A high-ranking delegation of the Islamic Emirate, led by Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, arrived on Wednesday in Kazan, the capital of the Republic of Tatarstan, to participate in the 16th Kazan International Economic Forum.

In a statement issued by the deputy PM’s office, the delegation of the Islamic Emirate was given a “warm welcome” at Kazan International Airport by the Deputy Leader of the Republic of Tatarstan.

Afghanistan’s Foreign Ministry says the recent announcement by the US Department of Homeland Security on the suspension of the Temporary Protective Program Status (TPS) program for Afghans was a “positive step” and acknowledgement of an improved situation in Afghanistan.

The Trump administration said Monday it was ending the TPS program that offered deportation protection to thousands of people from Afghanistan.

The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) said Wednesday this move “affirms progress in Afghanistan’s security and economic environment”.

The IEA views this as “a clear recognition of progress made in national security, economy and other areas”.

According to a statement, “Afghanistan is the shared home of all Afghans, and all have the right to free movement.”

The IEA also stated that it is ready to engage in constructive dialogue with the US and other countries regarding the repatriation of Afghans who no longer meet criteria to remain in host countries.

“IEA underscores the importance of bilateral mechanisms and consular services for its citizens, in line with established standards, to prevent complications, address national security concerns, and ensure the dignity and rights of returnees,” the statement read.

The US Department of Homeland Security said Monday it will end the program on July 12.

The TPS program allows migrants to get work permits and temporary reprieve from deportation if the US government determines it is unsafe for them to return to their home countries due to war, natural disaster or other issues.

Over 8,000 Afghans were approved for TPS as of last year, according to federal statistics.

TPS was last extended for Afghanistan in 2023, and it was set to expire in May unless the Trump administration chose to grant another extension.

“This decision is unconscionable and will have long-lasting ripple effects,” AfghanEvac, a group that helps relocate Afghans, said in a post on X early this week.

The Afghan government and Pakistan Army have jointly inaugurated a hospital at the Kharlachi border crossing between the two countries.

The “Pak-Afghan Friendship Hospital”at the Kharlachi Border Terminal is equipped with modern facilities, a laboratory, pharmacy, cardiovascular testing services and diabetes and blood pressure screening unit.

According to Pakistan’s special envoy to Afghanistan Mohammad Sadiq, the hospital is expected to serve as a vital healthcare hub, particularly for residents of the border regions and Afghan citizens seeking medical support.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by senior military officials, administrative representatives, and tribal elders from both countries.

Sadiq said the primary objective behind establishing the hospital is to strengthen friendly relations between the people of Pakistan and Afghanistan and to foster the spirit of humanitarian service.

He said the initiative has been widely appreciated by the local communities, who expressed hope that such projects will pave the way for lasting peace, enhanced cooperation, and improved welfare across the region.

The inauguration comes just days after the crossing was reopened to trade after a six-month closure.

Speaking to the media at the crossing, Pakistan’s border in-charge Major Moez and Afghanistan’s border affairs representative Maulana Javed confirmed that trade operations through this border crossing between the two countries officially resumed on Friday.

Moez credited the successful reopening to coordinated efforts between officials from both governments, security forces and tribal elders. “This step is in the best interest of both countries and will promote economic stability in the region,” he stated.

Javed in turn expressed hope for improved bilateral relations, saying: “Afghanistan desires friendly and brotherly ties with its neighbors.”