Category: Afghanistan

Traders said that the fruits and vegetables in the trucks were getting spoiled….reports Asian Lite News

The Torkham crossing between Pakistan and Afghanistan remained closed for traffic for the seventh consecutive day, resulting in trucks carrying goods being stranded on both sides, Pakistan-based TOLO News reported.

Traders said that the fruits and vegetables in the trucks were getting spoiled.

Mohammad Farooq Ahmadi, a trader, said, “The fruits have returned to the domestic markets. Most of them were sold in the markets in Jalalabad. 7 kg of tomatoes were sold with prices of 15 to 20 Afs.”

Mohammad Yamin Watanyar said, “I myself only had three trucks, when I counted …My goods were spoiled,” TOLO News reported.

Torkham Crossing has been repeatedly closed by Pakistan mostly during the season of fruits and vegetables in Afghanistan.

Meanwhile, the Taliban-led Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment (ACCI) said that efforts are being made to find an alternative route in order to reduce dependency on trade on Torkham crossing.

Kham Mohammad Sarfaraz Baz, head of the Secretariat of Taliban-led ACCI, said, “If Chabahar port is ready for trade and transit of Afghanistan, and the problems exist there now are solved, I think we will get rid of these problems permanently,” TOLO News reported. 

Taliban-led Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MoIC) said that efforts are being made to reopen the Torkham crossing. Akhundzada Abdul Salam Javad, Taliban-led Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MoIC), said that they are following the issue seriously and talks are being held with Pakistani officials to resolve the issue.

On September 11, people in Afghanistan’s Nangarhar held protests over the closure of the Torkham crossing. According to the protesters, Pakistan has regularly closed the Torkham border under various pretexts during the fruit and vegetable season.

Protesters urged Afghan and Pakistani officials to resolve their political differences through diplomatic channels.

“When the season of fruits and vegetables arrives, you (Pakistan) close the path, make problems. You attack our checkpoints. Why?” said Wahidullah, a trader, according to TOLO News.

“The problems which are among the governments, you should solve it by any means, we don’t have any problems with it. But please don’t make obstacles for the transports,” said Farman Gul Shinwari, head of the free transport union in Nangarhar, TOLO News reported.

The Afghanistan-Pakistan border was closed after clashes were triggered by the construction of a new post along the border. The busy Torkham border crossing was closed on Wednesday after Pakistani and Afghan Taliban forces started firing at each other, according to local officials. (ANI)

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As per the news report, 13 journalists in Afghanistan continue to remain imprisoned….reports Asian Lite News

Seven media outlets have stopped operations in Paktia province due to the ongoing economic challenges after the Taliban took over Afghanistan in 2021, reported TOLO News.

According to the officials, these include four radio stations, two print media outlets, and one online media outlet.

The Afghanistan Independent Journalists Association (AIJA) in its latest findings revealed that more than 200 cases of violence and arrests involving journalists were recorded in the country. As per the news report, 13 journalists in Afghanistan continue to remain imprisoned.

Sayed Omer Adil, head of a radio station in Paktia said, “The media operating in the province have many economic problems and there is no specific source to finance them.”

“Media is the eyes of a country, if the government pays attention to it, it can both benefit itself and give legitimacy to the systems,” said Saif Sayad, the head of the radio.

According to the officials and employees of some of the media outlets, if the media outlets are still operating and are not supported, there is a concern that they will stop their activities, reported TOLO News.

Ehsanullah Tayb, a radio station employee said, “In general, the media are facing economic problems, and it will not be long before the media in the province close their doors.”

“We request the government does something serious for the media and takes care of their problems,” said Wahidullah, another radio employee.

Whereas, the Information and Culture department in Paktia pledged to support the media that operates under the principles of the Taliban, according to TOLO News.

Sawabjan Islamyar, head of the information and Culture department in Paktia said that the Taliban will support those media outlets who will publish according to the Taliban’s principles.

“The Islamic Emirate is committed to supporting those media that publish according to the principles of the Islamic Emirate,” Islamyar said.

Moreover, apart from RTA in Paktia, currently, six other private radio stations are operating in the province.

According to AIJA findings, over 7,000 media professionals, including many women lost their jobs, forcing many to seek overseas opportunities, Khaama Press reported. The trend has overshadowed the media industry in Afghanistan as the once-vibrant workforce is uprooted and dispersed due to the changing political circumstances.

The departure of these skilled professionals showcases loss to the domestic media industry and sparks concerns regarding the diversity of voices and views that have been a hallmark of a thriving media ecosystem, according to the report.

Earlier in August, a report by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) revealed that more than 80 per cent of the female journalists in Afghanistan have been forced to leave their work since the Taliban takeover, Khaama Press reported. (ANI)

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Girls and women in the war-torn country have no access to education, employment and public spaces….reports Asian Lite News

Despite the regressive policies of the Taliban regime, Afghanistan’s Astronomical Society has urged Afghan girls not to remain silent and has encouraged them to pursue education from home, Khaama Press reported on Tuesday.

Notably, ever since the Taliban takeover of Kabul in August 2021, Afghanistan has faced severe setbacks in various directions, particularly regarding human rights, education system and women’s rights.

The head of the Astronomical Society of Kayhana (Anjuman-e-Najumi Kayhana in Persian) addressed the Afghan girls, and encouraged them not to remain silent and to pursue education from home, Khaama Press reported.

Meanwhile, the Cosmic Society recently achieved the top position in the International Astronomy and Astrophysics Olympiad.

Amina Karimian, the society’s founder, told Khaama Press News Agency that the crucial matter is continuing the learning process, whether done from home or through formal educational channels.

“Ignorance makes humans fearful and brings poverty. I urge Afghan girls not to stay silent and to seek knowledge and awareness from the resources they have,” Khaama Press quoted Karimian as saying.

The Cosmic Society’s project was selected as the ‘Best Project’ at the 16th International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics (IOAA) among 52 countries worldwide.

Amina Karimian, the founder of this society, stated that despite Poland’s refusal to issue visas for their team, Afghanistan participated in the 16th edition of this competition held in Krakow, Poland.

She further added that she established the Cosmic Astronomy Society in 2018 and engaged in relatively modest activities solely through social media channels.

“This society has 150 members and operates in various committees. 75 per cent of the society’s members are young ladies, as they have shown more interest than boys,” Khaama Press quoted her as saying.

Notably, the International Astronomy Olympiad takes place annually, involving elite students from different countries in theoretical, observational, and astronomical data analysis sections. The competition lasts for ten days, from August 10-20.

However, this year, despite the scattered presence of the Afghan team members in different countries and their lack of visas, only Amina Karimian could participate in this competition by winning the first prize in the project category, representing Afghanistan.

Karimian emphasized that in the ‘Afghan Project’, they depicted the story of girls in Afghanistan over the past two years who have been deprived of the right to education, living with an uncertain fate and fear. This contrasts with other countries, where girls are provided facilities and engaged in learning and research, Khaama Press reported.

The head of the organization said that the major problem is the lack of financial support. They did not get help from any organization despite being active. They had problems like paying for travel and working together, and some team members’ families were against them.

“We are a scientific entity and have no relationship with politics or the government, nor do we want to,” she added.

According to the official, they plan to be better prepared for competitions next year and attract new members to introduce astronomy to the people of Afghanistan more effectively.

Notably, with the resurgence of the Taliban in August 2021 in Afghanistan, the country’s educational system has suffered a significant setback. As a result, girls have been deprived of access to education, and seminaries or religious schools have gradually filled the void left by schools and universities.

Afghanistan’s women have faced numerous challenges since the Taliban returned to power in 2021. Girls and women in the war-torn country have no access to education, employment and public spaces.

It has imposed draconian restrictions on the rights to freedom of expression, association, assembly, and movement for women and girls.

Taliban leaders have also disregarded international calls for women and girls to be given access to education and employment. Apparently, they have also issued warnings to other nations not to meddle in Afghanistan’s domestic affairs.

Taliban have also barred girls from attending secondary school, restricted women and girls’ freedom of movement, excluded women from most areas of the workforce and banned women from using parks, gyms and public bath houses. (ANI)

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Hassanzai earning global recognition has showcased the potential of individuals to drive positive change even in the face of adversity…reports Asian Lite News

Amid the curbs imposed by the oppressive Taliban regime, Nargis Mommand Hassanzai, an Afghan woman has clinched the 2023 World Peace Prize in Sweden for her resolute commitment to human rights, Khaama Press reported.

Hassanzai earning global recognition has showcased the potential of individuals to drive positive change even in the face of adversity.

She conveyed her heartfelt gratitude for the honour and thanked those who have supported her in her journey towards promoting peace.

“I wish to extend my deepest gratitude for the honour of being awarded the World Peace Award 2023. It is with great humility that I accept this prestigious recognition, and I am sincerely thankful to all those who have supported and contributed to my journey towards promoting peace,” she stated on X (formerly Twitter).

Her journey encompasses a resilient fight against oppression, inequality, freedom of speech, and gender injustice, Khaama Press reported.

This award is a significant accomplishment for Afghan women, who have been representing two years of solid commitment to overcoming challenges in education and society.

Hassanzai was a former Kabul University lecturer and a human rights advocate. This award acknowledges her dedicated work in Afghanistan.

This award signifies the relentless struggle of Afghan women against injustice and suppression policies against women, as well as the resolute endeavour to reshape their country, promoting justice and equality, Khaama Press reported.

Nargis Hassanzai’s profound impact lifts the veil of darkness shrouding Afghan women’s lives, revealing the shadow over their rights, humanity, and their country’s portrayal.

She is making a difference by securing scholarships and contributing to Afghan women’s football, acknowledged by FIFA. Her efforts led to official recognition of Afghan women’s football and participation in European competitions.

In 2023, the Nobel Prize from Sweden celebrated Afghanistan’s unwavering resilience, sharing the extraordinary essence of the Afghan people with nations worldwide, according to Khaama Press.

Notably, with the resurgence of the Taliban in August 2021 in Afghanistan, the country’s educational system has suffered a significant setback. As a result, girls have been deprived of access to education, and seminaries or religious schools have gradually filled the void left by schools and universities.

Afghanistan’s women have faced numerous challenges since the Taliban returned to power in 2021. Girls and women in the war-torn country have no access to education, employment and public spaces.

It has imposed draconian restrictions on the rights to freedom of expression, association, assembly, and movement for women and girls.

Taliban leaders have also disregarded international calls for women and girls to be given access to education and employment. Apparently, they have also issued warnings to other nations not to meddle in Afghanistan’s domestic affairs.

Taliban have also barred girls from attending secondary school, restricted women and girls’ freedom of movement, excluded women from most areas of the workforce and banned women from using parks, gyms and public bath houses. (ANI)

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Unexploded mines in Afghanistan, which has been the theatre of several conflicts down the decades, continue to claim lives in the country….reports Asian Lite News

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in Afghanistan said 85 per cent of the victims of explosions and unexploded mines in Afghanistan are children, making it one of the most weapons-contaminated countries in the world, reported TOLO News.

Taking on social media platform ‘X’, the UNICEF said, “Afghanistan is one of the most weapons-contaminated countries in the world, and children represent about 85% of casualties. With EU in Afghanistan, UNICEF teaches children to recognize and avoid unexploded ordnance, using practice settings like this at a child-friendly space.”

Unexploded mines in Afghanistan, which has been the theatre of several conflicts down the decades, continue to claim lives in the country, according to TOLO News.

Amanullah, who lost some of his body parts in an explosion, said, “We climbed a mountain to bring weeds, and we found the bomb and brought it down to sell it, the seller said I don’t want to buy it. As soon as we were entering the house it exploded.”

Moreover, Akhtar Mohammad, a relative of mine victim’s family said, “We referred to them so that they clean up the area from mines, but they told us that currently there are a lot of mines in the land, and we cannot reach the mines in the mountains. Because of that, we have prevented the kids from going to the mountain.”

The Afghan Directorate for Mine Action Coordination (DMAC) said that as much as 65 per cent of victims of explosions and unexploded ordnance are children.

Noorddin Rustam Khil, head of DMAC said, “UNICEF, which shared the report with the media and has indicated the children who are victims of the mines 85 per cent, we reject that report. Based on our information, children’s victims are 65 per cent.”

Earlier, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Aid (OCHA) stated that over 700 children in Afghanistan were killed or injured last year due to the explosion of land mines, explosives, and improvised explosive devices. (ANI)

‘Over 6M Internally Displaced People in Afghanistan’

The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in a report said that Afghanistan currently has a staggering 6.55 million Internally-Displaced Persons (IDPs), making it the second country having the largest number of people displaced people after Syria, reported TOLO News.

Over 4.39 million people are internally displaced owing to the conflicts and violence as of December 31, 2022, whereas, 2.16 million people are displaced due to disasters in the country. 

Moreover, the report issued a warning on the potential rise of global displacement over the next 30 years, according to TOLO News.

Malik Khan, who moved to Kabul from Laghman province a few years ago due to conflict and instability said, “Our main issue is that there is no assistance for internally displaced people, and in the last two years, the only assistance we have received has been 50 kg of oil and 5 kg of peas.”

However, some other displaced people urged the Taliban and aid organizations to help them, reported TOLO News.

Another displaced person, Maryam, said, “We ask the Islamic Emirate to give us shelter and help us. We accept it if it gives us the same place and we don’t have a clinic.”

“We came here to do something and provide shelter to our children. We have a water problem, we have an electricity problem, and our children do not attend school. We moved here from Mazar, where there was no job,” said Hayatullah, displaced from Balkh province.

Additionally, Afghan people have been leaving their homes because of poverty, insecurity and conflicts in the country, TOLO News reported. 

Furthermore, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) earlier reported a surge in the number of internally displaced people in Afghanistan.

This organization has estimated that the country’s internally displaced population is nearly six million people. (ANI)

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