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Iranian, Dutch officials hold talks over Afghan refugees
De Bont and a UNHCR representative visited migrant service centers in Tehran, where Iranian officials outlined human-centered policies focused on employment, dignity, and empowerment for refugees.
Iranian and Dutch officials have held discussions in Tehran on ways to strengthen international support for Iran’s efforts to host Afghan refugees, Iranian media reported.
Nader Yar-Ahmadi, head of Iran’s National Organization for Migration, met on Friday with Guusje Korthals Altes, Director of the Middle East and North Africa Department at the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Dutch Ambassador to Iran Emiel de Bont also attended the meeting, according to Tasnim news agency.
Talks focused on attracting infrastructure and financial assistance from other countries to help Iran provide essential services to Afghan refugees. Korthals praised Iran’s generosity and commitment to supporting refugees despite economic challenges, noting the country’s active cooperation with international organizations, particularly the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
“We are aware of the heavy burden of hosting refugees and are ready to help address these challenges, regardless of political differences,” Korthals said, emphasizing the need for greater global support to ease the pressure on host nations.
Yar-Ahmadi highlighted Iran’s ongoing efforts to boost cooperation with international organizations, enhance efficiency, and share experiences to overcome migration-related challenges. He noted that tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, along with limited international assistance, have slowed the voluntary return of Afghan refugees. Strengthening bilateral and multilateral cooperation, he added, would help manage the situation more effectively.
Following the talks, De Bont and a UNHCR representative visited migrant service centers in Tehran, where Iranian officials outlined human-centered policies focused on employment, dignity, and empowerment for refugees. They expressed optimism that the visit would pave the way for expanded international cooperation in refugee support.
IOM praises Iran’s role in hosting refugees
In a related development, Kim Eling, Senior Advisor to the Director-General of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), commended Iran for its extensive efforts in hosting and supporting Afghan refugees.
Eling made the remarks during a meeting with Iranian Deputy Interior Minister Mohammad Bathaei on the sidelines of the 76th annual session of the UNHCR Executive Committee, held October 6–10 in Geneva.
He noted that reduced financial contributions from donor countries have posed challenges for the UN in implementing refugee assistance programs. Bathaei, for his part, stressed that “despite unilateral sanctions, Iran continues to provide substantial services to foreign nationals” and called on donor countries to fulfill their responsibilities by increasing aid allocations.
During the Geneva session, the Iranian delegation also held talks with UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi and the UN Special Representative for Disaster Risk Reduction, Kamal Kishore, and delivered a lecture on Iran’s refugee policies.
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Security Sources: Pakistani military shelling in Kunar and Nuristan leaves female doctor dead
The sources said the vehicle was struck by gunfire and subsequently fell into the Kunar River.
Security sources report that several security incidents in the eastern provinces of Kunar and Nuristan have resulted in the death of a female doctor, injuries to others, and several people reported missing.
According to the sources, early Thursday morning at around 9:30 a.m., Pakistani military forces opened fire on a Toyota vehicle in the Dokalam Baghcha area of Nari district in Kunar province.
The sources said the vehicle was struck by gunfire and subsequently fell into the Kunar River. As a result of the incident, a female doctor was killed and another person was injured. Five other individuals who were reportedly in the vehicle remain missing, the sources added.
In a separate incident, security sources stated that around 11:00 a.m. in the Seno area of Shultan district, Kunar province, Pakistani forces carried out artillery shelling that left one person injured. The injured individual was transferred to the provincial hospital for medical treatment.
Meanwhile, security sources in Nuristan say that despite Pakistan’s announced ceasefire, the main road between Kamdesh and Barg-e-Matal districts has been completely closed to traffic since Thursday morning.
According to the sources, the closure of the route has caused serious difficulties for local residents, preventing any movement in the area. The sources also claim that Pakistani military posts are located within close proximity of the road and have opened fire on people attempting to pass through the area.
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UN Secretary-General condemns Pakistani airstrike on Kabul rehab center
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed concern over rising tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, stressing the importance of diplomacy to resolve conflicts.
The United Nations Secretary-General has strongly condemned a Pakistani airstrike on a rehabilitation center for addicts in Kabul and expressed condolences to the families of the victims.
The attack, which occurred on March 16, reportedly left over 600 people killed or injured, according to local sources.
In an official statement, Antonio Guterres, UN Secretary-General, emphasized that under international humanitarian law, patients, medical staff, and healthcare facilities, including hospitals, must be respected and protected at all times.
Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, stated: “The Secretary-General strongly condemns the airstrike in Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan, on March 16, which reportedly resulted in the deaths and injuries of civilians at a medical facility.”
Haq added that Guterres has called for an independent and impartial investigation into the incident, while offering his deepest condolences to the families of the victims and wishing a speedy recovery for the injured.
The Secretary-General reiterated the urgent need to reduce tensions and immediately halt hostilities between Afghanistan and Pakistan, emphasizing that disputes should be resolved through dialogue and peaceful solutions in accordance with the UN Charter.
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed concern over rising tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, stressing the importance of diplomacy to resolve conflicts.
This development comes after Afghanistan and Pakistan announced a temporary cessation of hostilities ahead of Eid al-Fitr, a move that regional officials hope will pave the way for a lasting ceasefire and ensure the protection of civilians in both countries.
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IEA Supreme Leader: Afghanistan’s victory lies in faith and National unity
Akhundzada also called on citizens to support the Islamic Emirate, stating that those serving in the current system are the sons of the same nation and people.
Eid al-Fitr prayers were held on Thursday at the Eidgah Mosque in Kandahar, led by Hibatullah Akhundzada, the supreme leader of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, with a large number of residents attending the ceremony.
During his sermon, Akhundzada said that if the people of Afghanistan were meant to be destroyed by bombardments and military attacks, it would have happened during the wars with the Soviet Union and the United States.
According to the Islamic Emirate leader, the key to Afghanistan’s victory and resilience lies in reliance on Islam, preservation of religious beliefs, and unity among the people. He stressed that by adhering to Islamic values, no country would be able to harm Afghanistan.
Akhundzada also called on citizens to support the Islamic Emirate, stating that those serving in the current system are the sons of the same nation and people.
At the same time, he urged government officials to ensure justice in their duties, warning that no system can survive through oppression. He added that the implementation of decrees and laws is necessary to reform society and maintain order in the country.
The Islamic Emirate leader further said that without Islam, Afghanistan could have remained under the control of the United States and NATO, but now, according to him, the country stands as an independent and free nation.
In the economic section of his remarks, Akhundzada called on traders to avoid hoarding goods and instead assist fellow Muslims in difficult times. He warned that individuals found hoarding commodities for up to 40 days would face legal consequences.
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