Latest News
Aftermath of Kabul’s Deadly Attack; Victim’s Wife Hangs Herself
A woman hanged herself and ended her life when she found out that her husband was killed in the late Saturday night deadly attack in a wedding hall in west Kabul.
The body of Najeeb, the women’s husband, buried in Kabul.
Concurrently, the woman’s body buried in her birthplace in Paktia province.
The woman’s relatives say that she hanged herself in her home after knowing about her husband’s death.
“When she found about her husband, hanged herself by her scarf,” said Mohammad Elyas, the woman’s relative.
At least 60 people killed and 180 others injured as a result of the suicide blast in a wedding hall in west Kabul.
Latest News
International reaction to Trump’s inauguration
VOLODYMYR ZELENSKIY, UKRAINIAN PRESIDENT : “President Trump is always decisive, and the peace through strength policy he announced provides an opportunity to strengthen American leadership and achieve a long-term and just peace, which is the top priority.”
The following is reaction from global leaders to Donald Trump being sworn in as U.S. president on Monday.
VOLODYMYR ZELENSKIY, UKRAINIAN PRESIDENT
"President Trump is always decisive, and the peace through strength policy he announced provides an opportunity to strengthen American leadership and achieve a long-term and just peace, which is the top priority."
BENJAMIN NETANYAHU, ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER
"I believe that working together again we will raise the U.S.-Israel alliance to even greater heights."
"On behalf of the people of Israel, I also want to thank you for your efforts in helping free Israeli hostages.
"I look forward to working with you to return the remaining hostages, to destroy Hamas’ military capabilities and end its political rule in Gaza, and to ensure that Gaza never again poses a threat to Israel."
TAYYIP ERDOGAN, PRESIDENT OF TURKEY
"Since Mr. Trump repeatedly said he would end the Russia-Ukraine war, we as Turkey will do whatever necessary in this regard. We need to resolve this issue as soon as possible. This issue will be on our agenda with our talks with Mr. Trump, and we would take our steps accordingly. I wish Mr. Trump's second term would bring good for all humanity."
OLAF SCHOLZ, GERMAN CHANCELLOR
"Today President Donald Trump takes office. Congratulations! The U.S. is our closest ally and the aim of our policy is always a good transatlantic relationship. The EU, with 27 members and more than 400 million people, is a strong union."
JUSTIN TRUDEAU, CANADIAN PRIME MINISTER
"Congratulations, President Trump. Canada and the U.S. have the world’s most successful economic partnership. We have the chance to work together again — to create more jobs and prosperity for both our nations."
KEIR STARMER, BRITISH PRIME MINISTER
"For centuries, the relationship between our two nations has been one of collaboration, cooperation and enduring partnership ... Together, we have defended the world from tyranny and worked towards our mutual security and prosperity."
"With President Trump's longstanding affection and historical ties to the United Kingdom, I know that depth of friendship will continue."
GIORGIA MELONI, PRIME MINISTER OF ITALY
"I am certain that the friendship between our nations and the values that unite us will continue to strengthen the cooperation between Italy and the USA ... Italy will always be committed to consolidating the dialogue between the United States and Europe, as an essential pillar for the stability and growth of our communities."
URSULA VON DER LEYEN, EUROPEAN COMMISSION PRESIDENT
"Best wishes President @realDonaldTrump, for your tenure as 47th President of the United States. The EU looks forward to working closely with you to tackle global challenges. Together, our societies can achieve greater prosperity and strengthen their common security. This is the enduring strength of the transatlantic partnership."
MARK RUTTE, NATO SECRETARY GENERAL
"With President Trump back in office we will turbo-charge defence spending & production. My warm congratulations to @realDonaldTrump on his inauguration as 47th President of the USA, and to @JDVance as Vice President. Together we can achieve peace through strength - through @NATO."
LUIZ INACIO LULA DA SILVA, PRESIDENT OF BRAZIL
"On behalf of the Brazilian government, I congratulate President Donald Trump on his inauguration. Relations between Brazil and the USA are marked by a history of cooperation, based on mutual respect and a historic friendship. Our countries have strong ties in various areas, such as trade, science, education and culture. I am sure that we can continue to make progress in these and other partnerships."
CHARLES, BRITAIN’S KING:
The king has sent a personal message of congratulations to President Trump on his inauguration, reflecting on the enduring special relationship between the UK and U.S., according to Buckingham Palace.
ULF KRISTERSSON, PRIME MINISTER OF SWEDEN
"Warm congratulations @realDonaldTrump on being sworn in as the 47th President of the United States. Sweden looks forward to continued close cooperation with the U.S."
ALEXANDER STUBB, PRESIDENT OF FINLAND
"I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to you @realDonaldTrump as you assume office as the President of the United States. The U.S. is our key strategic partner and ally. I look forward to close cooperation during your term."
JONAS GAHR STOERE, PRIME MINISTER OF NORWAY
"I congratulate President Donald Trump. The United States is Norway's most important ally, and there are strong ties between our two nations. I look forward to a good working relationship with President Trump and his new administration," Stoere said in a statement."
HAMAS OFFICIAL SAMI ABU ZUHRI:
"We are happy with the departure of Biden, who has the blood of Palestinians on his hand. We hope for the end of this dark era that harmed the U.S. before anyone and that Trump can build his policies on balanced foundations that can cut the road against Netanyahu's evils that want to drown the region and the world."
SYRIA'S DE FACTO LEADER AHMED AHMED AL-SHARAA
"The past decade has brought immense suffering to Syria, with the conflict devastating our nation and destabilizing the region. We are confident that he is the leader to bring peace to the Middle East and restore stability to the region".
TAIWAN PRESIDENT LAI CHING-TE
"The United States is an important security, economic, and trade partner of Taiwan, and a strong ally that shares the values of democracy and freedom. On behalf of the people of Taiwan, I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to the new President Donald J. Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance."
CUBAN PRESIDENT MIQUEL DIAZ-CANEL
U.S. President Donald Trump's action of putting the Caribbean nation back on the U.S.' state sponsors of terrorism list was "an act of arrogance and disregard for the truth."
JAPANESE PRIME MINISTER SHIGERU ISHIBA
"I listened to President Trump's inaugural speech, and I felt that it was 'Make America Great Again' itself. Traditionally, inaugural speech by presidents have been more about setting a tone...I felt very much that it sounded like a continuation of what Mr Trump had been saying throughout his campaign. President Trump prioritises bilateral negoatiations over multilateral frameworks, so we will focus on how to leverage the national interests of both countries to contribute to world peace and the global economy. We aim to establish a trusting relationship through substantial discussions."
AUSTRALIA PRIME MINISTER ANTHONY ALBANESE
"I congratulate President Trump on his inauguration, it is a significant achievement to be elected President of the United States of America, not once but twice now, and I look forward to having a constructive engagement with him."
SOUTH KOREA'S ACTING PRESIDENT CHOI SANG-MOK
"The government will strive to further strengthen policy cooperation with the United States and promote mutual interests based on the shared value of the Korea-U.S. alliance," Choi said, citing the alliance's slogan of "We Go Together".
HONG KONG LEADER JOHN LEE
Hopes for full efforts with U.S. President Donald Trump to promote positive relations between Washington and the Chinese-ruled city, although "we will always be prepared for the worst".
Latest News
Afghanistan, China mark 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations
The 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Afghanistan and China was marked in Kabul on Monday.
Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai, political deputy foreign minister, said at a ceremony that China-Afghanistan relations have expanded since the Islamic Emirate came to power three years ago and the Islamic Emirate is committed to further developing these relations.
Referring to nationwide security in Afghanistan, he urged Chinese businessmen to invest in the country with full confidence.
"We assure our Chinese friends that our Chinese friends and China will never be threatened from Afghanistan soil," Stanikzai said. “We will provide a safe environment for Chinese representatives and citizens in Afghanistan.”
He also called on neighboring countries not to allow their territory to be used against Afghanistan's security and they should not interfere in the country's internal affairs.
Meanwhile, the Chinese ambassador to Kabul, Zhao Xeng, said at the ceremony that his country supports Afghanistan's independent and self-reliant development with concrete measures, taking into account "the policy of friendship, mutual interest and inclusiveness."
Zhao added that there is great potential for practical cooperation between the two countries in various fields.
"I hope the friendship between China and Afghanistan will remain as stable as the deep color of lapis lazuli," he said. “I hope the people of the two countries remain united like pomegranate seeds. I hope the future of our countries will be as colorful as the saffron blossoms.”
Afghanistan and China established diplomatic relations in 1955.
China was the first country to officially appoint an ambassador to Afghanistan after the Islamic Emirate came to power in 2021.
In addition, China was the first country to accept the credentials of the ambassador of the Islamic Emirate.
Latest News
Pakistan to continue supporting Afghanistan amid growing humanitarian crisis
Pakistan on Sunday said it will continue to support all efforts aimed at addressing the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan, and the issue of lasting peace and stability in the country.
In a statement issued by Pakistan’s Foreign Office, spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan thanked Jan Egeland, Secretary General of the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), for drawing attention to the humanitarian predicament of Afghanistan.
Egeland earlier warned that the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan is being overlooked by the international community, with 22 million people in need of aid.
Speaking during a visit to Afghanistan, Egeland highlighted the dire situation faced by Afghan families, particularly women.
“Here in Herat, I met women who had been deported without their husbands back to deep poverty and hopelessness,” he said.
“Thank you @NRC_Egeland for drawing attention to the humanitarian predicament of Afghanistan. It would have been more appropriate had the world not abandoned the Afghan people after the war and if conducive socioeconomic conditions had been created inside the country for the Afghan people to prosper,” said FO spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan.
He said: “Pakistan has generously hosted over four million Afghan refugees. Those sent back were residing illegally without any documentation or proof of residence. Progress on the cases of thousands of Afghan nationals who were promised resettlement in western countries remains painfully slow.
UN Humanitarian aid to Afghanistan remains critically underfunded with only 37.5% of the required funds secured last year.”
He said Pakistan and Afghanistan were tied together by historical, religious and cultural links that transcend time.
“Pakistan has been and will continue to support all efforts aimed at addressing the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan as well as for lasting peace and stability in the country,” he added.
Egeland highlights dire situation of return refugees
Jan Egeland, Secretary General of the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), on Monday highlighted the dire situation faced by Afghan refugees.
His warning came after his visit to the Islam Qala border crossing between Afghanistan and Iran.
Egeland revealed that significant numbers of Afghans are being expelled daily. “Iran wants to deport 2 million, and Pakistan has already sent back 800,000,” he stated.
These mass deportations come at a time when Afghanistan is grappling with severe humanitarian challenges, exacerbated by reduced international support.
According to Egeland, western donors have failed to uphold their commitments to Afghan girls and the broader population, slashing critical aid programs that were once lifelines for millions.
The Secretary General criticized the international community for neglecting its promises and leaving vulnerable Afghans to face worsening conditions.
The return of such large numbers of people is straining Afghanistan’s fragile infrastructure and economy, which remains in crisis following the IEA's takeover in 2021.
NRC and other humanitarian organizations are calling for renewed international focus and resources to address the escalating needs of displaced Afghans and the communities struggling to absorb them.
As deportations continue and aid dwindles, the situation underscores a growing humanitarian crisis at Afghanistan’s borders, with countless families left to face an uncertain future.
-
Latest News4 days ago
Pakistani politician Rehman says his country cannot afford war with Afghanistan
-
Latest News5 days ago
IEA has provided facilities for industrialists and investors: Baradar
-
Latest News5 days ago
Iranian, Tajik presidents discuss Afghanistan in Dushanbe
-
Latest News5 days ago
Half a million Afghan children at risk of malnutrition in 2025
-
World4 days ago
Israel set to approve Gaza ceasefire, hostage deal, Netanyahu’s office says
-
Latest News5 days ago
Qatar-Afghanistan Joint Labour Committee meeting held in Doha
-
Latest News4 days ago
Biden: History will reflect that withdrawal from Afghanistan was right thing to do
-
Sport4 days ago
Pollard becomes 2nd cricketer after Gayle to hit over 900 sixes in T20s