Latest News
Coronavirus cases in Afghanistan hikes to 1,092
The spokesman for the Ministry of Public Health said that 66 new cases had been registered in the past 24 hours, including 52 in Kabul, five in Laghman, four in Nangarhar and one in Paktia.
On the other hand, Arg says that President Ashraf and the first lady, Rula Ghani, have tested negative for the Coronavirus.
Wahidullah Mayar, the spokesman for the Ministry of Public Health, said, “With the registration of these new cases, the number of the infected in the country reached 1,092. In the last 24 hours, 15 patients have recovered bringing the total number of recoveries to 150.”
Capital Kabul is going through the most difficult time. With a total of 385 cases of the Coronavirus, it surpassed Herat, which has 340 positive cases, and it seems like Kabul should be on high alert now.
The Afghan Ministry of Public Health and the World Health Organization recommend that people must wash their hands with soap several times a day, at least 20 seconds each time, avoid physical contact and stay home.
Also, the Afghan president, who has carried out his work through video teleconference lately, has reportedly tested negative for the COVID19 – he considered taking the test after some staff at the Arg had tested positive for the virus.
Sediq Sediqi, the presidential spokesman, said the Coronavirus tests were performed upon the request of the president and the first lady.
Sedigi underlined that Ashraf Ghani was healthy and was pursuing the government’s efforts on all fronts.
According to him, all precautionary measures have been taken to make sure the working atmosphere is safe for the president.
Latest News
Indian cleric comments on rising Afghanistan–Pakistan tensions
Concluding his remarks, Nadwi called on Muslims to carefully assess the situation and to take what he described as a principled stand against injustice and external influence.
Prominent Indian Islamic scholar Salman Nadwi has weighed in on the recent tensions and clashes between Afghanistan and Pakistan, releasing a 13-minute video statement outlining his views on the unfolding political and military developments.
In the video, published on his official YouTube channel, Nadwi criticized Pakistan’s current military establishment, describing it as “oppressive” and “unjust.”
He alleged that the country’s armed forces prioritize foreign interests over the welfare of their own population.
Addressing the situation in Afghanistan, Nadwi said the country’s authorities are acting to defend their territory and governance system.
He characterized resistance to what he termed “military aggression” as legitimate from his perspective.
The cleric also questioned the positions taken by several Pakistani religious scholars and political figures, urging them to reconsider their stance on the escalating tensions.
He expressed disappointment over what he described as silence or insufficient responses from some influential voices within Pakistan.
Concluding his remarks, Nadwi called on Muslims to carefully assess the situation and to take what he described as a principled stand against injustice and external influence.
His comments come at a time of heightened friction between Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Latest News
Bayat Foundation continues Ramadan campaign, provides aid to Laghman families
Haji Mohammad Ismail, Deputy of the Bayat Foundation, said the program reflects the organization’s long-standing commitment to supporting vulnerable communities.
The Bayat Foundation remains committed to its annual Ramadan assistance campaign, this time distributing food packages to dozens of needy families in Laghman province as part of its nationwide humanitarian efforts.
Foundation officials said the aid — including flour, rice, and cooking oil — was delivered to families in Mehtarlam city after a transparent survey was conducted in coordination with local authorities.
The initiative aims to ease the burden on households struggling with poverty and unemployment during the holy month of Ramadan.
Afghanistan remains in the grip of a prolonged economic and humanitarian crisis, with many families lacking steady income and relying on seasonal or daily labor. In provinces such as Laghman, where job opportunities are limited, food assistance during Ramadan can make a critical difference.
Haji Mohammad Ismail, Deputy of the Bayat Foundation, said the program reflects the organization’s long-standing commitment to supporting vulnerable communities.
“Continuing the Bayat Foundation’s Ramadan aid program, which takes place annually, we visited Mehtarlam city in Laghman province today to distribute assistance to deserving families identified through our survey. The aid includes flour, rice, and oil, and this distribution will continue in other provinces as well as in Kabul.”
Ataullah Sahel, a representative of the foundation, added that this year’s Ramadan campaign began in Laghman.
“Alhamdulillah, hundreds of deserving families were selected transparently in coordination with local authorities,” he said.
Local officials welcomed the assistance. Khalil-ur-Rahman Siddiqi, a representative of Laghman’s Department of Economy, thanked the foundation for its support.
“We are very thankful for today’s support from the Bayat Foundation. The families who received aid were truly deserving and had previously approached our office with requests. We hope the foundation continues its support to help more poor families in Laghman,” he said.
Beneficiaries expressed gratitude, saying the food packages arrived at a time of urgent need.
Navid Ahmad, one of the recipients, said: “We have no money. We thank the Bayat Foundation for helping us.”
Khadija, another beneficiary, added: “We are very poor. May God accept their assistance during this holy month of Ramadan.”
Founded by Afghan businessman and philanthropist Dr Ehsanullah Bayat, the Bayat Foundation has spent more than a decade supporting communities across Afghanistan.
In addition to its annual Ramadan food drives, the organization has provided emergency relief to victims of natural disasters and contributed to development projects in healthcare, education, and community infrastructure.
Foundation officials say the Ramadan assistance program will continue in other provinces in the coming weeks, with the goal of reaching hundreds more families in need.
International Sports
AFC postpones Champions League matches amid escalating Middle East tensions
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has announced the postponement of several major club fixtures in its West Region competitions due to the rapidly deteriorating security situation in the Middle East.
In a statement released Monday, the AFC confirmed that the AFC Champions League Elite 2025/26 Round of 16 first-leg matches in the West Region — originally scheduled for Monday, March 2, and Tuesday, March 3 — will be rescheduled.
The decision affects top clubs from countries including Saudi Arabia, Iran, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Iraq, and Uzbekistan, many of whom were preparing for high-stakes knockout ties.
The postponements also extend to the AFC Champions League Two 2025/26 and the AFC Challenge League 2025/26, where West Region quarter-final first-leg matches set to take place between March 3 and 4 have been delayed until further notice.
These competitions feature emerging and mid-tier clubs from across West and Central Asia, for whom continental progression carries significant financial and sporting importance.
The move comes amid escalating military tensions across parts of the Middle East, with airstrikes and cross-border hostilities raising concerns about travel safety, airspace closures, and the security of players and supporters.
Several countries in the region have experienced heightened alert levels, leading to logistical complications for international sporting events.
Clubs from nations directly or indirectly affected by the conflict — including teams from Iran, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates — now face uncertainty over revised travel plans, fixture congestion, and potential impacts on domestic league schedules.
However, the AFC confirmed that matches involving clubs from the East Region — including sides from Japan, South Korea, China, Thailand, Australia, and other East and Southeast Asian nations — will proceed as originally scheduled across all AFC club competitions.
“The AFC will continue to closely monitor this rapidly evolving situation and remains resolute in ensuring the safety and security of all players, teams, officials, and fans,” the governing body said in its statement.
The postponements underscore how escalating geopolitical tensions are now reverberating beyond politics and security, disrupting one of Asia’s premier sporting competitions and affecting clubs, supporters, and broadcasters across the continent.
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