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SCO Foreign Ministers meet in China as member states prepare for autumn summit

While the meeting was exclusively for full member states, observer nations—including Afghanistan and Mongolia—did not participate, a source told Ariana News.

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Foreign ministers from full member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) gathered in Tianjin on Tuesday for a high-level meeting aimed at deepening regional cooperation and finalizing preparations for the upcoming Heads of State Summit later this year.

Chaired by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, the session brought together senior officials from Russia, India, Pakistan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Belarus. The meeting focused on strengthening multilateral engagement under China’s rotating presidency and reaffirmed the group’s shared commitment to the “Shanghai Spirit”—a principle rooted in mutual trust, equality, and regional stability.

Among the prominent attendees, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met separately with President Xi Jinping and Foreign Minister Wang, conveying greetings from President Vladimir Putin and holding talks on global strategic coordination. Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, on his first visit to China since 2020, also participated in the meeting and emphasized the importance of a “far-seeing” and stable relationship between New Delhi and Beijing.

Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, who also serves as deputy prime minister, took part in the session following a recent recalibration of diplomatic ties between Islamabad and Beijing. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi also held bilateral meetings with Chinese officials, reaffirming Tehran’s commitment to regional cooperation following its accession to the SCO as a full member in 2023.

Agenda and Participation

The Tianjin gathering focused on a range of strategic priorities, including regional security, counterterrorism, economic integration, climate cooperation, and connectivity. A key objective was to coordinate policy positions ahead of the SCO Heads of State Summit, expected to be held in Tianjin later this year.

While the meeting was exclusively for full member states, observer nations—including Afghanistan and Mongolia—did not participate, a source told Ariana News. Afghanistan has held observer status since 2012, but its participation in high-level SCO meetings has remained limited, particularly under the current Islamic Emirate administration, which has not yet received formal international recognition.

The evolving situation in Afghanistan remained part of the broader regional discussions, reflecting the SCO’s continued concern with stability and security in the region.

China’s Foreign Ministry described the gathering as an opportunity to advance “practical cooperation” and strengthen the SCO’s role as a pillar of Eurasian diplomacy and development.

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Security Sources: Pakistani military shelling in Kunar and Nuristan leaves female doctor dead

The sources said the vehicle was struck by gunfire and subsequently fell into the Kunar River.

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Security sources report that several security incidents in the eastern provinces of Kunar and Nuristan have resulted in the death of a female doctor, injuries to others, and several people reported missing.

According to the sources, early Thursday morning at around 9:30 a.m., Pakistani military forces opened fire on a Toyota vehicle in the Dokalam Baghcha area of Nari district in Kunar province.

The sources said the vehicle was struck by gunfire and subsequently fell into the Kunar River. As a result of the incident, a female doctor was killed and another person was injured. Five other individuals who were reportedly in the vehicle remain missing, the sources added.

In a separate incident, security sources stated that around 11:00 a.m. in the Seno area of Shultan district, Kunar province, Pakistani forces carried out artillery shelling that left one person injured. The injured individual was transferred to the provincial hospital for medical treatment.

Meanwhile, security sources in Nuristan say that despite Pakistan’s announced ceasefire, the main road between Kamdesh and Barg-e-Matal districts has been completely closed to traffic since Thursday morning.

According to the sources, the closure of the route has caused serious difficulties for local residents, preventing any movement in the area. The sources also claim that Pakistani military posts are located within close proximity of the road and have opened fire on people attempting to pass through the area.

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UN Secretary-General condemns Pakistani airstrike on Kabul rehab center

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed concern over rising tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, stressing the importance of diplomacy to resolve conflicts.

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The United Nations Secretary-General has strongly condemned a Pakistani airstrike on a rehabilitation center for addicts in Kabul and expressed condolences to the families of the victims.

The attack, which occurred on March 16, reportedly left over 600 people killed or injured, according to local sources.

In an official statement, Antonio Guterres, UN Secretary-General, emphasized that under international humanitarian law, patients, medical staff, and healthcare facilities, including hospitals, must be respected and protected at all times.

Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, stated: “The Secretary-General strongly condemns the airstrike in Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan, on March 16, which reportedly resulted in the deaths and injuries of civilians at a medical facility.”

Haq added that Guterres has called for an independent and impartial investigation into the incident, while offering his deepest condolences to the families of the victims and wishing a speedy recovery for the injured.

The Secretary-General reiterated the urgent need to reduce tensions and immediately halt hostilities between Afghanistan and Pakistan, emphasizing that disputes should be resolved through dialogue and peaceful solutions in accordance with the UN Charter.

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed concern over rising tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, stressing the importance of diplomacy to resolve conflicts.

This development comes after Afghanistan and Pakistan announced a temporary cessation of hostilities ahead of Eid al-Fitr, a move that regional officials hope will pave the way for a lasting ceasefire and ensure the protection of civilians in both countries.

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IEA Supreme Leader: Afghanistan’s victory lies in faith and National unity

Akhundzada also called on citizens to support the Islamic Emirate, stating that those serving in the current system are the sons of the same nation and people.

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Eid al-Fitr prayers were held on Thursday at the Eidgah Mosque in Kandahar, led by Hibatullah Akhundzada, the supreme leader of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, with a large number of residents attending the ceremony.

During his sermon, Akhundzada said that if the people of Afghanistan were meant to be destroyed by bombardments and military attacks, it would have happened during the wars with the Soviet Union and the United States.

According to the Islamic Emirate leader, the key to Afghanistan’s victory and resilience lies in reliance on Islam, preservation of religious beliefs, and unity among the people. He stressed that by adhering to Islamic values, no country would be able to harm Afghanistan.

Akhundzada also called on citizens to support the Islamic Emirate, stating that those serving in the current system are the sons of the same nation and people.

At the same time, he urged government officials to ensure justice in their duties, warning that no system can survive through oppression. He added that the implementation of decrees and laws is necessary to reform society and maintain order in the country.

The Islamic Emirate leader further said that without Islam, Afghanistan could have remained under the control of the United States and NATO, but now, according to him, the country stands as an independent and free nation.

In the economic section of his remarks, Akhundzada called on traders to avoid hoarding goods and instead assist fellow Muslims in difficult times. He warned that individuals found hoarding commodities for up to 40 days would face legal consequences.

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