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
On the fifth anniversary of the Taliban’s resurgence, the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reaffirmed its stance of non-recognition until the group demonstrates a commitment to human rights. France is advocating for an international investigation into human rights violations in Afghanistan, particularly concerning the rights of women and girls, while emphasizing that the Taliban must also combat terrorism to foster better relations with the global community.
Tuesday, 18 August , 2026
At a recent event in Kandahar marking five years of Taliban rule, leader Mullah Haibatullah Akhundzada declared that no unlawful requests will be entertained, amidst rising global concerns over the education crisis affecting 2.4 million girls in Afghanistan. This stark reminder of the nation’s oppressive laws against women was underscored by a United Nations report, highlighting the urgent need for improvements in human rights.
Tuesday, 18 August , 2026
During a ceremony celebrating five years since the Taliban’s takeover of Kabul, Sirajuddin Haqqani declared that true victory for Afghanistan hinges on the liberation of Palestine. He emphasized the plight of the Palestinian people and encouraged solidarity among Muslims, highlighting the shared struggles between Afghans and Palestinians.
Tuesday, 18 August , 2026
In a recent address, Abdul Hakim Nezami, deputy commander of the Taliban’s Khalid bin Walid corps, cautioned Pakistan against using its territory for actions targeting Afghanistan. He emphasized that any hostile maneuvers from Pakistan would be met with military retaliation, urging the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to oppose the establishment of anti-Afghan bases in their regions.
Monday, 17 August , 2026
Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson for the Taliban, has called on Pakistan to avoid meddling in Afghanistan’s internal issues, urging the country to focus on its own challenges. His remarks highlight the ongoing tension between the two nations, as accusations of collaboration with terrorist groups arise amidst claims of ISIS activity in Pakistan.
Monday, 17 August , 2026
Concerns are mounting among students following the Taliban’s recent decision to suspend operations at seven private universities and revoke licenses of two others, citing administrative violations. As students fear for their academic futures, officials indicate that universities were previously warned about these issues. This move underscores broader challenges within Afghanistan’s education system, particularly for girls who continue to face restrictions in accessing education.
Monday, 17 August , 2026
The Afghanistan national cricket team showcased their prowess by defeating Ireland in the final one-day match, led by an extraordinary 143-run performance from captain Rahmat Shah. Their record-breaking partnership with Sediqullah Atal contributed to a commanding six-wicket victory, sealing a remarkable 4-0 series outcome.
Sunday, 16 August , 2026
In a recent interview, Amir Khan Muttaki, the Taliban’s Foreign Minister, firmly stated that the people of Afghanistan do not welcome any foreign military forces and urged for economic engagement instead. While addressing Trump’s calls for military presence, Muttaki advocated for the reopening of the U.S. embassy in Kabul and directed attention to potential investment opportunities in Afghanistan’s infrastructure. His remarks highlight the Taliban’s desire to foster diplomatic relations without military interference.
Sunday, 16 August , 2026
In a sobering announcement, the United Nations has revealed that 2.4 million Afghan girls are currently barred from secondary and higher education under Taliban governance. This alarming statistic marks five years of systemic barriers to girls’ education in Afghanistan, raising serious concerns over women’s rights and the nation’s future progress.
Sunday, 16 August , 2026
On the fifth anniversary of their takeover, Taliban spokesperson Zabiullah Mujahid asserted that Afghanistan will resist any threats to its sovereignty. He emphasized the importance of unity among Afghans and highlighted the government’s efforts to improve foreign relations and enhance economic stability, encouraging those abroad to return to their homeland without fear.
Saturday, 15 August , 2026
As Afghanistan marks five years under Taliban rule, cinemas remain closed, highlighting a grave impact on the film industry and leaving citizens disheartened. Activists emphasize the importance of cinema for education and entertainment, as filmmakers face insurmountable challenges without any response from the Ministry of Information and Culture. The future of a once-thriving industry hangs in the balance, prompting calls for the reopening of cinemas.
Saturday, 15 August , 2026
In a recent interview, Amir Khan Muttaki, the Taliban’s foreign minister, declared that negotiations with political and armed opposition are unnecessary, claiming that Afghanistan’s issues have been resolved. Muttaki’s comments come as he downplayed recent violence attributed to opposition groups and asserted that all Afghans are welcome to return to their homeland. Despite international non-recognition, he expressed confidence in the current government’s stability compared to its past.
Friday, 14 August , 2026
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
A Taliban Ministry of Defense helicopter crashed in Badakhshan’s Nusay district, with officials citing technical issues, while conflicting reports suggest possible gunfire involvement, resulting in a child’s death. Tajikistan’s Foreign Ministry has responded with concerns about security threats posed by recent clashes near the Afghan border, leading to an official protest over airspace violations. The incident adds to rising security challenges in the region, highlighted by the recent killing of local officials.
Friday, 14 August , 2026
Zabihullah Mujahid, the Taliban’s spokesperson, refutes claims made in a recent UN Security Council report asserting the presence of foreign militant groups in Afghanistan. He insists that groups like Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan and ISIS are not active in the country, emphasizing inaccuracies in reporting and asserting that Afghanistan remains free of such threats.
Friday, 14 August , 2026
As the Taliban regime reaches its fifth anniversary, the Afghan Independent Media Support Foundation, Nai, reveals a grim picture of media repression, citing the death of six journalists and over 700 incidents of violence against reporters. The situation for women in media has drastically worsened, with the number of female journalists plummeting from 1,800 to under 100. Nai highlights the severe restrictions on press freedom, warning that critical voices are being silenced.
Thursday, 13 August , 2026The rise of religious schools in Afghanistan has significantly limited access to modern education, prompting concerns among students and educators alike. With approximately 21,000 religious schools now operational, many students express their dissatisfaction, as they are unable to pursue careers in fields like medicine and engineering. As educational options dwindle, the plight of young learners continues to highlight the urgent need for a more balanced curriculum.
Wednesday, 12 August , 2026
The Taliban’s spokesperson, Zabihullah Mujahid, has stated they have no information on the whereabouts of Afghan-American Mahmoud Shah Habibi, contradicting FBI concerns about his disappearance. With rising anxiety over his fate, the U.S. State Department has announced a $5 million reward for information leading to his safe return, linking his vanishing to strained Afghanistan-U.S. relations following his alleged CIA involvement.
Wednesday, 12 August , 2026
In a recent interview, former Afghan President Hamid Karzai underscored the critical role of girls’ education in shaping a better future for Afghanistan. He called for the immediate resumption of girls’ schooling, framing it as a pressing demand from the Afghan populace and a non-political issue. Karzai also acknowledged the Taliban as part of the nation’s fabric and emphasized the importance of unity among all Afghans, while attributing the previous government’s collapse to U.S. policy missteps.
Tuesday, 11 August , 2026