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Gov’t begins release of final batch of Taliban prisoners

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The Afghan government has begun releasing the final batch of 400 controversial Taliban prisoners, a step advancing to the start of intra-Afghan negotiations.

The government freed 80 prisoners out of 400 “hard-core” inmates on Thursday from Pule Charkhi jail in Kabul, Javid Faisal, a spokesman of the Office of the National Security Council (ONSC) confirmed.

On Monday, President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani signed a decree to pardon and release the 400 Taliban inmates.

The government agreed to release the prisoners after Ghani called for a Loya Jirga, or grand council, which voted in favor of the insurgents’ release following two days of consultations.

“The Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan yesterday released 80 Taliban convicts out of the 400 that the Consultative Loya Jirga sanctioned for release to speed up efforts for direct talks and a lasting, nationwide ceasefire,” Javid Faisal said.

In footage shared by the ONSC, the Taliban prisoners admitted that they were involved in organized crimes including murder and kidnapping.

“I was imprisoned for being a member of the Taliban and charged with murder, and I want a lasting ceasefire and peace in the country,” Mohammad Sharif a freed Taliban prisoner told Ariana News.

Mohamad Anwar, another released inmate said, “I was imprisoned for kidnapping. I call on my elders to bring an enduring peace in the country.”

The move was as a part of the US-Taliban deal which was signed in Doha, Qatar, on February 29 in order to start the intra-Afghan negotiations.

This comes as US-brokered intra-Afghan peace talks were scheduled to start in Doha next week.

However, the Afghan negotiating team, led by Mohammad Masoom Stanekzai, has not left Kabul for Doha.

Meanwhile, a member of the team says that they would leave Kabul for Doha in the middle of next week.

Ghulam Farooq Majrooh, a member of the negotiating team meanwhile stated: “The delegation has made all the preparations and it will travel to Doha in the middle of next week.”

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Afghanistan’s defense ministry unveils new military uniforms for armed forces

Speaking at the ceremony, Qari Fasihuddin said the uniform is designed to reinforce order, discipline, and a shared sense of purpose within the ranks.

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The Ministry of National Defense of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan officially unveiled a new uniform for the country’s armed forces on Monday.

The new attire, selected for commandos, border police, and the Afghan National Army, was introduced during a special ceremony held at the Ministry’s headquarters.

The event was attended by the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, Qari Mohammad Fasihuddin Fitrat, senior ministry officials, and commanders of central units. Officials emphasized that the new uniform represents discipline, cohesion, and a unified identity among all personnel.

Speaking at the ceremony, Qari Fasihuddin said the uniform is designed to reinforce order, discipline, and a shared sense of purpose within the ranks.

“This new uniform symbolizes unity and solidarity of our armed forces,” he said. “All those joining the ranks must see defending the country as their primary responsibility and commitment.”

Meanwhile, Enayatullah “Khowarzmi,” Head of Strategic Information and Publications at the Ministry, highlighted the importance of professionalism and ethical conduct.

He said; “Every soldier must have strong willpower, high moral standards, and strict adherence to military principles. Forces must remain resolute against enemies while serving the people with integrity and responsibility.”

According to ministry officials, the introduction of the new uniform is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen cohesion, discipline, and a unified identity among Afghanistan’s defense forces.

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Tashkent and Kabul discuss strengthening strategic partnership

The discussions come amid continued efforts by neighboring countries to maintain pragmatic engagement with Kabul despite ongoing political and economic challenges.

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A senior Uzbek official has held talks in Kabul aimed at deepening political, economic and regional cooperation between Uzbekistan and Afghanistan, as both sides seek to translate long-term strategic goals into practical outcomes.

Javlon Vakhabov, Deputy Adviser to the President of Uzbekistan, met with Abdulhai Qanet, Head of the Strategic Studies Center at Afghanistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to discuss ways to enhance cooperation and advance joint agendas under the Uzbekistan–Afghanistan partnership.

In a post on X, Vakhabov said the two sides also explored initiatives to raise public awareness of developments in both countries and across the wider region, highlighting the importance of communication and public engagement alongside diplomatic efforts.

Uzbekistan has in recent years positioned itself as an active regional partner on Afghanistan, advocating dialogue, economic cooperation, and connectivity as key tools for promoting stability. Tashkent has supported regional infrastructure and trade initiatives aimed at linking Central and South Asia, while stressing that economic engagement can contribute to long-term security.

Vakhabov added that both sides are keen to turn long-term strategic objectives into concrete initiatives, with a focus on strengthening regional stability, collaboration, and shared interests.

The discussions come amid continued efforts by neighboring countries to maintain pragmatic engagement with Kabul despite ongoing political and economic challenges.

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105 Afghan detainees released from Pakistani prisons and repatriated

The consulate said the released Afghans were transferred back to Afghanistan via the Chaman–Spin Boldak crossing.

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The Consulate of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan in Karachi has announced the release and repatriation of 105 Afghan nationals from prisons in Pakistan.

According to a statement issued by the consulate, the freed individuals include two women and ten children. They had been detained around one month ago while traveling through Pakistan’s Sindh and Balochistan provinces.

The consulate said the released Afghans were transferred back to Afghanistan via the Chaman–Spin Boldak crossing.

Officials noted that this is part of ongoing diplomatic efforts, adding that in recent months hundreds of Afghan citizens held in detention in various countries have been released and returned home following negotiations by Afghan diplomatic missions.

The consulate reaffirmed its commitment to continuing efforts aimed at protecting the rights of Afghan nationals abroad and facilitating their safe return to the country.

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