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U.S.-Taliban Peace Talks Enter Fourth Day in Qatar
The peace talks between the U.S. and Taliban representatives in Doha, the capital of Qatar entered a fourth day on Thursday as the two sides trying to reach on a potential deal to bring an end to the 17-year conflict in Afghanistan.
The details of the meeting have not been officially revealed yet, but the Taliban sources told Ariana News on Thursday that the U.S. and Taliban officials are trying to establish a mechanism for foreign troop pullout.
“As far as Khalilzad was concerned, to some extent, an agreement has been reached on withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan,” a source close the Taliban said.
The source noted that the two sides also discussed the issue of stability in the region, more specifically to ensure that Afghan territory would not be used for hostile acts against the United States and its allies.
A ceasefire to broker reconciliation talks with the Afghan government is also an issue as the U.S. and Taliban were likely to discuss, the second Taliban source told Ariana News.
“When they reached on an agreement over the two issues, a ceasefire will be declared,” the source said.
The High Peace Council (HPC), however, said the Qatar talks were underway without the presence of the government representatives and that they could not afford to agree on every agenda that would come out of these discussions.
A third source close to the Taliban, meanwhile, said that two sides are expected to reveal the outcomes of the Qatar peace talks in a joint statement, adding that the release of some Taliban prisoners would also be one of the outcomes of the meeting.
The Ministry of Mines and Petroleum of Afghanistan has signed a 30-year agreement with a private company to extract marble in Daikundi province.
Under the contract, the company will invest AFN 283 million in exploring and mining marble at the “Mesh-Uliya” site, spanning 16.74 square kilometers in central Daikundi.
Hedayatullah Badri, Minister of Mines and Petroleum, stated that the marble will be processed domestically before being exported abroad. He added that the Mesh-Uliya project is expected to create around 200 jobs, and the company is committed to supporting local communities through social initiatives.
Economic experts highlight that such investments, especially those focusing on domestic processing, are crucial for job creation, boosting exports, and strengthening the national economy. Analysts further note that the project will improve local infrastructure, expand social services, and enhance the economic and social well-being of Daikundi residents.
Since the return of the Islamic Emirate to power, efforts to develop Afghanistan’s mining sector have intensified, with multiple contracts signed in areas including cement, copper, iron, and lapis lazuli, involving both domestic and international companies.
A passenger bus veered off the Salang Highway before dawn on Sunday, leaving five people dead and 44 others injured, the Ministry of Public Works said.
According to the ministry, the incident occurred at around 2:00 a.m. in the Shawol area of North Salang when a passenger bus deviated from the main road due to the driver’s negligence.
Mohammad Ashraf Haqshenas, spokesperson for the Ministry of Public Works, said five passengers were killed and 44 others sustained injuries. He added that personnel from the Salang Maintenance and Protection Directorate promptly arrived at the scene and transferred the injured to the Khunjān clinic for medical treatment.
The Ministry of Public Works has urged drivers and passengers traveling on the Salang Highway to strictly follow the instructions of on-duty teams, observe traffic regulations, and carry warm clothing, food supplies, and snow chains to prevent similar incidents.
The ministry also noted that heavy snowfall and stormy weather have led to the temporary closure of the highway, while road maintenance teams are continuing snow-clearing operations.
Latest News
Major fire in Mandawi Kabul market contained, extensive losses prevented
Local shopkeepers said the fire broke out around 4 a.m.
The Ministry of Interior reported that personnel from the General Directorate of Firefighting and Emergency Response successfully prevented the further spread of a fire at Mandawi market on Kabul early Sunday morning.
Abdul Mateen Qani, spokesperson for the ministry, said that the fire destroyed 10 storage facilities and 8 shops. He added that initial losses are estimated at around $700,000, but timely action by firefighting personnel saved property worth approximately $2.2 million.
Qani explained that the fire was caused by an electrical short circuit. He praised the rapid and effective containment operations, which prevented more extensive damage.
Local shopkeepers said the fire broke out around 4 a.m.
Afghanistan signs 30-year deal for marble mining in Daikundi
Passenger bus veers off Salang Highway, leaving 5 dead, dozens injured
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Major fire in Mandawi Kabul market contained, extensive losses prevented
Bush Institute criticizes Trump administration’s Afghan immigration freeze
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Gaza death toll tops 70,000, health ministry says
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