Latest News
Afghanistan ready to expand its ties and cooperation with ECO: FM Muttaqi
The Foreign Minister of the Islamic Emirate, Amir Khan Muttaqi, took part for the first time in the 29th Meeting of the ECO Council of Foreign Ministers, which was hosted by Kazakhstan and held online, stating that Afghanistan is ready to expand its relations and cooperation with the organization.
According to the statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in this online meeting Amir Khan Muttaqi discussed and exchanged views on the four-year achievements of the Islamic Emirate in the security, economic, and trade sectors, the extensive fight against narcotics, and also Afghanistan’s important geographical position in the context of regional connectivity.
Muttaqi added that Afghanistan is prepared to broaden its relations and cooperation with ECO and the regional countries in various areas.
He emphasized: “Member countries can take advantage of Afghanistan’s diverse economic and commercial capacities and opportunities within the framework of this organization.”
The member states considered the expansion of relations with Afghanistan important and praised the efforts of the Islamic Emirate in combating narcotics and its progress in the area of economic stability.
In this meeting, the regional countries also stressed that major regional projects in the sectors of transport, agriculture, and trade should be implemented jointly, and that joint efforts should be undertaken regarding climate change.
The Foreign Minister of Uzbekistan described Afghanistan as an inseparable member of ECO and introduced Afghanistan as the closest and most effective route for trade and transit to South Asian countries.
The meeting concluded after approving the 2026 budget, evaluating the Secretariat’s one-year activities, and deciding on the date and venue of the next meeting.
Rajasthan Royals (RR) bowling coach Shane Bond says his side’s bowlers must start “doing something different” after another disappointing defeat in IPL 2026 left the team slipping down the points table.
RR suffered a heavy loss to Gujarat Titans (GT) on Saturday after conceding more than 200 runs for the fourth straight match. The defeat pushed them down to fifth place with only three league games remaining.
The problems started early when fast bowler Jofra Archer struggled badly in the opening over, needing 11 balls to complete it after bowling a no-ball and several wides. The over cost RR 18 runs and set the tone for another difficult evening.
Former New Zealand pacer Mitchell McClenaghan said Archer appeared rusty after the team’s eight-day break and suggested Jaipur’s pitches are not helping RR’s pace attack.
Bond admitted RR’s bowling has not adapted well enough to the aggressive batting seen throughout this year’s IPL.
“You’ve got to be doing something different,” Bond said after the match. “Batsmen are developing new shots and putting bowlers under pressure, so bowlers also need to develop new skills and new plans.”
He added that bowlers must improve both their decision-making and execution, while using analysts more effectively to study opposition batting patterns.
Despite their recent slump, RR remain in contention for the playoffs, although their form has become a growing concern after a strong start to the season.
Meanwhile, IPL action continues on Sunday with Chennai Super Kings taking on Lucknow Super Giants in the afternoon match, while Royal Challengers Bengaluru face Mumbai Indians in a high-profile evening clash.
Chennai Super Kings will look to revive their inconsistent campaign against a Lucknow side still fighting for a playoff place, while Bengaluru and Mumbai meet in what could prove crucial in the race for the top four.
Both matches will be broadcast live across Afghanistan on Ariana Television Network.
An Afghan man has pleaded guilty to sexual communication with a child in the United Kingdom. Najeebullah Arab appeared before a court in Oxford on May 8 and admitted to the offence, which took place in Grove in May 2024.
The 40-year-old had initially denied the charge and was expected to stand trial later this year. Court records stated that he made inappropriate comments to the child, including remarks about her appearance and requests to spend time alone with her.
Earlier this year, Arab also pleaded guilty to several other offences. These included one count of sexual assault linked to an incident in Grove on January 21.
He additionally admitted to charges of sexual assault, rape and kidnapping involving another woman on January 27. The court previously heard that he dragged a woman from an alleyway into a field during the incident.
Following the earlier hearings in March, a small group of protesters gathered outside the court building carrying flags and banners. Police officials praised the victims for coming forward and said the case reflected the strength of the evidence collected by investigators.
Arab is due to be sentenced for all offences on June 19. The court has ordered a pre-sentence report to assess whether he poses a danger to the public, while the judge ruled that he remain in custody until sentencing.
Ministry of Information and Culture of Afghanistan says the National Archives digitized hundreds of historical documents, manuscripts and books during the 1404 solar year as part of efforts to preserve the country’s cultural and historical heritage.
According to the ministry, the National Archives digitized 741 books, 232 manuscripts, 358 decrees and one genealogy document over the past year.
The ministry also said that 830 books, 60 manuscripts and four decrees were restored and rebound during the same period.
In addition, 32 new manuscripts were handed over to the National Archives, further enriching the country’s collection of historical records.
Afghan officials have repeatedly stressed the importance of preserving historical documents and manuscripts, many of which date back several centuries and reflect the country’s rich cultural legacy.
Afghanistan, Uzbekistan sign 13 trade MoUs worth over $100 million
Israel built and defended a secret base in Iraq for Iran war, WSJ reports
Japan, Saudi Arabia and Tajikistan qualify for FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026
IPL 2026: RR slip to fifth as Shane Bond calls for bowling changes
Meta turns off Instagram’s private messaging encryption worldwide
Bayat Power extends gas supply deal with Afghan Gas
Etihad Airways to expand Kabul–Abu Dhabi flights to daily service amid surging demand
Afghanistan’s new cricket head coach Richard Pybus arrives in Kabul
Afghanistan moves toward self-sufficiency in car battery production
Germany to launch online visa system for Afghan study and work applicants in Pakistan
Tahawol: Discussion on unknown fate of Middle East crisis
Saar: Problems and challenges of Afghan refugees in the world discussed
Tawsia: Discussion on Afghanistan’s economic path and position
Tahawol: Pressure on Afghan refugees from Tajikistan to Europe discussed
Saar: Ongoing criticism of Pakistan’s Afghanistan policy discussed
-
Business2 days agoNew Afghanistan-China transport corridor launched via Turkmenistan
-
Business4 days agoUzbekistan launches new cargo corridor linking China and Afghanistan
-
Business4 days agoAfghanistan presses Chinese contractor over delays in Mes Aynak copper project
-
Sport1 day agoCanada to host opening ceremony for FIFA World Cup 2026 in Toronto
-
Regional3 days agoUS and Iran closing in on one-page memo to end war, Axios reports
-
Regional4 days agoIran foreign minister meets Chinese counterpart for first time since Iran war started
-
International Sports4 days agoAhmedabad to host IPL 2026 final; BCCI announces playoff schedule
-
Science & Technology2 days agoJames Webb Telescope captures clearest-ever view of exoplanet’s surface