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Pakistan’s attack on Kabul hospital a clear violation of humanitarian principles: Muttaqi
Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi has described Pakistan’s airstrike on a drug rehabilitation hospital in Kabul as a “clear violation of humanitarian principles,” during an online meeting with Afghan embassies and consulates.
The virtual briefing, held in the wake of his address to foreign diplomats in Kabul, focused on recent tensions with Pakistan and the latest developments following the strike.
According to the Foreign Ministry, Muttaqi instructed Afghan diplomats to actively communicate the Islamic Emirate’s position to the international community, while outlining Kabul’s policies and next steps in response to the escalating situation.
He also reviewed what he called repeated violations of Afghanistan’s sovereignty by Pakistan in recent weeks.
The airstrike, which took place on Monday night, hit the 2,000-bed Omid Hospital in Pul-e-Charkhi, killing more than 400 people and injuring at least 265 others, most of them patients undergoing drug rehabilitation treatment.
International Sports
World Cup: Mbappe sets new France scoring record as Les Bleus defeat Senegal 3-1
France began their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a 3-1 victory over Senegal, inspired by a record-breaking performance from captain Kylian Mbappe at MetLife Stadium on Tuesday.
Mbappe scored twice, taking his international tally to 58 goals and surpassing France’s previous all-time scoring record. The Real Madrid star opened the scoring early in the second half before adding a spectacular late strike to seal the win. Substitute Bradley Barcola also found the net for Les Bleus.
Despite the convincing scoreline, France struggled to find their rhythm during a lacklustre first half. Senegal created several dangerous opportunities and came close to taking the lead through Nicolas Jackson and Ismaila Sarr, but failed to capitalize on their chances.
France emerged a transformed side after the break. Michael Olise played a key role in the turnaround, providing the creativity that sparked the French attack. Mbappe broke the deadlock with a composed finish before Barcola doubled the advantage after coming off the bench.
Senegal briefly threatened a comeback when Ibrahim Mbaye pulled a goal back in stoppage time, but Mbappe responded moments later with a stunning long-range effort that flew into the corner of the net, ensuring a memorable night for the French captain.
The victory gives France an important three points in Group I and underlines their status as one of the favourites to lift the World Cup trophy. While Didier Deschamps’ side showed signs of vulnerability in the opening 45 minutes, their attacking quality proved decisive once they found their stride.
For Senegal, the defeat was a disappointing outcome after an encouraging performance, but they will take confidence from the chances they created against one of the tournament’s strongest teams.
An Afghan national accused of carrying out a deadly shooting attack on members of the U.S. National Guard near the White House has pleaded not guilty to all charges in a federal court.
Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 30, appeared before a U.S. District Court on Tuesday following the unsealing of a 17-count federal superseding indictment. Prosecutors allege that Lakanwal killed West Virginia National Guard Specialist Sarah Beckstrom and seriously wounded Guardsman Andrew Wolfe in an ambush-style attack in Washington, D.C., in November 2025.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, the charges include first-degree murder and several firearms-related offenses, making the case eligible for the death penalty. Prosecutors said they will begin the formal review process to determine whether capital punishment will be sought.
“Sarah Beckstrom was serving her country when she was allegedly killed in a targeted attack near the White House,” U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro said in a statement, adding that authorities will pursue all legal avenues to seek justice for the victims.
Court documents allege that Lakanwal, a former contractor for the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) in Afghanistan, drove from Washington state to the U.S. capital while carrying a stolen firearm. Prosecutors say he opened fire on National Guard personnel, striking Beckstrom and Wolfe in the head before being subdued by other Guardsmen at the scene.
Investigators recovered a .357 Smith & Wesson revolver that had reportedly been stolen in Seattle in 2023.
Beckstrom later died from her injuries on Thanksgiving Day, while Wolfe survived and continues to recover.
During Tuesday’s hearing, Lakanwal appeared in court wearing an orange prison uniform and using a wheelchair, reportedly due to injuries sustained during the incident. The court scheduled the next status hearing for September 16.
The final decision on whether prosecutors will seek the death penalty rests with Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche.
The case has drawn significant attention in the United States due to the attack’s proximity to the White House and Lakanwal’s previous work with U.S. government entities in Afghanistan.
Ahmadullah Zahid, Deputy Minister of Industry and Commerce of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, and Zoyir Toirovich Mirzayev, Governor of Tashkent, held talks on expanding economic and trade cooperation between the two countries.
The Ministry of Industry and Commerce said on Tuesday that the meeting focused on investment opportunities, industrial cooperation, increasing the role of the private sector, and strengthening bilateral trade relations.
Zahid described Afghanistan as a suitable market for investment and encouraged investors from Uzbekistan to invest in industry, trade, and other available economic sectors.
He also invited the Governor of Tashkent to visit Afghanistan and personally explore the existing investment opportunities.
According to the ministry, Mirzayev welcomed the expansion of economic cooperation between the two countries and stressed the need for greater coordination to boost investment and trade. He also pledged to visit Kabul next month, along with a delegation of around 100 Uzbek traders.
Both sides expressed hope that such meetings would further strengthen economic ties between Afghanistan and Uzbekistan and create new opportunities for joint investments.
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