Latest News
Speculation of Prisoner Swap as ISI Chief Visits Kabul
The Office of Afghanistan’s National Security Council (ONSC) said on Monday that the Chief of Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Lt General Faiz Hameed and the country’s Foreign Secretary Sohail Mahmood have held talks with Afghanistan’s National Security Adviser Hamdullah Mohib in Kabul.
Kabir Haqmal, Spokesman of the ONSC said, the two sides discussed on ways to normalize Kabul-Islamabad relations and formation of a technical committee to solve problems of Afghan Market in Peshawar.
Meanwhile, reports emerged that the Pakistani delegation will apologize to Afghan officials over the harassment of Afghanistan’s ambassador in Islamabad.
On November 4, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that personnel of Pakistan’s intelligence agency has mistreated Atif Mashal, the Afghan Ambassador to Pakistan.
Kabul described Pakistan’s action “in clear contradiction with diplomatic norms and principles” and vowed to investigate the issue.
In addition, there are speculations about the possible release of several Taliban leaders, including Anas Haqqani, a top member of Haqqani Network, in exchange for two foreign professors abducted in Afghanistan in 2016. But, there was no confirmation yet by any side.
Former Afghan Intelligence Chief Rahmatullah Nabil wrote on Twitter that he believes the main purpose of ISI chief visit is finalizing the deal on prisoners exchange that “may happen soon”.
According to Nabil, Anas Haqqani, the brother of Sirajuddin Haqqani who is the leader of Haqqani network and Deputy Leader of the Taliban insurgent group, Mali Khan Zadran, a brother of the Haqqani Network’s Founder, and Hafiz Rashid, the brother of Mullah Nabi Omari, a Guantanamo prisoner who was exchanged along other four men for captured U.S. soldier Bowe Bergdahl in 2014.
Rana Sanaullah, Pakistan Prime Minister’s Special Assistant on Political Affairs, says Islamabad does not seek to impose war on Afghanistan or occupy any part of its territory.
Speaking at a press conference on Saturday, he stated that Pakistan’s primary expectation is for Afghanistan to prevent militant groups from using its soil to launch attacks against Pakistan. He warned that failure to address this concern could lead to the continuation of Pakistani operations targeting such groups.
Pakistani officials have long maintained that militant attacks in Pakistan are planned from Afghan territory. However, the Islamic Emirate has rejected the claim, insisting that Afghanistan is not responsible for what it describes as Pakistan’s “security failures.”
Afghanistan has once again been ranked the least happy country in the world, according to the latest edition of the World Happiness Report.
The report, which measures people’s overall life satisfaction across 147 countries, placed Afghanistan at the bottom of the global ranking for another year, with a score 1.4 out of 10. Researchers assess factors such as income levels, social support, freedom to make life choices, perceptions of corruption, and overall quality of life.
For the ninth consecutive year, Finland ranked as the world’s happiest country, with a score of 7.7. Iceland and Denmark followed it, as Nordic nations continued to dominate the top of the index.
A notable development came from Costa Rica, which climbed to fourth place — the highest ranking ever recorded for a Latin American country.
Other countries with low rankings included Sierra Leone, Malawi, Zimbabwe and Botswana.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has welcomed the temporary ceasefire between Pakistan and Afghanistan announced in connection with the Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations, calling for continued efforts to reduce tensions and achieve lasting peace.
Anwar shared the message during a telephone conversation with his Pakistani counterpart, Shehbaz Sharif. In a Facebook post, Anwar emphasized the importance of dialogue and de-escalation, while also expressing concern over rising tensions in the Middle East, particularly involving Iran, and urging all parties to prioritize peaceful solutions.
Pakistan said it had temporarily suspended military operations in Afghanistan at the request of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Turkey. Afghan authorities likewise announced a halt to operations during Eid, citing goodwill and similar requests from regional partners.
The ceasefire follows weeks of heightened tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, including Durand Line clashes and airstrikes.
Separately, Turkey President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in a phone call discussed regional developments with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, reaffirming Turkey’s commitment to peace and stability and stressing continued cooperation for long-term security.
Pakistan PM’s adviser: No intention to impose war on Afghanistan
Trump says US considering ‘winding down’ Iran war
Afghanistan again ranked last in global happiness index
Ireland to host Afghanistan for ODI series in August
Malaysian PM welcomes temporary Afghanistan–Pakistan truce, urges lasting peace
Pakistani military jet downed in Afghanistan’s Jalalabad, pilot captured alive
Afghan Air Force conducts airstrikes in Islamabad, other cities
Prominent Muslim scholar issues fatwa calling for Afghanistan-Pakistan ceasefire
Afghan air force strikes key Pakistani military installations in retaliatory operation
IEA: Special circle in Pakistan has launched mission to destabilize region
Tawsia: Assessment of Afghanistan’s economic activities in 1404
Tahawol: Temporary ceasefire draws broad support
Saar: Emphasis on resolving conflicts through diplomacy
Tahawol: Global reactions to Pakistan’s recent attacks discussed
Saar: Consequences of Pakistani airstrikes on Afghans discussed
-
Latest News4 days agoPakistan opposes normal Afghanistan–India relations: Shaheen
-
Latest News3 days agoIEA announces temporary pause in defensive operations against Pakistan for Eid
-
Sport4 days agoAfghanistan national buzkashi team defeats Hungary 14–0
-
Latest News5 days agoAfghanistan warns Pakistan of ‘teeth-breaking’ response after deadly Kabul bombing
-
Latest News4 days agoKarzai accuses Pakistan of seeking to destabilise Afghanistan after Kabul strike
-
Latest News3 days agoPakistani shelling hits Kunar districts despite ‘pause in hostility’ over Eid
-
Latest News4 days agoWHO Chief urges Kabul and Islamabad to prioritize peace
-
Regional5 days agoIsrael’s Katz says Iran’s security chief killed, Tehran strikes Gulf neighbours