Monthly Archives: May 2025
FIDE condemns Taliban’s ban on chess in Afghanistan as ‘regrettable’
Amu: The International Chess Federation (FIDE) on Wednesday expressed deep concern over the Taliban’s reported ban on chess in Afghanistan, calling the move “regrettable” and warning it could have a lasting impact on the development of the sport in the country. In a statement, FIDE said it is in consultation with the International Olympic Committee,
WHO warns lack of mental health services in Afghanistan is alarming
Ariana: The World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed deep concern over the absence of mental health services in provincial hospitals across Afghanistan, despite a critical need among the population. The organization reports that all 34 provincial hospitals in the country currently lack specialized mental health facilities. Click here to read more (external link).
Taliban dismiss more than 200 university staff in southeastern Afghanistan, sources say
Amu: Taliban have dismissed more than 200 professors and university employees in the southeastern provinces of Khost and Paktia as part of a sweeping campaign to downsize public institutions, according to four academic and administrative sources familiar with the matter. A source close to Sheikh Zayed University said many of those let go were seen
Once a thriving trade, Carpentry in Balkh faces deepening decline
Amu: Once a pillar of the local economy in the northern city of Mazar-e-Sharif, the carpentry trade is now faltering under the weight of economic decline, dwindling demand, and a collapse in construction activity, according to local craftsmen. Carpenters in Mazar-e-Sharif say their businesses have slowed to a crawl as customers vanish and new building
Tolo News in Dari – May 14, 2025
Islamic Emirate welcomes Trump’s move to cancel protection program for Afghan refugees
Ariana: Afghanistan’s [Taliban] Foreign Ministry says the recent announcement by the US Department of Homeland Security on the suspension of the Temporary Protective Program Status (TPS) program for Afghans was a “positive step” and acknowledgement of an improved situation in Afghanistan. The Trump administration said Monday it was ending the TPS program that offered deportation
Taliban dismantle Afghanistan’s decades-old national film institution
Amu: Taliban have dissolved the Afghan Film Organization, once the country’s only state-run film body, and closed its offices, according to four sources, including two familiar with the agency’s operations. No formal statement has been issued by the Taliban. However, staff have been informed that the institution’s structure has been nullified and its operations halted.
Tolo News in Dari – May 13, 2025
Kenyan Court Approves Extradition Of Former Afghan Lawmaker To US
Afghanistan International: A court in Nairobi has approved the extradition of Zahir Qadir, former deputy speaker of Afghanistan’s House of Representatives, to the United States, according to his family. Qadir’s lawyer has requested a 14-day stay on the ruling, seeking time to file an appeal. The appeal is expected to be submitted within the next