Latest News

Karzai calls for calm and appeals to Taliban to end the violence

Published

5 years ago

July 13, 2021

Former Afghan President Hamid Karzai on Tuesday called on the people to remain calm, to not be afraid and also appealed to both the Afghan government and the Taliban to accelerate efforts for peace.

Speaking at a press conference in Kabul, Karzai called on the Taliban to end the violence and work to secure peace.

“You will soon witness meaningful resumption of serious negotiations on peace,” Karzai said.

He also called on the Afghan government to accelerate their efforts for peace.

“The war in Afghanistan is a foreign war. Salvation from this war is the way of brotherhood. We will reach peace. In the coming days, the government will witness negotiations. I call on the government not to waste opportunities.

The Taliban will not succeed in capturing the districts. No foreigner will trample on us until we become our own means,” he said.

Karzai told Afghans to have faith in themselves, to stay in the country and to free themselves from fear.

Meanwhile, in response to a question about Turkey’s role in securing Kabul’s airport, the gateway into Afghanistan, Karzai said Turkey is a friend of Afghanistan and that he hopes Afghanistan will witness “good days” through the cooperation agreement with Turkey.

Karzai also said that he would back any group that represents the will of the people of Afghanistan.

“The leadership of the country and the determination of the government of the country are not within the power of individuals; It belongs to the will of the Afghan people.

Through the will of the Afghan people, we accept the leadership of everyone, provided that it represents the will of the individual of Afghanistan,” Karzai said.

Karzai said that we, the people of Afghanistan, must understand the value of our land and demand as much as the value of our land.

Karzai said that the reason he held the conference is to give self-confidence to the people.

“I have come today to dispel your fears. We must have self-confidence,” he added.

Karzai also called on Afghans who worked for foreigners, who want to leave the country, to rather stay and help build their country.

“Don’t go with the foreigners, stay here you did nothing wrong,” he said.

“Don’t go with them and don’t accept their proposal, they [foreigners] use your energy and knowledge in their country. Stay home and serve your country. You did not commit a crime, that they now have to take you with them,” he said.

Karzai also urged the Taliban not to destroy facilities built over the past two decades.

“The facilities do not belong to the foreigners but to Afghans, [I am] asking the Taliban do not destroy roads, bridges and culverts.”

He further added: “We have built a national army and police for this land, and we have built a system out of nothing, we must maintain our government institutions by any means.”

On the new US-Afghanistan relationship, Karzai said: “When US calls for friendship, this could only be possible when peace is maintained in Afghanistan and [the country’s] dignity and sovereignty is maintained; then we can be a good friend of the US.”

Up Next

Turkey will be seen as ‘invaders’ if they stay to run Kabul airport: Taliban

Don't Miss

Lavrov says U.S. wants to establish military presence around Afghanistan

Latest News

Kabul delegation, EU envoys conclude talks in Brussels

Published

1 hour ago

June 23, 2026

Ariana News

Sources told Ariana News that talks between the Islamic Emirate delegation and European Union representatives in Brussels concluded on Tuesday.

According to the sources, both sides discussed the resumption of consular services for Afghans across Europe, the need for confidence-building measures, the expansion of consular presence, and ensuring a dignified process for the return of Afghan citizens.

The delegation, led by Abdul Qahar Balkhi, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, traveled to Brussels with representatives from the Ministry of Interior also included in the delegation.

This marks the first time that a delegation from the Islamic Emirate has been officially invited by the European Union to Brussels and engaged in direct talks with European representatives.

Participants described the discussions as constructive and expressed hope that the process will pave the way for positive developments and help safeguard the consular rights of Afghans living in Europe.

Latest News

Contract signed for reconstruction of 15km section of Salang Highway

Published

5 hours ago

June 23, 2026

Ariana News

Afghanistan’s Ministry of Public Works has signed a contract worth more than AFN 1.25 billion for the reconstruction of a 15-kilometer section of the strategically important Salang Highway in Southern Salang, as part of ongoing efforts to rehabilitate one of the country’s most vital transport corridors.

The ministry said the project, valued at AFN 1.252 billion, will cover a section of the highway stretching from Olang to Jabal al-Siraj. Construction work is expected to begin in the near future.

Speaking at the contract signing ceremony, Minister of Public Works Mohammad Isa Sani described the Salang Highway as one of Afghanistan’s most important economic arteries, emphasizing the need for the project to be implemented on time and in accordance with technical standards and quality requirements.

According to the ministry, the 15-kilometer road section, which has a width of 12 meters, will undergo full rehabilitation and asphalt paving. The project also includes the construction of five new culverts, the widening of 33 existing culverts, and the construction of 600 meters of roadside drainage channels.

The ministry noted that reconstruction work on the Southern Salang section from the Salang Tunnel to Olang is being carried out using concrete pavement. A significant portion of that work has already been completed, while the remaining construction is still underway.

Officials added that the broader Salang Highway rehabilitation program is progressing across three sections: Southern Salang, Northern Salang, and the Khinjan–Doshi route. Major infrastructure, including the tunnel, galleries, and vulnerable sections of the highway, has already undergone extensive reconstruction using three layers of concrete.

The Salang Highway is one of Afghanistan’s most critical transportation and transit routes, linking the country’s northern provinces with Kabul. It plays a key role in facilitating the movement of people, commercial goods, and agricultural products across the country.

International Sports

Messi breaks World Cup scoring record as Argentina reach knockout stage

The record-breaking performance continued a remarkable run for the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, who has now scored in six consecutive World Cup matches and leads the Golden Boot race with five goals.

Published

8 hours ago

June 23, 2026

Ariana News

Lionel Messi added another remarkable chapter to his legendary career on Monday, becoming the all-time leading scorer in FIFA World Cup history as Argentina secured a 2-0 victory over Austria and booked their place in the knockout rounds of the 2026 tournament.

The Argentine captain scored both goals in a hard-fought Group J encounter, taking his World Cup tally to 18 goals and surpassing Germany’s Miroslav Klose, who previously held the record with 16.

Just days before his 39th birthday, Messi delivered when it mattered most, despite seeing an early penalty saved. His brace ensured defending champions Argentina maintained their perfect start to the tournament and qualified for the Round of 32 with a game to spare.

Nearly 20 years after making his World Cup debut, Messi is once again at the centre of football history, proving that age has done little to diminish his extraordinary influence on the game’s biggest stage.

As the race for the trophy heats up, fans across Afghanistan can tune in live to Ariana Radio and Television Network (ATN) to watch the thrilling event. For updated schedules, highlights and information, fans can follow Ariana Television and Ariana News’ social media platforms.