Ariana: Afghanistan has once again been ranked the least happy country in the world, according to the latest edition of the World Happiness Report. The report, which measures people’s overall life satisfaction across 147 countries, placed Afghanistan at the bottom of the global ranking for another year, with a score 1.4 out of 10. Researchers assess factors such as income levels, social support, freedom to make life choices, perceptions of corruption, and overall quality of life. Click here to read more (external link).
Tolo News in Dari – March 21, 2026
Nowruz in Afghanistan: A Symbol of Renewal and Solidarity Under Restrictions
8am: Several citizens of Afghanistan say that Nowruz symbolizes renewal, solidarity, and hope for them. They add that following the Taliban’s takeover, Nowruz traditions and customs among the people have faded. According to these citizens, Nowruz, which was once one of the most important traditional celebrations, has now turned into an ordinary day. Click here to read more (external link).
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Taliban Block Shia Eid al-Fitr Prayers In Parts Of Kabul, Say Sources
Afghanistan International: Local sources told Afghanistan International that the Taliban prevented Shia Muslims from holding Eid al-Fitr prayers in some areas of Kabul. According to the sources, most Shia Muslims observed Eid on Saturday, but Taliban forces were deployed at the entrances of Shia mosques, including in western Kabul, to block the prayers. Click here to read more (external link).
Ireland to host Afghanistan for ODI series in August
Ariana: Ireland cricket officials have announced that they will host Afghanistan for a five-match ODI series from August 5–14. Other international teams including Australia and England have either cancelled or avoided scheduling bilateral series against Afghanistan since the Islamic Emirate regained power in 2021. Click here to read more (external link).
Tolo News in Dari – March 20, 2026
Annual Nowruz Gathering Held in Tajikistan with the Participation of Afghan and Iranian Cultural Figures
8am: The annual Nowruz gathering has been held in the city of Dushanbe with the participation of a number of poets and cultural figures from Afghanistan, Iran, and Tajikistan. At the gathering, held on Thursday, March 19, several Afghan poets, including Latif Nazemi, Tania Aakafi, and Mozhgan Saghar, along with other cultural figures, participated. Click here to read more (external link).
Afghanistan national buzkashi falls short in Kokpar World Championship semifinals
Buzkashi (file photo)
Ariana: Afghanistan’s national buzkashi team was eliminated from the Kokpar World Championship after losing 4–2 to Uzbekistan in the semifinals on Friday. The defeat prevented the Afghan team from reaching the final, ending their hopes for the tournament title. Click here to read more (external link).
Taliban defense ministry accuses Pakistan of ceasefire violations
Ariana: Afghanistan’s Chief of Armed Forces, Fasihuddin Fitrat, said in his Eid message that Pakistan’s military regime has violated the ceasefire along the Durand line. According to the Eid message released by the Ministry of Defense, several civilians were killed in attacks carried out by Pakistani forces in border areas. Click here to read more (external link).
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Afghanistan into semifinals at world buzkashi tournament
Buzkashi (file photo)
Amu: Afghanistan advanced to the semifinals of an international buzkashi tournament in Kazakhstan after defeating Mongolia 7-0 in the group stage. The team previously defeated Hungary 14-0 and Russia 5-0 in earlier matches. Click here to read more (external link).