In a candid admission, Sirajuddin Haqqani, the Taliban’s Interior Minister, acknowledged the use of violence and fear by the current Kabul rulers to maintain control. During an appearance in Khost Province, he called for an end to these oppressive practices, advocating for a governance model based on love, trust, and a respectful relationship with citizens.
Saturday, 19 September , 2026
The Taliban’s Ministry of Water and Energy has issued a warning about potential flooding affecting 12 provinces in Afghanistan, including major areas like Herat and Kandahar, on December 13 and 14. Residents are urged to stay away from rivers as heavy rainfall is expected in several river basins, increasing the risk of dangerous conditions.
Saturday, 19 September , 2026
Afghan migrants returning from neighboring countries are grappling with severe challenges in securing permanent housing, facing skyrocketing rental prices and a scarcity of available homes. Initiatives like the ‘Korona’ app aim to alleviate these issues by providing access to property listings, but many remain unaware of the resources available to them.
Saturday, 19 September , 2026
The cost of obtaining a Pakistani visa through Afghanistan’s black market has escalated to thousands of dollars due to a suspension of official visa processing. Many Afghans find themselves compelled to pay these inflated prices or risk illegal travel, amid rising economic difficulties. With the Pakistani embassy remaining silent on the matter, individuals express urgent concerns over interviews and health issues, highlighting the dire circumstances that push them to costly and dangerous alternatives.
Saturday, 19 September , 2026
As families from drought-affected provinces flock to Kabul for a better life, they are met with an alarming water crisis. Experts warn that rapid population growth and climate change are exacerbating the situation, leaving many residents, including recent migrants, grappling with severe water shortages and health risks. Struggles reported by families highlight a desperate need for immediate government action to address the deteriorating conditions in the capital.
Saturday, 19 September , 2026
Pakistan’s recent airstrikes in Afghanistan have led to widespread outrage, with former Afghan leaders, including Hamid Karzai, condemning the aggression. International figures, including Donald Trump and the EU’s foreign policy chief, have called for restraint amidst accusations of state terrorism. As the situation escalates, Afghanistan’s government responds with retaliatory strikes and a renewed call for national sovereignty.
Friday, 18 September , 2026
The Taliban’s spokesperson, Zabiullah Mujahid, has dismissed recent claims of a ceasefire agreement with Pakistan, emphasizing the group’s longstanding commitment to not allowing Afghan territory to be used against other nations. Mujahid’s comments follow negotiations in Doha that concluded with both sides agreeing to refrain from hostile actions, reflecting the complex regional power dynamics as Pakistan seeks to navigate its relationship with the Taliban amidst concerns over US influence in Afghanistan.
Friday, 18 September , 2026
Amid rising border clashes with the Taliban, Pakistan has accused India of inciting violence, alleging that New Delhi supports the Afghan group. The deteriorating relations between Islamabad and Kabul are further complicated by accusations of U.S. military involvement in Pakistan’s operations in Afghan territory. As both nations engage in fierce exchanges, the political ramifications are profound, highlighting a potential shift in regional dynamics.
Friday, 18 September , 2026
The European Union is in technical discussions with the Taliban government about repatriating Afghan migrants whose asylum applications have been rejected. This initiative aligns with Belgium’s plan to commence voluntary and potentially mandatory deportations of these individuals, raising alarms among human rights organizations over the risks faced by returnees in an unstable Afghanistan.
Friday, 18 September , 2026
A new agreement between the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Islamic Solidarity Fund aims to deliver urgent financial and humanitarian assistance to families affected by the devastating earthquake in eastern Afghanistan. Coordinated with the Afghan Red Crescent Society, the aid distribution is set to begin soon as the region recovers from the disaster that claimed many lives and destroyed homes.
Friday, 18 September , 2026
India has officially upgraded its technical mission in Kabul to an embassy, highlighting a strategic shift in its approach to engaging with the Taliban. This development comes alongside Qatar’s appointment of a new ambassador to Afghanistan, reflecting both nations’ aims to enhance diplomatic ties and humanitarian efforts amid ongoing international scrutiny.
Friday, 18 September , 2026
Richard Bennett, the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Afghanistan, has strongly condemned the Taliban’s recent public executions, labeling them as tactics of fear and oppression. He urged an immediate halt to these practices, emphasizing the severe human rights violations they entail and warning of the potential damage to Afghanistan’s international standing.
Friday, 18 September , 2026
Residents of Kabul are expressing deep frustration over persistent power outages that have lasted for over a week, significantly impacting their daily lives. Despite assurances from the electricity provider Barqasana, which operates under Taliban control, that power from Uzbekistan would be restored, many neighborhoods remain in darkness. Locals report receiving only limited electricity during the night, rendering their appliances unused and disrupting work and education. Meanwhile, Barqasana claims that repair efforts are ongoing, citing challenging conditions due to high water levels in the Amu River.
Friday, 18 September , 2026
Indira Gandhi Children’s Hospital reports a significant decline in measles infections, linked to a successful national vaccination campaign by the Ministry of Public Health. Hospital officials emphasize that timely vaccinations are crucial for preventing further spread, as the second phase of the campaign rolls out across 17 provinces.
Friday, 18 September , 2026
Three days of negotiations in Istanbul between the Taliban and Pakistan have concluded without an agreement, as the Taliban rejected Islamabad’s demands to take action against militant groups operating from Afghan territory. The dialogue reflects ongoing strain in relations, exacerbated by recent border clashes and concerns over security and trade disruptions.
Friday, 18 September , 2026
The United Nations has condemned the Taliban’s recent arrest of over sixty women and girls in Kabul for alleged hijab violations, labeling the actions as severe human rights abuses. These detentions, which occurred from July 16-19, involved coerced commitments from male relatives for the women’s release, underscoring the ongoing systemic discrimination and restrictions faced by Afghan women since the Taliban’s return to power.
Friday, 18 September , 2026
The Afghan International Students Association has condemned Pakistan’s updated visa requirement, which mandates Afghan students to secure a Pakistani sponsor. They report that hundreds have been stranded for months awaiting visas, and have launched a global campaign to raise awareness and call for reform amid rising tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Friday, 18 September , 2026
Zabiullah Mujahid, spokesperson for the Taliban government, stated that there is no danger to Pakistan from Afghan territory, insisting that the Taliban will prevent Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan from operating in Afghanistan. He advocates for resolving tensions through dialogue rather than conflict, warning Pakistan of accountability for cross-border attacks. Amid ongoing skirmishes and deteriorating relations, both nations are looking to upcoming talks in Istanbul for potential solutions.
Friday, 18 September , 2026
In Afghanistan, UNICEF has successfully treated more than 480,000 children suffering from severe malnutrition this year. However, the organization warns that ongoing humanitarian challenges, including poverty and restricted access to aid, persist. As malnutrition rates rise, especially since the Taliban’s return to power, UNICEF calls for increased global support to avert a deeper crisis.
Friday, 18 September , 2026
In a groundbreaking policy shift, Russia has formally removed the Taliban from its list of terrorist organizations and acknowledged its governance, prompting strong reactions from Washington. This development signals a potential new chapter in U.S.-Russia rivalries, with Afghanistan emerging as a pivotal arena for geopolitical competition amid rising concerns over regional stability.
Friday, 18 September , 2026