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NUG takes all possible measures to ensure safe return of hostages in Zabul
The issue of rescuing the 31 abducted passengers in Zabul will be shared with the families of the abductees and a number of civil activists in National Security Council meeting, President’s spokesman said.
However, President’s spokesman says nothing about government’s efforts on rescuing the 31 abducted passengers but stressed that the National Unity Government (NUG) takes serious measures to release them.
Ajmal Obaid Abedi, Spokesman of president said, “The government hardly tries to rescue them, but we do not share the details because they are secret and we do not want the enemy to be aware of details.”
In late February, a group of unidentified armed men stopped two buses and abducted 31 passengers in the southern Zabul province and the government is yet to secure their release.
Nearly two months passed since since, 31 passengers were kidnapped on the Kabul – Kandahar highway and their fate remains uncertain.
Few days ago, In a desperate attempt to get the government’s attention to their plight, mothers of the kidnapped passengers set up tents in Zarnigar park demanding justice. The plight of the relatives of the kidnapped is further worsened by the fact that they have received little or no updates about the issue from the concerned government agencies and authorities.
The prominent case of the abduction of 31 Hazaras – mostly shopkeepers, day laborers and passengers visiting family – from Zabul province in late February is of particular ongoing concern.
Although, Abdullah Abdullah, the CEO of the National Unity government, today, has given a statement saying that securing the release of the 31 kidnapped passengers is their top priority. They are looking at all possible measures to ensure their safe return. But the Afghan government has not only failed to secure their release, it has also adopted an attitude of silence and secrecy about the kidnapping, the identity of the captors and their demands.
Afghanistan is one of the most challenging places for the humanitarian community, with death, kidnappings and attacks against humanitarians all too frequent.
Reported by Ahmad Farshad Saleh
Former Pakistani diplomats, speaking at a roundtable discussion in Islamabad, underscored the importance of sustained dialogue with Afghanistan to address bilateral differences.
The discussion, organized on Friday by the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad, highlighted that the current situation in Afghanistan has direct consequences for regional security and stability. Participants stressed that constructive engagement and regular communication are the only viable pathways to resolving existing challenges.
The former diplomats pointed out that relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan are deeply interconnected, and any strain between the two sides inevitably impacts the wider region.
They further emphasized that building trust, enhancing practical cooperation, and fostering mutual understanding are essential prerequisites for achieving lasting regional stability.
A UNHCR delegation led by Filippa Candler, Head of UNHCR in Afghanistan, met with Sardar Ahmad Shakeeb, Ambassador of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan to Pakistan, to discuss ongoing humanitarian assistance and challenges faced by Afghan refugees in Pakistan.
The meeting, which also included Charlie Goodlake, Senior External Relations Officer for the UNHCR Commission in Afghanistan, focused on the plight of remaining Afghan refugees, students, and other Afghan nationals living in Pakistan.
Ambassador Shakeeb welcomed the delegation and praised UNHCR for closely monitoring refugees’ living conditions and communicating their situation to the international community. However, he noted that the assistance provided so far remains insufficient.
“Although the support is limited, it is commendable that UNHCR continues to highlight refugees’ hardships,” Shakeeb said during the meeting.
Candler acknowledged the constraints, stating that despite financial limitations, UNHCR remains committed to providing the maximum possible assistance to Afghan refugees.
Goodlake provided an update on UNHCR’s support for returnees, saying the organization delivered approximately $25 million in assistance to refugees returning from Pakistan and Iran in 2025. He confirmed that UNHCR’s support would continue in coordination with the Afghan government.
The meeting concluded with both parties agreeing to continue cooperation and strengthen coordination on refugee and returnee support.
Gul Hasan Hasan, the Ambassador of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan in Moscow, met with Tanju Bilgic, the Ambassador of Turkey, to discuss strengthening and expanding political, economic, and cultural relations between Kabul and Ankara.
In a statement issued by the Afghan Embassy in Moscow on Friday, the meeting also expressed appreciation for Turkey’s balanced policy toward the Islamic Emirate, based on mutual respect.
Both sides emphasized the need to facilitate visa issuance for Afghan traders and patients by Turkey and to further strengthen comprehensive cooperation between the two countries.
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