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Abdullah urges Taliban to table their demands in Doha
Abdullah Abdullah, Chairman of the High Council for National Reconciliation on Tuesday called on the Taliban to put their demands on the table so their issues can be discussed.
Speaking at a conference on the establishment of the Women’s Affairs Commission of the HCNR, Abdullah also said that based on information received, Taliban are responsible for most of the targeted attacks in the country.
“Today, unfortunately, most of this information indicates that these acts (recent explosions and targeted killings) are being carried out by the Taliban,” Abdullah said.
Abdullah stated that if the Taliban have something to say or any requests they need to table these so the issues can be discussed by the negotiating teams in Doha.
Abdullah also emphasized that no individual or group can impose their will on the Afghan people by force, and that the Taliban should not see this as an option.
“Well, the negotiating table and the place of negotiations are clear, and the Afghan delegation is there, and there is room for discussion. Whatever argument they [Taliban] have and whatever they want to raise, they can discuss it there. And nothing else can be decided in the absence of the Afghan people, no one can promise the Taliban that this will guarantee their future or that the future of the country will be handed to them; this is the right of the Afghan people and the Afghan people have come to the conclusion that the solution is not war, nor killing people or targeting the people of Afghanistan,” Abdullah added.
“Any side who takes the responsibility for prolonging the war must also consider the consequences. Can one side impose its will on the other people of Afghanistan through war?” he asked.
“If we learn a lesson from the 42 years of war in Afghanistan, it is that a will cannot be imposed on Afghan people by force,” he said.
Meanwhile, the deputy head of the HCNR said that everyone, especially women, are calling for a ceasefire in the country, because people are tired of making sacrifices.
“Afghan women all in one voice call for an immediate ceasefire, and they can no longer afford to lose their loved ones.” Zuhra Mathar Ahmazaim, deputy head of the HCNR said.
The Afghan Republic’s peace negotiating team has been waiting for the Taliban delegation to return to the talks tables for two weeks. However, the Taliban are staying away and have not provided any reasons for this.
Abdullah also said on Tuesday that the Taliban is making statements about who should be in power instead of “discussing this at the negotiating table”.
“In the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, there is diversity, there are thoughts and opinions, people have rights, and today it is matter of women, in our country, the women of our country have come out; but in the last 40 years they were on the scene, but only in the last 20 years, they (women) have emerged and shown their competence, introduced their powers and abilities, and represented the people well,” Abdullah added.
Abdullah also said women make up half of society and their role in the peace process is crucial.
“The commission will focus on the role of women in the peace process,” Abdullah said.
Women’s rights activists also stressed that their legitimate demands should be considered at the negotiating table.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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Contract signed for reconstruction of 15km section of Salang Highway
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