The Afghanistan national futsal team is poised to start their Continental Cup journey against host nation Thailand. This match, scheduled for August 11, will also mark the debut of new head coach Dejan Djulovic, despite the absence of star goalkeeper Mohammad Javad Safari. The upcoming tournament is not just a challenge but a vital opportunity to assess the team’s strategies and aspirations following their recent successes in international futsal.
Saturday, 1 August , 2026
Richard Bennett, the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Afghanistan, has called for a comprehensive investigation into the underlying causes of hazardous migration after a devastating incident claimed the lives of 19 individuals. The International Organization for Migration described the event as a ‘deep tragedy’ and echoed calls for improved support for migrants as the world reflects on the plight of Afghan citizens facing dire circumstances.
Saturday, 1 August , 2026
In a significant move towards enhancing Afghanistan’s electricity infrastructure, Mullah Abdul Haq Hamkar, CEO of Breshna Company, held talks with Akmal Jumanzarov from Uzbekistan’s Technical Regulations Department. Their discussions focused on improving technical standards, laboratory capacities, and international compliance within Afghanistan’s electricity sector, aimed at strengthening the country’s reliance on electricity imports.
Saturday, 1 August , 2026
In a notable development, the Taliban government announced that over 2,300 Afghan migrants returned from Pakistan in just one day, amid ongoing deportations and growing concerns for their safety. These returns, primarily through the Torkham border crossing, reflect the escalating pressures faced by Afghans in neighboring Pakistan as calls for humanitarian support intensify.
Saturday, 1 August , 2026
The UN reports that nearly six million Afghans have returned home since late 2023, placing immense pressure on the country’s already strained public services and resources. With almost half the population needing humanitarian aid, the situation for returnees and host communities is dire. The agency urges for long-term development strategies, emphasizing the importance of infrastructure investment and community support to effectively address this ongoing crisis.
Friday, 31 July , 2026
A joint statement by the UNODC and IOM highlights the escalating risk of human trafficking in Afghanistan, driven by poverty, economic struggles, and restrictions on women’s rights. With over half of returning families unable to meet their basic needs, the organizations call for urgent international support to combat this critical issue, emphasizing the heightened vulnerability of women, children, and migrants.
Friday, 31 July , 2026
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has recognized the outstanding achievements of Afghanistan’s national cricket team, with Rashid Khan topping the ODI and T20I bowler rankings. Meanwhile, Azmatullah Omarzai leads the ODI all-rounders, while veterans Mohammad Nabi and Ibrahim Zadran also make significant strides in their respective categories, highlighting the team’s impressive growth on the global stage.
Thursday, 30 July , 2026
Zabihullah Amiri, the head of the Taliban’s Information and Culture Department, was killed in a targeted attack by ISIS-Khorasan near Faizabad. The group has claimed responsibility for the shooting, which also claimed the life of Amiri’s bodyguard. In the aftermath, Taliban security forces engaged in a pursuit, resulting in the death of one assailant and the capture of another, highlighting the ongoing security challenges in the region.
Thursday, 30 July , 2026A recent report by Doctors Without Borders reveals alarming health implications for Afghan refugees in Pakistan due to forced deportations. Many refugees are avoiding medical care out of fear of arrest, leading to increased rates of child malnutrition and severe pregnancy complications. The organization calls on the Pakistani government to cease deportations and protect vulnerable populations’ access to healthcare.
Wednesday, 29 July , 2026In a recent charter flight from Leipzig to Kabul, Germany deported 31 Afghan nationals, including 30 convicted criminals and one individual whose asylum application was rejected. The operation reflects Berlin’s stringent stance on undocumented migrants and has ignited protests and human rights concerns about the treatment of deported individuals under the Taliban regime.
Wednesday, 29 July , 2026In a recent address, Abdul Latif Nazari, Afghanistan’s Deputy Minister for Economic Affairs, praised Iran’s resilience against the United States as a moral struggle. He reaffirmed the deep cultural ties between the two nations and announced ambitious plans to boost bilateral trade to $10 billion, while advocating for Islamic unity in light of ongoing crises in Gaza.
Tuesday, 10 February , 2026Recent findings from the IOM and UNHCR highlight a dramatic 33% increase in forced deportations of Afghan refugees from Pakistan. Over 2,000 individuals were deported in just the first week of February, as fear of police violence compels many to return to Afghanistan. This surge comes as the Afghan government struggles to accommodate a sudden influx of displaced families, raising urgent concerns about humanitarian conditions and legal rights along the borders.
Sunday, 15 February , 2026
Richard Bennett, the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Afghanistan, is set to reveal a critical report on the dire health rights of women and girls in Afghanistan at the Human Rights Council in Geneva. His findings highlight severe restrictions, akin to gender apartheid, and the risks faced by Afghan refugees, particularly women and activists, amid forced deportations. Bennett’s address promises to increase pressure on the Taliban as the international community weighs its response.
Friday, 20 February , 2026Zabiullah Mujahid, spokesperson for Afghanistan’s Taliban-led government, has rebutted claims by Foreign Policy suggesting that Kabul cannot guarantee the safety of Chinese nationals. He attributed recent border incidents to smuggling activities rather than targeted attacks, insisting that security forces are committed to protecting foreign investments and workers. Mujahid’s remarks highlight a broader geopolitical tension regarding Afghanistan’s resources amid increasing scrutiny over the safety of international laborers.
Tuesday, 24 February , 2026The Afghanistan Cricket Board has unveiled the schedule for a crucial bilateral series against Sri Lanka, featuring three T20 and three ODI matches between March 13 and March 25. Hosted in Sharjah and Dubai, this series offers Afghanistan an opportunity to rebound from their recent World Cup exit and improve their world rankings, all while rallying support from their passionate fan base in the UAE.
Wednesday, 25 February , 2026A source has revealed that the recent military pressures from Pakistan on Afghanistan are part of a coordinated effort with the U.S. to control Kabul’s political landscape and reclaim Bagram Air Base. This strategy aims to undermine Afghan independence and redefine the Taliban’s role in the region, but the Afghan government’s firm response showcases a commitment to national sovereignty amidst escalating external pressures.
Tuesday, 24 February , 2026In a significant meeting led by Mullah Baradar, the Taliban’s Economic Commission has greenlit plans to transfer water from the Panjshir River to Kabul. This initiative, expected to enhance the national budget by 60 billion Afghanis annually, includes urgent budgeting for the project and the establishment of new production standards to improve the quality of goods in the market.
Wednesday, 25 February , 2026The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan has reported heavy civilian casualties, with Pakistani airstrikes in Nangarhar and Paktika provinces resulting in the deaths and injuries of women and children. The situation escalates tensions between Kabul and Islamabad, as both sides offer conflicting narratives while calls for restraint and dialogue intensify. The UN and Iran urge immediate cessation of hostilities to prevent further destabilization in the region.
Wednesday, 25 February , 2026A recent report from the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan reveals that ongoing violence between the Taliban and Pakistan has resulted in a tragic toll of civilian casualties, with over half being women and children. The report documents 56 deaths and 129 injuries in just one week, alongside a displacement crisis affecting more than 115,000 individuals in border regions. The UN Human Rights Council has urged an immediate ceasefire to prevent further suffering.
Tuesday, 10 March , 2026In a recent phone call, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Taliban’s Amir Khan Muttaqi addressed the strained relations between Kabul and Islamabad, advocating for political solutions to enhance regional stability. They also condemned recent U.S. and Israeli actions in the Middle East, warning of potential fallout that could exacerbate insecurity in the region. Both leaders underscored the necessity of ongoing diplomatic efforts to tackle shared challenges.
Monday, 9 March , 2026