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Red Cross and Red Crescent reach 35-year milestone of serving communities in need
After 35 years of humanitarian assistance in Afghanistan, the Afghan Red Crescent Society (ARCS), the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) on Tuesday reconfirmed their commitment to continue jointly providing lifesaving assistance to communities affected by war and violence.
In the 35 years of joint cooperation, the movement has reconnected thousands of families separated by disasters or violence; provided vital health care particularly for communities living in remote parts of the country; clarified the fate of the dead and worked to return the remains of the deceased to their families; and restored water and shelter among other vital humanitarian activities.
ARCS has also mobilized all teams and facilities in the COVID response effort over the past year and continues its engagement, including for the COVID vaccine rollout.
In a statement issued by the movement on Wednesday, they said that ARCS is present and active in all 34 provinces in Afghanistan through a wide network of local branches, volunteers and health facilities.
Every year, ARCS reaches more than 10 percent of the Afghan population through principled humanitarian action, the statement read.
“It has built trust and acceptance across the lines of conflict and with Afghan communities they belong to. ARCS has also the privilege to belong to the Red Cross and Crescent Movement which has been standing on its side always to support its development, meet the needs of people affected by disasters and crises and contribute to build more resilient Afghan communities,” said Nilab Mobarez, the Secretary General of Afghanistan Red Crescent Society, at a news conference.
“Although the shape of conflict and violence may have changed over the last decades, our commitment to protect civilians and promote respect for international humanitarian law has been constant. We’re proud of this and honoured to continue to work with the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement to provide humanitarian assistance,” said Juan Pedro Head of Delegation for ICRC in Afghanistan.
“In the face of protracted vulnerabilities, including to climate change, the magnitude and intensity of the needs across the country call for enhanced cooperation of Red Cross Red Crescent partners to deepen our support to ARCS’ principled and nation-wide footprint, and to maximise our collective contribution and impact,” said Pierre Kremer, Head of Delegation for IFRC.
Against the backdrop of this milestone, the movement has signed an MoU and a Movement Coordination Agreement setting out their agreement to jointly deliver humanitarian assistance.
“This event aims to ensure a partnership of quality and mutual responsibility that seeks to achieve the highest humanitarian impact. The agreement sets a standard framework for administration, reporting and accountability, within which individual projects and initiatives can take place,” the statement read.
The ICRC and ARCS have worked in partnership since 1986 in addressing the conflict related needs of the Afghan population. The ICRC and ARCS’s commitment to neutral, independent, impartial humanitarian action (NIIHA), enable both partners to respond to emergencies and provide services where others cannot.
ARCS has worked to reduce suffering for people affected by disasters, conflict and violence since its creation in 1934.
The cooperation between ARCS and the ICRC stretches back further to the recognition of ARCS as a national society by movement in 1954 continuing to the present day with adaptations based on evolving humanitarian landscape, needs of the victims and other vulnerable persons as well as the institutional development of the ARCS and the operational ambitions of the ICRC in Afghanistan.
The Federation has had a constant presence in Afghanistan since 1990, to support ARCS and its humanitarian activities.
International Sports
ATN secures broadcast rights for four major AFC sporting events
Fans in Afghanistan will be able to follow high-profile clashes between Asia’s football powerhouses live on Ariana Television.
Ariana Television Network (ATN) has secured the exclusive media rights in Afghanistan to broadcast four major Asian Football Confederation (AFC) competitions, strengthening its sports portfolio and expanding access to top-tier regional football for Afghan audiences.
The tournaments will be broadcast from this month and will run through January and February 2026. Broadcasting dates and times still have to be finalized but details will be provided to fans as soon as possible.
Headlining the lineup is the AFC Champions League Elite 2025–26, Asia’s premier club competition. The tournament features the continent’s strongest teams and star players, following a revamped elite format designed to raise the level of competition and global appeal.
Fans in Afghanistan will be able to follow high-profile clashes between Asia’s football powerhouses live on Ariana Television.
ATN will also broadcast the 2025–26 AFC Champions League Two, the continent’s secondary club competition that provides emerging clubs with a major international platform. This tournament plays a crucial role in developing competitive depth across Asian football and offers fans a chance to watch rising teams and talents from across the region.
International football takes center stage with the AFC U23 Asian Cup, set to kick off on 6 January 2026. The tournament is one of Asia’s most important youth competitions, showcasing the next generation of football stars and often serving as a pathway to senior national teams and Olympic qualification.
Coverage of the event will give Afghan viewers insight into the future of Asian football.
Rounding out the package is the AFC Futsal Asian Cup Indonesia 2026, the continent’s flagship futsal tournament. Known for its fast pace, technical brilliance, and passionate fan following, the competition brings together Asia’s best futsal nations and is a key qualifier for global futsal events.
With these acquisitions, ATN reaffirms its commitment to delivering premium international sports content to viewers across Afghanistan.
Fans are encouraged to follow Ariana News and Ariana Television Network websites and social media platforms for the latest updates, schedules, and coverage details on these exciting events.
Ibrahim Sadr, Deputy Minister for Security Affairs at the Ministry of Interior, led a high-level delegation to Panjshir province, where he met with local officials, religious scholars, tribal elders, and community representatives.
During the visit, Sadr said that the victory of the Islamic Emirate was the result of the major sacrifices made by the IEA forces and the full cooperation of the people. He noted that sincere intentions, obedience to leadership directives, the trust of religious scholars, and strong public support were among the key factors behind the Emirate’s success.
The deputy interior minister stressed that the time has now come for the Islamic Emirate to stand alongside the people, address their concerns, and provide essential services. He urged local authorities to regularly visit districts, engage directly with residents, and resolve their problems in a timely manner.
Sadr also emphasized the need to purge the ranks of the security forces, stating that individuals and figures who do not serve the system or the public, and who contribute to discord and corruption, must be removed from the security services. He added that adherence to official uniforms and the reform of conduct and appearance in accordance with Islamic tradition are mandatory for all personnel.
Noorulhaq Anwar, Director General of Administrative Affairs, announced on Sunday that the Islamic Emirate has approved plans to create an independent oil and gas authority.
He stated on X that the Administrative Commission has been instructed to consolidate eight previously fragmented units operating in the oil and gas sector into the new authority.
Anwar emphasized that this move aims to enhance integration, organization, efficiency, transparency, and coordination in oil and gas production and imports. He added that the initiative will benefit the Islamic Emirate, investors, consumers, and the wider public.
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