8am: Several private construction and logistics companies say that officials in the Taliban’s contract facilitation sector are extorting and demanding bribes from them. According to these companies, the Taliban impose restrictions and create obstacles, demanding a specific share in every project, and if payments are not made, they not only reject applications but also create additional problems for the companies. They emphasize that if the officials’ demands are not accepted, issues are deliberately created under the pretext of rejecting “offers,” and there is no independent body to address their complaints. Click here to read more (external link).
UK Reviewing Policy On Returning Afghan Asylum Seekers
Afghanistan International: The UK home secretary has not ruled out returning rejected Afghan asylum seekers to Taliban-controlled Afghanistan, saying the government is reviewing the issue and monitoring EU talks with the Taliban. If implemented, such a move would mark a significant shift in current UK policy and could trigger strong opposition from human rights organisations. Click here to read more (external link).
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Tolo News in Dari – April 25, 2026
WHO: Malaria Continues to Affect Families and Children in Afghanistan
8am: The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced that malaria remains one of the common diseases in Afghanistan, affecting many families, especially children. The organization said on Saturday, April 25, 2026, on the occasion of World Malaria Day, that awareness-raising and timely action can play an important role in reducing the disease. Click here to read more (external link).
Faryab Residents Protest Province-Issued IDs for Kuchi Nomads
8am: Local sources in Faryab say that the Taliban’s move to distribute identity cards to many “Kuchi” individuals in Andkhoy district has been carried out without following legal procedures, and residents have protested against this action. Sources told the Hasht-e Subh Daily on Thursday, April 23, that Abdul Ahad Fazli, the Taliban governor in Faryab, has pressured officials responsible for issuing identity cards in the four districts of Andkhoy to provide identity documents to certain Kuchi individuals. According to the sources, these individuals have been brought to Andkhoy by the Taliban, and local Taliban authorities are attempting to issue them identity cards as “native residents” of Andkhoy. Click here to read more (external link).
Trump says he is unaware of reported plan to send Afghans to Congo
Donald Trump
Amu: President Donald Trump said he was unaware of a reported plan by his administration to send more than 1,100 Afghans to the Democratic Republic of Congo, responding to a question from a reporter about the proposal. “I don’t know. I have to check that,” Trump said. The brief remark comes amid mounting criticism from Democratic lawmakers and congressional leaders, who have warned that such a move could put vulnerable Afghans at risk and damage the credibility of US commitments. The group in question, currently housed at Camp As Sayliyah in Qatar, includes interpreters, former members of Afghan Special Operations forces and their families. Many were evacuated by the United States after the Taliban returned to power in 2021, and more than 400 children are among them. Click here to read more (external link).
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Tolo News in Dari – April 24, 2026
Poland Deports Three Afghan Citizens
8am: Poland has deported three Afghan citizens despite a ban issued by the European Court of Human Rights. Polish media reported on Thursday, April 23, that these individuals were expelled even though both the court and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had opposed the decision. The report states that three out of a total of nine individuals were transferred to Kabul. Click here to read more (external link).
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Afghan minister rejects Durand Line, warns against ‘external interference’
Durand Line
Ariana: Noorullah Noori has reiterated that Afghanistan does not recognize the Durand Line, reaffirming Kabul’s long-standing position on the disputed boundary. Noori also dismissed claims of an internal “resistance” movement, describing it as an externally driven effort lacking genuine domestic support. Click here to read more (external link).
Sharafat Parwani speaks out, confirms second marriage publicly
Sharafat Parwani
Khaama: Afghan singer Sharafat Parwani has confirmed his second marriage, responding to widespread speculation and online rumors about his personal life. In a public statement, he said he had remained silent out of respect, but chose to speak as misinformation and misuse of images increased across social media platforms. Parwani shared a wedding photo for the first time, saying the marriage was conducted with dignity and responsibility, and within accepted cultural values. Click here to read more (external link).