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Afghanistan, Pakistan set to resume talks in Istanbul
This latest meeting is expected to finalize that mechanism and outline steps for the full implementation of the truce.
Afghan and Pakistani delegations are set to resume talks in Istanbul, Turkey, on Thursday, aimed at preventing renewed clashes following months of escalating tensions and violent confrontations.
According to sources, the talks seek to de-escalate hostilities and avoid Pakistan’s violation of Afghan airspace after some of the worst clashes in recent years.
Pakistan’s Defense Minister, Khawaja Asif, confirmed on Wednesday that a Pakistani delegation had departed for Istanbul to hold negotiations with representatives of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. The discussions are expected to focus on finding a lasting resolution to the ongoing tensions.
Relations between Kabul and Islamabad have deteriorated sharply in recent months. Pakistani officials have repeatedly accused Afghanistan of harboring militant groups that allegedly carry out attacks in Pakistan— accusations the Islamic Emirate has repeatedly rejected.
The most recent escalation followed explosions in Kabul on October 9, which the Afghan authorities blamed on Pakistan. In response, both sides launched retaliatory attacks along the Durand Line.
Afghanistan and Pakistan reached a temporary ceasefire agreement on October 11, mediated by Turkey and Qatar. During the previous round of talks in Istanbul, the two sides reportedly agreed to establish a joint “monitoring and verification mechanism” to oversee ceasefire violations.
This latest meeting is expected to finalize that mechanism and outline steps for the full implementation of the truce.
Meanwhile, prolonged Durand Line closures have severely disrupted trade and caused significant financial losses to merchants on both sides, adding economic urgency to the diplomatic efforts.
Observers say the Istanbul talks could mark a crucial step toward easing tensions and rebuilding trust between Afghanistan and Pakistan — two nations whose cooperation remains vital for regional security and stability.
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Afghan children return from malnutrition treatment to food-insecure families
Children recovering from malnutrition in Afghanistan often return to households that lack the resources to provide the nutritious food they need to fully recover and grow, Action Against Hunger has warned.
The organization said recurrent drought, poverty, food insecurity and limited household incomes are making it difficult for families to prevent children from falling back into malnutrition after completing treatment.
However, repeated drought and other climate-related shocks have reduced harvests and household income, leaving families struggling to provide adequate nutrition for their children.
Action Against Hunger said the situation highlights the need to go beyond treating malnutrition and address the underlying causes of hunger and poverty.
The warning comes as malnutrition cases continue to rise across Afghanistan. In June 2026, the Therapeutic Feeding Unit in Kabul recorded 142 new admissions, a 149 percent increase compared with the same period in 2025.
Similar increases have been reported in other provinces where Action Against Hunger operates. In Lashkar Gah, Helmand province, the organization expanded the capacity of its therapeutic feeding unit from 45 beds to 72 and then to 118 within a matter of weeks due to the sharp rise in cases.
Action Against Hunger said climate-related shocks, including severe winter conditions, drought and water shortages, have further weakened food security across the country. Water shortages have damaged agricultural production in rural areas, forcing some families to leave their homes in search of livelihoods and basic necessities.
The organization stressed that sustained investment in both emergency nutrition services and longer-term livelihood programmes is needed to help families break the cycle of poverty and recurrent malnutrition.
Cobi Rietveld, Afghanistan Country Director at Action Against Hunger, said addressing the root causes of hunger is essential for achieving lasting progress against malnutrition.
“When families have the means to earn a living and provide for their children, the benefits extend far beyond nutrition,” Rietveld said, adding that livelihood support can help families meet their needs with dignity, protect children’s futures and build resilience against future crises.
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UNESCO: 2.4 million Afghan girls denied education since 2021
UNESCO estimates that the ban could force around 600,000 Afghan women out of the workforce by 2066 and cause $9.6 billion in lost income. It could also increase the risk of early marriage.
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Russian firm eyes investment in Afghanistan’s power plants
Russia’s Power Machines Company is interested in investing in the rehabilitation and modernization of Afghanistan’s power plants, Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat (DABS) said on Tuesday.
DABS Chief Executive Officer Abdul Haq Hamkar discussed the potential investment with technical officials from Power Machines, with talks focusing on rehabilitating existing power plants, modernizing equipment and expanding power-generation capacity.
According to DABS, Hamkar said the company would cooperate in facilitating preliminary technical assessments of Afghanistan’s power plants and in exploring investment opportunities in the sector.
Denis Rudakov, head of Power Machines’ commercial department, said the Russian company plans to conduct preliminary technical assessments of existing power plants in Afghanistan.
Based on the findings, Power Machines will prepare proposals for rehabilitating facilities, modernizing equipment and increasing electricity-generation capacity, DABS said.
Afghanistan currently has several operational power plants, while efforts are underway to increase their generation capacity and upgrade their equipment, according to DABS.
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