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Afghan diaspora protests in London and Oslo over Pakistan strikes

At the same time, members of the Afghan community in Oslo gathered outside the Norwegian Parliament, where they denounced the attacks and called for accountability.

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Hundreds of Afghans living abroad staged protests in the cities of London and Oslo over the weekend, condemning what they described as continued military attacks by Pakistan that have led to rising civilian casualties in eastern Afghanistan.

In London, demonstrators marched through central streets, chanting slogans against the strikes and urging global powers to take urgent action.

Protesters highlighted the deteriorating security situation along the disputed Durand Line, warning that repeated shelling risks further destabilizing already fragile  communities. Many called for independent investigations and greater international pressure to prevent escalation.

At the same time, members of the Afghan community in Oslo gathered outside the Norwegian Parliament, where they denounced the attacks and called for accountability.

Protest organizers said a formal resolution was submitted to Norwegian authorities, as well as to the United Nations and the International Criminal Court, urging immediate steps to halt the violence and ensure the protection of civilians.

The demonstrations come amid renewed tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, where clashes and artillery exchanges have periodically flared along the Durand Line.

Disputes over the legitimacy of the frontier, militant activity, and cross Durand Line security operations have long strained relations between the two neighbors.

According to Afghan officials, the latest incident occurred in Asadabad, the capital of Kunar Province, where Pakistani forces allegedly fired mortars and heavy weapons into residential areas on Sunday evening.

Hamdullah Fitrat, deputy spokesman for the Islamic Emirate, said Pakistan targeted rural communities on the outskirts of the city at around 5 pm local time. Preliminary reports indicate that at least 16 civilians—mostly women and children—were injured, while one person was killed.

Fitrat condemned the incident as a continuation of attacks against Afghan civilians, while local residents described panic and damage to homes caused by the shelling.

There has been no immediate detailed response from Pakistani authorities regarding the latest allegations. However, Islamabad has previously maintained that its military actions along the Durand Line are aimed at countering militant threats and securing its frontier regions.

The protests in Europe reflect growing concern within the Afghan diaspora over the humanitarian impact of the ongoing tensions, with calls mounting for diplomatic engagement to prevent further civilian harm and escalation along the Durand Line.

 

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NEPA chief to attend UN urban forum in Azerbaijan

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Matiul Haq Khalis, Director General of Afghanistan’s National Environmental Protection Agency (NEPA), left for Baku on Friday at the head of an official delegation to participate in the 13th World Urban Forum (WUF13), a major international gathering focused on sustainable urban development and environmental challenges.

The forum, organized by UN-Habitat, is scheduled to take place from May 17 to 22 in the Azerbaijani capital under the theme “Housing for All: Safe and Resilient Cities and Communities.”

According to Afghan officials, the delegation will participate in a series of technical meetings and discussions on climate change, environmental protection in urban areas, sustainable development, waste management, green cities, air pollution control and strengthening urban resilience.

The World Urban Forum is regarded as one of the world’s leading platforms on urbanization and environmental policy, bringing together government officials, mayors, international organizations, climate experts and development institutions from across the globe.

On the sidelines of the event, Khalis and accompanying officials are also expected to meet with representatives of international organizations, donor agencies and foreign governments to discuss environmental cooperation, technical support and future joint initiatives.

Afghanistan’s environmental authority described participation in the forum as an important opportunity to expand international engagement, exchange experiences and seek practical solutions to the country’s growing environmental and urban challenges.

The visit comes as Afghanistan faces increasing concerns over climate-related risks, rapid urbanization, air pollution and environmental degradation, issues that officials say require broader regional and international cooperation.

 
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US CENTCOM chief says Afghanistan remains key terrorism concern

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Brad Cooper, the head of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), told a U.S. Senate committee on Thursday that Afghanistan remains a major focus for Washington in terms of terrorist activity and regional security threats.

Speaking during a hearing before lawmakers, Cooper said Afghanistan continues to be “on the forefront” of U.S. monitoring efforts regarding militant groups.

“Afghanistan remains on the forefront of what we are watching in terms of terrorist activity,” he told the committee.

The CENTCOM commander added that the United States is working closely with regional partners to contain and suppress potential threats emerging from Afghanistan.

The remarks come as U.S. officials continue to express concerns over the presence of militant groups in Afghanistan following the withdrawal of American forces from the country in 2021.

The Islamic Emirate, however, has denied presence of militant groups in Afghanistan, emphasizing that it will not allow Afghan soil to be used against any other country.

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IEA FM receives credentials of new ICRC head in Afghanistan

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Amir Khan Muttaqi, foreign minister of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA), met on Thursday with Johannes Bruwer, the newly appointed head of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), and received a copy of his credentials.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that during the meeting, Muttaqi described relations between Afghanistan and the ICRC as historic, congratulated Bruwer on the start of his mission in Afghanistan, wished him success, and assured him of full cooperation in advancing humanitarian efforts.

Muttaqi also praised the services of Katharina Ritz, the outgoing head of the organization, and commended the activities carried out during her mission in Afghanistan. He also wished her success in her future responsibilities.

For his part, Bruwer expressed pleasure over the beginning of his mission in Afghanistan and pledged to continue providing humanitarian services in close coordination with the relevant institutions of the Islamic Emirate during his tenure.

Meanwhile, Ritz thanked the institutions of the Islamic Emirate for their cooperation and support throughout her mission and described her tenure as full of achievements and positive memories.

At the end of the meeting, both sides emphasized the expansion of bilateral cooperation in humanitarian affairs and the strengthening of mutual engagement.

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