Latest News

Pakistan, UAE Agree to Work on Peace in Afghanistan

Published

7 years ago

January 7, 2019

Last Updated on: October 24, 2022

Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the United Arab Emirates’ Armed Forces, and Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan have agreed to work jointly for peace and stability in Afghanistan.

The two leaders on Sunday held talks on bilateral matters and strongly condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, and expressed their resolve to work closely to root out the scourge, said a joint statement issued at the conclusion of the visit of Sheikh Mohammed, Xinhua News Agency reported.

“The Crown Prince recognized the efforts and unparalleled sacrifices made by Pakistan to eliminate terrorism and extremism,” the statement said.

The two leaders agreed to work closely for the lasting peace and stability of Afghanistan. The UAE hosted Pakistan-facilitated talks between the Taliban and US officials in Abu Dhabi weeks ago.

Khan briefed the UAE leader about the efforts Pakistan has made to support and facilitate the Afghan-owned and Afghan-led reconciliation process. He also appreciated the role the UAE has been playing in the reconciliation talks, the statement said.

The two sides also agreed to explore further collaboration in areas of training, joint exercises and defense production.

Sheikh Mohammed visited Pakistan following the UAE’s announcement of $3-billion support to Pakistan. In return, Pakistan welcomed the UAE’s investment in its oil and gas, logistics, ports and construction sectors.

According to the statement, Pakistan and the UAE are expected to hold a joint ministerial commission to be co-chaired by respective foreign ministers in Abu Dhabi next month on bilateral cooperation.

Following the matter, the Afghan Chief Executive office said that UAE can play an important role in the Afghan peace process, adding that they are not optimistic about Pakistan’s commitments towards the reconciliation process.

“Pakistan has made promises in the past, but unfortunately, it has not committed to its promises,” said Payenda Mohammad Hekmat, an advisor to CEO.

This comes as sources close to the Taliban told Ariana News that the U.S. special representative to Afghanistan reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad will soon hold talks with the Taliban representatives as part of the diplomatic efforts to end the nearly two decades of war in Afghanistan.

International Sports

One Day to Go: Everything you need to know about FIFA World Cup 2026

With one day remaining until kickoff, anticipation is building around the world as football prepares to take centre stage once again.

Published

43 minutes ago

June 10, 2026

Ariana News

The countdown is almost over. In just one day, the FIFA World Cup 2026 will get underway, launching what is widely regarded as the world’s greatest sporting event.

Football fans across Afghanistan and around the globe are preparing for a month of excitement as 48 nations compete for the most coveted prize in international football.

What is the FIFA World Cup?

The FIFA World Cup is the premier international football tournament, held every four years and featuring the world’s best national teams.

The 2026 edition will be the largest in the tournament’s history, expanding from 32 to 48 teams and featuring a record 104 matches.

Where is the tournament being held?

For the first time, the World Cup will be jointly hosted by three countries:

United States
Canada
Mexico

Matches will be played across 16 host cities throughout North America.

When does the tournament start?

The tournament kicks off on June 11, with hosts Mexico facing South Africa in the opening match in Mexico City.

The final will be played on July 19 in New York.

Why is this World Cup historic?

The 2026 tournament marks several major milestones:

First World Cup hosted by three nations.
First World Cup featuring 48 teams.
Largest World Cup ever with 104 matches.
First time Canada hosts World Cup matches.

Organizers expect millions of fans to attend matches, while billions around the world are expected to follow the tournament on television and digital platforms.

Which teams are among the favourites?

Several traditional football powers enter the tournament among the leading contenders, including:

Argentina (defending champions)

France
Brazil
England
Spain
Germany
Portugal

Stars such as Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, Vinícius Júnior, Jude Bellingham, Harry Kane and Lionel Messi are expected to be among the tournament’s biggest attractions.

How can fans in Afghanistan watch the World Cup?

Football supporters across Afghanistan will be able to follow every moment of the tournament through Ariana Radio and Television Network’s (ATN) extensive coverage – on both TV and radio.

Ariana Television will broadcast FIFA World Cup 2026 matches live across Afghanistan, bringing viewers comprehensive coverage of the world’s biggest football event.

For fans on the move or unable to watch television, Ariana FM will also provide live match broadcasts throughout the tournament, ensuring supporters can stay connected to the action wherever they are.

What can fans expect?

From dramatic goals and unforgettable upsets to emerging stars and title contenders battling for glory, the FIFA World Cup consistently delivers some of sport’s most memorable moments.

With one day remaining until kickoff, anticipation is building around the world as football prepares to take centre stage once again.

Fans in Afghanistan can tune in to Ariana Television from 11:30pm to watch kick off between Mexico and South Africa on Thursday night, June 11.

Latest News

Pakistani airstrikes on civilian areas in three Afghan provinces kill 13

Published

4 hours ago

June 10, 2026

Ariana News

Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesman for the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA), said on Wednesday Pakistani military forces violated Afghanistan’s airspace overnight and carried out airstrikes on civilian homes in the eastern provinces of Kunar, Khost and Paktika.

According to Mujahid, the attacks killed 13 civilians, including 11 children, one woman and one elderly man. He said 14 other women and children were wounded in the strikes.

Mujahid condemned the attacks as a “humanitarian crime” and an “act of aggression,” accusing Pakistan of targeting civilian areas.

Latest News

Karzai, UK envoy react after protest dispersed in Herat

Published

16 hours ago

June 9, 2026

Ariana News

Former Afghan President Hamid Karzai has expressed concern over the dispersal of a protest in the Jebrail area of Herat province by security forces, saying the incident involved violence.

Karzai said: “Our society needs peace and a life full of happiness and friendship.” He added that “the dignity and respect of all Afghan people, especially women, must be fully observed, and conditions for a dignified life must be ensured in their homeland.”

Security forces on Tuesday dispersed a gathering in the Jebrail area of Herat, which, according to Sayed Masoud Hosseini, spokesperson for Herat police, had caused tension and disrupted public order.

Hosseini said the individuals had gathered under the pretext of protesting the issue of hijab and were attempting to disturb public order, adding that the situation was brought under control following the timely intervention of security forces.

Meanwhile, the UK Special Representative for Afghanistan, Richard Lindsay, also reacted to the incident, calling for de-escalation and respect for freedom of expression.

In a post on X on Tuesday evening, Lindsay said: “Deeply concerned by reports of force being used on the streets of Herat. I call for de-escalation, respect for freedom of expression, and accountability for any unlawful harm.”