Times of India: Signed by supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada, the 90-page criminal code permits husbands to physically abuse their wives and children, provided it does not cause “broken bones or open wounds.” Click here to read more (external link).
Pak Defence Minister Warns of Strikes if Taliban Fails to Curb Militants
Khawaja Muhammad Asif
Afghanistan International: Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has again urged the Taliban to rein in militant groups operating from Afghan territory, warning that Islamabad would not hesitate to carry out further airstrikes inside Afghanistan if no action is taken. Speaking to France 24, Asif alleged that attacks inside Pakistan are carried out with Taliban support. Click here to read more (external link).
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Rising food prices deepen hardship in Afghanistan as Ramadan begins
Amu: As Ramadan begins, rising food prices across Afghanistan are fueling fresh anxiety among families already strained by economic hardship, particularly in the country’s southern provinces. Residents say the cost of basic staples has climbed sharply in recent weeks, making it increasingly difficult to prepare meals for the holy month, when families traditionally gather at sunset to break their fast. Click here to read more (external link).
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Taliban to Deploy 1,000-Strong Force To Secure Badakhshan Mines
Afghanistan International: The Taliban’s supreme leader, Hibatullah Akhundzada, has approved the deployment of 1,000 fighters to protect gold mining operations in Badakhshan province, according to the Taliban-appointed governor. In recent months, clashes have occurred between local residents and Taliban-linked mining companies in the province. Click here to read more (externa link).
Tolo News in Dari – February 19, 2026
Afghanistan end T20 World Cup campaign with win over Canada
Amu: Afghanistan signed off their T20 World Cup campaign with a commanding 82-run victory over Canada on Thursday, posting their highest total of the tournament before dismantling the Canadian batting lineup. The victory was Afghanistan’s second of the group stage, though it was not enough to secure a place in the knockout rounds. Still, the emphatic win offered a strong finish to a campaign marked by flashes of attacking brilliance but inconsistent results. Click here to read more (external link).
Taliban burn hundreds of musical instruments in two provinces
Amu: Taliban have burned around 600 musical instruments in Parwan and Laghman provinces in the latest enforcement of their sweeping ban on music. The Taliban directorate vice and virtue in Parwan said it had set fire to about 500 instruments that had been collected over the past year from the provincial capital and surrounding districts. At the same time, the Taliban directorate in Laghman province in the east said more than 100 instruments had also been burned there. Click here to read more (external link).
Unidentified drones seen over Panjshir, residents say
Amu: Residents of Panjshir said unidentified drones were flying over parts of the province on Tuesday night, particularly during late-night and pre-dawn hours, raising concern among local communities. Several residents said the drones were observed over the districts of Rokha, Khonj, Anaba, Bazarak and Dara, sometimes flying at low altitude and producing a loud sound. It is not the first time residents of Panjshir have reported unexplained drone activity. The origin and purpose of the aircraft remain unclear, and Taliban authorities have not issued a formal statement addressing the claims. Click here to read more (external link).
Tolo News in Dari – February 18, 2026
Saudi Arabia confirms first day of Ramadan
Gulf News: Saudi Arabia announced the sighting of the crescent moon. Thus, tomorrow [Wednesday, February 18, 2026] will be the first day of Ramadan. Click here to read more (external link).
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