Ariana NewsHigh-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.
ReliableJUI-P Leader Fazl-ur-Rehman Urges Review of Pakistan's Afghanistan Policy, Warns of Regional Isolation
Maulana Fazl-ur-Rehman, leader of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Pakistan, urged a review of Pakistan's policies toward Afghanistan and warned of regional isolation during a speech at Mufti Mahmood Center. He called for abandoning influence efforts over a free and independent Afghanistan and pursuing a unified foreign policy.
ReliableFloods in Afghanistan's Badghis Province Kill Five, Cause Damage to Lands and Property
Floods in Badghis province killed five people, including a child, destroyed agricultural lands and caused financial damage, while heavy rains temporarily closed the Herat-Kandahar highway. The Farah River swelled but has returned to normal.
ReliableHerat Traders Donate 15 Million Afghanis in Humanitarian Aid to Iran
Traders in Herat province donated 15 million afghanis in cash humanitarian aid to Iran, handing it over to the Iranian consulate. Officials confirmed ongoing trade relations and expressed interest in joint rebuilding efforts for schools and healthcare centers.
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.
ReliableUS Vice President Vance Emerges as Key Figure in Iran Peace Efforts
US Vice President JD Vance has become a central figure in backchannel US diplomacy for peace with Iran during a nearly month-long war, confirmed by President Trump and supported by White House officials. Vance is coordinating with Israeli, Gulf allies, and indirect Iranian channels while denying reports of tensions with Netanyahu.
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.
ReliableNorwegian Refugee Council Warns of Humanitarian Crisis for Afghan Migrants in Iran War
The Norwegian Refugee Council states that the war in Iran has left over 4 million Afghan migrants vulnerable in a humanitarian crisis, with more than 35,000 returning to Afghanistan and 1 million at risk of expulsion. It reports widespread destruction from U.S. and Israeli attacks and urges more international aid.
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.
ReliableTrump Claims Iran Requested 10-Day Pause in Energy Strikes, Tehran Denies
U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social a 10-day extension until April 6 of a pause in strikes on Iran's energy facilities, claiming it was requested by Tehran and that talks are going well. Iran denied the request and disputed claims of smooth direct negotiations.
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.
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.
ReliablePrime Minister of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan Holds Telephone Conversation with Malaysian Prime Minister
The Prime Minister of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, Mohammad Hassan Akhund, discussed regional tensions with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, with both expressing concern over attacks on Iran and calling for dialogue to resolve Afghanistan-Pakistan issues. Pakistan resumed military operations against targets in Afghanistan after the Eid ceasefire ended.
ReliableIsraeli Defense Minister Claims Airstrike Killed IRGC Navy Commander
Israel's Defense Minister Israel Katz claimed an airstrike killed Alireza Tangsiri, commander of Iran's IRGC Navy, blamed for blocking the Strait of Hormuz. No official confirmation from Iran has been reported amid the ongoing U.S.-Israel conflict.
ReliableTajikistan Approves $57 Million Chinese Investment for Border Posts, Holds High-Level Talks with Islamic Emirate
Tajikistan has approved a $57 million Chinese investment for nine new border posts and engaged in high-level diplomatic contacts with Afghanistan's Islamic Emirate following deadly border incidents. The shift responds to attacks that killed five Chinese citizens and clashes resulting in nine other deaths.
ReliableIslamic Emirate Deputy Minister Calls for Fair Water Sharing at Tashkent Forum
Mujib-ur-Rahman Omar Akhundzada, deputy minister of water and energy for the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, called for fair water distribution, stronger diplomacy and joint climate action at the "Water Week" forum in Tashkent. He reaffirmed commitment to neighbors' water rights and met Uzbekistan's water minister to discuss bilateral ties.
ReliableAfghanistan National Football Team to Face Myanmar in Asian Cup Qualifier
The Afghanistan national football team faces Myanmar in a ceremonial match at Thuwunna Stadium in Yangon as part of the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers, with both teams already eliminated from advancing.
ReliableWhite House Warns Iran of Harsher Attacks if It Rejects 'Military Defeat'
White House spokesperson Caroline Leavitt warned that President Trump will launch harsher attacks on Iran if it refuses to accept its 'military defeat,' as the U.S.-Israel war enters its fourth week amid mediation efforts and ongoing talks. A senior Iranian official said Tehran is reviewing a U.S. proposal to end the conflict, boosting markets.
ReliableEuropean Union Calls for De-escalation of Tensions Between Afghanistan and Pakistan
The European Union called for de-escalation of tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan at the UNHCR's 95th Standing Committee, urging dialogue, civilian protection and action against militants by the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. It also raised concerns about the humanitarian crisis, women's restrictions, mass returns of Afghans and forced deportations.
ReliableUS Citizen Dennis Coyle Transferred to UAE After Release from Kabul
US citizen Dennis Coyle was released from detention in Kabul following a supreme court decision and his mother's request, then transferred to the UAE via a diplomatic process facilitated by the UAE Foreign Ministry. Kabul authorities stated the detention was for legal violations, not political reasons, with due process followed.
ReliablePakistani Artillery Strikes Kill Civilians in Afghanistan's Kunar Province
Pakistani artillery and drone strikes on Kunar province districts killed at least one civilian and wounded several others over the past 24 hours, according to Afghan officials, who reported destroying three Pakistani posts in response. Casualty figures varied between sources, with two killed and eight wounded cited by two outlets.
ReliableFirst 'Made in Afghanistan' Exhibition Opens in Uzbekistan
The first "Made in Afghanistan" exhibition opened in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, on March 25, featuring over 60 stalls of Afghan products for three days. Organized by the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment and Uzbekistan's chamber with UNDP support, it seeks to enhance trade, exports and investment ties.
ReliableUS Proposes 15-Point Ceasefire Plan to Iran
The US has proposed a 15-point ceasefire plan to Iran via Pakistani intermediaries amid Middle East conflict, including demands to dismantle Iran's nuclear program and halt proxy support. Iran denied the reports and rejected talks, while Israeli officials expressed surprise.
ReliableTaliban Release American Citizen on Eid al-Fitr
The Taliban released American citizen Dennis Coyle from prison on Eid al-Fitr following a family pardon request and Supreme Court approval, amid U.S. warnings to free all detained Americans. Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi met with a U.S. delegation and thanked the UAE and Qatar for their roles.
Reliable10 Players Withdraw from Afghanistan National Football Team for Asian Cup Qualifiers
The Afghanistan Football Federation announced that 10 players, including Habibullah Askar and Awis Azizi, have withdrawn from the national team for AFC Asian Cup qualifiers against Myanmar and Syria due to family issues, injuries, and Middle East security concerns. Coach Jose Antonio Noguera plans to focus on domestic players after these matches to build a more committed squad.
ReliablePakistan Reaffirms Anti-Terrorism Commitment as Ceasefire with Kabul Nears Deadline
Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have reaffirmed commitments to anti-terrorism operations, including in Afghanistan, as a temporary Eid al-Fitr ceasefire with Kabul authorities nears its end without signs of extension. Tensions continue amid mutual accusations and recent deadly cross-border incidents.
ReliableColombia Military Plane Crash Near Peru Border Kills 66, Leaves 4 Missing
A Colombian C-130 Hercules military plane crashed near the Peru border during takeoff, killing 66 of 128 on board and leaving four missing, with 57 survivors rescued amid challenging conditions. President Gustavo Petro highlighted risks from delays in army modernization.
ReliableGermany Rejects Taliban's Appointee as Charge d'Affaires at Afghan Embassy in Berlin
Germany has rejected the Taliban's appointment of Nibras al-Haq Aziz as charge d'affaires at the Afghan embassy in Berlin, insisting that pre-2021 diplomat Abdul Baqi Popal continue managing it amid a lack of formal recognition steps. Berlin prioritizes ongoing consular services like visas and passports.