Latest News
MoD to form a new, independent national army
Afghan Ministry of Defense (MoD) officials said Saturday that they will establish a new army that is independent in order to defend Afghanistan’s territory and airspace.
Mullah Mohammad Yaqoob, acting minister of defense and son of Mullah Mohammad Omar, founder of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA), said in a voice clip on Sunday that efforts are being made to safeguard Afghanistan’s territory and airspace.
“We intend to create a national and independent army under MoD to defend the country with high values. We will attempt to equip the IEA army with modern weapons. The army should have ground and airspace capabilities,” said Mullah Yaqoob.
The acting minister assured the international community and countries in the region that no one will be allowed to use Afghanistan terrority to carry out attacks against them.
“Countries in the world know that an army is impossible without foreign assistance. The world should help Afghanistan in this regard,” said Mohammad Sarwar Naizai, a military analyst.
The caretaker minister did not however provide further details about how the IEA will finance the army or whether it will include soldiers from the former government.
The previous Western-backed government paid the salaries of the then soldiers with money from the United States. On August 15, when former president Ashraf Ghani and all his top officials fled the country, the US and NATO-trained army and airforce disintegrated within hours.
The same day, IEA forces rolled into Kabul and took over as the new rulers. However, the foreign donor community and the US immediately cut off financial aid to Afghanistan and froze all the central bank’s foreign reserves – cutting off salaries to hundreds of thousands of former soldiers and government workers.
Some IEA officials meanwhile said that former government soldiers will be brought back into the army.
“We have left the way open for those people who were in security institutions in the former government. Some of them have returned already,” said Qari Saeed Khosti, spokesman for the Ministry of Interior Affairs.
The German Embassy in Islamabad has announced that Afghan citizens residing in Pakistan can apply for study or work visa online from 1 June 2026.
According to the embassy, all applications for study and employment visas will be processed exclusively through the Consular Services Portal of the German Federal Foreign Office. Officials said the new system is aimed at making the process “faster, easier, and more efficient” for applicants.
The embassy further clarified that applicants who have not received an appointment through the existing waiting list by 1 May 2026 will no longer be considered under the previous system.
Under the new procedure, applicants will be able to upload documents online step by step and receive feedback on whether their files are complete and correct. Once all required documents are submitted, applicants can independently book an appointment based on available slots for visa processing in Pakistan.
The United Kingdom deported only 123 Afghan asylum seekers last year, representing around two percent of the total number of Afghans whose asylum applications were rejected, according to a report by The Telegraph.
The figures highlight the limited number of returns despite a larger pool of unsuccessful applicants, underscoring the challenges facing British authorities in enforcing deportations.
The report notes that the vast majority of rejected Afghan asylum seekers remain in the UK, as legal, political, and logistical barriers continue to complicate their removal.
Discussions have been ongoing within the British government about potential arrangements to return failed asylum seekers to Afghanistan. However, no large-scale deportation framework has yet been implemented.
The issue forms part of a broader debate in the UK over migration policy, particularly as the government faces pressure to address rising numbers of asylum seekers while balancing legal and human rights considerations.
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Afghanistan, Tariq Ali Bakhit, has called for continued international engagement and urgent economic support for Afghanistan during a high-level donor community meeting held in Istanbul.
The three-day meeting of Afghanistan Coordination Group, held from April 28 to 30, brought together international stakeholders to discuss the situation in Afghanistan, with a focus on humanitarian needs and economic stability.
Addressing participants, Ambassador Bakhit said Afghanistan is currently facing a critical phase that requires sustained global attention and practical, immediate measures to ease human suffering and stabilise the country’s economy.
He stressed the importance of maintaining humanitarian assistance, particularly in food security and healthcare, while also calling for coordinated efforts to ease restrictions on banking channels. According to the envoy, improving financial access and supporting alternative livelihoods are key to preventing further economic decline and helping Afghan families cope with ongoing challenges.
Bakhit also highlighted the role of OIC-affiliated institutions and partners in supporting early recovery efforts, including the Islamic Development Bank, the Islamic Organization for Food Security, and the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre.
He concluded by reaffirming the OIC’s commitment to continued constructive dialogue and cooperation with international partners aimed at promoting stability and laying the groundwork for Afghanistan’s long-term recovery.
Germany to launch online visa system for Afghan study and work applicants in Pakistan
Trump says he’s dissatisfied with Iranian proposal as rift with allies deepens
Documentary on Treasure of the Soil
Tawsia: Prioritizing Afghan workers’ employment discussed
Iran sends new negotiation proposal to US via Pakistan
IEA supreme leader orders replacement of foreign terminology in official documents
Afghanistan hosts inaugural Afghanistan–Central Asia Consultative Dialogue to strengthen regional cooperation
Tripartite agreement to launch new Russia–Turkmenistan–Afghanistan transit corridor
Kazakhstan eyes rare metals mining projects in Afghanistan and Rwanda
Bayat Power extends gas supply deal with Afghan Gas
Documentary on Treasure of the Soil
Tawsia: Prioritizing Afghan workers’ employment discussed
Tahawol: Concerns over current situation in Middle East
Documentary on Impartial Victims
Saar: Severe humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan reviewed
-
Latest News5 days agoDozens of Kunar University staff and students wounded in Pakistani rocket attack
-
Sport5 days agoIPL double-header delivers drama: GT seal dominant win, KKR win Super Over
-
Latest News5 days agoPakistan rocket attack on Kunar leaves 4 dead, dozens injured
-
World4 days agoTrump rejects latest Iranian proposal to end war, US official says
-
International Sports3 days agoATN brings AFC U17 Asian Cup action to Afghan audiences
-
Science & Technology3 days agoAfghanistan launches first 5G trial in Kabul to boost telecom services
-
Tahawol5 days agoTahawol: Kabul and Riyadh Push to Expand Ties
-
Latest News4 days agoRussian envoy Zamir Kabulov arrives in Kabul for high-level talks