Latest News
Khalilzad links surge in poppy cultivation in Pakistan to growth of insurgency
Former U.S. special envoy for Afghanistan, Zalmay Khalilzad, has raised concerns over a reported increase in poppy cultivation in Pakistan, warning that it could be fueling insurgency, terrorism, and lawlessness, particularly in regions like Balochistan.
In a post on social media platform X, Khalilzad said, “Earlier, I noted the discovery that poppy production has increased in Pakistan. As elsewhere, it likely is linked to the growth of insurgency, terrorism, and ungoverned spaces in the country, especially in Baluchistan.”
He stressed that addressing the issue of poppy cultivation is critical to tackling broader security and governance challenges. “Otherwise, they can reinforce each other and become much bigger,” he warned.
Khalilzad, who played a key role in U.S. diplomatic efforts in the region during the Afghanistan peace process, has continued to comment on developments in South and Central Asia since leaving office.
Afghan scholars have described the “martyrdom” of Maulana Muhammad Idris, a prominent Pakistani religious scholar, as a major loss and have extended their condolences over his death to all scholars worldwide, particularly to the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Pakistan.
In a condolence message, Afghan scholars stated: “Killing scholars is a grave injustice that brings the wrath and anger of Almighty Allah and is considered an unforgivable crime. We, the scholars of Afghanistan, strongly condemn such actions.”
They also urged the government of Pakistan to take serious measures to prevent the targeting of religious scholars.
Maulana Muhammad Idris was killed on Tuesday in an armed attack in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
The Islamic Emirate’s High Commission for Addressing Migrants’ Problems has called on international organizations and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to engage with Pakistan to prevent difficulties for Afghan nationals, ensure they are not subjected to harassment, and facilitate their swift return.
The commission said the issues should be addressed as a matter of urgency.
According to the commission, Afghan returnees entering the country through the Torkham crossing are often held up for days on the Pakistani side for various reasons. It added that women, children, and elderly people are among those affected, many of whom are facing multiple hardships while waiting along roads in uncertain conditions.
“Our request is that Afghan migrants should not be left waiting on the other side of the border,” the commission said.
“We have the necessary capacity to receive and resettle returnees. Regardless of the number arriving each day, we are able to manage them and provide the required services.”
Latest News
Afghan activist Matiullah Wesa awarded France’s Freedom Prize 2026
Wesa is the founder of the Pen Path initiative and is widely known for campaigning in support of access to education, particularly for girls in Afghanistan.
Afghan education advocate Matiullah Wesa has been named the recipient of France’s Freedom Prize 2026, in recognition of his efforts to promote education and children’s rights in Afghanistan.
According to French media reports, Wesa was selected through an online vote involving 18,708 young people from 75 countries, highlighting strong international support for his advocacy work.
The award ceremony is scheduled to take place on June 4 in the city of Caen at the Zénith hall, where more than 4,000 young participants are expected to attend alongside several World War II veterans.
Wesa is the founder of the Pen Path initiative and is widely known for campaigning in support of access to education, particularly for girls in Afghanistan.
The Freedom Prize, established in 2019 by the Normandy Region and the International Institute for Human Rights and Peace, honours individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the defense of human freedoms.
Saar: Expanding interaction between countries and IEA discussed
Afghan scholars say death of Maulana Muhammad Idris ‘major loss’
Islamic Emirate urges UN, aid agencies to engage Pakistan on returnee issues
Uzbekistan launches new cargo corridor linking China and Afghanistan
Afghanistan presses Chinese contractor over delays in Mes Aynak copper project
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, Uzbekistan sign $400 million trade deals in push to deepen ties
Afghanistan moves toward self-sufficiency in car battery production
Saar: Expanding interaction between countries and IEA discussed
Tahawol: Deportation of Afghan refugees from Germany discussed
Saar: Criticism over Pakistan’s policies discussed
Tahawol: Pakistan’s dual policy on Afghanistan
Saar: Iran’s warning to US forces
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