-
Five Years Under Taliban Rule: Afghan Women Grapple with Unprecedented Challenges
As the Taliban marks five years of control in Afghanistan, women who once held government jobs reflect on their lost opportunities and the harsh reality of life under stringent social restrictions. Many now face dire economic hardships and a profound impact on their mental health, as global calls for attention to their plight grow louder.
Thursday, 20 August , 2026 -
Five Years of Educational Deprivation: Afghan Girls Await Change
As Afghanistan marks five years under Taliban rule, 2.4 million girls remain barred from education, igniting concerns among families and advocates alike. Parents like Najia from Kabul express their heartbreak over the educational restrictions imposed on their daughters, while calls for action continue to grow. With no clear response from Taliban officials, the future of these girls hangs in the balance.
Tuesday, 18 August , 2026 -
Polio Vaccination Drive Launched in Afghanistan to Protect Children
A new polio vaccination campaign has commenced in five provinces of Afghanistan, targeting over 2.5 million children as part of efforts to combat the rising polio cases in the country. Health authorities emphasize the need for community support and improved public health conditions to ensure the success of this initiative.
Tuesday, 18 August , 2026 -
Taliban Leader Stands Firm Against Criticism as Millions of Girls Remain Uneducated
During a recent gathering in Kandahar, Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada reiterated the Taliban’s stance against ‘illegitimate requests,’ responding to ongoing criticisms from human rights advocates. As the fifth anniversary of their rule approaches, the UN highlights a troubling reality: 2.4 million girls in Afghanistan are deprived of education, marking a significant setback in women’s rights in the country.
Tuesday, 18 August , 2026 -
Five Years On: Afghan Refugees Reflect on the Chaos of Kabul Airport and Ongoing Struggles
As the anniversary of the fall of Kabul approaches, stories of Afghan refugees evoke a mix of hope and sorrow. The chaotic evacuation efforts at Kabul Airport, where many faced life-threatening situations, remain vivid memories for those like Heli, who escaped with her children but now faces uncertainty in Pakistan. The ongoing challenges for Afghan refugees illustrate the long-lasting impact of their harrowing experiences.
Tuesday, 18 August , 2026 -
Taliban Minister Declares Liberation of Jerusalem Essential for Afghanistan’s Success
In a recent ceremony celebrating five years since the Taliban’s takeover of Kabul, Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani asserted that Afghanistan’s true victory hinges on the liberation of Jerusalem and the plight of the Palestinian people. Haqqani called for global Muslim solidarity with Gaza, highlighting that until the Palestinian struggle is recognized, joy for Afghans will remain unattainable. He urged a deeper commitment from the international community to address the ongoing suffering in Gaza.
Tuesday, 18 August , 2026 -
UN Calls for Urgent Support for Afghan Women on Taliban’s Anniversary
On the fifth anniversary of the Taliban’s resurgence, UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed expressed grave concerns over the continuing violations of rights faced by women and girls in Afghanistan. She emphasized the need for global action to support these individuals as they strive for a better future, urging the international community to prioritize their plight and contribute to building a more equitable society.
Monday, 17 August , 2026 -
Year After Kunar Earthquake, Survivors Still Abandoned in Tents
A year has passed since the catastrophic earthquake in Kunar, yet survivors continue to face dire conditions, living in tents without adequate shelter, clean water, or healthcare. With only 36 homes provided by authorities, many are left waiting as promises of reconstruction go unfulfilled.
Monday, 17 August , 2026 -
Taliban Suspends Universities, Students Fear for Their Future
The Taliban’s recent suspension of seven private universities and revocation of licenses for two educational institutions has left students in Afghanistan anxious about their academic futures. The Ministry of Higher Education cited administrative violations as the reason for these actions, while students are calling for clarity and solutions to safeguard their education amidst rising challenges in the sector.
Monday, 17 August , 2026 -
UN Reports Millions of Afghan Girls Denied Education Under Taliban Rule
Five years into Taliban governance, a staggering 2.4 million Afghan girls are barred from accessing secondary and higher education, according to a recent UN report. This situation marks Afghanistan as the only country worldwide where education for girls beyond primary school is prohibited, raising urgent concerns about women’s rights and the nation’s future. Human rights organizations are calling for a more robust international response to address these escalating violations.
Sunday, 16 August , 2026 -
Taliban Marks Kabul Takeover Anniversary, Vows to Protect Afghanistan’s Independence
On the fifth anniversary of the Taliban’s control over Kabul, spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid declared that threats against Afghanistan’s sovereignty will not succeed. He called on the Afghan people to unite in safeguarding their freedom and to honor the sacrifices made for their country’s autonomy.
Saturday, 15 August , 2026 -
Afghan Cinema Faces Uncertain Future as Talibans’ Five-Year Closure Continues
Five years after the Taliban’s return, Afghanistan’s cinemas remain shuttered, stifling the film industry and leaving audiences craving entertainment. Activists and filmmakers highlight the cultural significance of cinema, while calls for government transparency on the closures go unheard.
Saturday, 15 August , 2026 -
EU’s Foreign Policy Chief Reiterates Stance on Taliban Engagement and Human Rights
Kaja Kallas, the European Union’s foreign policy chief, has clarified that the EU’s engagement with the Taliban is not a form of legitimization. Emphasizing human rights, she outlined that future recognition of the group’s governance hinges on their compliance with international standards and the establishment of an inclusive government. The EU also pledged €10 million to support humanitarian efforts in Afghanistan, addressing the urgent needs of millions amid ongoing economic challenges.
Friday, 14 August , 2026 -
Five Years Under Taliban Rule: Afghan Women and Girls Face Education and Employment Crisis
Five years after the Taliban’s return to power, Afghan women and girls continue to suffer from debilitating restrictions on education and employment. With approximately 2.2 million girls barred from further education, Afghanistan remains the only nation globally to deny secondary education to females. The dire limitations on women’s rights have led to widespread unemployment in female-headed households, exacerbating a humanitarian crisis and threatening the future of the nation.
Friday, 14 August , 2026 -
The Silent Struggle: Afghan Youth Face Unemployment and Isolation
Afghan youth are confronting dire unemployment rates, leading to significant economic and mental health challenges that strain their social and familial bonds. A staggering 78% of young women are without jobs or education, while men face a 20% unemployment rate. Despite the Taliban’s promises of vocational training programs, many young people express despair and isolation as they search for opportunities in a stifling job market.
Friday, 14 August , 2026 -
Afghanistan Marks Five Years of Taliban Rule with Alarming Attacks on Journalists
The Nai Media Foundation reports a dire landscape for freedom of expression in Afghanistan, with six journalists killed and over 700 violent incidents recorded in the past five years. The organization highlights the Taliban’s role in creating an oppressive media environment, prompting severe restrictions on criticism and a drastic reduction of women’s participation in journalism.
Thursday, 13 August , 2026 -
Around 8 Million Afghan Migrants Return Home Amid Economic Challenges
In a notable shift, approximately 8 million Afghans have returned to their homeland over the past five years, as shared by the Taliban’s Minister of Refugees, Abdul Kabir. While the repatriation process continues, concerns rise regarding the economic hardships and job scarcity facing returning migrants, with predictions of millions more coming back by year’s end.
Thursday, 13 August , 2026 -
U.S. Fails to Protect Afghan Allies Amid Ongoing Visa Delays
The International Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP) argues that the U.S. has betrayed its Afghan partners, highlighting a dramatic decline in resettlement figures and increased risks due to immigration policy changes. With only three Afghan refugees resettled in 2026, the situation underscores urgent concerns about the safety of those who aided U.S. efforts in Afghanistan.
Wednesday, 12 August , 2026 -
Religious Schools Surge in Afghanistan Amid Declining Access to Modern Education
The rise of religious schools in Afghanistan has sparked grave concerns over the diminishing opportunities for modern education. With approximately 21,000 religious institutions now operating and nearly 2.5 million students enrolled, many young Afghans, including aspiring professionals like 13-year-old Hamza, express disappointment as they are often diverted from scientific studies to solely focus on religious education.
Wednesday, 12 August , 2026 -
Severe Humanitarian Crisis Looms as Afghanistan Faces 70% Cut in Aid Funding
The Norwegian Refugee Council warns that a staggering reduction in humanitarian aid for Afghanistan will plunge millions into deeper crisis. With funding expected to drop from $3.3 billion in 2022 to just $1 billion in 2025, the returning population, notably over 6 million refugees, faces severe challenges, including unemployment and lack of essential services.
Wednesday, 12 August , 2026
