Latest News
Afghanistan facing second wave of Coronavirus: Osmani
Ahmad Javad Osmani, acting Minister of Public Health, on Wednesday warned that the country is facing its second wave in the coronavirus pandemic.
He said the number of positive tests showed a definite increase in COVID-19 cases.
Osmani, assured the public that measures were being taken by the Ministry of Public Health to control a second wave.
“The plan that has been developed to prevent the second wave of the coronavirus in cooperation with relevant institutions is currently being implemented in 34 provinces,” Osmani said.
He also said that emergency committees have been reactivated and are working to fight the pandemic.
Osmani said that according to a Cabinet decision, wedding halls will be closed and only reopened in mid-December.
Wedding halls have been hotspots in the spread of the virus where hundreds of people gather to celebrate nuptials.
Osmani also called on everyone in the country to follow health guidelines, to wear face masks, avoid crowded places and wash their hands regularly.
He also said he was concerned about the caseloads in neighboring countries and urged Afghans not to travel to Iran and Pakistan unnecessarily.
Osmani recommended the public build up their immune systems and get enough vitamin D and vitamin C – especially with the onset of winter.
His announcement followed the daily update by the Ministry of Public Health on new COVID-19 cases.
On Wednesday, the ministry said 243 new cases had been reported in the past 24 hours, along with seven deaths and 135 recoveries.
The total number is now 43,924 cases; 1,645 deaths and 35,295 recoveries across the country.
Latest News
IEA condemns approval of death penalty law for Palestinian prisoners by Israeli parliament
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has strongly condemned the decision of the Israeli Parliament, which paves the way for issuing death sentences against Palestinian prisoners.
In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Emirate said: “This action is a continuation of repeated injustices, a clear violation of the fundamental rights of the Palestinian people, and contrary to the principles of justice and human rights. It discriminately targets an oppressed nation.”
The Islamic Emirate has called on international organizations to take necessary and urgent measures to prevent such actions.
Latest News
19 Afghan migrants killed as boat capsizes off Turkish coast
At least 19 Afghan migrants, including a baby, have died after a speedboat capsized in the Aegean Sea off the coast of Bodrum, Turkish authorities said on Wednesday.
According to the Turkish Coast Guard Command, the vessel was carrying dozens of migrants when it ignored repeated orders to stop and attempted to flee at high speed despite rough sea conditions. The boat later began taking on water before overturning.
Rescue operations were launched immediately, with teams supported by a helicopter from Izmir. Authorities said 20 migrants were rescued from the water, while 18 bodies were initially recovered at the scene. One more person later died in hospital, bringing the death toll to 19.
Search efforts are ongoing for at least one individual still reported missing.
Officials confirmed that all those on board were Afghan nationals. Idris Akbiyik, governor of Muğla province, said the victims included a baby.
Dangerous migration route
The incident occurred along one of the most frequently used—and perilous—migration routes into Europe. The nearby Greek island of Kos lies just about 20 kilometres from Bodrum, making it a common destination for migrants attempting to reach the European Union.
Other islands in close proximity include Kalymnos, Leros and Symi, all part of a corridor frequently used by people fleeing conflict, instability and economic hardship across the Middle East, Asia and Africa.
Turkey remains a major transit point for migrants seeking entry into Europe, with many attempting the short but dangerous sea crossing in overcrowded or unseaworthy boats. Despite increased patrols and enforcement efforts, such journeys often take place in poor weather or under risky conditions, frequently resulting in fatal accidents.
The latest tragedy highlights the ongoing risks faced by migrants on this route, as well as the continued pressure on coastal authorities managing search and rescue operations in the region.
Latest News
Baradar approves 17 projects worth over one billion AFN
In a regular meeting of the National Procurement Commission chaired by Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, the Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, 17 projects worth more than one billion AFN were approved.
According to a statement from the deputy PM’s office, a total of 42 projects were presented for approval during the meeting. After discussion, 17 projects valued at over one billion AFN were approved, while modifications were made to 14 other projects.
The approved and amended projects include the construction of a dormitory building at Panjshir University; the construction of a medical faculty building at Badakhshan University; the completion of the first and second phases of the Kunar–Nuristan Road; the construction of general hospitals in Giro district of Ghazni province, Bandar district of Faryab province, and Spin Ghar district of Nangarhar province; as well as electricity supply and distribution projects across various provinces.
These projects are funded by the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan.
-
Latest News3 days agoTAPI gas pipeline advances 25 km in Afghanistan
-
Latest News5 days agoAfghan defense forces stand ready to protect national sovereignty: MoD
-
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
-
Latest News5 days agoUS regime change efforts in Afghanistan ended in failure, says Merz
-
Business3 days agoAfghanistan opens doors to agribusiness investments amid rising opportunities
