PoliticsCommentary Critiques Lack of Political Actors in Afghan Society
Dr. Latif Pedram, leader of Afghanistan's National Congress Party, remarked that society has many political analysts but few actors, forming the basis of an Amu TV commentary urging action over discourse in politics.
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.
ReliablePakistani political figures call for end to clashes with Taliban
Pakistani politicians Mahmoud Khan Achakzai, Mohsen Dawar and Khushhal Khan Kakar issued a joint statement calling for an end to clashes between the Taliban and Pakistan, citing Pashtun civilian casualties from Pakistani airstrikes in Afghanistan. They described the tensions as an 'undeclared war' fueled by external investments and urged policy changes for peaceful relations.
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.
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.
DevelopingDurand Line Not Sole Cause of Afghanistan-Pakistan Tensions
Relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan involve more than the disputed Durand Line, encompassing security concerns, geopolitical rivalries with India, transit routes and economic ties, according to an analysis.
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.
ReliableUNAMA Acting Head: Political Engagement Continues Through Doha Process
Jorjit Ganiyon, acting UNAMA head, affirmed that political engagement with Afghanistan persists via the Doha process, the sole multilateral forum for addressing concerns of Afghans, the international community, and the Islamic Emirate. She criticized Islamic Emirate restrictions on women, highlighted UN aid efforts despite bans, and warned of regional crises exacerbating economic pressures and Afghanistan-Pakistan clashes disrupting humanitarian work.
ReliableFormer Afghan Prime Minister Sultan Ali Keshtmand Dies in London
Former Afghan Prime Minister Sultan Ali Keshtmand, who served during the 1980s under Soviet-backed governments and was the first Hazara to hold the position, died in London on March 13, as confirmed by his family.
ReliableAdministrative Commission Meeting Held Under Chairmanship of Islamic Emirate Deputy Prime Minister for Administrative Affairs
The Administrative Commission of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan met under Mawlawi Abdul Salam Hanafi, reviewing committee reports and discussing issues in urban development, housing, and education ministries.
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.
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.
ReliableHerat Governor Calls on UN to Ease Banking Restrictions, Support Traders
Herat Governor Sheikh Molana Islamjar urged UN officials to prioritize local purchases, lift banking restrictions, and support Afghan traders during a meeting focused on aid for returnees from Iran and Pakistan. The UN representatives appreciated Islamic Emirate efforts at the border and pledged ongoing collaboration.
ReliableIslamic Emirate Cabinet Holds 16th Meeting Under Prime Minister Mullah Mohammad Hassan Akhund
The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan's cabinet held its 16th meeting chaired by Prime Minister Mullah Mohammad Hassan Akhund, discussing key national issues and extending a customs discount for one-key vehicle imports until solar year 1405.
ReliableOpposition leader Mohaqeq claims Taliban confiscated his properties in Kabul and Mazar-i-Sharif
Afghan opposition leader Mohammad Mohaqeq claims the Taliban seized his properties in Kabul and Mazar-i-Sharif and shut down his TV channel as part of targeting Shia and Hazaras. UN warns of refugee return waves amid Taliban-Pakistan tensions, while U.S. officials designate Afghanistan a state sponsor of unlawful detentions over American hostages.