Afghanistan Archives

China urges Pakistan and Afghanistan to pursue ceasefire

March 14, 2026 by Newsdesk

BEIJING: China has called on Pakistan and Afghanistan to move toward an immediate ceasefire and resolve their differences through dialogue.

According to a spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi spoke via telephone with Afghan counterpart Amir Khan Muttaqi.

Wang highlighted that China’s Special Envoy for Afghan Affairs is actively engaged in mediation efforts between the two countries.

The Chinese minister expressed hope that both Pakistan and Afghanistan would exercise restraint and avoid escalating tensions.

The spokesperson added that China has urged both sides to hold bilateral talks promptly and emphasized the importance of dialogue to resolve disputes.

China reaffirmed its commitment to continue playing an active role in reducing tensions between the two nations.

Pakistan destroys TTP infrastructure in Afghanistan, achieves target in Bagram

March 5, 2026 by Newsdesk

ISLAMABAD: Security sources say Pakistan has successfully achieved its target in Bagram, destroying the ammunition support infrastructure used by the Afghan Taliban regime to assist militants.

According to the sources, the ongoing Operation Ghazab-Lil-Haq is not directed against the Afghan people but solely against terrorism. They said the Afghan Taliban regime is involved in terrorist incidents in Pakistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The sources maintained that Pakistan is conducting intelligence-based operations in Afghanistan, and civilians are not being targeted. “Our strategy focuses only on terrorist hideouts, not civilian populations,” they added.

Security officials claimed that several mid-level leaders of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) were killed in the strikes. They said Pakistan has carried out more than 50 strikes against positions linked to the Afghan Taliban regime.

Sources further stated that Pakistan has so far destroyed 226 TTP checkpoints in Afghanistan and captured 36 others.

They emphasized that the Pakistani government’s role in the operation is balanced and called for national unity to make Operation Ghazab-Lil-Haq successful. “Our only demand from Afghanistan is that its territory should not be used for terrorism against Pakistan,” the sources said.

Referring to a United Nations report, they noted that 22 terrorist organizations are currently operating in Afghanistan. They also alleged that the Afghan Taliban were involved in recent incidents in Bajaur, Tarlai Mosque, and Wana.

The sources stressed the need for full implementation of the National Action Plan, saying the fight against terrorism must rise above politics. They added that if the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police were given full political independence, it could effectively combat terrorism on its own.

Security officials said Pakistan is not concerned about who governs Afghanistan, but is focused solely on eliminating terrorism. They clarified that no large-scale operation is underway in Tirah, and only intelligence-based operations are being conducted there.

The sources also accused India of supporting terrorism in Pakistan with the backing of the Afghan Taliban regime, claiming that decisions within the regime are being influenced by external actors.

They noted that although Pakistan’s defence budget is smaller than Iran’s, the country remains among the world’s most powerful militaries and maintains good relations with China, Russia, and the United States.

According to the sources, Pakistan did not act in response to any particular statement but carried out operations strictly to achieve its targets. “Strikes in Afghanistan will continue until the objectives are fully achieved,” they said.

They also rejected the notion that Afghanistan is the “graveyard of empires,” saying it has instead become a playground where global powers pursue their interests.

The sources claimed that threats attributed to the TTP are being circulated deliberately and described Afghanistan as a “master proxy.”

They reiterated that Pakistan has no intention of conquering Afghanistan and that the Afghan people themselves will decide any regime change.

Finally, Pakistan has conveyed a clear message to Afghanistan: hand over the TTP leadership to Pakistani authorities.

China offers constructive role to calm Pakistan-Afghanistan dispute

February 27, 2026 by Newsdesk

ISLAMABAD: China, Russia, Qatar, and Iran have offered to mediate amid rising tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

A spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed concern over the situation and stated that China is ready to play a constructive role, using diplomatic channels to mediate the dispute.

Both Qatar and Iran have similarly offered to facilitate dialogue between the two neighbors. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi urged that differences be resolved through talks and pledged Iran’s full support in enabling the dialogue.

Russia’s Foreign Minister also stated that if requested, Moscow is willing to consider mediating between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Meanwhile, the United Nations Secretary-General expressed concern over the recent tensions and urged both countries to fulfil their obligations under international law.

Pakistan vows retaliation against cross-border terrorism in Afghanistan

February 23, 2026 by Newsdesk

ISLAMABAD: In a Senate session, Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry outlined the government’s position on recent operations in Afghanistan, emphasizing that Pakistan will no longer merely recover bodies but will deliver a decisive response, avenging every martyr’s blood.

Addressing lawmakers, Chaudhry stated that Pakistan targeted multiple locations across three Afghan provinces as a part of a carefully planned operation. He said repeated warnings had been issued to Afghanistan regarding cross-border incursions.

“Afghanistan harbors terrorist hideouts and training camps. They requested PKR 10 billion to push the Taliban across the border, which we are ready to provide—but only with a guarantee that there will be no interference in Pakistan,” he added.

Chaudhry further detailed that attacks in Pakistan’s Tirlai, Bannu, and Bajaur districts trace back to Afghan territory, highlighting that terrorism in Pakistan now has a nationwide reach. “We are not here just to collect bodies. We know how to respond,” he said.

He underscored that Pakistan seeks peace but will never compromise on national security. The recent airstrikes were intelligence-based, targeting terrorist strongholds, resulting in the elimination of approximately 100 terrorists.

These operations targeted seven locations of the proscribed TTP and Fatah-ul-Khawarij in Nangarhar, Paktika, and Khost provinces, marking a decisive retaliatory measure following terrorist attacks on Pakistani soil.

South Africa defeat Afghanistan in second super over thriller

February 11, 2026 by Newsdesk

Ahmedabad, India: In a nail-biting Group D encounter of the T20 World Cup 2026, South Africa defeated Afghanistan in the second super over at Ahmedabad, securing a dramatic four-run victory.

Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan won the toss and elected to field first, inviting South Africa to bat. After a high-scoring 20-over innings from both teams, the match ended in a tie with 187 runs each, forcing a super over to decide the winner.

Super Overs

In the first super over, Afghanistan batted first and scored 17 runs, with South Africa responding with an identical 17, keeping fans on edge. In the decisive second super over, South Africa posted 23 runs, while Afghanistan managed 19, giving the Proteas a thrilling win by four runs.

South Africa Innings

South Africa’s innings began with Adam Markram and Quinton de Kock. Markram was dismissed early for 12, caught off Fazal Hak Farooqi. Following this early setback, De Kock and Rilee Rossouw played responsibly, putting on an excellent partnership and both completing their half-centuries in the same over.

Rossouw scored 61 while De Kock made 59. Dewald Brevis added 23 runs, and David Miller contributed 20 runs. Afghanistan’s bowling effort saw Azmatullah Omarzai take three wickets, while Rashid Khan claimed two.

Afghanistan Innings

Afghanistan opened with Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran. Despite a promising start, the team collapsed in the middle overs, losing 5 wickets in 13 balls, and was eventually all out for 187 in the 20th over. Rahmanullah Gurbaz played a powerful knock of 87 runs off 42 balls, hitting 7 sixes and 4 fours, while Azmatullah Omarzai scored 22 and Rashid Khan 20. South Africa’s Lungi Ngidi took three crucial wickets to keep Afghanistan under pressure.

This match marked Afghanistan’s second game of the tournament, following a loss to New Zealand in their opener. South Africa, meanwhile, continued their winning streak with a previous 57-run victory over Canada.

US weapons left in Afghanistan being used in terror attacks in Pakistan

February 4, 2026 by Newsdesk

According to a report by U.S. broadcaster CNN, weapons left behind by American forces in Afghanistan are now being used by terrorists in Pakistan, posing a significant obstacle to counterterrorism operations.

The report highlights that militant groups, including the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), are reportedly using U.S.-made rifles, machine guns, and sniper rifles in their attacks.

The availability of these weapons has reportedly increased both the scale and intensity of terrorist assaults in the region.

John Sopko, head of the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR), stated that approximately 300,000 U.S. weapons were left in Afghanistan during the withdrawal. These arms have since been used in attacks in Pakistan’s South Waziristan and Balochistan regions.

The Pakistani government has repeatedly provided evidence to both the Afghan authorities and the international community, showing that Afghan territory is being used to launch attacks against Pakistan and that terrorists, particularly the TTP, are using modern U.S.-supplied weapons in these operations.

The CNN report underscores the growing security challenge posed by the proliferation of abandoned U.S. arms in the region, which have empowered terrorist groups and complicated counterterrorism efforts.

Deadly rains and heavy snowfall wreak havoc in Afghanistan, 61 killed

January 24, 2026 by Newsdesk

Severe rain and heavy snowfall have caused widespread devastation across Afghanistan, leaving at least 61 people dead and more than 100 injured, according to international news agencies.

Reports said that snowfall and rainfall have continued since Wednesday in several provinces, including Parwan, Wardak, southern Kandahar, northern Jowzjan, Faryab, and central Bamyan, along with other regions.

Afghanistan’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) confirmed that the recent spell of extreme weather has resulted in 61 fatalities and 110 injuries nationwide.

Officials stated that at least 458 houses have been completely or partially damaged, while major highways and inter-provincial roads have been closed due to heavy snowfall and the risk of avalanches. Significant losses to livestock have also been reported.

The Meteorological Department has warned that more snowfall is expected in parts of the country later this week, raising fears of further casualties and damage.

The natural disaster has struck at a time when Afghanistan is already facing a severe humanitarian crisis, with millions of people relying on aid due to economic hardship, food shortages, and limited access to basic services.

Rare 2,000-year-old Buddhist statue discovered from Afghanistan

December 30, 2025 by Newsdesk

A rare Buddhist-era statue dating back nearly 2,000 years has been discovered in Afghanistan’s Kapisa province, according to the Taliban’s Department of Information and Culture.

In a statement issued, the department said the ancient statue belongs to the Buddhist period and was crafted in the Greco-Buddhist style, reflecting a blend of Hellenistic and Buddhist artistic influences. The artifact was recovered from a house in the Kara Taz area of Kapisa.

The discovery comes amid long-standing accusations by historians and international organizations that the Taliban have damaged or neglected Afghanistan’s cultural and historical heritage.

Experts believe the statue could provide valuable insights into ancient Afghanistan’s art, culture, and its historical trade and cultural links with Buddhist civilizations.

The statue is currently in the custody of local authorities. However, it remains unclear whether international archaeologists and experts will be granted access to study the artifact.

EU sounds alarm over worsening clean water crisis in Afghanistan

December 16, 2025 by Newsdesk

KABUL: The clean water crisis in Afghanistan has reached alarming levels, with the European Union warning that more than 20 million people lack access to safe drinking water.

According to reports, the EU has highlighted that contaminated water is contributing to a rise in waterborne diseases across the country. Afghan media outlet Khaama Press reported that over 212,000 children are currently affected by illnesses linked to unsafe water.

The World Health Organization (WHO) cited restrictions imposed by the Taliban and poor sanitation systems as key factors driving the surge in diseases.

The statement also noted that by May 2025, 442 medical clinics had been forced to close, further exacerbating the public health crisis.

The EU urged urgent international support to address Afghanistan’s water and health challenges, emphasizing that immediate action is needed to prevent further loss of life.

Pakistani youth breaks silence on baseless propaganda from India, Afghanistan

December 15, 2025 by Newsdesk

SYDNEY: Social media accounts in India and Afghanistan have circulated false claims linking a Pakistani youth to the recent deadly Sydney shooting.

According to reports, several Indian and Afghan social media users circulated images and claims alleging that Naveed Akram, a Pakistani youth residing in Sydney, was involved in the attack. Naveed Akram has strongly rejected the allegations, calling them completely false and misleading.

In a video message, Naveed Akram exposed the propaganda, stating that his photograph was being misused to spread lies. He clarified that he has no connection whatsoever with terrorism or the Sydney shooting, warning that the baseless claims have put his personal safety and reputation at serious risk. He also appealed for an immediate end to the false campaign on social media.

This is Naveed Akram. A Pakistani living in Sydney. His identity is falsely being used by some media as being one of the Bondi beach gunmen- this is fake news. His life has now been put in danger. He needs our help. Please share.
pic.twitter.com/JQGJqGkwW0
— Bushra Shaikh (@Bushra1Shaikh) December 14, 2025

Earlier, Australian police officially declared the Sydney beach shooting a terrorist incident, confirming that the attackers were a father and son. Police have also announced that the search for additional suspects has been concluded.

The shooting incident, which took place at a Sydney beach, resulted in 16 people being killed and 40 others injured. One attacker was shot dead during police action, while the second was arrested in an injured condition.

Meanwhile, Australian media highlighted an act of extraordinary bravery during the attack. A local citizen, 43-year-old Ahmed Al Ahmed, was hailed as a hero after risking his life to overpower one of the attackers and seize his weapon, saving several lives. Ahmed, a fruit vendor in Sydney and father of two, sustained two gunshot wounds to his arm and is currently receiving treatment in hospital, where he is reported to be out of danger.