Latest News
Forced returns at Torkham crossing leave Afghan families struggling
The conditions facing these families are deeply concerning,” the NRC said in a statement.
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) has warned that around 500 Afghan families are being forced to return each day from Pakistan to Afghanistan through the Torkham crossing, deepening an already fragile humanitarian situation.
According to the NRC, many of the returning families arrive with little or no resources, leaving them vulnerable upon return. Aid workers say families often lack adequate shelter, face severe challenges in finding employment, and struggle to secure sufficient food. Access to essential services, including healthcare and clean drinking water, also remains limited for many returnees.
The organization said the situation is particularly worrying as Afghanistan continues to face economic hardship, widespread poverty and scarce job opportunities, making reintegration extremely difficult for those returning under pressure.
“The conditions facing these families are deeply concerning,” the NRC said in a statement, calling for urgent humanitarian assistance to help meet basic needs and prevent further deterioration in living conditions.
Humanitarian agencies have repeatedly cautioned that without immediate international support, forced returnees risk falling deeper into poverty, placing additional strain on host communities that are already overwhelmed by years of conflict, displacement and economic decline.
The NRC’s warning follows a recent report by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), which said more than 5.2 million Afghans have returned from neighbouring Iran and Pakistan since the beginning of 2025.
The report noted that the scale of returns is placing unprecedented pressure on Afghanistan’s limited humanitarian and social support systems.
Aid groups say sustained funding and coordinated international action are critical to address the growing needs of returnees and to support stability in communities receiving large numbers of displaced families.
International Sports
Winter Olympics 2026 just 18 days away as global countdown begins
The Games will be hosted across multiple venues in Italy, with competitions taking place in Milan, Cortina d’Ampezzo and surrounding alpine regions.
With just 18 days to go, anticipation is building ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympic Games, set to bring together the world’s top winter athletes for one of the biggest sporting events on the global calendar.
The Games will be hosted across multiple venues in Italy, with competitions taking place in Milan, Cortina d’Ampezzo and surrounding alpine regions.
More than 2,900 athletes from over 90 countries are expected to compete across a wide range of winter sports, including alpine skiing, snowboarding, ice hockey, figure skating, speed skating and biathlon.
Organisers say final preparations are entering their last phase, with venues, athlete villages and transport systems undergoing final checks. Security measures have also been tightened as host cities prepare to welcome athletes, officials and spectators from around the world.
The 2026 edition will feature 116 medal events, including several new and expanded disciplines aimed at attracting younger audiences and increasing gender balance across competitions. Officials have described the Games as a celebration of sport, sustainability and international unity.
Ariana Television Network (ATN) has confirmed it will broadcast the Winter Olympics across Afghanistan, allowing fans to follow the action live and stay connected with one of the world’s premier sporting spectacles.
ATN officials said the coverage reflects a commitment to bringing major global sporting events to Afghan audiences, offering viewers access to international competition and inspiring young people through sport.
The Winter Olympics will officially open on February 6, with the opening ceremony expected to showcase Italian culture, history and innovation, before athletes take to the ice and snow in pursuit of Olympic glory.
As the countdown continues, sports fans across the world — including in Afghanistan — are preparing to tune in to witness moments of drama, achievement and international sportsmanship on the Olympic stage.
Follow Ariana News and Ariana Television’s social media pages for updates.
Fasihuddin Fetrat, Chief of Staff of the Afghan Armed Forces, traveled to Qatar on Sunday to attend the Doha International Maritime Defense Exhibition and Conference (DIMDEX 2026).
The Ministry of National Defense confirmed the visit through its spokesperson, Enayatullah Khwarazmi, via his X (formerly Twitter) account.
The Doha International Maritime Defense Exhibition and Conference (DIMDEX) will take place January 19-22.
This year’s edition of DIMDEX is set to be its largest since the event’s launch in 2008, officials said.
The Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs has announced plans to transfer children from private orphanages to government-run facilities.
The initiative aims to ensure better services and provide a healthy education for children, the ministry said in a statement on Sunday.
The ministry also highlighted that the Islamic Emirate has established separate orphanages for boys and girls across all provinces, currently serving more than 10,000 children.
Winter Olympics 2026 just 18 days away as global countdown begins
Forced returns at Torkham crossing leave Afghan families struggling
More than 65 missing, six dead after huge Karachi blaze
Two high-speed trains collide in Spain, police sources say 21 people killed
Saar: Qatar’s call for engagement with Afghanistan
Afghanistan exports 10 containers of batteries to Saudi Arabia and UAE for first time
Pakistani cleric condemns lifetime immunity for Army Chief as un-Islamic
Turkey withdraws from Afghanistan-Pakistan mediation amid rising tensions
Afghanistan signs 30-year deal for marble mining in Daikundi
Sharp drop in exports to Afghanistan drives Pakistan’s trade deficit surge
Saar: Qatar’s call for engagement with Afghanistan
Tahawol: Discussion on fate of Gaza ceasefire
Saar: Review of possible US attack on Iran
Tawsia: Progress in Trans-Afghan Railway Project
Saar: Discussion on continuation of protests in Iran
-
Latest News5 days agoAfghanistan and Indonesia call for expanding bilateral cooperation
-
Latest News4 days agoAfghan envoy in UAE holds talks with Etihad Airways on launch of direct flights
-
Latest News3 days agoOver 5.2 million Afghans return from Iran, Pakistan in 2025; IFRC warns of growing crisis
-
Latest News4 days agoPakistan repatriates nearly 1 million illegal Afghans through Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
-
Latest News5 days agoChinese envoy, Afghan official discuss ways to strengthen tourism cooperation
-
Latest News4 days agoAfghan embassy in New Delhi engages with business community
-
Regional2 days agoPakistan army orders evacuation of Tirah Valley, fears of mass displacement grow
-
Latest News2 days agoAfghanistan appoints Charge d’Affaires in India amid growing engagement