By Mustafa Sarwar Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty April 16, 2026 As US President Donald Trump says the war in Iran could be over “very soon” and Pakistani mediators in Tehran to meet with officials, another nearby conflict has been drawing Beijing’s attention. Since late February, fighting between Afghanistan and Pakistan has intensified, with Islamabad declaring an
Afghanistan International: Sources told Afghanistan International that tribal elders in Kunar and Nuristan sought assistance from Pakistan to ensure their security. Elders confirmed the Taliban had no role in the new agreement reached in Chitral. Sami Sadat, a former Afghan army commander, reacted by saying: “Today, Afghans have been brought so low that, for the
Afghanistan International: Speaking at an online memorial on Saturday, April 11, for members of Afghanistan’s Freedom Front, Massoud said: “The only way to make proper use of opportunities is coordination.” He rejected claims that the Taliban have no alternative, saying such narratives are part of a strategy to suggest that without them, there would be
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
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
Afghanistan International: Ahmad Massoud has called on opponents of the Taliban to unite beyond ethnic and linguistic differences, emphasising that Afghanistan needs shared understanding and collective resolve now more than ever. Massoud, leader of the National Resistance Front of Afghanistan, wrote on X on Sunday that Afghans are experiencing unprecedented levels of division, distrust and
Amu: Welcoming the release of US citizen Dennis Coyle from Taliban custody, the family of Mahmood Habibi renewed calls for his immediate release, urging the Taliban to acknowledge his detention and allow him to return home. In a statement issued by the nonprofit Global Reach, which is working with the family, relatives of Mahmood Habibi
Ariana: Pakistan’s ambassador to Russia, Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, has confirmed that Islamabad has asked Moscow to mediate in the ongoing conflict with Afghanistan. In an interview with Russian daily Izvestia, Tirmizi said Pakistan is engaging with Russia and appreciates the “wonderful offer” to help resolve tensions. He noted that proposals from Russia, China, Qatar, Turkey,
Amu: Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada made no reference to recent Pakistani attacks, the ongoing clashes with Pakistan or the issue of girls’ education in a lengthy message issued for the Eid holiday. Instead, the message focused largely on calls for obedience to him, prayers for his protection and the survival of the Taliban rule, and
Afghanistan International: Ahmad Massoud, leader of Afghanistan’s National Resistance Front, says Pakistan’s recent strikes in Afghanistan are the result of what he called the Taliban’s reckless policies and the group’s support for terrorist organisations. Speaking on Friday at an event marking the 31st anniversary of the killing of Abdul Ali Mazari, the late leader of