Afghanistan International: The National Resistance Front says it killed two Taliban members in a rocket attack on the Taliban governor’s office in Faizabad, Badakhshan. Local sources said three Taliban-linked sites were targeted on Wednesday night. Local sources in Badakhshan confirmed the incident, telling Afghanistan International that three locations linked to the Taliban were struck in the rocket attacks. Click here to read more (external link).
World Bank: Afghanistan’s per capita GDP falls 5.6% despite economic growth
Amu: Afghanistan’s per capita gross domestic product (GDP) declined by 5.6 percent in 2025, even as the overall economy expanded, highlighting the widening gap between growth and living standards, according to a new World Bank report on Thursday. The country’s total economic output grew by an estimated 4.8 percent over the same period, driven largely by private consumption and a rebound in nonagricultural activity. But that growth was overshadowed by a sharp rise in population—estimated at 11 percent in the 2025 fiscal year, largely due to returning migrants—which diluted gains and pushed incomes per person lower, the report says. Click here to read more (external link).
Afghanistan weather disasters kill 148, injure 216 in two weeks
Khaama: At least 148 people have been killed and 216 injured across Afghanistan in the past two weeks after heavy rain, flash floods, landslides, earthquakes and lightning struck large parts of the country, according to Afghan disaster authorities. The latest wave of extreme weather has added to growing humanitarian pressure in one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable countries. The heaviest recent losses were reported in eastern Afghanistan, where Nangarhar province was among the worst-hit areas. Click here to read more (external link).
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Tolo News in Dari – April 9, 2026
Afghans will never accept Durand Line fencing, says Borders Minister
Durand Line
Ariana: Noorullah Noori, Afghanistan’s Minister of Borders, Ethnic Affairs and Tribes, says the barbed-wire fencing along the disputed Durand Line is viewed by Afghans as a wire placed on the chest of the nation, stressing that Afghans will never accept a foreign barrier imposed on their land. Noori made the remarks during a meeting with a number of political analysts, tribal elders and university professors at his office, where he emphasized that Afghanistan does not recognize an official border with Pakistan and that this position has been clearly communicated on multiple occasions. Click here to read more (external link).
Rashid Khan to limit Test appearances to prolong Afghanistan career
Rashid Khan
Amu: Afghanistan’s leading cricketer, Rashid Khan, said he plans to significantly reduce his appearances in Test cricket in an effort to prolong his international career after struggling with a back injury, according to ESPNcricinfo. The 27-year-old legspinner, who captains Afghanistan’s Twenty20 side, said medical advice following a 2023 injury prompted him to step back from the demands of red-ball cricket. He now intends to limit himself to roughly one Test match per year. “I will take that,” Rashid said. “But I don’t think more than that I can play.” Click here to read more (external link).
Should Western influencers promote Taliban‑run Afghanistan?
DW: In the race for clicks, likes and followers, some travel content creators are being criticized for promoting Afghanistan while ignoring the harsh reality of Taliban rule. Click here to read more (external link).
China says Taliban, Pakistan agree to seek early easing of tensions
Amu: China said on Wednesday that Taliban and Pakistani representatives had agreed to work toward an early easing of tensions following the end of a week of talks in the western Chinese city of Urumqi. The discussions, held from April 1 to 7 and hosted by Beijing, brought together officials from diplomatic, defense and security institutions from China, the Taliban and Pakistan, according to Mao Ning, a spokeswoman for China’s Foreign Ministry. Speaking at a regular briefing, Mao said the talks were conducted in a “constructive atmosphere” and involved candid and pragmatic exchanges focused on resolving disputes. According to her, the two sides reaffirmed their commitment to resolving differences as soon as possible and agreed to avoid actions that could escalate tensions or further complicate the situation. Click here to read more (external link).
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Children Begging in Kabul: Severe Poverty and Organized Exploitation
8am: Several private car drivers in Kabul have raised complaints about the growing number of child beggars on the city’s streets and intersections. They say these children beg in groups at busy spots around the city and harass drivers during traffic jams. According to them, these children forcibly clean car windshields and then demand money from drivers, refusing to leave until they are paid. The drivers also claim that most of these children are organized by specific individuals or networks who systematically exploit the children’s poverty. Click here to read more (external link).
Snooker fever grows as Kabul prepares for Ariana Championship
Ariana: Anticipation is steadily building across Afghanistan as the Ariana Snooker Championship prepares to return to Kabul next month, with growing audience interest turning the tournament into one of the country’s most eagerly awaited sporting events. Following the success of last year’s inaugural edition, which drew strong nationwide viewership, this year’s championship is already generating buzz among fans, players, and organizers alike. Click here to read more (external link).