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Taliban Demands Release of 82 Prisoners in Exchange for Two Professors

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Last Updated on: October 24, 2022

The Taliban militant group has given a list of 82 prisoners – to be exchanged with two foreign university professors – to the U.S. Special Envoy for Afghanistan Reconciliation.

Wahid Muzhda, a pro-Taliban political analyst on Thursday told Ariana News that the list includes key members of the group including designated governors, war commanders, and two key members of the Haqqani Network, Anas Haqqani and Hafiz Rashid, who are kept in Bagram, Pul-e-Charkhi and Afghan Intelligence agency prisons.

Kevin King and Timothy Weeks from Australia were teaching at Kabul’s American University of Afghanistan (AUAF) before gunmen took them hostage near the campus in August 2016.

Meanwhile, government sources said the U.S. chief negotiator Zalmay Khalilzad has told Afghan leaders that releasing of these inmates will facilitate the resumption of Afghan peace process including the intra-Afghan talks.

Recently, the Afghan National Security Advisor Hamdullah Mohib said Khalilzad discussed the release of two professors during his latest visit to Kabul.

Mohib further explained President Ashraf Ghani’s new plan for peace that requires Taliban to announce at least a month of ceasefire before the start of any negotiations.

For the past couple of years, the government was ready for negotiations with the Taliban without any pre-condition and that has changed now, he added.

Here in Kabul, Afghan officials are holding meetings with foreign diplomats on daily basis, discussing the peace process.

On Wednesday, President Ghani’s National Security Advisor met with the Russian Ambassador to Afghanistan Aleksandr Mantytsky in Kabul where they discussed the regional consensus for peace.

In addition, in a video message sent to media outlets, Spokesman of the National Security Council Kabir Haqmal re-emphasized on the government’s Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process.

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Around 15,000 cases of vulnerable Afghan children addressed over past year

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The Directorate of Child Protection at the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs announced on Saturday that in the solar year 1404, through the implementation of extensive support programs and the handling of thousands of protective cases, it has achieved significant accomplishments in securing rights, raising awareness, and improving the situation of children across Afghanistan.

According to the directorate, the registered cases have been organized into 23 different categories, allowing for targeted and specialized handling of each type of case. In the area of awareness-raising, extensive programs have also been implemented to improve the general knowledge of children and their families, resulting in 404,207 children and family members being informed about child rights, explosive hazards, environmental protection, and other important topics.

To strengthen local structures and accelerate case management, the Directorate of Child Protection, within the framework of its 1404 work plan, established 20 new committees at the district level in provincial centers. These committees play a key role in coordinating between government offices, rapidly identifying cases, and providing support services. Currently, child protection committees are active in 204 districts and regularly review and resolve children’s issues.

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Severe rainfall and natural disasters cause heavy casualties across Afghanistan

At least 61 people have been confirmed dead, with 116 others injured. Four individuals remain unaccounted for as search and rescue operations are underway.

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The Spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, Zabihullah Mujahid, has confirmed widespread devastation across the country following a series of natural disasters and heavy rainfall. The toll continues to rise as authorities assess the damage.

At least 61 people have been confirmed dead, with 116 others injured. Four individuals remain unaccounted for as search and rescue operations are underway. The disaster has also led to the destruction of 2,448 homes, leaving thousands displaced, while 26,841 acres of agricultural land have been severely damaged. In addition, the storm claimed the lives of 1,045 livestock animals, further exacerbating the already dire situation for rural communities.

In a statement, Mujahid emphasized the ongoing relief efforts. The Islamic Emirate is mobilizing all available resources to assist the hardest-hit regions and ensure the swift recovery of affected communities. The focus remains on providing immediate aid, including shelter, medical supplies, and food, while also beginning the long-term process of reconstruction and recovery.

Authorities have urged citizens in vulnerable areas to remain vigilant as more rain is forecast, adding to the urgency of the ongoing relief operations.

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Afghan citizens reported among casualties in US, Israeli attacks, Iran says

As of now, authorities of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan have not issued an official response to the claims.

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Iran’s Embassy in Kabul, citing Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei, has stated that a number of Afghan citizens were killed or injured during what Tehran described as a 35-day military campaign carried out by the United States and Israel.

According to the statement, the Afghan nationals were living in Iran at the time of the attacks. Baghaei referred to them as “honored guests” of the country, adding that some lost their lives while others sustained injuries during the reported strikes.

He did not provide specific figures regarding the number of Afghan casualties or further details about the incidents.

As of now, authorities of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan have not issued an official response to the claims.

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