Latest News
MPs Describe Taliban Prisoner Swap Act of Treason
Afghan lawmakers on Wednesday described the release of Taliban’s top prisoners by President Ashraf Ghani as a national treason.
Nilofar Ibrahimi, a member of parliament from Badakhshan province, said it was “a shameful deal” for the releasing of the killers of Afghan people.
“If peace is an excuse, the releasing of 850 prisoners was enough. It is a concession equal to a national treason,” MP Ibrahimi said.
Some lawmakers criticized the judicial system of Afghanistan, adding that the decision will demotivate Afghan security forces.
“Afghanistan’s Attorney General must be summoned to the parliament to clarify the releasing of three members of Taliban’s leadership,” said Hamayoun Shahidzada, a lawmaker from western Farah province.
“If these three prisoners had been released in return for one month ceasefire, the security forces would have kept their high spirit. This shows a lack of independence in the judicial system,” said Abdul Rauf Ibrahimi, a parliamentarian from northern Badakhshan province.
This comes a day after President Ghani, in a televised press conference, confirmed that Anas Haqqani, Haji Mali Khan and Hafiz Rashid, three top Haqqani Network commanders, have been “conditionally released” in exchange for the release of two foreign university professors who were kidnapped by the Haqqani Network in 2016.
Ghani added that the negotiation was made in close cooperation with the U.S. in order to pave the way for face-to-face negotiations with the Taliban.
In an interview with Ariana News, the U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan, John Bass, strongly welcomed Ghani’s decision of releasing key Taliban prisoners.
Bass said Washington hopes the move results in reduction of violence and beginning of peace talks to end the ongoing war in Afghanistan which has continued for too many years.
But, a car bomb in Kabul claimed several lives including children early on Wednesday. At least four foreign national from a security company were also wounded in the vehicle-borne IED attack.
Reacting to the Kabul car bombing, the European Union Special Envoy for Afghanistan, Roland Kobia wrote on Twitter: “I would have thought that an important gesture such as the release of high profile Taliban prisoners would be honoured and saluted by something like a ceasefire rather than a car bomb, killing civilians and children. Symbols should come from both sides”.
International Sports
IPL 2026: Mumbai Indians crush Gujarat Titans by 99 runs
The match was defined by a sensational innings from Tilak Varma, who struck an unbeaten 101 off just 45 deliveries to power Mumbai to a commanding total.
Mumbai Indians returned to winning ways in emphatic fashion on Monday, defeating Gujarat Titans by 99 runs in a dominant Indian Premier League encounter at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
The match was defined by a sensational innings from Tilak Varma, who struck an unbeaten 101 off just 45 deliveries to power Mumbai to a commanding total. The left-hander’s maiden IPL century came at a crucial time for his side, lifting them out of a recent slump with a display of clean, aggressive hitting that dismantled the Gujarat bowling attack.
After a steady start, Varma accelerated sharply through the middle and death overs, finding boundaries with ease and maintaining a high strike rate to push Mumbai well beyond Gujarat’s reach.
In reply, Gujarat Titans faltered under scoreboard pressure. Their batting lineup failed to build partnerships as Mumbai’s bowlers tightened control early on. Ashwani Kumar led the charge with the ball, claiming four wickets in a disciplined spell that ensured the hosts never threatened the target.
Gujarat were eventually bowled out well short, handing Mumbai one of their most convincing wins of the season and snapping a four-match losing streak.
The result provides a timely boost for Mumbai Indians as the tournament enters a critical phase, while Gujarat Titans will be left searching for answers after a heavy defeat on home soil.
Attention now turns to Tuesday’s IPL fixture, where Sunrisers Hyderabad take on Delhi Capitals. Hyderabad will be aiming to continue their strong run of form, while Delhi are looking to secure an important victory to improve their standing in the competition.
All IPL matches are being broadcast live and exclusively in Afghanistan on Ariana Television, providing fans nationwide with comprehensive coverage of the tournament.
Noor Ahmad Islamjar has said construction of the Robat Paryan railway station in Herat Province is progressing steadily and is expected to be completed in the near future.
During an inspection of operations along the Khaf–Herat railway line, the governor visited the Robat Paryan station project and reviewed work across different sections, according to a statement from his office.
Islamjar provided guidance to project officials and called for efforts to accelerate implementation, the statement said.
He noted that the station is being built to international standards and added that, once completed, the railway line will be extended to Robat Paryan.
Project officials, meanwhile, said work is being expedited and expressed confidence that the station will soon become operational.
Nooruddin Azizi, Minister of Industry and Commerce of the Islamic Emirate, has held talks with Andrei Yevgenyevich Kuznetsov, Belarus’s Minister of Industry, on increasing the level of trade between the two countries and purchasing diesel fuel and petrol from Belarus.
Azizi raised this issue during his visit to Uzbekistan in a meeting with the Belarusian Minister of Industry.
According to a statement from the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, Azizi invited Belarusian investors to take advantage of investment opportunities in Afghanistan, particularly in the pharmaceutical sector.
The statement added that both sides agreed to establish a joint working team at the deputy-minister level to follow up on the issues discussed in the meeting, especially efforts to increase the volume of trade between the two countries.
IPL 2026: Mumbai Indians crush Gujarat Titans by 99 runs
Afghanistan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan agree on framework to boost trade and transit
Trump: New deal with Iran will be better than old one
Tahawol: Pakistan’s failed efforts to impose war in Afghanistan discussed
Saar: Demand for the country’s exports to Iran discussed
IEA supreme leader orders replacement of foreign terminology in official documents
Russia deems US military presence in Afghanistan unacceptable
Afghanistan hosts inaugural Afghanistan–Central Asia Consultative Dialogue to strengthen regional cooperation
TAPI gas pipeline advances 25 km in Afghanistan
Afghani strengthens nearly 10% against US dollar amid banking sector reforms
Tahawol: Pakistan’s failed efforts to impose war in Afghanistan discussed
Saar: Demand for the country’s exports to Iran discussed
Tahawol: Fragile ceasefire between Iran and US discussed
Saar: Fate of Kabul–Islamabad talks in China reviewed
Tahawol: Reasons behind re-blocking of Strait of Hormuz discussed
-
Business4 days agoAfghanistan moves toward self-sufficiency in car battery production
-
Business5 days agoAirspace transit fees generate revenue for Afghanistan as flight routes shift
-
Latest News2 days agoAfghanistan launches media platform to improve access to information
-
Business4 days agoUzbekistan launches exchange-based trade system with Afghanistan to boost bilateral commerce
-
Regional4 days agoChina steps up Iran diplomacy while seeking smooth summit with Trump
-
Latest News3 days agoAfghanistan to airlift 30,000 pilgrims to Saudi Arabia in 96 flights for Hajj 2026
-
Business3 days agoAfghan commerce minister highlights trade trust and market stability at Antalya Forum
-
Regional3 days agoShips crossing Hormuz need OK from IRGC, unfreezing funds part of deal, Iran official says