The abrupt exit of the Pakistani delegation from peace negotiations in Istanbul has intensified friction between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Following the withdrawal, the Afghan Ministry of Interior issued a strong warning against potential attacks from Pakistani territory. Controversial demands from Islamabad, including the expulsion of Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan members and permission for drone strikes, were dismissed by Kabul as unacceptable, suggesting a significant escalation in political and security tensions.
Thursday, 10 September , 2026
An Afghan analyst based in Europe critiques U.S. interventions in South Asia, particularly focusing on India’s resistance to Trump’s recent 50% tariff on its products. The analyst argues that India’s defiance, rooted in its national interests, could inspire other nations to reclaim their autonomy from U.S. influence, especially in light of America’s long and troubled involvement in Afghanistan.
Thursday, 10 September , 2026
On World Science Day for Peace and Development, former Afghan President Hamid Karzai advocated for universal education as essential for Afghanistan’s self-sufficiency. He urged the Taliban to lift the ban on girls attending secondary schools and universities, emphasizing the detrimental impact of educational deprivation on Afghan society, including rising mental health issues and early marriages for millions of girls.
Thursday, 10 September , 2026
The World Food Programme has issued a grave warning about the worsening malnutrition crisis in Afghanistan, particularly with the onset of winter. An influx of families returning from neighboring countries, many of whom are already struggling with malnutrition, is exacerbating the situation. With over 2.5 million returns this year and nutritional support dwindling, the need for urgent global action is pressing as the risk of severe malnutrition escalates among vulnerable populations, especially women and children.
Thursday, 10 September , 2026
Local authorities in Taliban-controlled Panjshir province have sold around 3,000 carats of emeralds for nearly two million Afghanis in a public auction. This move aims to enhance mining operations after discovering 250 new emerald mines. However, economic experts express concerns about the lack of independent oversight and transparency in the mining sector, raising alarms over potential environmental risks and unclear profit allocation for local development.
Thursday, 10 September , 2026
In a recent statement, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid criticized the United States for operating drones in Afghan airspace without consent, calling it a serious infringement of national sovereignty. Mujahid also reassured that the Taliban will not allow the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) to use Afghan territory for actions against neighboring countries.
Thursday, 10 September , 2026
In a significant escalation of tensions, Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has blamed Afghanistan for a recent wave of terrorist attacks on Pakistani soil, claiming that the assailants are crossing from Afghanistan. His comments come after a deadly attack in South Waziristan and amidst deteriorating diplomatic relations between the two neighbors. Naqvi underscored the importance of addressing the issue with the Taliban and urged them to prevent further violence.
Thursday, 10 September , 2026
In a significant move, Pakistani officials have announced that border crossings with Afghanistan will remain closed until the Taliban takes concrete action against terrorist groups, particularly the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). This decision, aimed at increasing pressure on Kabul, is causing major disruptions to trade and economic activities, with thousands of trucks stranded as security concerns continue to override economic interests.
Thursday, 10 September , 2026
During a symposium at Georgetown University, Pakistani Ambassador Rizwan Saeed Sheikh underscored the improvement in Pakistan-U.S. relations under President Trump, highlighting a shift in the U.S. perspective towards Pakistan. He urged the Pakistani diaspora to assist in enhancing the country’s image and fostering crucial economic and diplomatic ties as both nations have a chance to redefine their partnership.
Thursday, 10 September , 2026
A new report from the UN-Habitat highlights the difficult realities faced by returning Afghans, emphasizing that access to shelter is crucial for restoring dignity. With over 2 million refugees returning from Iran and Pakistan, the organization is urging for increased global assistance to address the mounting pressures on Afghanistan’s infrastructure.
Thursday, 10 September , 2026
Recent negotiations in Istanbul between Taliban representatives and Pakistani intelligence officials have faltered, primarily over disagreements related to India’s involvement in Afghanistan and the activities of the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Pakistan accused India of supporting opposition groups, a claim Kabul firmly denied, exacerbating distrust and highlighting the ongoing strategic divide between the two nations.
Thursday, 10 September , 2026
In a notable political shift, the National Justice Party of Afghanistan has been founded in Istanbul, aimed at creating an independent political voice for the Turkmen minority. With backing from Turkey, this initiative seeks to differentiate Turkmen interests from those of the Uzbeks, part of a broader strategy to enhance Turkey’s influence in the region and control valuable energy resources amidst rising geopolitical tensions.
Thursday, 10 September , 2026
Richard Bennett, the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Afghanistan, has voiced serious concerns over the U.S. suspension of Afghan immigration applications and the threat of mass deportations following a recent incident involving an Afghan citizen. Emphasizing the principle of individual accountability, Bennett argues that punishing the entire Afghan community for one person’s actions is unjust and calls for a measured approach to the crisis.
Thursday, 10 September , 2026
During a recent visit to Pakistan, Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, expressed alarm over escalating tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan. He emphasized Iran’s commitment to support diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving disputes, proposing a regional conference to foster dialogue and mitigate the crisis. This initiative comes in the wake of renewed hostilities following a Pakistani airstrike and failed mediation attempts by other nations.
Thursday, 10 September , 2026
Mullah Fazlur Rehman, leader of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam party, has condemned Pakistan’s longstanding militaristic approach to Afghanistan, arguing that a shift towards diplomacy and dialogue is essential for fostering peaceful relations. In a recent address, he highlighted the failures of the past 78 years and urged the government to abandon confrontation in favor of cooperative strategies.
Thursday, 10 September , 2026
In a bold statement from behind bars, former Prime Minister Imran Khan accused General Asim Munir of intentionally heightening conflict in Afghanistan to gain Western support. Khan linked the army’s aggressive policies to rising insecurity and terrorism in Pakistan, criticizing the government’s current approach and urging a reevaluation of military strategies.
Thursday, 10 September , 2026
In a significant diplomatic move, the Taliban’s Minister of Public Health is visiting New Delhi to foster cooperation in the health sector. This visit aims to strengthen ties through shared medical experiences and improving healthcare services in Afghanistan. It marks a continuation of recent engagements between Kabul and New Delhi, focusing on training healthcare professionals and facilitating treatments for Afghan patients in India.
Thursday, 10 September , 2026
Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson for Afghanistan’s interim government, has refuted allegations from Foreign Policy magazine that the Taliban cannot guarantee the safety of Chinese workers. He attributed recent border tensions to smuggling activities and emphasized the government’s commitment to securing foreign investment and ensuring the protection of Chinese nationals in the region.
Thursday, 10 September , 2026
The Taliban’s Economic Commission has approved a significant project to transfer water from the Panjshir River to Kabul, alongside new strategies aimed at increasing national revenue by approximately 60 billion Afghanis annually. Key initiatives focus on infrastructure development, enhancing water supply to northern Kabul, and establishing standards for product quality.
Thursday, 10 September , 2026
In a significant diplomatic effort, Amir Khan Motaqi, the Taliban’s foreign minister, has confirmed ongoing negotiations with Pakistani officials in Urumqi, China. During an Afghanistan-Central Asia meeting in Kabul, he stressed the Taliban’s commitment to peaceful dialogue while also reaffirming its right to protect Afghanistan’s territorial integrity. As these talks unfold, details remain scarce, with both sides focusing on mutual understanding amid rising security concerns between the two nations.
Thursday, 10 September , 2026