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Stories (5)
Afghan Delegation Talks with Pakistan in Urum
Afghanistan’s Islamic Emirate has dispatched a mid-level delegation, led by Mohibullah Wasiq, to Urumqi, China, to hold talks with Pakistan through Chinese mediation. The talks, also involving senior Afghan and Pakistani officials, aim to address security concerns, border tensions, and strengthen neighborly ties, trade, and regional stability. Pakistan accuses Kabul of harboring militants; Kabul denies this, framing the dialogue as a constructive effort to manage security iss
2026-05-24Afghanistan Crisis: UNDP Warns of Poverty
Summary: - UNDP reports that Afghanistan faces deepening poverty and mounting humanitarian strain in 2025, driven by rapid population growth, declining international aid, climate shocks, and ongoing restrictions on women’s rights. - A record 2.9 million Afghans returned in 2025, raising demand on already stretched services and livelihoods; overall, about 28 million people (three-quarters of the population) cannot meet basic needs. - The economy grew modestly (GDP up 1.9% in
2026-05-24Chinese Scholar on Taliban's Kabul Dynamics
Summary: - Afghanistan’s Taliban pursue an “economy-first balanced diplomacy,” prioritizing economic engagement to normalize ties with China, Central Asia, and other regions, and are willing to establish formal relations with willing partners despite past grievances. - The Taliban seek Chinese investment but refuse to fully cooperate on Beijing’s primary security demand: the expulsion of ETIM from Afghan soil. ETIM remains a live security issue, with some allegiance to the Ta
2026-05-24Pakistan-Afghanistan Border Trade Crisis
Summary: - Pakistan–Afghanistan border closures have shut five active trade posts on the key cross-border route, triggering the longest closure in recent decades with no clear timeline for resolution. - The move comes amid a broader Afghan–Pakistan dispute over militancy, including TTP activity and a deadly ISIS-led attack in Islamabad. Pakistan blames Afghanistan’s Taliban government for not curbing militant groups; Afghanistan denies harboring them. - A joint Pakistan–Afgha
2026-05-24Taliban Seeks UN Representation Amid Legitimy
Summary: - Taliban acting foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi pressed for Afghanistan’s representation at the United Nations and other international bodies, in a meeting with Georgette Gagnon (UNAMA acting head). - The Taliban view UN membership as key to legitimacy and broader engagement; the UN has not granted Afghanistan’s seat due to concerns about legitimacy and governance under the Taliban. - UN officials reportedly urged greater international engagement with Afghanistan
2026-05-24