The Diplomat: Beneath the official narratives of “stability” and “return,” lies a brutal truth: Afghanistan remains a deeply unsafe country and any forced return of refugees constitutes a clear violation of international law and basic human rights. Click here to read more (external link).
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AP: This centuries-old blood sport, once a common winter pastime, now takes place year-round in the Afghan capital, driven not just by tradition but by poverty, unemployment and desperation. The Taliban has outlawed cockfighting since seizing power in 2021. Yet the fights continue. Click here to read more (external link).
The Diplomat: Amid ongoing turmoil in the Middle East, Russia is steadily strengthening its engagement with Afghanistan. While global attention remains fixed on headline-grabbing crises, less visible but potentially more consequential processes are taking shape. In its policy toward Afghanistan, Moscow has begun to play one of its most strategic cards: labor migration. Click here to read more (external link).
Ariana: Former Iranian diplomat Rasoul Mousavi, who previously served as Director General for South Asian Affairs at Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has stressed that Afghan migrants in Iran should not be equated with foreign spies. His comments were published in an interview with a local media outlet and come amid growing tensions related to Afghan refugees in the country. “Afghan migrants are not aligned with enemy intelligence agents,” Mousavi stated, urging Iranian authorities to address migration issues with patience and respect for human dignity. His remarks follow recent developments during the 12-day conflict between Iran and Israel, during which several Afghan migrants were reportedly detained by Iranian authorities on allegations of espionage and collaboration with Israel. Click here to read more (external link).
8am: Residents report that about eight days ago, nomads, supported by Taliban local authorities, settled in Lazhda village and the foothills adjacent to Khusda and Dara-e Aahu villages. They add that when locals protested this action, Taliban forces opened fire on the protesters, resulting in the death of one resident. Click here to read more (external link).
AP: By plane, motorbike, camper van and even on bicycles, tourists are beginning to discover Afghanistan, with solo travelers and tour groups gradually venturing into a country that until recently was wracked by war. Click here to read more (external link).
Ariana: The Afghanistan Futsal Premier League (AFPL) continued in Kabul on Sunday with two exciting matches that kept fans engaged. In Match 41, Noorzad FC delivered a dominant performance, defeating Omid FC with a commanding 7–2 victory and securing another valuable three points. Click here to read more (external link).
Other Afghan Sports News
Amu: The Pakistani government is set to launch a new phase of forced deportations of Afghan migrants after its deadline for voluntary departure ends on Monday. According to Pakistani authorities, this third phase will target approximately 1.4 million Afghans registered with the United Nations or holding Proof of Registration (PoR) cards. The country’s Interior Ministry had previously set June 30 as the deadline for voluntary departure. Click here to read more (external link).