Khaama: A powerful explosion struck a hotel in Kabul’s Shahr-e-Naw district, killing several people and injuring others, officials said. An explosion struck a hotel area in central Kabul on Monday, causing casualties, as witnesses said Chinese nationals were the main target. Click here to read more (external link).
Tolo News: Allah Mir Miyakhil, an activist for refugee rights in Pakistan, said: “Afghan refugees in Pakistan are being treated worse than criminals elsewhere. Schools and religious institutions for Afghan children have been shut down. Their electricity was cut off, and even clean water facilities have been taken away.” Click here to read more (external
Khaama: Tajik media reported that four members of what authorities described as a “terrorist group” were killed after crossing from Afghanistan into Tajikistan’s Badakhshan region, officials said on Sunday. Since the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan in 2021, Tajikistan has repeatedly voiced alarm over militant movements near its frontier, increasing patrols and coordination with regional security
Afghanistan International: Jim Risch, a Republican US senator, said the Senate Foreign Relations Committee will review legislation later this month to prevent US taxpayer money from reaching terrorist groups, stressing that no American funds should go to the Taliban. “We must do all we can to ensure no US money is going to the Taliban,”
Amu: Afghanistan registered their second consecutive victory at the ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup on Sunday, thrashing West Indies by 138 runs in Namibia. Afghanistan U19 are scheduled to face Tanzania in their next group match on Wednesday. Click here to read more (external link). More Sports News Afghanistan beat Vietnam 5-3 in futsal
By Mustafa Sarwar and RFE/RL’s Radio Azadi January 17, 2026 Since the withdrawal of international forces and the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021, Afghanistan’s once-diverse media landscape has collapsed under a lack of funding and restrictions — and Chinese state media is looking to fill the void. Hundreds of outlets have shut down,
Amu: Taliban have stopped paying salaries to female government employees who were previously told to stay at home while remaining formally employed, effectively removing them from the state payroll, sources said on Saturday. Several affected women said the decision amounted to dismissal and would have immediate consequences for their families. Click here to read more