Amu TVPeace Jirga Planned Between Pakistan and Taliban to Ease Tensions
Pakistani sources report a peace jirga between Pakistan and the Taliban is planned, likely for March 31 in Peshawar, to foster mutual respect, call for a ceasefire and issue a joint declaration amid escalating tensions. A follow-up meeting is set for Quetta.
ReliableIslamic Emirate Foreign Minister Holds Phone Conversation with UAE Counterpart
Islamic Emirate Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi discussed Afghanistan-US issues, the regional situation and Afghanistan-Pakistan developments with UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, condemning US-initiated wars and stressing dialogue to resolve tensions with Pakistan.
ReliableRussian Duma Deputy Calls Recruiting Afghan Workers a 'Big Mistake'
Russian Duma deputy Mikhail Matveyev has called the recruitment of Afghan workers a "big mistake" and a security threat, citing their alleged prominence in European violent crime statistics and lack of relevant economic skills. The comments follow a proposal by the Taliban ambassador in Moscow and prior expert-level talks between Russian and Taliban officials on labor needs.
ReliableHigh-Ranking Uzbek Delegation Arrives in Kabul to Boost Trade with Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan
A high-ranking delegation from Uzbekistan's Namangan Province led by Governor Shukrat Abdulrazzaqov has arrived in Kabul to strengthen trade and investment with the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. The group will meet officials, participate in business conferences, visit Balkh Province and inaugurate a Uzbek products exhibition in Mazar-i-Sharif.
ReliableUzbekistan Says Excessive Water Withdrawal from Qosh Tepa Canal Could Create Risks
Uzbekistan's Water Resources Minister has warned that Afghanistan's large-scale water withdrawal from the Qosh Tepa Canal could harm Uzbek agriculture if it reaches four billion cubic meters. The canal project is currently on hold due to electricity shortages as the Taliban continue work on the 285-kilometer waterway to irrigate 580,000 hectares.
ReliableTaliban Arrest Two Social Activists in Herat for Demanding Reopening of Girls' Schools
The Taliban arrested two social activists in Herat for posting on social media in support of reopening girls' schools amid a nearly five-year ban on secondary education for girls.
ReliableAfghanistan's Academic Year Begins One Week Late, Excluding Girls Above Sixth Grade
Afghanistan's academic year began on March 28, 2026, one week late, with the Taliban permitting only boys and girls below sixth grade to attend amid the fifth year of exclusion for older girls. Male students criticized dress and curriculum restrictions, while affected girls demanded international action; UNICEF cites over 2.2 million girls out of school.
ReliableAfghan Migrant Returns from Iran Drop to Lowest Levels Amid Regional War
Taliban statistics indicate Afghan migrant returns from Iran have fallen to their lowest levels amid the Israel-U.S.-Iran war, with just over 300 via Islam Qala in the past week compared to tens of thousands daily previously. The Taliban has eased restrictions on Iranian goods imports to combat inflation.
ReliableRussian Envoy Urges Taliban and Pakistan to Cooperate Against Terrorist Groups
Russia's special envoy for Afghanistan, Zamir Kabulov, called on the Taliban and Pakistan to cooperate in combating terrorist groups rather than engaging in military clashes. The remarks come as border tensions escalate following Pakistani airstrikes and Taliban responses since October 2025.
ReliablePakistani Cleric Fazl Rahman Urges End to Desire to Dominate Afghanistan
Fazl Rahman, head of Pakistan's Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam, called on Pakistan to abandon its desire to dominate Afghanistan during a press conference amid fifth-week border clashes with Taliban forces. He criticized past diplomatic failures and urged support for a stable, independent Afghanistan.
DevelopingPakistani Students in Afghanistan Demand Reopening of Torkham Border Crossing
Pakistani students studying in Afghanistan have called on their government to reopen the Torkham border crossing after winter holidays, as they cannot afford airplane tickets. The crossing was closed following Pakistani airstrikes and clashes with Taliban forces, with a recent temporary opening ending after a sniper wounded a Pakistani border guard.
ReliableGerman Chancellor Merz Criticizes US Regime Change in Afghanistan as Failure
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz described US regime change efforts in Afghanistan as a failure that swapped one mullah government for another after 20 years. He made the remarks in a TV interview responding to questions about Iran.
ReliableChina Welcomes Pakistan's Mediation in US-Iran Talks
China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi welcomed Pakistan's mediation efforts between the US and Iran during talks with his Pakistani counterpart Ishaq Dar. Both nations agreed to coordinate on halting the conflict, reviving negotiations and protecting civilians.
ReliableUnnamed Iranian Official Warns of Strait of Hormuz Closure in Response to US or Israeli Military Operations
An unnamed Iranian official warned that any US or Israeli military operation in the Strait of Hormuz would result in its indefinite closure, with ground attacks met by similar responses. The threat follows weeks of US-Israeli strikes on Iran, including the killing of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, and Iranian counterattacks.
ReliableIranian Missile Attack on Saudi Base Wounds 12 U.S. Troops, Two Critically
An Iranian missile and drone attack on Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia injured 12 U.S. troops, two critically, amid ongoing strikes on Gulf countries. Several U.S. fighter jets were damaged, adding to prior casualties of around 300 wounded.
ReliablePakistan's Defense Minister Says Pressure on Taliban Will Continue Until Objectives Achieved
Pakistan's Defense Minister Khawaja Asif stated that military pressure on the Afghan Taliban will continue until specific objectives are met, despite failed mediation attempts by countries including China, Qatar, Turkey and Saudi Arabia. He highlighted China's extensive influence in Afghanistan as potentially key to resolving the crisis.
ReliableU.S. Demands Taliban End 'Hostage-Taking Policy' After Release of Detained American
U.S. State Department spokesperson Elizabeth Steikeney demanded the Taliban end its 'hostage-taking policy' and release detained Americans like Mahmoud Habibi and Paul Overby following Dennis Quail's recent freeing. The Taliban maintains that detentions follow Afghan law, amid U.S. pressure including its unjust detention list.
ReliableWilliam McCarn Appointed Chairman of Hasht-e Subh Foundation Board
The Hasht-e Subh Foundation, known for investigative journalism on corruption and human rights, has appointed media executive William McCarn as its new board chairman, joining founder Zaki Daryabi and former Bamiyan governor Habiba Sarabi. The organization relocated to Silver Spring, Maryland, after its activities were banned in Afghanistan following the 2021 Taliban takeover.
ReliableUS Secretary Rubio Says Goals in Iran Achievable Without Ground Forces
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the United States can achieve its goals in Iran without ground forces by targeting Iran's navy, air force and missile capabilities, with operations ahead of schedule and expected to conclude in weeks. He noted preparations for over 1,000 additional US troops and addressed issues involving Ukrainian weapons, Russian lawmakers and Moscow's intelligence sharing with Iran.
ReliableIran's Foreign Minister Accuses US and Israel of Illegal, Brutal War at UN Rights Session
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi accused the US and Israel of an illegal and brutal war at a UN Human Rights Council session responding to an airstrike on a school in Minab that killed dozens of civilians. Other developments include potential US-Iran direct talks in Pakistan, a Ukraine-Saudi defense deal, European concerns over Russia-Iran ties, and tensions over the Strait of Hormuz.
ReliableRussia Holds Expert-Level Talks with Taliban on Recruiting Afghan Migrant Workers
Russia is holding expert-level talks with the Taliban to recruit Afghan migrant workers to address labor shortages, though no agreement has been finalized. Opposition leader Sergei Mironov opposes the plan, favoring workers from Central Asian countries.
ReliableIran-Linked Cybercriminals Access Personal Email of FBI Director Kash Patel
CBS News reported that cybercriminals linked to Iran accessed the personal email of FBI Director Kash Patel, with the Handala Hacktim group claiming responsibility and publishing related materials online. The breach followed US Department of Justice seizures of Handala-related domains.
ReliableOver 160,000 Afghan Migrants Return from Pakistan Since Start of Solar Year Amid Border Clashes, UN Says
The UN reports over 160,000 Afghan migrants have returned from Pakistan since the start of the solar year amid clashes that killed or injured 289 civilians and displaced 115,000 people. Pakistani officials say the total returns exceed 2.13 million, with the Torkham border briefly reopening before closing again.
ReliableTaliban Waives Visa Requirements for Iranian Truck Drivers Entering Afghanistan
Taliban authorities, by order of Hibatullah Akhundzada, have waived visa and road pass requirements for Iranian transit truck drivers entering Afghanistan via Islam Qala, aiming to cut transport costs and create jobs. Herat Governor Islam Jar oversaw implementation at the border amid reports of differing start dates between sources.
ReliableRussia Calls Deployment of US, NATO Military Facilities in Afghanistan Unacceptable
Russia's special envoy Zamir Kabulov stated that deploying US or NATO military facilities in Afghanistan or neighboring countries is unacceptable, expressing hope that the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan maintains its opposition. He dismissed potential US requests for Bagram base access amid Middle East tensions as similar to past demands under the Trump administration after the 2021 withdrawal.
ReliableHuman Rights Watch Deems Pakistan Airstrike on Kabul Drug Treatment Center Illegal and Likely War Crime
Human Rights Watch has labeled Pakistan's March 16 airstrike on a Kabul drug treatment center illegal and potentially a war crime, reporting at least 143 killed with no evidence of military targets. The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan claims higher casualties exceeding 400.
ReliableInternational Railway Organization Suspends Afghanistan's Voting Rights Over Unpaid Fees
The International Organization for Railway Transport has suspended Afghanistan's voting rights due to unpaid fees from 2022 onward, effective March 24 with implementation from January 1, 2026. Afghanistan retains observer status but faces potential membership termination if debts persist for two more years.
ReliableUS Treasury to Print Trump's Signature on Dollar Banknotes for 250th Anniversary
The US Treasury Department announced that President Donald Trump's signature will appear on dollar banknotes starting late this year alongside Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's, marking the 250th anniversary of the US founding. The unprecedented change removes the treasurer's name and aligns with Trump's legacy-building initiatives.
Reliable'Afghanistan Expo Tashkent' Opens in Uzbekistan with Afghan Business Delegation
The first "Afghanistan Expo Tashkent" opened in Uzbekistan, featuring Afghan products and a delegation of about 120 businessmen led by Mohammad Karim Hashemi. Bilateral trade reached 1.68 billion U.S. dollars in 2025, up 50 percent from the prior year.
ReliableIslamic Emirate Industry Minister Meets Turkish Chargé d'Affaires to Discuss Trade Ties
Nooruddin Azizi, the Islamic Emirate's Minister of Industry and Commerce, met with Turkish Embassy Chargé d'Affaires Sadin Aydildiz in Kabul to discuss expanding trade ties, including via the Lapis Lazuli Corridor, and received an invitation to the Antalya Diplomacy Forum.