Latest News
Abdullah, Hekmatyar Meet to Form Coalition for Possible Runoff
Abdullah Abdullah and Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, two presidential candidates, met on Sunday night to form a coalition for a possible runoff, a source close to one of the candidates, who was present at the meeting, told Ariana News on Monday.
According to these politicians, the Afghan presidential election that took place on September 28 will not have a winner in the first round.
“They met for the sake of national interest, because both Hekmatyar and Abdullah have experienced war. War brings nothing, except destruction and misery. Their meeting was great,” said Matiullah Matin, a political activist.
However, a member of the Stability and Partnership electoral team said the meeting focused on brining transparency in election, and claimed that the election will have a winner in the first round.
“The leaders of Stability and Partnership and Peace and Islamic Justice met last night where they discussed ways to prevent illegal decisions made by the Election Commission and reduce the pressures by [the] Palace over the Election Commission,” said Fridoon Khwazon, Spokesman of the Stability and Partnership campaign.
Delawar Faizan, a political commentator, believes that the Independent Election Commission must be prepared to hold another round of election based on the rule of law.
“Runoff is better than a crisis,” Faizan told Ariana News.
This comes as both Hekmatyar and Abdullah are members of the two rival political parties who during the civil war, fought each other over controlling power in Afghanistan.
Talks between Afghanistan and Pakistan have officially begun in the Chinese city of Urumqi, sources told Ariana News on Thursday.
Afghanistan’s Minister of Economy, Din Mohammad Hanif, expressed optimism about the negotiations, saying he hopes the discussions will help bring an end to ongoing tensions and conflict between the two neighboring countries.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Tahir Andarabi, said the talks involve senior officials and rejected claims that they are merely low-level engagements, calling such reports a “false narrative.”
Islamabad confirmed it has dispatched a delegation to Urumqi, reiterating its longstanding position that Afghanistan must address Pakistan’s security concerns, particularly regarding militant groups.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning emphasized that both Afghanistan and Pakistan are neighbors of China, adding that Beijing supports resolving differences through dialogue and negotiation.
China has also been actively facilitating mediation between Afghanistan and Pakistan and will continue to play a constructive role in easing tensions and improving relations between the two countries, the spokesperson said.
More than 1,200 Iranian nationals have returned home since the outbreak of the ongoing conflict, with many travelling through neighboring countries including Afghanistan and Armenia, according to reports.
Citing figures from Tasnim News Agency, a total of 1,262 Iranians have been repatriated from the United Arab Emirates since hostilities began. The returns come amid tightening travel restrictions and disrupted regional transport links.
Iranian authorities have formally requested that the UAE facilitate additional evacuation efforts, including the organisation of sea transport and access to a dedicated airstrip to expedite the return of citizens still stranded abroad.
Earlier on Wednesday, Dubai-based airline Emirates indicated on its website that Iranian nationals were no longer permitted to enter or transit through the UAE, further complicating travel options for those seeking to return home.
The developments come as regional airspace disruptions and security concerns linked to the ongoing conflict have significantly curtailed commercial travel routes across parts of the Middle East. With direct flights limited or suspended, many Iranians have been forced to rely on indirect and often complex routes through neighboring countries.
Countries such as Afghanistan and Armenia have emerged as key transit points due to their geographic proximity and continued land access, allowing travelers to bypass restricted air corridors.
The situation reflects broader challenges facing civilians in conflict-affected regions, where shifting aviation policies, border controls, and security risks have made cross-border movement increasingly difficult.
Authorities continue to explore alternative evacuation channels as demand for safe return routes remains high.
The Land Grabbing Prevention Commission has verified and secured more than 27.5 million jeribs of public grazing land in three provinces across Afghanistan over the past year, the Ministry of Justice said on Thursday.
The commission reported that extensive surveys were carried out in Faryab, Badghis, and Badakhshan, resulting in the formal identification and registration of over 27.57 million jeribs of pasture land.
According to the findings, more than 9.3 million jeribs were confirmed in Faryab, over 4.1 million jeribs in Badghis, and upwards of 14 million jeribs in Badakhshan. The grazing lands are located across provincial centers as well as all districts within these provinces.
The commission emphasized that survey and verification teams are currently working in other provinces to assess additional grazing lands.
Once the assessment process is completed in those areas, the lands will also be formally recorded in the land bank, ensuring legal protection and proper management.
Afghanistan–Pakistan talks begin in China amid hopes for easing tensions
Late drama as Lucknow edge Delhi Capitals in IPL thriller
Over 1,200 Iranians return home via regional routes amid travel restrictions
Over 27.5 million jeribs of public grazing land secured in three Afghan provinces
Two Afghan brothers drown while fishing in Ireland
Prominent Muslim scholar issues fatwa calling for Afghanistan-Pakistan ceasefire
IEA Supreme Leader issues Eid-ul-Fitr message urging unity and support for Islamic system
14 Pakistani soldiers killed after military post falls along Durand line: MoD
Ronaldo’s private jet flies out of Saudi Arabia following US Embassy drone strike in Riyadh
Afghanistan steps in to replace Iran in supplying fruits and vegetables to Russia
Tahawol: Ongoing US–Israeli war with Iran discussed
Saar: Afghanistan-Pakistan talks in China discussed
Tahawol: Escalation of conflict in Middle East discussed
Saar: Formation of Jirga in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Tahawol: Pakistani military shelling in Kunar
-
Latest News3 days agoTAPI gas pipeline advances 25 km in Afghanistan
-
International Sports4 days agoInjury concerns mount ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026 as stars sidelined
-
Business4 days agoAfghanistan, Uzbekistan ink $514.8 million deals to deepen trade ties
-
Latest News4 days agoPeshawar to host key Pakistan-Afghanistan peace jirga amid ongoing tensions
-
Latest News4 days agoUS report flags continued presence of anti-India militant groups in Pakistan
-
Business3 days agoAfghanistan opens doors to agribusiness investments amid rising opportunities
-
Latest News5 days agoHerat Chamber of Commerce donates 15 million AFN to the people of Iran
-
Regional4 days agoPakistan to host talks with Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Egypt amid Iran war diplomacy