Latest News
Thousands of Afghans protest against desecration of Quran in Sweden, Netherlands
Thousands of people took to the streets in different cities of Afghanistan on Friday to protest against the recent desecration of the Quran in Sweden and the Netherlands.
Chanting slogans against both the European countries, protesters called for the perpetrators of the acts to be punished.
“The Holy Quran is the book of brotherhood. This book never insults the sacred things of others. We want that such offensive acts should be prevented in the future,” said Ahmad Khan, a protester in Kabul.
Ismail, another protester in Kabul, said: “We ask Islamic countries to cut off their diplomatic relations with Sweden and the Netherlands until the perpetrators of insulting the Holy Quran are publicly punished.”
Some of the protesters said that they are ready to give their lives to defend their sacred things.
“We are ready to sacrifice our heads, property and children to the Quran,” Qutbuddin said.
In the northern province of Balkh, people protested by chanting slogans against acts of insult to the Quran. The protesters asked the international community and the Muslim world to prevent such acts.
“This crime is a repeated crime. Since countries are obliged to obey to the international laws, such crimes must be stopped,” said Mohammad Naeem, a protester in Balkh.
“Muslims have taught the enemies of Quran and Islam a lesson throughout history, and they will not allow anyone to insult their religion and Quran,” said Maulvi Qahir, a protester in Balkh.
In the province of Herat, protester changed “Death to Sweden and long live Islam.”
“These countries present themselves as friends, but these acts show that they are our enemies and are real terrorists. In international laws, insulting the sacred things is considered a crime. No one has the right to insult the sacred things of a country or a religion,” said Qasim, a protester in Herat.
“We ask the international community, the United Nations and human rights organizations to bring the perpetrators of insults to the Quran to justice as soon as possible. We respect the whole world and we expect that our religion will always be respected,” said Emal, a protester in Herat.
In the east of the country, the people of Nangarhar also took to the streets after Friday prayers to condemn the desecration of Quran.
Zalmay Khalilzad, the former US special representative for Afghanistan, has questioned Pakistan’s commitment to the welfare of the Afghan people, citing Islamabad’s policies over the past three decades.
Khalilzad said in a post on X that Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif advocated for the rights of Afghan women during his speech at the UN General Assembly on Friday.
Sharif said: “Fundamental rights of the Afghan people — especially women and girls — must be respected.”
Responding to the remarks, Khalilzad said Pakistan’s policies over the past 30 years raise questions about Sharif’s commitment to Afghan welfare.
He cited Pakistan’s support for militant groups against US forces and what he described as the poor treatment of Afghan refugees as examples.
Khalilzad also said Afghanistan and Pakistan need and should have much better relations, adding that “a reset is necessary.”
India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met with the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, Rabab Fatima, on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.
Indian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a post on X that Misri underscored the need to keep addressing the humanitarian needs of the Afghan people as a priority.
Misri also appreciated the role of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) and reaffirmed India’s continued cooperation with the United Nations on Afghanistan.
The meeting comes as Afghanistan continues to face humanitarian and economic challenges, with international agencies warning of significant needs among the Afghan population.
Kazakhstan’s Foreign Minister Mukhtar Tileuberdi has called for pragmatic and coordinated international engagement with Afghanistan, saying the country’s long-term stability is closely linked to the security and sustainable development of Central Asia.
Speaking during the general debate of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Friday, Tileuberdi said humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan remains essential but alone cannot break the cycle of poverty, displacement and dependency.
He said Kazakhstan supports a “pragmatic, coordinated and step-by-step” approach to international engagement with Afghanistan, with the United Nations playing a central role.
Tileuberdi also said Kazakhstan is working with the UN to operationalize the United Nations Regional Centre for the Sustainable Development Goals for Central Asia and Afghanistan in Almaty.
He said the success of the centre should be measured by the results and assistance it delivers to the region.
Abu Muslim Farah defeat Khurasan Faryab 2-0 in ACL season six
Saar: Concerns over Pakistan’s political crisis discussed
Afghanistan Champions League: Omar Zawak Herat beat Toofan Herat 1-0
Blast in Pakistan’s Dera Ismail Khan kills 11, injures 30
Ariana Afghan Airlines increases Kabul-Delhi cargo flights
Saudi energy group signs major Afghanistan deals covering gas exploration and pipeline plans
Trump floats idea of renaming Atlantic or Pacific Ocean
US hits Egyptian bank branches with Iran sanctions as war marks six months
Nepal flood rescue mission enters critical phase as thousands remain missing
Iranian clubs to face Gulf opponents at neutral venues in Asian Champions League Elite
Saar: Concerns over Pakistan’s political crisis discussed
Exclusive interview with Abdul Latif Mansoor, Minister of MRRD
Tawsia: Overview of Afghanistan’s iron mines
Tahawol: Discussion on fresh Pakistani airstrikes on Afghanistan
Saar: Calls for international support for Afghanistan discussed
-
World5 days agoCNN, MS NOW and Politico sue Trump, challenging White House ban
-
Latest News3 days agoAriana Afghan Airlines ranks seventh among 45 Central Asian airlines
-
Latest News5 days agoUN reiterates call for respect for international law after Kunar airstrikes
-
Regional4 days agoUS and Iran hold first talks since June after Trump’s ‘annihilation’ threat
-
Latest News3 days agoSilk Road highway in Wakhan corridor now reaches the China border
-
Regional3 days agoIran airlines cancel flights as US sanctions hit
-
Latest News5 days agoAfghan Official: Pakistan’s airstrikes will not go unanswered
-
Sport5 days agoAfghan boxing referee heads to China for international festival