Latest News
China, Pakistan, Afghanistan issue joint statement on trilateral meeting
Afghanistan, China and Pakistan have collectively underscored the critical importance of trilateral cooperation in promoting the objective of a peaceful, stable and prosperous Afghanistan.
Following a trilateral meeting between Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari of Pakistan, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang of China and the Acting Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi of Afghanistan, on Saturday, a joint statement was issued noting that the three sides resolved to further deepen and expand their cooperation in the security, development and political domains based on the principles of mutual respect, equal-footed consultation and mutual benefit.
They underscored the need to tackle security challenges posing a serious threat to regional and global security, and directly impacting the stability and economic prosperity of the entire region.
The foreign ministers also agreed to coordinate and cooperate on security, organized crimes, drugs smuggling etc. and called on the international community to strengthen bilateral and multilateral cooperation, and provide necessary supplies, equipment and technical assistance in this regard to the relevant countries.
The statement noted that they would not allow any individual, group or party, to use their territories to harm and threaten regional security and interests, or conduct terrorist actions and activities.
“All three sides underscored the need to refrain from intervening into internal affairs of Afghanistan, and to promote Afghan peace, stability and reconstruction,” the statement read.
They pledged to explore realistic pathways to revive Afghanistan’s economy including investment possibilities aimed at industrialization and job creation.
The foreign ministers highlighted the urgent humanitarian support needed in Afghanistan and stressed the need to “delink” the issue from politics.
The need for increased trade and connectivity was also noted, including the need to extend the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor to Afghanistan. They stressed the importance of existing projects including CASA-1000, TAPI, Trans-Afghan Railways, among others stating these would enhance regional connectivity as well as ensure economic uplift and prosperity for the people of this region.
Expressing satisfaction at the existing trilateral cooperation, the three sides agreed to carry out exchange and training programs and to strengthen people-to-people exchanges by conducting the trilateral programs in line with the List of China-Afghanistan-Pakistan Trilateral Practical Cooperation Projects, adopted by the foreign ministers in this dialogue.
The ministers “called upon the international community to engage constructively with the Afghan side. In this regard, they acknowledged the efforts made under the aegis of various mechanisms and formats, including in particular, the Neighbouring Countries of Afghanistan, to promote dialogue and constructive engagement with the Interim Afghan Government. The three sides also urged the international community to assist Afghanistan in countering narcotics effectively and develop alternative crops to enhance its capacity for independent and sustainable development.”
In addition, they urged the relevant countries to lift their unilateral sanctions against Afghanistan and return the assets overseas for the benefit of the Afghan people, and create opportunities for economic development and prosperity in Afghanistan.
International Sports
ATN secures broadcast rights for four major AFC sporting events
Fans in Afghanistan will be able to follow high-profile clashes between Asia’s football powerhouses live on Ariana Television.
Ariana Television Network (ATN) has secured the exclusive media rights in Afghanistan to broadcast four major Asian Football Confederation (AFC) competitions, strengthening its sports portfolio and expanding access to top-tier regional football for Afghan audiences.
The tournaments will be broadcast from this month and will run through January and February 2026. Broadcasting dates and times still have to be finalized but details will be provided to fans as soon as possible.
Headlining the lineup is the AFC Champions League Elite 2025–26, Asia’s premier club competition. The tournament features the continent’s strongest teams and star players, following a revamped elite format designed to raise the level of competition and global appeal.
Fans in Afghanistan will be able to follow high-profile clashes between Asia’s football powerhouses live on Ariana Television.
ATN will also broadcast the 2025–26 AFC Champions League Two, the continent’s secondary club competition that provides emerging clubs with a major international platform. This tournament plays a crucial role in developing competitive depth across Asian football and offers fans a chance to watch rising teams and talents from across the region.
International football takes center stage with the AFC U23 Asian Cup, set to kick off on 6 January 2026. The tournament is one of Asia’s most important youth competitions, showcasing the next generation of football stars and often serving as a pathway to senior national teams and Olympic qualification.
Coverage of the event will give Afghan viewers insight into the future of Asian football.
Rounding out the package is the AFC Futsal Asian Cup Indonesia 2026, the continent’s flagship futsal tournament. Known for its fast pace, technical brilliance, and passionate fan following, the competition brings together Asia’s best futsal nations and is a key qualifier for global futsal events.
With these acquisitions, ATN reaffirms its commitment to delivering premium international sports content to viewers across Afghanistan.
Fans are encouraged to follow Ariana News and Ariana Television Network websites and social media platforms for the latest updates, schedules, and coverage details on these exciting events.
Ibrahim Sadr, Deputy Minister for Security Affairs at the Ministry of Interior, led a high-level delegation to Panjshir province, where he met with local officials, religious scholars, tribal elders, and community representatives.
During the visit, Sadr said that the victory of the Islamic Emirate was the result of the major sacrifices made by the IEA forces and the full cooperation of the people. He noted that sincere intentions, obedience to leadership directives, the trust of religious scholars, and strong public support were among the key factors behind the Emirate’s success.
The deputy interior minister stressed that the time has now come for the Islamic Emirate to stand alongside the people, address their concerns, and provide essential services. He urged local authorities to regularly visit districts, engage directly with residents, and resolve their problems in a timely manner.
Sadr also emphasized the need to purge the ranks of the security forces, stating that individuals and figures who do not serve the system or the public, and who contribute to discord and corruption, must be removed from the security services. He added that adherence to official uniforms and the reform of conduct and appearance in accordance with Islamic tradition are mandatory for all personnel.
Noorulhaq Anwar, Director General of Administrative Affairs, announced on Sunday that the Islamic Emirate has approved plans to create an independent oil and gas authority.
He stated on X that the Administrative Commission has been instructed to consolidate eight previously fragmented units operating in the oil and gas sector into the new authority.
Anwar emphasized that this move aims to enhance integration, organization, efficiency, transparency, and coordination in oil and gas production and imports. He added that the initiative will benefit the Islamic Emirate, investors, consumers, and the wider public.
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