Latest News
UN Security Council extends Afghanistan mission mandate for one year
The UN Security Council unanimously agreed on Friday to extend the UN mandate in Afghanistan for a further year.
Resolution 2727, which won the unanimous support of the 15-member council, decides to extend UNAMA's mandate till March 17, 2025.
The resolution stresses the critical importance of a continued presence of UNAMA and other UN agencies, funds and programs across Afghanistan. It calls on all relevant Afghan political actors and stakeholders as well as international actors to coordinate with UNAMA in the implementation of its mandate and to ensure the safety, security and freedom of movement of UN and associated personnel throughout the country.
Speaking after the vote, the representative of Japan — Council President for March — said that the Mission’s presence is indispensable as the international community seeks to deepen engagement and build confidence with the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA), and it sends a strong message to the people of Afghanistan that the United Nations “will continue to work tirelessly for them.”
Similarly, Linda Thomas-Greenfield the representative of the United States, said that, by extending UNAMA’s mandate, the Council has enabled the United Nations to continue addressing the international community’s priorities in Afghanistan, promoting peace and stability and facilitating dialogue among all national political actors.
She underscored, however, the need to support efforts to restore the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all Afghans — particularly women and girls.
Zhang Jun, the representative of China, meanwhile, expressed regret that the resolution failed to reflect the latest developments in Afghanistan, stating that — over two years after the withdrawal of foreign troops — the country’s overall domestic situation is stable.
Mawlawi Hebatullah Akhundzada, the supreme leader of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA), has issued a decree to establish special courts to address pensions, Bakhtar news agency reported on Saturday.
According to the decree, the courts must confirm and process pensions in accordance with Sharia and law.
Pensioners have repeatedly voiced concern over delay in payment, saying that their financial challenges are growing.
Earlier this year, IEA's supreme leader banned money being deducted from salaries of government employees for pensions.
He also requested information on the tenure of employees and the total amount deducted from salaries for pensions.
Latest News
Blinken urges immediate lifting of restrictions on women’s education and work in Afghanistan
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Saturday called on the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) to immediately lift restrictions on women's education and work.
Marking two years of the ban on women's education in universities and women's work in NGOs, Blinken said on X that women and girls are the lynchpin to a more stable and prosperous Afghanistan.
“It’s been two years since Taliban (IEA) banned women and girls from universities and Afghan women from working in NGOs. Afghan women and girls are the lynchpin to a more stable, peaceful, and prosperous Afghanistan. We call on the Taliban (IEA) to immediately reverse these edicts,” he said.
The Ministry of Higher Education announced in December 2022 that women and girls could not attend public and private universities "until further notice".
Previously, girls' education above the sixth grade was also suspended.
Former US envoy for Afghanistan peace, Zalmay Khalilzad, said on Saturday that the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) can learn from Ahmad al-Sharaa, leader of Syria’s Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group, on how to join the mainstream international system.
He noted on X that the US bounty for the arrest of Ahmad al-Sharaa is being removed.
“Others in similar circumstances can learn from Ahmad al Shara how to join the mainstream international system. Are the Taliban paying attention?” he said.
Ahmad al-Sharaa has said that there are many differences between them and the Islamic Emirate.
He has said that he will not prevent the education of women and girls, respect the rights of minorities and will launch an inclusive political process.
Militants in northwest Pakistan kill 16 security personnel
IEA to set up special courts to address pensions
Biden approves $571 mln in defense support for Taiwan
Blinken urges immediate lifting of restrictions on women’s education and work in Afghanistan
IEA can learn from Syria’s al-Sharaa: Khalilzad
Afghanistan beat Pakistan to secure Youth Tri-Nation Series title
Champions Trophy arrives in Kabul as part of world tour
ATN to broadcast upcoming FIFA Club World Cup 2025 draw
Foreign ministry ready to work with new ambassador of Iran: Muttaqi
Acting Minister of Industry Azizi heads to Türkiye for Halal Expo
Tahawol: Comparison between Syria and Afghanistan
Saar: Impact of war in Ukraine on region and beyond
Tahawol: Efforts for IEA’s recognition discussed
Saar: International Migrants Day marked
Tahawol: Latest developments in Syria reviewed
-
International Sports5 days agoWinners of The Best FIFA Football Awards 2024 to be revealed Dec. 17
-
Latest News5 days agoAfghanistan’s harsh winter intensifies struggles for vulnerable families: WFP
-
Regional4 days agoBomb kills chief of Russian nuclear protection forces in Moscow
-
Sport4 days agoATN once again seals deal to broadcast upcoming IPL across Afghanistan
-
Sport4 days agoLanka T10: All three matches abandoned due to rain
-
Latest News4 days agoIndia hoping to import coal and marble from Afghanistan
-
World4 days agoAt least 100,000 bodies in Syrian mass grave, US advocacy group head says
-
Latest News4 days agoTrump says he would have pulled out of Afghanistan with ‘dignity and strength’