Latest News
Pakistan’s efforts begin to revive Afghan Peace Talks
Pakistan has started its efforts to bring Taliban group to the negotiation table for rehabilitating its political prestige among the countries of the world.
This comes as a group of Taliban negotiators has arrived in Pakistan from the Islamist insurgency’s political office in Qatar for “exploratory” meetings with authorities in Islamabad.
The visit of the three-member Taliban delegation is part of efforts that Pakistan is “cautiously” making to facilitate resumption of Afghan peace and reconciliation talks, sources said.
The dramatic development happened on a day when Afghanistan’s President Ashraf Ghani, in a speech to the national parliament, blamed Pakistan for not preventing fugitive Taliban leaders from using its soil to plot insurgent violence in Afghanistan.
The Taliban delegation includes Shahabuddin Dilawar, Jan Muhammad Madni and Mullah Abbas Akhund.
But when contacted by VOA, a Taliban spokesman said he was unaware whether its delegation traveled to Pakistan.
Sources described the visit of Taliban negotiators as a “step to test waters” in the wake of past experiences when efforts to start Afghan peace process faltered even before talks could open.
The Taliban maintains an office in Doha, the capital of Qatar, and it is authorized by its chief, Mullah Akhtar Mansoor, to conduct political talks.
A number of High Peace Council members say that Pakistan is in isolation and does not want to lose its policy.
“Pakistan’s policy has been marred and it want to maintain its policy by persuading Taliban group for negotiations,” Abdul Khaibar Achqun, deputy of the High Peace Council said.
Delegates from Afghanistan, Pakistan, China and the United States held talks earlier this year to try to resurrect efforts to end nearly 15 years of bloodshed in Afghanistan, even as fighting with Taliban insurgents intensifies.
The officials met in the Pakistani capital, Islamabad, to launch a process that they hope will lead to negotiations with the Taliban, who are fighting to re-impose their strict brand of Islamist rule and did not attend Monday’s talks.
Pakistan hosted the first direct talks between Taliban and Afghan government officials last July, the first such interaction since the Islamist group was ousted from power in 2001 and launched insurgent attacks against U.S.-led international and Afghan forces.
Latest News
Afghan community in California condemns Pakistani strikes amid growing global protests
The gathering in California follows a series of protests held last week by Afghan communities in Europe, highlighting growing concern among the diaspora over the deteriorating security situation.
Members of the Afghan diaspora in the United States have joined a widening wave of international condemnation over recent Pakistani military strikes on Afghan territory, as tensions along the disputed Durand Line continue to escalate.
A group of Afghan citizens in Sacramento gathered this week to denounce the attacks, describing them as a violation of sovereignty and a threat to civilian lives. Participants issued a formal resolution calling on the international community to investigate the strikes and hold those responsible accountable.
Speakers at the event warned that continued military action risks deepening instability in the region, urging global leaders to take the situation seriously and push for measures to prevent further escalation.
The gathering in California follows a series of protests held last week by Afghan communities in Europe, highlighting growing concern among the diaspora over the deteriorating security situation.
In London, hundreds of demonstrators marched through central streets, chanting slogans against the strikes and calling for urgent international intervention.
Protesters pointed to rising civilian casualties in eastern Afghanistan and warned that repeated shelling along the Durand Line could further destabilize already fragile local communities.
Meanwhile, in Oslo, members of the Afghan community gathered outside the Norwegian Parliament to voice similar concerns. Organizers said a formal resolution was submitted to national authorities, as well as to the United Nations and the International Criminal Court, urging immediate steps to halt the violence and ensure civilian protection.
The demonstrations come amid renewed tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, where cross-Durand Line clashes and artillery exchanges have periodically flared. Analysts warn that without sustained diplomatic engagement, the situation risks escalating into a broader security crisis with far-reaching regional implications.
International Sports
IPL 2026: Lucknow hold nerve in final over to defeat Sunrisers
The match went down to the wire, with Sunriser’s bowlers applying pressure in the death overs through tight lines and clever variations.
Lucknow Super Giants edged out Sunrisers Hyderabad in a thrilling Indian Premier League (IPL) encounter on Sunday, completing a tense run chase in the final over to register a crucial early-season win.
Batting first, Sunrisers posted a competitive total built around a fluent innings from Heinrich Klaasen, who once again demonstrated his ability to accelerate in the middle overs. He found support from the top order, helping the hosts set what looked like a defendable target on a surface offering some assistance to bowlers.
In response, Lucknow’s chase was steady rather than explosive. Early wickets threatened to derail their innings, but captain Rishabh Pant played a composed and calculated knock, anchoring the innings while rotating strike effectively.
Nicholas Pooran provided a late surge with some aggressive hitting, shifting momentum back in Lucknow’s favour.
The match went down to the wire, with Sunriser’s bowlers applying pressure in the death overs through tight lines and clever variations. However, Lucknow kept their composure, finding the boundaries when needed to cross the line with just one delivery remaining.
The win gives Lucknow Super Giants valuable momentum in the opening phase of the tournament, while Sunrisers Hyderabad will take positives from their batting performance but look to tighten their execution at the death.
Focus now moves to Monday’s fixture which sees Kolkata Knight Riders face Punjab Kings in what is expected to be a high-tempo contest.
Kolkata’s strength lies in their all-round depth, with power hitters and a varied bowling attack capable of adapting to different conditions. Punjab Kings, on the other hand, will be banking on their explosive top order and improved bowling unit to deliver a more complete performance.
Both teams are still shaping their combinations, making this an important match for building rhythm and consistency as the league stage progresses.
Fans across Afghanistan can follow every moment of the IPL live on Ariana Television Network, which holds exclusive broadcast rights for the tournament.
Viewers are also encouraged to stay connected via the social media platforms of Ariana Television and Ariana News for updated match schedules, live coverage details, highlights, and breaking IPL news throughout the season.
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