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UN pushes for pledges, seeks $4.4 billion for Afghanistan

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The United Nations announced on Thursday it is seeking $4.4 billion for Afghanistan in the largest ever humanitarian appeal launched for a single country, Reuters reported.

Ahead of the drive, Britain pledged 286 million pounds ($374 million) for Afghanistan, where six out of every 10 Afghans need aid, much of it food, amid an economic crisis worsened by a financial aid cutoff following the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) takeover in August.

“Afghans need our help in enabling their economy, sustaining their agriculture and enabling the basic functioning of social services,” UN aid chief Martin Griffiths told a news briefing on Wednesday ahead of the event co-hosted with Britain, Germany and Qatar.

The UN says funds under the appeal — three times the amount requested in 2021 and so far only 13% funded — go directly to aid agencies and none are channeled through the de facto authorities, Reuters reported.

In a sign that recent IEA moves on human rights and inclusivity may directly impact willingness to help IEA, the US cancelled meetings with them in Qatar after the reversal of a decision on girls returning to high schools.

“We want to see those prohibitions, those constraints removed. I hope it will not mean that the pledges that we have from this conference are limited by that because I can tell you that there are efforts ongoing,” Griffiths said.

He urged political engagement with the IEA administration, saying it wants to find “a constructive path forward” with the global community, and that isolating Afghanistan now would only bring more suffering in the future.

About 23 million people face acute food insecurity as Afghanistan also experiences its worst drought in 30 years, while 10 million children are in urgent need of aid, according to the United Nations.

German foreign ministry official Ricklef Beutin called for the world to join in the 4.4 billion pledge but added: “The Taliban (IEA), the de facto authorities have to live up to their responsibilities, to protect their people and to help humanitarian organisations do the work on the ground that they need to do.”

International Sports

IPL double-header delivers thrills as teams battle for momentum

In the first match, Punjab Kings defeated Sunrisers Hyderabad by six wickets.

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Saturday’s double-header in the Indian Premier League (IPL) saw Punjab Kings and Chennai Super Kings record important victories as the tournament gathered pace.

In the first match, Punjab Kings defeated Sunrisers Hyderabad by six wickets.

In the second game, Chennai Super Kings overcame Delhi Capitals in a closely contested match, with Chennai holding their nerve in the decisive moments to secure the win.

CSK won by 23 runs.

The results provide both Punjab and Chennai with valuable momentum as teams begin to establish themselves in the early stages of the competition.

Sunday’s Matches

Attention now turns to Sunday’s double-header.

Lucknow Super Giants will face Gujarat Titans in the first match of the day, with both sides aiming to strengthen their position in the standings.

Later, Mumbai Indians take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru in a high-profile clash expected to deliver another thrilling contest.

All matches are being broadcast live and exclusively across Afghanistan on Ariana Television Network.

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Iran–US talks kick off in Islamabad

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As Iranian and US delegations are present in Islamabad, Iranian media report that talks between the two sides have begun.

The negotiations are being conducted indirectly, with Pakistan acting as a mediator.

According to reports, Iran had set conditions for the start of the talks, including a halt to the war in Lebanon and the release of its frozen assets.

An IRIB correspondent in Islamabad reported that the US has agreed to release Iranian assets, and that the conflict in Lebanon has been limited to the southern part of the country.

However, US officials have not yet confirmed any agreement on the release of Iran’s frozen assets.

The talks come after 40 days of conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran.

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Death toll rises in armed attack in Herat; 11 killed, 8 injured

Authorities have confirmed that one suspect has been arrested in connection with the attack.

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The death toll from a brutal armed attack in the Injil district of Herat province has increased, with local authorities confirming that at least 11 people were killed and 8 others injured.

Ahmadullah Muttaqi, Director of Information and Culture for Herat, reported that the attack occurred around 3:00 PM on Friday when unidentified gunmen opened fire on a group of families who had gathered for a picnic in the village of “Dah Mehre,” located in the Injil district.

Initial reports indicated that four people were killed and 15 others injured. However, as the severity of the injuries became clearer, seven more of the wounded tragically succumbed to their injuries overnight. The latest update puts the death toll at 11, with 8 survivors, two of whom are said to be in critical condition.

Authorities have confirmed that one suspect has been arrested in connection with the attack. Security forces are continuing to investigate the incident, with efforts underway to identify and apprehend additional perpetrators.

The attack has sent shockwaves through the region, with local authorities and communities expressing outrage and concern over the rising violence in the area.

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