' Meeting Begins in European Parliament
A two-day meeting of Taliban opponents began in the European Parliament on March 16, the first such official interaction on the Afghan crisis. Meanwhile, WHO reported rising health issues amid Afghan returns, and Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada issued an Eid message omitting key conflicts.
ReliablePakistan Airstrikes Hit Drug Rehabilitation Hospital in Kabul, Islamic Emirate Spokesman Says
Pakistani airstrikes targeted a drug rehabilitation hospital in Kabul, killing or wounding civilians including addicts under treatment, according to the Islamic Emirate spokesman and health officials. The attack drew condemnation from Taliban officials and former President Hamid Karzai amid rising Afghanistan-Pakistan tensions.
ReliableUN Security Council Extends UNAMA Mission in Afghanistan for Three Months
The UN Security Council extended the UNAMA mission in Afghanistan for three months until 27 Jowza 1405, a shorter term than usual following a US request for review. The decision comes amid a severe humanitarian crisis affecting 17.5 million people, with aid funding far short of needs.
DevelopingPakistan Invites Prominent Taliban Opponents to Islamabad Meeting After Eid al-Fitr
Pakistan has invited prominent political and military opponents of the Taliban to Islamabad for a likely meeting after Eid al-Fitr. In separate developments, the Taliban released hundreds of prisoners in Nangarhar and Helmand provinces, while the UN sanctions committee added one Taliban official to its list and removed dozens of others.
ReliableHibatullah Akhundzada Issues Eid al-Fitr Message Emphasizing Unity and Non-Interference in Afghan Affairs
Hibatullah Akhundzada, leader of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, released an Eid al-Fitr message emphasizing unity, obedience, improved security, non-interference in Afghan affairs, and condemnation of global injustices against Muslims. Critical outlets noted its silence on Pakistan border clashes and women's rights amid ongoing conflicts.
ReliableUN Security Council Updates Sanctions List to 22 Taliban Officials
The UN Security Council Sanctions Committee updated its list of sanctioned Taliban officials to 22, adding one diplomat while removing at least 39 others, including prominent figures. Islamic Emirate spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid denounced the sanctions as ineffective and a rights violation, demanding their removal.
ReliableTaliban Release Hundreds of Prisoners from Helmand Prison on Eid al-Fitr, Officials Say
Taliban authorities released 596 prisoners from Helmand's central prison on Eid al-Fitr, corroborated by multiple reports, with additional releases reported in Nangarhar and Kandahar. Sentence reductions were also granted in all three provinces, officials said.
ReliableTaliban Ambassador's Photo with Pakistani Artist at Iftar Banquet Sparks Hypocrisy Criticism
A photo shared by Pakistani artist Mishal Malik showing her with Taliban ambassador Sardar Ahmad Shakib at an Iranian embassy iftar banquet in Islamabad has prompted accusations of hypocrisy from Afghan critics over the Taliban's women's rights policies. Taliban supporters attempted to alter the image by replacing women with men, but Malik posted additional photos confirming the encounter.
ReliableFawzia Koofi Calls on EU to Pressure Taliban to End Human Rights Violations
Fawzia Koofi urged the European Union to pressure the Taliban to end human rights violations, including 'gender apartheid' against women, at a meeting of Taliban opponents in the European Parliament. Zalmay Nishat highlighted the democratic opposition's capacity to restore rights amid security threats from continued Taliban rule.
ReliableSultan Ali Keshtmand, Afghanistan's First Hazara Prime Minister, Dies in London at 91
Sultan Ali Keshtmand, Afghanistan's first Hazara prime minister under the PDPA government, died in London on 22 Hoot 1404 at age 91. A failed assassination attempt during Dr. Najibullah's rule led to his lifelong exile.
ReliableUN Security Council to vote on draft resolution extending UNAMA mission
The UN Security Council is scheduled to vote on March 16 on a draft resolution for a three-month extension of the UNAMA mission until June 17, 2026, amid negotiations complicated by the US push for a review of the costly mandate.
ReliableAfghan Kun Khmer athletes secure medals in world championships
Afghanistan's Kun Khmer national team won multiple medals in two World Championships despite challenges in the second event, while the Buzkashi team heads to Kazakhstan for an international competition after nine years. Cricketer Ibrahim Zadran received ESPN Cricinfo's ODI bowler of the year award for 2025.
ReliableAhmad Massoud says Taliban have sacrificed Afghanistan to geopolitical and security games
Ahmad Massoud accused the Taliban of provoking Pakistani attacks by harboring terrorists and turning Afghanistan into a geopolitical battleground, urging unified action for the country's freedom by its people.
ReliableOpposition leaders warn Taliban rule will not continue during Mazari anniversary event
Afghan opposition leaders including Abdul Rashid Dostum, Sarwar Danish and Ahmad Massoud criticized the Taliban during a virtual commemoration of Abdul Ali Mazari's 31st death anniversary, warning their rule will end and calling for unity and resistance.
ReliablePakistani Airstrikes Kill at Least Four Civilians in Kabul, Afghan Officials Say
Pakistani airstrikes on Afghan provinces including Kabul killed at least four civilians and wounded others, according to Taliban officials and UNAMA, prompting condemnations from former President Karzai and vows of response from the Islamic Emirate. Afghan forces reportedly struck back at Pakistani military targets in Kohat.
ReliableAfghanistan's Ibrahim Zadran Named Best Batsman of 2025 in CricInfo Awards
Afghanistan's Ibrahim Zadran has been named CricInfo's Best Batsman of 2025 for his record 177 runs against England in the Cricket Champions Cup. The awards recognized top performances across men's, women's, Test, and limited-overs cricket globally.
ReliableTaliban claims attack on Pakistani military sites in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Taliban forces claimed drone strikes on Pakistani military sites in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Kohat in retaliation for Pakistani airstrikes on Afghan cities including Kabul and Kandahar, which reportedly killed civilians. The cross-border clashes, ongoing since late February, have caused significant casualties and displacements according to UN figures.
ReliableFormer Afghan Prime Minister Sultan Ali Keshtmand dies
Sultan Ali Keshtmand, former Afghan prime minister under the communist governments of Babrak Karmal and Najibullah and a leader of the People's Democratic Party of Afghanistan, has died, as confirmed by his brother on Facebook.
ReliableAfghan man pleads guilty to kidnapping, rape charges in UK court
A 39-year-old Afghan man, Najibullah Arab, has pleaded guilty in Oxford court to kidnapping, rape and sexual assault charges stemming from incidents in January. Police highlighted the victims' bravery and the robustness of their evidence.
DevelopingExiled Leader Mohammad Mohaqeq Warns Taliban of Soon 'Entering the Field'
Exiled Afghan leader Mohammad Mohaqeq warned the Taliban he will soon 'enter the field' amid their seizure of his properties and halting of his TV station. Reports also emerged of unconfirmed aerial attacks on Taliban sites in Kabul, with some sources linking it to opposition plans.
ReliableUNAMA Deputy Warns of Escalating Taliban-Pakistan Conflicts Continuing After Eid
UNAMA deputy Georgette Gagnon warned of escalating Taliban-Pakistan tensions persisting post-Eid, urging restraint and ceasefire while highlighting displacement in six Afghan provinces and aid disruptions. She linked broader crises, including Middle East war impacts, to worsening Afghanistan's isolation and stability risks.
ReliableUN General Assembly President Baerbock meets Afghan women activists, pledges support amid Taliban-US tensions
UN General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock met Afghan women activists in New York, pledging support for gender justice efforts, while Taliban spokesman addressed U.S. detainee claims and regional tensions amid heightened U.S. pressures.
ReliableTaliban spokesperson says US inclusion of Afghanistan on hostage-taker list is pretext for future actions
Taliban spokesperson Zabiullah Mujahid dismissed U.S. claims of three detained Americans as exaggerated, calling the hostage-taker designation a pretext, while affirming only two are held for legal violations. He warned against U.S. pressures amid regional tensions involving Iran.
ReliablePakistan-Afghanistan Trade Fully Halted, Chamber Head Says
Khan Jan Alkozi, head of the Pakistan-Afghanistan Joint Chamber of Commerce, says bilateral trade has fully stopped amid border closures, costing Pakistan $200 million monthly, while Afghanistan turns to Central Asian and other partners.