Latest News
Pakistan’s defense minister hints at cross-border operations to tackle ‘terrorists in Afghanistan’
Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif signaled Tuesday that Islamabad could conduct cross-border anti-terrorist operations into Afghanistan, and that Islamabad will pursue its enemy, “regardless of where they are”.
Speaking to Geo News, Asif said Pakistan had repeatedly asked Afghanistan to take action against the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which Islamabad accuses of orchestrating militant attacks against Pakistan from inside Afghanistan.
The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) however has repeatedly said TTP is not operating in the country and that they will not allow any individual or group to threaten the security of another country from Afghan soil.
Asif meanwhile also said that in some instances, Afghan authorities were providing shelter to TTP elements.
“If we have to resort to hot pursuit and enter [Afghanistan] to eliminate our enemies, we will do so. This is a matter of Pakistan’s national security, not friendship. A [lenient] approach will be detrimental to our security,” Asif said.
“We will pursue our enemy, regardless of where they are.
In addition to Asif’s interview, a meeting of Pakistan’s Parliamentary Committee on National Security was held this week to discuss ways to tackle terrorist groups in the country.
The committee, consisting of top civil and military officials, resolved to deal with terrorist groups with an “iron hand”.
This came after last week’s brazen attack by Balochistan Liberation Army militants, who blew up train tracks and held over 440 train passengers hostage in a day-long standoff with security services in a remote mountain pass.
Pakistan said at the time that during the siege, militants had been in contact with their handlers in Afghanistan.
Mohammad Younus Akhundzada, the Islamic Emirate’s Minister of Energy and Water, departed for Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, on Saturday to attend the 17th World Energy Forum.
Ministerial-level representatives from around 100 countries are expected to participate in the forum to discuss energy cooperation, opportunities, and the exchange of experiences.
The Ministry of Water and Energy said Afghanistan’s participation in the forum provides an opportunity to strengthen relations with countries around the world, exchange expertise, and attract international cooperation in the energy sector.
The US Department of State has placed Afghanistan in Tier 3 in its 2026 Trafficking in Persons Report, citing concerns over forced labor, child exploitation and inadequate protection for trafficking victims.
The report says Afghanistan has failed to fully meet the minimum standards for eliminating human trafficking and has not made significant efforts to do so.
It also highlights the vulnerability of families, particularly children, to trafficking and exploitation amid poverty, economic hardship and the return of migrants from neighboring countries.
Afghanistan continues to face economic challenges and growing humanitarian needs, while large numbers of Afghan migrants have returned from neighboring countries. Experts say raising public awareness, creating job opportunities and providing support to vulnerable families are essential to preventing human trafficking and child exploitation.
Meanwhile, the Islamic Emirate has previously issued a decree declaring human trafficking contrary to Islamic Sharia and called for action against the practice. Officials have also said the rights of Afghans are protected in accordance with Islamic Sharia and Afghan traditions.
Latest News
Iranian lawmaker praises Afghanistan’s support, accuses Pakistan of ‘hypocrisy’
Zanganeh claimed that a post published under the name of Pakistan’s parliamentary speaker during negotiations between Tehran and Washington had been written by Americans.
Mohsen Zanganeh, head of the Iranian Parliament’s Economic Commission, has praised Afghanistan’s support for Iran during the conflict between Iran and the United States, while criticizing Pakistan’s conduct during the crisis.
Zanganeh claimed that a post published under the name of Pakistan’s parliamentary speaker during negotiations between Tehran and Washington had been written by Americans. According to the Iranian lawmaker, US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff was responsible for drafting the post.
He described Pakistan’s alleged conduct as “hypocrisy” and expressed appreciation for the friendship and support shown by Afghans towards Iran.
Zanganeh’s remarks highlight the differing political perspectives emerging in the region as neighbouring countries respond to developments involving Iran and the United States.
Energy and Water Minister heads to Saudi Arabia for World Energy Forum
Saar: Ongoing expulsion of Afghan refugees from Iran and Pakistan discussed
Afghanistan trail Bangladesh by 135 runs at stumps on Day Two
Afghanistan placed in Tier 3 in US human trafficking report
WHO calls for greater mental health support in Afghanistan
EU and FAO launch €5m programme to strengthen Afghanistan’s agrifood sector
Omar Zawak, Toofan Herat secure victories in Afghanistan Champions League
Houthi advance in Yemen puts U.S. in a new bind
Cricket Bonanza: Afghanistan set for packed international schedule
New warnings reignite debate over AI threat to humanity
Saar: Ongoing expulsion of Afghan refugees from Iran and Pakistan discussed
Tahawol: CSTO meeting on Afghanistan reviewed
Saar: Guterres’s talks with Pakistani officials on Afghanistan discussed
Tahawol: Consequences of US war in Afghanistan reviewed
Saar: Expulsion of Afghan refugees from Pakistan discussed
-
Latest News5 days agoAriana Afghan Airlines ends 15-year control of ticketing and operational systems by Pakistani firm
-
World5 days ago▶️Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Pakistan activate Mecca defense pact
-
Regional5 days agoYemeni government forces seize strategic strait from Houthis
-
Latest News5 days agoIEA rejects ICC arrest warrants, says Afghanistan does not recognize court
-
Sport4 days agoAino Mina Kandahar defeat Istiqlal Kabul 3–2
-
Health5 days agoRussia investigates suspected pneumonic plague; Trump ready to ‘help’
-
Latest News5 days agoThirty US states seek access to Afghan assets for 9/11 victims
-
Regional2 days agoTrump says US will not attack Iran before midterm elections in November