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G7 tell IEA: Stop restricting women’s rights
The Group of Seven (G7) foreign ministers on Thursday said the increasing restrictions imposed by the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA), on the rights of women and girls in Afghanistan were isolating the country.
“With these measures, the Taliban (IEA) are further isolating themselves from the international community,” the G7 foreign ministers and European Union foreign policy chief said.
In a joint statement published by France, they called on the IEA to take urgent action to lift restrictions on women and girls and respect their human rights, Reuters reported.
The IEA, who swept back to power as the Afghan government collapsed last year, on Saturday ordered women to cover their faces in public, in another step towards their past hardline rule.
Meanwhile, Norway’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, Trine Heimerback, issued a statement on Thursday ahead of closed consultations in the Security Council on Afghanistan.
The consultations had been requested by Norway “because we are extremely concerned about the continuous infringement on human rights for girls and women,” Heimerback said adding “this is detrimental to ‘peace and stability’ and a matter that belongs on the Council’s agenda.”
Heimerback also said the “Taliban (IEA) policies continue to focus on oppressing women and girls rather than addressing the economic crisis.”
The IEA says however that it is committed to ensuring the rights of all citizens, especially women, in the country and calls on countries around the world, including the United States, not to interfere in Afghanistan’s internal affairs.
“Every country has its own rules and principles, and the laws of hijab are one of the internal issues of the country, and foreign countries should not interfere in our internal affairs,” said Inamullah Samangani, IEA’s deputy spokesman.
Abdul Qahar Balkhi, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said Thursday that at China’s initiative, a mid-level delegation from the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has arrived in the country to hold official talks with the Pakistani side in line with its principled position.
Qahar said in a statement that these talks are set to begin in the city of Urumqi with the mediation of the Chinese government.
According to Balkhi, this process is being carried forward at China’s request and on the basis of mutual respect and constructive engagement with that country.
He added that the Islamic Emirate is participating in these meetings based on a balanced and principled approach, and intends to hold comprehensive and responsible discussions with the other side on good neighborly relations, strengthening trade ties, and the effective management of security issues.
He emphasized that the Islamic Emirate believes diplomatic engagement based on mutual respect, non-interference, and constructive understanding can find practical and sustainable solutions to the existing issues between the two countries and help provide a foundation for stability and cooperation in the region.
Talks between Afghanistan and Pakistan have officially begun in the Chinese city of Urumqi, sources told Ariana News on Thursday.
Afghanistan’s Minister of Economy, Din Mohammad Hanif, expressed optimism about the negotiations, saying he hopes the discussions will help bring an end to ongoing tensions and conflict between the two neighboring countries.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Tahir Andarabi, said the talks involve senior officials and rejected claims that they are merely low-level engagements, calling such reports a “false narrative.”
Islamabad confirmed it has dispatched a delegation to Urumqi, reiterating its longstanding position that Afghanistan must address Pakistan’s security concerns, particularly regarding militant groups.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning emphasized that both Afghanistan and Pakistan are neighbors of China, adding that Beijing supports resolving differences through dialogue and negotiation.
China has also been actively facilitating mediation between Afghanistan and Pakistan and will continue to play a constructive role in easing tensions and improving relations between the two countries, the spokesperson said.
More than 1,200 Iranian nationals have returned home since the outbreak of the ongoing conflict, with many travelling through neighboring countries including Afghanistan and Armenia, according to reports.
Citing figures from Tasnim News Agency, a total of 1,262 Iranians have been repatriated from the United Arab Emirates since hostilities began. The returns come amid tightening travel restrictions and disrupted regional transport links.
Iranian authorities have formally requested that the UAE facilitate additional evacuation efforts, including the organisation of sea transport and access to a dedicated airstrip to expedite the return of citizens still stranded abroad.
Earlier on Wednesday, Dubai-based airline Emirates indicated on its website that Iranian nationals were no longer permitted to enter or transit through the UAE, further complicating travel options for those seeking to return home.
The developments come as regional airspace disruptions and security concerns linked to the ongoing conflict have significantly curtailed commercial travel routes across parts of the Middle East. With direct flights limited or suspended, many Iranians have been forced to rely on indirect and often complex routes through neighboring countries.
Countries such as Afghanistan and Armenia have emerged as key transit points due to their geographic proximity and continued land access, allowing travelers to bypass restricted air corridors.
The situation reflects broader challenges facing civilians in conflict-affected regions, where shifting aviation policies, border controls, and security risks have made cross-border movement increasingly difficult.
Authorities continue to explore alternative evacuation channels as demand for safe return routes remains high.
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