Latest News
Sharp rise in violence against journalists reported
The rise of independent media in Afghanistan has been one of the country’s biggest achievements – but there are troubling signs for its future. A growing number of attacks on journalists, and the international community’s continued silence on the issue, are drawing concern.
Afghan Journalists Safety Committee (AJSC) said that violence against journalists has increased by 29 percent in the current year as compared to the same period of last year.
Afghanistan Journalist Center findings indicates that at least 103 cases of violence against Afghan journalists have been recorded in the current year.
Regarding factors of the violence against journalist, AJSC said that government officials including security forces are involved in 63.23% cases, unknown men in 16.17%, militants in 11.76%, and armed people in 8.82% cases.
Head of Afghanistan Journalists Center, Ahmad Quraishi said, “Afghan Journalists have suffered heavy casualties in holding the last election.”
Sharp rise in violence against journalists is forcing foreign media-persons to leave Afghanistan. If foreign journalists leave the country then it will affect attention of the international community regarding situation of the country,” Head of AJSC, Najib Sharifi said.
Journalists themselves also spoke out about the dangers they face in trying to report unadulterated news in Afghanistan.
Sidiqullah Tawhidi, head of supporting and opening media watch said, “The national unity government did not act as its commitments and has not supported media rights so far.”
The current year was the most violent year for the Afghan journalists. Journalists in Afghanistan work under extremely difficult circumstances and routinely face violence, threats, and intimidation that prevent them from carrying out their work.
Reported by Farahnaz Forutan
Amid tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, Islamabad on Thursday renewed its call for the Islamic Emirate to take decisive action against militant groups operating from Afghan territory.
Speaking at his weekly press briefing in Islamabad, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi stressed that Pakistan is neither closing the door on diplomacy nor opening the door to conflict between the two neighbouring nations.
“Diplomacy continues even in wars. Diplomacy continues even during skirmishes,” he remarked, adding that Pakistan wishes peace and prosperity for “our Afghan brothers and sisters.”
Referring to a recent report by the United Nations Security Council, Andrabi said the document strongly reinforces Pakistan’s longstanding concerns regarding the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan and the situation in Afghanistan.
“The report confirms Pakistan’s position that the TTP’s resurgence is linked to the post-2021 takeover by the Afghan interim government. This is an important document, and we are following up with the relevant UN bodies, Security Council members, and other international stakeholders,” he said.
The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has repeatedly denied the presence of foreign militant groups in Afghanistan, arguing that it cannot be held responsible for Pakistan’s internal security challenges.
Local officials in Balkh province report that three people were injured in Mazar-e-Sharif after jumping from a building when an earthquake struck the city on Friday.
The quake occurred at around 2:42 a.m. and, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), had a magnitude of 4.5 on the Richter scale.
Kamal Khan Zadran, spokesperson for the Balkh Provincial Public Health Department, said the injured individuals were taken to the Abu Ali Sina-e-Balkhi Regional Hospital, where their condition is reported to be improving.
The tremor was also felt in the provinces of Samangan, Jawzjan, Faryab, and Sar-e Pul. However, no reports of casualties or material damage have been received from those areas so far.
The United Nations Security Council has extended the mandate of the Afghanistan sanctions monitoring team for another year.
Members of the Council unanimously adopted a resolution tonight (Thursday) to extend the Security Council’s sanctions on the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan.
Pakistan says it has not closed door on diplomacy, nor seeking war with Afghanistan
Three hurt jumping from building amid earthquake in Balkh
Bangladesh’s BNP wins two-thirds majority in landmark election
UNSC extends mandate of Afghanistan sanctions monitoring committee for another year
Tahawol: U.S. review of Afghanistan policy discussed
Pakistan army orders evacuation of Tirah Valley, fears of mass displacement grow
Afghan traders sign deal to import pharmaceuticals from Bangladesh
AFC Futsal Asian Cup 2026: Day One Review
Afghan envoy in UAE holds talks with Etihad Airways on launch of direct flights
Over 5.2 million Afghans return from Iran, Pakistan in 2025; IFRC warns of growing crisis
Tahawol: U.S. review of Afghanistan policy discussed
Saar: Discussion on close ties between Daesh and Pakistan
Tahawol: IEA’s rejection of global corruption index report discussed
Saar: Pakistan’s double game in Afghan war discussed
Tahawol: Tajikistan’s expanding relations with Afghanistan reviewed
-
International Sports5 days agoWinter Olympics gain momentum as medal table takes shape
-
Sport4 days agoChampions League Elite action continues as qualification race tightens
-
International Sports3 days agoIPL 2026: Franchise sales gather pace as global investors circle teams
-
Latest News5 days agoTajik foreign minister urges international community to help Afghanistan address its challenges
-
Latest News5 days agoAfghan counter-narcotics delegation travels to Indonesia
-
Sport4 days agoEarly medal leaders emerge as Winter Olympics continue in Italy
-
Latest News4 days agoTerrorist activities observed along Afghanistan borders, says Lavrov
-
Sport5 days agoNew Zealand cruise past Afghanistan by five wickets in T20 World Cup