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Islamic Emirate condemns Pakistani army for opening fire on TLP protesters
The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) has condemned Pakistan’s use of deadly force against protesters from the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) movement, expressing condolences over the civilian deaths and injuries that followed a violent crackdown over the weekend.
In a statement, the IEA said the TLP demonstrators had planned a peaceful march to Islamabad, in line with Pakistan’s constitution, to show solidarity with the people of Gaza.
“Instead of allowing the protesters to exercise their rights, Pakistani forces opened fire, resulting in significant civilian casualties and material losses,” the statement said.
The IEA extended condolences to the families of those killed and prayed for the swift recovery of the wounded. It urged Islamabad to avoid violence against its own citizens and to address internal grievances “through dialogue and mutual understanding.”
The TLP, known for its large-scale religious mobilizations, began its protest march from Lahore on Friday, demanding stronger government action in support of Palestinians and an official boycott of Israel and its allies. The group has previously clashed with authorities over blasphemy-related issues and government policies it deems “un-Islamic.”
According to Reuters, at least five people were killed when Pakistani police clashed with TLP supporters during anti-Israel demonstrations along the country’s busiest highway.
The 400-kilometre march from Lahore to Islamabad, along the historic Grand Trunk Road, has sparked multiple confrontations as police attempted to slow its advance.
Police said they launched an operation on Monday to disperse hundreds of protesters in the town of Muridke after supporters opened fire on officers and set more than 40 vehicles ablaze during three hours of clashes.
Among the dead were a police officer, three protesters, and a bystander. Dozens of others were injured on both sides.
The latest unrest comes amid rising tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, following deadly border skirmishes and mutual accusations of airspace violations.
The IEA’s rare public criticism of Islamabad over the handling of domestic protests is seen by analysts as a sign of deepening strain in bilateral relations.
The Pakistani government has yet to respond to the IEA’s remarks, while TLP leaders have vowed to continue their march toward Islamabad despite the violence.
Football fans across Afghanistan can watch Tottenham Hotspur take on Charlton Athletic live on Ariana Television Network (ATN) tonight, Wednesday, August 26, with coverage beginning at 23:15 Kabul time.
The two London clubs meet in the second round of the EFL Cup, with Tottenham looking to progress while Charlton will aim to produce an upset against their Premier League opponents.
Tottenham enter the match as favourites on paper, with their greater top-flight experience expected to make them the stronger side. However, cup football can produce surprises, and Charlton will be looking to take advantage of any opportunity at their disposal.
The match provides Tottenham with another chance to build momentum early in the season, while Charlton will see the tie as an opportunity to test themselves against one of England’s biggest clubs.
The EFL Cup remains an important route to silverware for clubs across the English football pyramid, with teams aiming to advance through each round toward the final at Wembley.
Afghanistan fans can watch Tottenham Hotspur vs Charlton Athletic live tonight on Ariana Television, from 23:15 Kabul time.
The United Nations has warned that around one million children in Afghanistan are suffering from life-threatening severe acute malnutrition and could die without urgent treatment.
UNICEF said on Tuesday that about 3.7 million children across Afghanistan are suffering from wasting, a condition caused by acute malnutrition.
Tajudeen Oyewale, UNICEF’s representative in Afghanistan, said around one million of these children are suffering from severe acute malnutrition, which is considered the most dangerous form of acute hunger.
“If there is no treatment and we are not able to act fast, that one million number are at risk of dying,” Oyewale said during a media briefing in Geneva, speaking from Kabul.
He said the nutrition crisis is worsening across the country, with more than 500,000 children requiring hospital care so far this year for moderate and severe wasting.
According to UNICEF, nearly 40 percent of children admitted to hospitals with severe wasting and medical complications are babies younger than six months. Children under the age of two account for more than 80 percent of severe acute malnutrition cases.
Oyewale said malnutrition is playing a major role in the increasing number of deaths among very young children in Afghanistan.
The situation has also placed growing pressure on hospitals. In July last year, around 6,000 severe malnutrition cases were recorded, while the number rose by about one-third to more than 8,000 cases by July this year.
“In parts of southern Afghanistan, some hospitals are now seeing three or four severely malnourished children for every available bed,” Oyewale said.
Kabul Municipality says the districts of Bagrami and Chahar Asyab will be incorporated into Kabul city as part of a broader plan to expand and develop the capital.
Nematullah Barakzai, a Kabul Municipality official, told the BBC that Kabul has experienced significant growth in recent years, both through the expansion of the city’s boundaries and the construction of high-rise buildings.
“Kabul is not only growing vertically, but it has also seen considerable horizontal expansion, which can be observed on Google Maps,” Barakzai said. “Kabul currently has 22 municipal districts, and Bagrami and Chahar Asyab are also expected to be incorporated into the city.”
The municipality has not yet announced a specific timeline for implementing the plan.
Bagrami is located about 15 kilometers from central Kabul, while Chahar Asyab lies south of the capital and serves as one of the main routes connecting Kabul with Afghanistan’s southern provinces.
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