Latest News
Ghani rejects Abdullah’s proposed five cabinet candidates
President Ashraf Ghani has rejected his power-sharing partner Abdullah Abdullah’s proposed five key cabinet candidates, sources told Ariana News.
The nominees were including Anwar al-Haq Ahadi nominated for the Ministry of Agriculture – Mustafa Mastour, Ministry of State for Peace – Noor Rahman Akhlaqi, Ministry of Immigration – Fazl Ahmad Manawi, Ministry of Justice and Mohebullah Samim nominated for the Ministry of Tribes are the figures on the red list of the president Ghani.
The Presidential palace, however, said that ministry candidates should have political weight and merit and represent people.
“The main goal of the Afghan government is to nominate people to the parliament who have political weight, who is a mirror of the stability of the government and people should trust the past of the candidates. This is important for completing the cabinet,” said Sediq Sediqqi, the president’s spokesman.
But Sapidar says the political agreement and the constitution set the standard.
“The criteria for the ministerial nominee are clear in the constitution, but unfortunately the presidential spokesman is unaware of the ongoing debates and the provisions of the constitution,” said Fraidoun Khawzun, spokesman for the chairman of the High National Reconciliation Council.
This clash and dispute are also criticized. Some politicians say a number of figures nominated by the president are also not qualified.
Sayed Ishaq Gilani, leader of the Afghan Solidarity Movement, said: “Someone said I am illiterate, but Mr. Ghani has introduced her as the minister of a structure that is the body of Afghanistan, while she knows nothing more than embroidery. These actions of the president will create tension and persecution against Afghanistan.”
However, Article 72 of the Constitution states the criteria for selecting a ministerial candidate as per the following:
1. Having Afghan citizenship
2. Having higher education, work experience, and a good reputation
3. Age over 35 years
4. Not being convicted of crimes and violations against humanity
“The conditions provided for a ministerial nominee are in Article 72 of the Afghan constitution and cannot be accepted at the behest of individuals,” said lawyer Wahid Farzaei.
There are concerns that domestic political challenges could also delay the peace process.
Latest News
UNAMA reports civilian casualties from Pakistani airstrikes in Afghanistan
UNAMA urged all parties to end hostilities, protect civilians, and uphold international law principles of distinction, proportionality, and precaution to prevent further civilian harm.
The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has confirmed credible reports of civilian casualties following overnight Pakistani airstrikes inside Afghanistan on 21–22 February.
Airstrikes in Behsud and Khogyani districts of Nangarhar province, carried out between approximately 23:45 on 21 February and 00:15 on 22 February, have reportedly killed at least 13 civilians and injured seven others, including women and children.
Pakistani forces also struck Barmal and Urgun districts in Paktika province.
In Barmal’s Marghai area, an airstrike on 21 February around 23:15 hit a madrassa and partially damaged a nearby mosque.
In Urgun’s Dahna area, an airstrike at approximately 23:30 partially destroyed a vacant private residence. No civilian casualties have been reported from these strikes.
UNAMA urged all parties to end hostilities, protect civilians, and uphold international law principles of distinction, proportionality, and precaution to prevent further civilian harm.
The Ministry of Education reported the tragic losses, highlighting the impact of strikes on civilians and students in the region.
Education Ministry spokesman Mansoor Ahmad Hamza also said that a student at a religious seminary was injured in Barmal district of Paktika province, another area affected by the Pakistani military attacks over the weekend.
Dozens of civilians have reportedly been killed or injured in the airstrikes, which Afghan authorities say targeted residential homes and community areas in both Nangarhar and Paktika provinces.
Local sources describe scenes of devastation, with families searching through rubble and emergency personnel rushing to rescue trapped individuals.
Afghanistan’s Ministry of National Defense condemned the strikes, saying they constitute a violation of Afghan sovereignty and have caused significant civilian harm.
Officials reiterated that Afghan territory must not be used for attacks against other countries and called for restraint and dialogue to prevent further escalation.
The strikes come amid ongoing tensions along the disputed Durand Line between Afghanistan and Pakistan, where security concerns and accusations of militancy have frequently strained relations between Kabul and Islamabad. Analysts note that repeated civilian casualties risk further inflaming regional tensions and complicating diplomatic efforts to reduce violence along the frontier.
The Russian Foreign Ministry has estimated that around 20,000 to 23,000 fighters from various international terrorist groups are present in Afghanistan, contributing to ongoing security and political challenges in the country.
The ministry noted that over half of these fighters are foreign nationals.
Among the larger groups, Daesh is believed to number around 3,000, the Tehreek‑e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) 5,000–7,000, and al Qaeda 400–1,500.
Smaller groups reportedly include the East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM), the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU/Turkestan Islamic Party), and Jamaat Ansarullah.
According to the ministry, Daesh remains the only group actively hostile toward the Afghan authorities, though it reportedly lacks the capacity to seize territory, focusing instead on undermining public confidence.
Afghan security efforts over the past 18 months are credited with significantly reducing attacks attributed to Daesh.
The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has consistently maintained that it will not allow Afghan soil to be used against any other country and continues to deny the presence of armed groups operating freely within the country.
UNAMA reports civilian casualties from Pakistani airstrikes in Afghanistan
Eight schoolchildren among those killed in Pakistani airstrikes in Afghanistan
Russia estimates up to 23,000 terrorists present in Afghanistan
Afghanistan lodges complaint with UN over Pakistani airstrikes
US companies are welcome to join TAPI project: Turkmenistan’s ex-president
AFC Futsal Asian Cup 2026: Day One Review
IEA releases three Pakistani soldiers to mark Ramadan
AFC Futsal Asian Cup: Afghanistan to face Iran in crucial Group D clash
Afghanistan’s Chief of Armed Forces underscores readiness and equipment for national defense
Afghanistan welcomes investment and technology partnerships with India
Tahawol: Repeat crimes by Pakistani military in Afghanistan discussed
Saar: Pakistani military regime’s airstrikes on Afghanistan
Tahawol: US military review for attack against Iran discussed
Saar: Afghanistan’s expanding ties with Central Asia discussed
Tawsia: Calls for implementing development and infrastructure projects
-
Latest News4 days agoAfghanistan welcomes investment and technology partnerships with India
-
Sport4 days agoAfghan Peaks founder climbs Aconcagua to promote Afghanistan’s mountain potential
-
Latest News3 days agoIndian customs seize Chinese walnuts falsely declared as Afghan
-
Business4 days agoPakistan allows re-export of stranded Afghan transit cargo
-
Latest News3 days agoPakistan’s Punjab to send home 20 more Afghans in repatriation drive
-
Latest News4 days agoPakistan signals possible air strikes as Kabul releases Pakistani soldiers in goodwill move
-
Latest News2 days agoMoldova bans Afghan airlines over safety concerns
-
Latest News1 day agoAfghanistan vows retaliation after Pakistan launches air strikes