Latest News
Over 50% of Afghans want to leave their country – Gallup poll
The majority of Afghans want to leave their homeland for good, according to a Gallup poll released on Monday.
The survey of 2,002 Afghan adults in August and September last year found that a record 53 percent would leave their country if they had the chance.
Gallup said that the percentage, one of the highest in the world in 2021, is potentially even higher now, with millions on the brink of starvation since the IEA’s takeover.
It said that the spike in the percentage of Afghans who would like to move is likely to fuel concerns in the region and Europe about a repeat of the 2015 migrant crisis — on top of the ongoing situation with Ukraine.
Between 2018 and 2021, the percentage of men who said they would like to leave shot up 21 points, from 35% to 56%. And over the same period, the percentage of Afghans with more than a primary education who wanted to leave increased 22 points from 40% to 62%, according to Gallup.
Desire to migrate rose little among women, from 47% in 2018 to 50% in 2021.
Turkey, Germany, Canada and the U.S. top the list for the most desired destinations for Afghans.
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